Monday, May 30, 2011

Cowboys? Randi Alexander's got 'em! A giveaway, too!

New Release and Book Giveaway!

Thank you for having me as a guest today. Like Cerise, I enjoy writing cowboy erotic romances, and I love reading them as well. But why do so many erotic romances feature cowboys?

We usually think of the physical characteristics of a cowboy first; the muscles and the hat, the boots and the strong jaw. Well worn jeans and eyes that could cut steel if he's riled up…or melt a heart when he's charming. A deep voice and an intimate drawl that sends skitters up a lady's spine. And then there are all the fun accessories a cowboy uses, like whips and ropes.

And that's all good and sexy, but there's more to the mystique. In my opinion, a cowboy is the strong, silent type who prefers to keep himself under control, emotionally and physically. He possesses an inherent virility that makes him the perfect romantic hero, and the perfect catch for a spunky heroine.

He's a gentleman, first and foremost, and protects what's his, and will even help protect what isn't his, if asked. A strong sense of right and wrong guides him in everything he does.

A cowboy needs patience and a firm hand to spend long hours riding herd on livestock, or training horses, or climbing on a rank bull for that eight second ride. And those traits come in handy when he's set his sights on seducing his woman. Patience, because he knows he'll get what he wants, no matter how long it takes and how much persuasion she requires. And a firm hand in the bedroom to assure her pleasure…as well as his own.

I hope I've captured the true essence of the cowboy in my hero, Chase, from my new release, Chase and Seduction Here's a blurb and an excerpt to give you a taste--or a nibble, as Cerise says.

Country music superstar/actor Chase Tanner has yet to be denied anything–and he’s never wanted anything or anyone more than gorgeous screenplay writer Reno Linden. So when the film they are working on is finally finished, Chase decides to turn up the volume on seducing Reno.

Reno Linden lived a quiet, rural life until she was thrust into the Hollywood scene when her book was adapted to film. Chase Tanner is larger than life, sinfully sexy and hell-bent on getting her into bed. Skittish after a failed wedding engagement, Reno risks the plunge into Chase’s arms, and is surprised that her good girl self can keep up with bad boy Chase.

Though Chase returns to his cowboy roots often, and Reno cherishes the time spent with him on his ranch, the two find their careers pulling them in different directions. Will their attraction survive the glitz and stress of fame?

EXCERPT: Over 18 only

“Woman! Don’t make me come after you!”

Reno straightened, showing him her profile. “You could never catch me, old man.”

“Old?” Chase leapt to his feet, and she jerked, dropping the flower. “I’ll show you old.” He stalked toward her.

She let out a shriek and bolted in the opposite direction, laughing crazily.

He took a hop, then ran hard and fast, and was upon her in seconds. Grabbing her around the waist, he lifted her off her feet. “There’s no getting away from me, Reno.”

She slapped at his hands. “Let me go, you evil letch.”

He released her, only to grab one wrist, bend and grab her opposite knee, and lift her over his shoulder in a fireman’s carry, her warm skin rubbing against his, kindling a fire in each nerve she touched.

She squealed and laughed. “Chase, you put me down.”

Dominating her this way sent a rush of desire through him, and her weight felt like a feather as he strode back to their blanket. Reaching up, he swatted her behind. “You hush now.”

Her indrawn breath was followed by a soft moan. Then she asked, “And if I don’t hush?”

To celebrate the release of Chase and Seduction, I'm giving away, to one lucky *commenter, an e-copy of my novella Her Cowboy Stud. Just leave a comment today and we'll choose a winner tomorrow. *Commenter must be 18 years of age or older to win.

I'm also giving away a cowgirl hat to one subscriber to my newsletter. For more details, and to sign up for this contest, please go to my website, RandiAlexander.com And while you're there, you can read the first chapter of Chase and Seduction.

Good luck, and thank you!

Randi

RandiAlexander.com

WildAndWickedCowboysBlog

Buy Chase and Seduction at The Wild Rose Press Wilder Roses

Sunday, May 29, 2011

What has reading romances taught our sons and daughters?

What have we taught our children about love and romance simply by having the books in the house?
I have a few thoughts on this and tomorrow (Monday) I post on http://www.saucyandsinfulreviews.com to show you how these discussions happened in our house!
Come over and read our family dialogue!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Lingerie! Oo, la la!


