Taige Crenshaw -…increasing the sizzle factor

Today’s snippet theme is Settings. 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:
Lauren Dane
Anne Rainey
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Myla Jackson
Selena Blake
Taige Crenshaw
Vivian Arend
Delilah Devlin
HelenKay Dimon

Today’s snippet theme is Scary. Below is one of my favorite scenes from a book that I wrote with authors Aliyah Burke and McKenna Jeffries for our free read site called Satin Notes. It is long so placed it behind a link. Enjoy.

An snippet from Break Every Rule…

In a glance, she took in a gagged Taggart, tied to the chair in the center of the room. He was looking at her. The dogs were all laying on the floor, spread throughout the room. Instinctively, she turned and raised her hand.

“I’ll give you some love,” a voice hissed.

Dominique looked into crazed eyes. She pulled her hand back and punched out with her fist. Her assailant took the blow and hit her arm. The sharp sting of a needle registered a second after it plunged in and the depressor pushed.

Dominique’s surprised look was met with a chilling smile. “Welcome to my party.”

A woozy feeling filled Dominique. She shook it off and jumped at her attacker, but her aim was off. The target moved, then lashed out with a fist, catching Dominique on the side of the head. She fell back, then rushed the individual again, sustaining another hit for her trouble. Dominique lashed out, grunting as her fist hit flesh. She gripped a hand, twisted, and felt the arm break. A voice shrieked, and then another blow hit her in the chest. She stumbled back, but righted herself. Her head swam. Dominique refused to give into it. She swung and hit flesh again. A kick in her leg made it buckle, and she fell onto her back. The enraged face filled her vision.

“You broke my fucking arm! You cunt!” her attacker screamed.

Dominique smiled, a nasty grin. “I’m going to break more than that, Kelin.” She laughed.

Kelin roared, then punched out. Dominique caught her fist, then decked her. Blood spurted out of her nose. Dominique laughed again. Kelin growled and lashed out with her broken hand. Dominique grabbed it and twisted. Kelin howled, then kicked her. Pain blasted through Dominique, and blackness filled her vision. Gasping, she released Kelin, struggling for consciousness and breath.

“I’m going to kill you. Kill you,” Kelin sang in a broken voice.

Dominique fought to stay awake, but it was useless. Oh God, not again. I have to protect him. The darkness claimed her.

Dominique bit back a groan as she woke. Cautiously, she kept still and tried to figure out where she was. From the feel of it, she knew she was lying on the carpeted floor. She shifted slowly and felt the bite of ropes on her wrists, tied behind her back. A hysterical voice broke the silence.

“This would never have happened, Taggart, if only you’d have noticed me. We were so good together. All those late hours working as a team. A couple. Then you had to get all wrapped up in that bitch. You didn’t pay attention to the warnings I gave you. You should have left her!” Kelin raged.

She paused, then paced. Dominique heard the drag of her shoes on the carpet.

Kelin’s tone softened and went sickly sweet. “But I know you didn’t mean it. She had you in her trap. Once she’s gone, we can be together. You, me, and the dogs. They’ll learn to like me. We’ll have to put hers to sleep, of course.”

Kelin made a humming noise. Dominique opened her eyes to slits. Kelin’s back was to her as she straddled Taggart on the chair. Kelin made the sound again.

“I want a real kiss. I’m going to take off your gag.” Kelin laughed, attempting to sound sultry.

Dominique realized Kelin was kissing Taggart. She tamped down her rage. Kelin reached up, then swore as her left hand hung uselessly at her side.

“That bitch broke my arm.” Kelin looked over her shoulder.

Dominique closed her eyes and regulated her breathing. She heard the drag of Kelin’s footsteps on the carpet. Holding still, Dominique poised herself to spring.

“He’s mine, and he’ll forget you,” Kelin spat.

Her voice sounded too far away for Dominique to take her out.

A brief pause, and then her footsteps hurried back to Taggart. “Now for that kiss.”

Dominique silted her eyes again to see her. Kelin stood to the side of Taggart as she used her right hand to take off the tape from his mouth. Blood ran down the side of Taggart’s face. He looked at Dominique, his face calm, then turned to look at Kelin.

(more…)

Today’s snippet theme is Villians but in my case I have a Villainess. Enjoy a look from one of my books.

An snippet from Onyx Moon Rising…

The woman who had spoken before shook her head, got to her knees, and slapped the man next to her. “Continue, you fool.”

