SMOKIN' HOT PREORDER ALERT If you love cowboys and worthwhile causes, this charity set is for you. Cowboys for a Cause, a western anthology benefiting COVID-19 relief is coming June 8th! PREORDER TODAY: Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Zp443j Universal: https://books2read.com/cowboys4acause I'm thrilled to be included in this anthology. So many of us are struggling right now and wishing there were some way we could help. When this opportunity came my way, I jumped on it. Here was my chance to donate something I created to help others. I've watched the long lines of people waiting to pick up food for their families on the news. Yes, I could contribute in a small way, but this, this is much bigger. No individual is making a dime on this. Every dollar raised will go to help others and I'm praying we raise enough to really make a difference. So, if you're like me, wishing you could afford to help out, this is your chance. For a few dollars you'll get a great collection of stories from some of your favorite authors, and be making a donation at the same time. It's a win-win! Not every author who is participating is listed on Amazon yet. There are about 25 of us and we'll all be listed before the book goes live. In the meantime, pre-order your copy today. This book will only be available for a limited time and I can't imagine you'll be disappointed once you see the entire list of authors. Come Sundown Come Sundown, is my contribution to this anthology. It's a sweet, sexy, historical western and eventually, when it grows up and the anthology is no longer available, this story will become a full length novel. If reader feedback is positive, it will most likely be book one of a trilogy . At least that's the plan for now. If you read my books, you'll know that I rarely write one novel. The supporting characters are always clamoring for their own story and I'm happy to oblige. Here's a sneak peek! Carrie Ann Meadows is passionate...about dime novels. Not only does she devour every one she can get her hands on, but she wants to write one. Yes, she knows she should be thinking about getting married. Women are expected to wed once they reach a certain age, especially in her area of the country. Yes, she's pursued by nearly every eligible young man in town, but no one seems to measure up to the dashing, romantic, yet fictional heroes she adores. Micah MacPherson has had his eye on Miss Meadows for quite a while. She's smart and pretty and the rancher sees her as the perfect choice for a bride. Well, she would be perfect if she got her nose out of her books once in a while. And if she wasn't quite so picky and opinionated regarding the sort of man she would consider husband material. Sometimes he feels as though he's beating his head against a stone wall, but he's nothing if not determined. Excerpt: Micah stopped in his tracks and turned to face her. Suddenly it was quite clear to him this young woman was never going to marry him. In fact, she challenged him at every turn, almost daring him to do something about it. Many times he’d tempered his response to her sarcasm, hoping against hope she would see they were well suited and his affection for her was genuine. Now it was abundantly apparent she would have no part of him or his plans for their future. Sadly, he almost pitied the man she did marry, for he would have a lifetime of defiance and stubbornness to deal with, all the while looking at a woman who was breathtakingly lovely. It would be a catastrophe. Carrie Ann looked up at him and he realized he had a decision to make. A marriage was out of the question, but teaching her a lesson was not. Taking a firm hold of her arm he swiftly changed direction, leading her back to the river. “What are you doing?” she asked as she balked. “I feel as though you’ve thrown the glove of challenge,” he stated calmly. “Don’t be ridiculous,” she hissed. “I’m merely stating my mind.” “And I am going to do the same,” he informed her. “You don’t think it’s possible for a man to help his woman see reason. I’m going to prove to you that it is. And you are wrong on another point. There is more than one way help a woman see reason,” Miss Carrie. “I’m only going to show you my preference.” Reaching the river, Micah chose a large rock and sat. With very little resistance, he pulled her over his knees. Ignoring all sense of propriety he pulled up her dress, petticoats and all, exposing her split drawers. Even those held no sway with him and he swiftly separated the closure, baring her bottom. Her creamy white, softly curved skin might be tempting as hell on another occasion, but not today. Today he had only one purpose in mind, and that was to redden the pretty hind end over his lap. In all probability it would not change a thing about the thoughtless actions of the young lady he was about to spank, but he would find it gratifying just the same. So, back to Cowboys for a Cause Seriously, you can't miss with this one.
