Now the fine turning of editing begins, readers and fans! I’m working on polishing Tim and Susan’s story with help from my editor. The content round of edits are hard from the view of “What do you mean change my wonderful story?” They really make the story stronger, richer, and fuller. So I’m diving in! Have a great weekend everyone!
Smiles,
Solara
I love the cover of my latest book from Sirenbookstrand: Together Again. First book in the Pacific Cay Trilogy. Three couples find their second chance at love in the northern California coastal town of Pacific Cay. Here’s the cover blurb:
Tim Smith wants a second chance with his first love, Susan Nealson. Convincing Susan he’s worth a second chance isn’t going to be easy. Given his on-again-off-again ex-boyfriend past with her, he isn’t sure how to proceed due to the apology he believes he owes her, and his divorce.
When Susan agrees to be a mutual friend’s maid of honor, Tim might have the incentive he’s looking for. Susan isn’t anticipating being paired up with the dateless best man, Tim–her ex-boyfriend. She wouldn’t turn down a chance to revisit their past sexual chemistry. Beyond that, she’s unsure taking a risk on Tim is in her best interest.
Giving first loves a second chance requires letting go of the past and embracing what today offers. When their chemistry ignites more than sex, can they move past their botched history and embrace their second chance at love? Or will they remain stuck in the past trying to correct it?
I’m waiting for edits to roll in so I can get Tim and Susan’s story to you. Projected release date is May 17th.
Smiles,
Solara
Pris and I are focused on the stories I’m working on and not Gill and gang this week. I’m making notes for a four book series and book two in the Pacific Cay Trilogy. By the way, tentative publication time frame for TOGETHER AGAIN (Pacific Cay Trilogy Book 1) is mid-May. The Spice Homestead is in midst of day job changes too. Next week or maybe later on this weekend, I’ll post a piece on this photo inspiration:
I’m pleased and proud to be working with Siren Publishing again. TOGETHER AGAIN is the first book in the Pacific Cay Trilogy. I signed the contract earlier this week. I’m busy working on the cover questionnaire and writing blurbs. Please see the information below for taste of Tim and Susan’s story.
Until Next Week,
Solara
TOGETHER AGAIN: (Erotic Contemporary Romance: Sirenbookstrand Publishing-Publication Date May 2016)
Giving first loves a second chance requires letting go of the past and embracing what today offers.
Tim Smith wants a second chance with his first love, Susan Nealson. He’s recently figured out he’s been in love with Susan for some time. Convincing and showing Susan he’s worth a second chance isn’t going to be easy. Given his on-again-off-again ex-boyfriend past with Susan, he isn’t sure how to act on his attraction. When Susan agrees to be amutual friend’s maid of honor, Tim might have the incentive he’s looking for.
Susan isn’t anticipating being paired up with the dateless best man, Tim–her ex-boyfriend. She wouldn’t turn down a chance to revisit their past sexual heat. Beyond that, she’s unsure taking a risk on Tim is in her best interest. When their chemistry explodes more than sex, Susan’s feelings and heart ignite too. Seeing past their bungled past and embracing their now is something, they have to do to claim their second chance at love and a future together.
Mick slid his hand along Trina’s waist. Her hand rested lightly on his shoulder. He moved closer to her until they were approximately three feet apart. She smiled, shaking her head.
“What’s funny?” Mick asked, looking down. He placed his foot between Trina’s. His size ten and half shoe stuck out between her smaller ones.
“Us. This reminds me of the dancing lessons I took in junior high school. Most of the guys could shake their bootie and move around the dance floor like their pants were on fire.” Trina glanced down.
Mick snorted. “Seems that started the phase of trying to teach us etiquette and some form of courting.”
Trina’s laughter warmed his cheek. He winked and moved tighter to her. “Now shall we practice those steps and moves our parents spent money on?”
Trina arched her neck, looking up into Mick’s eyes. They reminded her of the blue sky over the lake during summer. The time of year, she could laugh and run free all over the campgrounds her parents owned. Summer camp allowed her and her siblings time to let their animal counterpart out. No harried admonishments either about hiding or keeping her furry side under tight control.
