Taige Crenshaw -…increasing the sizzle factor

Today’s snippet theme is First Meeting. This is the first time characters see each other. Enjoy a look from one of my books.

An snippet from Golden Seduction…

The man looked at her his expression shifting to curiosity. “Who’s Sonya?”

Confused Laila looked at him. “She sent you as my gift.”

The man shook his head.” I don’t know anyone named Sonya. I came out of the card.”

Dread filled her. Laila felt his hands drop away. A glance over her shoulder at the table showed the empty tarot card and next to it was the crown and scepter. Turning back to the man her eyes dropped and she noted for the first time the necklace with a fish on it around his neck. Looking closer she realized it was of a dolphin and in the place of its eye there was a cordierite. Her knowledge of rare gems helped her recognize what it was. Looking back at the man she saw he watched her patiently unmoving.

“Thane combat mode now.” Laila screamed as she jumped off the man’s lap and ran around the couch away from him.

“Combat mode armed,” a male voice stated.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw Thane take form and go after the man. Knowing she had only seconds to get to her office before the man realized Thane couldn’t touch him Laila ran down the hall. Reaching the door of her office she saw Gertrude and Renaldo racing toward her from the other end of the hall. Rushing into her office she waited from them to enter. They shot past the office. Swearing Laila wondered why they would pick now to not follow the command that she and Sonya had trained them to do in case they ever were attacked.

Glancing frantically around her office for something to fight with Laila cursed again. It wouldn’t matter what she got she didn’t know how to fight anyway. Seeing a stapler and a letter opener on the desk she snatched them up. Grimacing she knew she looked stupid and it wouldn’t protect her but maybe she could catch him off guard and rescue Gertrude and Renaldo. Turning she faced the door and waited for him to come after her. After a few minutes her arms started to ache. Lowering them she crept to the door and peeked around it. The hall was empty and the house strangely silent. A lump formed in her throat. He had to have killed Gertrude and Renaldo. They hated strangers and attacked them. Furious Laila stepped into the hall brandishing her stapler and letter opener. She would kill him for that.

Stomping down the hall she went into the living room and said. “I’m going to kill you mother fuc—”

She trailed off in shock at the sight before her. Renaldo and Gertrude were lying at the man’s feet looking up at him silently. The man’s back was to her as he waved his hand in the air cutting through the holographic image of Thane.

“Amazing,” the man said doing it again.

Thane looked at him a sardonic look on his holographic face. “Stop doing that.”

The man looked startled then stepped back. “You speak. What are you?”

Thane replied in a St Thomian accent, his preferred tone, “Thane. A fully free thinking LB3000.”

The man frowned. “What is that?”

Thane looked at the man exasperation clear on his caramel toned holographic face. “Ask her.”

He waved long tapered fingers toward her. The man turned to look at her as if just realizing she was there.

Looking away form his intense gaze Laila looked at Thane. “Disengage combat mode.”

Thane nodded his head and winked out. Walking over to where the man stood Laila took a seat on the couch and looked at him.

“Who are you?”

The man looked at her and cocked his head. “You’re no longer afraid of me. Why?”

Shrugging Laila gestured. “Them.”

The man looked down at Gertrude and Renaldo then back at her. “The shifters make you trust me.”

“No they are pets. Not shifters.”

The man looked at her then back at Gertrude and Renaldo horror on his face. “Pets? You keep them contained.”

Looking back at her there was fury on his face. “Release them at once.”

Laila, having dealt with men who thought they could control her before, sighed. “No they cannot change from one form to another.”

The man looked back at them again then knelt on the floor beside them. They clamored up to him. Reaching out he stroked first Gertrude’s head then Renaldo’s.

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2007.
All Rights Reserved, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:
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Mari Carr
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Myla Jackson
Taige Crenshaw
Delilah Devlin
HelenKay Dimon
Lauren Dane
Leah Braemel
Shelli Stevens
Shiloh Walker
TJ Michaels
Zoë Archer

Today’s snippet theme is Author’s Choice. I’ve chosen one of my fav scences in one of my books. I’ve spoken of moments on my blog in the past and how they are powerful. They should be celebrated and observed in some way. First a slight set up. Nigel Ha’gan my hero is having a hard time moving on with his life after his wife passed. Well until an intervention via a dream shakes him up.

