Have a Great Family Day Canada!!

For many of us in most parts of Canada, today is Family Day and the majority of the country has today off. It is proclaimed a day to spend with family, having the time off to be together and hold family close.

We wish everyone a wonderful -- and hopefully warm -- Family Day. May you all enjoy the extra day off and time with your families.

It's all about board games here in the Hammell Home, so wish me luck. My youngest is fearless and his genius mind works on strategies that are sometimes surprising. I don't expect any trophies in my future.

All the best to my fellow Canadians. And to our friends all around the world -- have a fantastic day too.

Valentines day... Mushy Moments, Self-Love, Annoying Cowboys, Mercy Sakes...How long is this post? OOH look ! Chocolate!

            There seems to be a lot more of these mushy moments lately. I thought long and hard about what to share with you today. Valentines Day. For some, the most romantic day of the year, a day to celebrate LOVE.  I am blessed to have friends and family who love me. I really am. So, I’ve spent some time reflecting on the Love in my life.  Not just the love I feel today… but past love... unrequited love… and lost love… And I've decided to elaborate on a post from my Facebook timeline from a few weeks past. I received such an overwhelming response from fans and friends that I thought perhaps you might also find some value in my thoughts. BTW... I'll get to, the most important kind of Love, a little further in this post. Unless, I get distracted… oooh look chocolate!

             Be patient with me for a moment... Lets call this the Prologue... lol Many years ago, after ending an unhappy marriage, I threw myself into building a very successful corporate career. Over the years, I’ve coached several soccer teams to championships. Raised three boys, on my own, to become equally successful and wonderful young men. I've written and self-published two Novels. Why am I telling you this? Well because, like most woman (I think, anyway) in the midst of the chaos, everybody else’s needs came first. I became so-and-so’s ex wife or so-and-so’s mother. I shifted into 'SURVIVAL' mode, and somewhere along the way, I lost myself. To anybody standing on the outside, looking in, it would appear that I had my sh*t together. I was living the dream.

            Well, my friends… I have some shocking news.  Over the years, as time passed, there were more and more days where I doubted my own worth. I didn’t feel smart, or successful, or beautiful. I blamed myself for my failed marriage. I sabotaged every romantic relationship along the way because I didn’t feel that I deserved to be happy. I held myself to such a high standard for intelligence, success and beauty that I'd be certain to fail. 

            Now stay with me, because this is not a long depressing… poor me kind of a story. It’s about to get better. (I could be lying, but you won’t know until you get to the end. lol)

 Enter the man... any of you who are friends with me on Facebook know the one I'm talking about. The man who just showed up one day and posted a comment on my timeline. The smooth talking, poetry writing Texas cowboy who, somehow, totally swept me off my feet. Reluctantly at first, but he’s as persistent as I am stubborn. Have I mentioned that he’s so easy going and calm that it’s annoying as hell? Many times I grumble, “I really hate you right now.” To which his reply is always, “You misspelled Love again, Kitten.” lol  So… is it a fairy tale romance? Well, it’s been eight months and our relationship is not always love poems. He challenges me and often calls me out on my own bullshizzle. I’d roll my eyes right now but he’d laugh… pretend to pick them up and blow the dirt off them and say… “here … you dropped these.” 

            Every day since I met this incredible man, he greets me with a “Good Morning, Beautiful.” This morning, like every other, I waited anxiously, and he didn't disappoint me. For some reason this morning, I got a little ‘extra’ warm and fuzzy.  I'm not exactly sure why this thought suddenly crossed my mind, but it was that moment when I realized something. This is how 'real' love feels. Now don't get all excited thinking you figured it out, cuz real love is NOT the most important kind of love.  You see, over the years, I allowed and tolerated relationships in my life, with people who, perhaps unknowingly, made me feel bad about myself. You know those kind of people, we all do. Friends, Coworkers and even Family who validate your insecurities and make you feel like nothing you do is ever good enough. The kind of people who build themselves up by knocking others around them down. Now, I'm a very smart girl... a degree in industrial maintenance, several business diplomas and soon I will have my first designation. So I scratch my head at how this happened. Completely exhausted and believing that I was 'broken', I gave those people the power to make me feel unimportant, unworthy and unloved. 

