Wicked Wednesday - just a little kiss

It's that big moment when a couple shares their first kiss in a story. You're on the edge of your seat, holding your breath, and heated from the tension. What sort of kiss will it be? It has to be perfect, right?

No, it doesn't.

And that's the fun of writing. You can make that first kiss be anything you want it to be.

Sloppy kiss - a little too much saliva and a lot of lip sucking. A bit like a happy bulldog.

Dead fish kiss - one person is completely passive with no mouth action at all except that it's open just a little because, likely, they're a mouth-breather.

Too eager kiss - going in for it so hard and fast that teeth clink, lips bruise, and one or both people look like they're going to eat the other one.

Uncoordinated kiss - both people turn their heads the same way and bonk noses or miss the lips to kiss a nostril instead.

Tongue leading the way kiss - one person has their tongue out like a lance and it leads the way in with no lip contact first.

I know very few people that have had a perfect first kiss. Most often, it's hilarious and/or awkward. It's all the kisses after it that made the romance work for them.

Winners for the More Than Just A Kiss Blogfest and The 13th Floor Collection cover reveal giveaway

Thank you to everyone who participated in the MORE THAN JUST A KISS Blogfest. It was awesome. So many great entries. Even more so, each kiss was so very different. Some made me laugh, others had me sighing or fanning myself, and a few made my eyes watery. These were more than just kisses.

My most marvelous fellow judges - Cecilia Robert, Kyra Lennon, Laurelin Paige - and I had a tough time picking the winners. We all have different tastes, but there are three that stood out.

Here are our top three:

Our first place winner of a critique (not exceeding ten pages) from Cecilia, Kyra, and I is

L.G. KELTNER!

Our second place winner of a critique (not exceeding five pages) from Laurelin and I is

MICHELLE WALLACE!

Our third place winner of a one page critique from Cecilia and I is

ADRIANNE RUSSELL!

Congratulations, ladies! An email has been sent your way.

But wait! We have some bonus prizes to give out. Each of us judges have picked one entry to win our bonus prizes. Here they are!

Laurelin's pick to win FIXED ON YOU:

ROE!

Cecilia's pick to win TRULY MADLY DEEPLY YOU and REAPER'S NOVICE.:
ALEX TANNER!

Kyra's pick to win IF I LET YOU GO:

SUMMER ROSS!

My pick to win all six volumes of The 13th Floor series:

SHAH WHARTON!

Congratulations to you all!

And thank you again to every participant. Every single scene was great.

Now on to the winners of my cover reveal giveaway!

A huge thank you to everyone that helped introduce The 13th Floor Complete Collection to the world.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congratulations to the winners!

Emails have been sent your way.

Last day of the More Than Just a Kiss Blogfest

“A kiss, when all is said, what is it? 'Tis a secret told to the mouth instead of to the ear.” ~ Edmond Rostand

It's the last day of the blogfest. I've had so much fun reading your kissing scenes. It's going to be difficult to pick the winners. You all did a wonderful job. Bravo!
 I will confer with my fellow judges, and hopefully we'll have the winners picked within a few days.

 

Sweet, sizzling, fiery, awkward, mind-blowing. We want to read your kissing scenes.

 

The rules are simple:

1. Sign up on the linky list and post the badge on your blog.

2. On one of the days of the week of September 9th, post a kissing scene on your blog. It can be either fiction or non-fiction.

3. Please do not exceed 250 words.

4. This is a blogfest, so visit the other participants and have fun!

But wait! This is more than a blogfest.

We're offering prizes!

The scenes will be judged by these amazing romance authors: Cecilia Robert, Laurelin Paige, Kyra Lennon, and Christine Rains. (Hey, that's me!) We will choose three posts to win these awesome prizes.

Prize 1 - A critique of a kissing/intimate scene from your WIP (not exceeding ten pages). Critiques will be done by Cecilia Robert, Kyra Lennon, and Christine Rains.

Prize 2 - A critique of a kissing/intimate scene from your WIP (not exceeding five pages). This critique will be done by Laurelin Paige and Christine.

