Hump Day Hook #HDH – The Darkness of Love

Hello and welcome to another Hump Day Hook. We continue with one more snippet from The Darkness of Love, and here is a little insight into the adventure that awaits our hapless stable boy Marcus Scott, and the young Lady of the Manor, Sarah Stockton…

Gregory watched Sarah and Penelope trot towards the lake, the sunlight helping Sarah’s lustrous hair glow golden, and Penelope’s flanks were silvered, making a nice contrast to her mistress sat resplendent and proud in her pretty blue dress.  Gregory felt his body tighten with anticipation.  It had been a week since he had shared a bed with his wife, and now he needed her desperately.  He had been extremely busy with work, and now was concerned that he may need to spend some time at his offices in London, to put his affairs in order.  What might happen at Stockton Manor in his absence?  Would young Marcus take his chances with the Lady Sarah, or would he continue to resist, even though it was clearly becoming increasingly difficult for him? 

If you enjoyed this one, why not pop over to our dedicated Hump Day Hook blog and peruse some new and exciting authors. We write about romance, love, science fiction, fantasy, erotica and everything in-between, so you are sure to find something that delights the senses. You can also find us on Facebook. Happy Humping!  

*Vampire lovers image courtesy of Pinterest

Hump Day Hook #HDH - The Darkness of Love

Welcome to this week’s Hump Day Hook! Today I share another excerpt from The Darkness of Love, and today we see the young stable hand Marcus Scott caught in the act as he indulges in some very naughty fantasies about his mistress…

“Good morning, Marcus.” chimed a beautiful feminine voice.
      Marcus jumped and dropped the grooming brush, embarrassment sending a flush to his cheeks as he saw the object of his affections framed in the doorway to the stables.     
    “Good morning my Lady,” he stuttered, “I am so sorry, I didn’t see you arrive.”  He ducked his head and she laughed gently and replied. 
    “It is alright Marcus,” she said, “I could see that you were daydreaming.  I trust it was a pleasant vision?” 
    It was Marcus’ turn to laugh, but with further embarrassment.  If only she knew! 
    “Yes my Lady, a most pleasant daydream,” he replied, “Penelope is all ready for you.  I will just fetch her saddle.”  

Delicious, isn’t he? Unfortunately I couldn't find an image to do him justice, so I settled for an impression of the Lady's gardens. There is more to come, so make sure you check back in at the same time next week for more tantalising titbits. In the meantime, check out some other fantastic authors on our Hump Day Hook dedicated blog, and over on Facebook. Happy Humping!

[Image courtesy of Pinterest]

Hump Day Hook #HDH – The Darkness of Love

Hello and welcome to another Hump Day Hook. I have finally decided to tear myself away from the Redcliffe novels and offer you a little something different. Here is an excerpt from my as yet unpublished novella The Darkenss of Love. It follows the story of Marcus Scott, who appears in Redcliffe, and is set during the industrious Victorian era. This snippet is an intimate scene between Lord Gregory Stockton and his beautiful young wife, Sarah.

“My dear, I am sorry,” he said quietly, “I forget how sensitive you are to cool temperatures.  Allow me to warm you.” 

            He slid his hands down her sides, smoothing over the rich taffeta, and she stood very still, enjoying his caress despite her embarrassment at his bold behaviour.  Resting his hands on her hips, Gregory lowered his handsome youthful face and tenderly kissed her rosebud lips.  His body reacted as it always did to her tenderness.  She was delicate, so beautiful, and always so compliant for him.  His teeth itched as his fangs fought to free themselves, and it took all his self-control not to bite her white skin, and drink deeply of her sweet blood.

If you enjoyed this one, why not pop over to our dedicated Hump Day Hook blog and peruse some new and exciting authors. We write about romance, love, science fiction, fantasy, erotica and everything in-between, so you are sure to find something that delights the senses. You can also find us on Facebook. Happy Humping!  

