Cupid Shoots, She Scores by Cynnara Tregarth

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Blurb:

For Trina Edwards, the time to play Cupid has come. Her assistants, whom are also the submissives she’s training, have graduated from submissive school with high honors and she knows the perfect woman for these two lovers. Lucky for Trina, it’s someone she loves dearly- her own sister, Nikita.

Nikita has been fascinated by Ronin and Jacob since seeing them with Trina at House Seti. Ronin, with his Hawaiian/Japanese heritage, and his long hair and quiet attitude contrasts sharply with his lover, Jacob, who has short blond hair and quite a mouthy attitude. She’s lusted for the men, and knew Trina wasn’t involved with them beyond training them. So when Trina offers to give them to her for a Valentine’s Day gift, Nikita doesn’t turn her down.

What the three don’t expect so close to Valentine’s Day is that Trina has left nothing to chance. Using everything at her disposal at Plotted Porn Productions (P3), she’ll show the two men and her sister just how much they need each other. Because everyone knows that when Cupid Shoots, She Scores.

Excerpt: (This takes place once Nikita makes contact with them under the guise of Mistress Valentine)

Match Game: Ghost Style by Cynnara Tregarth
Genre:         Ghost Paranormal; Halloween
http://www.loose-id.com/Match-Game-Ghost-Style.aspx
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Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead is here. For Ben Cameron, this holiday is painful without his best friend, Manuel “Manny” Cervantes.

For Shari Livingston, this is a day to remember just how much Manny has done for all of their friends. She never expects Manny to appear at the Dumb Supper she and the others have put together or to demand that she and Ben admit their true feelings for one another.

However, Manny the ghost isn’t about to let them get away with just sleeping together to make him happy. He knows more about them than they want to admit even to themselves. Can this matchmaking ghost get Ben and Shari together or will he be forced to play the ultimate match game to show the love between them both?

Excerpt:

Shari ignored the prickling down her back that told her that she was being watched. Once Manny disappeared from her sight as they drank the last toast, she’d been overly aware of just how much she wanted Ben. But he was right — their friendship was so damn ingrained into them. It was something of legend, their ability to not let sex get in the way of being there for each other, regardless of circumstance. Yet — yet, Manny said they were meant for one another. Could it be true? Really, honestly, made by the universe true?

Concentrating on rinsing off the last bit of dishes before putting them into the dishwasher, Shari started humming a tune before realizing that it was a song playing on her stereo. Placing the last dish into the rack, she poured in the detergent, shut the door, locked it and turned it on. Inhaling slowly, Shari tried to calm herself; there was no way Ben was playing her favorite romantic song because Manny had told him they were meant to be lovers. A small scuffing against the floor made her turn around. There, lounging against the open doorway, was Ben.

He had removed his tie, rolled up his sleeves to mid-forearm; the top three buttons of his shirt undone, showcasing just a hint of hair on his chest. Even his leaning against the doorjamb was sexy, his faded jeans hugging him in the right places. She swallowed as desire swept through her body, dampening her panties. Thank gods he didn’t have a preternaturally keen sense of smell. “What are you still doing here, Ben? I thought you were heading home, just like the others.”

“We need to talk about Manny’s appearance and what he said.”

“There’s nothing to say, Ben. You said it all, without asking my opinion on things. Why bother discussing it now?”

He stepped toward her and Shari retreated before realizing that he was making her on guard in her own home. Spreading her feet shoulder-width apart, Shari put out a hand to stop Ben in his tracks. “Don’t try to overrun me in my own home, Ben. It’s not going to work. Not now, not ever.”

His smile seemed to light his face as his eyes darkened in thought. “I’m not trying to overrun you, Shari. I agreed to give Manny a chance to see if this thing between us is truly meant or not. So why not give in wholeheartedly when he promises me that if it’s not, that our friendship won’t suffer.”

“Oh, is that what he promised? Planning on wiping my memory, are you?” Shari crossed her arms in front of her chest, trying to ignore the pain of being treated as an experiment. How dare they put together a scheme against her? Weren’t they all friends? Or is this the result of being shown whatever Manny had forced into Ben’s mind?

“No, nothing like that, Shari, I promise. Manny said that even if we indulged in one night’s passion, our friendship wouldn’t be hurt by it.” Ben sighed as he reached for one of her hands, bringing it to his chest. The heat of his body warmed her chilled hand as his words flooded her mind. “I want to believe him on this. Too many times have I wanted you, wanted to make love to you only to stop because our friendship is the closest thing to a treasure like my parents shared.”

