She is an enigma wrapped in a little, blonde riddle.

Monday, December 23, 2013

Madden Wins!



Through polls on various social mediums, it's clear you want Madden first, so he will get Sinners book 3, Winning Streak. It's currently in the early plotting stages, but here's a sneak peek at the Pinterest board!

http://www.pinterest.com/xjezzebelle/winning-streak-inspiration/

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Madden Vaughn vs. Dylan Cole

The second Sinners book, Full Strength, will be out February 17th 2014! It follows Shane Reese, the goalie, on his road to recovery through the playoffs. I'm already thinking about book three, and I need your help! Whose story do you want to see first? Madden Vaughn, Jacey's lovable, screw-up brother/Sinners assistant GM, or Dylan Cole, the superstar rookie and now captain of the team? Here are the models for each character if that helps :)

 
          Madden Vaughn        vs.               Dylan Cole

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Extreme Jock Giveaway

If you like sports romance, check out the Give Me Books Extreme Jock Giveaway! On the Fly is included :) There are over 140 individual prizes to be won including a massive 44 Signed Paperbacks, 97 Ebooks, 19 Ebook sets, Amazon gift cards and awesome swag! There is an International and US Only rafflecopter for this one so make sure you enter both if you are a US resident. There are over 140 individual prizes to be won!
http://givemebooksblog.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/give-me-books-presents-extreme-jock.html



Sunday, August 25, 2013

Vegas Vows!

Exciting announcement! A while back I wrote a Sinners short story meant to appear in a Crimson Romance anthology. Crimson decided to go with baseball stories this time around, so I have a gift for my awesome readers. I made Vegas Vows into a PDF complete with a cover :) E-mail me at ken9002@setonhill.edu with the very last thing Carter says to Jacey in On the Fly, and I'll send you their wedding adventure!


Friday, August 2, 2013

Full Strength Snippet!

Missing Nealy? She's back in fine form in Full Strength!


Sunday, May 12th
            Shane closed his eyes and tried to will away the nausea. He’d made it to Nealy’s office door, and that was hard enough. No one else on the executive level today, but after practice, her majesty had requested a word. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly, his heart beating like a jackrabbit’s. No idea what she wanted, but mandatory meetings were rarely good.
            “In or out, Reese, don’t be a tease.” Her tiny voice came through the wall as if she could sense him hesitating.
            He eased inside, closed the door and stood in front of her desk. “Wanted to see me, Coach?”
            “Have a seat. And for God’s sake, take that look off your face. I’m not going to demand your firstborn.” Expressionless as usual, but a lighter, more teasing tone than normal.
            A smile started at the corners of his mouth but didn’t quite make it. He dropped into the chair opposite her and folded his hands over his stomach, thought better of it, and set them on the arm rests.
            “Christ,” she said in mock disgust and shook her head. She stared at him for a long minute. Was that compassion in her eyes? “I want you to start in game one.”
            He blinked. “What?” It sounded like she said she wanted him to start. But that wasn’t possible. If it was a joke, her sense of humor had taken a wicked turn.
            “You heard me. You’ve been through your bullshit. Gotten it out of your system. I liked what I saw in practice today. You’re ready. Gotta get back in the saddle and lead this team to the finals. You’re the franchise goaltender, and it’s time to remind people of that.”
            Funny. Felt like she was reminding him. A warm and fuzzy moment with Nealy never seemed possible before, but damn if he didn’t want to hug her now. “Thanks, Coach.”
            “You want to thank me? Win on Tuesday. Simkins had a comfort level with the Sharks, got in their heads. You have an undefeated record with the Blackhawks. This one’s all you.”
            He nodded. Instead of pressured, he felt raring to go. Tuesday couldn’t come fast enough.
            “All right, now get outta here. I gotta solidify the rest of the lineup.”
            “Yes, Coach.” He grinned and couldn’t stop, even as she shook her head watching him leave.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Hot Heroes Faceoff!