Prize 3 - A critique of a kissing/intimate scene from your WIP (not exceeding one page). This critique will be done by Cecilia and Christine.

BONUS PRIZES:
Cecilia, Kyra, Laurelin, and I will each choose one of our favorites to give out some fantastic ebooks.
Cecilia – TRULY MADLY DEEPLY YOU and REAPER'S NOVICE.
Kyra - IF I LET YOU GO
Laurelin - FIXED ON YOU
Christine – All six volumes of the 13th Floor series.

Sign up here!

 

My final kissing scene is from my unpublished superhero romance, SUPER FAMOUS.

 

“I think you're afraid of letting someone get to know the real you. Everyone knows the superhero, but not the woman underneath. Even your friends and family only know the persona you've created for yourself.”

It's what the world wanted. What she wanted. No one was interested in the daughter of a well-to-do lawyer who had nothing going on for herself. Everyone wanted the Silver Skipper. Even her family and friends wanted that powerful character. Being a superhero was what she was good at. Not just good, she was excellent. Without it, she was nothing.

And who was he to point this out to her?

“I'm not afraid.” She repeated, chin up.

“Then prove it. H—”

Oakley mashed her mouth to his. Her arms wound around his middle to pull him flush against her. It was even more sensational without the wine and chocolate. It was all Benniton. Hard, male, and tasting lightly of mint.

Their lips parted at the same time and tongues rolled vying for dominance. His hands slid up over her hips to rest on the small of her back, holding her tight as if she might try to escape. Her fingers dug into his shoulder blades. She wasn't going anywhere right now.

The kiss lasted several seconds, maybe even a few minutes. The sizzle fried her inner clock.

When they stopped to catch their breath, he pressed his forehead against hers and grinned. “I was only going to ask you to have dinner with me.”

More Than Just a Kiss Blogfest still on

“A kiss, when all is said, what is it? 'Tis a secret told to the mouth instead of to the ear.” ~ Edmond Rostand

Have you joined the blogfest yet?

All it takes is one kiss.

One scene to be entered to win great prizes.

READ THE RULES AND SIGN UP HERE!

 

This kiss is from one of my unpublished manuscripts tentatively named SORROW PHAGE. (I know, the title isn't screaming romance!) The protagonist, Erinys, is a demon that feeds on people's sorrow, and Nicolas is a young vampire.

“Of course you wouldn't forget. I know I've got a body to die for. Literally.” He chuckled at his own joke and moved closer to her. He lifted a hand and kept a close watch on her face as he brought it up to touch her forearm where the trail of spots started. “I do really like them. Something exotic about it. Do they go all the way down?”

“Down my spine and the back of my legs.” Erinys stood very still, feeling her stomach flip as he touched her. Her toes wiggled in her wet boots.

His fingers reached her shoulder and caressed the place where it met her neck. Nicolas gently urged her away from the wall and turned her around. He brushed her hair to one side and continued to follow the spots down her back with his fingers. He kissed that same spot between the neck and shoulder. Her lips parted, tremulously inhaling.

“You're so beautiful,” he whispered, nuzzling her neck. “You and your black spots.”

Erinys whipped around and elbowed him in the chest. He flew back into the tub, cracking a few tiles. She ran, jumped into the bed and wrapped herself in a thick quilt, burying her head in the pillows with the hope she wouldn't start crying again.

Join the More Than Just A Kiss Blogfest

Sweet, sizzling, fiery, awkward, mind-blowing. We want to read your kissing scenes.

 

The rules are simple:

1. Sign up on the linky list and post the badge on your blog.

2. On one of the days of the week of September 9th, post a kissing scene on your blog. It can be either fiction or non-fiction.

3. Please do not exceed 250 words.

4. This is a blogfest, so visit the other participants and have fun!

But wait! This is more than a blogfest.

We're offering prizes!

The scenes will be judged by these amazing romance authors: Cecilia Robert, Laurelin Paige, Kyra Lennon, and Christine Rains. (Hey, that's me!) We will choose three posts to win these awesome prizes.