An snippet from God Style Temptation….

“Nigel, you have to let me go,” Zarlu said in that soft voice of hers, then she smacked him on the head.

“Ow, what did you do that for?” Nigel looked at Zarlu’s twinkling blue eyes.

She smiled, a sweet twist of her lips and put her hands on her hips. He knew from her stance he was in trouble.

“Why are you holding me as a shield so no one can get close to you? Geesh. You’re a man for god’s sake. You have needs.” She paced back and forth in front of him. She stopped and gave him a sexy look. “I know you’re not a saint.” She chuckled sensuously. “So stop being an ass and start to live.”

Watching her Nigel ached to touch her one last time. She smiled as if she understood. Coming to him, she slid her arms around him. Sinking into her embrace Nigel felt her love and care for him.

Zarlu pulled back with her arms still around him and sighed. “Nigel, it’s time to get back to living. Stop holding onto the past.” She looked at him. “When you’re ready you’ll know it’s time.” She glanced over his shoulder. Following her gaze Nigel looked at himself and the woman on the bed.

“Her name is Aurora and she needs you as much as you need her, Nigel.” Zarlu touched his cheek gently, pulled his face close and kissed him softly and tenderly. “I love you, my warlious.” She started to fade.

Reaching for her he whispered. “I love you, my sesuioul.” She smiled and disappeared. Watching her leave Nigel knew it was the last time. Tears rained down his face as he returned to his body.

Gasping he came awake, careful not to jerk the sleeping woman. He felt the tears on his face. Taking them off his cheek he held them and watched as they turned into a handful of diamonds.

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2008.
All Rights Reserved, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:

Eliza Gayle
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Taige Crenshaw
Alison Kent
Delilah Devlin
HelenKay Dimon
Shiloh Walker
TJ Michaels
Shelli Stevens
Zoë Archer
Leah Braemel

Today’s snippet theme is Romantic. Enjoy a look from one of my books.

An snippet from Devi…

The following afternoon, Devi lay in her hammock, enjoying the idyllic day. Her doorbell chimed and she sighed, reluctant to get up.

“It’s open,” she called out.

The familiar masculine scent that had surrounded Rhodes told her who it was before he’d even made it through the house. Turning her head, she watched him step out onto the patio.

“Kind of dangerous, don’t you think, just inviting people in without knowing who it is?” he asked, giving her a disapproving look before putting a bouquet of flowers on the table.

She almost laughed at that, but smothered it. He was concerned about her. How cute.

Today, Rhodes wore khaki slacks and a dark blue polo-necked shirt. Licking her lips, she swung her legs over and got up from the comfort of her hammock. He glanced at her and swallowed. Hard.

She knew it was her outfit. Cream-coloured gauze woven with gold threads made up her halter-top dress with its deep V-neck. Although the material reached the floor, slits in the skirt ran up to the tops of her thighs. With each step she took, one leg flashed through. And she knew it looked good on her—hell, it had been made just for her.

“Cat got your tongue, Rhodes?”

His forehead had a sheen of sweat on it.

“No. That’s… It’s… Damn.”

“I take it that’s a good thing,” she said with an assured smile.

“Oh, yeah,” he rumbled. He flexed his fingers like he wanted to grab her.

“Thank you.”

He had to tear his gaze away from her nearly exposed chest. “What for?”

“The flowers. They’re beautiful.”

He acted as if he’d forgotten he’d even brought them. “You’re welcome,” he muttered, his gaze on her.

“Something I can do for you, Rhodes?”

“I came to ask you to dinner.” His voice still not as smooth as it had been.

“You didn’t call.”

“I wanted to see you.” His eyes burnt feverishly. “Luckily, I’m a resourceful man—you didn’t give me much to go on.”

“You are that. I knew you’d find me if you wished to see me.”

Warmth surrounded her at his admission. “I’ll go get changed.” She moved past him and headed towards the sliding door, then paused and glanced back over her left shoulder. “A little help?”