For a wonderful afternoon of gazing at divine lingerie on the internet, please do go to one of my favorite blogs of a store here in the States in Seattle. What is it? Belle Fleur. Go to http://bellefleurlingerie.blogspot.com and do subscribe for constant fun and great products.
Do also go to www.aubade.com and click through EVERY little tab. You will inspired with the delicious French offerings, fun to learn about this house established in 1875!
Happy viewing, buying and wearing.
There is nothing better than well-fitting, well-made luxurious lingerie!
Come back and tell us what you bought!

Saturday, May 21, 2011

HARD LOVIN'...don't you need some? Desiree Holt delivers!

Once again, my buddy Desiree Holt has a scrumptious one out on the "stands!"
Come read and buy over at EC!
Is not that cover slurpilicious?
I know. I know.
Summary: Erin Braddock, daughter of wealthy and powerful rancher Rance Braddock, has been to hell and back. So has wandering cowboy minstrel Grady Sinclair. But the moment they meet chemistry ignites between them, erasing everything else. The sex is scorching, explosive, addictive. They can’t get enough of each other. The same talented fingers that coax seductive music from his guitar coax powerful orgasms from her body. Seduced by his music as well as the sinfully sexy man himself, Erin runs away with him. Nights, she sits in the bar listening to his come-to-me voice promising her the erotic delights he delivers on when they’re back in their room. But will the past follow them or can they build a future together, in and out of bed?
AND NOW YOU NEED A NIBBLE, RIGHT?
(Copyright 2011, Desiree Holt)

Erin Braddock slipped into the dark bar through the back door, squinted against the darkness and found her way to a tiny booth in the corner. The area was so small a second person would be hard pressed to find room in the space but that suited her just fine. She hadn’t come here looking for company. Unless it was the cowboy up on the postage-stamp-sized stage, alone in the spotlight with his guitar and his smoky voice. Ebony black hair curled down to the nape of his neck and a work shirt and worn jeans clung to his lean body like a second skin. The muscles in his arm flexed as he picked at the strings of the guitar, coaxing a tune from it.

The lights were dim in the smoky club, a sea of black with only himself in the searing white glow of the spotlight. The air was heavy with expectation as he strummed the melody of a love song that whipped its sound over the crowd only to slow like the stroke of a lover’s caress.

You are so out of your mind for doing this.

So what else was new?

She’d just had to get out of the house. Away from the ranch. Away from…everyone.

Away from the houseful of people all gathered to celebrate a wedding tomorrow.

Hers.

A wedding she didn’t want.

The memories of the nightmare with Cal hadn’t yet faded and her father, the far-too-wealthy Rance Braddock was, if nothing else, like a tidal wave that swallowed people up. He was suffocating her with his protective kindness. And then there was T.J. Elliott, her father’s choice for a “safe” and well-connected husband. A way to guarantee her future. No danger there.

Not like Cal, the worst mistake she’d ever made. And she’d wanted safe. Needed it. Her father and T.J. treated her like some child too fragile to be let out on her own. Well, maybe she was. Look what she’d gotten herself into. And didn’t want to get out of, until she’d had no other choice. Now, at thirty, she suddenly didn’t seem to be able to put one foot in front of the other anymore.

Until now.

The bad part about being rescued from a situation like the one she’d been in was people were afraid to take their eyes off you. She didn’t even seem to have the strength to tell them they could look away. She went along to get along, letting herself be swept up in a courtship she didn’t want and a wedding suddenly bearing down on her like a tornado.

She’d come to the bar a few nights ago with her girlfriends who had practically dragged her out of the house.

“Have fun,” her father said.

“You’ll be fine with the girls,” T.J. told her. He’d kissed her on the cheek and teased, “Last night out before becoming Mrs. Elliott.”

She was safe with her friends. Girl’s night out was okay. Both her father and T.J. had relaxed.

But her friend Lili had whispered in her ear, “Wait until you see Grady Sinclair. He’s hot, hot, hot. And his music!” Lili rolled her eyes. “Just listening to him makes your pussy get wet and your nipples poke like diamonds.”