Crimson Romance authors love their leading men and are willing to fight for them. Join us on July 2 for Round 6 of the Hot Heroes Faceoff! The event lasts all day with the heroes posting details about themselves and their books—and yes, there will be many hot photos as the heroes rally for votes!
Our two heroes squaring off are horse rancher, shape-shifting wolf, and Round 3, 4 and 5 Winner Aidan Gael from Fated Souls by Becky Flade and challenger Carter Phlynn, NHL All Star from On The Fly by Katie Kenyhercz.
Here’s a little background on our hotties:
Aidan Gael lives in forced solitude with his secrets and his grief. He spends the days on his ranch in the sunlight with his horses. But his nights are spent in the forest, running through the tress as the wolf, Gealach. This handsome green-eyed man guards his heart even better than he does his secrets. Tragedy has defined him; a curse binds him; and he is determined to protect the woman that loves him – from him.
Carter Phlynn has known nothing but hockey his entire life. Drafted into the NHL at age eighteen, winning the Stanley Cup is all he's ever wanted. Nothing has ever disrupted his focus. Not until he meets his new boss. Carter has never had a relationship last more than a month, but all that's about to change.
Our heroes took time to answer one question as they prepare for Tuesday’s Faceoff.
 Aidan, how did you celebrate your Round 5 win against the 70’s rock legend?
Aidan: Maggie and I arranged for a babysitter. We packed a cooler with sandwiches and soda, then drove two hours in the Impala to the closest remaining Drive-in theater in Minnesota. We then made out like a couple of teenagers during the double feature. It was great.
Carter, how are you preparing to defeat this three-time champ?
Carter: My team just won the Stanley Cup. In between celebrating, I've been hitting up the workout room and running miles on the neighborhood trails in as little clothing as possible. Vegas summers are hot. I understand my competitor is formidable, but I've always been able to handle myself in a faceoff.
Two men enter, one man leaves. Who will it be? The shape-shifting wolf or the NHL All Star? That's for you to decide. Join us at:
Join the conversation on Twitter, get updates on how the heroes are training, and pick a team. #HotHeroFaceoff #TeamAidan #TeamCarter

Carter needs your vote! Support your Sinners! Oh Captain, my captain ;)

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

A Year In Love Crimson Romance Blog Hop


For Crimson Romance's one-year anniversary, we authors are posting chapters from our books. This is Chapter Nineteen from On the Fly! Stuff's about to get steamy!

