~ IT'S SUMMERTIME AND THE LOVIN' IS HOT IN SOUTH BEACH! ~

I'm happy to welcome author Angeline M. Bishop this morning as she shares some thoughts about friendship.

Sharing Your Life With Your Girl Friends

The best thing about having women friends is being able to get together and share bits and pieces of our lives. We can talk about mundane things like trying to find the right curtains for our newly painted bathroom or we can reveal relationship angst over a bottle of wine. Women need other women to talk to in order to de-stress and to understand we aren’t living in a vacuum.



But can you share too much with your friends?



In the world of Facebook, anyone that wants to be connected to your Facebook page can be considered your ‘friend’. And in reality television, producers place ‘superficial friends’ into a situation just to exploit their fighting when they discover they don’t share the same moral sensibilities. The terms ‘friend’ and ‘best friends’ have such a fluid meaning today when it really should be more resolute.



That’s why I wrote a friendship plotline in second book in SOUTH BEACH about Laila Sheridan and her best friends Dr. Sofìa Barea-Vega and Marina Carter. I wanted to reveal what a long-term best friendship looks like. Up close and personal. It’s funny, shocking, heartfelt, and even catty. But at the end of the day, readers had to know if their friendship was real and true.



The astonishing thing about real best friends is that they know a lot about each other and yet there may still be things that haven’t been discussed or divulged. Now, some people say best friends should have full disclosure on the majority of their life, while others state it depends on the complexity and security of their friendship. I believe everyone needs to determine what type of relationships they want in their lives.



I want my novel SOUTH BEACH to show the connection of best friends that spent almost a decade together and lived together as college roommates and how their romantic relationship choices are affecting how they treat each other.



Laila honestly believes she know everything there is to know about Sofìa and Marina because she talks to them on the phone all the time. (They live in three different states, New Jersey, Illinois, and Florida.) But it’s during their vacation to trendy South Beach Miami that she learns even your best friends can keep secrets and tell partial truths just like other people in her life.



I hope you’ll pick up SOUTH BEACH today and share your thoughts on how much you normally share with your best friends in the comment section below.

Oh, yes, ladies! It's summer, so pull up your beach chair and get ready to fan yourself! There is heat in SOUTH BEACH! Just have a listen...



Blurb ~

In SOUTH BEACH, Laila Sheridan, a successful fashionista who attracts male interest with an effortless strut of her stiletto heels, has ended a rocky relationship with Malcolm Khalid, a captivating lothario with a passion for shirking adult responsibilities. She believes partying in glamorous South Beach with her former college roommates is the prescription for getting her swagger back.

When her vacation becomes a media circus that draws Malcolm back into her life and her handsome Psyche marketing colleague, Gray Ryley, arrives on the scene to tame her antics, Laila is determined make the men play by her rules. Gray finds himself torn between anguish and ecstasy when another Lalia-sitting assignment is placed in his hands; he’s asked to hinder Malcolm’s advances and subdue the paparazzi, while wrestling with his smoldering desire to get Laila in his bed. Will this assignment cause him to disclose feelings that may sever their friendship and jeopardize his career?

Excerpt ~

Chapter One

For the first time in months, I’m going to forget

everything and everyone in New Jersey, Laila Sheridan thought as she strolled from her cab toward the Falconiere Grace Miami Beach hotel lobby. She willed herself to stop thinking about her failed relationship with Malcolm Khalid, a gifted writer with an inflated sense of what the world owed him. Earlier that afternoon, she resolved to leave her past heartaches before she took her first-class seat, but glimpses of the past started to drift into her mind during her flight to Florida. Now, as she inhaled the warm, citrus-scented air, thoughts of chilly New Jersey and its inhabitants loosened their hold and moved from her memory, like a faded Prada purse relegated to the back of her bedroom closet.

Entering the luminous hotel, she enjoyed the gentle embrace of an ocean breeze as it whipped the hem of her lilac Valentino cocktail dress. The fabric’s movement exaggerated the normal sway of her hips, and made each step more feminine and peppy. A little after 8 PM, Laila approached the front desk, showed her reservation confirmation, and in her most alluring voice inquired, “Which way to my femencation?” She made her voice sound tempting, like a tall glass of iced coffee on a balmy day morning. Smooth and satisfying. Rich, too, with the faintest Jersey accent reserved for the likes of Keyshia Knight Pullam and Anne Hathaway. She knew her voice would instantly cause a male reaction when she turned up her throaty timbre with potent Sheridan flare. This vacation was about relishing in her womanhood. Toying with a few males would be a safe amusement, emphasis on safe because she had no intention of dealing with any strong male egos.