She licked her lips and nodded. “Sure. I can waltz; do a mean two-step, the occasional foxtrot, and a slow sultry dance that permits conversation. You have a preference?”
“Slow dance and conversation. Sultry is a little much for the kids.” Nick winked, stepping back wards as the music began.
“Yes, we chaperones need to keep an eye on the youngsters.” She chuckled moving in sync with Mick as he guided her out across the dance floor toward the middle of the gym.
“Ten questions each? A little getting acquainted info?” Mick swirled her in a circle creating more space between them.
“Okay. You pulling away?” Trina looked down and back up meeting Mick’s gaze.
“No, just allowing some room so we can talk easier. “ Mick grinned. “First question. Favorite color.”
“Mauve. Same for you.”
“Turquoise. Reminds me of the ocean.” Nick nodded. Vernon and Miss Ellie danced by them.
“Nice song choice, Mick.” Vernon twirled Miss Ellie, pulled her back into his arms and titled her back over one arm. “Allows a little swing and sway.”
Before Mick could answer, Vernon and Miss Ellie danced away. Mick glanced back at her. He stopped and started swaying back and forth in place. “Vernon’s right.”
Trina burst out laughing. “What about the other songs?”
“Fifties music and a few early sixties tunes. The rest are ones the kids requested. I don’t know if there’s much to dance to in their choices.” Mick started moving them around the dance floor again. “Why mauve?”
“The color of my grandma’s kitchen. She loved to cook and bake. That was the one place all ten grandkids could gather and all have grandma at once.” Trina shook her head as Mick opened his mouth again. “You’ve asked two questions. My turn.”
Mick nodded. “Go ahead.”
“Where’d you grow up?” Trina closed some of the space between them as another song started.
“All over. My dad joined the military right out of high school. He wanted to see how the other half lived. Human half.” Mick paused near the bleachers as the music picked up beat. “Continue dancing?”
“Please. Makes our conversation less conspicuous.” Trina glanced over her shoulder. “Second question. Why turquoise?”
“San Diego, California. The one place we stayed more than two years. Mom decided that moving wasn’t a good idea with changing schools constantly.”
“A place you call home?” Trina started nodding her head in time to the music. “Almost a latin rhythm to it.”
“Yes. Maybe we can two-step our way across the gym. And that was your third question.” Mick picked up pace and changed steps to match the beat of the music.
“So answer it. Then your turn.”
“It’s a place where I found me. My parents bought a house and Mom put down roots. All five of us graduated from high school and college there.” Mick leaned closer to her. “My third question is why Talbot’s Peak?’”
Trina swallowed hard. She’d kept so much of her past hidden. The pain and hurt dulled after a while. Could she talk about leaving home and knowing she couldn’t go back? The unofficial ‘get out’ her father ordered when he found out she wasn’t his daughter stung for a long time. Many didn’t take her mixed heritage well. Would Mick?
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HAPPY WEEKEND GANG!
Sorry I missed last week. Day job making departmental changes which took more concentration than anticipated. Pris (my muse) and I got home last Friday night overly tired. Bed and sleep called.
Looks like Mick and Trina are slowly getting acquainted. Why is Trina scared? What does she fear? Stay tuned. Pris hasn’t said what’s next for our couple. I’m looking forward to finding out.
Spring arrives and with a dreaded four letter word. SNOW! One last huzzah I guess from winter as the passing of the seasonal crown moves on to the next. Keep a few good books handy to read and share with your loves and spice. I’m looking forward to sharing a few with mine.
Until next time,
Solara
Gill looked up from the pile of paperwork in front of him. Rachel stood in front of his desk with another stack of papers equal to the ones he’d spent the better part of the last two hours trying to get through. Talbot’s Peak history weaved through a narrative and very few actual historical facts. At least ones that were factual.
“More,” he groaned. “You found more?”
Rachel nodded. “And Vernon is going through another box out at my desk. Whoever stashed this stuff didn’t want it found or thought it wasn’t going to be.”
“We’re going to need another table and more boxes. Breaking this down into dates and events is maddening.” Gill picked up two sheets of paper. “Same event. Two completely different accounts.”
.