Chapter Nineteen
Monday, October 31st: End of the Night
Jacey leaned against the taxi window, legs crossed. She tried to make herself as small as possible to accommodate the two extra-large hockey players beside her. Carter took the middle seat to shield her from the one-hundred-proof Kevin Scott. On a good day, the six-foot, four-inch left wing could charm with the best of them, but tonight his auburn hair looked like crazy porcupine quills, and the dark circles under his eyes weren’t from costume paint. The Eau de Bourbon cologne didn’t help. Shortly after Carter had angled him into the cab, Kevin’s head lolled back, his eyes closed, and the snoring began. At least the cab driver’s loud, Simply Sinatra radio station drowned most of it out.
“You really know how to show a girl a good time, Phlynn.”
Now you call me Phlynn? We are so moving in the wrong direction.”
“I kind of want to kill Scotty. Is that a normal, ownerly feeling?”
Kevin’s head dropped onto Carter’s shoulder, eliciting a disgusted wince from the captain. Carter pushed him back against the door. “Oh, he’ll pay for interrupting our date. There’s an afternoon practice tomorrow. He sleeps through it, Nealy skins him alive. He shows up like this, he’ll wish he was so lucky.”
Even though she’d already sort of known, it was different to hear him say it. “Date?”
He stared at her a minute, his expression unreadable. For a brief second, she thought he’d take it back, say he misspoke. The hope in her voice was embarrassing enough to make her consider tucking and rolling right out into the street. Then his smile flickered back. “I know these aren’t the most romantic circumstances right now, but the night started off pretty well.”
Heat crept up into her face as the first hot kiss replayed in her mind. He’d caught her mid accusation, and once the shock wore off, her Id came out to play and shoved Super Ego Jacey in the closet. She couldn’t remember ever letting go like that. Her pulse sped up at the memory.
Carter curled his fingers into hers and kissed each knuckle slowly. His lips felt warm and smooth as silk against her skin. She shot a nervous glance at Kevin, but he was dead to the world. And Carter didn’t seem to care one way or the other. He turned her hand over and kissed the pulse point at her wrist. “Night’s not over yet.”
Id hip-checked Super Ego Jacey back in the closet and threw away the key. I am so gonna regret this.
* * *
After they dropped Scotty off at his house, only the cabbie’s occasional, rear-view-mirror glances kept Carter a gentleman. Jacey looked like a sexy super villain in the glowing horns and that dress. The glittering black flame hemline kept inching up her legs. The black wig looked hot, but he wanted to take it off and run his fingers through her soft curls while he kissed the responsible out of her. Arms folded under her chest, he could see her mentally wrestling with something. He’d bet anything its name was Madden.
“You trust him, right?”
“Who?”
“The brother you still picture with braces and acne.”
“I don’t…okay, maybe I do. It’s just…”
“Diamond Cove. Here we are!” The cabbie turned the music down and slowed the car to a stop in front of their neighborhood gates. Carter handed over the fare and tip then helped Jacey out. She’d been relaxed around him all night, and he couldn’t get over it. The no-nonsense woman who’d turned his life upside down step by step actually had a soft side.
He key-fobbed them in and offered his arm. She took it without reservation, and as they fell into step, he felt something hit the back of his leg. Her devil tail. For a minute, he stared transfixed as it swayed from her backside. A sharp poke to his stomach snapped his head back around.
“Didn’t your mother ever tell you not to leer at a lady with a pitchfork?”
“Ahh, let me think. ‘Wear a helmet. Homework before hockey. Stop picking on Shane; he’s smaller than you.’ Nope, must have missed that one. And I was not leering. I was admiring.”
“Uh huh. Shane?”
“Reese. We grew up together. Closest thing to a brother I’ve had.”
“You’re lucky.”
“What did Madden do? I mean, aside from sleep with the enemy. You were about to say.” Carter directed his gaze to the sidewalk lit by the fancy streetlamps. He didn’t want to put more pressure on her by staring. She didn’t pull away, but he could feel her tense up.
“You don’t have to answer that…”
“He always had a head for numbers. Mix that with poor impulse control, and you get a world-class gambling addict. Twelve-step programs for Madden were more like thirty-six steps. But supposedly, he did it—quit. I knew Vegas would be bad for him. He ran up a huge debt with a loan shark. To a normal person, the answer to debt isn’t more gambling. To an addict…”
“I get the picture. He keeps making it worse.”
“He’s not a bad kid. He has a good heart. But I think we’ll have to sell the house. I was going to anyway, eventually. It feels more like a Hollywood set than a home. We’ll pay his debt, and then I’ll make sure he—”
“Jacey, stop.” Carter stilled and gave her no choice. She faced him, her expression curious, and it broke his heart a little. “You didn’t ask for any of this, did you? You probably had some job lined up with a Fortune 500 company. Then your father passes and leaves you with a basically new hockey team to run all by yourself. The way you talk, I can tell this isn’t the first time you’ve assumed responsibility for your brother. Why do you do it?”
“What else would I do? My father is the reason I had the chance at the best education, made the best contacts. This team was his soul, and he left it to me. I can’t walk away from that. I won’t. And Madden…he’s the only family I have left. Yes, he’s a screw-up, but I’m not giving up on him. He needs me; I’m there. It’s who I am.”
The passion in her voice and the certainty in her eyes touched him. What would it be like to have someone feel that way about him? Shock set in as he realized he wanted to be on the receiving end of that devotion. It was a scary thought and one he immediately questioned, but the answer remained the same. Any man would be lucky to have Jacey on his side.
He stepped forward. When she didn’t back away, he cupped her jaw and kissed her. It started out soft, but when she didn’t protest, he deepened it. A few seconds went by before she returned it, tentative. He pulled back just enough to rest his forehead against hers and looked into her half-lidded eyes.
“What was that for?”
“Being you.”
She smiled and leaned up to kiss him this time. He slid his free arm around her waist and hauled her closer. It elicited a surprised purr from the angelic devil woman, and the sound stole his last scrap of reason. “Your street’s one block over. Mine’s around the corner, and it’s still relatively early. Do you want to come over for a while?”
He fully expected her to say no. Jacey, the list-maker, the pro/con weigher, the only person who could define Type A better than he could would never agree to it—especially on a work night. He could see the mental war on her face, and every silent second made his heart beat harder. Had he gone too far? They’d more or less obliterated the boss-employee professional boundary tonight. But if she said yes, they were likely to do something they couldn’t take back or laugh off.
“Okay.”
“Okay?”
“I don’t know what this is. I know professionally that I shouldn’t, but tonight, as crazy as it was, I relaxed for the first time in a really long time. I like being with you, God help me.”
The last part sounded so resigned that he had to laugh. “Gee, thanks.”
“You know what I mean.”
He brushed a light kiss to her lips, the corner of her mouth, then the base of her ear. “I like being with you too. Let’s go work on that relaxation some more.”

