 Her search for safety lands her in a totally new kind of danger. Enjoy this intro to Allison Merritt, a blurb and an excerpt for Wystan, a deliciously spooky-sounding book. Five Things You Didn't Know About Allison Merritt
Blurb: Certain that an ad for a job in a small New Mexico Territory town is the answer to her prayers, Nebraska schoolteacher Rhia Duke packs her sister into a rickety wagon and heads west. Except when they reach the near-deserted town, she learns the truth. There is no job, no future, and no welcome in the bleak blue eyes of the handsome sheriff. The minute Rhia’s runaway team thunders into town, Wystan Heckmaster feels the change in the air. One of three sons of a demon who dared love a human, he keeps watch over a Pit guarded by seven seals, and slays any Hellbound demon that attempts to free the master imprisoned within. With a gut full of regret and a forgotten town filled with reformed demons, Wystan is certain of one thing: he can’t be the man Rhia needs. But when the truth behind Rhia’s flight from Nebraska comes to light, Wystan must open his soul—and pray there’s enough love between them to overcome the darkness rising from the Pit. Warning: Contains a take-no-prisoners sheriff, a woman who can’t outrun her supernatural secrets, and a dusty town where hope is as thin as dust in the wind. Author recommends keeping a glass of cool spring water at your elbow while reading. Excerpt: Something changed in the air the moment the wagon crossed the town’s border. Too early to be a supply train, and there was no way in hell it was visitors. Berner didn’t host town fairs, theatre troupes, peddlers, or bible thumpers. Wystan Heckmaster slapped his battered Stetson on his head, collected the keys to the jail, then stepped out the door. The first thing he saw was a pretty woman with hair the color of maple sugar—a rich brownish-blonde. The frown on her face spoke volumes, and the air around her pronounced trouble. She made a straight path for him. “Mr. Heckmaster. Or should I call you Sheriff? Or Mayor? I need to discuss the ad in the Lancaster County Republican with you. Someone placed an ad, but your brother tells me there is no school here. I’m sure there has to be a mistake. There’s only one Berner in New Mexico Territory. I’m very capable at reading maps. If I wasn’t, I would be ashamed to call myself a teacher.” He doubted she had taken more than two or three breaths during the speech. If she made talking in rambling paragraphs a habit, no wonder she looked so peaked. “Teacher?” He glanced along the street, but it was deserted as usual. “Lady, we don’t have a school here. Certainly no need of a teacher.” Her hands balled into fists that settled on her hips. The dress she wore was patched-- the egg yolk yellow faded into something even more disgusting. It had little flowers dotting the material, but they looked as worn as her scuffed black boots. “Then what was the purpose of placing an ad in the Lancaster County Republican?” She spoke with the fierceness of a mama bear warning predators away from her cubs. Wystan reached into his shirt pocket and drew out a toothpick. “I didn’t place any ad in any Lancaster County anything.” He looked past her, expecting Eban to saunter up the street. Eban had to be the brother she’d referred to since Tell was still on the trail. “Someone did,” she insisted. She fished a crumpled and much-folded piece of newsprint out of the pocket hidden by the folds of her skirt. “See? Right here it says, ‘School teacher wanted for spring term at Berner Schoolhouse. Wages paid based on experience. Room and board provided. Apply in person at City Hall, Berner, New Mexico Territory.’ I’m sure my eyes don’t deceive me.” Wystan stared at the clipping, then back at the woman. A galaxy of freckles spattered across her nose and cheekbones, making her look younger than her eyes said she was. Full figured and sure as shittin’ a grown woman. The wariness and worry darkening her hazel eyes gave her away as one with a lot of trouble on her plate. “I can read.” She pulled the ad away from his face, folded it, and returned it to her pocket. “Where would you suggest I look for an explanation, Mr. Heckmaster?” Fussy little thing. “I assure you that no one in this town did. There’s been a mistake. Sorry to inconvenience you, Miss Schoolteacher. Now turn around and head home.” A flush colored her cheeks. “I can’t head home! I have no home to return to. My little sister and my friend are waiting at the doctor’s office for me to straighten this mess out. The ad says that room and board will be provided. I’d expected to move into a room, sir.” “You left them with Eban?” That explained his absence. “Beryl is ill, Sheriff. This is the first town we’ve seen in days and it was past time for her to get some attention.” Despair crept into her voice. Wystan shifted his weight and transferred the toothpick to the other side of his mouth. “Eban’s