  [Image courtesy of Photobucket via Pinterest]

Hump Day Hook #HDH – A Little Supernatural Chaos in Cornwall

I couldn’t resist sharing just one more snippet from Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel), especially since the novel will go live for sale this week! Look out for updates when all the various sales outlets catch up, but in the meantime you can get the first two Redcliffe novels via my website in both paperback and all eBook formats.

For now, here is an excerpt following an incident between our heroine Jessica, her animal familiar, and the Redcliffe werewolf pack:

“Are they alright, Danny?” I asked tentatively.
    Danny turned his head slowly to stare at me.  My heart skipped a beat and thudded painfully in my chest.  I swallowed again, forcing myself to hold his gaze and not back down.
    “They need to hunt,” Danny said gruffly, “The power hit them hard.  They lost control and their beasts awoke early.  It leaves them in pain and disoriented.  They need their master for support and grounding.”
    “Oh.” Was all I managed to say in reply.
    Danny shook his head.
    “I cannot deal with you at present, Jessica,” he said, “We will speak later.  I must go.”

 If you would like to see more fantastic new novels from lots of different authors, check out our dedicated Hump Day Hook website and the Facebook group. There you will find a wide range of  genres including traditional romance, BDSM, erotica, sci-fi and fantasy.

Hump Day Hook #HDH - Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel)

          Welcome to another weekly excerpt from the Hump Day Hook! Here is a little something from my upcoming new novel Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel), where we see interaction between our heroine Jessica Stone and one of her errant vampires, Marcus Scott...

Marcus appeared from among the trees, moving with such speed that I barely registered him at first.  I screamed again as he landed on me.  He pushed me to the ground, straddling my body and pinning my arms above my head.  I bucked and kicked beneath him, trying desperately to free myself.  Suri roared through my mouth, and I welcomed the sheer strength of her power as it flowed through me.  But the vampire was stronger.  Although I rode the power of my animal familiar, I was a newly awakened witch and my abilities were still largely undiscovered.  Marcus used his physical strength to pin me to the ground.

“Do not fight me, witch,” he hissed, “I could strike you now and drink you dry.”

For more excerpts from other fabulous authors, please see our blog page for the Hump Day Hook, or find us on Facebook.

Hump Day Hook #HDH Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel)

Having recently sent my final manuscript off to the publisher for printing, I would like to share an excerpt from my upcoming new release Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel). I am very excited to see my third book in print, and I hope you will enjoy the snippet, which shows a little action between the witch Jessica Stone, and the alpha werewolf Danny Mason.

“You are the alpha male,” I said, “You are worthy of our attention.”

            “Jessica,” Danny said, “I do not want to play with your tiger.  I want you,” he paused, staring at me with glowing blue eyes, “Jessica, I want you.” He said again.

            I hesitated, mulling over his words.  Something stirred within me, a memory of another man who looked identical to the alpha.  The other man was not a wolf.  He was dead.  I didn’t want a dead thing.  I wanted heat, power, and life.  I moved towards the alpha, my body preparing to pounce.  My movements were smooth, agile and feline.  I loved the way I moved, so graceful and delicate, so strong.  I pounced.

There we go! Not only is Jessica fighting with her wayward animal familiar, but she is about to plunge head first into a love triangle with supernatural identical twin brothers. Will her sanity survive? Will she survive? Wait and see! In the meantime, you can read the story from the beginning by checking out Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel) free on Wattpad for a limited time only. You can then sample the sequel Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel) and follow the progress of our feisty heroine and her tumultuous relationships.

You can see the rest of our Hump Day Hook bloggers on our special website, and on Facebook. Take a look, you won't be disappointed! 

#HDH - Hump Day Hook - Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel)

Hello and welcome to Valentine’s week and today’s Hump DayHook! We have seen some interaction with vampires during recent weeks, and they seem to be a popular choice for Valentine romances. Today I would like to offer you a little something from the werewolves, just to shake it up a little. We return again to the first novel in the Redcliffe series, Love Hurts, and this one is free to view on Wattpad for a limited time only.

