Showing posts with label breathless press. Show all posts
Showing posts with label breathless press. Show all posts

Friday, July 5, 2013

New Release: Alone No More by Kelly Ryan

I have the pleasure of hosting Kelly Ryan and her new release Alone No More. Looks like a great read!




Title: Alone No More


Author: Kelly Ryan


Genre: Paranormal


Heat Rating: 3


Publisher: Breathless Press


Formats Available In: All


Word Count: 15,500


Blurb: Loneliness is all either Ella or Mel has felt most their lives, just as they find each other will something sinister rip them apart?


Ella is a tough but lonely woman, still broken by her past. Mel feels he needs to pay a penance for his very existence. Fate and danger bring them together and show them that love awaits both of them, if only they can survive whomever is hell bent on killing Ella.


Book Links:










Excerpt:


The hot water felt good on Ella's aching body. As she stood under the flow of water, all the events of the evening began to replay through her mind. She scrubbed herself harder and harder, trying to make herself feel clean and safe. All that had happened became too much, and she started to sob uncontrollably. Ella slid down the side of the shower, wrapped her arms around her legs, and just cried and cried.


There was a knock on the door. Mel called out, "Ella, are you ok? Can you answer me? Is there anything I can do to help?"


Ella tried to answer, but all that came out was some sort of wounded yelp, more of a cry of pain than a coherent answer. Apparently that response caused concern, for Mel opened the door, rushed in, and had the shower open so quickly that Ella could not even think about modesty.


Mel, still clad in jeans and tank top, crawled into the shower to examine what was wrong. When he could find no physical cause for her state, he simply sat down and pulled Ella to him, holding her and comforting her for a long time.


Gradually, Ella began to calm down, to let go of the horror she felt and she became more aware of her present situation. Despite all that she had been though tonight, she felt her body respond to the closeness of Mel. His clothes were soaked and clung to every contour of his body. He held her on his lap and still stroked her back in a calming motion. She looked up into his chocolate eyes, which, realizing the change that was occurring in her mood, began to darken even more in reaction.


Not able to take her gaze off his eyes, Ella rubbed her hands down his chest, down his wet clothes, and mumbled, "Your clothes are soaked through. That must not be very comfortable, perhaps we should get you out of them."


About The Author:


Kelly Ryan lives in New Mexico and grew up with a fascination for all things that "go bump in the night", so it is no wonder that she turned to writing paranormal romance.


In her spare time, she fancies herself a cryptozoologist and loves to paranormal related outings, searching for things that might not really exist.


Being an avid reader since an early age, Kelly has wanted to be a writer for as long as she can remember. She has been writing all her life, but only recently started to actually try to pursue her dream of writing for a living. "Alone No More" is her first release with Breathless Press, though she hopes to have many more in the future.


Not being very computer savvy, you can keep up with all of Kelly's books and upcoming works on her friend's blog and website.

\\


Thursday, June 6, 2013

His Seafaring Siren Book Tour and GIVEAWAY!

Hey everyone! Today I am hosting the lovely Lisa A. Adam's and her new release His Seafaring Siren, which is book two of her Caledonia's Captives Series. I am super pleased to be hosting Lisa because she just recently became one of my authors over at Breathless. I didn't have the pleasure of editing this book, but I am going to be editing her future works that she sends to BP. (Yay for me because she is a great writer!) 
image

Anyyywhooo, thanks for stopping by. Check out the blurb and excerpt and leave a comment on this post for a chance to win an ebook copy of His Seafaring Siren. (Please be sure to include your email address so the author can contact you at the end of her tour!)






New couple Septimus and Mowriyah have accepted the grave task to embark on a rescue mission back to the Rome, the very place they once fled from. With lives at stake, both are prepared to fight the Roman guards if their plans are discovered, but fighting their emotions is another battle neither expected.

When a past lover resurfaces, the couple is forced to examine their relationship while still trying to carry out their mission. But is their young love strong enough to survive the trials abroad and at sea?



