Cover Revealed for AS THE WORLD ENDS

Today I'm unveiling my cover for AS THE WORLD END. It's a short story that will be released in December 2012. It's where romance meets doomsday. Does Love Survive?

Look for the latest announcements as the release date gets closer.

Pirate's Ransom--Author Gerri Brousseau

Thank you so much, Marian for hosting me here today. I’m delighted to meet your visitors.

Gerri, I'm so Glad you're here today also. I read and loved Pirate's Ransom

    1.)    Gerri, I like Catherine’s strength and how she overcomes events out of her control. Was there any one person you modeled her after (literary or real)?

Any resemblance to anyone I may know is pure coincidence. I think some of me is in her, but perhaps I flatter myself in thinking that. She does things I would do in her situation.

    2.)    Why would a gentlemen turn to piracy for a living? Or is Edmund being a gentleman misleading? J

 Ahh ... I guess your blog visitors will just have to read the book to find out what’s really behind that deliciously handsome

scoundrel, Pirate Captain Edmund Drake.

3.)    As an author now that you’ve completed, sold and published your book, do you let the characters go? Or do they still live within you?

                I think they will live within me, at least for a while. A fan recently asked me if I was planning on writing a sequel ... so you never know.

4.)    How did you pick your genre, historical romance?

                History has always interested me and I love doing the research. I think about different times in our history which in and of themselves were not romantic, but became romantic because of the struggles of those living through them; times such as the Civil War, The French Revolution, and of course, the times when pirates sailed the seven seas. I like to think about the people who survived these difficult times and it is their stories I yearn to tell.

5.)    Was there much research required to understand the period and the speech patterns?

 

Most of my research was about ships of the time, pirates, Blackbeard, his hideouts and his life and death. I also had to do some research about different things I mention in the book and, of course, the royals in power in London at the time. As for the period speech patterns, they sort of flowed, but I had to be very careful not to over-do it with the pirate speak. I know authors are not encouraged to write in dialect, but my editor encouraged it and thought it was fine.

 

6.)    I don’t want to ask pointed questions that will give your plot away, so I’ll stick with the characters. Why Blackbeard?

 

I had actually been to Blackbeard’s castle so I could describe it. That remained in the back of my mind and as I thought about the plot of my book I wanted to be able to use what I knew. When I researched him I found Blackbeard was fierce to look upon and the more I found out, the more I knew he would be the perfect notorious enemy.

 

7.)    Are you working on you next novel and is it also a historical romance?

Yes, right now I’m doing some character sketching and loose outline for a new work in progress, but I do have a second novel being released in November. According to Legend is a time travel romance, so I guess the answer would be, yes. I have not tried to write anything contemporary, and I don’t think I would find it interesting.

Gerri, I’m sure my visitors would love a sneak preview into A Pirate’s Ransom.

 

Excerpt:

Every man upon the deck froze, then looked in their Captain’s direction. The Captain turned back to face me, although with the sun in my eyes, I still could not make out his features.

“A request, Milady?” he asked with a hint of amusement in his voice.

“Yes, if you please, Sir, kindly permit me to have my maid, Mary, accompany me, for propriety’s sake,” I said in a strong clear voice, resounding with a courage I certainly didn’t feel.

He laughed and said, “Are there any others among you who wish to accompany the Countess?”

Silence filled the air, and I chanced a glance at my father, who cast his eyes downward and said not a word. Coward.

“I am certain there is at least one among you who would be competent enough to deliver a message to the Duke of Devonshire. Kindly advise His Grace that if he wishes to ever see his lovely bride again, he shall pay a pirate’s ransom,” the pirate lord’s powerful voice commanded.

“Begging your pardon, Sir,” Smith muttered, taking a tentative step toward the pirate lord, “but do ye mind telling us wot amount a coin a pirate’s ransom be?”

“Ah, Smith, there you are. You have been most helpful in assisting me here today, and your reward awaits you aboard The Lady. As for His Grace, Wentworth Simmons is quite aware of what my ransom demands are. Now, Countess, would you care to extend an invitation to any others to accompany you before we depart?”