Prize 1 - A critique of a kissing/intimate scene from your WIP (not exceeding ten pages). Critiques will be done by Cecilia Robert, Kyra Lennon, and Christine Rains.

Prize 2 - A critique of a kissing/intimate scene from your WIP (not exceeding five pages). This critique will be done by Laurelin Paige and Christine.

Prize 3 - A critique of a kissing/intimate scene from your WIP (not exceeding one page). This critique will be done by Cecilia and Christine.

BONUS PRIZES:
Cecilia, Kyra, Laurelin, and I will each choose one of our favorites to give out some fantastic ebooks.
Cecilia – TRULY MADLY DEEPLY YOU and REAPER'S NOVICE.
Kyra - IF I LET YOU GO
Laurelin - FIXED ON YOU
Christine – All six volumes of the 13th Floor series.

 

SIGN UP HERE!

 

My kiss today comes from 1302 - THE ALPHA.

“You did it without a thought of yourself. That’s what a pack truly does for each other. You might be a lone wolf, but you’ve done more for me than anyone in a long time.” Her thumbs ran along his jaw, feeling the light growth of stubble.

A rough yet quiet sound reverberated in his chest. James' hands remained by his sides. Body tense and eager under her, he made no move to turn this into something more. He wanted to, she had no doubt about that, but he held himself back. His control and respect amazed her.

“It was the right thing to do.” He swallowed. His nostrils quivered and his lips parted slightly.

Stefanie couldn’t help herself any longer. Her mouth mashed to his. No sweet first kiss. She was never that type of girl. She was fire and passion, hot right from the start.

Her hands held his head in place, but slid up so she could play with his hair. Soft and thick, reminding her of silken down. Tongues twined and teeth clinked. Her hips pressed down and his answered, rubbing up. Too many layers of clothing between them for her, but they couldn’t contain the heat from the friction as it seared up through her body.

James murmured her name as he ran his hands up her thighs to rest on her rear. Fingers dug in and pulled her harder against him. She growled her approval and nipped at his lower lip.

Join me tomorrow for the 13th Floor Collection cover reveal!

More Than Just A Kiss Blogfest continues and Sacrifice HER cover reveal

At the first kiss I felt
Something melt inside me
That hurt in an exquisite way
All my longings, all my dreams and sweet anguish,
All the secrets that slept deep within me came awake,
Everything was transformed and enchanted
And made sense.
~Hermann Hesse

Have you joined the blogfest yet?

All it takes is one kiss.

One scene to be entered to win great prizes.

READ THE RULES AND SIGN UP HERE!

My kiss today comes from 1303 - THE DRAGONSLAYER.

Xan breathed out, forcing his overly tense muscles to relax. This just might work. The odds were stacked against him, but if he could manage to get in without sounding an alarm, he might be able to save the girl.

“Thank you.” He wanted to stuff Lois back in the car. Every bit of him screamed to keep her safe. This was no place to make a scene, though.

Lois grabbed him by the collar of his fireproof black jacket and yanked him to her. Her mouth mashed against his. Supple and hard, hot and desperate. There was a hint of caramel from her coffee on her lips to add a bit of sweetness to a kiss that was anything but. An electric tingling raced from his ears to his toes, and a rush of adrenaline that had nothing to do with the mission ahead.

He didn’t realize he was kissing her back until she pulled away. Lois made a small sound, something between pleasure and frustration.

“Good. Now I’m flushed. I look much more drunk. It’s been four minutes.” She ran her hands through her hair, but it only looked more tussled. She hitched up her skirt a few inches. Her long legs pale and gorgeous in the moonlight. “Good luck.”

Lois winked at him and wobbled down the sidewalk before he could gain enough sense to grab her.

The day has finally come. Time to reveal the cover of Sacrifice HER. Be amazed. 