To find out what happens next, check out On the Fly here:
Amazon
Barnes&Noble

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Fresh Legs

There's a term in hockey called "Fresh legs." It means you want to put a player on the ice who has had some time to rest and refresh. I always thought this was a peculiar term, because this is what comes to mind when I hear it:


Y'know, like fresh lemonade? But as my Pittsburgh Penguins are facing double overtime, it would be nice if it were this easy to find fresh legs. My boys have to be exhausted. But if they can pull out a win, we'll be up 3-0 in this series! Wish us luck. And fresh legs.

Sunday, April 14, 2013

iHeart Hockey


I get some interesting reactions when I tell people I write hockey romance. I guess I look more Cinderella than Slap Shot. I started getting the reactions long before my writing days. I would tell people how much I loved the sport, and the most common response was raised eyebrows and, "Really?" Yes, really.

So the next question was how did a girl like me get into a sport like that? This is how :)



That's me at fifteen playing roller hockey in a small, local league. There was one other girl on the team, and she was the owner's daughter. It was...interesting. Still, you're thinking there has to be more to the story than one day I said to myself, "I know. Roller hockey." Right around this time, I went through my first ever breakup, and you know how that is. I felt like I needed to re-invent myself to move forward. I started going to the Skate Zone every weekend and even to night sessions during the week. It was a release, an escape. And I could skate. Those Rollerblades were like second feet. My favorite thing was beating the boys in speed races. Remember the scene in On the Fly when Carter challenges Jacey and she pretends to be a newb then sprints to the other end? I didn't pull that out of thin air :)

One day, I saw a flyer for the hockey league, and everything clicked. I'd never participated in contact sports before. Swimming, gymnastics, dance, sure. This was stepping into another realm. I was completely in over my head, and while it was fun, I didn't really know the rules at the time, so I just tried to follow whatever orders Coach barked from the sidelines. 

Know what's different about roller hockey? You don't have half as many pads. There are a lot of unprotected areas, and while you don't have a frozen disc of vulcanized rubber flying at you, you do have a small, hard rubber ball. Imagine taking a short-range slap shot to the forearm. Biceps. Sternum. You get the idea. I was covered in red, donut-shaped welts. The league dispersed on its own, but I'd already decided I liked hockey better as a spectator.

I started watching Pittsburgh Penguins games around the time Sidney Crosby came on the scene, and it's been true love ever since. Me and hockey, that is ;) I'm addicted to the excitement, speed, grace, and precise skill of the game. The intense bonds and joking brotherhoods of the players. That's what I want to come across in my Sinners novels. 

These days I settle for skating in the park. A few years ago, some roller derby girls saw me and wanted to recruit me--an honor--but I'll tell you a secret I was forced to admit to them. While I'm confident on my blades, put me in quad skates, and I'd probably break an ankle. Or two. I started out on quads as a kid, but as soon as I switched to in-line skates, I couldn't go back. The balance is all different. I prefer the freedom of movement I get from my blades and the ability to turn on a dime.

So that's the whole story :) Do you have a sport that gives you butterflies? How did you fall in love?

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Skatin' Legs

Ahh the siren's call of spring. It took its time this year, but finally, we got a nearly 70 degree day. Most people might hear chirping birds or trees swaying in the breeze. I hear a little voice saying, "Skating...go skating."

Remember the scene from On the Fly when Jacey rollerblades around her neighborhood? I've got a public park pathway just like that, and when it's warm enough, you'll find me there. I don't just talk the talk. I can skate the skate. The problem is, the need is so ingrained in me that I always go when it's still not quite warm enough. It really needs to be 72 before I can skate and not get a raw throat and a cough that lasts the rest of the day. I know this. I re-discover it every year. And yet...I'm powerless against the call. You know how some people have dancin' feet? I've got skatin' legs.


They don't give me any choice. They're addicted to the power of gracefully dodging pedestrians. It's kind of like flying without leaving the ground.

You'll notice I wear hockey skates :) This isn't just for the coolness factor. The harder boots provide more ankle support so I can skate my 9 to 12 miles at a time. Today? I was lucky to do 6. It takes some warming up. And sure enough, I got the cough. Every spring I tell myself I'll know better next time, but once I hear the little voice, I'm a lost cause. The legs want what the legs want.

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Sneak Peek Sunday

Happy Easter!


