Author Archives: Author Nikki

About Author Nikki

Nikki Prince is a mother of two, who’s always had a dream to be a published author in the romance genre. Her passion lies in raising her children as readers, gaming, cooking, reading and her writing. Her mother can now breathe easy about the child who used to get in trouble because she was hiding books everywhere and reading when it wasn’t appropriate. Nikki’s a multi-published author with several epublishing houses. She loves to write Interracial romances in all genres, but wants to let everyone know to not box her in, because there is always room for growth.

Cyberactivism,Social Media, & Change

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  • Photo by Clark Tibbs on Unsplash

Let’s face it everyone wants to be that person who does something great. If you want to get your target audience motivated you mobilize them by giving them a reason to act socially responsible as well as showing that you support a cause or charity.

  • Photo by Pablo Heimplatz on Unsplash

According to L. Meghan Mahoney and Tang Tang in their book Strategic Social Media from Marketing to Social change, “Humans want to do the right thing” (Mahoney & Tang, 2019). For instance in October National Breast Cancer Awareness is celebrated by organizations, individuals, and businesses. Social media is one of the most popular places where those who are advocating for a cure will post. Doing something great has been made easier because of the invention and innovation of the internet. People are now able to click on links, search the net for causes and charities to donate to with ease without leaving their homes.

In the case study Breast Cancer Meme in Mahoney & Tang’s book states that, “Various forms of Internet memes circulate on Facebook to help spread awareness” (Mahoney & Tang, 2019). What better way to garner support for social good than to be where there are according to Statista, “2.45 billion monthly active users” (Statista, 2019). In order for cyberactivism to succeed those who want to make sure their message goes viral and encourages behavior change go where the “people” are.

The campaign involved private messages being sent to women where they were asked to, “put a single color as their status update” (Mahoney & Tang, 2019). This color signified the color of the bra the women were wearing along with their name. This action mobilized women and brought awareness to breast cancer. According to The Susan G Komen Foundation began Friday 8th January with 135 fans on their Facebook page. By 5:30 in the evening, they had 135,000. As of today they now have 138,606 fans” (Macleod, 2010). Social media and cyberactivism go hand in hand. If you want to create a buzz about something you believe in the best place to post that would be by using social media.

  • Photo by Ross Findon on Unsplash

A few questions to make you think. What do you believe in? Do you think posting to a social media platform the best way to get your message out? What does change look like for you? A few questions to make you think. What do you believe in? Do you think posting to a social media platform the best way to get your message out? What does change look like for you?

References

Macleod, D. (2015, January 09). What color is your bra for breast cancer awareness. Retrieved November 23, 2019, from http://theinspirationroom.com/daily/2010/what-color-is-your-bra-for-breast-cancer-awareness/

Mahoney, L. M., & Tang, T. (2017). Strategic social media: From marketing to social change. Chichester, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.

Statista. (2019). Facebook users worldwide 2019. Retrieved November 23, 2019, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/264810/number-of-monthly-active-facebook-users-worldwide/

A Matter of Choice in the Digital Age.

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As someone who has to wear glasses the options for places to buy them can seem vast. In my view, the idea of having to go into a doctor’s office and get an examine, then have to buy their glasses which can be very expensive can be tiring.  Warby Parker is an online company that started in 2010 when a bunch of college students got together because they were unhappy with the choices for prescription glasses.

The classmates decided to start an online delivery center for sunglasses and prescription glasses which would open up avenues for those who couldn’t afford the high prices. traveling to stores, and the usual need of an appointment in order to see an eye doctor.  The fact that the college students started a business from a seeming need is to be admired. The students saw a need and found a way to fill that need creatively.

One of the great things about this company is the fact that they make it easy in this fast-paced world to get the glasses you need without having to step foot out of your home.  One of the great campaigns is the “Home Try-On Campaign” where customers can order five pairs of glasses, have them sent to them no charge and t hen find the pair they want and return the others at no charge.  This would be something I would love to do because it gives me the chance to find something I like without all the hassle of going into the store and then I don’t have to pay to get them shipped to me or ship them back! What a deal.