Title: Sacrifice HER by Sheena-kay Graham
Goodreads: Sacrifice HER
Release Date: December 2013

Summary: When a city is at stake is the life of one sixteen-year old girl worth risking thousands? Deidra Moore goes on the run after escaping from a group of human sacrifices for Bane: God of War. She doesn't believe he exists and sees uncertainty in the scorching desert as a better alternative. But Faux City isn't finished with her and their leader Lord Brinn is ordered by Bane - through one of his maiden worshipers- to bring her back or face dire consequences. In the desert Deidra meets a wanderer named Kane and as feelings spark can they find a safe place to lead a new life before Lord Brinn and his soldiers catch up with them? Yet the question remains. Does Bane really exist and if he does what will happen if either side succeeds or fails? Told in alternating perspectives of both the runaway servant girl and the blonde strong willed leader.

 Author Bio: Sheena-kay Graham was never meant for a traditional job behind a desk. Her childhood career plans included becoming a ballerina, actress or someone who helped people. So naturally she decided to be a writer who writes from her bed. Yes, no desk for this Jamaican book lover. No matter if it’s reading, writing or using the computer....you get the gist. The love of the written word has always been with her leading to stories, novels, poetry and way too much fan fiction. This Christian woman can be found trolling Amazon online, in local book bookstores, watching movies on the big screen, or in her bed, or reading/writing/on the laptop...again in her bed. Mainly writes YA fiction and is ready to unleash her creativity to wow the masses.
 

Links

Website: http://queendsheena.blogspot.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5448863.Sheena_kay_Graham

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SheenakayGrahamAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/queendsheena

Cover Design: 

Image of woman with flowing hair (purchased): © Transfuchsian | Dreamstime.com

Cover Designer:  Langao @ http://fiverr.com/langao

And for a final bit of wow factor. Look at what I got for free without asking.

Untethered Realms post & More Than Just A Kiss blogfest continues

Join me today at the Untethered Realms blog.
I discuss finding your audience and marketing with speculative fiction works. Share with us any strategies you have and learn something new.

 Sweet, sizzling, fiery, awkward, mind-blowing. We want to read your kissing scenes.

You can WIN PRIZES!

We had a great start to the MORE THAN JUST A KISS blogfest yesterday. It's still early in the week. There's still time for you to join in on the fun. You can find the sign-up list HERE. You don't need to be a romance writer, and you can opt not to be included in the running for a critique. Yet we do have bonus prizes. Awesome ebooks from fabulous romance authors!

My kiss today comes from my FREE paranormal romance, FEALRESS.

“We won’t let any children die. We’ll go, but let me handle everything. I can carry you.” His fingers stretched over her hips, slipping under the hem of her shirt to touch bare skin. She sucked in a breath.

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Abby snorted, immediately regretting how unattractive that was. She set down the knife and turned, intending to put a few inches more between them and tell him to quit treating her as a fragile doll. His mouth immediately mashed to hers and words were forgotten. His tongue parted her lips, demanding entrance. She didn’t deny him. A wanton whimper escaped her, and her heart hammered in her chest.

His hands eased upward, taking her shirt with them. When his thumbs skimmed the underside of her bra, she managed to find her voice. “We don’t have time for this. We need to leave as soon as possible.”

“We have time.” Demetrius insisted, kissing down to her neck and nibbling upon her sensitive flesh. She gripped his biceps and clenched her thighs.

“We need to go.” Abby’s voice wobbled. She should be pushing him away. Not just because she had a job to do, but because this could never be anything other than a fling. She was one of the Fearless. Her duty came first and it would claim her life sooner than later. He was one of the fae. His world wasn’t hers. He would leave after his blood debt was paid. And she didn’t do flings. Already she felt too much for him.

More Than Just A Kiss Blogfest

“A kiss, when all is said, what is it? 'Tis a secret told to the mouth instead of to the ear.” ~ Edmond Rostand

I'm so excited that today is the first day of the MORE THAN JUST A KISS blogfest! I'm co-hosting the event with the wonderful and talented Cecilia Robert.

 

Sweet, sizzling, fiery, awkward, mind-blowing. We want to read your kissing scenes.

The rules are simple:

1. Sign up on the linky list and post the badge on your blog.

2. On one of the days of the week of September 9th, post a kissing scene on your blog. It can be either fiction or non-fiction.