Rachel shook her head and shrugged. “I’ll see what I can come up. The historical society is using two other offices and all the tables from the waiting room.”
Gill watched Rachel exit the office. He looked over to where Chloe sat with boxes of newspaper clippings. She sorted them a few a at time, holding the faded ones up to the goose neck lamp, squinting as she tried to make out the print. From time to time, she sighed, shook her head, and stretched. Four empty take out containers sat in stuffed in the trash can between them. Louie had more coffee and sweets in route. This project wasn’t going to end tonight or even a few nights later. What they’d unearthed could rattle some of the Peak’s homesteaders. He wasn’t sure letting this out made sense.
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Happy Weekend Gang!
Looks like there’s stuff stirring up in the Peak. A historical society. . .a bunch of documents that someone stashed? And clean up post move out and ransacking the government offices is showing where the proverbial needle in the haystack is. Ooh, sounds like Mick and Trina are going to get some added fireworks to their budding chemistry with this too. Let’s see where each of these takes us as the weeks ensue.
Spring is making its mark and hold as winter takes one last pass through the area. Keep warm, ready to snuggle up with your loves and spice sharing a few good books. I know I am!
Until Next Week,
Solara
Mick walked across the floor, keeping Trina in his sight. She ducked her head, looking away. He’d watched her peruse all the males present. The teens that danced past her, she smiled at and shook her head no. The older ones made conversation and moved off to find their mates or spouses. The few women who stopped to talk, pointed to males at various points throughout the gymnasium. He reached Trina as the opening strains of the melody began.
“May I have this dance, please?” he asked, holding out his hand. He kept his gaze on her face. The costumes hid much of their physique. Not that it mattered. Many here used scent and their other senses along with their animal sixth sense to pick out their chase. There were no victims here. Matting happened when all parties agreed. Dancing didn’t resemble the sweaty pleasure enhance bed rumpling stints most of the youth here tried to do. No, dancing was for conversation, getting to know each other, and asking for another dance. Even time to nibble finger foods and sip the sickening sweet punch the cafeteria provided. He’d heard whispers Louie from Rattigan’s was due at midnight; something about road kill stew and other more delightful cuisine.
Mick smiled. Trina turned toward him. Her hands lay one on top of the other, resting on her fanny pouch. Most of the women carried purses or clutch bags. Not this one. Dare he ask what she carried in it? Too personal a question too soon? He wet his lips ready to change topics when Trina spoke.
“Thank you. I’d love to dance.” Trina stepped closer to him. “Been a while since I slow danced.”
Mick chuckled. “Easy to remember. Like riding a bike. Of course, unless you like to lead.”
“Oh, I’m not supposed to?” Trina grinned, raising her arms. “Maybe you better show me how this is done. You know I might need a bit of private tutorial here rather than out there.” She point to the open dance floor.
He glanced over his shoulder. “Okay, one tutorial coming up. Then we make our way across the gym and back. This is the slow long songs portion of the evening.”
Trina nodded her understanding and moved closer until he could easily see her in the darker portion where they stood. He took a hold of her wrist, instructing her as he did. “You hand goes on my shoulder. A light touch is fine.”
He reached for her other hand; Trina held it out to him. “This one goes with this one?” She touched his palm with two of her fingers. Heat burst off her deep into him and jaggedly made its way up his arm. Mick swallowed hard and nodded. Did she realize what affect she had on him?
Trina pressed her lips together. Letting out a startled gasp might send him moving away. Heat like this hadn’t happened since her late husband. The one man—human not shapeshifter—who understood her and ignited a sexual chemistry that kept its volcanic explosions going until illness claimed him. Too bad, he turned out sterile. A child or two by him to remind her of the passion and love they shared would’ve eased the pain and sorrow. She blinked pushing the five year old past memories back to where they belonged, deep in the memories of another time in her life. She’d come here to start over and it appeared she’d chosen a good place to do so. Continue reading
Trina looked over the group of men standing close to her. Two male wolves, three coyotes, and one snow leopard made up the group. None of them particularly drew her attraction or thoughts. Yet, dancing with one or two of them might get conversation flowing. After all, chaperoning a high school dance didn’t require more than keeping the kids out of dark corners. Making small talk with the other parents present and enjoying the music. Miss Elly and Vernon were out on the dance floor cutting their path across the gym. More fifties music blared out of the speakers. Even Gill and Chloe tried their hand at some of the intricate dance steps the music teacher had shown everyone before the music started.