not exactly trained in human medicine.” The woman’s mouth opened into an O. She shook her head and seemed to regain her senses. “He’s a veterinarian? He seemed certain he could help Beryl.” Wystan cleared his throat. “Sure, animal doctor. I’m sorry for your misfortune, lady, but as you can see, Berner’s about run into the ground. There’s nothing here for you or your friend. Might be best to move along.” She seemed to deflate. “Move along.” Her lips moved, softly forming the words, but it was as though she didn’t comprehend them. “We’ll move along, right down the trail into the next town where there won’t be any teaching jobs either. Sylvie, Beryl, and I will starve to death on the side of the road with no one in the world to care.” About the Book: Title: Wystan (The Heckmasters) Length: 228 pages Pubisher: Samhain Publishing Publication date: October 21, 2014 Buy links: Samhain - http://store.samhainpublishing.com/wystan-p-73651.html Amazon - http://amzn.com/B00L501TJK B&N - Google Books - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wystan-allison-merritt/1119847207?ean=9781619222892  About the Author: A love of reading inspired Allison Merritt to pursue her dream of becoming an author who writes historical, paranormal and fantasy romances, often combining the sub-genres. She lives in a small town in the Ozark Mountains with her husband and dogs. When she's not writing or reading, she hikes in national parks and conservation areas. Allison graduated from College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri with a B.A. in mass communications that's gathering dust after it was determined that she's better at writing fluff than hard news. Social media links: Blog – http://havenovelwilledit.blogspot.com Facebook – http://facebook.com/allisonmwrites Twitter – http://twitter.com/allison_merritt G+ - http://gplus.to/allisonmerritt Goodreads – http://goodreads.com/AllisonMWrites Pinterest - http://www.pinterest.com/allisonmwrites/ 
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 For my short story One Hot Cat, I explored the subject of revenge porn. Revenge porn is when pictures are posted on Internet sites without the person in the picture giving consent. This usually happens to women and is mostly nude and/or sexually explicit pictures and is done to get even with an ex and sometimes for money. I read an article about this in Cosmopolitan and was shocked at the number of incidents that occur and at the lack of help women can receive when it happens to them.
Hard to believe, but if the woman is over eighteen, it's not illegal. The photos belong to whoever took them. The article in Cosmo describes what several women went through trying to get their pictures removed. Warning: it will give you chills but also remind you why it's a good idea not to let anyone take photos of you naked. If you absolutely must send sexty pictures to your honey, don't have your face in them. To promote this story, I'm at The Romance Studio talking about recording devices. In my short story One Hot Cat, Nathan uses a recorder to help catch the scumbag who threatens Paige with revenge porn. http://bit.ly/1roqyIB Enjoy this blurb and excerpt and find buy links below for Love, Meow, two short, delightfully hot stories involving cats. TESTING Blurb: A victim of revenge porn, Paige seeks help from a wickedly hot man with dangerous secrets. When Paige opens her mail to discover naked photos she did not willingly pose for and a blackmail letter, she turns to her hot new neighbor, a detective, for help. If he finds her missing brother, she can pay back the scumbag who's threatening her. Nathan agrees, only because Paige is connected to the man he's trying to locate and he needs her information. As they track down her brother and a missing man with a gambling problem, passion flares between Paige and Nathan. Neither of them are ready for a relationship, but their bodies disagree and the two enjoy a lustful encounter. Though Nathan does not want to reveal his shape shifter identity, his temper gets the best of him and Paige discovers his true self. Can they work past the obstacles in their path and find their way to love? Excerpt: "Will you please get your cat off my leg?" At the sound of the deep voice, Paige dropped the envelopes she'd been holding and whirled around to face the man who stood next to her at the row of mailboxes. Sure enough, her cat, Fido was clinging to his jeans, his incredibly tight jeans, circling his leg and rubbing her body all over him. Loud purrs of pure ecstasy rumbled from the feline's throat. Rubbing up against this man was something Paige herself had daydreamed about doing a time or two. Her new neighbor was hot, hot, hot! She'd only caught a few glimpses of him as he moved in but that was enough to show her he had a fine body. Long legs, broad shoulders and a tight ass. Mostly she saw him from the back, coming and going, but when she was able to see his face, he usually sported a five o'clock shadow that only enhanced his dark features. On a good day, she might have baked a cake and delivered it to him, as a 'welcome to the building I'd like to get to know you' gift. Lately, however, her days hadn't been so good. Concern over her missing brother, Sam, ate at her thoughts. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to leave my door open. She must have snuck out when I came down to get my mail." The man shook his leg slightly but Fido wasn't deterred. If anything, she purred louder. "Stop! You're hurting her." Hot or not, no one messed with her cat. "I'm not hurting her, she's fine." Paige glared at the man and knelt to pick up Fido. She leaned over and the remaining envelopes spilled from her hands. From one of them, several photos slid out. As she scooped up a protesting cat and juggled the papers, the photos fell further out, onto the floor. Frowning, Paige picked one up to look at it closer. It appeared to be a nude woman, laying on a bed, sprawled in a provocative manner. "Shit!" Mail and cat forgotten, Paige clamped her hand over her mouth. The woman was her. In all the photos. Her body was displayed in various positions, like the women in the girly magazines. It was her face, her form, spread out like butter on toast. Her heart pounded. She'd never posed for these. She would never, ever allow anyone to capture this intimate view of her. What in the hell was going on? Suddenly aware of Fido meowing and her neighbor staring, she shuffled the pictures together and gathered them, along with the other papers and her cat, close to her body. "Are you all right?" her neighbor asked. "Fine, yes, I'm fine." She clutched the pile closer to her chest. Had he seen the pictures? In a daze, she turned and climbed the stairs, pushed open her door, deposited Fido on the couch, then plopped her mail on the table. Digging through, she found the brown envelope and looked at it closely. There was no return sender shown and her name and address were hand-printed in sloppy, black letters. Inside was a sheet of paper that she pulled out with shaking fingers. Pay me back what you owe me by Friday or these pictures will be up on all these websites, along with a video. Signed Vinnie Vandenhoff, the owner of the restaurant where she worked. Her stomach churning, Paige turned on her laptop, then looked at the pictures more closely. They didn't appear to be digitally manipulated and she recognized her bed sheets, but how in the world...then she remembered. Vinnie's nephew, Antonio, had been in town several weeks before. He'd come into the restaurant and they'd flirted with each other all night as he ate his meal. He must have inherited the Italian genes from Vinnie's mother. With classical good looks - dark hair, dark skin, and eyes that undressed her slowly and sweetly all throughout their date, the two had drunk margaritas and eaten Mexican food. It had been a long time since she'd had a man look at her that way, her own fault since she seldom got out. Between getting her pet-sitting business up and going and working at V's on the Avenue Restaurant, she had little time to glance at men. Anyway, after one crappy marriage and another long-term relationship that ended with a vintage set of china being destroyed by her fierce temper and killer softball pitch, she had no desire to invite a man back into her life on a permanent basis. When Antonio had asked her out she'd said yes. Why not? She deserved a fun evening. He took her to a nice restaurant, plied her with strong drinks and when he'd asked to come up to her place, she couldn't think of a good reason to say no. Her legs were shaved, the apartment was reasonably clean. He would be leaving the next day anyway, so no messy entanglements. The meal was great, he was entertaining and the sex? The sex had been...well, she couldn't quite remember. All she knew was when she'd woken up the next day, her head felt like a piano had been dropped on it and she had a raging thirst. All her systems functioned well otherwise. No vomit or any signs she'd behaved badly. Antonio had apparently left late in the night. Thank the lord! He'd left her a nice note, telling her he'd had fun. No promises were made and aside from feeling like an idiot for drinking too much, she'd forgotten the incident. Now, forcing herself to inspect the photos with a magnifier, she had a feeling she'd ingested more than just tequila that night. She was out cold. Even in her most drunken state, she couldn't imagine someone arranging her in those positions without her knowledge. ************************ Thank you for reading! Grab your copy of Love, Meow at your favorite eBook seller. Love, Meow buy links: Jupiter Gardens Press All Romance Amazon Barnes and Noble Naomi Bellina Provocative tales of love, lust, passion and magic http://www.naomibellina.com/ http://www.facebook.com/NaomiBellinaAuthor