If you climb in the saddle, be ready to ride... Over twenty-five of your favorite bestselling and award-winning authors have rustled up some sizzling, Grade-A, top quality cowboys for you to enjoy in this epic western romance anthology. From heavy-handed herdsmen, bronco-bustin’ bad boys, and every kind of wild, wanton wrangler in between, the heroes of this steamy collection won’t be denied, and they’re guaranteed to leave you breathless. Save a horse and…well...you know the rest. But don’t delay because Cowboys for a Cause is only available for a limited time. Rope your copy today! The proceeds from Cowboys for a Cause will be donated in their entirety to Direct Relief Coronavirus Response and the Feeding America COVID-19 Response Fund. But please note that Cowboys for a Cause is not affiliated with or endorsed by either charity. To learn more about the charities or make an individual donation please visit: Direct Relief: https://bit.ly/2Zqm79e Feeding America: https://bit.ly/36n7 Thanks for stopping by today. Hope life is treating you well and that your heart is open to those less fortunate. Hugs, Stevie
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Will she be taken to task or get away with acting like the spoiled brat she is? Candace McKenzie did everything she could think of to sabotage her brother Chas’ wedding to Babe, a little nobody who came from nowhere. If it was going to embarrass Babe, Candy was all in. Unfortunately, despite her efforts, the marriage went on as planned. Now, certain people think Candy should pay the price for her actions. Mark Schaller grew up with Chas and remembers Candy as his little tag along sister. He has also watched her grow up into a beautiful woman with an entitled attitude. When he takes her home after Chas’ wedding, sparks fly. He couldn’t be more surprised when he decides to take her in hand, Candy’s life will change forever. This is book three in the Sassy Girls series but can be enjoyed independently. Publisher’s Note: This contemporary romance features humor, sensual scenes and power exchange. If these offend you, please do not purchase. Excerpt:
“Now there’s something you don’t see every day,” Mark Schaller remarked as he walked up the sidewalk toward the reception hall. “It has legs, well feet, but there doesn’t appear to be a head.” “Kind of looks like a giant floating marshmallow,” Jeb, one of his best buddies agreed with a smirk. “Wonder who’s under there.” “Shut the hell up and help me,” the marshmallow demanded as she tripped on a small crack. “I can’t even see where I’m going,” she hissed loudly as she recovered her balance. “Gee, I don’t know,” Mark drawled, pausing and rubbing his chin. “It sounds a lot like Candace, and if it is this is no more than she deserves. After all, from what I’ve been told she’s the one who picked out that white monstrosity. What do you think, Jeb? Do we help her?” “Well, Chas is our friend and it wouldn’t do to let his little sister smother, and that could happen if she falls,” he pointed out thoughtfully, “especially on his wedding day. It would sort of ruin the whole occasion, don’t you think?” “Are you two imbeciles going to help me or stand around running your mouths?” Candace demanded in a frustrated and heavily muffled voice. One visible foot stomped. “I guess we’d better,” Mark finally said with a sigh. “Not that she deserves it,” Jeb added, reaching out to pluck the heavy bridal gown out of Candace’s arms. “Imagine putting a little thing like Babe in a dress that weighs more than she does. It was spiteful of you, Candy and just plain mean!” “Yes, it was,” Mark agreed as he gathered up the dragging fabric and followed Jeb. “Does your brother realize what you’ve done?” he asked over his shoulder as they moved toward Candace’s blue Mercedes. Candy remained quiet and popped the trunk open on her vehicle. “I can see that he doesn’t, but he soon will,” Mark promised as he and Jeb stuffed the dress into the back end of the car. “You’ve been a class A brat about the wedding, and what’s worse you acted like you were oh so helpful and supportive. What’s your problem with Babe anyway?” he asked sternly as he straightened up and closed the trunk lid. “I don’t have a problem with her,” Candy snapped back. “You’re lying. For some reason, you don’t like her, either that or you’re jealous that you’re not the apple of your brother’s eye anymore, Babe is,” he suggested smoothly. “That’s not true,” she insisted. “Chas loves me, he always has, and he’d do anything I asked,” she continued, her face flaming. “Except maybe walk away from the women he loves,” Mark pointed out. “By the way, what’s Babe wearing now that she’s shed of this thing?” he asked giving a short, disgusted wave toward her car as they headed back to the reception hall at a brisk pace. “Marla bought her a dress,” Candy sneered. “All the way from Paris,” she continued in a sing-song voice, “and made by a famous designer she patronizes. Her Majesty outdid herself this time, most likely trying to one-up me again.” “It’s not hard to do,” Jeb inserted. “What’s that supposed to mean?” Candy demanded. Stopping to turn on him, she planted her hands on her hips. “Well, you’ve done a dozen little things to sabotage this wedding, all quietly of course and behind the scenes. Marla was on to you from the first, she’s good at spotting that sort of thing; it’s right up her alley,” he said with a chuckle. “Thankfully, she did everything she could to minimize the damage. In fact, I think you’ll be quite surprised by the subtle changes she’s made to your reception plans.” “How do you know all this?” she asked with a red-faced gasp. “Crunch is pretty proud of her; he likes to brag,” Mark replied with a grin, referring to Pete Benedict another good friend and a local deputy sheriff. “Marla’s a snake and always has been,” Candy hissed. “So one viper recognizes another?” Jeb asked coldly. Candace didn’t answer. She swiveled on her heels and rushed toward the hall. Mark and Jeb followed slowly. “Do you think we said too much?” Jeb asked. “No, she had it coming and more. That little brat needs someone to rein her in. Chas has babied her since the day she was born and if he’s not careful she’ll be a constant interference in his marriage. I hope her antics today wake him up.” “You’re not interested in her, are you?” Jeb asked curiously. Mark snorted. “Are you kidding? Whoever takes her on will most likely live to regret it. Oh, she’s pretty enough, but she comes with too much drama and she’s spoiled rotten. Besides, I wouldn’t want to do anything to jeopardize my friendship with Chas.” “What could you possibly do that would affect your friendship?” “I imagine if I gave that meddlesome little brat the spanking she deserves, Chas wouldn’t take it too kindly.” “Why not? He spanks Babe when she needs it,” Jeb replied in surprise. “Sisters and wives are two different breeds. While Chas has no problem taking Babe to task when necessary. He might not feel the same way about someone taking his sister in hand no matter how badly she deserves it. After all, to my