It's time for Sneak Peek Sunday again thanks to: http://www.sneakpeeksunday.blogspot.com/2013/03/sneakpeeksunday-3312013.html

Here's a snippet from On the Fly, available now at any e-book retailer :) This is just after a stolen kiss.


She stepped away for good measure and looked around to make sure no one had been watching. Relief almost took out her knees when she saw the cameras were pointed at the dance floor. 

“Are you insane?” 

Carter leaned one hand on the wall, trying to catch his own breath. “Folie à deux,” he  
panted with a pointed look. 

A madness shared by two. Appropriate. 

“Don’t you quip at me in French right now.”

Monday, March 25, 2013

Glow Horns Giveaway!

In case you missed mention of the giveaway, I'm picking five lucky readers to win a pair of Sinners glow horns like those mentioned in On the Fly. To score a pair of these babies...


Drop me an email at ken9002@setonhill.edu with your favorite scene from the book by April 8th. I'll get in touch with the winners by the next day. Good luck, and thanks for reading!

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Mad About Madden a.k.a. Brotherly Love


Many readers of On the Fly have told me how much they love Madden, Jacey’s brother, and that he should have his own book. Don’t worry; he will! The second novel in the Sinners series focuses on Reese, the goalie, and it looks like the third book will belong to Dylan Cole, the rookie, but Madden is in my mental pipeline. I love him too! And in case you were curious, this is how I pictured him:



I want to give credit where credit is due and explain my inspiration for him. I have two younger brothers, both in their mid 20s, whom I adore. If you read Madden and liked his loyalty, dedication, protective instincts and love for his sister, you should know those qualities came from my own brothers. They are supportive, extraordinary men, and I’m proud and lucky to be their sister.

Madden’s pitfalls are all his own, but that side of him was inspired by the character, Harry, from the TV show Tru Calling. I wanted to capture that charming but sometimes deceptive personality because I knew it could get into some major league trouble in Las Vegas. Madden was an interesting character to me because he could appear very selfish while at the same time be this vulnerable, sweet guy capable of deep love and commitment. That’s something he’ll have to work toward, but his journey will be a fulfilling one.

In the mean time, I hope you enjoy getting to know a little more of the team and the women strong enough to keep them in check!

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Very Superstitious...Writing's on the Yogurt Lid


I write about hockey players. In my research, I’ve been around a few, and I know how superstitious they can be. I have some fun with that in my books. All the while, I never put much stock in it until I sat back and realized how many superstitions I have. I’m twenty-nine. How did I just come to the realization that I’m superstitious? I was reflecting on yesterday and found myself saying, “My yogurt lied to me.”



I should give you some context for this. You know how some people read tea leaves after they drink a cup? The design of leaves on the bottom makes some kind of prophetic symbol. I have yogurt every morning, and when I peel back the lid, I look for an image. This is also kind of like looking for pictures in the clouds or breakfast meets Rorschach. I realize it’s probably just a reflection of my own brain, but I still look for those tiny pictures. I usually see a heart or lobster claw, which is another symbol for heart to me and not because I like seafood. Long story. Anyway, if I see a symbol on my yogurt lid, I expect my day to reflect it. This rarely happens, but I still expect it.

So the yogurt got me thinking…what else do I do?

There are a few sets of numbers that have special meaning for me. Mostly addresses and birthdays. If I see those numbers come up on a clock, I have to watch until the minute passes. In that minute, I think a good thought regarding the person attached to the numbers.

I make wishes on stray eyelashes, dandelion fluff, pennies, birthday candles, and necklace clasps that slide down in front, and I don’t disclose those wishes because then they wouldn’t come true.

And yet, I manage to function in everyday society. Maybe on some small level, these things help me function. I’m a Type A personality all the way. I can only “go with the flow” on a lazy river ride, and even then I’m probably brainstorming book ideas. In a chaotic, unpredictable world, control can be hard to come by. If these little superstitions help me feel like I have some sway in cosmic events, that’s good, right? All of a sudden, I understand my heroes a little better J

What superstitions do you have?

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Vegas Girl

Ever get a lightbulb moment at an inopportune time? Whenever the temperature is above freezing and nothing is coming down from the sky, I get my butt to the park to walk 3 miles. To make this pleasant, I listen to music. I do this for my health and because I like to bounce to pop music for an hour, but occasionally, it also helps generate ideas. That's what happened today.