The great thing about Warby Parker is that they respond to their customers comments on their social media which makes the customer feel like it’s not just about the money that the company makes but that they actually care about them as a person.  Warby Parker’s use of social media isn’t done to just sell but to actually take the time to get to know their customers.  By allowing their customers to generate content on their social media it gives their products a more personable feel and lessen the dissonance and disconnection that customers might feel in ordering online and not in person.  As a consumer myself I find that if a company engages with me and allows me to put content on their sites it means that they are transparent and trustworthy.

The other fact that I love about Warby Parker’s as a company is that they are socially conscious and will give one pair of glasses to someone in need when a customer buys a pair of glasses.  It was interesting to find out that Warby Parker to date has given out,500,000 pairs of glasses.  A company willing to help others prove that they aren’t just in it to gain money.  As a conscious buyer if I know a company is helping out others, I will tend to buy from that company because I feel good about my purchase being able to help others. A company who’s socially conscious is a company that cares about people.

I will preface this with the fact that I haven’t used Warby Parker’s services. However I have used other competitors such as Zenni.com and the like. For me the information about how Warby Parker does business is most helpful and may influence my next purchasing choice.

I’m curious. What makes you go to a certain company and buy their product or service?

Coming May 22, 2018 Down and Dirty Boxset!

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Coming May 22, 2018, in the Down and Dirty boxset! Blurred Lines

Meet Phaedra Sims and Rocco De Angelis. Their attraction to each other has come to a boiling point. The issue is, is that they shouldn’t even be on each other’s radar.

Sgt. De Angelis and his assigned help need to find a way to get the job done without crossing the line. But how easy it would be to blur the lines and take what each of them needs and want to let the healing begin.

Phaedra Sims had taken the job at the prison to block out the memories in her head as she helps to heal others. Memories of a love that died too soon. Sergeant Rocco De Angelis is a man who has proven his dedication to his job over himself. Phaedra can’t deny the chemistry between them. Rocco plans to make sure she doesn’t. Healing the heart and soothing the soul will definitely be blurring the lines.

Available for preorder for just 99¢!
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B3X69KL/

Love is Definitely Complicated!

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I can’t believe that the first book in my Undeniable series is here!  It’s Complicated featuring Keiko Jarrett and Ashton Locke!  Friends turned lovers! I’m so excited to share with you an excerpt of their love story.  

Blurb:

Ashton Locke has had a thing for Keiko Jarrett since college. So when she proposes adding friends with benefits to the mix, he’s intrigued, but wary. Sure, he’s always wanted her, and is definitely not ready to settle down with anyone, but what happens if one of them crosses the line?

Keiko is ready to take her flirty friendship with Ashton to the next level of hot. But she never bargained for feelings to intrude and cause complications. She laughed at Ashton’s hesitation and promised she’d remain heart-whole.

Some promises are meant to be broken and as Keiko and Ashton’s benefits bleed in all aspects of their lives, Keiko needs to convince Ashton that love is worth the risk.

EXCERPT: 

“Repeat that again?” Ashton was sure he hadn’t heard what Keiko had said to him.

He looked at the dark-haired beauty with the stunning mocha-colored skin, who was also his friend, and wondered if she was daft.

She’d taken him from the group and asked him to go inside to help her with the hors d’oeuvres and, while he was arranging the veggies and fruit onto a tray she’d given him, she’d dropped this bombshell on him. He’d almost let go of the grapes but managed to catch them when he turned to look at her.

“I want us to take our relationship to a different level. I want to be your fuck buddy.”

“Okay, who are you and where have you taken Keiko?”

She giggled softly as she continued to fix the tray with cheese, meat, and crackers as if she hadn’t just told him she wanted them to fuck. Not that the thought of fucking her hadn’t passed through his mind a time or two since knowing her. But this was Keiko, his friend and not some random girl.

“Hear me out, Ashton, before you say no, please?” She stopped messing with the tray and looked into his eyes.

Leaning back against the counter in the cozy kitchen, he waved his hand for her to continue. God, he hoped he wasn’t going to regret letting her continue. He probably should have stopped her and walked away. “Go ahead Kei.”

“Well, I’ve been thinking about this for a while. I’m tired of the games that dating brings. So, I thought what better way to still have the benefits of a relationship and none of the drama than to date my best male friend. That best friend being you. Besides, you want me, you’ve said so yourself.”