My mouth dropped open as I watched the wiry Mister Smith, my betrayer, scamper across the plank and onto the huge pirate ship. Snapping my jaw closed, I allowed my eyes to sweep the remainder of the crew and I dared a glance once again at my father, whose gaze met mine briefly. But in that scant moment, I recognized his silent plea, begging me not to name him.

Realizing the pirate lord awaited my reply, I uttered a soft, “No, Sir. Just my maid, if you would be so kind.”

“Very well, Milady, as you wish.” Without another word, he strode off, his large frame disappearing into the setting sun.

                                                Photo courtsey of Apieling Pictures

 

Buy links: Available at: http://www.soulmatepublishing.com

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/kindle/dp/B0091PRUTO/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_eos_detail

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-pirtes-ransom-gerri-brousseau/1112651492?ean=2940015206692

Website links: www.gerribrousseau.com

Blog links : www.nightsofpassion.wordpress.com

 

I would also like to tell your visitors about a little contest I am having at my website. If they are interested, they should visit my website and click on “Claim the Ransom” and follow the directions to enter and for their chance to sail away with the treasure.

Juliet Chastin author of Gypsy Lover is my guest today

     I'm thrilled to have as my guest today romance author Juliet Chastin. Juliet isnot only one of my critique partners, I'm also big fan of her stories. Juliet talks about her fixation for Gypsies below.

Hello fellow Romance fans. I'm here to explain my obsession with Gypsies. 

I've always been very curious about Gypsies—Roma or Romani, as they call themselves, Those rather mysterious people came from India to Europe about a thousand years ago and lived a wanderer's existence and kept to their own ways for generations.

My fascination began when I was a small child in Africa. One evening my dad was driving somewhere with me and we passed a little Romani fair, a few lights in the darkness, music, some horses, a little merry-go-round. Very enticing to a small child who lived on a farm in the middle of nowhere. I wanted desperately to go to the fair, but my dad said we couldn't and that he believed Gypsies were thieves.

Indeed the next morning all out chickens were gone, every single one and the dogs hadn't barked and no one had heard a thing. If you know anything about chickens you know you can't just pick them up and tiptoe away because they'd start squawking and pecking you like mad. My parents were not pleased, but I was thrilled. It was often my job to feed the chickens, and I was rather scared of them. But mostly I was awed. How had the Gypsies done that? It seemed magical.

Now I am in the middle of writing a series of short sexy stories featuring Gypsies during the Regency period. There will be one coming out every month or two with Breathless Press.

Here's the first story in the Gypsy Lover series, A Proper Lady's Gypsy Lover

Forced to become a proper young lady, Lucy-Ann Spencer rebels against the rules of high society to claim her freedom and her Gypsy lover. 



Dragged off to London kicking and screaming, Lucy-Ann Spencer refuses to become a proper young lady. Despite her aunts' insistence, she spurns the suitably titled and wealthy men who court her, longing instead for the Gypsy lad and the freedom she once loved. 

Liberty Wood never forgot the girl he adored years ago, but now that she has become a proper, silk-clad member of high society while he lives by his wits, he knows that they can never breach the gulf between them. Can Lucy-Ann convince him otherwise? 


Here is an excerpt:

Lucy-Ann scrambled to the window, tempted to climb out had the carriage not been moving so fast.

“Liberty,” she screamed. “Liberty, help me!” She leaned out as far as she dared while her aunts cried out to her to be careful. Aunt Emily took hold of her waist.

Lucy-Ann saw him, Liberty Wood, on his brown mare with the white forelock, riding hard after the coach.

“Liberty,” she called, leaning out yet a little farther, causing both aunts to shriek. Aunt Louisa took hold of her legs and called to her to come back inside. Lucy-Ann watched Liberty slowly close the distance between himself and the carriage.

“Halt!” she called to the coachman. “Halt!” The coachman pulled on the reins, slowing the horses.

“No!” cried Aunt Louisa. She stuck her head out of the opposite window. “No, “ she cried out. “Move on as fast as you can, Elijah. You must outrun that highwayman or beat him off.”

The carriage picked up speed again, swaying precariously, but Liberty had caught up. He’d always said the mare was the fleetest thing on four feet.