             So here's the magic.  When I heard it this morning... “Good Morning, Beautiful.” I felt it, in my heart. I knew... without a doubt that this is not just a polite greeting, from my cowboy. (although that's the kind of man he is. Kind and Caring to everyone in his life.) There is sincerity in his words when he says it. He sees something in me that I haven't seen in myself for quite some time. I am a smart, beautiful and sensual woman… somehow, he has always seen it... and he makes me believe it. When things get tough, like relationships tend to do and I start to freak out because I’m afraid I’m going to F*ck it up… he smiles and assures me, “You’re fine, baby. I’m not going anywhere.”  There’s just something settling about a man who cares enough to protect me, from myself.  Dreamy sigh. Okay…Focus! back to The Most Important Kind of Love. 

            So I did it... I closed my eyes, took a breath and opened myself up to accept his love. REAL LOVE. The result? Well believe it or not, the world didn't implode or come to a crashing halt like I'd convinced myself it would. Something amazing happened. Self-Love is something that I no longer struggle with. Those old insecurities… no longer dwell in my thoughts. Being ‘me’ is good enough; being imperfect is perfectly fine. He has given me the most incredible gift. He's changed the way I feel about myself... and it's reflected in my life. I'm happier... I sing love songs and dance around the room. I walk with my head up and smile at people... and guess what... they smile back. I'm kinder to myself, learning to let go of the things that I can't change and forgiving myself for being selfish enough to put aside time to do the things that "I" enjoy. 

To make a short story extremely long… (If you’ve read my books you know that’s how I roll.) I felt that I needed to share this with all of you. The most important Love you can celebrate today (and everyday) is Self-Love. When you get to that place where life wears you down and holds your ‘Inner Goddess’ hostage, REFUSE to believe that you’re not smart enough, pretty enough or good enough. When you don’t know where to begin to be kind to yourself… and self-love is something you're struggling with...Stop and take a breath… If no one else has told you lately then allow me to remind you. You are BEAUTIFUL,You are NEEDED, You are WANTED and YOU ARE LOVED. Let go of any relationship that doesn't make you feel that way and SMILE.

You Are Worth It !

A Love Letter to Olivia James from Ethan O'Connell

This morning I woke and began my day like every other. As I made my way into the city, I began to be aware of things that I had never noticed before. A young boy and his dog playing fetch out the front of his home. A young child standing at the end of the driveway, backpack strapped to her back, holding tightly onto her grandfather’s hand. A young mother-to-be walking her husband to his car and sending him off with a passionate kiss. All beautiful things. Wonderful things, things that until today I would never noticed.

As I continue my journey through the rolling hills of Belfountain, on my way into the city, I begin to truly appreciate its beauty. When I crest the top of the highest hill, the view takes my breath away. I can see forever. The still rising sun begins to illuminate the pale grey-blue sky revealing a ribbon of pink across the horizon. It reminds me of cotton candy; lacey evening gowns lined in silk; feathery kisses… and You.

Suddenly it all becomes very clear. I have travelled the world and experienced her history, engaged in her culture. I obtained everything I have ever wanted or desired. I fulfilled my every whim for adventure. But I haven’t really ‘lived’ until I met you. You are the part of me that’s always been missing. The other half of me. I didn’t even know that I merely existed until you stepped out of that car and my heart beat your name. Since then it hasn’t stopped beating, it only gets stronger.

A tremendous shift has taken place in my world. Work no longer holds me hostage. Our life together is what lingers in my thoughts. I live to see your beautiful smile. It’s become more precious to me than air. I want to be the one responsible for it. I will spend the rest of my life building you castles, showing you the world and writing you love songs. Eternity just doesn’t seem long enough, to show you the full extent of my love. The day I started living was the day that you believed to.