Erin had shivered, skeptical but hopeful. She didn’t think she’d ever have that reaction again. Or want it. The best thing about T.J. was he was nonthreatening. She could always fake orgasms. She’d become a very good actress living with Cal.

So she’d let them coax her out and come to Smoky’s with them and damn but Lili was right. Wrapped in the almost mystical cloak of the music that drifted to her from the stage she’d felt stirrings that she’d thought long dead. Responses she didn’t think she was capable of anymore. And then she’d come back with them. Again and again, to hear the troubadour with eyes an incredible blue and a rugged face, drawn by the clear, mesmerizing notes of his songs and the sadness in his voice.






Friday, May 20, 2011

TWO TOUGH HOMBRES gets Golden Words from Miz LOVE!


Over at http://mizlovelovesbooks.blogspot.com, they love TWO TOUGH HOMBRES.
Here are the words that thrill me:

I was touched by the depth of maleness that is Rico. He’s so…pwoar! So…MAN!

And the phrases the reviewer likes:

…when she was the pretty little blonde nerd who sang country and western with the soul of a wronged woman.

…dense as starless midnight…

Her heart seemed to beat even more quickly than his engine.

“…I’ll damn well brand you with it!”

She blessed his mouth with her admission.

And her summary:

"If you like a book where the hero is alpha, knows what he wants and goes all out to get it, plus the heroine getting what she’s always longed for when he takes more control than he has previously, then Two Tough Hombres is definitely for you. Rico leaps off the page and squirms into your heart, and the things he does and says have you squirming in other ways too!"

THANKS MIZ LOVE!!!!



TWO TOUGH HOMBRES gets Golden Words from Miz LOVE!


Over at http://mizlovelovesbooks.blogspot.com, they love TWO TOUGH HOMBRES.
Here are the words that thrill me:

I was touched by the depth of maleness that is Rico. He’s so…pwoar! So…MAN!

And the phrases the reviewer likes:

…when she was the pretty little blonde nerd who sang country and western with the soul of a wronged woman.

…dense as starless midnight…

Her heart seemed to beat even more quickly than his engine.

“…I’ll damn well brand you with it!”

She blessed his mouth with her admission.

And her summary:

"If you like a book where the hero is alpha, knows what he wants and goes all out to get it, plus the heroine getting what she’s always longed for when he takes more control than he has previously, then Two Tough Hombres is definitely for you. Rico leaps off the page and squirms into your heart, and the things he does and says have you squirming in other ways too!"

THANKS MIZ LOVE!!!!



Thursday, May 19, 2011

ONE TOUGH HOMBRE a good guy in a white hat, too!


MIZ LOVE got a double dose of my Texas Rangers' love and oh, be still my heart, she loves them both!
ONE TOUGH HOMBRE and previously posted here and there, TWO TOUGH HOMBRES!
I love how she picks out phrases that she adores.
Then tells you exactly why the book tickles her fancy!
Where is she?
What did she say about ONE TOUGH HOMBRE?
A few golden words:

"For me, this gave One Tough Hombre an edge because I could see him falling totally in love with her and that worry lingering in the back of his mind. Their unions are explosive, off-the-charts hot, and the Texas voice in Dane’s point of view is drool worthy. I loved his maleness, his alphaness, the whole wonderful package! I want a Dane of my own. One tough and sexy hombre.

Sentences she loved: He wore his Hard Ass Lone Ranger look.

His mouth was watering to taste all of her. To hell with the steaks.

And the rest of the review:

"With some lovely turns of phrase, some very Texas lines that make you feel as though you are there with them, One Tough Hombre is a great read that will have you thinking: Can love be bigger than any consequences? Can you ever cast aside the fear of what has gone before and love anyway? Is the risk worth it? Fabulous read! I love Ms DeLand's voice. She takes me away to another place, shows me things I've never seen, makes me feel things I've never felt. One of my favourite authors of Texas-based stories."

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

ONE TOUGH HOMBRE a good guy in a white hat, too!


