Zero, Ohio, where the temperatures can get below freezing, but the sex is smoking hot!
One Town. So many lives coming together.
Air traffic controllers, musicians, bartenders and so many more. Zero has them all, and, whether from a second chance, or a first meeting, the men of Zero show trust and love will prevail.
Come to Eight Ball bar, pull up a stool, and spend some time in this chilly town. These characters will warm the heart.
I’ve got a tiny little confession. I had a HUGE crush on Harry Anderson when I was a kid. Okay, he’s old enough to be my father and he’s dead now, and I think he has kids my age, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t a hot guy back in the day. He was. I loved Night Court because I loved watching him. I actually got angry at the last episode because it didn’t turn out quite the way I wanted. No spoilers, but it wasn’t the ending I wanted. If you want to laugh, then try Night Court. It’s weird, strange and funny.
I’ve said before I’m a sucker for Sabrina Jeffries’s books. This one was no different. There were a few plot points that were silly, but hey, it’s fiction. I’m surprised she got away with her secret for so long and surprised she did while working in a hospital situation. I know I want to learn about the side characters, particularly Louisa, so I’ll be looking for more in this series. Good reading.
Beautiful Lady Regina Tremaine has turned down so many suitors that she’s called La Belle Dame Sans Merci. The truth: she won’t marry because she carries a dark secret. She sees no good reason, however, why her brother shouldn’t court the lovely Louisa North — even if the girl’s brother, the notorious “Dragon Viscount,” objects.
Marcus North, Viscount Draker — bastard son of the Prince of Wales — is rumored to be a monster who holds women captive in his dark castle to have his way with them. He has been exiled from polite society for years. But when Lady Regina makes a plea on her brother’s behalf, Marcus proposes an outrageous deal: her brother can court Louisa so long as Marcus can court Regina. Can the beauty and the beast survive a proper courtship when the devastatingly improper passion between them threatens to cause the scandal of the century?
I really had to think about this topic before I started writing it. That’s probably why I hadn’t gotten to it right away. I don’t like to say where I’m from often. Maybe it’s my thing about privacy on certain topics, but I don’t like to say it. But I can say what state.
Ohio.
Yes, that one.
So I had to think hard about what books are set in my neck of the woods, besides my own books (which I guess proves sometimes I’m not good at the privacy thing, since I set many of my stories to close proximities of my stomping grounds).
The first one that’s not mine to come to mind has to be Karen Rose’s Cincinnati series. I’m not much of a thriller reader because they tend to be a little closer to real than I like, but I love Karen Rose. I got to meet her and her husband in an elevator, discussed Star Trek and decided I liked her right away.
Anything written about Ulysses S. Grant (Point Pleasant), Rutherford Birchard Hayes (Delaware), James Abram Garfield (near Orange), Benjamin Harrison (North Bend), William McKinley (Niles), William Howard Taft (Cincinnati), and Warren Gamaliel Harding (Corsica, now Blooming Grove). William Henry Harrison was thrown in there, too, but he’s actually from Virginia.
There’s anything written about Kent State University, 1970. There’s anything written about the Ohio State Buckeyes, Urban Meyer… There are a few books about and by our senator, Sherrod Brown, too.
So I guess there are a lot of books set in Ohio or about Ohio stuffs. I hadn’t thought about it much, but there are.
One of mine is a series set in Crawford. It’s not a real place, but an amalgamation of places I’ve lived in Ohio. Her Man is the first in the loose series.
The love of her life isn’t the man she expects but he just might be the man she never saw coming.
Cass Jensen writes hot books and likes her life as an author. She’s got the material things she desires, good friends and a side career singing with the band. What more could she ask for? A sexy man to warm her bed during the chilly Ohio nights—that’s what she wants. Someone to make her blood sizzle and her heart race. She heads to California to help cast the movie being made from one of her books. She’s not interested in dating another actor, but what if the man she needs is on the other side of the audition table?
Logan Malone is known as one of the biggest playboys in all of Hollywood. He’s rumoured to be dating half the single ladies in town and romancing the other half. There’s only one problem—Logan doesn’t want to be the player any longer. He wants a strong career and an even stronger woman in his life. When he meets Cass, he knows she’s the one he’s been looking for. But Cass comes with her own complications. Can he handle being her man or will the glare of the media be too much for them to handle as a couple?
He’s about to find out just how hard he’ll have to work in order to be her man, but he’s up for the job…
Long distance relationships are never easy, especially at Christmas time. But if Raylan and Chase can learn to trust each other and believe in the power of love, they’ll not only get their Christmas wish this year, but for all the Christmases to come!
Raylan believed himself unworthy of love until he met Chase. Chase brought out Raylan’s natural need to control and the power to force submission. But time and distance make having a relationship hard. Can Raylan prove to Chase they have what it takes for love to last through this Christmas and every other Christmas for the rest of their lives?
