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
Anne Rainey
Jody Wallace
Lissa Matthews
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Taige Crenshaw
Alison Kent
Delilah Devlin
HelenKay Dimon
Lacey Savage
Leah Braemel
Selena Robins
Shiloh Walker
TJ Michaels

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:
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

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

Nia Hudson is looking for a momentary escape when she steps into an alcove during a wedding reception. At least until the most captivating man joins her. They share an interesting conversation. When the man takes his leave, he tells her he will be waiting for her to come find him. It isn’t until he is gone that Nia realizes she hadn’t even gotten his name. When she does follow up, she not only finds him, she finds… the man who will change her life.

Darius Wilde is not about to let the fascinating woman get away. She tests his formidable control, and tantalizes all his senses. His Garlven side is on high alert. And the man in him wants to lay her down and have her. She is skittish and will let him have her body, but he wants so much more. With a soft touch and melding himself into her life, he will have it all or nothing. He wants her to join him and embrace…Wilde Rapture.

Buy Here / Read an Excerpt

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

A new chapter has been posted on Satin Notes, the free read site. Go check out the new chapter of our current read at ~ http://www.satinnotes.com.

A new chapter has been posted on Satin Notes, the free read site. Go check out the new chapter of our current read at ~ http://www.satinnotes.com.

A new chapter has been posted on Satin Notes, the free read site. Go check out the new chapter of our current read at ~ http://www.satinnotes.com.

Welcome to my Blissemas post. Be sure to comment at the end of my blog for a chance to be entered into the Blissemas drawing for a Kindle!

There are so many memories I have for Christmas. When I wrote my book Veils Rising I took the memories I had of Christmas growing up in St. Thomas. There is a different feeling to Christmas on the beautiful island where I grew up. When the holiday approached I would feel an excitement in the air. I’ve always equated Christmas with the smell of the baking of carrot cake, tart, and sweet bread. The sound of the steel pan playing a Christmas Carol. There is nothing like it.

One of my favorite memories was the Christmas carolers who performed in Emancipation Garden. I still remember my first time I went. I was in awe of all the various team of carolers that were there. Singing and having fun. Those in the audience joined in. One year especially I remember there was a friendly bet between two groups. One called themselves The Non-Carolers. And from the name you guessed it. The non-carolers didn’t sing all that well. Yet their enthusiasm and the good-natured rivalry between the two groups entertained everyone. It was a carol sing off that had people talking for a long time. It enhanced a tradition and became one. It was a Christmas memory that I treasure to this day.

Even though I now live in New York I still observe the some of my family traditions . I hope you enjoyed my non-carolers memory.

What are some of your holiday traditions?

Your comments here will give you an entry in the BLISSEMAS drawing for the grand prize for a kindle. The drawing will take place at the end of Blissemas. Check out more about Blissemas and the other great post here.

Have a joyus holiday season and may the new year bring you lots of wonderful moments!