MIZ LOVE got a double dose of my Texas Rangers' love and oh, be still my heart, she loves them both!
ONE TOUGH HOMBRE and previously posted here and there, TWO TOUGH HOMBRES!
I love how she picks out phrases that she adores.
Then tells you exactly why the book tickles her fancy!
Where is she?
What did she say about ONE TOUGH HOMBRE?
A few golden words:

"For me, this gave One Tough Hombre an edge because I could see him falling totally in love with her and that worry lingering in the back of his mind. Their unions are explosive, off-the-charts hot, and the Texas voice in Dane’s point of view is drool worthy. I loved his maleness, his alphaness, the whole wonderful package! I want a Dane of my own. One tough and sexy hombre.

Sentences she loved: He wore his Hard Ass Lone Ranger look.

His mouth was watering to taste all of her. To hell with the steaks.

And the rest of the review:

"With some lovely turns of phrase, some very Texas lines that make you feel as though you are there with them, One Tough Hombre is a great read that will have you thinking: Can love be bigger than any consequences? Can you ever cast aside the fear of what has gone before and love anyway? Is the risk worth it? Fabulous read! I love Ms DeLand's voice. She takes me away to another place, shows me things I've never seen, makes me feel things I've never felt. One of my favourite authors of Texas-based stories."

Monday, May 16, 2011

Contest to win bag of books, goodies

To celebrate my newest erotic Regency release, LADY VARNEY'S RISQUE BUSINESS over at www.resplendencepublishing.com, I am holding a contest to win a bag of books (mine and others'--all erotica!) and other goodies. Goodies include EC tote, EC playing cards, Wild Rose Press waterbottle, EC calendar, eye mask and more!
Rules?
There are rules:
1. Write and tell us all please why you prefer contemporaries or historicals as erotica to straight romance in contemp or historical period!
Also tell us the title of the book you have RECENTLY READ that you ADORE!
2. Post on this blog here as a Comment
3. Do it between Monday, 5.16.11 at 12:01 Midnight EDST and Tuesday at 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Savings Time!
4. Leave your email address so that I can notify you of the win!
I will pick a winner later on Tuesday 5.17.11, email you (and ask for your snail mail address)!
And in the meantime, hope you like funny, endearing parlour stories which is exactly what LADY VARNEY'S RISQUE BUSINESS is!
You see, Kitty Varney is a widow who has opened a very unique business. Her late husband's creditors demand payment and she had to find a way, didn't she, to pay them? But a discreet way. Little did she expect that the one man she had always loved would come to take advantage of her offerings. Your job, Dear Reader, is to see if she permits him to do such a thing.
And will the ton discover them?
Kitty, brave woman, fervently hopes NOT.
Ciao!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

LADY VARNEY'S RISQUE BUSINESS or What's a lonely widow to do with all her time and her...ambitions for the future?

LADY VARNEY'S RISQUE BUSINESS debuts today over at www.resplendencepublishing.com and I am thrilled about it.
My previously pubbed Regency eroticas have all been in the Top 5 Best sellers on 3 different sites. Hope you will read this and be tempted to read the others and see why.
Here's a nibble of my story about a widow who decides to open a match-making business and gets caught in her own snare by the man she once loved and could not have.
Copyright 2011, Cerise Deland. All rights reserved.

“Your list limits me severely,” Kitty objected to his outrageous list of qualifications.

“I am aware of that.” Justin remained cool, indifferent, unchallenged at all.

“There are few women who possess all the qualifications,” she objected

He rose and came to stand before her.

So close now, she breathed his cologne. Smelled the mint on his breath. Admired the dimple in his left cheek and the facets of green and brown in his large heavylidded eyes. “In fact, there are only three women who meet all of your requirements.”

“Ah. But wait, you have not heard them all.”

“No? Preposterous! There is a very small pool of possible candidates, Justin. To add more requirements would be burdensome—”

“But my fortune will be very large. My homes, here and in the country, are grand estates. I will be married to this woman for many decades, and I need the best companion possible.” He frowned, very determined looking. “I have the right to declare to whom I shall be joined!”

“Precisely so, my lord, but we must be prudent.”

“You be prudent! I shall be as I am!”

His virulence shocked her.

“Your fees are high. I shall have whom I want! Who is best suited to me.” He strode closer and seized her arms, his powerful body dwarfing hers. Once his might had been comforting, but now, full of fury, his size made her wince. She had been intimidated by her husband far too often and she would not be by any man ever again.

