The Twilight Zone – no I’m not talking about sparkly vampires, but the original black and white T.V. show Twilight Zone, with its eerie theme music. Those episodes sparked fear in this young girl’s heart at the time, but every week you’d find my butt planted on the floor in front of our T.V. waiting for the show.

Rod Serling’s clever, masterful endings, with their extra little twist of noir humor, delighted and horrified the viewers in the final seconds.  I waited, drooled for those endings and dreamed of writing like him, well after the nightmares passed. Today I still don’t trust dolls which talk and walk. I also check walls for soft spots for portals to other dimensions.

Many of Mr. Serling’s episodes were commentaries on themes of racism, government, war, society, and how humans treated each other. One the last subject, that springs to mind, “The Invaders” (broadcast 27 January 1961) with actress Agnes Moorhead playing a woman whose isolated farm is plagued by mysterious intruders. The “invaders” it turns out are U.S. astronauts who have landed on another planet, or in other words, “We have seen the enemy and they are us.”

Remember Burgess Meredith, the librarian who wished for peace, quiet, and the time to read his beloved books? A wonderful tale of “be careful what you wish for”, Burgess’ character finds out when his dream comes true after a worldwide disaster wipes out humans. Then his only pair of eye glasses are shattered rendering him virtually blind.

It taught me to observe the world around me in a different slant, be careful for what you wish for, and that life doesn’t all ways turn out the way you plan, in most cases it works out better.

Description

Leo Shepard has few regrets, but leaving his wife Symmone to pursue his career was a catastrophic mistake. Now that he’s achieved his every dream and is about to make partner at Greene and David Architects, he lacks one thing, a wife. But Leo doesn’t want just any wife; he wants the woman he left behind.

From the moment she laid eyes on Leo, Symmone knew she would have her happily ever after. The last thing she expected was a divorce and a broken heart. Devastated by the end of her marriage, she has no choice but to quit school and pick up the pieces of her life.

Working two jobs to support herself and her children, Symmone has little room in her life for romance and even less for her pulsating attraction to her ex-husband. When Leo strolls into the cafe where she works, bent on reconciliation, the chemistry between them is more powerful than ever. Yet she won’t give in to his soft words and expensive gifts. More than just her heart is at stake, her children are, as well.

…read excerpt

Read the excerpt, answer the questions in the comments section for a chance to win a copy of this amazing book!

Aliyah Burke, If You Dare

Kathryn trekked down the hall, a stack of briefs in her hand, heels clicking with each step until she reached her office. Her assistant, Meghan Hollister, gave her a smile and reached out with a stack of messages, which she snagged on the way by.

Setting her items on her desk, she smoothed her hands down her suit and rolled her shoulders. She’d been back from her vacation for about a week now and could still recall with vivid detail every moment she’d spent with Justin Kapp. They’d barely left the privacy of her room all the way through Canada and back to Seattle.

Not that she had any complaints. Well, just one really. It had to end. Even now, her body began to tingle with pleasure at the thought of him and his heated caresses.

Get it together. You have clients left this afternoon.

So she sat her ass down and got to work. She met with clients and answered some calls she needed to handle.

“Ten minutes before you need to go for court, Kathryn,” Meghan reminded her, sticking her head in the open doorway.

“Thanks.”

“There is a woman here who would like to talk to you. Do you have time now, or would you like me to set her up with an appointment?”

“Now is fine. I’ll keep it brief.” She hurriedly signed the paper before her and closed the file just as her doorway was filled with a woman who looked totally distraught.

She rose from her seat and walked around the desk. “Come in, please, and sit down.”

The woman was thin. Kathryn bet she barely weighed a buck-five soaking wet. Her face was pale and sunken in. Her hair sat gathered at the base of her neck in a haphazard clip. Still, Kathryn bet she was a beautiful woman when she didn’t look so distraught.

“What can I do for you…” She paused waiting for a name to be supplied.

“Ellie.”

She gave a small smile. “Ellie. What is it I can do for you?”

“I need to hire you.”

Kathryn sat there silent waiting for her to continue. When the sniffling began again, she got up and grabbed a box of tissues off a side table, handing them to her.