knowledge, he’s never taken her over his knee even when she got into that huge mess in college and ended up getting expelled. It cost him a small fortune to keep her name out of the paper. “No, I’m steering clear of that particular female. I’ve sort of got my eye on Josie from the diner,” he admitted. “She’s sweet.” “And comes with a ready-made family,” Jeb pointed out. “Not to mention there’s an ex-husband floating around and she appears to be afraid of him. Are you sure you want to step into the middle of that mess?” “No, I’m not sure, just keeping my options open. Come on, let’s go and toast Chas and his new bride,” Mark said opening the heavy glass door. “Sounds good to me. Jeanine had to work so I’m on my own today. I plan to have one hell of a good time. I even got my beard trimmed for the occasion,” Jeb said with a wicked grin as he tugged on his full red beard. “Lead on McDuff.” Candy's Comeuppance is now available on Amazon. ![]() This is the 'tentative' cover to my new book in the Sassy Girls Series, Candy's Comeuppance. It's due to be released around the end of the month if everything goes as planned. Candy McKenzie is a bit of a screw-up. She plots, she plans, she finagles, wanting things to turn out as she envisions, and sometimes it actually works. Not this time. This time she has really crossed the line, doing everything she could think of to break up the relationship between her beloved brother Chas, and the little nobody who appeared in the middle of a snow storm and stole his heart. Now, it's too late. Chas is marrying her and there's not a damn thing Candy can do about it, other than undermine the wedding plans at every turn, which she does with dogged determination. Unfortunately, she fails once again and the wedding goes off with a few glitches, much to her frustration. As usually, Candy is blind to the consequences of her antics. The town is not. Her parents are furious, but that's something she feels she can handle. After all, she's managed to escape repercussions most of her life, so why should this be any different. In her opinion a little sucking up goes a long way and she fully expects to be back in everyone's good graces soon. Life has other plans in store for the unrepentant young woman. Mark Schaller, her brother's best buddy has had his fill of the youngest McKenzie and decides to do something about her behavior. Suddenly he is presented with the perfect opportunity to take action. Chas and Babe are on a honeymoon cruise. Candy's parents have all but booted her from the house and Candy's friends appear to have deserted her. Is this the moment he's been waiting for? Can a little home-town justice reform the pretty young woman, turning her from a spoiled brat into a responsible and productive member of society? Only time will tell and if he fails he may lose the best friend he's ever had. Is she worth it? Links will be posted when they become available. Thanks for stopping by. You can also follow me on the following sites. Have a great day! Amazon Author Page Goodreads AllAuthor ![]() This has been sitting on my desk for quite a while. I bought it when I went to the Sweet Virginia Breeze Conference in Virginia back in 2018. Since then it's been written on many times. The kids have entered my office, wiped off the pink chalk and written 'Awesome'. Mike has done the same writing 'Beautiful', and I've used it myself for motivation scrawling 'Get Writing' or 'Get Busy'. For the past couple of months it's been sitting here, reminding me that I don't exactly know what 'I am'. I know I am an author. I've had more than 30 books published. I get paid for my work. People who buy my books, like my books, generally that is. Occasionally, I get a negative review, but that goes with the territory and I've long since gotten over being offended. I know I'm getting older, fast. I have neither the energy nor the drive to get out there everyday and promote my work on social media. Maybe that's a mistake; I feel like it is and frequently experience guilt that I'm not on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook enough. I've gotten lackadaisical about doing blog posts as well. I used to really enjoy posting, felt I had something to say if you know what I mean. Now I can't seem to work up much enthusiasm. I understand it's a circle. The more you post, the more people read your blog, the more you post. Unfortunately, the more I do these thing, the less time I have to write and that's really what I want to do, in theory. Emotionally, I'm on a seesaw. I'm a bride, a fairly new one and my husband is loving, affectionate and supportive, yet sometimes I still feel like a widow. This is not something I ever expected. Not that I thought all the grief would disappear the instant I said, I do, but I guess I thought...well, I don't know what the hell I thought. Don't get me wrong. I'd marry him again tomorrow and I don't have regrets about that, but still it's a bit like living in two worlds, the old and the new. I'm trying to find my footing, my way. I gave my office a make over, thinking that would help me stay motivated and truly I love it, but still the writing comes hard. Currently I have a number of books in the works, a third book in The Sassy Girls series, a western, and another contemporary romance. I bounce from one to the other when I get stuck, but it's still slow going. I'm just so disappointed in myself lately. The weather here in Upstate New York doesn't help. I think everyone who lives here has low Vitamin D, I know I sure do. That sort of drags you down and saps your energy too. So I sit here wondering...am I talented or just lucky? Have I achieved a amount moderate success with my books because I'm good at what I do, or simply because I refused to stop writing no matter what? Are things off kilter because I have no more stories in my head or because I have too many? I've also gotten very forgetful. I mean I still know my phone number and where I live, which is a big plus, but I forget lots of stuff. For a while I was convinced it was Widow's Brain, which is a real thing by the way, but now I'm beginning to wonder. Is it overload? Mental fatigue? Oh how I wish I'd started doing spread sheets for each book! Trying to remember characters, their physical features and personality traits from more than 30 novels is a challenge, so if you're new to this field take my advice and do that. Don't assume you'll always remember every detail of every novel because you won't. I've even had to call one of my biggest fans and say, "Hey Maureen, what was the last name of that character in the book about..." Thankfully, she's sharp as a tack about that stuff and always remembers, lol. So, I'm still sitting her looking at my little sign and I guess I will be until something happens that makes it very clear what should be written on it. I will keep on keeping on and hope for the best in 2020 and I hope you all will too. I love you guys and am so very thankful for the friends I've made on this journey and the wonderful authors and readers who are so supportive. Have a great new year.
