Laid Bare With Flair Contest Day Seven!
Jul
9
2009

Today’s prizes come from the fabulous writing duo – Ashleigh Raine! They’re giving away a copy of Lover’s Talisman and a necklace (check the story below!)

Here’s a story about the necklace:

In Lover’s Talisman, Mariah’s best friend, Twyla makes fancy beaded necklaces. She puts little spells on some of them for love, happiness, etc., for good luck. She’s been making them for years and selling them through various boutiques in town. But that’s not where Twilight’s Fancy started.

Ten years ago, I needed a fancy necklace to wear to an awards show in Hollywood. I was a seatfiller, not a ticket holder. I couldn’t afford a truly fancy necklace so I took apart a few old, broken necklaces and upcycled the beads into a glorious necklace with lots of dangles. I got tons of compliments and eventually requests for me to custom make others (which is tons of fun for me!). I just can’t stop. The addiction runs so deep!

When Lover’s Talisman was written, Twyla just really seemed like the kind of girl who’d be into making fancy beaded necklaces, so my passion became her passion and now I make Twilight’s Fancy necklaces all the time. I never make the same one, twice, though. They are all unique and very special. The one in this contest (entitled Precious Memories) will never be made again, so I hope you win it! Otherwise, others can be found at http://twilightsfancy.artfire.com!

Blurb: For twelve years Stephan Rashleigh has lived in the shadows, patrolling the city streets as leader of the Talisman Bay Shadow Walkers. The danger of his world leaves no room for a woman in his life. Until now. It should have been easy–rescue Mariah, then let her go. Except once she’s in his arms, he can’t walk away. Vibrant, breathing life into him, she makes him feel again.

Mariah DeSilva isn’t interested in falling in love, even with the gorgeous hero who rescued her from a brutal attack. When her best friend is kidnapped, she turns to the only man she can trust to help. The more time she spends with Stephan, the less she can hide her growing feelings for him. There’s so much more between them than an explosive romp between the sheets, against the wall and everywhere in between.

As they search for Mariah’s missing friend, a sinister evil is revealed, someone who’s been watching, waiting for Stephan to reveal his greatest vulnerability–falling in love. This enemy will stop at nothing to wipe out the Shadow Walkers and claim Mariah for his own.

Warning, this title contains the following: Bondage and knife play (don’t worry, no one gets hurt). A fantasy ménage scene—two brothers loving one woman, yay! Magical orgasms. Pleasure sparks. Lots of demon killing, lots of cursing while killing demons, and even more sex (without the demons).

An excerpt from Lover’s Talisman by Ashleigh Raine (Contains adult content)

“We gotta go back to the import store. It’s safer there.”

Mariah pulled from his grasp. “I need to go inside and check the machine, to make sure no one has heard from her or that she hasn’t been trying to get a hold of me.”

Stephan studied the dark house. No lights on—anybody or anything could be hiding inside. “No. First, I gotta clear the perimeter. After it’s clear, then and only then will I determine if it’s safe for us to enter. Stay close to me.” Stephan extended a hand to her. Mariah looked at it for a moment before placing her hand in his. The heat from her touch infused his entire body with warmth, shifting all thought to sex. This was not a good time to get distracted.

“You sound like a commando. Clear the perimeter. Safe to enter. Do you really think we need to do this?” Mariah’s voice lowered to a whisper as they approached the back of the house.

“I’m not taking any chances. Anything could be waiting in the shadows.” He wished he could say more, make her understand the extent of danger she might be in. But he couldn’t. Not without compromising his job and the secrecy of the whole Shadow Organization. He’d already started down that path by having Fiero heal her yesterday and by bringing her to the compound in the first place. What was it about this woman that made him break his own rules?

“Twyla’s missing. This doesn’t have anything to do with me, does it?” Mariah paused and Stephan tried to think up an answer that wouldn’t scare her. “Oh God. Is this because of my attack last night? Was Twyla taken because of me?”

Stephan gazed into her big, bright eyes, glistening with unshed tears. He didn’t know what to tell her. It probably did have something to do with last night, but she already felt guilty and he didn’t want to add to that. The last thing he needed was a hysterical, terrified woman on his hands.

Convinced he was doing the right thing and that it had nothing to do with how damn bad he wanted to feel her soft body pressed against him, he wrapped his arms around her. She sighed, settling into his embrace, fitting against him, her head tucked beneath his chin, like they’d come together this way a hundred times before. His hands had a mind of their own, stroking the silky length of her hair, kneading circles into her back. The subtle scent of shampoo and clean, beautiful woman filled every breath and he inhaled deeply, taking that small part of her inside.