The beginning of a smile tipped the corners of the mouth of the Latino clerk before he located her information in the hotel computer. “Your party is now scheduled to enjoy the ocean view terrace of our Sapienti restaurant for dinner. We can take your coat and belongings to the La Baie Presidential suite so you can join them.”

She inclined her head in a small gesture of thanks then flashed her ID, and watched as he moved a form forward for her signature as he simultaneously placed her room key on the counter. Laila took in the slight gleam in his eye and grinned, her mind too busy with thoughts of her friends to think too heavily about the open adoration. An Italian meal after a long flight was all that she needed. Well, as long as an inviting glass of Pinot Grigio accompanied it.

She took her electronic key and placed them into her Chloè bag. “That’s fine, just point me in the right direction.” She loved being the woman that put the ‘fem’ in Femencationer. It was a word she came up with to define any group of female friends whose ties go back as far as childhood or college that seek a high-end, luxury getaway experience. A vacation with all the feminine delights women dream of enjoying. This year’s femencation united three alumnus of the University of Florida and marked the start of the year to forget old sorrows and usher in new adventures.

As Laila strolled toward the Sapienti restaurant, she stopped when her shiny complexion caught her attention in a mirror that hung in the side hall corridor. She looked good for thirty-one but preferred to say she was in her late twenties when vacationing because no one over thirty, in their right mind, would party the way she planned to. She blotted her face and secretly wished she was meeting her friends under better circumstances but with Sofìa’s pending divorce from the famous sports announcer Sean Vega, they all needed a break from reality. This trip was the perfect reason to release stress.

When Laila arrived at the restaurant, several male heads turned in appreciation as she silently commanded the wait staff’s attention. “I’m with the Vega/Sheridan/Carter party,” she announced as she surveyed the room.

“Your party has already been seated. John will you escort Mrs. . . .?”

“Ms. Sheridan,” she corrected, before pretending to lose her balance to mask her reason for placing a hand around John’s bicep. She tried to suppress a giggle that threatened to expose the disingenuous nature of her performance. “Please excuse me,” she said, wobbling toward him, “I had a long flight. Johnny, could you show me the way?”

They moved effortlessly through the patrons seated at their tables until Laila crossed the threshold of the balcony. The sight of her friends a few yards away made her light up like a five-year-old at a surprise party. Laila stepped quickly as she approached Sofìa and Marina, who were enjoying their conversation and shrimp cocktail appetizers. She blurted, scarcely aware of the rasp of excitement in her own voice, “Here I am, straight off the plane. Where’s the love?”

Marina Carter squealed with laughter and rose to hug Laila tightly. “Oh, girl, you look great!” Genuine excitement radiated from her eyes as she peered into Laila’s face. Marina was a petite, yet voluptuous black woman with inquisitive eyes and a contagious smile. Her shoulder-length curly hair was tamed away from her face by beige-framed sunglasses resting on her head. Her sundress, a charming beige and light blue number with a matching cardigan that reminded Laila of her favorite elementary school teacher.

“And why shouldn’t I?” Laila’s silky voice held a challenge. “We’re in South Beach, right?”

“You know it!” An amused look suddenly warmed Marina’s eyes.

“Could you two take it down a few notches?” Dr. Sofìa Barea-Vega demanded. She remained seated and frowned before she forced a demure smile to the people seated next to them. “You’re causing a scene.”

Laila dismissed the reprimand with a wave of the hand and shot her best friend one of her mega-watt smiles, which caused Sofìa to roll her eyes and return her gaze to her menu. It was a far cry from the happy, attractive, vacationer Laila had hoped to find on this trip. On the surface, Sofìa was a fashionable, smart dresser with a strong professional flare. She wore an orange halter top with bellowing white linen pants accented with a bold gold necklace, belt, and watch. Yet the happy colors were a strong contrast to the frown plastered to her face and the apparent weight loss to her alluding frame.

Laila took her place between her girlfriends, as Marina poured her a glass of Italian white wine. “I can see that someone’s high-profiled marriage is really doing a number on them. When did you start caring what other people think?”

Sofìa toyed with the appetizer in front of her, as if boredom overshadowed the faint hint of a worried brow. A sullen look on the very attractive Latina annoyed Laila because it was in direct contrast to the lively mood she and Marina were basking in. There was only one way to lift Sofia’s spirits. It had worked in college and she prayed it would work in this case. Laila took a hearty sip of wine and sullied her face by drawing her perfectly plucked brows together. She made herself look as serious as possible as she squared her shoulders and winked at Marina to play along. Then she turned all of her attention toward their brooding best friend. Laila lowered her voice to a volume just a hair above a whisper, being purposefully mysterious. “Could you do me a big favor, Sofìa?”