Hugs, Stevie ![]() Marla Majestic, known as Marla Majesty and often Her Majesty to those who barely managed to tolerate her, is not happy. The man she’s dated off and on since high school, the man she fully expected to marry one day is engaged to someone else. For the first time in her life, neither her money nor social standing is of any use to her. Chas Mackenzie is in love, and it’s not with Marla. Furious, she intends to put a stop to it, in any way possible. Until Chas’ best friend, Pete (Crunch) Benedict gets in the way. Pete has known Marla forever. In fact, she was his high school crush. When he gets wind of her plans to thwart Chas’ wedding plans, he does the only thing he can, he takes Marla in hand. Marla doesn’t know it, but Pete has no intention of ever letting her go. This is a sequel to Just Her Luck, but reads as a standalone. Excerpt: He asked about her childhood, bracing for the bragging. It had been the thing that irritated him the most back in the day. Raised in privilege she’d always expected the world to fall in with her plans and it usually did from what he could tell. In his mind that was the most reasonable explanation for her intense determination to win Chas Mackenzie back, he was the one thing she couldn’t buy or bully her way into acquiring. Because of that, he was genuinely surprised when she described a lonely and somewhat isolated youth. Despite being in nearly every picture in the yearbook, cheerleading, the debate club, student council, orchestra, French club, and many more, she’d had few friends. Pete figured the ones she did have were likely afraid of ‘not’ being her friend. Marla was a mini-terrorist. You had to be invited into her inner circle, but talking to her now he realized none of those friendships had extended past high-school when the other girls all managed to escape the confines of her exclusive network. It was clear she knew. When he asked about girls she’d hung out with, Patty, Allison, Jennifer, Marcella and Jeanie, Marla looked away. “I have no idea where any of them are. We haven’t kept in touch,” she admitted a bit sharply. “I moved on.” “Do you have any friends from college you still see?” he asked. “A couple,” she hedged. “Why the grilling?” “Just curious,” Pete replied. “Let me make things easier for you,” she drawled sarcastically. “I don’t have any close friends. My relationship with my father is… challenging. Of course, my mother is dead, you knew that, but we were never particularly close. Both of my parents preferred the company of my brother, Jasper. When he was murdered, they were sort of stuck with me. “I’m the only heir to a pretty extensive fortune. I’ve had several affairs but none worth the effort of nurturing and the only man I was ever in love with is Chas. Unfortunately, it seems he is in love with someone else, at least at the moment.” Pete watched her closely. Her eyes shone, he wasn’t sure if it was tears or anger. For a few minutes, her cheeks looked heated before fading dramatically and now she looked quite pale. “What are you going to do when your plan doesn’t work?” he asked quietly. “What are you going to do when Chas marries Babe?” Marla snorted. “Boy, you don’t have much faith in my abilities,” she stated. Her voice quavered and she turned toward the tiny jukebox and held out her palm for another quarter. Pete gave it to her. “You’re wrong,” he informed her. “You’re very adept at getting what you want. The problem, as I see it, is that sometimes what we want isn’t good for us.” “Chas is good for me,” she insisted smoothly. “You’ll see. Once I get him back, you’ll see.” Pete shook his head almost sadly. “You’re dreaming, honey. Chas isn’t going to break it off with Babe. He loves her and she’s perfect for him.” “In what way?” Marla demanded, turning her head and glaring at him. “What does she have that I don’t?” He almost didn’t answer. For some reason, he was loath to hurt her. Her hair seemed alive with fire in the muted light of the booth. Her eyes flashed with anger and her chin was tilted up in challenge. But she was beautiful. He’d always thought so. Of course, she was out of his reach even now, even after all these years. What she was offering was temporary, a tiny taste of something he’d only dreamed about. It wouldn’t last long, a few months at best but it was better than nothing. She thought he was playing her game. In reality, she was playing his. Still, he didn’t want to hurt her. It seemed nothing was as he’d imagined. Her life was no bed of roses and never had been. It made her hard around the edges, brittle, and intolerant. He began gently to talk about Babe. “She’s kind-hearted. She has a gentle soul and a somewhat submissive nature. Babe listens to him and values his opinion. She doesn’t challenge his judgment at every turn,” he continued with a slight grin, “but when she does, she usually comes around to his way of thinking. They are well-matched.” “So she’s a wimp?” Marla scoffed. “A weak-willed, yes sir, no sir, kind of girl who hangs on every word he says.” “No, it’s not like