“Thank you. My husband is trying to take everything.” A shuddering sigh. “He says I broke the prenup, but I didn’t. So now he wants it all.”

“Okay. Can you come back tomorrow, say around,” she rose and flipped through her schedule, “ten in the morning? I hate to do this to you but I have to get to court.”

Her lower jaw trembled as she nodded. Ellie got to her feet, wadded tissues in hand and hugged her. “Thank you.”

Kathryn patted her on the back and gave her a smile before shouldering her purse and grabbing her briefcase. On the way out she gave the information to Meghan who set up the appointment with her.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Ellie,” she said, turning to head for the elevators.

Waiting for the car to arrive, she looked over her shoulder and watched as Ellie went easily into the arms of a tall man. When he lifted his head, her heart caught in her throat. Justin Kapp. She observed the recognition that filtered into his own gaze, and he took a step toward her just as the doors slid open. Grateful for the escape, Kathryn stepped back and quickly pressed the Close Door button and headed for the ground floor.

Was he her boyfriend? Is that why she needed her help? Her stomach soured even though she repeatedly told herself, she had no claim over Justin. What they had was on the train and cruise. Nothing more. Didn’t stop her body from reacting that was for sure.

Doesn’t matter, I still want to kill her for touching him. The doors opened and she headed for her car. She hated the fact she may have been played and that anger fed her as she hastened inside the courthouse to meet her client.

* * * *

Justin slipped in the back and sat in the last row. Seeing Kathryn had been one hell of a shock. And one he’d not been prepared for. Even now, he wasn’t sure he was. But to find out she was his sister’s attorney had been an even bigger one.

He knew Kate was a lawyer; she had never been any more specific than that. And this Ms. Maynard had come very highly recommended. So he’d gone with his baby sister to the law offices of Bellum, Maynard, & Roche.

Not only was Kate a divorce lawyer but she had her name on the company as one of the partners. So he told Ellie he had something he needed to do and she went back to his hotel, since he didn’t want her at home alone and he headed to the courthouse. After locating where she was, he slipped in the back.

And that was where he remained. Kate wore a dark blue skirt suit. A tailored jacket over a white shirt and a tight pencil skirt that stopped above her knees. All of it screamed business, especially combined with her hair drawn back in a severe bun. She wore some killer shoes with high heels. And yet all he could think about was bending her over the table, lifting her skirt, and shoving his cock so far into her he could feel her heartbeat. Pound her hard, have her scream his name as her back arched.

He took a deep shuddering breath and listened to her lambaste the woman on the stand. As he kept her in sight, he began to understand why she’d come so highly recommended. Hell, she could break some of the guys he had collared and they usually wouldn’t say anything. Her client was a man and she fought hard for him, raking the woman over the coals, not even letting up when the witness began to cry. In fact, Kathryn became almost disdainful of her.

“I have no further questions for this witness.”

She whirled around and he took some perverse pleasure in seeing her eyes widen slightly when she caught sight of him. Then she coolly sat back down and returned her attention to the judge.

The wife’s attorney continued to bring up points of why his client was in the right. Points that Kathryn succinctly and effectively shattered as if they were crafted from spun glass and she wielded a hammer.

“We’ll recess for the day and pick this back up at nine Monday morning.” The gavel fell with a decisive bang and everyone began to filter out.

The wife, or soon to be ex-wife, stopped and began to rail at Kathryn’s client. He could see the man wanted to respond but a single glance from his attorney was all it took for him to fall silent.

“I suggest you get your client under control, Daniel,” Kathryn said in a concise and cold voice, standing between the couple going through the divorce.

“You filthy bitch,” the wife raged. “You’re only doing this because you’re sleeping with him. He’s a dog, and he won’t see one red cent.”

Justin could see the husband wanted to say something but it was like Kathryn sensed it and stopped him again with a slight shake of her head. Damn she’s good.

“Have a good weekend, Daniel. See you on Monday. Let’s go, Liam.”

Standing, Justin waited for her to pass him; her eyes flickered over him dismissively before she followed her client out of the courtroom. He frowned and went after her. She stood off to the left deep in discussion with the man she’d called Liam.