3. Please do not exceed 250 words.

4. This is a blogfest, so visit the other participants and have fun!

But wait! This is more than a blogfest.

We're offering prizes!

The scenes will be judged by these amazing romance authors: Cecilia Robert, Laurelin Paige, Kyra Lennon, and Christine Rains. (Hey, that's me!) We will choose three posts to win these awesome prizes.

Prize 1 - A critique of a kissing/intimate scene from your WIP (not exceeding ten pages). Critiques will be done by Cecilia Robert, Kyra Lennon, and Christine Rains.

Prize 2 - A critique of a kissing/intimate scene from your WIP (not exceeding five pages). This critique will be done by Laurelin Paige and Christine.

Prize 3 - A critique of a kissing/intimate scene from your WIP (not exceeding one page). This critique will be done by Cecilia and Christine.

BONUS PRIZES:
Cecilia, Kyra, Laurelin, and I will each choose one of our favorites to give out some fantastic ebooks.
Cecilia – TRULY MADLY DEEPLY YOU and REAPER'S NOVICE.
Kyra - IF I LET YOU GO
Laurelin - FIXED ON YOU
Christine – All six volumes of the 13th Floor series.

Sign up here!

I'll be sharing kisses from my books each day this week. Maybe they'll offer you some inspiration. You've all week to join in! You don't have to be a writer, and you can opt not to win a critique. Yet we'll still include you in the running to win the bonus prizes. Just give us some kisses!

A kiss from THE GHOST (Vol. 6 of the 13th Floor series)

Chiharo froze when she realized his hands had covered hers. He wasn't prying her off him as he should've with a panicking girl. Instead, he drew her closer until their bodies were almost touching. Jeremy was skinny and closer to her short height than Tim. A much better fit for her.

He raised his hands, caressing her cheeks with his thumbs. She expected him to say something. His mouth was always running. Maybe something cheesy, a compliment, or even a curse word she hadn't heard yet.

Nothing. His fingers slid into her hair, and she shivered. The second before a kiss. It was just as intense as the act itself. The tension between them chased the chill away. Warmth spread through her as color lit up his face.

Was he this beautiful before?

His lips parted just slightly before he kissed her. They were softer than she expected and hotter still. She melted against him and flattened her palms against his chest. Her eyes fluttered closed as she made a little wanton sound that she'd never heard come from herself before.

Jeremy was neither too gentle nor sweet. His tongue tangled with hers as if seeking the source of her moan.

Whoever said a person's first kiss was always the best was never kissed a second time.

Friday Five for September 6, 2013

1. It's been a long week. I haven't done anything in terms of writing or revising. Yet today the boy is staying for lunch at school, so I get an extra hour to myself. I've got lots of emails and blog stuff to catch up on. I'm nervous about the reveal of my 13th Floor Collection cover in one week. If you search around the net, you might find a few spots to get a sneak peek!

2. In two days, it's the MORE THAN JUST A KISS blogfest! My lovely co-host, Cecilia Robert and I want to read your kissing scenes. We're offering prizes including critiques and ebooks. Two other generous romance authors have volunteered to help judge the entries. Thank you to Kyra Lennon and Laurelin Paige! You don't have to be a writer to participate. You can opt not to be entered to win a critique, but surely you don't want to miss out on the fabulous ebooks offered. I'll be posting kisses from my books every day next week. I hope to read one of yours.

3. I survived my first day assisting with my son's class at his preschool. The kids are very good and wonderful little helpers. I made mini blueberry muffins and brought apples for their snack, and the kids loved them. My little guy got a bit ornery with me there, but the teacher assured me he was much better behaved when I'm not around. Yup, saving all that for mom. He was testing me again yesterday and broke my camera. For the fourth time. Thankfully it's still under warranty. I really need my quiet time this morning.

4. I think I wanted to mention something else that was going on. Wow. My brain is on the fritz! I'll tweet it if I remember. Wait! I have a post on marketing next Tuesday on the Untethered Realms blog. Was that what I wanted to tell you? I don't know. Yup, brain fuzz.