                      I love you, Olivia James 

5 Ways to Warm up your Winter ~ by author Jessica E. Subject @jsubject

Hello everyone! Here in Southwestern Ontario, we've had a couple of warmer days with sunshine, but we're heading back into a stretch of snow and c-c-c-cold temperatures. And even though I'd rather complain about the weather, I know there are several ways to keep warm this time of year. Here are some ideas for you...

1. Get out and have fun!
Though this is not advisable in a snow storm, it is possible to enjoy this weather. Around here, there are many places to go tobogganing, skating, snow-shoeing, and even tube-sliding, skiing, and snowboarding. Get a group of friends together, or go with kids. When you're having fun, you forget about how cold it is. At least until you stop moving...

l-r: Me, Mark, and Rob. I've been here with the place I worked with through high school, my University dorm, my husband (before we had kids), and with my family. It's tons of fun!

2. Listen to an audio book
When you can't get out to have fun, but are stuck shoveling or dare to walk by yourself or with your dog in this weather, listen to an audio book. It will take your mind off how much you don't like this weather and transport you to a time and place where there likely is no snow.

Available from Audible, Amazon, and iTunes

3. Curl up with a good book
Whether by the fire, or under a blanket with a mug filled with warm apple cider or hot chocolate, reading will make you forget about the snowing and blowing that's happening outside.

4. Crawl into bed with your partner and a naughty book
A surefire way to warm up is by sharing someone's body heat. Why not spice things up a bit by reading a sexy short story together to get you in the mood, or to enjoy a little bit of role play?

5. Plan a trip
Whether you decide to get away during the winter months, or shortly after, it's something to look forward to, and make the wintry weather a little more bearable. Why not come visit us at Romancing the Capital in April? Reader tickets are only $65!

Jessica E. Subject is the author of contemporary and science fiction romance, ranging from sweet to erotic. In her stories, you could meet clones, or a sexy alien or two. You may even be transported to another planet for a romantic rendezvous.

When Jessica isn't reading, writing, or doing dreaded housework, she likes to get out and walk with her giant, hairy dog her family adopted from the local animal shelter.

Jessica lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and two energetic children. And she loves to hear from her readers. You can find her at jessicasubject.com and on twitter @jsubject.

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Dreaming of warmer climes, and smokin' hot heroes.

When I first started looking into getting published, a lot of other writers told me that US editors and publishers don't want to read about American settings. They told tales of 'their friend' who had a book set in small town Canada told to rewrite it setting it in...South Carolina/Texas/Florida/name your state. When I was at one of my publishers' dinners at a convention in New Orleans last year, I took the opportunity to ask one of the marketing people if that was true. She nodded and agreed that sometimes they would ask an author to consider changing her story's location.

The thing is, except for I Need You for Christmas which is set in the Haliburton Highlands of central Ontario, I've never really been excited about setting any of my stories locally. I just don't find it...exciting. it's just...here.  Which may explain why my romantic suspense series starts in Arlington Texas, then moves to DC, and why I love writing westerns set in Texas rather than Alberta. Which ends up with me having to bug my friends from south of the border to ask if my character would request a coke, a soda, or a pop, or if pancakes are called pancakes or flapjacks or griddle cakes down there. I think the funniest discovery was learning that while I would have my Texans donning what we would call a toque, Texans would wear a toboggan.

Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE Alberta. And BC. OMG driving through the various mountain ranges from BC to Alberta was one of the best trips I've ever done.  Ontario and Quebec have some spectacular vistas too. From the beauty of Mount Tremblant and the European flavor of Old Quebec City, and all the sparkling lakes of the cottage country of Ontario, the sandy beaches of Sand Banks Provincial Park? They are beautiful.  Yet, when I dream up a story, when a character walks into my head, he rarely lives in the same country.