She wiped her hands down her heavily starched poodle skirt. Missy Elly’s kindness included loaning her clothes in theme with the music. Her teased and sprayed hair bounced each time she nodded her head in time with the music. A few feet away one of the teachers named Mick stood wearing a black leather biker’s jacket, tight ass-incasing jeans, and a dark red t-shirt with the outline of wolf on it. His slicked back hair refused to adhere to the gel. Two lone curls close to the top of his forehead gave him an air of mystique. An edge that caused her breath to catch and set off warmth the reached deep into her. Sex for the sake of physical release stymied her. Her chemistry required more. An attraction and mutual interest revved her hormones. If she wanted to get off—she snickered at her use of male thoughts and terms—her battery-operated boyfriend worked fine thank you. No need for making small talk and acting nice when all she wanted and needed was a hard fast orgasm. One that rocked her to sleep or into a blissed out state that lasted more than someone poking her saying ‘my turn now.’
Mick looked up from the table, counted the number of couples on the dance floor, and smiled. At least four of his students were out there trying the steps he showed them earlier. Many were standing in segregated groups of boys and girls. Their parents were doing much the same. When had kids lost the art of mingling and mixing with the opposite sex? This was Talbot’s Peak. Sex and what it entailed wasn’t shunned or stuffed in the closet. No, every kid new the basics by age eight. After all short gestations could manifest themselves quite easily. Ah, making sure his students understood the birds and bees aspect of life wasn’t his teaching area. Music and art took more than a few hour-long sessions per week to understand and enjoy. Good thing Gill and the town council got the need for after school activities like these.
He glanced over his shoulder back to where the redhead stood. Her petiteness intrigued him. She also ignited a protectiveness he was sure she didn’t require. After all, she was part wolf and coyote, two animals that could take care of themselves. Still making her acquaintance and enjoying a few dances didn’t entail getting involved. Friendship added to life. Why not add a new friend to his group? A female one too. Mick tossed his empty cup in the trash receptacle near him and turned. The next song was a slow hold your partner close one. Easy to dance too and long enough to learn a few things about each other. Yes, a good choice. He started toward Trina.
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Oooh looks like a new romance is starting up in the Peak!! Wonder where this will go. Let’s see what my muse, Pris, comes up with as the weeks progress. Maybe some of my blog mates will chime in with their takes on the fall out from Cupid’s visit to Talbot’s Peak last weekend.
Remember to keep a few books handy to share with your loves and spice. I’m busy penning a few myself. Keep warm as winter takes it last runs and spring attempts to take hold.
Smiles,
Solara
Gill glanced out the window. White everywhere and more fell from the sky. The outside thermometer show minus five degrees. Inside behind him, a fire roared. Phil and his crew toasted marshmallows prepping them for the smores Chloe and Miss Ellie asked for. The children sat near Vernon who entertained them with shadow puppets and tale tails from his youth. No matter the temperature outside inside the mayoral mansion, warmth, love, and acceptance abounded.
Chloe hadn’t blinked an eye when the weather turned worse as the adults played cards and the children watched television. Somewhere into the first twenty hours of the storm, his wife turned into a hostess that gave and took without problem. Gill smiled watching Miss Ellie set out the bowls filled chocolate and graham crackers. A stack of dinner sized paper plates sat close by as well as a stack of napkins. A pot of green tea and mugs occupied the table too. Smaller mugs sat next to a pitcher filled with warm milk. Bedtime snacks were about to commence.
Seregi’s loud singing filtered down the stairs as he showered. He’d romped with the children making snow angels and tossing snow balls at each other for almost two hours. The petite mixed breed shapeshifter traveling with Phil and family caught Seregi’s eye. Her wolf and timber fox mix caused most to shun her according to her. In the Peak, folks accepted people for who they were. What their hearts and values said about them. If they walked the talk about what they said, short of those who sought to hurt and took delight in it—not BDSMers–well they could find another place to call home.