With a hunger deep in his soul for her, Justin ran his gaze up and over her again. His cock throbbed in his pants and he swallowed hard before moving to stand beside the door, out of the way of traffic, and waited for her to finish.

She retained her hold on her items as she spoke, never once touching the man, but he could see she offered him some comfort. Once they finished, Liam walked off in the other direction, and she turned her attention to him. From where he stood, Justin could see her take a deep breath before approaching.

Her steps were quick and beat out a staccato as she neared. He stared down at her, thrilled to be in her presence again. She’d been on his mind more than once since their train docked in Seattle.

It didn’t matter how many times he told himself it had just been a fling, she’d stuck with him. To hell with it not being personal. All that had gone straight to hell with a one-way ticket. He couldn’t forget how she felt in his arms, how explosive her responses to him were in the bed, or against the nearest surface. More than once he’d debated looking her up and tracking her down. Never before had a woman had such an impact on him in such a short time.

And here she is again. Flesh and blood before me, no longer confined to merely memories and wet dreams.

“Hello, Kate.”

Was it his imagination of did a slight shiver overtake her body at his greeting? This was good, definitely good, for it meant she wasn’t as immune to him as her composed facade was trying to tell him.

“Mr. Kapp.” Her brown eyes traveled over him, and she couldn’t hide the flair of appreciation.

“Justin.” There was no way he was going to let her go all formal on him. Not a chance in hell. Especially after what they shared on both the ship and train.

“Is there something I can do for you, Mr. Kapp?”

A growl of anger grew from the pit of his stomach. This was how she wanted to play it? Act like he was some other fool who worked here and may be intimidated by her presence.

“I was the one standing here, you came over to me. So maybe I should be the one asking that question.”

A glint entered her eyes, hardening them to diamonds. He could see she wanted to say something back but somehow she restrained herself. “My mistake.” She walked right past him and headed toward the stairs.

Justin was mesmerized by her hips until she vanished from view. Then he swore and hastened after her.

http://whispershome.com/romance/contemporary/if-you-dare/

1) What is the name of the law firm Kate is a partner at?

2) Who is Kate’s assistant?

3) Who is the woman Justin is with when Kate sees him again?

If you’ve ever wondered what my opinion is in the great Coke/Pepsi debate wonder no more. I am a Coke drinker…Hands down. The flavor is wonderful and if when chilled it’s amazing!

Here’s my take on the great Coke/Pepsi debate.

Pepsi is sweeter and not as strong. It’s super bubbly and goes flat faster and will do in a pinch. For example. Coke changed it’s formula in the 1980’s and the stuff was undrinkable. Thirsty cola drinkers had to find an alternative and Pepsi was the only suitable choice.

Coke is stronger, not as sweet and has a hint of citrus. Ever since that snafu, (Coke, I forgive you the momentarily lapse of judgment) The company returned to its classic formula. Hence the name Coca-Cola Classic.

Just a brief history of the favored drink. Coca-Cola was invented by Atlanta pharmacist, John Pemberton. He walked a few doors to Jacobs’ Pharmacy, where they added carbonated water and eventually sold for five cents a glass.

That sexy white script on the front of every bottle, that’s courtesy of Pemberton’s bookkeeper Frank Robinson.

Also the original formula contained trace amounts of cocaine. Yeah they were purists back then. As much as 1/400 of a grain of coke per ounce of syrup back then. But keep in mind Coca-Cola was used as medicine and when it became known that there were health risks involved with coke, the company worked diligently to remove it.
Coke didn’t become completely cocaine free until 1929. (Awwww) Caffeine was then used to give the drink its kick.

So the ultimate way to enjoy Coca-Cola, chill in the freezer for two to three hours. You wanna catch the soda, just before it slushes over usually about two hours. Grab your favorite junk food snack, in my case plain Lays potato chips and a bag of peanut M & M’s and get your smile on.

When I go to Atlanta this summer. I’m touring the museum. Hey can you name any of the slogans Coke has used over the years or even some of your favorite ads. Be sure to share for a chance to win.