Closing her eyes briefly, Shari listened to his heart, allowing herself to see if he was lying to her. His pulse was steady, there were no other telltale signs of lying, and she wanted to believe him. She had wanted him just as much as he wanted her. Why not give into one night of passion? Tonight could celebrate the joy of life after losing someone like Manny, who brought love and life into each person he touched. Opening her eyes, she nodded briefly. “Fine. One night, my home, my rules. Our friendship remains even if this romantic interlude doesn’t work and even if it does.”

“One night, your home, our rules. I won’t let you have the upper hand in this.” This time his smile reached his eyes. “I know how you can be; you forget how many times you’ve told me about the latest sex escapade, not realizing how hot it made me to claim you myself.” Tugging her close, Ben slid one hand into her loosened hair, then pulled, guiding her lips toward his. “Tonight won’t be like anything you’ve ever had before, Shari. That, I promise.”

His lips were warm and demanding while his tongue swept along her lips, trying to slide between them. With a soft moan, she opened to him as she slid her hands up his chest to his strong shoulders. His taste was not just maleness at its finest, but a combination of the wine he had drunk, the chocolate cake, and something spicy that defied recognition to her sensitive taste buds. Her tongue slid against his, teasing him with bold and then soft strokes as she pressed her body against him. Too long she had denied herself even thinking of the only kiss they had shared so long ago. This kiss seared the old one away, leaving behind quaking need as his tongue caressed the roof of her mouth before slowly withdrawing to outline her lips.

“Gods above, Shari,” he hoarsely whispered against her lips as their foreheads touched. “I need you tonight. Say yes.”

Deep blue eyes filled with desire, respect, and something else captured her gaze. There was no other answer to give. To deny this one night would be denying the dreams she’d had for months now. “Yes.”

Love Beyond Time cover

So what do you think? I love it! The artists at Pink Petal really captured the essence of the storyline I created for Love Beyond Time, and it just rocks seeing the Giza Pyramids. Especially Menkaure’s.

How cool is that? I saw that today and started giggling. I’ve made it to the big leagues of buying places! YAY!

Excerpt:

Dear Garrett—We’ve been together for some time now, and we’ve progressed much further than in a traditional role between mistress and submissive. I enjoy the time I spend with you and I’ve learned so much about being content with myself and within a relationship. It amazes me how we talk about everything and anything. However, there are times when I don’t often speak on things that matter to me that would allow me to enjoy our intimate moments more fully. You asked before that I correct you and teach you what you need to know to serve me. I’m taking you at your word and I want you to know that I love you and enjoy you and your luscious body. That said, we need to talk about how you pleasure me when we’re not having intercourse….

Carenna had memorized the letter, knowing the exact moment when Garrett had found the letter. The muffled exclamation in the other room had her convinced that any minute she’d be hearing the words she dreaded. But it was quiet. Almost too quiet, as if he had managed to sneak out of the house and walk away. Shaking, Carenna sat up on the bed and went to the bedroom door.

Opening it, she saw Garrett standing there looking at her. The look on his face wasn’t one of anger, but of something she hadn’t seen on his face since their last argument, many months ago. It was shame. “Carenna, I’m—”

Carenna stepped forward, placing a finger over his mouth. If she let him talk, she’d cry. But now wasn’t the time to cry. Now was the time to love him and show him what she wanted, what she craved from him so desperately it woke her up from her dreams, aroused beyond belief. “Come to bed with me, Garrett. Just love me and let me show you.”

“I hate these things, Kelly. You know how I feel about posing with those fakers,” Sabrina wailed as she slid on her thigh high boots. “They want me to pose with them, thinking that just by their interest they make me be theirs.”

“Look sis, it’s a favour to Damian. You promised him this ages ago. I figure since you’ve not been to House Indigo in over three years, it’d be something that you could go in with your held high and show everyone how you’re more than just a switch, you’re a woman who can go for what she wants.” Kelly plaited the rest of Sabrina’s chestnut hair, tying it off with a leather thong. “Think of it as ultimate revenge against Simon. He treated you like shit, and now you can show him just how much you’ve learned since being with him.”

Sabrina raised one brow. “So he will be there, will he?”

Kelly snickered, hugging her sister’s shoulders. “Yes, I found out from Damian about an hour ago. Seems when Simon saw the name for tonight’s edu-lesson, he demanded he be allowed to attend, even if he’s not a newbie.”

Adjusting her bustier, Sabrina considered that fact. It was true when Simon knew her, she wasn’t as confident nor was she ready to become what she was now- a true Switch educator. Her services were highly sought after by both dominants and submissives at various Houses. Normally, she conducted her courses at House Aphrodite, but she had promised Damian that she’d teach a course on restraints. It took her two years to get over her private fear of being tied up, but now, after much help from her teacher, she was ready to show others how to conquer that fear and embrace the sensations. “Well, considering tonight’s lesson, it should be fun.”