Sofìa looked up from the wine menu at Laila and Marina and concern washed over her features. Two deep lines of worry appeared between her eyes as she leaned forward and placed her hand on Laila’s forearm. “Anything, La La. What is it?”

“Could you please remove that painful stick from your behind because it’s destroying my sunny disposition?”

Marina laughed richly as Sofìa recoiled and crossed her arms under her breasts.

“Oh, you got jokes, huh?”

Laila and Marina tossed back their heads and rocked with laughter like two high school teenagers as Sofìa sat rigid like a frustrated, overworked parent. It was amazing how frowning aged her about seven years.

“Not jokes . . . observations.” Laila brought her hand up to her mouth to stifle her giggle. “And, believe me, after our ultimate South Beach trip, you’ll have a different way of seeing things too.”

Author Bio ~

Inspired by the volunteers of a local community

center, Angeline wrote North Star, her debut novel and the first book in her Sheridan series for Soul Mate Publishing. Angeline drew on her ten years of work experience in academics to transport romance readers from their stressful lives by providing contemporary love stories that feature captivating characters with strong family values.

Angeline was born in Washington, D. C., but lived most of her life in New Jersey and considers the “Garden State” her home. Her childhood passion for writing led to a degree in English Literature and a membership in Romance Writers of America. She is the Vice President of the Cultural, Interracial, and Multicultural Special Interest Chapter of Romance Writers of America and enjoys providing aspiring writers with writing resources to help them strengthen their craft. Angeline loves to hear from her readers. You can contact her through her Website.


You can find Angeline at:


Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Google + | Pinterest

You can buy SOUTH BEACH at:

 Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Giveaway ~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~ YOU KNOW YOU WANT THE KISS OF THE SUCCUBUS ~

I'd like to welcome Andrew P. Weston to the spotlight today! He's going to tell us a little bit about his newest release, the paranormal fantasy KISS OF THE SUCCUBUS! So take it away, Andrew!

A Peek Inside My Creative Process for The Cambion Journals – Part 2.

To celebrate the release of the second book in the Cambion Journals series – Kiss of the Succubus – I wanted to share more about the creative process behind this stories development, and what went into Augustus Thorne’s character.

Earlier in the week, as part of my “Buy the Book Tour” journey, I revealed a few details as to how I came up with the hero himself. A bit cheeky, I know, as I was literally asleep on the job. (His character actually came to me in a dream). Thankfully, however, after I remembered details about the repetitive scenes that spawned the idea, I managed to stay awake long enough to develop a great character.

Augustus Thorne is someone you wouldn’t want to cross. He’s a demon/human hybrid. A bad guy. But he’s a bad guy with a difference...Because he has a conscience.

So, how could I make his story stand out from all the others?

Well, the first step was to make his message something YOU could really relate to. 

His mother, Rosemary, was a young woman of impeccable character with the world at her feet. She was young, beautiful, and was engaged to marry the son of a local squire in 18th century rural England. Unfortunately, she was also the target of a demon. An Incubus cursed with an unsavoury appetite.

Incubi and Succubae feed on emotions. The stronger the emotion, the more succulent the feeding process will be. Unfortunately, the most powerful feelings are those released during moments of terror or sexual arousal. Needless to say, demons gorge themselves on such passions, and take great delight in perverting humans to their will, regardless of the cost. Usually, such attentions result in the death of the human involved. Rarely, the victims survive. If they do, they are not the lucky ones...

Over a period of many months, the Incubi targeting Rosemary wrought his skills artfully, and seduced her into a spiral of self loathing and destruction. Pregnancy, not death, was the result, ruining her life and her reputation. Cast out, she was left alone to fend for herself in an unforgiving and judgemental world. When Augustus was born, it was obvious he was not a human child. Instead of abandoning him – as usually happened to the offspring resulting from such liaisons – Rosemary cherished the child, and did her best to instill her own values within him.

And just as well, because Augustus was a force of nature!

As a Cambion – a human/demon hybrid – Augustus was blessed with all of Demondims attributes. Supernatural abilities, preternatural longevity, hypnotically compulsive and stunning good looks. But, more worryingly, he also inherited their terrible hunger. The cruel, aching yearning that draws him to the life-force of others.

And yet, Augustus refused to wholly submit to his true nature. Why? Because the sustained efforts of his loving mother paid off! Over the years, she instilled in Augustus a strong sense of right and wrong. Of self discipline and justice. Added to this was the fact that Augustus was an eye witness of the suffering his father’s attentions inflicted on Rosemary. He experienced first-hand the shipwreck of a life she had to endure, and because of that, the seeds of hatred were born.

A hatred of the suffering his mother has had to endure.