She had hit the nail squarely on the head with the comment about him wanting her and having stated it before. He wasn’t about to deny that, but to actually have sex with her and keep their friendship intact? How would they manage that? It didn’t seem to be possible to have sex with her and not have it run into the emotional issues.

“How in the world do you expect us to have sex and remain friends, Kei?” They had a strong friendship. If this turned into anything but lust there would be problems. His parents proved that to him repeatedly. He saw a wicked glint hit her eyes and he was in for it. She put down the cucumber she’d been cutting, wiped her hands, and came around the counter to stand directly in front of him.

She pressed her lush body to his and wrapped her arms around his neck as she looked up at him with her beautiful chocolate-brown-colored doe eyes.

“Easy. I’ll show you. Kiss me, Ash. You and I’ve been doing this dance way too long.”

Buy Links:

Published by: Tule Publishing 
LINKS:
AMAZON US ~  AMAZON UK  ~ AMAZON CA  ~  AMAZON AU
iBooks  ~ BARNES&NOBLE  ~  KOBO ~ SMASHWORDS

 

New Release: Arctic Spirt by Elena Kinkaid

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Blurb

Charlotte Austen has been in love with her two best friends, Chris and Drew Malcom, since high school, but choosing between them was never an option. The day she said goodbye to them was a painful one, especially since she thought she would never see them again. Ten years and one visit later changes everything.

Alaskan tiger shifters, Chris and Drew, have never gotten over Charlotte. The fact that they were both in love with her was never the problem … being destined for a mate, however, was. They reach out to her, hoping to find a way to resume their friendship. The three of them get an unsuspected surprise when they see each other again.

The trio’s happy discovery does not come without a price. Jealousy and prejudice threaten to destroy the budding romance. Will Chris and Drew be able to stop the threat before they lose the love of their lives forever?

Buy Links

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079P45XYW

Evernight: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/arctic-spirit-by-elena-kincaid/

Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/arctic-spirit-mfm

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/arctic-spirit-elena-kincaid/1127923731

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/arctic-spirit

Amazon UK: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B079P45XYW

Amazon Fr: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B079P45XYW

Excerpt

Drew pulled her to him and kissed her fiercely. She heard a low growl coming from the back of his throat and that only turned her on more. She had heard growls emanating from them before and quite a bit in the past two days, confusing them for simple male grunting sounds, but now she knew that the sound was a far more primal one. Soon after, his kiss turned playful, as he first licked the top of her lip and then nipped it. She moaned at the sensation and felt her nipples harden against his chest and her belly contracted with excitement, all modesty forgotten.

She had thought about what her first kiss would feel like with them, but her thoughts had paled in comparison with this reality. She moaned again, louder this time, when Drew pulled back slightly and cupped her breasts. Chris moved in closer from behind and began to gift her with kisses to the nape of her neck, gliding his hands up and down her sides.

Drew ended their kiss with another playful bite, but to her bottom lip this time. He exhaled loudly, while she tried to catch her breath. “You should get some more rest,” he said with regret.

“I have done nothing but sleep for the last two days.” Rest was the last thing she wanted right now. “Please don’t stop.”

“Mmm … I can smell her desire,” Chris said right before he tugged on her earlobe with his teeth.

Drew closed his eyes as he inhaled. “You smell delicious.”

“You can—” Charlotte did not have a chance to finish her sentence. Chris tilted her head to deliver another breath-stealing kiss, leaving his hand splayed right under her neck. Charlotte threw her arms up and over behind Chris’s neck.

Drew wasted no time in taking advantage of her inviting position. He cupped her breasts again before bringing them closer together and sucked hard on her nipples in turn. “You have such beautiful breasts,” he murmured against as he continued to lavish his attention on them.

Chris let loose another sexy growl as she tugged on his hair. He used his free hand to glide down her belly, moving the covers away from her body. She nearly convulsed when his fingers made contact with her soaking-wet pussy. She wanted his fingers inside her, but he only toyed with her at first, rubbing her lips, parting them, and then rubbing the wet flesh between. “I want a taste,” he said, cupping her firmly.

She let out an incoherent sound of agreement.

“Lay down, baby,” Drew said, releasing her breasts.