Chase found the muse for his songs in Raylan. Each time they touch, kiss, make love, music fills his soul. But working odd gigs to make ends meet while Raylan photographs rock and roll royalty isn’t beneficial to Chase’s creativity. Can he convince Raylan they’re better off together than apart?
Chase folded his arms. The tree wasn’t exactly full or decorated very well. A professional would more than likely faint if they saw the crinkled limbs and snarled needles on the second-hand tree. The sad strand of twinkle lights engulfed the two-foot fake pine. The star caused the tree to bow to the right, and the two ornaments didn’t fit on the miniscule branches. Adding candy canes would probably send it the rest of the way over. He cocked his head.
“Raylan?” Raylan eased up behind him, wrapping his arms around Chase and nudging Chase’s ass with his cock. “It’s cute. Not quite what’s expected and a little lopsided, but who needs stale perfection when originality is so much better? I love it. Besides, our originality could be the next big thing in holiday décor. You never know.”
“I don’t know if I want to share.” Chase rested his head on Raylan’s shoulder. “I’ve missed you.”
“Mmm,” Raylan murmured and licked a path of fire along Chase’s neck. “I couldn’t wait to get home. Christmas isn’t any fun alone.”
Groaning, Chase ground his ass into Raylan’s erection. His loins ached. He needed to feel Raylan’s tenderly tough touch. As punishment? Not in the truest sense. He needed to feel wanted and sexy. He turned around in Raylan’s embrace and worked the row of buttons bisecting Raylan’s dress shirt.
“Let me take care of you.” Chase sank to his knees and stared up at Raylan. “Let me remind you what’s here at home.” Chase folded his hands behind his back, waiting for Raylan’s permission to take the initiative. When he felt the touch of a warm hand on his head, Chase took a deep breath, drawing in Raylan’s scent as he kissed Raylan’s cock through his jeans. The motion felt dirty and out of his element and completely sexy. “Merry Christmas to me,” he groaned and flicked his tongue over the blunt end of Raylan’s prick.
“Oh Chase.” Raylan forked his fingers into Chase’s short hair, tugging the strands. He moaned, and his hips bucked. Almost as soon as the action started, Raylan stopped. “Stop.”
Chase froze. Stop? Huh? He didn’t look up at Raylan, rather he stared at Raylan’s jean-clad cock. A shiver cut right through him. Something…something wasn’t right.
Raylan tugged Chase’s head back gently and forced Chase to look him in the eye. The pregnant pause as Raylan considered Chase took the breath from Chase’s chest. Fire flickered in Raylan’s eyes.
Kaia Martin dances to pay the bills. She doesn’t mind baring her body, but her heart? That’s another question. But what happens when two tiger shifters push her out of her comfort zone and into her heart’s desire?
Evan and Ian Davis have been in love with Kaia since the moment they met her. Their tigers know she’s the one for them. They’ve waited long enough for her to see what they’ve always known—she’s their mate. Can these twin tiger shifters prove love really can conquer all?
“No one is a perfect parent. No one has a perfect relationship. We’re human, we’re going to make mistakes. But we can’t let fear keep us from trying. Or fear of the unknown. Remy was scared as far as kids, but he’s a natural. They were both scared and at some point said things that shouldn’t have been said because of their exes. But they were trying to talk it out, which is super super important and make things work. And the most important, they were including the kids in the decisions. That made this book for me.”
Mason ‘Kross’ Khan left the rock and roll stage to connect with the son he never knew existed. He’s used to electrifying crowds and romancing the ladies. Money’s never been an object. He’s not looking for a relationship, but when he meets the saucy brunette at a club, he’s smitten. Danya’s perfect—curvy, smart and has no idea he’s a giant in the music industry. The one-night stand is just what he needs and he’s convinced he’ll never see Danya again—until he attends conference night at the local high school.
Danya Littrell isn’t just his one-night stand. She’s also his son’s art teacher and the woman who sparks his muse. Can he balance parenthood, a relationship with Danya and his music career? Or will his secrets be too much for the relationship to withstand?
“What if this guy could love you? What if he’s not like Harry? You passed him by.” Kelly turned Danya around. “You had the balls to speak to him and have a dance. Harness those balls and give this guy a shot.”
“Mason,” she mumbled. His name sounded good on her lips. He looked like a Mason. He also struck her as exotic but approachable.
“Who?”
“His name is Mason.” She’d spoken to him when she’d thought she had no chance. Before she could cross the room, he and Michelle joined her and Kelly.
Michelle grinned. She leaned into him and tipped her chin. Danya suppressed a groan. The woman didn’t have to be so smug. She’d been friends with Michelle since the third grade, and Michelle never ceased to remind Danya she was the top dog. Danya was the designated unpretty friend.