He approached and stood behind her. His size made her feel dainty and protected. Without a word, she moved her hair out of the way. Her skin tingled from the light brush of his fingertips as he undid the bow holding up her dress.

“There you go,” he whispered in her ear, his breath teasing her skin.

“Be right back.”

She let go of her hair and it swung back into place, covering her to the small of her back. He gasped as she left him there, in between indoors and out. Alone except for her dress, which had pooled at his feet.

Buy Devi Here

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw and Aliyah Burke, 2012.
All Rights Reserved, Total E Bound.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:
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Taige Crenshaw
Alison Kent
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Leah Braemel

Today’s snippet theme is Cold Place. Enjoy a look from one of my books.

An snippet from Shadow Dance…

Yadira shivered as she took in the landscape whooshing by her. The ground jarred her as she hit it. Looking up she saw the plane above them She let go the rope and watched the plane as it banked then flew out of sight. Glancing over at Dimitri her body clenched in reaction. He was dressed in full winter gear but she remembered the feel of him below and above her. Dimitri looked at her and arched an eyebrow his face cool. Yadira knew it was a front and couldn’t wait to get him naked again to blow it to shreds.

Turning her attention back to the area she sighed as she took in all the snow and cold. It didn’t matter that she could control her body temperature or keep the cold away from her. It was still there.

“Why couldn’t the places we have to search be in the tropics?” Yadira gripped.

Dimitri chuckled. “That would be too easy. You feel anything.”

Having already lowered her shield Yadira shook her head. “No but let’s walk around for a bit.”

Stepping forward she walked deeper into the Rockies. Continuing into the rough icy terrain she waited for the feeling she got when she found what she was looking for. Nothing came. Reaching a clear area she looked back at Dimitri who was some distance behind her to suggest they leave when a man stepped out from the shadows behind him. Opening her mouth to warn him she swallowed it as grey smoke curled around him and he faded. Closing her mouth Yadira’s eyes narrowed. Before she could get angry or go to help him she heard a sound behind her.

Turning quickly she looked, then groaned. “Ah hell, not you again.”

The woman she had fought earlier looked at her. “Rilan is my name Maji.”

Yadira looked at her. “Why would I want to know your name?”

The woman’s expression changed to hate. “So you will know who bested you when you die.”

Yadira laughed. “Since we are being pleasant. Remember the name Yadira.”

“Why.”

Yadira wondered if she was slow or deliberately obtuse. “Don’t worry after I kick your ass you’ll know why.”

Rilan shrieked and ran at her. Waiting until she was close Yadira put her wrists together with her palms out and pushed out hitting her hard in the chest. The woman flew back through the air then somersaulted landing on her feet. Surprised that Rilan had landed on her feet, Yadira reevaluated her knowledge. Smiling she felt coldness fill her. It looked like she had someone to work out her fury on. Rilan came at her.

Yadira met her blocking all her blows one by one. Rilan seemed to get angrier and angrier. Yadira watched her dispassionately, then using Rilan’s own punch as leverage she spun, grabbed her hand, then flung her across the clearing. Rilan hit a snow-covered tree making it break and the snow on it rained down to bury her. Unmoving Yadira watched her. Rilan burst out of the snow flying through the air at her. Yadira caught her in mid-air, then flipping her, she slammed her on the ground pinning her. Holding her effortlessly Yadira watched as she fought to get free.

Rilan stilled then hissed. “Bitch.”

“Now, now no need to get nasty. Who sent you here?”

Rilan looked at her. “Kill me Maji. I will not answer any of your questions.”

Rilan looked past her and her eyes widened in fear. Holding her with her power Yadira glanced at Dimitri as he came up to join her. His look was cool. Fury filled her as she watched him. Looking away before she hurt him Yadira looked back at the woman. Rilan smiled, then Yadira felt that strange sensation she had felt before. Her power began weaken. Rilan laughed, then disappeared. Furious Yadira punched down where she had been. The earth spilt and the area shook with earthquakes. She heard the rumble and looking across the clearing she saw an avalanche coming down the mountain above them. Waving her hand she stilled it, setting everything back to the way it was. She looked at Dimitri. He started to speak.