that. “That’s what it sounds like.” Thanks for stopping by. Her Majesty's Downfall will be available on Amazon and Blushing Books on September 6th, 2019. ![]() Mail-order mayhem… Captivated by the idea and freedom of mail-order marriage, Amelia heads west to marry. Horrified to discover that her new husband had proposed to so many women before her, she sends a letter to her friends back home, telling them of her dreadful mistake. Grace and Effie set out to rescue her in Seattle, even if that means finding themselves in a heap of trouble and being chased down by a Pinkerton. Join Amelia, Grace, Effie, Suzanna and Martha in this complete collection of the Marriage Market series. Fall in love again and again with each couple as they experience commitment, love, loyalty, and a firm hand over the knee! Publisher’s Note: This steamy Old West romance contains elements of domestic discipline. Amelia Fresh out of Mrs. Pettigrew's School for Young Ladies, Amelia Westcott and her two best friends are ready for adventure. Suddenly a life filled with social obligations and meaningless gossip seems unappealing. On a whim the girls investigate the phenomena of young women heading west to marry, and Amelia is captivated by the freedom such a decision offers. Hugh Jordon needs a wife. The severe shortage of women in the Pacific Northwest makes advertising for a bride seems reasonable. As long as he finds a wife who is the exact opposite of his tempestuous mother, he’ll be well satisfied. Studying the applicants, he chooses one that seems to best fit his needs, and delegates his head clerk with the critical task of sending polite rejections to the others. Unfortunately, most of them never get the letter Hugh anticipated and soon the brides descend, all expecting to marry the same man! Amelia is horrified, and realizes that the adage "marry in haste, repent at leisure" has never been more true. How could he do that to her? What sort of man was he, to propose to so many women? She simply must have their wedding annulled and return to Massachusetts at once. Hugh has other ideas. In his opinion, the perfect place for his bride to learn about faith, loyalty and commitment is in his home and over his knee! Grace Grace Wentworth and Effie Lane are cautiously optimistic when their dear friend Amelia decides to travel west to become the bride of a man she’s never met. Despite their misgivings, they’re stunned when Amelia writes to inform them she’s made a dreadful mistake in marrying Mr. Jordon. Determined to rescue her dear friend from the clutches of a scoundrel, Effie makes plans to leave for Seattle immediately. Grace plans to follow when she can escape the ever watchful eye of her mother. However, everything changes when Grace is forced to accept the proposal of a cruel and violent man. Suddenly, her mother’s wrath doesn’t even compare with what she would face as Horace Remington’s wife. Throwing all caution aside, she flees with Effie, even knowing her mother will most likely hire a Pinkerton man to find her – which she promptly does. She just never expected to fall for him. For Jonah Blackthorn, apprehending a runaway socialite seems like an easy assignment. Locating two young, inexperienced women should take him no time at all, and the five thousand dollar reward offered by the frantic fiancé will go a long way, as Jonah has plans to leave the agency and begin a new chapter in his life. What he doesn’t plan on is being outwitted by the brats – or the fact that Effie Lane isn’t relying on her wits alone to get them safely to Seattle. He also didn’t expect to come to care for the redhead traveling with her gun-toting friend. When he finally catches up with them, he’s going to give Grace the spanking of a lifetime – or kiss her senseless. Maybe both. Effie Euphemia Lane had a feeling from the get go that Samuel Jordon was going to give her trouble. In his rude letter, he threatened to spank and disarm her should she show up in Seattle with her pistols. However, his warning doesn’t deter Effie from her mission. Come hell or high water, she and Grace are determined to travel to Seattle to rescue their friend, Amelia. How was she to know that Amelia’s letter was a huge mistake or that Horace Remington would follow them and nearly kill her? And there was no way she could have anticipated what would happen once she and Grace arrive at the Jordon home. Never would she have imagined that she would receive her very first spanking at the hands of her nemesis. It was galling to say the least, and to top it all off, he relieved her of her pistols after she destroyed a treasured family heirloom and shot Horace. Now she is in Sam’s protective custody until the Marshal determines she had acted in self-defense. The problem seems to be: who is going to protect her from Sam? Samuel Jordon is so angry when Marshal Cole Hadley sticks him with Miss Lane that he sees stars. In his opinion, she is a sassy-mouthed witch hiding in a sweet little body. His determination to be firm yet detached lasts all of two days. Who knew