https://twitter.com/TheGoddessNaomi  HOMETOWN HEROES--HOTTER EVER AFTER Check out this contemporary romance bundle of 16 novels with happily-ever-after endings. They’re all hometown heroes, guys from small towns who’ve made a name for themselves, big or small, who’ve withstood the odds and risen to the challenge, who are heroes in their own right. Now, these sixteen stories are available in a single bundle for a limited time at the discounted price of $1.99. All proceeds for this charity bundle go to Pets for Vets—saving unwanted pets and providing support to our troops. Scroll down to enter the Rafflecopter for a chance to win a tiara and more. Preorder: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N06ORVE  Heartbreak on a Stick by Sabrina York When A-List movie star Jason Sherwood returns to the hometown that once rejected him, he has one goal in mind: Getting revenge on the woman who broke his heart so many years ago. But when he discovers his assumptions about her were wrong, he only wants to win her back. Hopefully, it’s not too late. Gina Fox has always pined for her high school lover…and now he has returned, turning her world upside down. But life isn’t as simple now as it was then. And she can’t get over the fact that Jason walked away from her without a word. When he launches a sultry seduction, she tries, with everything in her, to resist…because at his core, Jason is nothing but heartbreak on a stick. Read an excerpt: “Gina.” Hell. Even now, she heard his voice, dancing on the breeze. “Gina.” Louder now. More substantive. Her heart lurched. Her head swung around. She stared. Oh shit. This was not a fantasy or her imagination or even a wish. He was here. She scrambled to her feet and brushed off her butt, forcing her knees to lock, even though they wobbled. “Jace— Um, Jason.” He was tall. Much taller than he’d been. And broad. His shoulders were breathtaking. And his muscles—muscles the boy had not had, honed through years of working out for parts, no doubt—filled his tight black T-shirt. She ripped her gaze away from the tantalizing bulges to the lines of his face. Gawd. Tantalizing there too. His lips—which she remembered, tasted still—full and lush. His dark eyes were fringed with sinful lashes. The scar on his right eyebrow, the dimples, the curve of his cheek. It was difficult to breathe. “I-I didn’t expect to see you here.” He smiled and something in her gut quivered. “I didn’t expect to see you.” He took a step closer. And another. “You… look good.” His throat worked. “You, ah, you too.” Good was not the word. She’d drooled over the TV screen Sunday nights when Blood Curse came on—the few times she’d dared to watch. Jason as a tormented vampire was irresistible. But his screen persona was nothing to his presence here now. He was like a beautiful spider’s web, luring her closer for one more glance when she knew, if she came too close, she would be trapped, consumed. Her instincts told her to run. She resolved not to. She resolved to face him. And be…civil. To that end, she smiled. It was a light, flippant smile. It cost her. “Aren’t you supposed to be having a parade or something?” A shadow passed over his features, as though he didn’t care for her blasé air. “Or something.” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “You really shouldn’t miss it.” “Shouldn’t I?” He got that tone, the one he used to get when he was feeling rebellious and truculent. He’d never used it on her before. “Eden will be devastated.” “Oh, well, God forbid I disappoint Eden Ames.” He strolled around her, taking her in, though she turned with him because it seemed the prudent thing to do. One did not turn one’s back on a petulant panther. “She dislikes being disappointed.” This seemed to annoy him. The muscle in his cheek tightened and bunched. He leaned in and hissed, “Fuck Eden Ames. Fuck all of them.” She didn’t know why she lurched back. His vehemence, perhaps, the heat of his breath, or the vitriol. But she lurched back and kept going, as he followed, until she backed into a tree. He loomed over her, far too close. And Lord, yes. He was much taller. He smelled the same though, like musk and man and Jason. She’d missed his scent. She’d missed it so much she was tempted to close her eyes and just breathe it in, fill her lungs with him until she could hold no more. But she couldn’t close her eyes. Her gaze was riveted to his. Tension crackled and spit between them. When he edged closer, she set a hand on his chest. To hold him back. Probably. His heart thudded beneath her palm. He was harder than he used to be. Oh, physically, certainly, but in other ways as well. There was a coldness in his eyes she’d never seen before. It frightened her. And thrilled her. She flinched when he lifted a hand and cupped her cheek. His touch was warm, gentle. He didn’t say anything, just stared at her, which was unnerving. But when he spoke, his words