Holding up her hand she growled, “Say nothing to me.”

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2007.
All Rights Reserved, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:
Eliza Gayle
Rhian Cahill
Anne Rainey
Jody Wallace
Lissa Matthews
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Taige Crenshaw
Alison Kent
Delilah Devlin
HelenKay Dimon
Shiloh Walker
TJ Michaels
Shelli Stevens
Zoë Archer

Today’s snippet theme is Warm Place. Enjoy a look from one of my books.

An snippet from God Style Temptation…

“But I didn’t count on you. The temptation that you would bring me. You made me hope. Hope that I could have an invincible man who would never leave me, but then you told me about your wife dying. Yes I know she chose to save your son, but I couldn’t take the chance. I fooled myself into believing it was just sex but it wasn’t. Isn’t. I can’t take it if you die on me, Nigel, but I can’t live without you either. It’s like you died anyway. In here.” She pressed her hand over her heart.

Nigel put his hand over hers and shook his head. “Ah queinlos, we all must live the life we have now. I can’t promise you that nothing will happen to me but I can promise that even if I die I will always find you.”

Aurora looked into his eyes. “I love you, Nigel.”

The look on his face was priceless. She laughed and he joined her.

He sobered and his gaze was intense. “I love you, Aurora, my queinlos.”

Nigel gaze shifted pass her shoulder. Aurora followed his gaze and gasped. There was a breathtakingly lovely woman standing in the doorway leading to the garden. Her hair hung around her in inky black curls and her eyes were rich amber. Aurora could see the garden through the door through her. Aurora knew she was looking at the ghost of Nigel’s deceased wife Zarlu. The woman smiled, gave them a thumbs up and then she was gone.

Looking back at Nigel she saw the soft smile on his face. He looked at her and she saw the peace and love shining in his eyes. He leaned in and kissed her. Sinking into his kiss Aurora felt the hunger she always felt when he touched her, rush to consume her. Nigel murmured against her lips. Still holding her in his arms he walked toward the door to the gardens. Stepping outside he strode down the path and around the corner of the house. Stopping he lowered her to a bed of flowers and kneeled between her widespread thighs.

As she lay on them Aurora inhaled their sweet scent. Over Nigel’s shoulder she could see the snow covering the ground a little distance away from the house. The gardens and around the house were bright and warm from the sun.

Nigel was waiting for her to look at him.

Reaching up she cupped his cheek. “Make love to me.”

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2008.
All Rights Reserved, Ellora’s Cave.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:

Eliza Gayle
Rhian Cahill
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Jody Wallace
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Today’s snippet theme is Something Odd – A quirky Character or scene. Enjoy a look from one of my books.

An snippet from Seducing a God…

With a barely stifled moan Paula Stroker wondered how much trouble she would get into if she jumped across the aisle and beat the wedding planner with that damn stick she was waving around. Everyone else was hanging onto every word the snotty piece of shit was saying. She couldn’t figure out how many times you had to practice to walk down the aisle. Sheesh you walked everyday for God’s sake. Frowning she resisted her impulse although she would have liked to shock everyone who saw her as the well-behaved one.

You’re just bitter it isn’t you that’s getting married. She almost snorted in laughter at that whopper. Her inner voice had a warped sense of humor. So what if she was single at thirty-five and her mother had resorted to throwing men at her who needed a zookeeper. As if she had heard her thoughts, her mother, Adrianna Stroker, glanced back at her with pity in her eyes. It took all Paula’s control not to scream she would rather have her eyeballs plucked out than get married, then bolt out the door. She tried a smile instead. Her mother nodded then went back to watching the wedding planner like the words coming out of her mouth were gold.

She knew exactly what her mother was thinking when she looked at her. “If Paris was ready to settle down why couldn’t Paula?” Glancing at Paris Stroker, her sister and the bride-to-be, Paula saw Paris roll her eyes. Stifling a laugh Paula still couldn’t believe it. Paris was getting married. Paris who had always said, “You won’t get me down the aisle unless I have lost my mind”. Yet here she stood the wild child ready to tie the knot. Put on the old ball and chain or any of those other silly sayings. Something had to be seriously wrong.