She stiffened her spine. “Tell me your other requirements.”

“She must spend twenty-four hours with me at Belmont Manor.”

“Oh, I see.” She let out a breath, relieved. “You want her to visit.”

“No, I want her in my bed.”

Kitty blinked. “I...I’m sorry. You want her--?”

“Naked. I want to learn if she likes men. Me, to be exact.”

“I see.” Women do like you, from what I hear. One mistress in particular who boasts of your prowess in the art of pleasing a woman. “Why wouldn’t she?

“I need to learn if she is a dry piece of toast. Or a willing woman who likes a man’s touch. If she’ll be a desirable partner.”

“Most women are.”

Really? You think so?” With a sound of derision, he spun away and walked toward the window. “I have learned that women in English society tend to be naïve and foolish. Certainly the ones who have been shoved at me as appropriate are witless ninnies, reared in tiny rooms by smaller-minded governesses. I want a woman in my bed, a full blown beauty with brains.”

“I see.” Did you also think me witless? A ninny?

“Can you find one?” He peered at her with narrowed, merciless eyes.

She felt undressed from so far across the room, but she lifted her chin and carried on in a snit. “Indeed, I can, my lord. To fit your qualifications, I have two candidates.”

“Two. Damn me! So many!” he scoffed—and his expression implied he was surprised at her capabilities. Odd. He ought to be damn pleased. “I am delighted at your resourcefulness, Lady Varney. I wish to interview each of them, naturally. At my home in Kent.”

“First, I shall inquire if each is interested and accepts your terms.”

He waved a hand. “Of course. Do it within the week. I need to know quickly. My uncle is not well and he wishes this matter of my marriage resolved before he sheds his mortal coil.”

Kitty frowned. Had she been wrong all these years to remember Justin as kind and caring? Had she varnished him with a romantic veneer of her own making?


He strolled closer. His magnetic allure nearly buckled her knees. But she stood taller, met him toe to toe, damn his eyes!

“And who are these women you have chosen for me?”

She gathered her courage. “Maribella Winter, Baroness Avon. And Susanna Curtis, Marchioness Hamill.”

“But to be honest, there is one more. Is there not, madam?”

“A third? No, none that I—”

“What of the illustrious blonde beauty who travels in the best of Society? What of the widow who has a son by her deceased husband? What of the heiress who holds through her own ancestry the ancient title of Lady Downey?”

Kitty caught her breath at the mention of her own ancient title. “She is not available.” Not rich. “Not suitable.”

“I say she is.”

She stared at him, tempted and hating herself for it. “She is older.” Wiser than to do this.

“She will be presented to me at Belmont Manor.”

She shook her head. “No.”

“I triple my fee.”

“Triple?” she parroted like a simpleton.

“One sum of five thousand pounds for each candidate.”

She could not refuse him. Not that sum. That amount would nearly free her of Henry’s gambling debts and give her enough to buy a few new frocks for next Season. The ability to hire a governess for her son. “Justin, fifteen thousand pounds is a startling sum. But I cannot take it. Cannot ask three women to rendezvous with you. Really, how could I? I want to, but I cannot because--”

“Kitty! Stop this!” Justin stepped toward her so quickly, she scarcely noticed that he’d moved. But his arms crushed her close. His fingers lifted her chin. His lips took hers. Once, twice. Damn him, three times. Her own arms twined around him. She whimpered and moaned into his mouth while her breasts beaded and her nether regions flooded with a wet hot desire. She had not felt so gloriously wanton since last she stood in his embrace.

“Oh, you’ll take it. Look at me,” he demanded. “Tell me who the third candidate is.”

She stared up at him, the devil. He had planned it this way. Devised this scheme to torture her, punish her for how she had not fought to stay with him eleven years ago. Poor man, he believed the ton. Thought she was rich. But he’d get no wife in her, only a lover. For one day and night. One risqué affair. “The last woman is me.”

Saturday, May 7, 2011

CYBER LAUNCH PARTY for ME AND MR. JONES today!