“Ladies, this is Mason,” Michelle said. “He’s new-ish in town.”
Kelly rested her hands on her hips. “Michelle, aren’t you supposed to be meeting Craig here tonight?”
“We split,” Michelle snapped. “I want to introduce you to Mason.” She turned to him. “You’ve met Danya, and this is Kelly. She’s married.”
“Or she just enjoys sporting big-ass diamonds to ward off approaching men,” Danya muttered.
Kelly snorted. “Justin will love that when I tell him. He spent two grand on a diamond that’s just there to ward off men. Nice.” She stuck out her right hand to Mason. “It’s nice to meet you.” She turned back to Michelle. “Craig texted me and said he’s on his way.”
“Kelly.” Michelle glared at her. “A word?”
Danya stifled a chuckle. Kelly always knew when to stand up to bullies. While Kelly and Michelle went outside to discuss Kelly’s comments, Mason remained with Danya.
“She’s pissed,” Mason said.
“That’s nothing. You’ve never seen her when she’s truly upset. Hell hath no fury like a Michelle annoyed.” Danya shrugged. “She thinks all men are at her disposal.”
“Then it’s a good thing she’s got a boyfriend—I think. I kind of feel bad for him.” Mason bumped shoulders with her. “Makes asking you out a lot easier, though. I meant what I said, and I liked our dance. Want to dance again?” He didn’t give her a chance to argue. He tugged her to the dance floor a second time. “Nice dodge, though.” He half-grinned. “I’d think you were trying to palm me off.”
“No.” Oh God. Ignoring her hadn’t been his intention. “I not good at palming anyone off or having much courage, but if I were at my job, I’d be able to say what I needed to say without a problem. When I’m in the wild, I’m horrible.”
“You seem fine to me.” He held her close once again. “You seem pretty great.”
She tipped her head to the side to look at him. His eyes flashed, then he captured her mouth in a kiss. Electricity shot from her head to her toes. She pressed against him. She’d never been kissed so deeply. Sparks centered in her pussy. He threaded his fingers into her hair and held her tight without crushing her. When he broke the connection, her knees quaked. She sagged into him.
“Damn.” He smiled. “Better than I thought.”
She wanted to say something snappy, but the words weren’t there. Instead, she settled for honesty. “For me, too.”
She draped her arms around his neck. She didn’t want to leave the dance floor or for the night to end. She could almost hear Kelly encouraging her to leave with him and live a little. He hadn’t asked her to go home with him, but the better part of her wanted that to happen.
“I can’t offer you forever, but I want to give you tonight,” he said. He kissed her again then cupped her jaw in both hands. “Very much so.”
“Who needs forever when one night can be everything?”
I started watching this show on recommendation. I’ll admit, I thought it would be one thing and turned out to be another. That’s not bad, but I anticipated more humor, not quite such dark humor. A lighter tone, I suppose. But that’s not this show. That’s not a bad thing. I liked Elle Fanning’s character. She shows a woman can be strong, forthright, make mistakes and still stand tall. I couldn’t stand the Emperor, so kudos to Nicholas Hoult and his acting ability. I would’ve rather they hadn’t killed the dog, the bear and tossed the dog off the roof, but whatever. It didn’t quite end the way I wanted, but it’s a satisfying ending, so it was worth it. Check it out.
A royal woman living in rural Prussia during the 18th century is forced to choose between her own personal happiness and the future of Russia, when she marries an Emperor.
I’m a sucker for anything written by Sabrina Jeffries. She’s one of my autobuy authors. I see her books and make sure I don’t have them already, before nabbing a copy. I got this one because I rather liked the idea of Lady Gwyn being so forthright. The writing flows well and I’m drawn in, but I’m not wild about her lying to him. But that’s okay. I’m only halfway through the book at the moment and I have high hopes for it.
Lady Gwyn Drake has long protected her family’s reputation by hiding an imprudent affair from her youth. But when her former suitor appears at Armitage Hall, manhandling the heiress and threatening to go public with her secrets, it’s Gwyn who needs protecting. Her twin brother, Thorn, hires Joshua Wolfe, the estate’s gamekeeper, to keep her safe in London during her debut. As a war hero, Joshua feels obligated to fulfill the assignment he has accepted. But as a man, it’s torment to be so very close to the beauty he’s fought to ignore . . .
With handsome Joshua monitoring her every move, Gwyn would prefer to forget both the past and the parade of money-seeking bachelors at her coming out. But Joshua is unmoved by her attempts at flirtation, and the threat of blackmail still hangs over her. With danger closing in, Gwyn must decide which is the greater risk: deflecting a scoundrel’s attempts to sabotage her—or revealing her whole heart to the rugged bodyguard she can’t resist . . .
Megan Slayer and Wendi Zwaduk 