were more unnerving still, though whispered as they were. “Dear God, Gina, how are you even prettier?” “I—” He didn’t let her answer. His mouth closed over hers in a heated rush. A dizzying hunger snarled through her as she tasted him on her tongue. Yes, her soul cried, yes! Yes! He moved closer, pressing her against the tree, sealing their bodies and their mouths and ravishing her with an unleashed passion. She’d forgotten. Well, maybe not forgotten, but certainly released her hold on the memory. It was far too painful to live without him. To wake up every day knowing her life was devoid of the brilliance he brought. Now it all came rushing back in a scorching tide, swamping her, spinning her about and sweeping her quickly toward the oblivion of the fall. His kiss was a tumult. It was passion and need and wild frenzy. It was lips and teeth and tongues. It was murmured whispers and muffled moans. He shoved his fingers through her hair to hold her still, then tipped her head and ate his way down to her neck, to nuzzle her there as he once had done. To make her wild and mad. To make her succumb when she really knew better. She knew better now. She knew where this could lead, what catastrophe they taunted. And the true tragedy? She didn’t care. She didn’t care that this could ruin her, devastate her, burn her up from the inside out. She didn’t care. Kiss me. Take me. Destroy me. This collection includes previously published readers' favorites and brand-new material from USA Today Bestselling Authors: Melissa Schroeder, Lucy Monroe, and Nancy Warren, NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Sabrina York along with bestselling and award-winning authors: Allie K. Adams, Destiny Blaine, Cathryn Cade, Jami Davenport, Kate Davies, Taryn Elliott/Cari Quinn, Rachel Grant, Sandy James, Adrianne Lee, Hildie McQueen, Katy Regnery and Sandy Sullivan A LITTLE HARMLESS SEX by USA Today author Melissa Schroeder--When Anna falls for her best friend Max, it might be true love, or the biggest mistake of her life. CHANGE THE GAME by USA Today author Lucy Monroe--Alex is looking for revenge. Isabel is looking for a relationship without those pesky things called emotions. Neither will get what they're looking for, but a whole lot more! WILD RIDE (Changing Gears, Book 1) by USA Today author Nancy Warren--Trouble is piling up in the small town of Swiftcurrent, Oregon with hints of a treasure missing since WWII, a motorcycle riding bad boy history prof, a sexy librarian and a murder. It all adds up to a very Wild Ride. HEARTBREAK ON A STICK by USA Today and New York Times author Sabrina York--When the man who broke her heart ten years ago suddenly returns to town—a hot shot movie star—Gina Fox is determined to avoid him. But for some reason, Jason Sherwood is pursuing her again. MADRONA SUNSET by bestselling author Jami Davenport--Meet a wounded warrior suffering from paralyzing guilt and woman pining for her dead husband--both damaged souls craving comfort for a moment or a lifetime. BRACE FOR IMPACT by bestselling author Allie K. Adams--Bush pilot Reid Cavanaugh’s life is turned upside down when he takes a fare that ends up driving his plane into the ground and him into the danger surrounding her. HONORABLE SACRIFICE by bestselling author Destiny Blaine--Hired to protect an affluent family with embarrassing secrets, Audra McAllister doesn’t believe in love until she reconnects with a small-town hero willing to risk everything to win Audra’s heart. SHE'S WORTH IT ALL by bestselling author Cathryn Cade--Mase Barnett is a hometown hero with a secret. Natalie Cusco has a broken heart only a strong man can heal. Will this wounded hero risk everything to show her she's worth it all? DECEIVING DANTE by award-winning author Kate Davies—A stolen car on her front lawn. A sexy cop - looking to arrest her favorite student. A principal ready to fire her. Could Ellie's Monday get any worse? ROCK, RATTLE AND ROLL by USA Today bestselling author Cari Quinn and bestselling author Taryn Elliott--A beachfront cottage, hours of alone time, and plenty of skin-on-skin action is just what the rock star and his new wife ordered—until the future comes much quicker than they expected. GRAVE DANGER by Golden Heart finalist Rachel Grant--An archaeologist digs up a murder victim in a Northwest archaeological site and must help the hunky local police chief solve the crime before she becomes the next victim. TURNING THIRTY-TWELVE by award-winning author Sandy James--Jackie Delgado didn't want a new man in her life until a dreaded blind date with police detective Mark Brennan turns out to be more exciting than she'd ever imagined. HIS ONLY DESIRE by Adrianne Lee--Nick Rossetti married the wrong twin sister. Will the right one ever forgive him? Not if her stalker has his way. EVEN HEROES CRY by Hildie McQueen--War widow Tesha Washington slowly draws Adam Ford out of the shell that used to be a man, and learns there really is such a thing as starting over. THE VIXEN & THE VET by bestselling author Katy Regnery--In a Beauty & the Beast reboot, an ambitious reporter tracks down a wounded war vet for a scoop and ends up falling in love with him instead. TROUBLE WITH A COWBOY by Sandy Sullivan--Can some slashed tires and an ornery bull bring two hard-headed people together for some fun in the sun...and a little more? PREORDER IT NOW! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N06ORVE Like our Facebook Page for Updates! https://www.facebook.com/hometownheroescharitybundle About Sabrina York Her Royal Hotness, Sabrina York, is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of hot, humorous stories for smart and sexy readers. Her titles range from sweet & sexy to scorching erotic romance. Connect with her on twitter @sabrina_york, on Facebook or on Pintrest. Check out Sabrina’s books and read an excerpt on Amazon or wherever e-books are sold. Visit her webpage at www.sabrinayork.com to check out her books, excerpts and contests. Free Teaser Book: http://sabrinayork.com/home-2/sabrina-yorks-teaser-book/ And don’t forget to enter to win the royal tiara! Like my Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/sabrinayork Like my Facebook Author Page https://www.facebook.com/SabrinaYorkBooks Follow me on Twitter @sabrina_york https://twitter.com/sabrina_york Follow me on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5817917.Sabrina_York Check out my Pintrest boards: http://www.pinterest.com/sabrinayork/boards/  LEARN ABOUT PETS FOR VETS
The Pets for Vets program is dedicated to providing a second chance for shelter pets by rescuing, training and pairing them with America's veterans who can benefit from a companion animal. 3 to 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year. These dogs can make excellent companion animals but never have that chance. Pets for Vets believes that companion animals can be a life-saving therapy that many U.S servicemen and women need. Thank you so much to my co-author in Love, Meow, Naomi, for hosting me today! I love cats. I love cats almost more than anything. I am a Cat Lady and proud (except I have no cats because I am allergic to fur, it’s the saddest story I have ever heard, and told!). I love cats so much, that when a neighbouring cat took an interest in me and started visiting (oddly, around meal times), I put up with the sniffles and itches. And this neighbouring moggy inspired me to write a short story for my publisher, Jupiter Gardens. The story is called Purrsuasion, about two neighbours who realise they just might be purrfect for each other thanks to an underwear stealing cat! More about that later. Now, I’m unsure if Jeffrey, the cat in my short story, shall ever be famous, but just in case that ever happens, here’s a list of famous cats he might well be competing with: A Street Cat Named Bob (image credit: www.dailymail.co.uk) This street cat is credited with saving street musician James Bowen’s life in his book A Street Cat Named Bob and the sequel, The World According to Bob. The book is an adorable read, and shows how caring for Bob helped James get through a horrible time in his life, and eventually led to him making a name for himself as a novelist. James is a great narrator, but of course Bob is the star of the show. 
Grumpy Cat I couldn’t leave out the famous Grumpy Cat (real name Tardar Sauce). All you have to do is open an internet browser these days to see either the GC himself or a plushie or cartoon of him. I’m sure in real life, he’s not too grumpy at all, although his face certainly seems to say otherwise! (image credit: www.wsj.com) 
Oscar, the Hospice Cat Oscar has the rather dubious honour of being famous for being able to predict when someone will die in his home, a nursing centre on Rhode Island. According to Wikipedia, Oscar has been correct 25 times when visiting someone directly before their death. (image credit: www.agirlnamedbeebo.com) 
Creme Puff Creme Puff was the world’s oldest cat (to date) who lived in 38 years and 3 days! Wow. She must have done a lot of purring in her life, I hope. She was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records. 
Colonel Meow This rescue cat became something of an internet sensation on Facebook and Instagram thanks to his long hair and scowling face! He does look a little like something you’d see on Star Trek, I have to admit. Colonel Meow went to kitty heaven earlier this year. (image: www.dailymail.co.uk) Anyway, I hope you enjoyed your brief meeting with five famous cats. Here’s the cat which inspired my short story, and who’s famous, in my house anyway, Jeffrey. He died in May this year. Rest in Peace, my furry friend. 
To find out more about Jeffrey and his underwear-stealing ways, read on for an excerpt from Purrsuasion, my short story in Love, Meow, a feline-themed anthology from Jupiter Gardens Press. 