Leaning on the neck of his horse, his black hair flying behind him, Liberty smiled grimly at Lucy-Ann as he passed the carriage. The mare pulled up beside the carriage horses. Lucy-Ann realized his intention was to come up beside the lead horse, take hold of the beast, and bring the carriage to a halt.

“Actually,” she heard Aunt Emily say, her voice quivering, “I’d prefer to go more slowly. This is dangerous.”

“You’ll have to beat him off, Elijah,” Aunt Louisa ordered at the top of her voice. Lucy-Ann saw the coachman nod and reach for his long whip.

“No!” Lucy-Ann screamed. “Please, no.”

The coachman stood and, holding onto the thong, swung the long handle of the whip, catching Liberty in the face, causing him to somersault off the mare and into the mud at the side of the road. The carriage almost careened off the road as the aunts screamed and clutched each other. When it stabilized, Lucy-Ann tried to climb out of the window, but her aunts held her back. Eventually she collapsed on the floor of the carriage, weeping uncontrollably. 

You can buy this story at. breathlesspress While you're there, check out my two short romances: The Captain and the Courtesan and The Cry of the Wolf.  

To learn more about upcoming stories or about me: julietchastain.com You can contact me at juliet@julietchastain.com. Or on facebook .Or follow me onTwitter

.

Fate Trilogy by authors Rachel Firasek, Berinn Rae and Elle J Rossi

DO YOU BELIEVE IN FATE?

Today I'm hosting paranormal romance author Rachel Firasek. Rachel's Creating Fate due out on July 10, 2012 is the first in a trilogy on Fate.

Do you believe in it?

Read on and find the answers. The second book in the trilogy Stealing Fate by Berinn Rae is due out on July 24, 2012 and the final book Chasing Fate by Elle J. Rossi is due out on August 7, 2012.

The Fates are said to control our destinies. From our first breath to our dying gasp, these creatures of legend weave the courses of our lives. Even the gods are subject to their decrees. Spinners of dark secrets, the Fates have been feared for the tragedies they weave. No man dared confront the Relentless Ones . . . until now.

Title: Creating Fate


(An Unspun Novella, #1)

Author: Rachel Firasek
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: July 10, 2012

Book 2 coming July 24, 2012!

She gave away her heart…
Giving her heart to a mortal wasn't something the First Fate planned. Losing him nearly shattered her soul. Upon his death, Clothos swore never to love—or weave life—again.

Hoping she'll change her mind before it's too late, Zeus commands the spinner of life to take a much needed vacation from her immortal responsibilities.
He had to hide his...
Dane is close to cracking the drug ring he's spent the last two years infiltrating, but needs to perform one last heist to meet the head man and prevent an impending war. An undercover agent, he’s now on the run from drug lords, thieves and with the very woman whose tears make him forget his purpose.
Together they’ll find a way back from the dark.

Chloe will have to put her trust in the man she believes may have killed her fiance, or face an eternity on Earth. Without the desire for life, hope could slip through the cracks of time if he doesn’t love away her sorrow.



 
About the Author:
Rachel Firasek grew up in the south and despite the gentle pace, she harassed life at full steam. Her curiosity about mythology, human nature, and the chemical imbalance we call love led her to writing. Her stories began with macabre war poems and shifted to enchanted fairytales, before she settled on a blending of the two.

Today you’ll find her tucked on a small parcel of land, surrounded by bleating sheep and barking dogs, with her husband and children. She entertains them all with her wacky sense of humor or animated reenactments of bad 80’s dance moves.

She’s intrigued by anything unexplained and seeks the answers to this crazy thing we call life. You can find her where the heart twists the soul and lights the shadows… or at www.rachelfirasek.com .



Stealing Fate   

(An Unspun Novella, #2)

Author: Berinn Rae
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: July 24, 2012

Book 3 coming August 7, 2012!

She stole his fate…

Lachesis—now known simply as Lacey—is a Fate, an ancient goddess in whose hands our destinies are unraveled. When she’s not weaving fortune, she does what she wants when she wants. Until she runs into a man she craves but hoped—and prayed—never to see again. It had been a dangerous gamble to betray the god of terror, but in war, hard choices--and enemies--are made. And she'll soon discover the most frightening of immortals can really hold a grudge.
Now it’s his turn…


The most cruel of gods, Phobos is a predator who takes pleasure in terrorizing the world. After millennia of relentless searching, he finds the Fate who caused him to be cast from Olympus. Now he plans to use every bit of his talents on the goddess to regain his lost heritage without losing his heart in the process.