“See the bright star in the sky?” Vernon asked, pulling back the curtain, motioning the children to him.
“Yes, Mr. Vernon,” one of Phil’s youngest said.
“Know always where that star is. It will lead you home.” Vernon dropped the curtain and faced the children. “Many of us chose this spot to claim as home. The one place where we love and help each other because we all matter.”
Miss Ellie walked over to Vernon, holding out a plate with two smores on it. She leaned toward him, lips puckered. Vernon ducked his head and came up with his lips puckered too. Their lips met.
“Dad, Miss Ellie and Mr. Vernon are at it again.” Gill looked over at his son sticking out his tongue and making a face.
“You don’t think your mother and I do that?” Gill asked, walking over to Chloe. He slipped his arm around her waist, hugging her close. “Shall we show them?”
Chloe laughed. She pointed toward the fire. Phil took turns kissing each of his wives. They faced the kids. Arms spread and lips puckered, they moved toward the children making exaggerated kissing noises. Phil followed them calling out. “Hug Monster on the loose. Kissing one too.”
Giggles erupted. Laughter flowed. Tickling matches started. Soft ‘love you’ sounded followed by ‘love you mom’ or ‘love you dad.’ Minutes passed as the joy of love enveloped everyone.
“I’m in the mood for love…” echoed down the stairs followed by Seregi’s growls. The children giggled more as they ran to hide under the table.
“I see there is chocolate, marshmallows, and crackers. All this will give me a large bellyache. Who will help me eat this?” Seregi poured himself a mug of tea. He sipped and waited.
Trina, the mixed breed shapeshifter, rose from her place close to the fire. She moved toward the table, pointing at it. “I’ll help. I think these mice under it will help too.”
The children popped out one by one calling out. “I want to help.”
Soon smores and mugs along with glasses littered the table as all ate and shared their favorite joke.
The grandfather clock in the hall chimed ten times drowning out the laughter filling the room. Gill held out his hand to Chloe who in turn held hers out to Miss Ellie and she to Vernon until all present formed a circle holding the hand of someone next to them.
Gill cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s focus. “Earlier we learned snow is one of those four lettered words.”
Chuckles sounded.
Gill continued as the gaiety died down. “I think we learned another four letter word tonight. Love. The love of friends, family, community, and for ourselves too.”
He raised his and Chloe’s joined hands. “All together now. Here’s to love and us.”
Other joined hands raised repeating the words.
The warmth and love filled the room and mayoral mansion heating it in a way that those present understood and cherish. Cherished very much.
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Happy Weekend Gang!
You can follow the adventures of Talbot’s Peak at Shapeshifter Seductions.
Cold got you down? Put on a warm blanket, cuddle up with your spice and share a good book or two together. We at the Spice Homestead are. Spring is a few weeks more off.
I hope you enjoyed today’s flash fiction piece. I thoroughly enjoyed writing it.
Until next week, keep warm–share a book or two along with a warm blanket with your spice and loves. It creates a lot of lovely warm feelings and nurtures a linger heat deep in the heart.
Smiles,
Solara
Guess Red Ridinghood’s Descendant doesn’t like the Hunter very well. (EXCERPT FROM UNCONTRACTED WIP):
“Thanks. Guess we’re stuck together.” Stacee pulled her hand away from his. Jace didn’t move until her palm no longer touched his.
He straightened and reached for the keys. “Afraid so. Our safety is a mutual need. There’s common elements I prefer to discuss at my condo.”
Jace started the Jeep. He glanced at Stacee as he shifted into reverse. Crap! She sat back against the seat. Her shoulders slumped forward. Was she frowning? Her resigned look pressed hard at his live and let live core value. He glanced at Stacee again. This time she he caught her scowling at him, muttering too. He held up his hand as he pulled into traffic. “If you’ve got something to say, speak up. Muttering isn’t going to change things.”
Keeping Martin, the pack, and those he’d seen in the vision safe happened even if one of them kept shooting him scowls and angered looks. Let her get what frustration and reactive anger she needed to out. Fear set off responses that often made no sense.
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