Website: http://wlynnchantale.com

Blog: http://wlynnchantale-decadentdecisions.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/wlynnchantale

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/W.LynnChantaleAuthor

Until next time, Indulge Your Inner Romantic

“What treasures are in those caves? I assume ye have explored each dark tunnel since ye seem to know your way around.” He sat quiet for a moment, and then gulped his ale.
No cider for such a man, she thought as he licked foam from his lips.

I wanted to explain my use of a historically accurate beverage to give my readers a sense of 1592 Scotland. The ancients Scots have been home-brewing beer and ale for over 2,000 years. How do I know? Research. I interviewed a local brewer, toured a micro brewery, and thumbed through several books. The internet has a vast array of information and I discovered that carting barrels of ale along on a hunting trip via a boat was not out of the ordinary. That my hero, Draco, lived in a cave filled with barrels of cider and ale was believable. The use of the sense of taste can heighten attraction between characters, like in this excerpt:

He tasted her. Sweet apple cider and honey. Her flavor nourished him unlike his forgotten dinner or his half-drunk ale. He sucked her tongue into his mouth. She whimpered with the feminine angst of a long-denied innocent.

Having my heroine serve the men who spend the day hunting on a small island gave me the need to decide what she would serve them. Ale was the natural choice. What is ale? Ale is a type of beer that can be broken down into two broad categories called ales and lagers. Ale is created by using top-fermenting yeasts and lagers use bottom-fermenting yeasts. The Scots made use of what they could find growing wild in a harsh climate. They used bittering herbs, bushes, and flowers. The heather plant is a common Scottish plant so its tips were widely used to add an aromatic flavor to home brew. A deciduous shrub called sweet gale can be found growing amid Scottish moors and bogs and was used to flavor beer before the use of hops. As sweet as these flavors sound, some people are repulsed by the scent of ale, as was my heroine when one of the hunters got too close in this excerpt:

Ranald’s low, gravelly voice filled her mouth with a bitter taste. The stench of strong ale flooded his breath and assaulted her nose while his dirty fingernails dug into her uncovered flesh.

Ale and beer has long been advertised as a manly beverage. Right or wrong, the creation of light beers, low-calorie ales, and non-alcoholic beer has risen to fill the needs of younger generations of both men and women. May 6th is National Beverage Day. So grab up a glass of whatever makes your taste buds dance, and drink up! Don’t forget to enter my contest (below)

DRAGON’S CURSE
BOOK BLURB

Sometimes a special gift and an unwanted curse cannot keep destined lovers apart.
Brianna Macleod has accompanied a shipload of her guardian’s friends to a remote island off the coast of Scotland. She eludes these Highland hunters to keep her innocence…and her gift of sight. Her attitude against falling for womanly desires changes when she nearly drowns. Saved by the talons of a terrifying winged beast, she awakens—naked—in a cave, beside an unusual man.

Cursed by a vengeful witch to transform into a dragon at inopportune times, Draco MacDonald hides on this deserted island to live alone: until he plucks a servant girl from certain death. Fueled by jealousy, and tempered by fear for her safety, he succumbs to an unfamiliar desire to mate. Her kisses propel him to dare to make her his own.

Set in 1592 Scotland on the Scottish island of Staffa, the cursed hero battles a ghostly witch, a hunter set on rape, and his own growing desire for a young woman with premonitions of his death.

Dragon’s Curse Buy Link: http://whispershome.com/romance/dragons-curse/

WIN a pdf copy of Dragon’s Curse by answering this question in the comment box: What is your favorite beverage? One comment will be chosen as the winner, so please include your e-mail.

Nancy Lee Badger, author
Twitter me @NLBadger
website: www.nancyleebadger.com
Blog: www.RescuingRomance.nancyleebadger.com

Description

Dach loves Lorac; Lorac loves Dach. So why did she marry someone else? In retrospect, Dach understands perfectly why she chose Ferencer over him, the Whore King of Tellene: he was an asshole. Five years on Earth, fighting slavers and saving children, has changed him, but will Lorac see it when he finally makes it home? If he makes it home…

…read excerpt

What tricks does Zelda use to discourage Derek?