With that in mind, here is an excerpt where our heroine Jessica Stone witnesses a mysterious exchange between the werewolf alpha Danny Mason, and his lieutenant Sally Frost. At this point Jessica is not aware of vampires and werewolves, and she has no idea of what she has gotten herself involved in.

Danny was standing close to Sally, and he looked quite angry and intimidating.  In fact he looked different, more frightening, very like Jack had on that morning when he pinned me in the bedroom.  Sally seemed to be acting submissively to him, as though she had done something wrong, but I couldn’t imagine what.  Surely they must be a couple and they were having an argument.  But why would Danny be in the hospital when Sally was working?  He should be at work today I knew that.  Actually he was dressed in jeans and a smart shirt rather than his usual surfer clothes.  I knew enough to see that these were his work clothes.  Maybe he was on an investigation or something. 

Mysterious happenings, aren’t they? Ha ha! Now, why not pop over to our Hump Day Hook blog and check out some fabulous excerpts from brilliant authors that write everything from straight romance, gay romance and erotica, medical drama, science fiction, and a whole lot more. You can also find us on Facebook, and join in the fun. Happy Humping, and Happy Valentine’s!

Hump Day Hook #HDH - Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel)

Good morning and welcome to another Hump Day Hook! This week I have decided to show what happened when Jessica Stone met the vampire Marcus Scott. He is an interesting character. He was only supposed to have a bit part in the Redcliffe novels, but somehow he wheedled his way into the cast, and if I'm honest, into my heart! Watch out for more of Marcus when I find the right publisher for his story...

For now, here is the Hump Day Hook taken from my debut novel Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel). Don't forget you can read the whole novel for free on Wattpad for a limited time only, check it out!

“Marcus stop!” I cried, “Please stop, you’re hurting me!”

I was suddenly in a blind panic as he lifted his head, his face pale, and his eyes wild.  He opened his mouth and I tried to scream.  He was going to bite me! 

Suddenly he was flung away and slammed into the ground across the car park.  I saw Danny standing before me.  He glared at Marcus.

 “What did we tell you?” he yelled, “She is with Jack; she is not yours to take.  Leave us!” 

Marcus smoothly stood and put a hand to his mouth where he was bleeding from Danny’s punch.  He smiled and sauntered away without a word.  Danny turned back to me. 

“Are you alright, Jessica?” he asked, “Did he hurt you?” 

Tears sprang to my eyes.  I felt so foolish, so stupid.  If I hadn’t gotten drunk I could have stopped this from happening.  Danny‘s expression was full of concern. 

“Hey it’s all right.” he said softly, “Look, come inside and I’ll get you some water and find Jack.”   

Dramatic, isn't he? Marcus is a brilliant vampire, and he certainly throws a spanner in the works when he makes an appearance. You can see more of him in my second novel Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel) and in my upcoming third release Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel). 

If you want to see more great writing from diverse and exciting authors, check out our Hump Day Hook blog and the Facebook page for links to more excerpts. You will not be disappointed!

 

Hump Day Hook #HDH - Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel)

Today is Hump Day Hook once again. My, the time goes quickly these days! During recent weeks we have been catching glimpses of life in the Cornish town of Redcliffe after Jessica Stone discovered the existence of vampires and werewolves, and began to learn about her own hidden heritage. Now I have decided to take us back to the beginning. Here is an excerpt from my debut novel Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel). This is an excerpt from the very first time that Jessica Stone met Jack Mason, on an ordinary midweek evening...

Suddenly he was pulled back and I staggered as he was torn away from my body.  I blinked and opened my eyes to see Simon standing in front of me, his face blazing with anger.  He shoved Jack away from me and almost snarled.  I had never seen him this angry. 

  “You stay away from her, Mason,” he growled. “She is my friend.” 

Jack’s face became stern, almost stony as he replied in a cold voice.

   “Be careful, Simon,” he warned. “I think we should allow Jessica to decide what she is doing.  She seems perfectly capable of taking care of herself.”