She complied, positioning herself on her back and then she boldly spread her legs in invitation. Chris moved between them. He massaged her breasts and then ran his hands down the length of her torso to her thighs as if his hands were memorizing her body. “You’re so fucking beautiful, Char.”

Drew lay down beside her. “Chris and I are going to acquaint ourselves with every beautiful inch of you, and then when you are ready, we are going to claim you, permanently.”

About Elena Kincaid

Elena Kincaid is an award-winning and Amazon best-selling author. She writes Paranormal and Contemporary Romances. She developed a passion for reading and writing at an early age, and loves to write what she loves to read, usually romance with a paranormal twist. Her desk is constantly cluttered with journals, sticky notes, and torn-out pieces of paper full of ideas.
She was born in Ukraine and raised in New York, where she currently lives with her daughter. She graduated college with a BFA in creative writing, and in addition to writing, she also started a graphic design business a few years after graduating. When not working, Elena loves to spend time with her family, travel the globe, curl up with a good book, and catch up on her soaps.

 

Blog: http://elenakincaid.blogspot.com/

Website: http://www.elenakincaid.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenakincaid1

FB Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/elenakincaidthree

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Elena-Kincaid/e/B011IOY3KE

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7060236.Elena_Kincaid

Street Team: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SMEstreetteam/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenakincaid/

Sandman (Forbidden Love Series II Book 5) by Danielle James

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He’s the demigod of her dreams and she’s got a lineage that she can’t hide from. Will a nightmare demon steal it all away, or will these two souls find their destiny together?

Blurb:

Somnus spent his time walking in the dreams of others. He ghosted in and out of their lives, unseen, giving them the magic they needed to dream. Nightmares were unusually high, so he slipped into one of his favorite charge’s dream. That’s when she saw him. Really saw him. Against all odds and against all the rules, Rachel could see him.

Rachel has something special about her, a lineage that she is unaware of, that not only draws Somnus’ attention, but the nightmare demon as well. Somnus must protect her, even from herself.

Get ready for a wild ride as Rachel and Somnus come to terms with her heritage, the demon, and their shared destiny.

Excerpt:

Somnus stared at the child sleeping before him. He was a five-year-old with blond hair and blue eyes. The little guy had tossed and turned for an hour before he finally calmed down enough to allow sleep to claim his little body.

Somnus held out his hand and willed his magic to flow from himself to the child. It moved along the air like a cloud of golden glitter, settling on the child’s blond head. The child’s eyes began to move under their lids and a small smile lit the boy’s face. Somnus took a quick peek and saw that the boy was laughing in his dream. He was playing on a playground with other kids, running and climbing like a young boy should be. Somnus had visited the boy enough times to know that the bruises on his delicate skin were not caused by a playground accident. He took some measure of comfort knowing that if only for a short time, he could relieve the boy’s angst from his real life in a dream.

Satisfied with himself, Somnus ghosted to the next person on his list for the night. He liked his job. Giving people the ability to dream was nothing short of a necessary miracle and he did it well. Dreams allowed the mind to make sense of what happened during their waking hours. Long term memories are formed in sleep and sometimes dreams served as a means of relief from the stress of living. Like in the case of the young boy who was beaten daily by his father. Somnus would have throttled that man if he could, but as a demigod, it was forbidden for him to interfere like that. Hell, it was forbidden for him to interfere whatsoever. He could only give the person the ability to dream. Somnus could start the dream in a good place, but ultimately it was up to the dreamer as to where the dream went from where he started it. If he wasn’t aware that it would drive the father insane, he would deny him the ability to dream.  Humans, of all races, needed to dream in order to sort out their thoughts and feelings. To deny one the ability to dream long term would deny their minds the time to regroup. There would be no getting over a bad day. There would be no letting painful emotions go. After a time, the mind would short circuit and the person would go crazy. However, that wouldn’t be helpful to the boy either.

It was pushing three a.m. when Somnus arrived at the home of his most interesting charge. He liked to pretend that he didn’t wait anxiously for the tiny little signal in his brain that told him she had fallen asleep. Her name was Rachel, and every night she took the dream magic he gave her and twisted it into something terrifying. It was no wonder she barely slept, he thought to himself. He wouldn’t either if he saw the things she did in dreams.