I had just loaded a new song onto my iPod, so I put it on first. I've heard this song before several times. In fact, I picked it because it's called Vegas Girl, and my book series is set in Las Vegas. It's upbeat and fun. For some reason, when I heard it today, everything clicked in my brain. It's the perfect song to be playing when my fictional "dance team" puts on a show between hockey periods.

In On the Fly, the first book in the series, I had a pretty good time poking fun and rolling my eyes at the idea of cheerleaders in hockey. I made them kind of a joke. Well, listening to Vegas Girl and being able to see the routine in my head, I wanted to bust some moves right there in the park. I refrained, but the giant, Ah-ha! smile on my face probably confused some people.

Being able to see the routine fired off a what-if domino trail in my mind. How could I incorporate that into my current book, Full Strength? My heroine is the team's sports psychologist. What if a dancer stopped by her office and asked if she could have a session? What if when the dancer walked in, my heroine, Allie, happened to be dancing around her office because she wasn't expecting anyone? What if, after a helpful talk, the dancer asked Allie to join the team for practice one night? What if Allie went, had a blast, and my hero happened to see?

All this flew by in my head in less than a minute. I was so excited about it, I wrote myself a text message and saved the draft so I wouldn't forget by the end of my walk. So through my second heroine, Allie, I've decided to embrace the cheerleaders--er...dance team--my Lady Sinners. And all because of this song :)


Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Happy Valentines Day from Jacey and Carter!

This scene isn't in On the Fly. It's just my idea of how my hero and heroine would spend V-Day :)


            Hunched over her desk, the end of a pen between her teeth and Michael Buble crooning over her stereo, Jacey stared at long list of press requests and PR opportunities. The abbreviated season didn’t just mean a game every other day. It meant squeezing in all of the usual public team events into a tighter schedule too. Despite the soothing music, her nerves were shot, so when Madden opened the door and strode in, she nearly jumped out of her skin. The pen clattered to the floor, and she pressed a hand over her heart.

             “I knocked, but you couldn't hear me," her brother and assistant yelled over the music before turning it down. There's something you need to see.”

             Those words were never good. Reflex fear coursed through her on the tails of the adrenaline shot from the sudden interruption. What now? “I can't; there's too much to get done before the game tomorrow.”

             “Trust me...you're gonna wanna see this.”

             Jacey frowned at the cryptic tone, but curiosity got the best of her. With a sigh, she pushed back out of her seat and followed Madden out of the office and down the hall. They took the stairs down a floor and stopped at the door to the press box. “What's going on?”

             Madden flashed that irritating, I-know-something-you-don’t-know smile. “Take a deep breath.”

             “Mad…”

             “Just do it.”

             Warily, she inhaled, and before she could exhale, her brother swung the door open. Jacey's breath rushed out with the impact of what she saw. Numb with awe, she shuffled up to the glass overlooking the ice. Down below, hockey pucks were arranged into the shape of a giant heart. Carter Phlynn stood in the middle, hands in his jean pockets and a pleased smile on his face.

“Oh my God.”

            “Yeah.”

            “What's he thinking?”

            “That you're sappy enough to fall for this.”

            Jacey turned on her heel and strode out of the room to the elevator. On her way down to the concourse level, all she could do was shake her head. She was still shaking her head as she descended the arena steps and stepped inside the players' box.

            Carter's proud grin widened and he spread his arms, presenting his gift. “What do you think?”

            “I think that check you took last night rattled something loose.”

            “Then why are you smiling?”

            Jacey opened her mouth, but her reply stuck in her throat. Was she smiling? Yep. Damn.

            Carter's expression turned satisfied. “Come here.”

            “What?”

            “Come. Here.” His tone was playful, teasing. His hazel eyes danced with mischief. “This was only the first half of your present.”

            Jacey narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “What's the second half?”

            “I show you how to sink a slap shot.”

            “I...I'm wearing heels.”

            “I'll help.” He jogged over, picked up a stick that'd been leaning against the glass and held his hand out to her. She blinked, trying to think of a reason why not, but came up empty. Even as his calloused fingers curled into her palm, an excuse was bubbling in her throat, but just wouldn't come out. She stepped out onto the ice, gripping Carter's hand tight enough to break bones. On skates she could maneuver the rink just fine, but in four-inch pumps, not so much.

Baby steps. Baby steps. Baby—Whoa!

She flailed as her tractionless shoes slipped, and she was on her way down when a strong arm snaked around her waist and tugged her upright.

            “Careful, I got ya.”