Celebrating today for ME AND MR. JONES! Come post and enter to win one of my backlist titles!
WHERE?
Lots of readers want to know who Mr. Jones really is.
Why their annual rendezvous is early this year.
And how it will all be resolved.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Nibble on PAMPERING JESSICA by Tessie Bradford!!!

Welcome to my buddy, Tessie Bradford whose new book is a scorcher! And she has given you a nibble. Onward!

Pampering Jessica is my seventh book and is available now from Resplendence Publishing. http://www.resplendencepublishing.com/m8/295-200-101-451-3--pampering-jessica-by-tessie-bradford.html

The story takes place over the weekend of Jessica’s fiftieth birthday, a milestone she’s having a bit of trouble coming to terms with. David, her husband of almost twenty five years, makes it his mission to remind her how much he loves and appreciates her and their life together.

I wrote this book in twenty one, very intense days. It was a personal gift from me to me! My goal was to celebrate the erotic romance goodness to be had between us married, more mature folk!

Pampering Jessica

Copyright: Tessie Bradford, 2011

“This has been great David—the movie, dinner, everything.”

“You make it sound like our evening is over.” He collected their dishes. “Stay here while I put these in the sink.” David had to make a conscious effort not to jump up and run to the kitchen. He settled for moving really fast. “Are you ready for your first present, Jessica?” he asked when he returned.

“First? There’s more than one? Yes, please!” She clapped and giggled.

David took both her hands and helped her up off the couch, using just enough strength to cause her to lean against him. He tilted her chin upward and kissed her, hard and long. Jesse moaned when he made certain she felt how aroused he was. “To the bedroom,” he ordered after ending the kiss. Still holding her tightly, he felt her heart rate increase.

“It’s going to be difficult to get there in this position.”

“Good point.”

David easily swept her up into his arms and carried her to the master suite. They’d worked with an architect to design the house. He’d been in charge of construction and she’d been in charge of interior decorating. One of her many talents was having an impeccable sense of style. The entire home was welcoming and comfortable, but his favorite room was their bedroom. She achieved a perfect blend of masculine and feminine elements. The furniture was cherry wood, stained a deep rich brown with brass hardware. The thick comforter and various sized pillows on the king size four poster bed ranged in color from light to slate grey. She’d chosen paintings with complimentary themes of ocean, beaches, and boats. Plush area rugs were artfully placed on the hardwood floor.

David slid her down his body until her toes barely touched the ground. Jesse held on tightly around his neck. He supported her with his hands cupping her naked butt cheeks. Her full breasts were crushed against his chest, her nipples poking him. He shimmied her across his cock and groaned loudly when Jesse lifted her legs to rest on his hips. Spread open, her wet heat seared through his sweats. She raked her fingernails across his shoulders, sending a shiver down his back, straight to his balls.

“So hot,” he murmured, backing up toward the bed. “I’ve got some nasty ideas in my head right now. Are you ready to play with me, Jessica?"

Ready? Jesse was fighting to keep from coming before they got to the bed! She might not be clear on exactly what he had in mind, but she knew the signs when her husband was in the mood to be masterful. She drew shallow breaths as he set her gently on the mattress, next to a metallic gold gift bag. She looked from it to him, waiting for his direction.

“Good girl. I was hoping it hadn’t been so long that I’d have to refresh you about the rules.”

“I hear it’s like riding a bike, you know, once you learn…” She let her voice trail off.

“Maybe your ass should be warmed before gift opening?”

“Whatever you think is best, David,” she said with humility while staring boldly at him. They had a number of sexual games in their repertoire, but this was by far her favorite. It was incredibly freeing for her to give up control, trust her man to lead her to the heights of pleasure. She just couldn’t give in too easily; where would the fun be in that?

“I think you want it too much at the moment.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “Show me what’s in the bag, Jesse.”

Tessie

www.tessiebradford.com

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

LAWMAN out today by Regina Carlysle, my buddy!


Yum Yum. Got to have some.
Out today at EC! Go get it.
Summary: In the deep of night she longs for him. Mate, lycan, lover. Her lawman. As Katalin Petrova struggles to control her wild and untamed “gift”, she yearns for the only man who can make her whole. His every touch burns her, searing her with unimaginable pleasure. Only her strong, protective lover can tame the wild yearnings of her body and help her claim the power of her ancestors.