He stood over her, nothing more than a ghost in his form, watching her breathe. Her short, dark hair spiked up around her face and head in stark contrast to the white pillow case beneath her. She had long black lashes that cast the slightest shadow across her high cheekbones. His gaze followed the lines of her face down her nose to her full red lips. It wasn’t bad that he knew that was the natural color of her lips at all. He pretended that he didn’t feel a tug of longing in his gut as he looked at her. Somnus wanted all his charges to have good dreams, but this woman was special. Maybe it was because she had so much trouble in that area that he felt the need to help her more than the others. Maybe it was because her ability to conjure some really scary shit in her sleep intrigued him. Or maybe it was because he was a man and she was beautiful. No matter how he tried to dress it up, she was his favorite and he was a little obsessed with her. Okay, he was a lot obsessed with her.

Shaking his head, Somnus allowed his magic to flow. As the golden dream dust settled over her head, Rachel began to dream. I’ll just take a quick peek, he thought, before walking into her dream.

Rachel was dancing in a rose garden, surrounded by beauty and wonder. Her eyes shined brightly; the cobalt blue reflecting the light and seeming to shimmer in the sunlight. This was what he wanted for her, Somnus thought. To be happy in her dreams, to have a little bit of peace. He watched from the edge of her subconscious, feeling better about the amount of magic he used on her with each passing minute. When she laughed aloud, the sound was like music to his ears. He had done well.

Just as he turned to leave her, Rachel’s dream began to change. Dark storm clouds moved in and cluttered the sky, lightning flashed and Somnus could almost smell the ozone in the air. The entire mood of the dream changed instantly. Rachel looked confused for a moment, but then she changed as well. It was as if she had been expecting this. That was impossible, though. Humans did not have any control in their dreams. Somnus knew he should leave, but he couldn’t. He was completely mesmerized by the way Rachel prepared herself for what she knew was to come. She pulled in a deep breath as if to steel her courage, fisted her hands at her sides, and turned around to face whatever danger had come for her.

The dream did not disappoint. From the dark clouds, a form took shape. It was blurry at first, but as the clouds moved and swirled, a large figure became clear. It stood on two legs and had two arms, but that was where the resemblance to any human ended. On top of its head were two huge curved horns that curled around its head behind its pointed ears. Its skin was the color of hot coals, its eyes black and emotionless. It ran in Rachel’s direction and she screamed.

The thing looked like a demon. It ran after Rachel, snarling and slashing at her with its sharpened claws. Rachel was fast though, and kept just enough ahead of it. The scenery changed from a garden to the inner city, and Somnus watched as Rachel maneuvered through the empty streets. He knew he shouldn’t still be there, but he couldn’t help but watch. His heart pounded in his chest, waiting to see that Rachel made it out of the dream safely.

She rounded the corner of a building and came to an immediate stop right in front of Somnus. “You!” she accused. Somnus looked around to see who she was talking to. “Stop that!” she shrieked. “You know I’m talking to you. You’re always here!”

“What?” Somnus barked out. Surely he was the one dreaming. She couldn’t see him, could she?

Thunderous footsteps followed her and became louder. “We don’t have time for this,” Rachel informed him, grabbing his hand. “We have to run.”

“I don’t think so,” Somnus replied. How the hell was she touching him?

“Whatever,” Rachel told him. “It’s your funeral.” And then, she was gone. Awakened from her dream. Somnus watched as the dream world dissipated, and he was once again standing in Rachel’s bedroom. That was by far the strangest thing he had ever witnessed in the dream world.

“Why are you in my house?” Rachel demanded, sitting up and looking right at him. “You have some explaining to do. Start talking before I call the cops.”

Somnus didn’t know what to think. He was good and properly gobsmacked. This was unprecedented and he was at a complete loss. He was ghosted, but yet, she could see him. That wasn’t supposed to be possible, and yet here she was, staring him down, demanding answers. He had no clue what to say to her, but he had to start somewhere. “Why don’t we start with how the hell you can see me?”