Each moment spent with her convinced him that maybe she really could be his. He remembered her ice-cold stare from the night before. It had to be a man. Someone must have fucked her up and scared her off men. He’d seen that kind of abuse happen all too often while growing up. Stephan vowed to kill whoever had done that to her.

“I’m not sure what’s goin’ on, but I won’t take any chances with you. We’ll find Twyla, I promise.” He didn’t mention that by the time they found her, it might be too late.

Mariah had never felt this secure. In the middle of her darkened yard, while searching for her best friend, she was completely safe. She wrapped her arms around his waist beneath his leather jacket, luxuriating in his strength. Stephan’s breath wafted against the top of her head, and his heart beat steadily beneath her cheek. The soft cotton of his tight black T-shirt felt comforting against her face. She closed her eyes and let herself enjoy how he made everything feel so right.

She started to pull away, but not before lightly brushing her lips against his chest. His back muscles tightened beneath her hands and she knew he’d felt her kiss. Her gaze returned to his eyes, her breath catching at the desire simmering there. He pulled her back toward him, quickly, fiercely, and ground his mouth to hers.

Mariah’s body lit up, an explosion of sensory awareness that set her ablaze. She wanted to draw him closer, she wanted to jerk away. She wanted to strip naked and fuck him right there against the back wall of the house.

Instead, she returned his kiss, opening her mouth and inviting him inside. It had been so long since she’d been kissed, but she didn’t ever remember feeling one down to her toes. He surrounded her, consumed her and she wanted to give him more to take. Lifting her hands to his hair, she ran her fingers through the short strands in the back. She heard a moan, but wasn’t sure if it was his or her own.

Strong hands anchored on her ass, fingers hot and demanding, searing through her jeans. She ground against him encouragingly and he responded with a deep growl, picking her up, trapping her between the house and his rock-hard body. Her legs circled his waist, their sexes crushed together, his erect cock demanding entrance. If their damn clothes would only disappear, she’d insist he come inside and stay for awhile.

One of his hands remained on her ass, keeping their clothed bodies locked in tortured limbo, while the other wandered over her hair, her cheek, caressing the length of her neck. Abandoning her mouth, he kissed and nipped along her jaw. She took in deep gulps of air between the moans and whimpers. When his teeth scraped roughly down her neck—which was one giant erogenous zone—she forgot to breathe, swallowing her shout and bucking against him, on the verge of climax.

Her body had never reacted like this before, never crested so high so fast. Now Mariah wanted penetration. Wanted Stephan to slam into her, fill her, mate with her until the only thing between their bodies was sweat and come.

But instead of getting closer, Stephan minutely pulled back, allowing room for a hand to travel under her shirt, fingertips brushing the underside of one breast. He explored her with tender caresses so at odds with the frantic tension exploding between them, palming her breast, rubbing his thumb over her nipple until it blossomed, begging to be sucked deep into the warm recesses of his mouth. Thrumming liquid heat swelled low in her belly, threatening to boil over.

She, too, could play the slow seduction game. Letting her fingers do the studying, she trailed down his chest and abdomen. He was rugged perfection beneath her hands, muscles rippling wherever she touched. When she landed on the bulge of his cock, that rippled too, the rigid steel pulsing against her palm. Curling her fingers, she grasped him through his jeans. Her neck muffled his guttural groan as his hips jerked.

His jeans were button fly. The top button came undone with little effort and she impatiently reached inside, desperate to feel his cock against her bare flesh. He was molded fire—large, powerful, hot. She wrapped her hand around him, loving the wicked thrill that came from being in control of pleasuring such a strong man. He moaned again, this time louder. She continued her ministrations, tactilely exploring what she wanted to see and taste.

Stephan’s hand slid from her breast to her jeans and made quick work of her button and zipper. Mariah spoke a prayer of thanks that she had worn sexy pink lace panties and not her comfortable, man-hater, white cotton granny underwear. Long, lean fingers grazed the damp lace stretched over her cunt and she almost cried. It had been so long since anyone’s hands but her own had traveled there.

One finger slipped under the silky barrier and rubbed back and forth, spreading her juices from her pussy to her clit. She whimpered and rocked against him, moments from orgasm. God, she wanted him inside her now, needed the slick feel of flesh invading flesh, turning her desperate ache into exquisite release. If she could just get the last few buttons of his jeans undone…

A shaft of moonlight broke through the clouds overhead, illuminating someone rapidly approaching them. She pushed against Stephan, scrambling to get away, her desire fast becoming fear. A figure covered in dark hair, long fangs dripping, with red glowing eyes, was almost upon them. “Stephan, run! We have to run!”