She turned and sprung across the clearing heading for Tashana. Spinning out of the way, Tashana felt claws rake her arm. Hissing, she turned and punched out. The woman flew across the clearing, seemed to catch herself and then flew back at her. Spinning in the air, Tashana back-kicked her in the chest. The woman screamed in rage and caught her foot. She dragged Tashana and flung her across the clearing. Hitting the ground hard, Tashana rolled to get out of the way as the woman punched down, breaking the earth. A loud screech rent the air. Tashana looked up and saw a spear buried in Sanjay’s dragon chest. She gasped but didn’t worry, it couldn’t kill him. The woman punched down again and Tashana grabbed her fist.

Using her as leverage, Tashana kicked up with her legs while pushing out with her palm. The woman flew backward, her feet raking the ground. The woman caught herself and smiled. A sound of anguish rent the air. Glancing up, Tashana’s heart stopped as Sanjay plummeted out of the sky. Calling back the power from the clones, Tashana threw her hand open in Sanjay’s direction . A golden net caught him and lowered him to the floor. He shifted back to human form, gasping. Tashana stumbled back as the woman punched her in her chest. Tashana grabbed her hand, twisted it and pushed out with her fist hitting the woman in the chest. She poured all her power into her. The woman screamed, shuddered and dropped. Stepping over her, Tashana stumbled and fell to her knees, too weak to walk. Dragging herself to Sanjay, she touched him and felt the coolness of his skin.

“Sanjay, what’s wrong?” Tashana was frantic.

He gurgled.” Poison.”

She was confused. ”Poison can’t kill a dragon.”

Sanjay gasped. “It is the same that killed my father.”

Tashana’s heart stopped. He hadn’t told her how his father died. Dragging herself over him, she touched his chest trying to pull it out of him. She was too weak.

“No!” Tashana screamed.

A backwash of power swept over her. Looking up she saw more Deathwalkers fill the clearing. They advanced. She was too weak to duplicate help. Using her last burst of energy, she brought her swords to her. Using them as leverage, she stood slowly and painfully. Bringing them up in front of her, she prepared to fight until her last breath. The Deathwalkers screamed and rushed her.

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

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:
Anne Rainey
Jody Wallace
Selena Robins
Eliza Gayle
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Mandy M Roth
Myla Jackson
Taige Crenshaw
Selena Blake
Vivian Arend
Beth-Ann Mason
HelenKay Dimon
Shelli Stevens
Lauren Dane
TJ Michaels
Shiloh Walker

Today’s snippet theme is Workplace. 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:
Anne Rainey
Jody Wallace
Eliza Gayle
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Mandy M Roth
Myla Jackson
Taige Crenshaw
Vivian Arend
Alison Kent
HelenKay Dimon
Shelli Stevens
Lauren Dane
Lacey Savage
TJ Michaels
Shiloh Walker

Today’s snippet theme is Gift. 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:
Anne Rainey
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Myla Jackson
Taige Crenshaw
Selena Blake
Vivian Arend
Alison Kent
HelenKay Dimon
Lauren Dane
Lacey Savage
Shiloh Walker

Today’s snippet theme is Author’s Choice. 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:
Anne Rainey
Jody Wallace
Selena Robins
Eliza Gayle
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Mandy M Roth
Myla Jackson
Taige Crenshaw
Selena Blake
Vivian Arend
Alison Kent
Beth-Ann Mason
HelenKay Dimon
Shelli Stevens
Lauren Dane
Lacey Savage
TJ Michaels
Shiloh Walker

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

An snippet from God Style Temptation…

The dream snuck up on him.

“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. They rose off his palm and floated across the room. A drawer opened and they floated into it before closing. He knew that the drawer was full of diamonds and other gems. For the last year he had been dreaming of Zarlu and each time he woke there were tears on his face which turned into precious gems.

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

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:
Anne Rainey
TJ Michaels
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Myla Jackson
Taige Crenshaw
Lauren Dane
HelenKay Dimon
Vivian Arend
Shelli Stevens
TJ Michaels
Jody Wallace
Eliza Gayle
Denise A. Agnew
Beth-Ann Mason

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

An snippet from Body Cravings…

Jacques pulled back and put his forehead against hers. “Want to play hooky?” He said it in a singsong voice.

“Let me get my bag,” Amara replied in the same tone.

She got her bag and coat. Jacques helped her into it. He pulled her hair from below the collar, trailing his finger from the edge of her hairline down until the coat stopped him.