Author Links:

Sandman Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079C6LXGK

Danielle’s FB page: https://www.facebook.com/DanielleJamesAuthor/

Danielle’s NL sign up form: https://www.facebook.com/DanielleJamesAuthor/app/100265896690345/

Danielle’s amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/Danielle-James/e/B00G964FMS/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5342351.Danielle_James

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ddjames1976

Rafflecopter Giveaway: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f3c2e8081/

 

#ThursThreads Week 277 Winner!

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I’d played along with Siobhan Muir’s #ThursThreads (https://www.siobhanmuir.com/thursthreads-challenge.html), before and won an honorable mention in 2016.  I’d planned to play again well before now but hadn’t been able to until yesterday.  I was tired and wanted to wake up my brain so I decided I’d write a little something.

The rules of the game are (courtesy of Siobhan Muir’s website):

·       This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250.

·       The story must be new writing, not a snippet from something published elsewhere with the prompt added.

·       Incorporate the prompt anywhere into your story (included in your word count).

·       Post your story in the comments section of this post

·       Include your word count (or be excluded from judging)

·       Include your Twitter handle or email (so we know how to find you)

·       The challenge is open 7 AM to 8 PM Mountain Time

·       The winner will be announced on Friday, depending on how early the judge gets up.

The prompt was:  “Nothing is what it says it is”

So, I had to write a story of 100-250 words with that prompt within the story.  The reader judge was Patricia Oak. Thanks, Patricia for liking my story!

Here is my story below.

“You know, nothing is what it says it is.” Domenica commented as she held the box of Trojans.

Mindy couldn’t stop the grin spreading across her face as she watched Domenica frowning at the box of condoms. She swallowed and tried to keep her face as straight as possible knowing that the next question she asked would probably make Domenica say something that would have her laughing like a crazy woman in the middle of the grocery store.

“What do you mean by that?”

“Well, I once had this guy tell me to buy this exact box of condoms and…” Mindy waited as Domenica paused chewing on her bottom lip squinting at the box. After a few long moments, Mindy sighed.

“Dom…”

“It just goes to show that some think they’re choosing what’s the right size and well when you get there and you’re all excited. You get a big letdown. Because honestly it’s all in their…um…head.”

Mindy giggled.

“He said he was a Magnum.”

Domenica turned to look at Mindy with a smirk on her full lips and her green eyes twinkling.

“Girl, he was the size of a jalapeno and I say that with the utmost reverence.” For more effect Mindy watched Domenica wiggle her pinky. There was a gasp behind them and Mindy turned to see an older blue haired lady who looked scandalized say ‘Well I never!’

Domenica winked, “And she probably never will.”

Leave it to Domenica to make grocery shopping a day of fun.

I recommend that writers do this.  It’s fun and makes you think on your feet.  I also recommend that readers go check this out as there are some excellent stories from fantastic authors.

Break Me by Elyzabeth M. VaLey

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The monster lay dormant, until it saw her…

Every few years, the beast within Grisha Vasiliev rouses, clamoring for blood. When he sees Ayla Clark dancing, her movements exuding grace, passion and joy, he knows he must have her.

Grisha kidnaps Ayla expecting the usual: resistance, tears, pleas for mercy. But when Ayla breaks the mold, his whole world spirals out of control and feelings he thought he could never have again resurface.

He thought she was perfect, but she’s the broken doll on the shelf.

The last thing Ayla Clark remembers is celebrating her performance as Giselle and flirting with the handsome Grisha Vasiliev, the owner of one of the most prestigious ballet companies in the country. Now, she’s tied up and at his mercy, begging for more of his attention, while fighting to keep her own secrets buried in the dark.

Be Warned: BDSM, knife play, whipping

Available at:

Evernight Publishing

Amazon.com

Amazon.co.uk

Bookstrand

And More!

Excerpt:

Ayla turned on her heel and raced out the door. Her bare feet slapped against the cool floor almost painfully. The glass shard cut into her hand but she didn’t dare release it yet. Lights blinked on as she ran down the hall and up a set of stairs. Tripping, she dropped her primitive weapon.

“Fuck.”

She didn’t stop to pick it up but continued until the top. She clutched her stomach. It couldn’t be. A thick metal door loomed before her. She lunged at it, screaming and crying, shouting for help, but it didn’t budge.

“Please,” she whimpered.

 “You’re going to hurt yourself. The door is pure steel, locked with a key and an electronic panel.”