While Gabriel Dunham, lycan lieutenant of the Wolf Creek Pack, watches over his intended mate, his patience to claim her nears an end as savage need burns his body. Consumed by unbridled lust for his mate, he claims her, takes her, hoping it will be enough to protect her from unseen forces determined to rip her from his arms.


And now you need a nibble, right?

Excerpt: (Copyright 2011 Regina Carlysle)

Though it was mid-afternoon weariness settled over Sheriff Gabriel Dunham like a shroud and he had only a serious lack of sleep to blame. Nights spent in his truck while watching over Katalin, his intended mate, had taken their toll on him. Every night, he stared toward her small, secluded house where a warm bed and a beautiful woman waited for him. But he was no fool. He didn’t dare go inside. Taking her now, making her his wasn’t an option at the moment.

She was too fragile, much too delicate and Gabe simply wasn’t strong enough to hold back from his determined need to stake his claim on her.

Kat needed more from him now than hot, frantic sex.

After all she’d been through, Katalin needed safety and he wasn’t quite sure that he could deliver considering the raw, savage need that clawed through his belly. It was like a prairie fire gone wild, alarming in its intensity.

Protecting others was in his nature and he’d face death rather than hurt her.

A lawman who’d lived more than two hundred years on this earth, he’d worked the docks in the great ports of St. Louis during American expansion to the west and then later, he’d followed covered wagons filled with hopeful adventurers. In those days, he’d been a lycan in search of a pack, a place and a people to call his own. He’d settled in rough, rowdy towns throughout the savage west selling his skills with a gun, sometimes in the name of law and order and sometimes not. Many had been the time Gabriel Dunham had accepted the job as “protector”, a bodyguard to the rich and powerful. That he was a giant of a man who stood well over six foot seven and appeared as intimidating as hell had kept him employed throughout the west during the many years of his life.

Gabe leaned back in the chair at his scarred desk and propped his booted feet atop it, crossing them at the ankle. His eyes burned like hellfire and he needed sleep in the worst way. Burning the candle at both ends wore at him.

As always, in quiet moments, he thought of Katalin Petrova.

Through the past centuries, he’d hoped and prayed for a mate, the woman destined to belong to him alone and he’d pretty much given up on ever finding her. But now, through an act of fate, she was here, a beautiful female who was too damn delicate to touch.

Breakable.

She’d just taken a job at the library at Cloverfield High School. The school year was brand new and suddenly the local streets were quiet since every teen lycan in town was currently parked at the school instead of dragging main or partying out by the lake as kids were known to do. He knew that after her ordeal over the summer she was making baby steps toward re-entering society. Dr. Santos, a lycan psychiatrist from Dallas, had suggested this job would be a good thing for her so Katalin had bravely forged ahead with things.

Was she thinking of him as he thought of her, a quiet obsession born of desperation burning just below the surface of her skin? Scrubbing his palms over his face, Gabe finally closed his eyes and let her image swim to the surface of his mind. Damn but his mate was a pretty woman. The ache of his need wasn’t a sudden thing but a perpetual burning in his gut, a need to claim her, fuck her, and make her his.

For life.

Sighing deeply, the sound of the air conditioner a low hum in the room, he let himself drift off as memories of his first moments with her sifted through his brain and sleep took him away.

“I’ve got you now, Katalin. You’re safe.” Sitting at the side of her bed as shadows surrounded them, Gabe reached out his hand to brush back a pale reddish curl from her forehead. Someone had once told him this particular color was strawberry blonde but it sure looked like a Texas sunset to him. Katalin Petrova’s exotically tilted blue eyes looked back vacantly but he sensed the current of emotion that raced through her veins. Letting his mind meld with hers, he absorbed her desolation into his pores. A huge vast emptiness, fear, rage, guilt.

Guilt?

What the fuck? Why?

That he felt her emotions, even buried as deeply as they were, was no surprise to him. This was the way of mated couples. Instant recognition had swept him from the first moment he’d clapped eyes on her. “You don’t have to worry about anything now. Not even talking, honey. I know you can’t right now but that’s all right. Do you hear me? You are going to be fine and nothing is gonna pry my ass from your side. Do you believe me?”

Katalin blinked.