As the outcast god ignites her passions, Lacey must come to grips with the destiny she has long denied herself. And Phobos must find a way to escape the destiny that would force him to betray the woman he has grown to love.

About the Author:
Berinn Rae writes romantic science fiction/fantasy about extraordinary women who always get their guy. Her Guardians of the Seven Seals series follows mythical creatures we believed in as children, only to be forgotten as we aged. When not writing, she can be found flying old airplanes, watching SciFi movies, playing RPGs, and pampering an incredibly spoiled sixty-pound lap dog. Berinn lives in Des Moines, Iowa, with her husband and dog. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America (RWA). Born: Manchester, Iowa, USA Schools: BA in Management Information Systems, University of Northern Iowa MPA in Organizational Leadership, Drake University Find out more at www.BerinnRae.com



Chasing Fate

(An Unspun Novella, #3)

Author: Elle J Rossi
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: August 7, 2012

 She is forced to kill . . .

When a much-needed vacatio
n turns into work for the third Fate, Atropos vows to sever the mortal’s lifeline quickly and get back to the sea and sand. Having her mysterious quarry offer a deal in exchange for more time is an unexpected complication. Always surrounded by darkness and death, Attie takes a chance to get a taste of life and help right a wrong that never should have happened.

He refuses to die . . .

Dru spent months praying for death to take him. Anger over the brutal killing of his family festered until those prayers turned to plans for revenge. Making a deal with the Death Fate was the only way to extend his lease on life. He only needed a handful of days to avenge those he lost, but within minutes of meeting Atropos he knew he’d want forever.



About the Author:
Elle J Rossi grew up in rural Indiana surrounded by great people, a huge family, and more animals than she could count. But the sites and sounds of the world beckoned, so she left her small town to escape into a creative world full of music. As a full time singer she was able to lose herself in a thousand different songs in a hundred different places.

After meeting the love of her life and settling down, she yearned to find a new and fulfilling creative outlet. Overly fond of the happily ever after, she wondered what it would be like to have her own characters lead her down dark and twisted paths. The very first word on the very first page sealed her fate. She’d found a new love. She’d found her escape.

Now along with weaving haunting tales about the journey to love, she’s creating cover art for authors around the world and loving every second of it. For fun, she cranks country music to take her back to her roots, and sings karaoke anytime she gets a chance. Her husband, two children, and a cat that rules the roost keep her company along the way and guarantees she doesn’t get lost in the enchanted forest. She wouldn’t have it any other way.
Find Elle at www.ellejrossi.com Trailer Codes: 

Creating Fate:  http://youtu.be/XPDpTqgUQ2M

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/XPDpTqgUQ2M" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Stealing Fate:  http://youtu.be/K56IuRxJy08

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/K56IuRxJy08" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> 

Chasing Fate:   http://youtu.be/aXfrFWiayOw

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aXfrFWiayOw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Author Maxine Douglas

I'm excited today to host author Maxine Douglas. For all historical romance fans out there checkout Maxine's latest work Knight To Remember.

      Excerpt from KNIGHT TO REMEMBER:

     “Look who I found lurking in the shadows.” Thomas smiled at Issie like the Cheshire cat.

     The two women eyed each other, contempt in Issie’s eyes and distrust in Courtney’s. Deep beneath the surface of politeness lay a rivalry with which Reynold was already all too familiar. These two had never liked each other, even as children playing in the courtyard.

     He couldn’t accept the fact Lady Courtney was not his Catherine. Something deep down in his heart and soul told him they were one and the same, just born in different worlds and time.

     Reynold stood, allowing Lady Courtney to take his seat. He’d already told Thomas his story. What more could he say? That he was in love with a woman much like Lady Courtney? That he’d been banished from his homeland because he wouldn’t bed down with his queen?