Moaning, Amara asked, “What did my sister say to you?” Amara groaned as he kissed the top of her head. She viewed him expectantly.

“She threatened to unman me if I hurt you.” Jacques chuckled.

Amara glanced at the door, then back at him. “What’s funny about that?”

Jacques made a rude noise. “The idea she could do such a thing.”

Amara reached down and put her hand inside his jacket, stroking his cock through his slacks. Jacques’ eyes heated. She leaned against him and kissed him thoroughly.

Pulling away, she raised an eyebrow. “I wouldn’t underestimate my sister if I were you. But you don’t have to worry about her.” She released him and walked away.

“Why?”

Amara looked at him over her shoulder. “If you hurt me, the pleasure of unmanning you will be all mine.”

Jacques mouth fell open in shock before amusement filled his gaze. He walked over to her and put his hand around her waist. “You don’t have to worry about that. I won’t hurt you.” He kissed her briefly before leading her out the door.

Fifteen minutes later, Amara stood in front of the store at 18 Lauioe Square and studied the display. She glared playfully at Jacques. “I can’t believe I let you talk me into this. I’ve lived in this area, been in this area many times and never seen this place. How the heck did you find out about it?”

“A friend.” Jacques pulled her toward the door.

Standing her ground, she asked. “What friend?” Amara winced as she heard the jealousy in her tone.

Jacques was amused. He kissed her on the nose. “No need to be jealous.” He pulled her into him and kissed her thoroughly before drawing back to met her gaze. “Although I like you being possessive, it was a male friend. He said they had some beautiful pieces.”

Amara glanced past him at the window again. The female mannequin was draped in a see-through, short magenta camisole and tap pants. There was fine gold embroidery detailing on the outfit, making it shimmer and tantalize. It aptly went with Tantalize, the name of the store that was in discreet gold script. Usually she bought her lingerie from Unveiled—a bigger store that had some beautiful things as well—as it wasn’t too far from where her offices were on Caspain Avenue. Unveiled had various in-house designers who made what they sold. You could get custom pieces or buy off the rack.

She focused back on him. “I’ve heard of them and always meant to check them out but never found the time. If I’d known they were so close to my house I would have been here sooner.” Amara rubbed her hands together as she stared back at the window of Tantalize. “What are you waiting for? Let’s go.”

She laced fingers with his, pulling him into the store. Amara stopped inside the doorway, taking in the plush chairs and wide array of lingerie. From what she had heard of Tantalize, they had an in-house designer who made everything. All the pieces were unique and the quality was superb. With brisk steps, she walked over to a floor-length peignoir. Amara touched the fine silk. She loved sexy things.

Jacques’ voice came from behind her. “You would be sexy in that.”

She smiled seductively. “So would you.”

Jacques laughed. Amara picked it up in burnt orange and continued to look around. Jacques took it and, as she picked up more things, she handed them to him. He followed behind her patiently. When she asked him his opinion, he nodded or shook his head.

Amara reached for another piece, turning to hand it to him. When she saw the pile of things in his hands, she grinned sheepishly. “Umm … sorry.”

Jacques laughed. “I love to see you shop. Don’t you want anything else?”

Amara stared longingly at the two-piece pajama set across the room. She shook her head. “No. Let’s check out and go.” She put her hand around his waist, walking with him to the front of the store. “Thanks for being so patient.”

Jacques gazed at her, his expression sizzling. “My pleasure.”

Amara laughed. “Most men would have run screaming by now.”

Jacques dumped the items on the counter. He put his hands around her waist. “I’m not most men.”

He kissed her softly. Amara shifted and glanced at the man behind the counter.

Reaching into her bag for her purse, she was stopped by Jacques’ hand on her arm. She looked up at him. He was handing the man a credit card.

“Jacques—” she started to protest, but he put his finger over her lips.

“Shh… I’m paying. Now say, thank you, Jacques.”

She glared at him. He leaned down and she snapped her teeth at him. He jerked back, laughing. His other arm came up to encircle her. “Now is that any way to say thank you?”

Amara chuckled. “I’ll thank you later.”

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

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

Anne Rainey
TJ Michaels
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Myla Jackson
Taige Crenshaw
Lauren Dane
HelenKay Dimon
Vivian Arend
Shelli Stevens
Shiloh Walker

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

An snippet from God Style Temptation…

Picking up whatever she could get she threw it at him as she stumbled backward. Pots, food and knives—he caught each one effortlessly. Breathless she stopped backing up. The man stopped and watched her waiting to see what she would do next.