Excerpt:
Septimus turned and saw Mowriyah gliding across the boat deck in a beautiful earth-toned gown. It was cut low on her chest and trimmed in a delicate stitching. She was a vision and his loins reacted to her without his consent. Cursing his manhood for acting on instinct, he tried to put on his angry face.
Mowriyah slowed. She tilted her head ever so slightly, the wind catching her short, bobbed hair to blow it over her face, making her even more compelling. He watched as she gracefully lifted her hand and tucked the windblown hairs behind her ear. She was batting her eyes. Oh, no.
She walked within inches of him and grinned. "May I join you?" Her voice was low and seductive.
He felt the anger leave his body and was confounded that she had this type of power over him. He dropped his hardened expression. "Of course."
She shuffled closer to him and the rocking of the boat caused her breasts to rub against his arms. What was it about this woman that had him so spellbound?
"You are not still angry with me, are you?"
"No, I am not angry." He inhaled deeply. "I still do not want you to go though."
"I understand."
Septimus felt a wave of relief crash through his body. "So, you will stay? Really?"
She looked up at him and he could see her defiance in her eyes. "No. I am going with you. I said I understand how you feel."
The horror of his worst nightmares came barreling back to him. "Mowriyah, please." He turned to face her completely and then grabbed her forearms to pull her to his chest. "This will not be a safe trip. There will be times that we will have to split up, and I cannot protect you when I am not with you."
She raised an eyebrow. "Protect me? And exactly when have I needed your protection?" Her muscles tensed beneath his grip as she tried to slide away from him, but he tightened his hold. "Septimus, we have been here for three months and have been together every day and night, yet I feel you know little about me other than the taste of my skin."
"Do not be like that, Mowriyah," he pleaded.
"Besides, you know I am right. You have no idea what Leihla looks like, so how would you find her?"
"You could tell me, and I would find her."
"Tell you what? She is my height, has majestic black hair, and ocean blue eyes."
He felt her wiggle beneath his touch. He craved to hold her close to him. But how could he tell her how he felt? If he did, she would want a larger commitment, and he wasn't ready to take Decimus's route yet. There were too many young maidens in Caledonia.
"Septimus, let me go." He watched as her face contorted and showed signs of anger. The cute little "V" that formed at her eyebrows when she was furious was evident, and he could feel his manhood awaken with delight.
He slid his hands down her arms to her wrists and restrained them in his hands. Mowriyah's head flew up and he locked on to her glare. Her eyes were wide and he knew she was surprised.
Tugging her forward, he slammed her into his chest. Her breasts pressed against him and warmed the skin beneath his tunic. With his hands still gripping her tightly, he grinned, feeling her heartbeat speed up. Her mouth twitched at the corners and he watched as she tried to hide a smile by biting her lip.
Septimus licked his own lips instinctively. She squirmed, rubbing her breasts against his chest with every writhe. "What am I going to do with you?" he growled.
The smile escaped and her face lit up. "That's a good question. What will you do with me?"

Wanna read more? Buy it here.
Biography:
Lisa A. Adams writes from a little plot of country, tucked away in the North Carolina Sandhills. Having been an avid reader and a history major in college, writing historical fiction seemed to be the next step in her career. As a multi-published author, she has learned that completing mundane, everyday tasks can spark ideas for her next story. In fact, she was assisting in a science project for one of her children, when the idea for His Seafaring Siren came to her. When she’s not writing, Lisa can be found in her sewing room or watching The History Channel and jotting down notes for her next project. Hundreds of stories have been sketched out and are simply awaiting their place in line. Look for the next book in the “Caledonia’s Captives” series to be coming soon. 

When asked about her family, Lisa will be the first to tell you that they are the backbone of not only of her writing career, but anything she chooses to pursue as well. She has been married to her husband for ten years and has five wonderful children, a loveable mop dog, and two very spoiled cats.


You can connect with Lisa on twitter @LisaAdamsWriter or on her blog at http://pen-the-dream.blogspot.com



Thanks for stopping by AND don't forget to leave a comment (with you email address) for a chance to win an ebook copy of His Seafaring Siren!
 


Friday, April 12, 2013

Cover Reveal: Heating Up Hawaii by Carmen Falcone


Cover Reveal!
Carmen Falcone stopped by to share the cover for Heating Up Hawaii, releasing on May 3rd. Get ready ladies, summer is coming early this year!


There is just one person standing between Penny Ashbrook’s dream of opening her own PR business or being stuck at her job–the formidable Luc Leoni–her first lover, and the man who lets nothing and no-one get in his way. Seeing him after so long brings all the hidden emotions after a life altering break-up to surface. Pain, denial and…lust.
Luc has made many sacrifices for his career, including Penny Ashbrook, the woman who set his aspirations back a year, but now she has returned and is more alluring than ever. After all these years, he thought a self-made billionaire as himself could master everything, but to resist the strong pull toward the one woman he can't have is an impossible task.
When this unlikely pair is reunited they will have to face the many challenges set in their way, especially an attraction that has only heightened with time and a deadline quickly approaching. Can their new bond surpass old—and new—fears?