one little drop of frosting on one luscious lip would change his life forever? What kind of young woman can turn a well-balanced, confirmed bachelor into a perverted fiend who can’t keep his hands off her? In this, the third book of her Marriage Market series, Stevie MacFarlane has taken her writing to a new, even more erotic level. If spanking and other explicit content offends you, please do not purchase this story. Suzanna Seattle hasn’t been the same ever since dozens of women responded to a letter for a mail-order bride. In the fourth book of the popular Marriage Market series, the mail-order mayhem continues. Suzanna and Charlotte, two southern belles who couldn’t be more different, both answered the same ad seeking a husband. Raised in a world of wealth and privilege, Suzanna feels entitled and will do anything to get what she wants. Charlotte, sweet and generous, falls in love with the man Suzanna has tricked into marriage. Nothing goes as planned for either of these women, yet somehow they both get what they deserve. It’s complicated. Martha Martha Jonas can’t seem to help feeling a bit sorry for herself. Ever since the accident that nearly took Euphemia and Suzanna from them, the men are more determined than ever to assert their authority. Even her gentle Ethan, the man she plans to marry, has put his foot down, telling her what she must and must not do. It’s appalling! The very idea that, as her husband, the big Swede would feel justified – no, worse than that – entitled to pull her over his lap and smack her bottom when she displeases him is simply too much to bear. Perhaps she won’t marry at all. Yes, she is on the other side of twenty-five, but she’s also smart, talented, and turned a tidy profit with her dress shop in Philadelphia before she foolishly replied to that darn advertisement of Hugh’s. He’d wanted a bride… one. He got dozens of offers, which, of course, made the women-hungry men of Seattle happy, but didn’t do much for her. Many of the other applicants were younger, prettier, and often so flighty she wanted to box their ears. Martha didn’t see herself as silly. An independent woman was not a good match for a dominating man. Not at all, and Ethan was becoming more so by the day. No, she would not marry. The money she had in the bank would help her get started and her friends would help. The new Ladies Aide Society would give her plenty to do outside of her shop and she would dedicate herself to serving those women less fortunate than she, and to shutting down Seattle’s saloons. While Martha was a novice to the Temperance Movement, Clara Webster, another unmarried bride, seemed to know exactly how to proceed. That, of course, is before all hell breaks loose. In the space of a few days, everything changes. The men find out about the secret plans for ‘that temperance nonsense.’ They are not amused. Jane’s children go missing on their way west, and their escort turns out to be less than desirable. Dr. Martin is furious. She does not come home that night. Clara Webster falls into the hands of Lucas Armstrong, the owner of The Bucket of Blood, one of the most notorious saloons in Seattle. Mary disappears entirely, and Ethan finally decides he’s had enough of Martha’s wishy-washy attitude toward marriage. With Amelia, Effie, Grace, and Tempest already in trouble and Suzanna off on her honeymoon, Martha works frantically to put everything to rights. Elinore is no help. She has her hands full trying to manage her Mr. Ferguson while he’s determined to keep Ellie from damaging his business. Come along for the ride. Will the last bride bow to convention and accept the love and authority of the man who offers what might be her last chance for wedded bliss? From The Author: This series is one of my favorites. It came out of a spark of an idea and took off with a vengeance. One of my favorite characters is Tempest, the matriarch of the Jordon family. Originally her character was going to be a complete bitch, but as I wrote about her, I came to understand her and she developed into a wonderful character who stole my heart and added so much to the story. She's a remarkable older woman who will make you laugh and have you rooting for her even though she is not one of the brides, but a long-married woman. Each book has more than the title bride. There's Molly, who lies about her past. Jane, an older widow with two children. Alice, a widow with a young daughter who manages to make a difficult journey and still find love. Charlotte is amazing and catches herself an accidental husband and so many more who will make you laugh and wonder how it will all work out. So travel back in time, an era where woman had to be tougher than they looked and smarter than they let on. I hope you enhoy the series. Hugs, Stevie As authors we've all been there. What is to much? Am I being to explicit, to controversial? Are the details right? Will the reader understand and sympathize with the hero, the heroine? Will they come to understand what motivates the characters and care about them as we do?