  I felt a sudden rush of anger.  How dare Simon interrupt something so intimate!  My voice was strong and steady as I straightened up and faced the two men, glaring at Simon.  He took the full force of my rage, and it surprised him.

   “Simon, what the hell are you playing at?” I said angrily. “For your information I felt a bit faint inside and Jack brought me out here for some fresh air since it was so stuffy in the pub.  And you don’t even know him do you?” I added, the rage subsiding as quickly as it rose.  

 
There we go! If you like the sound of that then read the entire novel for free over on Wattpad. It is a limited special offer in preparation for the release of the third novel Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel), which will conclude the initial story of how Jack and Jessica met. But never fear, there will be lots more books in the series!

Now, if you enjoyed that excerpt, why not check out some other authors in our Hump Day Hook group? Please visit the official blog here, or find us on Facebook. Happy humping!

Hump Day Hook #HDH - Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel)

Hello and welcome to this week's Hump Day Hook! Last week I shared a little excerpt from my upcoming novel Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel). Today I will share one last excerpt, before moving on to new projects. So far we have seen snippets of the relationship between our heroine Jessica Stone and her human best friend Liz, her werewolf friends Danny and Simon, and their mixed up emotional circumstances. Today I will share something of the lovers' relationship between Jessica and her vampire, Jack Mason. I feel he has faded into the shadows recently, so here is a little teaser.

Jack arrived promptly at closing time.  He startled me, appearing at the door just as I turned the sign to say ‘closed.’  I jumped and squealed, then laughed at my own stupidity as I unlocked the door to let him in.  Jack did not smile.  His expression was serious and he was clearly showing his vampire tonight as he stepped into my shop and across the room to my internal door, moving at lightening fast speed.  My skin prickled with tension and anxiety, but I forced myself to remain calm and not acknowledge his obvious bad mood.  Suri stood at the edge of her forest, watching the vampire, her large dark eyes sparkling with intelligence and power.  She opened her mouth and growled, but this time I was able to control myself and not allow it to escape through my body.  Instead I harnessed the power, drawing it into me in a tingling, electric mass.  It would help keep me strong and protect me from my boyfriend and his brother, should either of them try and exert their dominance over us.  

What do you make of that? Love is never easy, and more so if you happen to live in this crazy Cornish town! If you would like to see more novel excerpts, why not check out our Facebook group, or even our brand new blog site, Hump Day Hook? There are all sorts of stories featured, from straight romance, pure fantasy, paranormal, LGBT, Gothic and even a little sci-fi. You are sure to find something you will enjoy! Have a lovely week as always my friends.

Did you enjoy this article? Join my tribe today, and I will send you a fabulous FREE book to get you started… (be warned, my vampires do not sparkle, and my wolves will bite!) 

Hump Day Hook #HDH - Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel)

Today I give you an excerpt from my upcoming novel and the third in the Redcliffe series, Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel). This book concludes a trilogy that began with Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel), and continued in Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel). Check out my fellow Hump Day Hook authors in our Facebook group, or on Kerrianne Coombes' blog.

This excerpt is the beginning of a conversation with our heroine Jessica Stone and her human best friend and business partner Elizabeth Gormond. I thought today we could take a break from werewolves and vampires, and see a little human perspective for a change... (don't worry, I have more vampire action lined up for next week!)

     Liz stared at me for a few moments. 
     “I know that Jack is a vampire, and that Danny, Simon and Sally are werewolves,” she said slowly, “I know what really happened to you, and I know that the two women who came to our shop were also werewolves.  Rob told me that much.  Can you tell me exactly what has been happening while I had a baby?”
      I smiled at her, and my heart lifted a little.  Liz was still able to offer sarcasm, even in such a small amount.  We would survive this test.  She returned my smile and some of the light returned to her eyes.  I realised that she was genuinely interested to hear my story, and she wanted to be a part of it.  Her responsibility now was to protect her daughter, her husband, and even her best friend if she could.  The least I could do was prepare her properly, although I didn’t know what I was expecting.