About Carmen

Carmen Falcone learned at an early age that fantasizing about fictional characters and places beat doing Math homework any day. She traveled the world, achieved a B.A. in Tourism in her hometown in Brazil and was soon invited to work in the USA, where she met her Swiss husband. She’d always dreamed of becoming a published writer, and after her daughter was born, she revisited that dream of writing – this time, unwilling to give it up. She lives in Austin and enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with her family and three high energy pugs.


Connect with Carmen
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Monday, March 25, 2013

Tips on Writing a Series Successfully by J.S. Marlo


Give a warm welcome to the FANTASTIC J.S. Marlo. I have had the privilege of being Mrs. Marlo's editor and I am so pleased to have her talented-self on my blog today.

 
Writing a series is seriously an art and I wanted to have her over to dish out some tips on writing a series. Take it away J.S. :-)

Book One, Book Two, Book Three…I have a series!

As a reader and a writer, I love book series. My first question about series is always the same. Do I have to read the books in order?

It's an important question, especially if I already bought or downloaded Book Two and Three, but not the elusive Book One.

There are many types of series. Some share a main storyline within all the books, some share recurrent characters, some share a theme, some need to be read in order, some don't, and some are a mix of all the above.

When I first wrote Unscripted, it didn't intend for the book to be part of a series. It wasn't until I finished it that I realized I wasn't ready to say good-bye to my characters, so I wrote two more books. The three books of the series are stand-alone novels, but they have some recurrent characters and Duty as a common theme. The series is called Duty Bound, and the title of each book starts with Un.

In Unscripted - Duty Bound Book One, we meet Riley who's a screenwriter and a mother. In Unearthed - Duty Bound Book Two, we reconnect with Rowan, Riley's daughter, who inherits a Bed & Breakfast with a deadly history. In Untamed - Duty Bound Book Three, we follow the tribulations of one of the previous guests at Rowan's Bed & Breakfast.

Does the Duty Bound Series need to be read in order? Not for comprehension purposes, but each book reveals a few details of the previous book, so there is a spoiler alert in effect.

I'm currently working on another series called Heart & Endurance. Each book features a high performance athlete embroiled in a complicated relationship. The three books are stand-alone with different characters, only connected by a common theme and double-meaning titles. Cold Sweat. Slippery Ice. Hot Water. There is no Book One, Two, or Three. It's just three books part of the Heart & Endurance Series.

So, how do I proceed to write a series?

#1- Common element

To make a series, I need to identify a common element featured in each book to tie them together. It can be:
- a main storyline encompassing the entire series with different sub-plots in each book
- recurrent characters
- a common theme, a common place, a common activity, a common profession…

All the books in my series have different storylines. In Duty Bound, the stories revolve around duty and obligations while sharing some recurrent characters.

#2- Stand-alone VS Sequel

Sometimes a reader stumbles onto a book by accident, and that book may not be the first one of the series.

If the subsequent books in the series are sequels of the first, I need to decide how many details from the previous books to incorporate in the following ones. If I don't summarize the important points, the readers will have no choice but to read the books in order. If I do add some details from the first book, it may arouse the readers' interest in the series while allowing the subsequent books to stand alone. If I give too much away, the readers may not go back to the other books.

#3- Consistency

I need to be consistent with the timeline, recurrent characters, previous events, familiar settings…

#4- Length

As a writer, I try to keep the books the same length to give the series a uniform presentation, but as a reader, I show no preference.

In Duty Bound, my books contain between 75,000-85,000 words.

In Heart & Endurance, they contain between 40,000-50,000 words.

While some publishers have strict "words" requirement when it comes to series, others welcome books of different lengths. And example of the latest is the Harry Potter Series.

#5- Titles

Carefully chosen, the titles of the books can further tie them together and to the series.

#6- Writing

The final step of creating a series—and the most challenging: sit down and write the books.

So, what do YOU like and dislike about series?

J.S. Marlo

Duty Bound Series

Unscripted – Book One 

"Shaped by fire. Bound by duty. Driven by love." Riley's tumultuous life rivals the television scripts she writes for Wild Rescue.

***

After a bullet shatters his world, actor Blythe Huxley befriends Riley Kendrick, a new writer on the television show Wild Rescue, never expecting to discover a kindred spirit.