She spun to face Grisha. He stood a few steps behind her, arms crossed over his chest, eyes gleaming with predatory intent. Her shoulders slumped. A lump formed in her throat.

“No. Please, Grisha. Let me go.”

 “I can’t do that.”

“Why? You’re rich, powerful. You can have anything you want. Why?” she insisted. “I swear I won’t say anything. This never happened.”

“That isn’t the way this works, sweetheart.”

“Please, Grisha.”

Her knees gave out and she slid to the floor. Her head spun. None of this made any sense. Grisha towered over her. Tears gathered behind her lids. She inched forward, hugging his left leg.

“I beg you.” 

Grisha lay his hand on her head. She looked up at him. The power of his gaze undid the well of emotions within her. She would never get out of here. Sobs racked her body. She clung to him, beseeching him.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart.”

He settled on the floor next to her and pulled her onto his lap. Ayla’s arms wrapped around his neck naturally. He caressed her back in soothing circles. She burrowed her face into the collar of his shirt, his fresh, woodsy essence entering her system. Familiar. Welcoming. Slowly, her tears ebbed replaced by confusion. Why did he comfort her?

“What are you going to do to me?” she whispered.

He caught her chin. His gaze danced over her face for an instant. His brow furrowed. The blue in his eyes darkened to midnight depths. Then his lips were on her, pressing, claiming, sparking her body alive. Her brain shut down. His tongue met hers and she opened up, eager to taste more. He demanded and she willingly gave.

Ayla was his to do as he pleased. His hands touched her everywhere, leaving behind a trail of burning need. Liquid gathered at the apex between her thighs. Her clit throbbed.

Grisha cupped her swollen breast, squeezing the turgid nub between his fingers. She moaned. He bent his head and took her nipple in his mouth, hungrily sucking. She arched, whimpering. His heavy hand slid across her thigh to her pussy. Relentless fingers probed her entrance.

“You’re soaked.” He groaned.

She turned her head, embarrassed. Grisha thrust a digit into her. Ayla sucked in air.

“You like this. You want this,” he said, his voice husky and gritty.

“Yes,” she whispered.

“You enjoy this,” he whispered, pushing another finger into her, slowly pumping them. She mewled.

“My sweet little dancer wants my cock in her cunt, doesn’t she?”

She shook her head.

“No? That’s not what this tells me.” He curled his finger across her G-spot and began to massage it. She shook from head to toe.

“Please.”

“What is it, sweetheart? Want more?”

Three fingers rubbed her. The pressure increased. Ayla threw back her head. Her hips swayed involuntarily. His strokes turned quick and short. Sweat trickled down her back.

“Grisha,” she panted.

“You’re going to come for me, Ayla, and you’re going to do it now.”

 

 

 

 

About Elyzabeth M. VaLey

Elyzabeth M. VaLey is a writer of sizzling, sexy romance who firmly believes in happy ever after.  From paranormal to contemporary, fantasy, or historical, she enjoys exploring her characters’ darker side and writing stories about tortured heroes, strong heroines, and all that comes between them and their love.

When she’s not writing, she can be found walking in the Spanish countryside with her black Lab, exploring castles, or enjoying some tapas with her friends. 

Follow her at:

Blog Website Facebook Twitter

Instagram (@elyzabethm.valey)

Goodreads

Pinterest  (Break Me has its own inspiration board)

Amazon

 

Always by London Saint James

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About the Book:

Written by London Saint James

Published by LSJ Romance

Genre: M/F Contemporary Romance

Word Count: 100k

Heat Level: 3

Blurb:

International bestselling author London Saint James’ first installment from Two Hearts, One Soul Duet is the epic tale of abiding love, heart-wrenching loss, and an astonishing bond that will find a way to endure.

Winter Perri never truly understood love until she met Austin Carlyle—the man who would rock her world to its foundations and give her something to believe in. But the night before they were to be married, the fairytale shattered.

Thirteen years later Winter is pulled out of her seclusion only to have a painful past confront her, and when it does, she’s left questioning reality, because the impossible is looking back at her with the face of a destroying angel, and piercing eyes in too familiar shades of blue.

 

Excerpt:

We were never going to get out of California!

“Looking at a five-hour delay,” the pilot said. “Bad weather at LaGuardia.”