Today’s question: Do you like romantic suspense and/or thrillers? Why and who are your faves?

A winner will be chosen from the entries and announced at noon pacific, tomorrow! Remember, winners must claim prize within 3 days or I’ll redraw!

69 comments to “Laid Bare With Flair Contest Day Seven!”

  1. Jennifer
    July 9th, 2009 at 4:44 am · Link

    Regular romances can get soo syrupy and a little too good to be true. When you add in a threat of danger it turns the volume up. My favorite is the Southern Vampire series by Charlaine Harris, but Sherrilyn Kenyon is awesome too!



  2. Booklover1335
    July 9th, 2009 at 5:03 am · Link

    I have developed a love for romantic suspence. It’s like a great action movie, but for women where romance is as integral to the story as the action. Love that!



  3. Cheryl McInnis
    July 9th, 2009 at 5:05 am · Link

    I love, love, love romantic suspense!I think the tension and threat of danger really makes the chemistry between the hero and heroine so much hotter. Some of my favorites are Linda Howard, Anne Stuart and Jayne Ann Krentz-otherwise known as the Queens of romantic suspense, lol.



  4. Sue Brandes
    July 9th, 2009 at 5:27 am · Link

    My fav is romantic suspense. I love that you get a bit of romance and suspense mixed together. Allison Brennen, Lisa Gardner, Heather Graham are some of my favs.



  5. Crystal B.
    July 9th, 2009 at 5:45 am · Link

    I do enjoy romantic suspense novels. They keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next. My favorite authors are Karen Rose, Roxanne St. Claire, and Brenda Novak.



  6. Valerie
    July 9th, 2009 at 5:54 am · Link

    I love romantic thrillers too. I’ve enjoyed many of them….some authors? Well, there are so many. And what’s also good is that they come in many genres too…historical, paranormal (my fav) and contemporary.

    And by the way, that necklace is beautiful. There is going to be a very happy winner!!!

    Valerie



  7. Roberta Harwell
    July 9th, 2009 at 6:03 am · Link

    I’ve always liked suspense books. I’m just now starting to read romance suspense. I haven’t found a favorite author as of yet. I just enjoying the genre. The necklace is beautiful. Have a great day.



  8. Melissa Conatser
    July 9th, 2009 at 6:07 am · Link

    I love suspense! I have actually read Lover’s Talisman. I have been following the Talisman Bay series and can’t wait for the next book to come out. This is an awesome series!



  9. Teresa
    July 9th, 2009 at 6:09 am · Link

    I like romantic suspence. Romance is good, suspence even better. Few names – Maggie Shayne, Nora Roberts, Rachel Gibson.



  10. Ley
    July 9th, 2009 at 6:43 am · Link

    Oh yes, straight romance doesn’t have uite enough for me. My absolute fav is Shirlee McCoy! Marjorie M. Liu is really great also.



  11. Teresa W.
    July 9th, 2009 at 6:45 am · Link

    I enjoy reading suspense and thrillers! Some of my favorites are Patricia Cornwall and James Patterson.



  12. Anne
    July 9th, 2009 at 6:58 am · Link

    I enjoy romantic suspense and thrillers. The suspense adds some “oomph” to the story. I also like them with little or no romance, especially novels by Lincoln Childs and Douglas Preston.



  13. Maija P.
    July 9th, 2009 at 7:07 am · Link

    I don’t usually read romantic suspense, but just recently I’ve grown an interest to that genre. I got hooked to In Death- series by JD Robb. That is my favorite. I’ve also liked books by Karen Rose.



  14. Dana
    July 9th, 2009 at 7:08 am · Link

    Yes, Love them! Kathleen Dante’s “Dreamwalker” was fab, as was Shayla Blacks “Wicked Ties”.

    🙂



  15. Tracy
    July 9th, 2009 at 7:42 am · Link

    Romantic suspense is great. My favs are Shannon McKenna, Lisa Marie Rice, and Linda Howard. The necklace is gorgeous, by the way!

    Thanks for the giveaway. 🙂



  16. Amy Mowers
    July 9th, 2009 at 7:45 am · Link

    I do love the suspensful romance stories! I like the action that the suspence brings and of course love the romantic side. I loke Shannon McKenna, Shayla Black, Maya Banks and Lora Leigh.

    thanks-
    amy m



  17. chey
    July 9th, 2009 at 7:58 am · Link

    Hi!
    I like romantic suspense and thrillers. I like that I can’t predict everything that’s going to happen. My current favourite is Christina Skye.