Find the answer at:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13517188-i-hear-voices

Who is Freddy Crystal?

Find the answer at:

http://www.goodreads.com/story/show/261645-i-hear-voices

What did Granny Annabel warn Zelda about?

Find the answer at: www.gailkoger.com

Send your answers to gkoger58@q.com. The contest ends May 31st.

Good luck!

Gail

The Right to Love questions/excerpt/info

Aliyah Burke, The Right to Love

     The anger morphed into heated passion. His eyes smoldered as he trailed them up over her exposed body, lingering on her breasts. They tightened under his blatant stare. Her pulse quickened, and she could feel the rub of her pebbled nipples against the fabric of her bra with each breath she took.

“Trust me, Tiffie. I’m well aware you’re a grown woman.”

“The name is Tiffany.”

He popped a piece of pear in his mouth. A slow languid blink followed. “So it’s just Tiffie in the bedroom?”

Her pussy clenched, and she grew wet. Pouring ice in her voice she said, “Yes, that’s exactly it. All the guys I sleep with I tell them to call me Tiffie.”

He ground his jaw, and there was a tic in it as well. She hid her smirk. It truly didn’t take much to rile him.

Not so fun to play this game is it? “That what you wanted to hear?”

“No, damn it!” He dropped the knife and was at her side so fast she wondered if he hadn’t perhaps cleared the island. “Eight years, Tiffie. Eight fucking years. I thought I had moved past losing you. I haven’t. Is that what you want to hear? Damn you. I loved you!”

Loved. Past. Had at one point. Yet no longer. Something inside her broke. She’d not moved past him either.

“I know,” she said, not struggling against the iron clasp he had on her upper arms.

His entire visage relaxed. He stared at her for a short while before releasing his hold on her. Seconds passed with them staring at one another. The deluge with its wind, thunder, and lightning accompaniment provided the background noise.

The air between them crackled with burgeoning energy. She turned and went back to chopping fruit. His intense gaze could be felt for a bit longer until he returned to the pear he’d cut.

She glanced at him and found his attention on the countertop. The part of her which still loved him wanted to forget the salad and run into his arms. Let him take her back to the bedroom and reawaken that part of her which had been ignored far too long.

Hell, even right here would be fine. It wouldn’t be the first time they’d made love in a kitchen. Including this one. Another wave of desire crashed into her. If only he… Another door to slam on wayward thoughts. Which she did.

“How are your parents?” She reached for the colander of freshly washed grapes.

“Both are well.”

“Pops still working?” His father had always told her to call him Pops, and the word rolled so naturally off her tongue.

“He is. Mom figures he’ll die in the precinct since he refuses to retire.”

She smiled, albeit a bit sadly. Carmine Mason Sr. was a detective and had been for years. He was a good man. “Guess it runs in the family.”

He lifted his gaze to her. “Reckon so.”

Desperate to get on a different subject, she set the knife down and washed her hands. “You’re dripping all over my floor, Jesse. Go strip and dry off. We’ll throw your clothes in the dryer. I don’t need you sick.”

His lips quirked. “Yes, ma’am.” He strode away, and she watched every swaggering step until he vanished from view.

I’m in so much trouble.

Five minutes later, she waited outside the bathroom when the door opened. Her breath caught in her throat. She thought she’d be ready. As she stared at him, Tiffany realized she had never been so wrong.”

Jesse stood there, wadded wet clothes in one hand, partially obscuring his bronzed chest, clad in naught but a dark green towel. She dropped her gaze to his crotch and licked her lips.

He chuckled, deep and low. She jerked her eyes up to meet his amused gaze.

“You want me naked, honey, all you have to do is ask. You know I am always ready to…” His eyes burned her. “…make you scream in pleasure.”

With a grunt which hid her own personal desire, she held out a hand. “Gimmie your clothes. The sooner they’re dry, the sooner I can kick your ass out.”

Jesse didn’t seem the least bit offended by her tone or words. He passed along the pile, and she stalked to the laundry room. Once there, she shoved his clothes in the dryer. Rotating, she found Jesse immediately behind her. The ends of his sandy brown hair darker than the rest.