            Jacey was torn between anger for him dragging her out there and the supremely divine sensation of the hard, warm muscle under his thermal shirt. His arm stayed around her as they stepped inside the heart and up to the blue line. He snagged one of the pucks with the blade of the stick and pulled her around in front of him, her back pressed to his solid chest. She closed her eyes and released a slow breath. The arm around her waist tugged her to fit closer against him, and a hot flash shot through her like a firecracker. Her eyes darted up to the press box, which was—thankfully—empty.

            “I don't think—”

            “No thinking required, Boss. That's the beauty of the slap shot.” He positioned her hands on the stick and covered them with his own. “Okay, we're going to draw it back...” His hips cocked to the right and took hers along with them as he lifted their arms out to the side. “Then focus all of your aggression, all of your energy on hitting the puck, and swing through.” Quick enough to pull a muscle, he brought their arms down in a sweeping arc, and fired the puck into the net. It was so fast that she didn't even see it happen, only heard the thwack! of contact.

            His rough cheek lightly scraped against hers, and she felt him smile, his lips nearly brushing her jaw as he spoke in a low, soft voice. “See? You're hooked.”

            Oh, yes she was.

            Carter got another puck and repeated the process. Jacey was out of breath by the time that they'd shot half of the heart into the net. Smiling, she said, “Why do I think this present was more for you than for me?”

            “I'd say it's a win-win situation. You get a little more appreciation for the game, and I get an excuse to haul you up against me like this.”

            He didn’t need an excuse. He also didn’t need to know that. She turned her head sharply and found that playful smile centimeters from her own. They were nose to nose, and her heart knocked against her ribs.

            “Happy Valentines Day, Jace.”

            Definitely.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Sneak Peek Sunday!

This week I'm participating in Sneak Peek Sunday hosted by http://www.sneakpeeksunday.blogspot.com/

Here's a sneak peek of On the Fly, available in eBook March 18th!


Without honestly knowing why, he walked around the desk and brushed a curl behind her ear then slid his fingers along her jaw. So soft. She leaned into his touch, and it paralyzed him. He had expected her to pull away. That was the dance—he moved forward; she moved back. It was a good dance. He knew the steps.
What now?

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

The Liebster Blog Award




On February 4th, I was honored to receive the Liebster Blog Award. Thanks go out to my good friend, MJ Schiller http://www.mjschillerauthor.blogspot.com/, for the award. 

The Liebster Award is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome. Wow! That's a lot of work for one little word! 

Here are the rules for receiving the award:

1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves.
2. Answer the questions the tagger has set for you, 
    plus create 11 questions for the people you've tagged to answer.
3. Choose 11 people and link them in your post. 
    MJ did 9, I’m doing 8.
4. Go to their page and tell them.
5. Remember, no tag backs!

Eleven things about me:
1. I change my nail polish to reflect my mood.
2. I still watch cartoons.
3. Mulder and Scully from The X-Files define love for me.
4. I’m recently addicted to Supernatural.
5. My favorite book is Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz
6. My perfume is Pink Sugar by Aqualina.
7. The Pittsburgh Penguins are my real-world team
8. I’m twenty-nine, but Disney World is still my favorite place.
9. I love decorating for holidays…every holiday J
10. I collect buddhas.
11. I’ve been a vegetarian since I was twelve.

Eleven questions about me and my answers:

1. Beach or mountain holiday? Beach! I’m a sun and sand kinda girl.
  
2. Where in the family do you come? First born, only girl, two younger brothers.

3. Dog or cat person? I love all animals, so both, but I have an extra fondness for puppies.

4. What's your favorite season and why? Summer. Warm weather, flip-flops, in-line skating in the park, more daylight. There’s really no downside.

5. What's the last book you read? Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich. I’m still in the middle of it. No time to read between work-work, schoolwork and author work. Not that I’m complaining J

6. What's the last movie you watched? RED on DVD.

7. What's your favorite weather and why? This relates to the seasons question, but for me it’d be sunny and 78 degrees. It’s the perfect temperature for skating in the park or just being outside in general.

8. What would you like to be written on your tombstone? 

Beloved
No regrets

9. How would you like to be remembered? As someone who made life better for everyone around her.

10. When and why was the last time you giggled uncontrollably? Watching Supernatural! For a spooky show, it can be really funny.

11. What's your favorite photo on display? A special picture from this past Christmas.

Here are the bloggers that I am awarding the Liebster Award to. Visit them at their blogs and congratulate them!