Frustrated Aurora screamed. “What the fuck are you?”

He smiled, a nasty little twist of his lips. “Besides the man who saved you pretty little ass from being a popsicle? A god.”

Hearing that Aurora felt fury flash through her. Not stopping to think she headed straight for him. The man’s eyes dropped and he grinned, a devilish quirk of his lips. Realizing she was still naked and he was ogling her Aurora was even angrier. Slowing she added more sway in her hips and watched his eyes light in appreciation. She looked at him and saw his smile widen. Returning his smile she let her hand flash up to deck him. He caught it.

“Uh-huh not that again. You’re such a violent little thing.” The man’s tone was calm.

Ignoring his comment she swung with her other hand. He sighed and caught it too. He raised an eyebrow as if saying “now what”. From how they were standing she estimated he was about six three to her six feet. Jerking her head forward she hit him with it. She felt his nose break, as was her intention. A grim smile curved her lips. He let her go and stepped back. Swinging at him again Aurora found her hand caught. Instinctively she swung with the other. He again caught it then turned her around and pulled them behind her back. Jerking her head back she tried to hit him with her head.

“Shit. Will you calm down?” the man growled.

Straining against his hold Aurora gritted out, “Fuck you, Cupid or Claude or whatever the hell your name is. I have eighty-seven more of those to give you. You mother fu—”

The man sighed and said softly. “I’m not Cupid.”

She stilled and gasped realizing she was plastered against his body. His next word distracted her.

“Although I can relate, why do you want to kick Cupid’s ass?” His tone was matter of fact.

“You’re hurting me. Let me go first.” Aurora demanded although he wasn’t.

He scoffed. “Liar.”

“Let me go.”

“Only if you promise not to hit me again.”

“Fine I won’t hit you again. I only connected twice.” Although it galled her to say it out loud.

The man laughed and his cock rubbed against her ass. Trying to keep still Aurora closed her eyes. She was getting hot over a man she barely knew and she didn’t even know if she liked him. He let her go. Spinning to face him she took a step forward and looked up into his amused chocolate gaze.

“Who the hell are you?”

His smile widened. “Nigel Ha’gan at your service Miss Aurora.”

He sounded very formal but his devilish smile belayed that.

“You’re very formal for someone who is naked?” Then it hit her what he said. “How do you know my name?”

A look of pain flashed through his eyes so fast she almost thought she imagined it.

“I figured since you were ignoring it I’d be a gentleman and do the same.”

“What?”

He shrugged a graceful movement of his shoulders. “Our nakedness.”

Aurora sighed. “You’re quite a handful aren’t you?” Realizing what she said her eyes automatically dropped and looked at his impressive member. Blushing she turned away from him and mumbled. “Crap, you know what I mean.”

“Now no need to be shy queinlos,” Nigel said the laughter plain in his voice.

“What does queinlos mean?” Aurora asked although she suspected it was something derogatory.

“Little warrior,” he purred.

His answer pleased her. The feel of soft cloth brushed her skin. Glancing down she saw light filtering around her body and a robe in a rich green, the same color as her eyes, covered her. He was now clothed in a similar one in dark brown.

“Thanks.” She winced when she saw his broken nose.

She knew it had to be hurting him. Grabbing his hand she pulled him to the table. He came willingly. She pushed him in the chair. Reaching to check his nose she gasped as his hand stopped her. Again she hadn’t seen him move.

“Don’t be a baby. I just want to check it out. I’m a doctor.” She touched it and he winced.
“Ah man, I’m sorry. She looked for some paper towel and got a bowl of water.

“Sorry you hit me or sorry I’m not Claude?” he asked.

Smiling she replied, “Both,” as she gently cleaned his nose.

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:
Anne Rainey
Eliza Gayle
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Myla Jackson
Taige Crenshaw
Lauren Dane
Beth-Ann Mason
HelenKay Dimon
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Shelli Stevens
Shiloh Walker

Today’s snippet theme is Weather. 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:
Anne Rainey
Jody Wallace
Eliza Gayle
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Myla Jackson
Taige Crenshaw
Alison Kent
Denise A. Agnew
HelenKay Diomon
Lacey Savage
Shelli Stevens
Shiloh Walker
TJ Michaels