No stranger to tragedy, Riley lends a compassionate ear to Blythe's difficulties and soon becomes entangled in a web of illicit affairs and deadly intrigue.

When an arsonist and a killer both strike, Riley's fate intertwines with Blythe's, and her life and her heart hang in the balance. Will they be able to protect their past? And save their future?


Unearthed – Book Two 

"Shaped by regrets. Bound by duty. Driven by secrets." Rowan's future is jeopardized by the regrets she harbors and the deadly secrets she unearths.

***

Obligated to give up the man she loves, Rowan O'Reilly takes over Buccaneer Bed & Breakfast. Though her heart is in shambles, she is drawn to Avery Stone, a mysterious guest who reminds her of Bjorn…and everything she lost.

Haunted by a fatal decision, Avery escapes his past in Buccaneer's attic, but he can't ignore the previous owner's peculiar death, the strange bones exhumed by the spirited Rowan…or the annoying doctor vying for her attention.

As visitors wreak havoc on Buccaneer, Rowan stumbles onto deadly family secrets and unknowingly unearths a murderer. Yet nothing, not even the threat of her predecessor's fate, can stop her from digging for the truth.



Untamed – Book Three 

"Shaped by tragedy. Bound by duty. Driven by justice." Avery trusts his instincts, not the law, to protect a deaf woman and her young son.

***

Posted in the heart of winter to a remote detachment in Newfoundland, Constable Avery Stone is a freshly demoted Mountie with a rogue streak. As he looks into the death of a disgraced officer, he stumbles onto a plethora of unresolved crimes. His troubling investigation throws him into the path of Hannah Parker, the feisty deaf mother of a young boy.

To escape her past, Hannah moves into her grandfather's secluded cabin. She catches a glimpse of his killers in the woods, but her credibility is damaged by recanted accusations. The birth of a fatherless son further tarnishes her reputation, and hinders her ability to trust. When shadowy forces threaten her family, Hannah is forced to rely on Avery.

Tangled in a web of deadly deceit, Avery seeks to protect Hannah and her son while desperately trying to retrieve the crucial evidence locked inside their minds. Can Hannah recapture her past in time to save her only child and the man she's come to 
love?

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Guest Post: The Anthology Queen

Please welcome the wonderful Leona Bushman! She is a frequent guest on my blog and I love having her because she always has marvelous news to share! This week she is sharing with us about her two recent releases and her official (at least I am deeming it official ;-)) title: The Anthology Queen.
Take it away Leona! :-)
Guess what's happening this week? 
Wait? 
It's happened by now! 
I had TWO RELEASES ON THE SAME DAY. What's even more incredible, and possibly really strange? THEY'RE BOTH ANTHOLOGIES!


*turns off the capslock* Whew! Okay. Breathe. 
I'm calmer now, but just wow. This will be my second and third respectively, for Breathless Press. How'd that happen, you might ask. How's that work, you might think to yourself. Oh, she must like writing short stories, you might believe.
Here's how it happened:
Last year, well, little over a year ago, I had a contract for The Ulfric's Mate (Paranormal romance released July 27th, 2012) and my editor sends me this email. Basically, hey we're looking for shifter shorts and I was like, Hey, yeah, no problem. Wrote a 10k short with characters that I knew I'd be introducing in the future, and voila, the editor says, I like, can I have? I says yes, and then go back to the business of editing The Ulfric's Mate.
Course, I had to also edit the story, Barely There, which DID go into the Ravaged Antho, released August, 2012 AT THE SAME TIME. Oops, sorry the caps lock thingy slipped…
That was wild, having my very first release through a publisher, and my second, happen within a month. Which probably solidified the differences even harder. There are plenty of similarities… But let's go on. 
The next two releases, Thanksgiving Friday, CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? *slaps hand, that pesky caps lock* and December 14th—right in a row, again! *Ha! More than one way to emphasize, hehe*
Well, what the heck. Those two were, Rick Sexed Up the Doc, a contemporary erotica for the Naughty Nursery Line, and The Captain's Christmas, a science fiction adventure, part of the holiday line for 2012. So crazy, right?
In the midst of all these releases, I also, for reasons you can find here was still scribbling away and was accepted into, yep, you guessed it, two more anthologies. I spent the fall editing, and the winter, editing, but I was hiding. *slides away from that*

But it's been something else, this mad scramble for becoming an anthology queen. See, it's not just me, in the case of these three anthologies, there were at least nine authors. 9. As in, loads more people than me. 