A hatred of those who would inflict their desires on humankind.

A hatred of the hunger he himself is cursed with.

And especially a hatred of the one who caused his existence in the first place. His very own spawn-father, Fanon.

All these things combined to focus his fury into a knot of self loathing. Because of them, Augustus can never be normal. He can never have what other men have. Someone to love. A family. Children. A simple, normal life.

And realizing he can never be whole, Augustus focuses that hatred into a pit of burning desire. The desire for revenge. And the Cambion Journals describe his journey as he seeks to vent that rage in a most focused and prejudiced fashion.

Do you see how people could relate to this?

Well, so could I. But I wasn’t satisfied. I wanted to make sure that readers would really be able to relate to Augustus and share his experiences with him.

So, how could I take all this passion, all this involvement, make it personal and move it up to the next level?

Ah – by taking the second step - a risk.

When you look at the world of publishing today, there appear to be very strict guidelines governing the use of POV. 99.9% of the stories you will ever read are presented in either 1st or 3rd person.

However, as a prolific reader, I’ve enjoyed stories by authors from all around the world. Yes, I’m an avid sci-fi/fantasy/paranormal fan, but I’ve also enjoyed books in genres across the board. In recent years, I enjoyed a number of crime thrillers from a couple of very well known international bestselling authors, (male and female), who mixed POV.
YES – they mixed them.

Eg, the main character – who most of the story related to – was written in 1st person. It allowed you to involve yourself with that character, and experience what he/she felt, how he/she thought, and how they might react under certain circumstances. However, because of the complexity of the stories, other events/developments were taking place elsewhere that you needed to know and understand. As such, those parts were written in 3rd person.

Now, I noted the POV’s were never mixed during a single scene. And thank goodness, because that would be crazy, and confusing, and something I’d never consider. However, by skilful application – eg, keeping POV within its own specific chapter or major scene – those advanced and well established writers created and presented a story that was both captivating and engaging. It allowed me to involve myself with the main character, whilst the story highlighted important plot developments elsewhere that the main character wouldn’t be unaware of, (and yet, which were critical to the story).

This gave me an idea. I’m a new writer and can only aspire to the success these ‘expert’ and experienced authors display. They have taken a complex and dangerous practice, said ‘Stuff you, I don’t care!’ and made it work. But I’m new. Would I dare risk such a thing? Well, as my own training instructor in the military used to say, “No pain, no gain.”

So, although I’m a relative newcomer, I thought, Hell yes!

It was incredibly difficult, taxing and stressful, but, over the course of many months I developed a style specific to Augustus Thorne’s story. (And with the help and support of my editor and the team at Pagan Writers Press, we produced a tale that will - quite simply - blow you away).

The Cambion Journals will engage you as you are personally invited into Augustus Thorne’s life. You won’t have to put up with the distance of what he felt, what he saw, what he experienced. No! You’ll be there with him...

My heart began to beat faster the moment I laid my eyes upon him...

I could taste the bile rising in my throat. Every atom of my soul cried out for vengeance. At last! Take him, Augustus. Rip his heart out!

Nails of ice wormed their way down my spine as I realized my mother was in danger...

And, as the story requires it, you’ll be able to delve into secrets that Augustus knows absolutely nothing about. In different chapters and scenes, circumstances and events will be occurring, elsewhere, that are not only essential to the unravelling plot, but which will complicate the events Augustus has to deal with, and which increase the chances of him failing.

I know...

The twists and turns and backstabbing will make you spit! They'll make you seethe with rage. They'll frustrate you as they make you want more...

But, you’ll have to read the story to discover exactly what I mean.

So, do you want to immerse yourself in the Cambion Journals?
I do hope so.

Feel free to come and join Augustus and me as we continue our journey into the unknown.

Take good care now...

Andrew

Blurb ~

Having survived the double-cross planned by Samael, the demon king, and Fanon, his own spawn-father, Augustus Thorne is trying to come to terms with his lot in life. Both Fanon and Agamemnon, the king’s assassin, lay dead. And good riddance! But the only woman Augustus has ever loved in his long and lonely life is gone–driven away by the very real dangers his lifestyle brings. However, Augustus doesn’t have the luxury of dwelling on what might have been. An insidious new threat has emerged, one that exposes humanity to a danger, the likes of which they have never faced before. Surprisingly, Augustus discovers he doesn’t have to face this threat alone. Quite by chance, he stumbles upon a mysterious woman. Someone who appears to be the only other Cambion he has ever met. Has he found a true soul mate at last? Or is she too good to be true? Are other players involved who would still like to see Augustus Thorne dead? If so, what’s the connection? Find out for yourselves as the story continues in: The Cambion Journals – Kiss of the Succubus.