5. No plans for this weekend. I obviously need to catch up on my sleep! Have a fantastic weekend!

Update: I forgot what I needed to add! Heather Musk shared her thoughts on THE DRAGONSLAYER yesterday. Pop on over and tell us what you thought about the book. :)

More Than Just A Kiss blogfest and The 13th Floor collection poll results

“A kiss, when all is said, what is it? 'Tis a secret told to the mouth instead of to the ear.” ~ Edmond Rostand 

The wonderful Cecilia Robert and I would like to invite you to the MORE THAN JUST A KISS blogfest!

Sweet, sizzling, fiery, awkward, mind-blowing. We want to read your kissing scenes.

The rules are simple:

1. Sign up on the linky list and post the badge on your blog.

2. On one of the days of the week of September 9th, post a kissing scene on your blog. It can be either fiction or non-fiction.

3. Please do not exceed 250 words.

4. This is a blogfest, so visit the other participants and have fun!

But wait! This is more than a blogfest.

We're offering prizes!

The scenes will be judged by these amazing romance authors: Cecilia Robert, Laurelin Paige, Kyra Lennon, and Christine Rains. (Hey, that's me!) We will choose three posts to win these awesome prizes.

Prize 1 - A critique of a kissing/intimate scene from your WIP (not exceeding ten pages). Critiques will be done by Cecilia Robert, Kyra Lennon, and Christine Rains.

Prize 2 - A critique of a kissing/intimate scene from your WIP (not exceeding five pages). This critique will be done by Laurelin Paige and Christine.

Prize 3 - A critique of a kissing/intimate scene from your WIP (not exceeding one page). This critique will be done by Cecilia and Christine.

BONUS PRIZES:
Cecilia, Kyra, Laurelin, and I will each choose one of our favorites to give out some fantastic ebooks.
Cecilia – TRULY MADLY DEEPLY YOU and REAPER'S NOVICE.
Kyra - IF I LET YOU GO
Laurelin - FIXED ON YOU
Christine – All six volumes of the 13th Floor series.

Sign up at the bottom of this post!

 Now on to the 13th Floor tenant poll!

Thank you to everyone who voted. It was very clear that each of my readers have their favorite characters, but the majority of you voted for a new tenant just moving in!

I already have my character and a story idea. A character unexpected considering I had tenants I already considered for this series standing by. I do hope you'll be as enchanted by her as I am.

I've been making progress on the cover for the collection. So many designs and none of them fit. I think I'm close to finding the right one now. I hope! *knocks on wood*

Don't forget to enter the HUGE giveaway at A Buckeye Girl Reads. You could win the entire 13th Floor series!

And in case you weren't able to keep up with the tour this week, here's the list of my marvelous hosts!

July 13 - TF Walsh and M. Pepper Langlinais
July 14 - Kyra Lennon and Aubrie Dionne
July 15 - Nutschell and Heather Holden
July 16 - Carolyn Brown, Nick Wilford, and Graeme Ing
July 17 - Cherie Reich, Heather M. Gardner, and M.J. Field 

July 18 - Colette Chmiel and Clare Dugmore  

Don't forget to sign up for the blogfest! 

Day five of The Ghost blog tour and Taking Time excerpt and giveaway

Thank you for joining me on day five of my tour.
 Don't forget to answer the poll I posted last week on my blog.
Whose origin short story would you like to see in the 13th Floor collection?

It's a big day today with three fabulous hosts.

Join me at Cherie Reich's blog for Chiharo and Jeremy's first kiss.

Heather M. Gardner has written her own post about the 13th Floor novellas. Find out what a reader thinks about the series.

My ultimate dream is to have Joss Whedon make my series into a TV show. I've shared a few casting ideas with you at M.J. Fifield's.

Today's tidbit: I dedicated the book to Cherie's mom. When I was discussing the concept of the series with Cherie, I had the six tenants already planned out. Cherie mentioned my idea to her mom, and her mom said the series needed a ghost. She was absolutely right. THE GHOST wouldn't have been written without her suggestion

 

 

Book blurb:

Science fiction stories of time and space...