So what did that mean? That meant that I'd be busy procrastinating, and pretending that yeah, 100 words for the day is acceptable (It's so not for me. That's literally, just over a minute's worth of work for me. I can type mumbo jumbo with weird words and less than one error at 69wpm. My own stuff? I don't think they have a program that can count it.) and wham! Someone says, hey, I need this, or I need that, or what if we do this, and let's arrange that. Next thing I know, I'm talking about moving across continents and oceans to live with some of my fellow authors.

*true story ;) If I had the means, I'd now live in Scotland*

And now, with two coming out at the same time, I've got like 15 people!! Awesome people. All working toward the same goal—releasing a darn good book, with a hot cover, and wowing the reader's socks off! It's amazing, challenging, especially with family obligations, but what a fun rush and a great bond to build with the authors. I admit, I was shy and nervous with the first one, but now??

Now, I try to remember who I promised what, guide my Double Release Weekend event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/539386762748951/
Hosted by myself via my author FB page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLeonaBushman
You know the weirdest apart about all this? All of these stories are S.H.O.R.T. Yes, even Ulfric's Mate. I have a fantasy at 90, a zombie one at 90, and I LIKE LONG BOOKS. LOL I bring that up, because that's one thing I find hard, especially in romance, is the shortness of the anthologies. That's the hardest part of it. *gives a moment of respectful silence*

But you know what? Having something in common with other writers more than makes up for the PITA keeping it under ten is!



About the Author:

Leona Bushman lives in Eastern Washington with her husband and children, writing, painting, gardening, running, camping, or just reading or crafting. She also loves to swim but rarely gets a chance to as she's busy chasing after the three of five children still left at home. Sassy and saucy, she can be found writing about her trials and errors as a mom and writer at the following places:

Blog: http://lbushman.blogspot.com
The website: http://www.leonajbushman.com
And don't forget Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLeonaBushman

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Dianne Hartsock on Naughty Willies...Yes, that's right!


Today I have Dianne Hartsock visiting with me. She is lovely and wonderful and magnificent and...yes I am graveling because I accidentally forgot to post this last Wednesday. Darn my forgetfulness. Hopefully Dianne can forgive me? *bats lashes*
Anywho she is sharing with us a little about what a Naughty Nursery Rhyme is and about her recent release that falls into this VERY naughty category.... 

A Naughty Nursery Rhyme
Naughty Nursery Rhyme. Don't you just love that name? Brings to mind delicious decadence and sweet delights and nights of passion.
When I was a child we had a huge book of Mother Goose Rhymes. Loved the pictures. Thought the rhymes were a trifle boring. Little did I know that to my delight they'd become some of my favorite reads!
After indulging in a few of the NNR by my fellow Breathless Press authors, I just had to try my hand at one. But how could I turn one of those silly childish stories into something wonderfully wicked? Which one to pick?
My favorite, Wee Willie Winkie, came to mind.

Wee Willie Winkie runs through the town,
Up stairs and down stairs in his night-gown,
Tapping at the window, crying at the lock,
Are the children in their bed, for it's past ten o'clock?

Yes, I snickered at the title but simply couldn't be mean enough to make Willie, well…little down there. Too cruel, even for a very naughty story. So I made him a little shorter than average, but absolutely delectable. My hero Fredrick can't resist Willie's blue eyed, cherubic, irreverent self.
As for why Willie is running through the town in his night-gown… I decided to have my story take place in the 1880's, when men still wore night-gowns. And on this particular night, Willie has slightly more to drink than is good for him, and can't help being especially loud when looking for his lover.
Yes, Fredrick and Willie fall in love. But the question is, will Fredrick be enough for Willie to give up his life of privilege for?
WEE WILLIE WINKIE

Blurb:

For the past three years William Wilkerson has led the life of the privileged rich. Head of his father’s shipping business, Willie indulges in the pleasures of Boston’s fine young men to his heart’s content. That is, until he meets Fredrick,, the one man who has captured his heart , again.
As his former tutor, Fredrick has been declared off limits by William’s father. Fredrick also believes he's beneath the attention of Wilkerson’s heir. Willie disagrees, but is he willing to throw away rank and privilege for the man he loves?