*** Excerpt from Purrsuasion: Aaron rapped on the back door of Constance’s house. A wonderful smell emanated from inside. In the strip of soil by the big back patio windows, she’d grown petunias and dahlias. The cheerful flowers swayed lightly in the gentle breeze, as if saying hello. The flowers suited her, he thought. He heard her call “it’s open!” and turned the handle. He didn’t know what he had expected to see, but the scene that greeted him wasn’t it. Cleaned cake tins and loaf tins were stacked on the wooden drying rack. Cookbooks were open all along the kitchen counter. Something rotated slowly in the microwave, the same something that had wafted from the window while he’d been outside. And Constance, her hair all a-tumble over her face, sat cross legged on the floor, a cook book in her hands, and Jeffrey curled up in her lap, purring loudly. “Hi,” she said, her eyes caught somewhere between hope and despair. Aaron looked pointedly at the cat. “Well, that answers one of my questions. What’s the matter? I found your note.” Constance set the book down and tried to move the cat off her lap. Jeffrey clung as she stood, dragging on her cloth apron and highlighting the way her generous breasts pressed snugly against her shirt. Aaron knew they’d fill his hands, and he itched to touch her, his mind flitting back to his brief fantasy of licking chocolate off the petals of her sex. Would she whisper his name in breathy moans or cry out loudly as she came? “Aaron?” “Hmm?” Constance looked at him with narrowed eyes and Aaron knew he had totally missed whatever she’d said. “I answered your question.” “Sorry.” He drew his mind out of the gutter and into reality. “I was somewhere else. What happened?” “My oven’s broken. It’s electric,” she explained, struggling to hold the squirming, meowing cat, who seemed to want to climb into her hair. “Something just… went, and I wasn’t sure what to do. You were the first person I thought of.” Aaron’s chest swelled with pride. “No problem.” He set his toolbox down. “What are you making? It smells fantastic.” “My niece’s birthday cake. And I have a dozen other cakes to make – no weddings thankfully, but still, I can’t afford for my oven to be out of commission,” she panicked. Taking in her tumbled hair, wide sad eyes, and the bundle of feline in her arms, there was no way in hell Aaron could resist being the hero. “Use my kitchen.” He dug in his pocket and held out the keys. Finally getting the hint, Jeffrey leapt down from his precarious position half on Constance’s shoulder and half in her apron, and meowed very loudly to convey his unhappiness. “Really?” She took the keys, her eyes lighting with relief. “And I’ll pay you to fix my oven, if you can, of course.” His gaze levelled on hers. “Nah. I only want payment in cake. If that’s all right with you.” “That’s perfect. Thank you, Aaron.” She leaned up to kiss his cheek as a thank you, but at that moment, Jeffrey wound between her legs, stripping her, and she fell into Aaron, her angle off now, and her lips met his, rather than his cheek. She tasted of chocolate, sending his fantasies into overdrive. *** If you’d like to read more, you can buy Love, Meow from the following vendors: Amazon.com: http://tinyurl.com/krmundj Are: http://tinyurl.com/mkwlx6l Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/love-meow Jasmine has been making up stories as long as she can remember! She’s now delighted that people would like to read about the men, women, and magical creatures running amok in her head. You can contact Jasmine at www.jasmineaherne.com or on Twitter on @jasmine_aherne 
 Love me, love my cat has always been my motto. When I was single, the first question I always asked a potential date was, 'Do you like cats?' If not, we quickly parted ways. Cats are incredibly fun creatures and contrary to what some folks think, not all of them are aloof. The little critter that's currently taken over my home and heart is uber cuddly and loves to have her head scratched. She'll roll on her back and shamelessly beg my honey for belly rubs. Definitely not a stand-offish animal Love, Meow from Jupiter Gardens Press features two delightfully short, sexy stories by Jasmine Aherne and me. Here is the blurb from Jasmine's story, Purrsuasion and below that is a blurb and excerpt from One Hot Cat, my shapeshifter romance. New neighbours Constance and Aaron haven't had reason to meet each other over the fences yet. But when a broken oven, a baking deadline, and a feline thief with a penchant for stealing underwear intervene, it's clear that these two neighbours will be purrfect for each other. Will Constance break through the hurt in her past and find space in her heart for a new man - and a cuddly cat?  A victim of revenge porn, Paige seeks help from a wickedly hot man with dangerous secrets.