Looking over at Nathan Randall, Paris’ fiancé, she still couldn’t figure out how he had convinced her. Yes, he was handsome with his chiseled good looks, head-over-heels in love with Paris and smart. He was in charge of the Marketing Department of Tantalize Me, the company she co-owned with Paris. Three years ago Nathan and Paris had met at work and fallen in love. They had been living together ever since. She knew that Nathan had asked Paris to marry him many times but she had refused. At least, until a month ago when suddenly they announced they were getting married in a month. Mom had a fit, thinking Paris was pregnant. Since they had already been living together she and Paris hadn’t understood what the big deal was.

When their mother had explained that living together before marriage was fine but being pregnant before marriage was a huge deal they had just looked at her like she was missing a few bricks. Her mother had a slanted way of looking at things. They already knew her view on marriage. She had been living with Christopher for fifteen years and still refused to marry him. Her claim that she couldn’t dream of marrying anyone after their dad died was a load of shit since she could live with them.

After realizing that Paris was not pregnant but wanted to get married Mom had wondered how she could plan a wedding in that time. They had known she was just being coy. She liked nothing more than having a party. From the announcement to now, one week before the wedding, it had been non-stop preparations, fittings and all the wedding hoopla. Paula was sick of it. She couldn’t even try to escape as she had planned from this, the engagement party. Her mother, the wedding general from hell, and her little minion the wedding planner, the devil’s helper, had dragged them all into a separate ballroom away from the party to practice the walk down the aisle for the gazzlionth time.

The wedding planner went from person to person arranging them and telling them how to stand. When her turn came Paula gave the planner a look and she backed up smiling tightly. They had already had a run in with what Paula would and would not put up with.

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2007.
All Rights Reserved, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:
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Eliza Gayle
Rhian Cahill
Anne Rainey
Jody Wallace
Lissa Matthews
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Myla Jackson
Taige Crenshaw
Alison Kent
Delilah Devlin
HelenKay Dimon
Leah Braemel
Shelli Stevens
Shiloh Walker
TJ Michaels
Zoë Archer

Today’s snippet theme is Friends. Enjoy a look from one of my books.

An snippet from Carnal Awakening…

Raising her voice so it could be heard, Shay said. “I’d like to apo—”

“Now chérie, I know you’re not going to apologize and ruin the afterglow. Hell it was almost as good as a rip-roaring bout of sweaty sex.” A languid voice interrupted her.

Knowing who it was Shay smiled.

“Hunter,” another voice hissed.

With a glance to her left, Shay took in the twinkling eyes along with the wicked grin on Hunter Brooks’ face. From Flame Brooks’, Hunter’s sister, embarrassed expression Shay could tell Flame wished she were somewhere else. Flame hated being the center of attention while Hunter thrived on it. They were family to Mia and good friends.

“What? I said almost. It’s not like we’re not all adults here.” Hunter stated.

There was a mummer of agreements.

“And I’m sure we…“ Hunter paused, her eyes alight with mischief. She looked at her sister Flame then amended. “Well at least some of us know what I’m talking about.” She purred as if savoring each word.

There was more agreement tinged with laughter.

“Shay it’s always a pleasure coming here,” Hunter winked. “And the entertainment is always a side benefit. Don’t take away from—“

Flame interjected, “Do you always have to be the center of attention?”

Hunter glanced at her. “Of course. You should try it sometime. You might like it.”

Flame glanced at Hunter, up and down, then turned to Tevin who had returned and was standing next to her. Flame reached up pulled him down and kissed him. Hunter’s mouth dropped open. Everyone hooted. Shay who knew how straight-laced Flame was, enjoyed the show especially Hunter’s reaction. Flame released Tevin slowly. He looked stunned. Shay stifled a smile at the look on his face.

Flame sauntered away then looked back at Hunter. “For once you’re right it does feel wonderful.”