Fantastic.

Austin put his arm around me, pulled me close, and whispered, “Do you have any idea how stunning you are when you’re mad?”

His tempting voice broke through my irritation like a sledgehammer, and without any control to stop it a smile crept over my face. “No, I don’t. Why don’t you tell me?”

“I only have five hours to tell you, so we better get started.”

I rolled my eyes. “I doubt it will take five hours to explain.”

Austin laughed his low musical laugh then tapped the tip of my nose with his index finger. “I know. I’ll need more time.”

If Austin hadn’t been with me, I would have been upset the entire time; however what could have been a taxing event was as usual made better by his always calming presence. He took me by the hand, without protest on my part, and led me over to a more secluded area of the airport, scurrying past an onslaught of people, baggage handlers, flight attendants, and airport security as if we were the only two people in the world.

He sat down, propped his back against the wall, and nestled me between his legs. I leaned my head against his right shoulder with my two hands resting on each of his denim clad knees as he talked in a low murmur into my ear. The sounds of the airport faded away. The footfalls of strangers left. The bustle of baggage being moved disappeared. The overhead announcements completely vanished, while Austin described to me in detail why he found me beautiful.

He told me about my mouth, the way it moved when I talked, the way my eyes flashed when I got irritated, or excited, and how my face looked when I was mad or jealous. He described the curve of my eye, the arch of my brows, the furrows that gather between them when I concentrate. He told me about the color of my eyes, describing them as emeralds cut with sparkling facets of light. He spoke of how I bite my bottom lip. How he loved to hear me sing to the radio in the shower, the sound of my laugh, and the way my face looked when I was happy—luminescent and bright. He even told me he loved it when I argued with him, watching that little huff of displeasure I made right before I caved in.

I smiled because he was right. He had the ability to make me cave no matter how ticked-off I might be.

Austin told me how he loved to watch me sleep—the peaceful expressions—the sound my heartbeat made as it thrummed. He spoke about my body, the way I moved, the sounds I made when we made love—the warmth of me. Then he threw in some hot, juicy details about his body and mine that made me blush.

This started another line of conversation which prolonged the rosy red sensation to my cheeks.

Then, Austin delved deeper. He told me how my fragility showed through my strength, my insecurities through my courage—how I’m more than body, more than flesh. He spoke of me as the essence of desire, beauty, intelligence, grace; more than a single truth, a single word, a single caress, or a simple breath. He explained I am a girl, a lover, a daughter, a friend, a woman, and someday I will be a mother. He expressed his longing to have children with me, saying he couldn’t wait to see my belly rounded with our child.

“I want a little girl with your eyes, your lips, and your smile,” he said.

“Maybe I want her to have your eyes, brilliant blue that shifts into silver,” I countered.

“All right then. We’ll have both. A compromise. One with your eyes and one with mine.”

“Don’t you want a boy?” I asked.

“Sure,” he said. “How about you?”

“I would love to have your son and watch him grow up to be a heartbreaker just like his father.”

Austin’s laugh vibrated across my cheek. “It’s settled. Two girls and a boy.”

As he combed his fingers through my hair, Austin told me who I am, and who I will always be to him. He held a mirror to my soul, allowing me the reflection of the woman I should be, the woman he has made me, the woman I have become—the simple complexity of me.

Buy the ebook here: Amazon Amazon UK  Amazon CA

Actual Links:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XPXK4LR/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XPXK4LR

https://www.amazon.ca/Always-Hearts-Soul-Duet-Book-ebook/dp/B06XPXK4LR/

Add on Goodreads 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34606552-always

Available in Print & Audiobook Soon!

 

About London:

London Saint James has lived in many places, but never felt ‘at home’ until she met the real-life man of her dreams and settled down in the beautiful Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. London lives with her husband and their fat cat who thinks he owns them.

As an award-winning, international bestselling author, London is living her childhood dream. She knew all the scribbling she did, that big imagination of hers, and all those clamoring characters running around in her head would pay off someday.

Website: http://www.londonsaintjames.com 

Blog: http://londonsj.blogspot.com

Twitter: @LSJRomance http://twitter.com/LSJRomance

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LSJRomance/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/londonsaintjames/

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