All of him was hardened muscle. Well defined pectorals and abdominals drew her gaze, and she quashed all longing to touch them.

“Something wrong, Tiffie?” He stepped closer to her.

“Not a thing. If you’ll excuse me, I have dinner to finish making.” Why is it so hard to walk away from him? She made to step by him only to have him mirror her move.

He reached out and released her hair. As it cascaded down, free of confinement, his long, strong fingers captured a section. He twirled it around those two digits before he allowed it to drop.

“I’ve missed you, Tiffie.”

With that soft-spoken admission and a knuckle dragged down one cheek, he turned, walking out of the room. She watched him, clad in only a towel, stride up the hallway of her house as if he lived there. Hell, he almost had. Where to live had been a discussion of theirs before she’d left.

Left, hell. You didn’t leave; you ran, her brain admonished.

She followed him slowly up the hall and used the time to look around and gather herself. This house had been left to her by an aunt with whom she’d stayed when she arrived for medical school. She loved the homey feel and being surrounded by familial items. When she left for her internship, she’d been unable—or unwilling—to sell this place. And when she got the job back here, she was thrilled to come back to its warm familiarity. Her aunt had really been her only family since she was estranged from her parents.

With a mental reprimand, she hurried up the hall and skidded to a stop at the sight of him standing there, whipping something in a bowl.

“What are you doing?”

“Mixing up the batter for crepes.” He peered over his shoulder. “You always liked them for dinner with fruit salad.” A slight pause. “Or has that changed?”

Not even thirty minutes in her home and he’d settled in just like they’d never broken up. That wasn’t the only problem. The bigger one—she liked having him here. She’d missed him, too.

I’m so screwed

Chapter Two

Carmine took his eyes off Tiffie and watched the heating skillet before him. He had to. Lord knew if he didn’t preoccupy his hands with something they’d be on Tiffie. Not that it’s a bad thing.

He wanted her. No doubt. He always did. Day or night he was more than ready to undress her and make slow love to her. He quirked a lip. A hard, fast fuck would be just as fine also. To be sunk deep inside her tight heat. His cock stiffened, and he ran the police codes over in his head to rein himself back under control.

“I thought you sold this place,” he remarked.

“I couldn’t. Aunt Franny left it to me. You know she’s…she was my only family.”

He knew she didn’t speak to her parents, and while they’d not had many secrets, that particular subject was one she never budged on. They were off-limits in any discussion.

He turned down the burner and prepared the first amount. “Are you here to stay?” He managed to conceal any hope and desperation in the question.

There was silence before he received an answer.

“I can’t say. I’m here for a while, but I’m not so sure it will be to stay.”

Jesse pulled the crepe from the pan and set it on a waiting plate. He hated being so close to her and yet having a chasm larger than an ocean between them. All those nights without her. All those Sunday morning memories of when they’d lounge about in bed, never in a hurry to leave. Making long, slow love until they fell back asleep to wake and do it all over again.

He bit back a curse as it all rushed back again. After he made five more crepes, he snuck another peek at her. He couldn’t help it, Tiffie made him feel like a high school boy with his first crush. It seemed all he wanted to do was watch her. Well, not all.

She moved with the same fluid grace as before. Tiffie had always surprised him. She had been all seriousness at work, but when she got home…this whole other side of her manifested. Touchy-feely, full of life, and adventurous. He smiled and got back to making crepes.

“What are you smiling at?”

“I was thinking of the weekend we went whitewater rafting.”

1) Who left Tiffie the house she now lives in?

2)  What does Tiffie call Jesse’s father?

3) When Jesse is wearing nothing but a towel, what color is the towel?

http://whispershome.com/erotic/the-right-to-love/

Description

When Sydney Stratton moved to Nashville to follow her dream of making it in the country music business, she never counted on meeting Dex Wilder, country’s hottest star, let alone hooking up with him! But after a few hot encounters with her cowboy lover, raw lust turns to something deeper and Sydney helps Dex write a new song that reveals a totally different side to the celebrity bad boy she only knew from the tabloids

…read excerpt