Lately I've been spending a lot of time writing Texans. Despite the added work, I like writing Texans. I like the romantic idea of it anyway. Mainly I like that their idea of a bad snowstorm is what we'd call a dusting. And how three days later they are taunting me about it being back up into the 60s or 70s. But during January and February, when we're hitting minus thirty degree with the wind chill factored in, and wake up to an extra foot of snow that needs to be shovelled (yes, we spell it with two Ls, not one), it helps to be able to lose myself in my characters' worlds as they curse that damned Texas heat, as one Texan told me she always refers to it.

Then again, I couldn't take the heat they endure all through the summer. Or their nasty brown recluse spiders. Eh, I write fiction--in my world, I can always have my characters be able to retreat to air conditioned vehicles and houses. And have special spider-repelling abilities. Huh, maybe I need to write an anti-Spiderman ;) ...Nah, I think I'll keep writing my hunky firemen and cowboys and let them generate a heat of their own.

By the way, I've got a novella coming out tomorrow -- and yes, it's set in Texas too.

FEEDING THE FLAMES

Sometimes your soulmate has been right in front of you their whole life. It shouldn’t take almost losing them to find them.

Volunteer firefighter Zac Buchanan has been carrying a torch for Tabatha Morgan since…well, forever. A promise he made years ago backfired, sending Tabatha into the arms of another man, and him into a decade of heartache. Now Tabatha’s back in town, newly divorced, and the sparks between them are setting them both aflame.

Tabatha would have bet her secret five-alarm chili recipe that her school girl crush on Zac had died out long ago. Except those slumbering embers reignited the moment Zac walked into her diner. Now each time she sees him—hears him, thinks about him—she can’t imagine her life without him again.

But if their new-found love and sizzlin’ hot action in the bedroom—and living room, kitchen and bathroom—is to survive, Tabatha must also accept the smoke, flames and danger of Zac’s job. Or their happy-ever-after will forever be extinguished.

FEEDING THE FLAMES was originally part of the FIVE ALARM ALPHAS bundle.

Pre-order your copy for just 99 cents through:

Smashwords

Kobo

Nook

iTunes

Normally I'd give you the link to buy through Amazon, but I screwed up when I was loading it and put the wrong price -- now Amazon won't let me fix it until it goes live. But you can buy a Kindle copy through Smashwords if you don't want to wait...

If you want to read more about Feeding the Flames, visit my website. 

In the meantime, I'm going to stay inside, curled up by the fireplace with the cat on my lap and the dog at my feet, and dream about one day being able to open the windows to enjoy balmy breezes and bird song. And better yet, to be able to walk across the floor and touch something without the resulting ZAP of static electricity from all this dry heat. Which isn't that far in the distant future at least.  

Oh and yes, the toque in the photograph is my latest knitting project.  It's not blocked yet, but I'm pleased with how it turned out. 

Spring is going to be HOT this year in Ottawa with a new Reader/Author Conference

Romancing the Capital is just around the corner, and the question is, have you gotten your ticket yet? We're almost sold out, so don't hesitate to grab yours. 

 

When: April 17th & 18th, 2015

Where: Holiday Inn & Suites Ottawa/Kanata

Who's Attending: Over 50 fantastic authors including several New York Times, USA Today and Amazon BestSellers 

 

In April 2015, Ottawa is the place to be for Canada's newest romance reader conference! At Romancing the Capital, you’ll interact with your favorite authors, discover new authors and meet other readers who share your passion for reading romance. Priced right, and with attending authors in every genre from sweet to erotic, contemporary to paranormal, RTC offers something to please every reader. Numerous events are planned starting from early morning to late at night, so don't miss the fun! Treat yourself, and come to Romancing the Capital, where the winters might be cold, but the romance is sizzling hot.

Here's some of the things happening (see below for the schedule of events):

• Book signing
• Swag bags and giveaways
• Intimate Author Chats - spend some time with your favorite authors
• Workshops/Panels on a variety of topics depending on who is willing to speak about their craft (more details below)
• Fun and Games (more details below)
• Friday Afternoon snack hosted by Decadent Publishing and several of their authors
• Friday Night, A Mad Hatter's Dinner & Party sponsored by Amira Press and Eve Langlais. Hosted by Amira Press authors Dahlia Rose, LeTeisha Newton, Mandy Harbin and Eve Langlais (more details below) )
• Saturday Night, Rock n' Howl Dinner and Sock Hop sponsored by S.E. Smith, Milly Taiden, Viola Grace, Zoe York, Robyn Peterman, Cynthia St. Aubin, Trinity Blacio and Heather Fortman (more details below)

Reader Registration is only $115 CAD!