  18. Blanche
    July 9th, 2009 at 8:05 am · Link

    Beautiful necklace!!

    I do love romantic suspense and have to agree with several author’s already mentioned….Shannon McKenna, Lisa Marie Rice, Jory Strong… I could go on and on! I also recently discovered the Intrigue line through eHarlequin and read a series of books (romantic suspense) written by 4 different authors but the books were about 4 friends. It was very interesting to read and to see how 4 different authors could tie together all these characters……it was really neat!!



  19. Zarifina
    July 9th, 2009 at 8:19 am · Link

    I love romantic suspense books. The author Lisa Marie Rice is one of my favorite authors for that genre. She has a great way of balancing the romance and the suspense.



  20. bridget3420
    July 9th, 2009 at 8:50 am · Link

    Do you like romantic suspense and/or thrillers? Why and who are your faves?

    Yes I love them. My favorites are:

    Karen Chance – Cassandra Palmer series
    Gena Showalter – Seduce The Darkness



  21. alba
    July 9th, 2009 at 9:06 am · Link

    I read alot of RST,nothing better getting harder to choose there are so many out there IBR pile. Love the necklace I’m JUST getting into beading on a small scale.



  22. Larena Wirum
    July 9th, 2009 at 9:21 am · Link

    I love them. Kay Hooper and Heather Graham come quickly to mind. :mrgreen:



  23. Sandy M
    July 9th, 2009 at 9:22 am · Link

    I like a good romantic suspense every now and again. Christie Craig is my favorite – I love the humor she weaves in her writing. Also Stephanie Rowe’s newest book Ice is terrific. If she keeps writing RS I believe she’ll become a favorite.



  24. Melissa
    July 9th, 2009 at 9:26 am · Link

    Oh, I love romantic suspense!!
    And there are so many great authors…love Linda Howard, Karen Rose, Nina Bruhns, Catherine Coulter, Mariah Stewart, Cherry Adair, Cindy Gerard…wow, this could be a long list, and these are just print authors.
    Great excerpt….I want to read this!!
    And gorgeous necklace…what a cool story on how you got started making them!!



  25. Erika
    July 9th, 2009 at 9:52 am · Link

    I enjoy Romantic Suspense. A couple authors of them that I read are Julie Garwood and Cindy Gerard.



  26. Jody F.
    July 9th, 2009 at 9:55 am · Link

    I do enjoy romantic suspense and the authors I like are Brenda Novak and Karen Rose. They keep you guessing until the end.



  27. MichelleK
    July 9th, 2009 at 9:58 am · Link

    I love all kinds of romance books. Action packed stories are great. I am fan of Cherry Adair’s T-Flac series. That was one of the first full series of books I had ever bought.

    I have to say though, I am a big fan of Lauren’s Relentless and Undercover. They were big page turners for me. I had to read them twice back to back because I was reading them so fast I couldnt keep up with myself. lol 😆



  28. Lexee
    July 9th, 2009 at 10:22 am · Link

    I do like them. My favorites would have to be suzanne brockman’s seal/troubleshooters series and lora leigh.
    lexeetoste at sbcglobal.net



  29. Lexee
    July 9th, 2009 at 10:23 am · Link

    sorry forgot the other part of the question. I like them because normal romances sometimes seem unreal. I like the adventure and the fact that the good guys always overcome.



  30. Lillie A
    July 9th, 2009 at 10:42 am · Link

    I love romantic suspense books! Some of my favorites are Linda Howard and Karen Rose.



  31. TAMARA HOLBERT
    July 9th, 2009 at 11:23 am · Link

    PROPS ON THE NECKLACE. IT’S BEAUTIFUL! I THINK A GOOD , JUICY STORY SHOULD , AT LEAST, HAVE SOME SORT OF MYSTERY/DRAMA/SUSPENSE. WHO WANTS TO READ A PLAIN SICKENINGLY SWEET ROMANCE?! BOR-RING!!!



  32. Cathy M
    July 9th, 2009 at 11:30 am · Link

    I read a lot of romantic suspense stories. Some of my favorite authors:

    Tara Janzen
    Shannon McKenna
    Amy Fetzer
    Lora Leigh
    JAK
    Christine Feehan



  33. Ilona
    July 9th, 2009 at 11:45 am · Link

    I love romantic suspense stories, they have so much more substance to them.