     Not with Queen Isabel sitting in front of him; he valued his life too much for such an accusation…even if it were the truth and common knowledge within Heartsease. She wouldn’t hesitate to have him cut down where he stood, if she so desired.

     And what of Lady Courtney? Would she believe his words, or treat him with the kindness she’d shown the mindless of their country? He’d not take the chance; not yet any way.

     “Reynold Loddington.” His name rolled like sweet honey off Courtney’s lips. “Very unusual. Is it an old family name?”

     Reynold shifted his feet, not sure how to answer Lady Courtney’s question. If she were really Catherine in another time, then wouldn’t she have full knowledge of who he was? Her face was the same porcelain hue, and while her eyes may have changed in color, he saw the same passion and sweetness within them. He wondered whether her lips still held their sweet taste, as well.

     Issie cleared her throat, drawing everyone’s attention back to her. “I would venture to guess his parents were deep into fifteenth century England history. I’d also bet that—”

     “Enough, Issie! I don’t think this man needs to be subjected to your questions, ladies. It’s late, and we all need to be fresh for tomorrow’s crowd.” Thomas slapped Reynold on the back, and then led him toward the door and into the safety of the night.

                                                      * * * *

     “Fare thee well, Black Knight!” Issie called out, waving her hand in the air as Reynold and Thomas took their leave.

     “Well! I never.” Courtney sat back in her chair, amazed at the turn of events. Here sat Issie Cummings, self-proclaimed witch, with one man lapping up her every word while another spat at her. Just what the hell did she have that no other woman had, anyway? That she didn’t have?

     “Of course you have.” Issie continued waving, her eyes never leaving the backsides of the two men until they were through the door. “More times than I’d care to recall.”

     “Issie, you are the most…ohhhhh! I can’t even begin to describe how nasty you can be.” Courtney looked at her, watching her expression change from lustful to predatory. The cold, black look sent a chill of recognition down her spine. She’s seen the look before, but she wasn’t sure when or where.

     Issie took a drink from Reynold’s tankard, licking her lips slowly. She reminded Courtney of a lioness finishing her evening snack. Only the purr of satisfaction was missing. As far as Courtney was concerned, the woman had no business taking such a liberty. She was being far too familiar with Reynold Loddington for Courtney’s liking.

     Then again, why should she give a darn? He was just another reenactor, here for the summer, and gone as soon as possible after Labor Day weekend. No, she didn’t care what happened to Reynold Loddington. At least, that’s what she kept telling her heart each time his name floated off of Issie’s lips.

     Issie leaned forward, her eyes burning like black flames. “You and I have never liked each other, Courtney.” She slapped her hand down on the table hard enough to upset one of the tankards, spilling ale onto the table. “I will have what I set out to get, and you’ll not stop me this time around, Catherine!”

     A shiver of fear and warning flittered down Courtney’s spine.

     That’s the second time today someone’s called me Catherine. These people have got to get their minds straight.

     “I don’t know who Catherine is, but she’s not me. I wish you and that Mr. Reynold Loddington, or whatever it is he’s calling himself, would get that straight.” Courtney shoved herself out of her chair to leave the table. She leaned down, coming nose-to-nose with her enemy. “You’ll not scare me, Isabel Cummings. I know your kind, and there’s a reason why other women avoid you.”

     Courtney stomped out the tavern door, Issie’s wicked laughter following her into the night.

Bio: 

An avid horse lover and reader, Maxine Douglas loves spending time in the saddle, curled up with a good book, catching up with her oldest grand-daughter, or chasing her youngest grand-daughter around the house. She resides in Oklahoma with her husband, and is a member of both Romance Writers of America, Oklahoma Romance Writers of America, and the Electronic Publishing Industry Coalition.

Excerpt/Buy link: http://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=421&category_id=60&manufacturer_id=212&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

Blog: http://.maxinedouglasathor.blogspot.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/author.maxine.douglas

Twitter: https://twitter.com/waMaxineDouglas

Welcome Romance Writer & Author R.C. Bonitz

Bob, Thanks for stopping by today. I love your topic and agree with it all. And thanks for giving If I Fail, A Jake Carrington Mystery a plug. I can personally recommend 'A Little Bit of Blackmail'. I couldn't put it down once I picked it up. A good read.