The future of humanity must be decided in Next Phase. Winning the Planetary Lottery is not as lucky as it first seems in Schrodinger's Gamble. An apocalypse and its aftermath threaten to tear one couple apart in Daiker's Children. In Life As I Know It a reclusive man finds both his heart and home invaded during an alien harvest. In Taking Time a demon seeking shelter on a distant planet finds himself facing a very different kind of demon, after answering a frontier settlement's plea for help.

Stories range from flash fiction to novelette in length.

Excerpt from Daiker’s Children

I picked up the heavy bundle of survival rations left for me in the exit corridor, took one last look at the door to The Facility through which one kind of future was offered, and then walked out into the yellow-tinged atmosphere of Southern England. The aliens’ offer of a safe living environment and human facsimiles stopped being an option the moment I learnt Jen had not made it to their facility. I had to find her even if it cost my life. She was my world, and a world without her was not one I wanted to live in.

During the days of alien-enforced quarantine–I have no idea how long it lasted because there were no clocks to tell the time or date–I forgot just how acrid Earth’s atmosphere had become. The toxic air outside the facility scratched my lungs like cats clawing sharp talons down my windpipe. My breathing slowed and became more laboured. I could hear myself starting to wheeze. As my eyes burned and watered and my vision deteriorated, I dropped my heavy backpack on the ground and pulled out the gasmask they gave me. A few fumbling seconds later, the clear plastic mask covered my nose and mouth, and cool, clean air refreshed me. Within seconds, my breathing returned to normal though the mask could not remove my memory of devastation’s stink–the sweet scent of burned bodies and a burnt-out civilisation.

I found it hard to believe there was ever a world, a safe world, as I gazed in horror at the toxic wasteland before me. A sea of atomic destruction blinked back. Nothing remained standing or intact except for the ruins of Exeter in the distance. I’d allowed myself to bask in a happy kind of naivety, ignorant of the destructive power our governments and military harboured. Now I faced the consequences. I vowed never to be so naive or stupid again. To find her meant questioning everything. 

BUY TAKING TIME NOW AT AMAZON AND AMAZON UK

Author bio: A life-long addiction to reading science fiction and horror meant writing was the logical outlet for Ellie Garratt’s passions. She is a reader, writer, blogger, Trekkie, and would happily die to be an extra in The Walking Dead. Her short stories have been published in anthologies and online. Passing Time: Nine Short Tales of the Strange and Macabre was published in March 2013 and contains nine previously published stories. Taking Time and Other Science Fiction Stories is her second short story collection. 

Great stalking places:

Website | Amazon | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

Ellie's having a fantastic giveaway! Win one of two $25.00 (£15) Amazon gift cards and a character named after you in an upcoming novella. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wicked Wednesday - the details of a kiss

It's the moment in all stories with a romance that we wait for: the first kiss. It might not be the individual's first kiss or the couple's first kiss, but it's the reader's first one, and it needs to be worthwhile. We can add a little magic into it with the supernatural, maybe some paranormal pheromones, but the kiss itself should be believable.

Here are some facts about kissing that will help add realism to your intimate scenes:

- 66% of people close their eyes when they kiss.
- The lips are 100 times more sensitive than the fingers.
- A substance 200 times more powerful than morphine is produced when kissing giving the feeling of euphoria.
- Two-thirds of kissers tilt their heads to the right.
- In some studies, men are more particular about women they kiss than women they have sex with.
- The majority of people rub noses while kissing.
- Though customs vary around the world, 90% of people kiss.
- 63% of men do not like to kiss women wearing lipstick.
- Nearly half of both men and women do not like nibbles or biting while kissing.
- The number one turn-off is bad breath. Couples are less likely to kiss right after a meal or first thing in the morning.
- Men are more willing to forgive and teach a bad kisser than women. Women are more likely to break off a relationship if they've experienced a bad kiss.

Also, don't underestimate the emotional side of the kiss. It's far more important than the physical.

What's your favorite literary kiss?