Excerpt ~

A background thum-thum, thum-thum, thum-thum,

pervaded the tranquil serenity of her thoughts. A muffled throb that somehow coaxed her along the current of sublime melodic reverie that was her entire world.

Everything was as it should be. She was safely cocooned within a web-like tracery of scarlet and rose warmth, and her senses were soothed by the rhythm to the point of rapture.

She had changed. Of that there was no doubt. The disconcerting other within her heart was making its presence felt. And yet, the metamorphosis it had generated caused no discomfort. No anxiety intruded upon her perfect existence.

Thum-thum, thum-thum, thum-thum.

Something encroached at the very limit of discernment—static noise, a sharpening of mental focus. Awareness impinged, and her head swarmed to the echo of a thousand whispers on the edge of perception as she blinked her eyes open.

At first, her sight refused to cooperate, and it took a moment before the liquid silver of her vision cleared. Lucidity, the likes of which she had never before witnessed in thousands of years of existence, struck her with a hammer blow.

A darkened chamber illuminated only by a handful of Bale-Lights greeted her. Plain walls welcomed her return to coherent thought, their clinical frigidity a stark contrast to the bank of high-tech medical equipment surrounding the single bed upon which she lay.

That unfamiliar sound intruded again. Thum-thum, thum-thum, thum-thum.

What the . . . ?

“Are you all right?” a disembodied voice asked.

“I . . . I think so. . . .” Her thoughts turned inward, scrutinizing the presence within her.

“Are you in pain?”

“No, not at all. It was just . . . different than what I expected . . . than what I’m used to.” Turning, she recognized the source of the questioner. “Lamia?”

“Welcome back, Mahlat-essa. How have the last three and a half months been?”

Mahlat-essa felt her breast and the newfangled steady rhythm that beat incessantly within her. “I feel . . . different.”

“That’s the effect of the Bloodstone. Is it freaking you out?” Lamia placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

“No, it’s just . . . not what I’m used to.” She sensed that inward scrutiny again, and wondered what to call it. “What’s happened to me?”

“Your memories haven’t returned yet?” Lamia appeared concerned, her brow furrowing.

“Well, I recognized you, didn’t I?”

“I suppose we have to expect this. The Bloodstone is bound to mix things up for a little while yet.”

“So what’s it done?”

“It’s changed you at the molecular level, Mal. Altered what you are—”

“What I am?”

“We talked about this. Don’t you remember?”

A soupy mishmash of jumbled thoughts tumbled through Mahlat-essa’s mind. Slowly, they began to coalesce into a structured, recognizable form. Comprehension dawned.

“So the bloodline was puissant enough then?”

Lamia’s relief was obvious. “Yes, it certainly was. Only two lines still exist today, as you know. We were able to extract sufficient vitality from our subject to imbue the stone with enough potency to trigger the transmutation.”

“And there’ll be no lasting side effects?” She touched her chest again, with its disconcertingly loud beat.

“Not so far as we can determine. The stone contains sufficient potency to hold the change in stasis for about six months. It’s gradually leaking that essence into your heart at a steady rate. Once it’s depleted, you’ll either revert back to normal or have to undergo a fresh infusion.”

“Lamia, do we have a mirror here?” Mahlat-essa sat up, the speed of her sudden movement causing both shock and delight to course through her veins like an electric charge.

Smiling, Lamia fished one out of her handbag and handed it to her friend.

Mahlat-essa was slow to raise the vanity mirror to her face, and was stunned by the reflection staring back.

Gone was her devilishly beautiful and angular looks which had taken the breath away from the most resolute demons. She had been replaced by a vision of even greater exquisiteness. How?

“I look . . . I look . . .” She gasped.

“Perfect, eh? Just right for your goal.”

“My goal?” Mahlat-essa mumbled, momentarily confounded.

“Remember.” Lamia hugged her close, gushing, “You can’t recall much about your past, my dear. Your poor mother died when you were born, and you were left all alone in the world, wondering who and what you are. You grew up with the awful burden of knowing you were rejected by others for being different. For having a hunger you could barely control. The only relief you’ve ever felt is when these supernatural things are present. These demons! Venting your fury on them provides the only opportunity you have of appeasing the hunger inside. And you’re very, very good at dealing with demons. It’s something that comes naturally to a freak like you, yes?”

Memories began to unravel within Mahlat-essa’s mind.

“Yes, I’m starting to remember now! I’m different than other girls. Stronger than other humans, faster in some ways, nastier. Although I want to protect them, they shun me. I’m all alone without anyone to share my sad and solitary existence with.”