Don't forget that Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel) is currently free to view on Wattpad as a limited special offer. Check it out now and tell me what you think!

Hump Day Hook #HDH - Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel)

Good morning and welcome to this week's Hump Day Hook. Today I am sharing an excerpt from my third Redcliffe novel Love Redeems. The book is due for release very soon, and I am excited to report that this installment proves to be the most action-packed and passionate offering yet! Here is the excerpt, but be warned, it is not for those of a delicate disposition...

“Jessica,” Danny gasped again, his voice struggling to sound human, “Jessica, please, let me go.  You do not want to do this.”

            I laughed, lowering my face to his.  He smelled of woodland, fresh foliage, running water, and something clean and fresh and alive.  I inhaled deeply, closing my eyes as I savoured the sensation.  While I did this I held tight to his arms, feeling the strain of hard muscle beneath my fingers, which triggered a tightening in my body.  Opening my eyes, I found Danny staring helplessly at me.  His struggle faded as he fell into the hypnotic emerald depths of my gaze.  His wolf eyes glowed at me, and he scented my skin as I moved in for a kiss.

            “You smell of tiger,” he growled softly, “I have never experienced this before.”
            “Enjoy it while you can,” I growled in response, and then I touched my lips to his, softly at first and then harder, passionate, forcing my power into and through his body. 

            I writhed on top of him, my nails gouging the skin of his arms, my power flowing straight into the alpha and calling out to his pack.  Behind me I heard Simon cry out.

            “No!” he shouted, “Jessica, stop this, now!”

What do you make of that? Exciting stuff! If you would like to see the offerings of my fellow group members, please see our Facebook Hump Day Hook group, or check out the blog by Kerrianne Coombes for a full list of participants. I will update you when I have a fixed release date for Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel), but in the meantime see my author website for books 1 and 2 in the series; Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel) and Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel).

Hump Day Hook - Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel)

Good morning and Happy New Year everyone! Welcome to a glorious 2013, where our days will be filled with literary joy and there are many new and exciting books to be discovered, written and read. Today I am sharing an excerpt from my newest, and as yet unpublished Redcliffe novel, Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel). This is the third book in my series, and concludes the trilogy which introduces us to bookshop owner Jessica Stone, her best friend Elizabeth Gormond, her lover Jack Mason and his identical twin brother Danny. This excerpt is from Chapter 1, and as you can see, the book gets straight to the action with no messing!

              I darted round the houses and shops that formed the end of the terrace in which I lived and worked, scraping my arm on the rough brick but not feeling any pain from the impact.  I had to save Liz.  Entering the street behind my house, I saw my red Ford Fiesta parked in its usual space outside my garden gate, and a huge black 4x4 BMW that belonged to either Jack or Danny Mason, I couldn’t tell which without looking carefully at the number plate.  Why were they at my house alone?  They should be at work or at their house.  The panic increased and I imagined any number of horrors as I flung through the battered old wrought iron garden gate, along the narrow flagged pathway, and through my open back door. 

            “Liz!” I shouted, my gaze darting round my kitchen searching for her. 

            “Jessica,” Liz shouted back, “Help!”
            I stopped short when a huge wolf blocked my path.  His brindle fur, highlighted with streaks of gold, gleamed healthily in the residual orange glow from the streetlights outside.  His amber eyes glowed with power and he growled ominously, his hackles raised, warning me to stay away.  I stared past him and my heart sank.  Liz was struggling in the arms of my lover, Detective Jack Mason.  His short dark hair fell in waves at either side of his face, and his beautiful deep blue eyes were now glowing silver.  He hissed at me, his fangs gleaming, and then he struck at Liz’s neck, biting her as she screamed. 

            “Jack, no!” I screamed, running forward as the wolf that was Danny Mason leaped at me in attack.

Did that grab your attention? Want to know more? Then check out my first 2 novels Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel) and Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel), widely available in paperback and eBook format now. They will tell you where the whole story began, and you will soon be able to read Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel) as I plan to have it published in 2013.