Winter SPECIAL $65 ONLY!

***The events are subject to change depending on attending authors, scheduling conflicts and interest in certain activities.  

April 17th, Friday Night Dinner and Event

Amira Press Mad Hatter Dinner and Party

Alice is missing!! Oh no not again, the trouble that girl gets into!!

Well I guess we have to find her… Or do you? Tonight Find Alice and Win some fantastic prizes! Welcome to The Amira Press A Mad Hatter’s Scavenger Hunt! A fun filled evening featuring Cosplay and sponsored by Amira Press and Eve Langlais, hosted by Dahlia Rose LeTeisha Newton, Mandy Harbin and Eve Langlais!

Are you ready to fill your rumbling tummy with a yummy variety of finger foods, pizza(gluten free available) and salad? Dazzle the crowd and come dressed as your favorite character from Wonderland, or go for brownie points and come disguised as someone from a book. Extra credit for those brave enough to read an excerpt from our sizzling books! Do you like to hunt for treasure, then get ready to go on an adventure during our fun filled, scavenger hunt. Tons of prizes to be won, swag to fill your suitcase, raffles for door baskets and a fabulous DJ to keep your toes tapping. The Amira authors know how to have fun and are determined to make this an event you won't soon forget! Alice has found wonderful champions to save her amongst you all!! (***Costume is optional. Also please note, during the dinner portion, while we will try and have some gluten free items available, cross contamination is possible.)

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April 17th, Saturday Night Dinner and Event

Rock 'N Howl Dinner & Sock Hop

Featuring a multi course, sit down dinner. Pull out the fangs, fur & your witch's hat, grease back your hair & throw on a poodle skirt as you prepare to howl things up with Milly Taiden, SE Smith, Viola Grace, Zoe York, Cynthia St. Aubin, Robyn Peterman, Trinity Blacio & Heather Fortman. Channel your innner Sandy, or Pink Satin Lady. Get that hair slicked back and the leather coat out. Shake out that poodle skirt and find your furry ears. We're going to liven things up Saturday night with a retro 50s dance, paranormal style. Games, dancing, prizes... Prepare for an evening of delicious food, great music and laughter.

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Milly's Smut Bash Get wild and freaky with your favorite smut queen Milly as she hosts a fun filled event sure to make you wet your pants. Prizes, games and lots of giggles are to be expected. (PS. Be sure to stick around Friday night so you can help us surprise Milly on her birthday.)

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TROPE-ia Pursuit Join J.K. Coi and Amy Ruttan as they discuss the unique process of writing category romance, by playing fun games with participants, for awesome prizes!

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Author/Reader Speed Dating Extravaganza Join us for an extraordinary matchmaking event for readers and authors alike. This marathon of discovery in an intimate setting showcases multiple authors from all walks of publishing- it’s like speed-dating, but with authors! They’ll have just three minutes to capture your imagination! Discover new books and genres that will tantalize your senses. Hosted by multi-published paranormal romance author Kali Willows, this speed dating style event includes: S.E. Smith, Kayden Claremont/Karen Blake Hall, Amy Ruttan, Kadian Tracey, Leah Braemel, Anne Lange, Kayleigh Malcolm/Corrinne Davies, Kacey Hammell, Ashlyn Chase, Valerie Mann, Kate Richards, Layna Pimentel, Heather Fortman/HA Fortman, Jessica E. Subject, Reece Butler and more! All are welcome! There will be several door prizes to be won, and a very unique way to win! Bring your read on…we can’t wait to mingle with you!!!