“Which is a shame of course, because our one woman execution squad just so happens to be incredibly highly sexed and armed with killer looks too. The perfect bait, eh?”

Raising the mirror again, Mahlat-essa grinned. That smile failed to reach the cold depths of her eyes.

Yes. The perfect bait. He won’t know what hit him!

Author Bio ~

Andrew P Weston is a military and police veteran from the UK who now lives on the beautiful Greek island of Kos with his wife, Annette, and their growing family of rescue cats.

A criminal law and astronomy graduate, he is a contracted writer of both fiction and poetry for several publishing houses and a growing number of well established magazines. In his spare time, Andrew assists NASA with one of their research projects, and amazingly, still finds the time to submit regular educational articles for Amazing Stories and Astronaut.com.

When not writing, Andrew enjoys holding his breath, being told what to do by his wife, and drinking Earl Grey Tea whilst dressed as Captain Jean Luc Picard.

Make it so…

You can find Andrew at:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

You can buy KISS OF THE SUCCUBUS at:

Buy Links: Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble

Giveaway! ~ 

Be sure to enter Andrew's giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~ PREPARE FOR SOME LEGAL SEDUCTION! ~

Sharon has become quite a regular on my blog ~ and my blog is better for it. The hot, sassy author has a new book out to tell us about, so sit back and enjoy!

Blurb ~

When it comes to desire, they’re both pleading guilty. 

In the courtroom, criminal defense attorney Iris Sinclair is cool and confident. Yet around her new client’s guardian, she loses all composure. Atlanta club owner Nash Dupree is an infamous playboy who could compromise Iris’s heart as well as her case. For once, she feels like a curvy goddess instead of a straitlaced lawyer—even if the evidence suggests what he’s looking for is strictly short-term.

No matter what the tabloids claim, Nash has made his teenage niece his first priority, and without Iris’s help he’ll lose guardianship. What began as seduction, a sweet thrill, has turned into something more—now he wants Iris forever. But proving his intentions means winning her trust before his reputation drives away the only woman who has ever captivated him, body and soul….

RT Book Reviews (Romantic Times Magazine) has chosen LEGAL SEDUCTION as one of their “Top Picks” for June 2014 – 4.5 stars!

Excerpt ~

Nash stood at the bar nursing his second scotch, wondering what was taking Iris so long. This was the night of the Holding it Together fundraiser. Two weeks ago, when he’d asked Iris to be his date for the event, he thought for sure she would decline and tell him they needed to keep their relationship quiet awhile longer. She’d shocked him by agreeing to attend, but called him a couple of hours ago and said that she would have to meet him and Tania there. One of her clients who was on probation had gotten into some trouble.

Nash sauntered across the crowded ballroom of the Marriott Marquis toward his table. Dupree Enterprises was one of the major contributors for the event, sponsoring a table of eight for $4,000. As far as Nash was concerned, it was well worth it. Holding It Together had a good reputation of supporting its families. Now, if only he could get his bad attitude together, maybe he could actually enjoy the evening.

For the past couple of weeks, Iris had been the first thing he thought about when he woke up and the last thing he thought about when his head hit the pillow. It was freaking him out. Never had he ever felt so strongly for a woman, wanting to spend every waking hour with her. He was having a hard time adjusting to the unfamiliar need to know where she was and what she was doing at all times.

“She’ll be here, Uncle Nash,” Tania whispered in his ear when he reclaimed his seat. It amazed him how intuitive she was. “And wait until you see her dress. It’s going to blow your mind.” She grinned.

Yeah, that’s all I need. Iris in a sexy dress with other men gawking at her all night. When had he become the jealous and possessive type? It was Iris. She was everything he wanted and needed in a woman, and it scared the hell out of him.

As if his mind had conjured her up, Iris walked in and his stomach bottomed out. Breathtaking wasn’t a strong enough description to describe how she looked tonight. He didn’t understand how she could get more beautiful each time he saw her. She was an absolute knockout in a red strapless ball gown with sparkling gems on the bodice of the dress; her hair was piled on top of her head with a few curly tendrils hanging in her face.

“Close your mouth, man. Something might fly in,” Nigel teased when he walked back to the table carrying two glasses of wine, one for him and one for his wife.

“I told you her dress was going to blow your mind,” Tania whispered again. “Doesn’t she look hot?”

Not trusting himself to speak, Nash could only nod. He noticed Iris glancing around the large ballroom, looking for them. A small smile tilted her lips when she spotted him, and all the blood in his heart rushed to his groin when their eyes connected.

He blew out a ragged breath. This woman did wicked things to him and he didn’t know if he would ever get used to the way his body reacted whenever she walked into a room. He stood and fastened his suit jacket. He needed to taste those ruby-red lips of hers; her bewitching smile tugged on his heartstrings like a master puppeteer.