Hi Marian- thanks for having me today. I see you are listed on Savvy Authors as an aspiring author. With a book coming out soon you need to update that. Jake makes you an AUTHOR. Congratulations.

      My topic today is ---Whoever said love was easy? That's a prompt line for a flash fiction group I belong to, a line to be included in a very short (flash) story. The phrase of course is meant to be cynical, but I don't know- it seems to me love is very easy and wonderful. It's the relationship you build once you're in love that takes some work. Not in the beginning of course, that's stars in the eyes time. Sunny skies and happy days. So, where does the cynicism come in?

I'm not trying to do a psychological analysis here. More a literary metaphor one might say. It's the cynicism that draws us to a sweet romance novel, the seeking for that perfect happy ending. The knowledge we all share that our love is not always the wonderful dream we might wish it to be. I have a book coming out about older lovers, in which a character says, "Love is like a blanket. It keeps you warm at night." The heroine, in the passion of her first love, is horrified to hear her friend would settle for that, but her friend, a woman of the world, has come to value the feeling with her new lover. The book is titled appropriately, "A Blanket for Her Heart."

When I tell people I write romance it's not uncommon to get a little bit of snob reaction, as if I were somehow inferior. Or crazy. That crazy bit may be because I'm a guy, but I know other authors get the snob reaction. My answer is always- why not write romance? Everybody loves a love story. Why not a happy ending?

That's a very simple answer, but love stories aren't always easy, whether you're living one or writing one. And, real life or fiction, it's the little things that make a difference. It's not quite the same in both cases though and the trick for a writer is knowing the difference. Novels deal in trials and tribulations leading to a happy ending when the hero and heroine fall in love. That's when real-life begins. Hmm- is that a basis for a story? Life and love after the happy ending?

     Romance novels aren't easy to write, despite the opinion of some literary critics. Yeah, some get published when they shouldn't-bad writing and all that. But the good ones, the ones by authors like Kristan Higgins and Jennifer Crusie, they are really special. I often wondered, as I learned to write, what made them so good. Don't tell anyone- I think I know. It's those little things again. How an author presents a character who struggles with issues of separation, commitment, or whatever is so important. The character should be both sympathetic and heroic - the trick is to get the balance right. Too much struggle and the character becomes depressing, not enough and she's superficial. Too heroic and she seems blasé or unbelievable, too wimpy and she's a dud. So, it's the little things that make a difference, just as in real love. A word here and a word there, a look, a touch, or a smile makes the magic sparkle.

A LITTLE BIT OF BLACKMAIL blurb

     When some creep plasters nude photos of Diane's kid sister on the internet, Diane plans a little revenge: seduce the guy until his clothes come off and take his picture. Then it's blackmail time. But has she targeted the wrong guy?

     Brian's no stranger to the wiles of beautiful women. Most want him for his money, but Diane has a different objective: to trash his reputation. Furious, Brian resolves to teach her a lesson… until he learns the truth and loses his heart to this daring woman. But to win her trust and convince her he's not the villain, he has to best her at her own game.

Excerpt:

CHAPTER 1

'"Hi beautiful. Waiting for somebody?"

She had watched him approach and wondered if he'd try to hit on her. He was a good-looking guy, with a smile that could light up the bar. Was he the right one though?

She sent him her best smile. "Sort of, but then again…"

"Ah, well, may I?" he asked, pointing to the empty chair across the table.

"Actually, that depends." He was tall and dark and handsome, but he had a bit of a beard. Not a bushy one, more like a country music singer's, small and close trimmed. That didn't quite fit Jessie's description, but he could have grown it in the last two weeks.

He grinned. "You’re waiting for someone special?"

She sighed. How many times had this happened? "I am sort of, but I haven't met him yet. I'm kind of on a blind date, you know?"

"That lets me out then," he said easily, "I'm nobody's blind date tonight."

"Oh, too bad. What’s your name?"

"Jason. But if your guy stands you up give a wave. I'll be around."

Diane smiled again, silently regretting her mission of the moment. He was cute. If only the timing were different. Not tonight, though. She watched him weave his way between the tables to join two other guys. Dumb—she could have gotten his phone number for future reference. Who was she kidding? Things never worked out easily for her, though if she could do this tonight she could probably make anything work.