The latest 13th Floor series giveaway is still going on. You can be the first to own the entire 13th Floor series! Click here to find the giveaway.

A to Z Challenge - L is for Lips

I'm writing one story over the course of the Challenge.

If you're just joining me, please start with A is for Abby.

L IS FOR LIPS

"Burrows lives in Wisconsin. Only six to seven hours in the car." Abby limped into the kitchen area. The washer swished quietly in the corner. She was a fast healer, but she'd be feeling the wound on her ankle for days. She tried not to wince as she balanced and attempted to make herself a sandwich.

"No." Demetrius shook his head and grabbed one of the stools from in front of the island to slide it around to her. He took her firmly by the hips and sat her down on it. "You need to rest and heal." His hands stayed upon her, and though she threw him a furious look, she didn't tell him to take them off.

"I consider sitting in the car for hours on end resting." Abby was very aware of his body behind hers as she opened the peanut butter jar and plopped a big blob onto a slice of bread. "You just don't want to sit in the car for that long. You can stay here and rest."

"I'm not leaving your side again." His hands tightened on her. "And we wouldn't need the car. I can take us north in a matter of minutes through the Ways. Once you're healed." His breath was warm on her neck. His woodsy scent enticed her, whetting her appetite for something other than a sandwich.

"We can't waste any time. Children will die if we don't do something about this now." Her knuckles turned white with her grip on the butter knife. She twisted her head. Her mouth a butterfly's breath away from his and her eyes not meeting his intense gaze. "I can't let any children die."

Demetrius pressed his chest to her back. His nose grazed hers and heat raced through her veins. The throbbing in her ankle was forgotten as a new ache blossomed between her legs. She needed to keep her mind on what needed to be done to stop the monsters. She needed to turn her head just a fraction of an inch more.

"We won't let any children die. We'll go, but let me handle everything. I can carry you." His fingers stretched out over her hips, slipping under the hem of her shirt to touch bare skin. She sucked in a breath.

"Don't be ridiculous." Abby snorted, immediately regretting how unattractive that was. She set down the knife and turned, intending to put a few inches more between them and tell him to quit treating her as a fragile doll. His mouth immediately mashed to hers and words were forgotten. His tongue parted her lips, demanding entrance. She didn't deny him. A wanton whimper escaped her, and her heart hammered in her chest.

His hands eased upward, taking her shirt with them. When his thumbs skimmed the underside of her bra, she managed to find her voice. "We don't have time for this. We need to leave as soon as possible."

"We have time." Demetrius insisted, kissing down to her neck and nibbling upon her sensitive flesh. She gripped his biceps and clenched her thighs.

"We need to go." Abby's voice wobbled. She should be pushing him away. Not just because she had a job to do, but because this could never be anything other than a fling. She was one of the Fearless. Her duty came first and it would claim her life sooner than later. He was one of the fae. His world wasn't hers. He would leave after his blood debt was paid. And she didn't do flings. Already she felt too much for him.

"We have time." He repeated, arousal making his voice deeper, more gravelly. His mouth met hers again, and then he paused to smile in that sexy way of his and say, "We have to wait until the wash is done. Can't leave without Tawa."

No, they couldn't leave with Tawa. The tension between Abby and Demetrius was smothering at times, and he was her only gulp of fresh air, but no matter how much her body cried out for his, she couldn't do it. A warrior she might be, but she didn't know how to defend her heart. He was too easy to love.

She gasped. He seemed to think it was from his touches and pressed himself more firmly to her. Abby had thought the L word. No. This couldn't happen. Not now. Not ever.

She pushed him away, shaking her head. "No. No, we can't do this."

"Abby." He breathed out her name as if in worship and nipped at her ear lobe as he attempted to pull her back to him.

"No." Abby pushed harder and yanked herself from his arms. "Don't touch me. Keep your mind on what we need to do. We're leaving once Tawa is clean." Demetrius didn't fight her on it and didn't get angry. He stepped back, brows furrowed. She turned away from him so he couldn't see her tearing up. She hoped he didn't see her hand shaking as she went back to preparing her sandwich.