Nash had taken a step, but stopped and turned back to let Tania know that he’d return shortly. Three steps into his short journey to Iris, and the one person he didn’t want to see blocked his path.

“Going somewhere?”

Author Bio ~

Bestselling author, Sharon C. Cooper, spent 10 years as a sheet metal worker. And while enjoying that unique line of work, she attended college in the evening and obtained her B.A. from Concordia University in Business Management with an emphasis in Communication.

Sharon is a romance-a-holic – loving anything that involves romance with a happily-ever-after, whether in books, movies or real life. She writes contemporary romance, as well as romantic suspense and enjoys rainy days, carpet picnics, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. When Sharon is not writing or working, she’s hanging out with her amazing husband, doing volunteer work or reading a good book (a romance of course).

You can find Sharon at:

Sharon’s Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

You can buy LEGAL SEDUCTION at:

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~ AFTER YOU READ THIS, YOU'LL BE FALLING FOR SHOCK, TOO! ~

I'd like to welcome to my blog today the dashingly handsome actor, Mr. Oliver Hannel. Oliver, thanks for joining us. Let's not waste any time and get right into it. So, Oliver, tell us about yourself? What are your strengths & weaknesses?

O: Right, I was born and raised in London, England. I’m from a family of all boys and I’m the youngest and I couldn’t wait to get away. Somehow I was always the one to get pummeled in the house. In my case, thank God for boarding school. Not only did my schooling take me away from my tormenting older brothers, but it opened up many a door to my career as agents and scouts often searched the campus for young talent. Fortunately, I fit the part.


My strengths and weaknesses…hmm, well Layla might tell you my weakness is communication. I might not always say what I should or hide things I don’t want her to hear. I suppose I have a bad habit of telling people what they want to hear rather than what they should hear. My strengths though, probably make up for it. I love whole-heartedly. It takes a lot for someone to lose my affection, especially Layla.


That's a great trait for you to have! Speaking of Layla, how did you two meet? What was your first impression of her? *winks at someone over Oliver's left shoulder*

O: Ah, I met Layla in the most strangest of places…in an altercation. She was having trouble with someone who mistook her for her sister, she’s a twin, and I came to her rescue. Funny story, I was working on the movie at the time,
The Shock, you know the comic book superhero who can manipulate electricity, well, I happened to come across her attack while I was still wearing my costume. I suppose not every woman can say she was actually saved by a superhero…but Layla can.

My first impression of her was that she was small and dainty, and very beautiful with luscious lips, but shortly after I met her I found so much more than her physicality appealing. She’s also very talented, very creative and very stubborn.

L: Oh, and you aren’t, Oliver?

O: Sorry, darling, I didn’t see you come in. MJ, this is Layla, my lovely girlfriend.

L: Hi MJ, sorry to barge in, but I heard Ollie’s little comment about me being stubborn. You are just as stubborn as I am, but in my eyes it’s our hard-headedness that gets us what we need in life. Don’t you think so?

O: *kisses Layla* Yes, sweetheart, it certainly is. And for the record, I secretly love your stubborn streak. It’s one of the qualities I love the most about you. You persevere through anything. Anyhow, back to the interview. What shall we talk about next?

Well, why don't you tell me what is it that you want out of life?
O: Hmm, that’s a good question. I wouldn’t mind a healthy family as well as a healthy career. Oh and an Oscar or BAFTA one day would be nice. (BAFTA is the British Academy of Film and Television Arts)

Has life handed you any major disappointments? 

O: Not many. We’ve all lived through tough situations and those were disappointed at the time they were happening, like when I had moved to America to further my career and lived day to day on bartender tips just to makes ends meet. But even then the disappointments I suffered turned into blessings in disguise.

Now Oliver, I know you're a very busy guy, but imagine--if you can--you just have been given an unexpected free day. What would you do with it?

O: I’m a big fan of Art, History, and Science, so you might find me in a museum, taking in the sights. But then again since I work such long hours I might just stay home reading or playing a video game or two. Yes, I know…boring. I’m a closet geek.

Nothing wrong with indulging your inner geek. Okay, time for a fun one. If you owned a CB radio what would your "handle" be? What would Layla’s be?

O: That’s funny, I haven’t thought about CB Radios in a long time. My grandfather had one in his study long ago. What would be my handle? How about Shocking Ollie. Layla, yours could be Hot Lips! *laughs*

L: Oh brother! *rolls eyes*

Well now, Miss Layla. Since you decided to pop in here, I think it's only fair that you share the hot seat with Oliver. So tell us about yourself? What is your occupation? Strengths, weaknesses?