Hunter laughed then smacked Tevin on the arm. “Hah. Now that’s what I call entertainment.”

Glancing at Hunter, Shay mouthed her thanks. Hunter nodded, winked again, and then said. “Come on handsome, I have my eye on that Sigal vase in the back.”

Holding Tevin’s arm she led him toward the exclusive merchandise in the large room to the left. The regular noise level of the shop started to pick up as people dispersed. Observing the shop for a few minutes to make sure everything was okay, Shay turned to Mia.

Before she could say anything Mia turned walked away pushing the doors into the back room. Following her, Shay glanced back at Mikhail still standing silently across the room. Going through the doors she lost sight of him. Turning she noticed that Mia hadn’t gone far. She was standing in the doorway leading to the small flower nursery attached to shop.

Walking over Shay said, “Stay here a little bit while I take over for you.” Shay squeezed her hand gently turned and went back to the doors leading to the shop.

She glanced back and saw Mia walk down the aisle of the nursery. Seeing the slump in her shoulders as she disappeared behind some of the foliage Shay’s fist clenched. The callous words spoken by Ms. Cramigla had shaken the usually unshakable Mia. She imagined her fist connecting with Ms. Cramigla’s perfect face and breaking her nose, maybe a couple of teeth. She hoped Ms. Cramigla tried to see through on her threat of trying to ruin her. She would be in for a big surprise. The reputation she had built at Exotic would hold. She wasn’t anyone’s pushover. Making a mental note to place a few phone calls Shay went out the door into the store.

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2007.
All Rights Reserved, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:

Megan Hart — Read in bed!
Eliza Gayle
Rhian Cahill
Anne Rainey
Jody Wallace
Lissa Matthews
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Myla Jackson
Taige Crenshaw
Alison Kent
Delilah Devlin
HelenKay Dimon
Leah Braemel
Shelli Stevens
Shiloh Walker
TJ Michaels
Zoë Archer
Lacey Savage

Today’s snippet theme is Settings as a Character. Enjoy a look from one of my books.

An snippet from Carnal Awakening…

Glancing at the flower she saw it fold into itself then open again as if shooing her to him. Glancing back at him she cocked her head to the side and watched him.

“I don’t want to.”

He frowned then started to mutter too low for her to hear. As if reaching a decision he turned to face her, his face went blank and his eyes cold. “You don’t have a choice.”

At the challenge in his voice her blood heated. She liked nothing better than a challenge. Watching him under her lashes she waited for his next words.

“It is my duty to save you from yourself,” he stated as he held out his hand.

At the cold touch of metal she looked down, surprised to see the gold handcuffs on her wrists. Looking back at him she jumped. He was standing directly in front of her. She hadn’t even heard him move. Grabbing her arm in a firm grip he pulled her into him. Looking up into his face Shay raised herself on tiptoes and licked across his lips. He groaned. Using the opportunity, Shay stroked her tongue into his mouth. Lazily she savored him and he tasted as she expected—raw and male. His tongue dueled with hers playfully then he sucked her deeper into his mouth. Whimpering she leaned in closer.

Suddenly he wrenched his lips away with a mutter. “I am honor bound to protect you even from yourself.”

His eyes blazed and a green mist started to swirl around him. It encircled her and suddenly the floor disappeared from beneath her feet. Before she could even think about screaming the mist cleared and her feet hit ground. With a fleeting glance around at the lush plants in every color of the rainbow and the sounds of various animals calling out to each other Shay smiled. It was perfect.

Looking back at Mikhail standing a few feet ahead with his back to her, Shay could see the rigid way he held himself. He turned to face her and stated in a soft tone. “We have been taken off course Shay by the will of the Immortal Blossom. I need you to think clearly and control yourself, for both of our sakes.”

She didn’t know what he was talking about. Her mind was clear and she knew exactly what she needed to do. Holding her cuffed hands in front of her, she whispered, “Sericanas”.

His eyes widened as the cuffs started to heat on her wrist then disappeared. His arms jerked in front of him and the cuffs reappeared on his wrists. Seeing them Shay smiled then took off in a run straight for him.