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Bring Your Book to Life! Award-winning Author and Voice Over Artist Kellie Kamryn shows readers and authors how a book comes to life off the page! A look at the publishing industry from an entirely different perspective, Kellie gives an interactive presentation that provides an inside look into the narration and production of an audio book. Using her voice-over talents she will narrate passages from readers' and authors' favorite books. Listen in as she brings characters to life and makes you fall in love along with them! There will be games & activities where readers/authors can narrate and act out their own passages, draws for prizes, & a whole lot of laughter and fun!

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BUILD A HOT HERO!!! Spend an hour with NYT and USA Today best selling author, Robyn Peterman and her rockin’ cool buddies, amazeballs authors, Kris Calvert and Cynthia St Aubin. You will build a hero so hot your panties will melt!! YAYAYAYAYAY!!! You can also grill the authors with any question you have. If we don’t know the answer, we will make it up. Using scissors, glue, pages from magazines and your wonderfully warped imagination you can create the perfect man. TONS of prizes. Laughing and heavy breathing will be required… Hope to see you there!

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Keys to Being a Successful Author This workshop, provided by multi-listed New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author S. E. Smith, will give writers an overview on how to improve their writing, offer resources for improving editing and deliver valuable tips for marketing/advertising before pointing out key strategies writers can use to build their fan base.

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Clockbusters — Guess The Title! Hosted by Tina Christopher, JK Coi, Amy Ruttan, Karen Blake-Hall: Think you’ve got what it takes to beat the clock (and your opponents) in the ultimate game of skill and imagination? Six erotic romance authors bust out the visual aids and challenge you to GUESS…THAT…BOOK TITLE and win awesome prizes!

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Condom Crafts and stranger things... Have you ever wondered how to have a condom with you without digging through your purse and looking too prepared? Wear it! I will teach you to make earrings, necklaces, brooches and key chains using condoms (in wrappers), foil, enamel, and jewels. Great for bridal showers, stagette nights,costume parties, or date night. Hosted by Viola Grace.

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Mad Lubs Venus Cahill and Ashlyn Chase will have you laughing until your sides ache and tears roll down your cheeks. Mad Lubs is a game of Mad Libs played with love scenes. What are Mad Libs? Whaaaa? Were you raised by a lone wolf in the Canadian Rockies? Just show up and find out. Lots of prizes!

Hot Canadian Shifters! #NewRelease from Guest Author @karly_germain #MM #Paranormal

Big welcome to Karly Germain! Her new release is COLD HARD JUSTICE, the final book in The Umbra Shifters series, (from Evernight Publishing) all about hot, MM Canadian Shifters, in Nova Scotia more specifically, who knew? :)  Check out the new release and the other books in the series. It all started in the Alpha's Claim: Manlove Edition Anthology (with the short story, His Great Dane) and finishes off with Cold Hard Justice.


~Thanks for having me! I am just so pleased I actually finished a series! Also, being Canadian, I just had to set the story in a place I was familiar with. As for what's next? No immediate plans for a new story, but that can change any time! Would love to write more shifters at some point. ~Karly

Cold Hard Justice

By Karly Germain

Evernight Publishing Jan 21, 2015

Book #4 Umbra Shifters (conclusion)

Word Count: Approx 15,700

MM Erotic Romance/Paranormal/Shifters/Suspense

MC Erotic Romance

Blurb: Undercover work sucked. As a shadow hunter for the Umbra, Justice Cameron was used to sliding into one dangerous situation after another. Infiltrating the motorcycle club, Pride of Kings, to wrap up two outstanding cases should have been quick and painless, turns out it was anything but. Justice didn’t count on Ethan Stone’s son, Xavier, to complicate his assignment.

Xavier Lennox doesn’t care for the ‘lion pride’ way of life, so the scarred, shy loner keeps to himself, living a quiet life in a small cabin at the edge of the MC compound. He ‘fixes broken things’, and no one is more broken than Justice. When Xavier finds Justice beaten on his doorstep, he never imagined he would feel such a potent connection. The big, gruff alpha fascinates Xavier, and it turns out, the attraction is mutual.