“Should be. I’ve packed your kit, Brina. I even got the giveaways that P3 gave you for tonight as well. I’m sorry I can’t go with you, but I promised Jenn that I’d go with her to the party at Fair Play.”

Sabrina smiled at her sister through the mirror. “That’s okay. You have fun, you deserve it after the week you’ve had. I should be fine. Damian will provide someone to help me with my gear if need be. Remind me to send P3 a thank you note for this.” With a final glance in the mirror, Sabrina declared herself ready for tonight.

At House Indigo, two hours later

“As you see,” Sabrina motioned to the naked woman before her restrained in handcuffs and leg restraints, “she’s not hurting and because I let her hold the keys, she’s calm, knowing at any time she can ask for a robot to release her or release herself if it gets overwhelming.”

“I thought the dominant would be the one to decide if she could go or not,” a deep voice said from the back of the classroom.

“Normally, yes, that would be the case. But when has a phobia about being tied up, even though they crave it- you have to give over tiny increments of control to help them overcome their fears. If you rip away that control- you feed the fear to an even greater height.” Sabrina didn’t look towards the group of students. She knew Simon’s voice, with its British accent.

“So, it could hurt a submissive to force them to be restrained and not have any control.”

“That’s not what I said, Master Simon. What I said and pointed out at the beginning of this lecture, which you missed, is when you’re dealing with submissives or switches who have fears, particularly those of being restrained or blindfolded, you have to go step by step with them. You have to give them a bit more control and hold so they can overcome the fear. By this process, you teach them how to let go and believe in their Dominant while at the same time, realizing their fear doesn’t need to be theirs anymore.” Sabrina released one cuff on one leg and one wrist of the woman, gently rubbing her arm and leg. “You’re doing fantastic, Frieda. I know you’re nervous and scared, but you’re doing fantastic.”

http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/new-releases/mark-of-the-blood/prod_214.html

I love this cover and the book. In it are some important dedications to people who helped this book to be the best it could be and there are some people I accidentally left out in the dedication. Without all of you– I’d never have gotten this book done and THANK YOU! 

*goes off to celebrate*

“Sometimes, dammit, you’re a pain in my arse,” Elathan growled, pushing past Davyd O’Connor. “What the fuck do you want now? If our illustrious leader sent you, you can tell Miach to fuck off.” 

The blond man stood there, unmoving, allowing Elathan to vent his anger of being pushed into service instead of hiding among his favourite toys- the past. Finally, Davyd spoke. “It’s not Miach. It’s Morrigu herself. That and another goddess, Arianrhod.” 

Elathan lifted one dark brow. Why on earth would either goddess summon me? I served one to my everlasting regret and the other has forbidden me some of the delights she lets other enjoy. “What do the goddesses want?” 

Davyd lifted one brow and quirked a smile. “You sound a bit upset at those who rule the universe. They are asking a favour of you. One that will bring you great rewards and some answers to your unspoken questions of the heart.” 

Elathan stepped into the cuntoir’s personal space. “Really. What makes them think I give a shite about their concern into my personal welfare after all they’ve put us through?” 

Davyd placed one hand on his arm. “I’m not fond of being used as a messenger in this, Than. Trust me. I’m a Helsinger first and a Hound of Arawn second. This telling of messages irks me, but Arawn said it was important.” 

Elathan paused a moment, then eased back his anger. If the Celtic god of the dead had a vested interest, then there was good reason to see the goddesses. “At our sacred spot near our home? Or can they meet with me here in Silver Spring since I’ve been here since Colette’s given birth.” 

“There is a grove behind Miach’s house, one that’s sacred to all of the Pantheonic realm. Meet them there tonight at one. They will tell you all.” Davyd hesitated and dropped his empathic shielding, letting Elathan feel all of the turmoil and information that the young helper had gleaned of late. “I think it’s important that you go. There’s something happening in their realm that isn’t supposed to.”

 Elathan nodded harshly. “Let them know I’ll be there. Warn Miach too. I’m not going without backup.” 

“As you wish, Elathan.” Davyd turned and left from Elathan’s living room, shutting the door to the house behind him. 

He waited until the cuntoir was in his car before he let out a string of ancient curses. “Why the fuck now? Why couldn’t they have fucking waited until I had this damn thing translated and figured out?”

I’m actually excited because this world kinda gives me a way of bring all my stuff into both the past and the present. More importantly, I’m letting out my inner kink slut out to play. Yes, this is a good thing. 

If you’ve not seen the excerpt on this story yet– take a look at the Excerpt page for it and for more on the world of P3– take a look at the Other Worlds tab.