L: Well, I’m a Greenfield, Indiana native. And currently I’ve been painting the newest wing of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. It’s coming out beautifully too. It’s the biggest piece of artwork I’ve ever done!


Strengths and weaknesses, well, how do I put this… I feel. I’m empathetic or sensitive; those are the words I’m looking for. I consider those traits a strength, since it helps me relate to how others are feeling around me. But on the hand, I’m not very good at letting others lend me a hand when I should. I tend to want to do things by myself.


I think we all fall into that trap sometimes. What’s your family like and how does your upbringing affect you now?

L: My family is a typical one – a father, mother, and an identical twin sister. We’ve lived in Greenfield my whole life and it was always so simple and wonderful. I loved it. But a few years ago when the recession hit our little town suffered a lot of job cuts and one by one my family members left. First, it was my mom and dad. Dad went to get his outsourced job back over in India along with my mother and a year later my sister ventured out and moved to Vegas.

I loved my upbringing and loved being independent when everyone moved away, but at the same time, I was lonely. All together though it’s made me a stronger person and I’m grateful. That’s one good thing about Oliver too, with his time in boarding school, he too, learned to embrace his loneliness and be more independent. It builds character.


Speaking of Oliver...I think a lot of the women out there would love to hear your inside scoop on things. Describe Oliver for us. What was your first impression of him? Did it change over time?

L: At first I thought he was crazy. I mean who dresses up like a superhero and says things like, “that’s no way to treat a lady.”

O: That’s not what I said.

L: Okay, then what was it Mr. Actor, get it perfect.

O: I said, “I’m someone who knows better than to hit a lady.”

L: That’s right. MJ, it was so cheesy but so sweet, because you know what? He’s that’s who he really is. He believes in respect and honor when it comes to others, especially those he loves. He’s a good guy, despite what the paparazzi and tabloid reporters say.

Is there anything about Oliver that you would consider a flaw?

L: Oh he was totally right before. He’s awful with communication. But he’s hot so I let him get away with it…sometimes.

Yes, hotness can make up for a lot. Has life handed you any major disappointments?

L: I like to think positively, yeah I’ve had a lot of moments I wished I didn’t go through, but every moment has been something that has made me a better person. I’m a firm believe to make mistakes big and learning from them, so no matter what life becomes an education and not full of rights and wrongs.

And turn about is fair play, so we've got a fun one for you, too. What CD is in your CD player right now?

L: I have far more music on my iPod than CDs these days. I love having music playing while I’m painting or sculpting in my studio. I have an eclectic variety of tastes from Linkin’ Park to Taylor Swift. But I think my favorite is guitar music. I grew up being associated with Eric Clapton’s song Layla so artists like Ed Sheeran or Austin Plaine are a more updated form of quiet acoustical guitar music that warm my soul.

O: Ed Sheeran? Wasn’t one of his songs playing when we first made l—

L: Ollie!

O: Right, that’s not appropriate for this venue. Sorry. Thank you for your questions MJ. Everyone, check out our love story written by Eryn LaPlant entitled, Falling for Shock. She did a wonderful job capturing Layla and my meeting and first few weeks together.

                

Blurb~

Oliver Hannel, England’s sexiest new star, has finally moved from the television screen to the silver screen, playing comic book hero The Shock in Hollywood’s upcoming blockbuster. While filming one summer night in the midwestern town of Greenfield, Indiana, Oliver finds himself witnessing a crime in progress. Will he embrace his inner superhero and save the day? Or will he remember he isn’t invincible and call for help?

Layla Brooks is a small town girl with a big spirited heart, especially when it comes to her twin sister, Lucy. She will rest at nothing to protect her from a casino mogul’s henchman bent on collecting a debt… even if that includes taking her sister’s punishment. But a strange suited man from out of the shadows isn’t about to let that happen.

Oliver and Layla’s opposite worlds collide with a Bam! But are either of them ready for the lies, truth and lust that comes along with a relationship born of shock? Or will their love come and go as fast as a bolt of lightning?

Author Bio~

Eryn LaPlant grew up wishing she could have lived in the books she read, living through characters and their romantic adventures. Now she writes romances of her own to share with readers like you. When not writing, she spends her time with her loving husband, their handsome son and fluffy new Pomeranian puppy in the Land of Lincoln.

You can find Eryn at:


Twitter: @erynalicia

IG: @erynalicia

FB: Eryn LaPlant http://on.fb.me/10fGbYs

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/IsIkJ0

Website: www.novelisterynlaplant.wordpress.com

You can buy FALLING FOR SHOCK at:

Amazon http://amzn.to/1hcucNu