I've already gotten a few reviews on this novel where readers have mentioned the controversial first spanking which, by the way, actually takes place in Assignment: Trouble. It is in that novel that we first meet Hunter when he comes to J.R. and Joy's rescue. Through some man to man talk Hunter tells his best buddy what he's done and how it has affected his relationship with Suzie Q, whom he adores. J.R., who already lives a D/d lifestyle with his wife, Joy, has some sound advice for his friend and Hunter takes it to heart, trying to make amends for his over zealous first foray into domestic discipline. This novel deals with the conflicts between Suzie and Hunter. Of course it's a fictional romance, but to an author the characters become friends and while we strive to tell their stories we want them to succeed. We want their romance to blossom into love, hopefully a love that will stand the test of time. That being said, most novels in this genre have tons of non-consensual spankings. That's why we read them. We want the strong Alpha male to take the naughty little heroine in hand, while still allowing her to maintain her dignity and independence. Let's face it, if every heroine said,"Please spank me, I've been naughty," these stories would get pretty boring, pretty quickly. In a romance we want the angst, the drama, the arguments that typically end when our hero has had enough nonsense and takes his woman over his knee for a little lesson in obedience and respect. In most of my novels I want the comedy. I want the reader to smile, even laugh at the antics of the couple, because really, it can't and shouldn't be taken so seriously. Life is full up ups and down and we have to be able to shake our heads and grin if we want to survive. Now to make my last point. Most of us who enjoy this genre would probably never tolerate some of the things we read about in real life, although I personally know a number of couples who do and it works for them. Many other women have husbands or significant others who occasionally do slap a naughty bottom, either for fun or to make a point, and that works for them as well, but a true, D/d relationship 24/7 is not only a choice but requires a great deal of dedication to maintain that lever of commitment. So, in conclusion, I hope you will enjoy, Suzie Q, for what it is, a fictional novel about a couple learning to navigate the highs and lows, the ups and down of a romance they will shape into something that works for them. *On a personal note, Hunter is so sexy he could slap my ass any time, but of course he's not real, and if that's what we really want we all have to find out own Hunter. Here's a peek into Suzie Q: “You’re late, Miss Quantrill,” he stated sourly when she walked into his office. “So fire me,” she retorted as she took a seat across the table from him. “Always the wise ass,” he said with a heavy sigh. “It’s a God given talent. I see no reason not to use it.” “Use it somewhere else. Let’s get to work.” They worked throughout the morning, reviewing the procedure manual, making notes in the margins and discussing improvements. At noon he offered to take her to lunch. She refused. “I’ll eat at my desk,” she said coolly. “How long is this going to go on?” he asked, trying not to growl in frustration. “Until we’re finished, I guess,” Suzie replied, deliberately misinterpreting his meaning. “I imagine it will take several weeks. If you’re unhappy with my work I’m sure Helena is willing to…assist you.” “That’s not what I mean and you know it. How long are you going to let…” “Mr. McCaughey, I…” “Don’t you dare ‘Mr. McCaughey’ me,” he ground out, rising when she did and rounding the table. “It’s Hunter, and I know you know it because you’ve screamed out my name often enough for your whole complex to hear.” “Bringing that up is not very gentlemanly of you,” Suzie hissed, backing up. “I’m not a gentleman. In fact I’m seconds away from becoming the Neanderthal you accused me of being.” Moving closer he reached for her shoulders. “Oops. Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt anything,” Helena said as she knocked once and opened the door. “You didn’t,” Hunter assured her, turning away from Suzie and running a hand through his hair. “What is it?” “Joy Everly is on the phone.” “Send it through. I’ll take it,” he barked out shortly “It’s not for you,” Helena explained, obviously paying close attention to the two of them. “It’s for Suzanna.” “Rout it to my office,” Suzie said, grabbing her cell and scooting around Helena. “I’m on lunch.” Hunter stared after her. Why the hell would Joy be calling Suzie? How did she even know her? Suzie wasn’t on the detail assigned to protect Joy when she was waiting to testify against Barrows. They shouldn’t know each other, yet Joy was calling her and Suzie had a suspiciously guilty look on her face. He’d come to know that look when they were lovers. It was the one she got when she was about to do something totally outrageous. So take a chance on Suzie Q and see if you enjoy it. Most of the time in this genre it's the female character who screws up. In this case it's definitely the hero who has to eat a bit of crow and to tell you the truth, I enjoyed writing it. Hugs, Stevie ![]() Isn't this guy too cute for words? I just love having him on my cover and he's perfect to portray Hunter in my new novel, Suzie Q. It's a sequel to Assignment: Trouble. I had no intention of writing a sequel but after a while I got to thinking, what happened to Hunter? He's the agent who came to J.R's and Joy's rescue when they were in deep trouble. I liked him right off. He was such a nice guy and helped out his best buddy even though he was having troubles of his own. It seems he spanked his girlfriend and well, he didn't really know what he was doing. I sort of felt bad for him, I mean after all, she was a bit of a handful, but still, a guy shouldn't go ahead and start whacking away on a ladies behind if he has no clue how to go about it. So he screwed up, big time and it wasn't looking like Suzie Q was going to forgive him any time soon. Eventually it ate at me long enough. I had to know if Hunter was able to redeem himself and if Suzie Q was ever going to forgive him, so I had to write their story. Anyway, it will be released next week by Blushing Books and I hope you all like it. Gee, he's cute! Hugs, Stevie Taken. The word was running through her fragmented thoughts and kept resurfacing. She was being taken by a man who knew what he wanted. A man who understood his own power and wasn’t afraid to use it. It no longer mattered if she thought she was too heavy, too curvy, too anything. He wanted her and it was perfectly obvious by the satisfied sounds coming from deep in his throat. He meant to have her his way, and Cherry dissolved in pure pleasure as he plunged into her body and claimed every inch of it. The orgasm she experienced from his mouth was nothing compared to the soul searing one he produced with his cock. She remembered screaming, tightening her legs around his waist and urging him closer. Her fingernails likely scored his back. Then she was floating, languidly gliding back to earth. When she opened her eyes, she was close to his side, her head resting on his chest. His arm was wrapped around her, his fingers trailing up and down her spine sending shivers clear down to the toes. “Will you marry me, Cherry?” he teased, a smile in his voice. “Yes,” she sighed. “Right this moment I would marry you. But tomorrow I would wake up and realize you’re a monstrously wicked man with a hard hand and a penchant for spanking me and change my mind,” she continued with a weak laugh. “Too bad,” Chad said sadly. “I’m going to have to work harder to win you, I guess.” “No, you’re not,” Cherry breathed snuggling closer. “I could get used to your brand of loving. It’s your brand on my ass that’s not going to fly.” Cherry was surprised when Chad walked into her bakery with a smile on his face and without a care in the world. How dare he! It took a lot of courage to give him her number and then he never used it. Sure, he has a plausible explanation and he's basically sex-on-a-stick, but does she really want to take a chance?