    I don’t have a favourite author as such because there are so many published right now. However I admit to getting any by Vivi Anna, Suzzane Brockman and Nina Bruhn without ever reading the blurb 😀

    Oh and kudos on the necklace. My husband makes me one of a kind necklaces so I know how much work and artistry goes into something like that 😀



  34. Eva S
    July 9th, 2009 at 11:47 am · Link

    I like romantic suspense. Some of my favorites are Cindy Gerard and Suzanne Brockmann.



  35. Anne
    July 9th, 2009 at 11:48 am · Link

    I like the extra dimensions suspense adds to Romance.



  36. Terri W.
    July 9th, 2009 at 12:11 pm · Link

    I love romantic suspense.

    Some of my favorite authors are:

    Allison Brennan
    Andrea Kane
    Anne Stuart
    Beverly Barton
    Heather Graham
    Iris Johansen
    Linda Howard
    Lisa Jackson
    Sandra Brown

    There are alot more that are my favs but I think that is enough for now.



  37. Mare Fairchild
    July 9th, 2009 at 12:22 pm · Link

    I love romantic suspense. Heather Graham, Nora Roberts, Jane Ann Krentz, I make sure that one of them is always on hand. Now I’m adding Ashleigh Raine to the list. I want to find out what happens in your book …. now! LOL



  38. Lea
    July 9th, 2009 at 12:26 pm · Link

    I love romantic suspence and/or thrillers. I find it adds tension and often conflict to the romance plot.

    I have really enjoyed Jaci Burton’s “Wild Rider’s”, series. And I LOVED Beth Kery’s erotic romance suspence “Sweet Restraint”.

    Have a great day Lauren.

    😀 Lea



  39. Marjana Kaly
    July 9th, 2009 at 12:30 pm · Link

    I LOVE romance suspense and thrillers! One if favorite series is in death series by J.D Robb and I also LOVE Sandra Brown.



  40. Jeanette Juan
    July 9th, 2009 at 12:49 pm · Link

    I love romantic suspense and thrillers because they keep the storyline exciting. One of my favorite suspense authors are Beth Kery.



  41. Beverly G.
    July 9th, 2009 at 1:11 pm · Link

    I like both i dontr eally have a favorite mainly because so many authors make their books that awesome i have to say tho i lean more towards suspence then thrillers but i like those too so it ifts a good story i like it the author who got mehooked on romantic suspence was Nora Roberts so yeah i love it all



  42. Amy Kathryn
    July 9th, 2009 at 1:26 pm · Link

    I like all the genres of romance…you can find a book for any mood. For suspense/thrillers, I like Linda Howard, Christine Feehan, and Lora Leigh among others.



  43. Calila
    July 9th, 2009 at 1:44 pm · Link

    My favorite has to be JD Robb’s In Death series.



  44. Gloria T.
    July 9th, 2009 at 2:07 pm · Link

    I like romantic suspence, and thrillers. They make you feel good. The thrillers keep you wondering and guessing



  45. Quilt Lady
    July 9th, 2009 at 2:50 pm · Link

    I love romantic suspence and thrillers. They keep you guessing all the way through the book. Keep you on you toes, so to speak.



  46. Susan
    July 9th, 2009 at 3:29 pm · Link

    I enjoy romantic suspense/thrillers very much. I like the ‘puzzle’ factor they add to the story.
    Karen Rose, Jayne Ann Krentz, Linda Howard, Lisa Jackson, Elizabeth Lowell and Sandra Brown.



  47. Estella
    July 9th, 2009 at 3:47 pm · Link

    JD Robb/Nora roberts
    Karen Rose
    Lisa Jackson
    Lisa Gardner
    Allison Brennan
    Brenda Novak
    JoAnn Ross
    Carla Neggers



  48. Mary Preston
    July 9th, 2009 at 3:50 pm · Link

    Romance alone is NOT enough. I want /need the element of danger & intrigue. Stella Cameron & Laurie Breton are among my favorites right now.



  49. tea4444rose
    July 9th, 2009 at 4:18 pm · Link

    Love em! Just finished the two elite ops books by Lora Leigh and they are great!



  50. Erica B.
    July 9th, 2009 at 4:38 pm · Link

    I like both because they keep me on the edge of my seat, and, once I get into them, I never want to put them down. Most of tmy favorites have already been listed like Cherry Adair, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Shayla Black, Karen Chance, Shannon McKenna, etc., but the ones I haven’t seen mentioned yet that I LOVE are Colleen Gleason, Laurell K Hamilton, and Lara Adrian. I’ve been known to stay up the entire night to read their books.