Mikhail took a step back then stopped. The cool determined look in his eyes made her stop a few steps before she reached him. He licked his lips in a slow and deliberate manner. Following his movements Shay felt a ripple of heat go down her spine. From a distant part of her mind she knew she was in an elaborate fantasy but she didn’t care. She wanted this and nothing would stop her from having him.

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2007.
All Rights Reserved, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:
Megan Hart — Read in bed!
Eliza Gayle
Rhian Cahill
Jody Wallace
Lissa Matthews
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Myla Jackson
Taige Crenshaw
Alison Kent
Delilah Devlin
HelenKay Dimon
Shelli Stevens
Shiloh Walker
Zoë Archer

Today’s snippet theme is Endings. Enjoy a look from one of my books.

An snippet from Body Cravings…

Glancing at her desk, her gaze landed on the calendar. Gasping, Amara noted the date. She hadn’t realized today was the day.

A shaft of sorrow filled her. Absently, she rubbed her hand over her heart as she wondered when the pain would fade. It had been over three years since those last hurtful words justifying his actions had been aimed at her by her fiancé Kevin.

“You’re lousy in bed and that’s why I had to get my needs filled elsewhere.” She had thrown him out as his last insult was hurled. “No man wants to get frostbite in bed. Call me when you melt.”

At that moment, with all her contempt, she had wished him dead. She had hated him with every fiber of her being.

“Amara, are you okay?” Jacques asked with concern in his voice.

Pushing back the memories, she nodded and glanced up at him, smiling. She didn’t think it was very convincing but he watched her a moment before returning his attention back to the sheaf of papers.

Holding herself very still she tried to stop the memories, but they overwhelmed her. Hours after their last words, when the police came to tell her of his death, she hadn’t wanted to believe. They said the crash had happened less than two miles from her house. Since he had no family and she was listed as his next of kin, she had gone to the morgue to identify him. The sight of his lifeless body made all the pain and self-doubt rush to consume her. She had pushed it aside to plan his burial.

At his funeral, which she paid for, she learned the truth of his duplicity. A woman approached her, spraying venomously that Amara had killed him with her selfishness. Amara had no idea what she meant. She had thought Kevin was happy, that they were in love. The woman pulled a little boy forward who was the exact image of Kevin, and proceeded to tell the child to study the woman who’d killed his and his unborn sister’s daddy. A glance at the little boy, who appeared to be no more than three years old, and the sight of the woman’s enlarged belly made Amara realized that Kevin had been cheating a long time. Maybe Kevin had been right, she had driven him to cheat. She couldn’t believe she hadn’t known.

The whispers and titters around the room had increased as the woman’s ranting escalated. Amara had been too numb to even think or move. Dominique Rule, her friend, led her away to a private room. Imani, her sister, joined them and tried to help console her. The room quickly filled with friends, old family friends and various Trescott Cove residents that she knew, who wanted to know if she was okay. Her other friends Sienna Zain and Hunter Willis quickly came and cleared the room of all the people who cared but at that point were too much to take. She didn’t need their concern or pitying glances. The incident had killed whatever love she’d had for Kevin and the guilt she felt.

Coming back to the present, Amara watched Jacques engrossed in the contracts he was reading. Something had always held her back from real fulfillment or entanglements and she never realized what it was, at least until now. Silently she admitted she still hadn’t fully gotten over what Kevin had said about her. She had tried one-night stands and they had only left her empty. It had been over a year since she had been with a man and hadn’t had any serious connections since Kevin.

You should leave well enough alone. You’re successful, have a great home and are happy with your life as it is, Amara thought.

Happy? Are you really happy? her inner voice asked.

Amara jumped when Jacques spoke.

“Thanks for all your work on this.” Jacques signed the papers and stood.

Pushing aside the thoughts, she focused on business. Standing quickly, she put out her hand. Jacques accepted it in a firm grip. Goosebumps raised along her skin. Biting her lip, she cursed her attraction to him.

Jacques spoke again. “Sampson was correct about your discretion … and tenacity.”