The shadow hunter is there for one reason only. No time for complications. No time for desire...or love. Or so he tells himself, because he’s there to mete out...cold, hard justice.

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON

ALL ROMANCE

BOOKSTRAND

EVERNIGHT PUB

EXCERPT: (PG-13)  Excerpt: Justice had slept last night with a cold compress on his right eye and it must have helped, as he opened both and stared at him. His eyes were a dark brown, darker than his own, but lying this close he could see flecks of gold in the irises. Beautiful.

“You slept all afternoon, and I found Levon asleep on your chest. It seems you’ve made a fast friend.”

Justice stroked Xavier’s cheek with the back of his fingers. “Not just the cat, I hope.”

He leaned in to the touch. “No. Not just the cat.”

Justice explored the raised scars on his left cheek. “How did this happen? Looks like...”

“A stove burner?”

“Yeah.” Justice frowned. “Who hurt you?”

Something warm and tender bloomed inside Xavier. Justice cared. Hope also bloomed. Justice spoke the truth at breakfast. The mate connection could be accepted or rejected. Oh, God. How he wanted them to both accept it. Such a soul bond should not be ignored. It should be nurtured and cherished.

“My stepbrother, Rex. We were eight. You know kids. I invaded his space, touched his things. Actually, I think he was sorry afterward, in his way. He hasn’t hurt me since. He has...anger issues. Amongst other things.” Xavier laced his fingers through Justice’s. Such big hands. So warm. So gentle. Instinctively, he knew Justice would never harm him physically. His heart was another matter.

“Your brother sounds like an asshole.” Justice growled.

“He is. Here’s the surprising thing. I love him in spite of it. Though we’re not close and have very little in common, we are blood. Tainted blood, it seems.”

Justice’s eyebrows rose. “What do you mean?”

Xavier laughed brokenly. “Not sure I want to say. There is something between you and me and if I tell you, it may kill it. I know this is all too fast, but it’s the shifter way. I want you in my life, Justice. I want us to maybe...at some point...become mates.

****

That Justice did not expect. At least, not yet. Sure, there was something between them, but...mates? Admiration took root deep inside Justice. Kudos to Xavier for just putting it out there. No bullshit with this guy. It was refreshing, but how to answer? Maybe he should take a page from Xavier’s book and be honest. After witnessing the mate connections between the Stones and the McNamees, seeing the love, respect, and the mutual desire which pulsated all around them, he began to long for such a commitment in his life. Suddenly, his undercover position became as complicated as shit.

“I'm not used to factoring in another person in my decisions. Nor am I used to baring my soul. Mates? Jesus, big step. I'm not dismissing it. But I think we should get to know each other better first.” Justice winced inwardly. How friggin’ lame.

“I agree.” Xavier leaned in and kissed him. The electric charge that shot through Justice at the gentle pressure of Xavier’s warm lips stunned him. Justice moaned and deepened the kiss. God, he ached for this guy.

“Lay back. Let me touch you. Let me show you how much I care. I will be gentle, I promise. Let me...love you.” Xavier whispered.

Justice slammed his eyes shut so Xavier could not see the yearning in them. No one, in all his fifty-two rough-and-tumble years of living had ever said those words to him. He let the potent, emotional words seep into the very marrow of his bones.

WICKED HOT KILL by Karly Germain 

#3 in the Umbra Shifters

Blurb: Cheetah shifter, Killian “Kill” McNamee is the deadliest of shadow hunters—an Ender. If anyone in the Umbra world stepped out of line, got in his way, or became a problem, Kill lived up to his name. Hardened and soulless, Kill didn’t expect a brief encounter in an alley with a strange man to turn into something more serious. And thanks to a run-in with a pack of Werewolves, Kill finds himself in the kind of trouble he’d never before experienced.

Torin Stone, Dhampir, has lived many lives and experienced multiple heartbreaks through his long life and is not looking for any kind of involvement, especially with a wild, sexy, out of control cheetah shifter who is his complete opposite. After an attack by the Weres, Torin is the only one who can help Kill survive.