Chadwick Fenton had been around his share of slightly wild women. Guarding Rebecca Kord and meeting the O'Malley clan was interesting to say the least. Hunting down Susan Shaughnessy, the run-away bride was another case he would never forget. There was just something about redheads, and the one who slipped her number in his pocket had been on his mind for weeks. Yes, he was going back to see if Cherry Calhoun was as gorgeous as he remembered. He certainly wasn't expecting the angry reception he received. Who knew the pretty baker had a spitfire temper? Well, he knew a thing or two about managing ladies who couldn't control themselves. He was certainly looking forward to the challenge. Come visit with the mischievous women of the O'Malley clan and past clients of Sugar Babies, Inc. This standalone is certain to be a wild ride. Publisher's Note: This contemporary romance includes elements of power exchange and sensual scenes and is intended for adults only. If any of these offend you, please do not purchase. Links: Amazon Blushing Books Barnes & Noble Kobo ![]() Cherry was surprised when Chad walked into her bakery with a smile on his face and without a care in the world. How dare he! It took a lot of courage to give him her number and then he never used it. Sure, he has a plausible explanation and he's basically sex-on-a-stick, but does she really want to take a chance? Chadwick Fenton had been around his share of slightly wild women. Guarding Rebecca Kord and meeting the O'Malley clan was interesting to say the least. Hunting down Susan Shaughnessy, the run-away bride was another case he would never forget. There was just something about redheads, and the one who slipped her number in his pocket had been on his mind for weeks. Yes, he was going back to see if Cherry Calhoun was as gorgeous as he remembered. He certainly wasn't expecting the angry reception he received. Who knew the pretty baker had a spitfire temper? Well, he knew a thing or two about managing ladies who couldn't control themselves. He was certainly looking forward to the challenge. Come visit with the mischievous women of the O'Malley clan and past clients of Sugar Babies, Inc. This standalone is certain to be a wild ride. Publisher's Note: This contemporary romance includes elements of power exchange and sensual scenes and is intended for adults only. If any of these offend you, please do not purchase. Excerpt: Abby was barely in the shop and slipping off her coat when both Colleen and Bridget started. “What did you find out?” Bridget asked her face full of rabid curiosity. “Are they dating, really dating or just having a ‘thing’?” Colleen demanded. Abby ignored them and shoved her purse in a drawer. “Come on, Abby,” Bridge whined. “I know you. You had to have gotten something out of Cherry.” Abby stared at the blonde sisters, so much alike, yet so different. Bridget was the wild child of the O’Malley clan, but she’d definitely inherited some of her older sister’s persistent ways for Colleen was known to leave no stone unturned in getting what she wanted. “She’d told me exactly nothing,” Abby finally replied as she walked into the main showroom with the two women trotting after her. “They’ve had dinner a couple of times, that’s it.” “Bullshit,” they chimed in unison. “No woman in her right mind simply has dinner with a man like the 'bobby guard'. They are dinner, at least if they play their cards right,” Colleen insisted with a wink. “He has a name you know,” Abby pointed out smugly. “What is it?” Bridget demanded. “Maybe I’ll Google him.” “His name is Chadwick Fenton, Chad or C.W. to his friends.” “Did Cherry tell you this?” “No, Molly, but that was all I could get out of her. Geeze, sometimes she’s so secretive.” “That’s just her way,” Bridget replied defending her sister-in-law. “Molly never tells unless it’s critical to someone’s well-being. When Tess ran away from Rory, she never said a word despite knowing exactly where she was. She’s loyal and very careful about what information she shares.” “I know, that’s why I didn’t push her. Cherry is a friend. We need to let her have her privacy." ”Since when is anybody’s business private in this family?” Colleen asked with a laugh. “I’ll bet Bridget could tell you the last time Noah and I made love,” she continued with a derisive snort. “Tuesday night,” Bridget stated factually before a grin tilted her lips. From The Author: Sometimes I wonder if these characters will ever get out of my head. I knew when writing the love story of Susan and Marcus McCarthy for Sugar Babies, Inc. that the private eye Marcus hired to find his woman would show up again, and he did in The Trouble With Abby. In that novel he was hired by Mason Kord to protect his wife Rebecca and their child. Known as 'the bobby guard' he presented an interesting character that seemed to demand his own story. So, here it is. I hope you'll enjoy it! I'll post the links as soon as it becomes live. Hugs, Stevie |
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