Pleased with his compliment, Amara came around her desk to escort him out. “Thank you. Congratulations on acquiring Tevron Corp. I’ll forward the copies to you at Falcone International in Milan and give Sampson the original when he returns.” At the door, she waited for him to step through and leave.

Jacques stopped and studied her, an unfathomable expression on his face. “Amara, I want to give you a gift for all of your hard work. What do you want?”

The words tumbled out before she could even think about them. “I want you naked on a chair and ready to do whatever I want.”

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2008.
All Rights Reserved, Liquid Silver Books.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:
Lauren Dane
Rhian Cahill
Eliza Gayle
Selena Blake
Anne Rainey
Jody Wallace
Lissa Matthews
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Myla Jackson
Taige Crenshaw
Alison Kent
Delilah Devlin
Shelli Stevens
Shiloh Walker
Leah Braemel
HelenKay Dimon
TJ Michaels

Today’s snippet theme is Family. Enjoy a look from one of my books.

An snippet from Onyx Moon Rising…

Zaila nodded and walked around the clearing. Her eyes dilated and went blank. Suddenly, she gasped and then collapsed, shuddering. Rushing over to Zaila, Tashana picked her up.

“Zaila.” Tashana touched her face.

It was so cold. Zaila’s heartbeat was sluggish.

Jaynat touched her shoulder. “Let me.” She touched Zaila and murmured an incantation.

Tashana saw something move beneath Zaila’s skin. Suddenly, Zaila sat up and hit Jaynat in the chest, sending her across the clearing. Zalia turned in a blur and hit Tashana. Flying backward, Tashana flipped in the air and landed on her feet. She saw Jaynat use a tree as leverage, walk up it and lock her legs around the limb. Zaila stood and black smoke engulfed her. Tashana started to go to her and stopped, coming up against a barrier. Reaching out to touch it, she realized it was a shield. Zaila had locked them out and whatever she was fighting in. Using her power, Tashana tried to break down the shield. It wouldn’t budge. Jaynat was trying the same thing, but nothing worked.

A glance back at Zaila through the shield showed that a woman had taken shape. Zaila was locked in a furious fight with her. The woman shifted to smoke again. Using it against her, Zaila clenched her fist and twisted her hand while pushing out. The sound of Zaila’s chant rose on the air as her full power flared to strengthen her spell. Time stood still for a moment, then the woman shrieked. She solidified and clutched her chest. Blood bloomed from between her breasts.

The woman turned and looked at Tashana. “You’re all going to die.”

Zaila threw a fireball at her and the woman burned and melted away. The shield dropped. Tashana raced across the clearing, reaching Zaila the same time as Jaynat. Zaila staggered and almost went down. Gripping her from both sides, they held her. Her head lolled as she passed out. From past experienced they knew Zalia would be out for a few hours. Tashana opened a portal to take her home.

Stepping into Zaila’s bedroom, she and Jaynat lifted her up and took her to the bed. Laying Zaila down, they stepped back. She was pale but fine. Turning Jaynat motioned Tashana to the door. Not wanting to leave, she reached for Zaila’s hand.

You don’t have to stay and watch me sleep, Zaila spoke in her mind her voice weary.

You should rest, Tashana replied.

I will as soon as you stop hovering. I’m tired, not dying. Go away. Zaila sounded grumpy.

Chuckling, Tashana stood, watched her one last time and went out the door.

Jaynat was waiting for her. “You must find Sanjay.” There was urgency in her tone.

Tashana frowned. “What did you see?”

Jaynat looked at her. “Blood and death.”

Tashana gasped at the pain on Jaynat’s face.

Jaynat waved her hand. “Go, Shana.”

Urgency filled Tashana as she turned and ran.

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2007.
All Rights Reserved, Liquid Silver Books.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:
Lauren Dane
Rhian Cahill
Eliza Gayle
Selena Blake
Anne Rainey
Jody Wallace
Lissa Matthews
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Myla Jackson
Taige Crenshaw
Vivian Arend
Alison Kent
Delilah Devlin
HelenKay Dimon
Shelli Stevens
Shiloh Walker
Leah Braemel
Louisa Edwards
TJ Michaels