The more time they spend together, the stronger the bond between them. Torin will do anything to convince Kill they are mates. How can Torin resist rubbing against some—wicked, hot Kill?

BOOK #3 in my paranormal MM shifter series: THE UMBRA SHIFTERS

#1- His Great Dane short story found in Alpha's Claim: Manlove Edition Anthology

#2-Stone Cold Beast

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STONE COLD BEAST by Karly Germain

 #2 in The Umbra Shifters

Blurb:

The Umbra Shifters, 2

Ethan Stone, lion shifter, had lived many lives. He’d been a biker, musician, and an Umbran, or shadow hunter. Everything changed two years ago when a nightclub fire killed the members of his rock band and left him the only survivor. Now scarred and living the solitary life of a nomad, Ethan just wants to be left alone in his isolated world.

Daric McNamee, a cheetah shifter and also an Umbran, has been given an assignment. Ethan Stone. Find out what happened the night of the fire and recruit Stone back into the Umbran. Not an easy task considering Ethan is stubborn and wary. Almost immediately, both men feel a mate connection, but the last thing Daric wants is to be a submissive to a scarred, terminally angry lion shifter.

However, the attraction between them can’t be denied—though Ethan tries. When it comes time for them to part, will they admit they are mates? Can Daric convince Ethan he is more than a stone cold beast?

Read The Umbra Shifters, 1 in Alpha's Claim: Manlove Edition

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HIS GREAT DANE by Karly Germain

#1 in The Umbra Shifters

Look for the short story in The Umbra Shifters 'His Great Dane' in  in the bestselling 'Alpha's Claim: Manlove Edition'

Strength. Power. Domination.

 The shifters in our Alpha's Claim: Manlove Edition anthology have one thing in common—they won't take “no” for an answer. Whether they lead packs of their own, or whether they walk a solitary path, these alphas won't let anyone stop them from claiming their men.

 Lose yourself in these ten sinfully delicious love stories. After all, who could deny an Alpha’s claim?

BUY LINKS:  For Alpha's Claim: Manlove Edition

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                                              Karly Germain Website/Facebook/Twitter

An erotic romance writer, Karly believes romance is for everyone, and she loves to explore every facet and emotion involved regardless of gender or number of partners. The more heat and spice, the better. Happily ever afters are a must. So are shirtless, hunky men.

Climbing the Writing Mountain by Jan Springer

I was pondering what to blog about for today's post and couldn't come up with anything except my latest achievement. So I thought I would share.

For many years I have been climbing the writing mountain.

My (crazy) mind has so many stories that sometimes I just can't seem to write a word. Not because I don't know what to write - but because I just have TOO many stories and it gets blocked - like a log jam and I can't figure out which story to work on.

I can see the story in my mind (they are the beautiful mountains in the background) but it is sometimes very hard to unlock that log jam and get to the beauty of the story. Can any of you writer's relate?
 *grin*

Walks in the gorgeous Ontario wilderness (my backyard) seems to help a lot.
Nature sucks away all my stress and then I can write again. 



Last year I was able to break through many of these log jams during my walks. I wrote some hot erotic romances and then I indie pubbed them.




This past month (January) 2015 I finally reached the top of the writing mountain when my box set A Touch of Ménage became an Amazon Kindle TOP 100 bestseller! Squeeeeing!

I feel like Rocky right now...being the underdog and finally able to punch the air in victory. Wooot!

If you'd like to grab a copy of A Touch of Ménage Box Set for .99 cents (5 stories which takes place in an unnamed fictional town near the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, Canada, and one story that takes place in Northern Ontario)  please pop over to

http://www.janspringer.com  

and follow the links.

Cover art by Bookin It Designs

 Now I am off to take another nature walk and suck in some

ice-cold fresh air and look at the gorgeous scenery of pine trees.

Then it will be back to writing and living inside some more hawt stories.

Hugs!

jan