 

To discover more fabulous new authors covering all kinds of romance, action and suspense genre, see our Facebook group for Hump Day Hook, or find the full list of participants here. Have a wonderful day!

Hump Day Hook for Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel)

It is time for another Hump Day Hook snippet from my second novel Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel). I trust you have all had a wonderful Christmas holiday and are preparing for an exciting New Year celebration. There will be more from Redcliffe in 2013, starting with the release of my third book, Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel). Stay tuned, and in the meantime, here is something to whet your appetite.

*WARNING* - VIOLENT IMAGERY - NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED!

Kimberley started to move and then suddenly her hand was at my throat.  She pushed me hard against the wall and I panicked, struggling to breathe.  Before she could speak Danny grabbed her, yanked her back, and threw her across the room so that she skidded and crashed into the wooden chairs.  I sank to the floor, hands to my throat, catching my breath, coughing and spluttering violently as my body reacted in fear.  Danny was crouched above Kimberley, growling and snarling but still in human form.  He punched her and the sound echoed through the room.  She cried out and I heard her whimper and beg him for forgiveness.  His voice was clear and terrifying.

“You ask my forgiveness?” he roared, slapping her face, “You should ask for Jessica’s!  She is my friend, and I welcome her here into our lair with a promise of protection.  You will protect her as our own, Kimberley, or you will be cast out.  What do you choose?”

Don't forget to check out our Facebook group for more exciting novel snippets and lots of fabulous authors. Happy reading! 

Hump Day Hook - Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel)

Here is another sample from my second Redcliffe novel, Love Kills, for this week's Hump Day Hook:

           Here I was reluctant to speak.  It was one thing to accept the reality of werewolves and vampires when they were physically attacking me.  But to accept that the spirit of my dead mother, who just happened to be a witch, was actually holding conversations in my mind was something I struggled with.  Jack saw the confusion in my expression, and suddenly he was there in front of me.  I hadn’t seen him move, and my heart lurched into my throat.  He very gently put his arms around me, and gathered me against his body in a tight hug. 

            “She is real, Jessica,” he said quietly, “I feel her energy around you.  She has spoken in my dreams also, to warn me about protecting you.”
            I drew away from him in surprise, and looked up into his face.

            “You have spoken to her?” I asked incredulously, “When?”

            Jack stared at me with those brilliant blue eyes, and I almost lost myself in the depths of blue flame.  I struggled with the urge to throw myself into his arms again.  My lips twitched with the need to kiss him, and the force of my love was terrifying.  I stood straight and stiff, willing myself to be strong.  Jack spoke quietly, holding my gaze. 

If you like what you see, check out my author website for a free short werewolf story and links to my books for sale. See our Facebook group Hump Day Hook for more exciting novel excerpts and fantastic authors! You can also see a list of participants here.

Merry Christmas!  

   

Hump Day Hook - Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel)

Today I participate in the Hump Day Hook for the first time. Here is a paragraph from my second novel Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel) which is widely available now, and you can have your copy for Christmas if you wish! Here is the excerpt for your reading pleasure:

I stepped closer to Danny again, and my tiger advanced upon him.  Although I couldn’t physically see her, I felt that she was around me like a cloak.  Her warm, exotic energy wrapped around my body and attached itself to me, so that to Danny and Jack, she was clear to see.  Something instinctive told me that only the supernatural creatures would see my tiger.  Humans were not evolved enough to trust in their senses.  They would ignore the tingles down their spine, or that feeling of discomfort.  They would dismiss it as a cold chill, or a draught.  In truth it was energy, pure and brilliant.  And this energy needed an outlet.

Do I have your attention? Good! Now pop over to my website for your free short werewolf story set in Redcliffe, Cornwall, and order your copy of Love Kills (A Redcliffe Novel) today.

If you would like to see more Hump Day Hook blog posts, check out the Facebook page, or see the blog of Kerrianne Coombes for a list of participants. Happy Hump Day!