Excerpt:

"Please, join me. It's so nice to see you."
At his urging, Fredrick settled into the cushioned booth while William drew the curtains closed once again. "No one cares who's back here, as long as they don't see it," he explained at Fredrick's questioning look. William slipped onto the bench beside him, and without a thought Fredrick clasped the vibrant body to his chest and returned his light kiss. His hold tightened, but William didn't seem to mind. He wound his arms around Fredrick's neck and licked Fredrick's lips, his sweet tongue seeking entrance.
Fredrick laughed, breathless with the need that swept him. He moved his head back, denying the kisses sure to topple the defenses he'd built against this man, and chuckled at William's delectable pout. "You promised not to tease me."
"That was years ago. I made no promises today." William nibbled at his lips but eased away when Fredrick resisted. Fredrick kept his hands on his slim waist, reluctant to let him go. Memories stirred at the slide of silk under his fingers, images of cool sheets and creamy skin. He longed to run his tongue down the exposed flesh of William's chest, revisit the delights he'd enjoyed, once upon a time.
"How is the Lord Wilkerson these days?" he asked instead, throwing that barrier between them. A shutter seemed to close on William's eyes; his gaze became less warm. In sudden panic, Fredrick took hold of William's hand and kissed his fingers, afraid William would walk away. "Forgive me. This is hard for me."
He trembled when William ran his hand over Fredrick's curls, tangled fingers in his hair. "For me as well, darling. I had no idea you lived in Boston."
"Or you would have stayed away?" Fredrick regretted the jealous words the instant they left his lips and looked aside to hide the blush he knew reddened his face. He always played the fool with William.
William sat up, straightened his blouse. "My father's been ill for some time. I've taken control of the shipping portion of the estate and come in from time to time to check the wares from the Orient. We've had some damaged goods recently, but my presence at the docks seems to deter clumsiness."
"Of course." Fredrick chewed his lips as he searched for something to say, his heart heavy.
William touched his chin, turning his face. His eyes were kind. "And what is my former professor doing in this wild town?"
Fredrick shrugged, not about to tell him he'd run as far from William as he could when Lord Wilkerson had humiliated and dismissed him. "I've been tutoring Lord Anadaile's daughter."
"For truth? That must be hell on earth. A more spoiled child I've yet to meet."
"She has a good heart, but this position is soon over anyway. Cynthia comes of age next month with her debutant party in June. No need for me after that."
A laugh at the far end of the room caught their attention. As if recalling his state of undress, William buttoned his blouse and tucked it into the tight blue trousers. Fredrick groaned inwardly as he recalled doing similar service for William after an afternoon spent undressing him.
William gave him a brilliant smile as if sharing the memory. White teeth nibbled a plump lip. "Will you have a drink with me at the club?"
Longing almost overcame discretion, but the barrier of their positions couldn't be ignored, by either side. "Forgive me. I'm not dressed appropriately for your friends."
William's beautiful eyes widened as if seeing the frayed brown suit he wore for the first time. Fredrick's heart warmed. William had the fine trait of seeing a man behind his outward trappings. Rank held little interest for him.
He watched in fascination as a blush tinted William's porcelain cheeks. William stared at his clasped hand, and his words started an ache in Fredrick's chest. "Damn convention, and society can go to hell. I've missed you, Freddie. I want to see you. Not at the club and not here." A flirtatious glance. "Can't bring scandal to my favorite tutor."
"It's better we don't—"
"Probably." William stood from the bench, then bent and kissed Fredrick full on the mouth. A sweet tongue slid passed his lips to tangle with his, tasting and teasing. Caught unawares, Fredrick opened to him, drowned in memories of sultry afternoons, bodies twined. William's scent surrounded him, spiced with tobacco and whiskey and expensive cologne. Underneath, the heady fragrance of heated skin.
Fredrick groaned as lust swamped his defenses; his cock swelled to life for its lover, ached for the touch it had missed for too many lonely nights. He returned William's kiss with fervor, forgetting where they were, his position, everything but the need to taste again this man he loved with all his being.
William broke off their kiss and leaned against the table, his chest heaving. They stared at it each other while Fredrick caught his breath. Dearest Lord! William stood before him, everything he desired in life, intelligent and beautiful. His full lips glistened with their kiss. Mine! Fredrick's heart broke while agony twisted in his gut. He had nothing to offer the eldest son of one of New England's finest families. He'd known that three years ago. Nothing had changed his circumstances.
William had always been able to read him, and he set his pretty lips in a firm line. "I'm in Boston through the week. I want to see you, Freddie. Please don't be cruel. Meet me at the pier in two hours."
"But—"
His protest went unheard. With a flash of anger in his hazel eyes, William threw open the curtains and left him sitting there.