The bar of the Hotel Lauren was crowded with people, the noise of conversation and clinking glasses almost drowning out the piano player in the corner. Diane let her eyes wander over the place again, taking in the warm wood paneling of the walls and the paintings that adorned them. Unusual decoration for a bar. Prints by Renoir, Matisse, and other Impressionists made the place look a little bit like an art museum. Somebody in charge liked fine art. Or else they were trying to impress.

The place was cozy though, more homey than anything else. The chairs were comfortable and candles glowed on the tables, but the room wasn't dark the way some bars were. Not that she hung out in bars a lot. Actually, she didn't care for them very much; which was probably why she almost never met any hot guys.

She tugged at the hem of her dress and pulled the strap up higher on her shoulder. Again. Why had she bought such a skimpy dress? The black sheath was tighter than her skin, way too short, and way too low in back. And in front. She'd never revealed so much cleavage in her life. But, if you were going to seduce a man, prim and proper wasn't likely to get you anywhere. Whatever, she was totally uncomfortable. Jessie better appreciate this someday.

Her sister's humiliation would end tonight—or maybe tomorrow—once the creep understood what she'd do to him.

That was if she found him, and could seduce him and get the pictures she needed without her boobs falling out of the stupid dress before she finished. And if she got away from him in one piece. Five foot seven if she stretched a bit, with long dark hair and hazel eyes, her one hundred and thirty-six pounds of woman would be no match for a big man who wanted to grab her. Strong and healthy she was, but if he tried to hurt her she might end up in serious trouble. Everything would be fine, though. She was going to help her little sister. On the other hand, she could wave to Mr. Jason Whoever and forget the whole thing.

She studied a new guy as he entered the bar. With his dark, thick hair, broad shoulders, and that fabulous chiseled chin, he was one good looking guy. No beard, clean-shaven; he fit Jessie's description of the creep to a T.

If only Jessie had come with her tonight. All she had to do was identify the guy. After that she could have ducked out and left the rest of the deal to Diane. But of course, Jessie was working nights again this week and neither of them could afford to give up a paycheck. And little sister wanted to forget the whole thing. Just turn her life upside down and let the creep humiliate her without even trying to fight back. Of course, if anyone but her big sister tried to help she might even listen. Jessie acted like such a rebellious teenager sometimes. Well, someday she’d grow up, hopefully, and in the meantime someone had to protect her.

Diane sighed. She'd already picked the wrong guy twice this evening. If she approached every guy in sight someone might take her for a hooker trying to heat up a little business. The bartender had already given her the eye. Apparently, the man took a serious interest in the posh reputation of the hotel. Hah. The creep she was looking for could give him an earful on that score.

This new guy looked like he knew his way around the place. He said something to the pretty young waitress and drew a laugh. Pleased with himself apparently, he smiled as he greeted Mr. Worrywart Bartender, who was setting a drink on the bar as if he'd expected the guy.

The creep lived in the hotel. The staff seemed to know Mr. Handsome, so that fit. He had to be Mr. Brian Smith. What a shame. A guy who looked like he did should be a dream. Not a pervert.

Trembling with excitement and more than a touch of fear, she downed a hefty gulp of wine and almost choked. Her throat was as tight as the stupid dress. Palms suddenly slippery with sweat, she set the wine down before she dropped the glass. If she were going to go through with this, it was time to move.

She gave one last tug at the dress. Abandoning the Chardonnay, she began to drift through the crowd, heading for the empty bar stool next to Mr. Creep.

"Is this taken?" she asked, struggling to keep her voice from breaking. Cool, Diane, the secret word is cool. You have to come across as sexy-sultry, not a ditzy drip.

Visit Bob at:

RC Bonitz
www.rcbonitz.com 

A LITTLE BIT OF BLACKMAIL - ebook

A BLANKET FOR HER HEART-  print

Buy links:

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=RC+Bonitz&x=0&y=0

Barnes and Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/RC-Bonitz?keyword=RC+Bonitz&store=book

Silver Publishing
https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/coming-soon-c-2/products_id/655