When Paige opens her mail to discover naked photos she did not willingly pose for and a blackmail letter, she turns to her hot new neighbor, a detective, for help. If he finds her missing brother, she can pay back the scumbag who's threatening her. Nathan agrees, only because Paige is connected to the man he's trying to locate and he needs her information. As they track down her brother and a missing man with a gambling problem, passion flares between Paige and Nathan. Neither of them are ready for a relationship, but their bodies disagree and the two enjoy a lustful encounter. Though Nathan does not want to reveal his shape shifter identity, his temper gets the best of him and Paige discovers his true self. Can they work past the obstacles in their path and find their way to love? Excerpt: He made them keep their lights off until they were in the cave, insisting he could see fine in the dark. Sure enough, he picked his way from a hidden spot where they had parked to the path that led to the entrance. Paige followed as best she could, knowing she slowed him down. It was uncanny how well he navigated in the darkness. When she stumbled slightly, Nathan took her hand and led her the rest of the way. Though she tried to concentrate on their task, the feel of Nathan's skin on hers sent her mind to another place. His hand was slightly rough and his grip firm. She'd done her best not to pay attention to him in any kind of sexual way, but it was no use. The man oozed sex appeal like cream from an éclair. No way. No way would she act on this desire. He was just like all the other men she'd ever met, out for a good time, not wanting to make a commitment. Hell, the last man she'd allowed into her life just a tiny bit ended up raking her over the coals. Remembering the horrible photos sent a shudder through her body. "Are you cold?" Nathan asked. Not only could he see in the dark, his other senses seemed extraordinarily acute. "No, I'm fine. Hey, I think we're here." They easily climbed over the chain at the cave entrance and stepped inside. The smell of sulfur hit her immediately. She'd read about the healing properties of the water in this area and though vacationing at the spas was out of her budget now, she hoped to one day be able to enjoy the benefits of French Lick. She flicked on the flashlight and looked around. The beam was strong enough to reveal a good portion of the cavern but she couldn't see very far ahead. Far enough to know she was surrounded by rock walls. "Let's get out of here as soon as possible, okay?" she asked. "Claustrophobic?" "Yeah, I am." "Shine your light here. I'll be done in a minute." She directed the flashlight beam on Nathan and watched as he reached into his pocket and pulled out the vial and tool Sam had given him. He scraped the wall of the cave until the container was full. "That's good. Let's go," he said. They were almost at the entrance when he stopped moving and put out his arm. "There's something out there." He shoved her against the wall and stood in front of her, covering her body with his. "What are you doing? Get off of me!" Like her anxiety level needed to be cranked up a notch further. It was stifling enough in the enclosed cavern, she didn't need a large man crushed up against her. "It's probably just an animal. I don't want it to pick up your scent," he said and moved even closer. She squirmed, trying to get free. "What about your scent?" she asked, her voice muffled by his chest. His hard chest that smelled really, really good. "My scent will scare it away." "Oh, you're so badass, animals run when they get a whiff of you? Back off, you're squashing me." "Could you please be quiet for a few minutes?" He eased away slightly but was still close enough she could feel his heart beat, and something else. Oh great. Just what this night needed. Really? Was that really a hard-on pressed against her stomach? She was pretty sure they had the flashlights in their hands and no one had brought bananas along on this trip. Should she say something, try to ease the tension? No, he'd just told her to pipe down. Wow, that was one hard cock. Would it get bigger? Bad idea. Don't. Leave it alone. Paige couldn't resist. Moving slowly back and forth and raising slightly, she rubbed against his pelvis. Yep, it got bigger. Nathan sucked in his breath and moaned, low and deep in his throat. She wasn't thinking about the walls closing in any more. The only thought in her mind was how good it would feel to have him inside her. Rising up higher on her tiptoes, she aligned her pelvis with his. Now when she rubbed, his erection hit her right on her clit and sent sparks of pleasure along her spine. "What are you doing?" he growled in her ear. There was no other word for it, he growled. "You started it," she said. "I did no such thing." "Oh yes you did, pushing that hard cock on me." Her breath came faster now as she continued to rub against him. "It was an accident," he said, but his hands were on her ass as he pulled her towards him. So little light came in, her vision was nearly useless. All she was aware of was Nathan's touch and his ragged breathing. That, and his scent, one she couldn't identify but filled her nostrils and made her pussy clench. Was it possible to come like this? Then his mouth was on her, lips hard and searching. Her arms went around his neck, fingers twining in his hair. Holy shit, this man could kiss. Not awkward and painful, crushing her mouth, but demanding, coaxing a response from her. She gladly gave it, meeting his tongue with her own, eagerly exploring his mouth. Suddenly, he stepped away. "No." Unlike the earlier throaty growls, this came out as an angry snarl. "We are not going to do this." WTF? Dazed with lust, Paige barely registered what he said but she knew that intensely delicious feeling of hot, hard man pressed against her had stopped. "What's wrong?" she asked, reaching for him. He stepped away from her and flicked on his flashlight, shining it towards the floor of the cave. "We have to go. Now." Buy One Hot Cat at your favorite Ebook retailer now Jupiter Gardens Press All Romance Amazon Barnes and Noble  Fall is coming? You could have fooled me. It's still hotter than a wiener roast in hell here in Florida. To crank up the thermostat even higher, The Romance Reviews is having a party with lots of great prizes and a game or two. My day to ask a question is today, September 3rd, so head over there and look for "In Out of the Ordinary, what does Adam claim he is?" In fact, visit them every day this month for a chance to win and maybe discover a new author or two. http://www.theromancereviews.com/event.php My publisher, Heart's Desire Press, came up with this cool 'quote card' thing, so I'm having a blast pulling out hot quotes from my upcoming book, Don't Say No. To see more and check out some tantalizing sneak peak excerpts, visit my recent posts at The Romance Studio. 
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