Saturday, July 2, 2016

Kindle Scout Results

Well, it's all over, and I finally heard back with a rejection from Kindle Press. I don't know what criteria they ultimately use to decide on which books to publish and which to reject. But I do feel that I ran a great campaign and did everything I could to make it as successful as possible. I don't regret turning down the publishing contracts to take a shot with Kindle Scout, and I would make the same decision again.

I have to say that I'm rather proud of the stats Bitter Envy achieved. Also Kindle Scout will notify everyone who nominated it when it is published in a few weeks. I can see why some authors use Kindle Scout as part of their book release marketing.

So without further ado-- hours in Hot & Trending-- which are the top 20 books as formulated by some unknown Amazon algorithm:


673 out of 720 hours. Not bad at all. Along with approx 2.6K page views.


Pretty decent stats, huh! I'm pleased with myself, because it was a lot of work. Thank you to everyone who supported my campaign. Kindle Scout promised FREE copies of the book to everyone who nominated it had it been chosen. I am also offering that once it is released. Keep an eye out for more information!!


Friday, July 1, 2016

Mega Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy Party!

1000



Hi, there! Rebecca Hamilton here to tell you how SUPER excited we are to bring you this MEGA giveaway! First place prize is a $1,000 Amazon Gift Card, but we also have 12 runner up ebook and paperback prizes! Entering will connect you with 21 paranormal romance and urban fantasy authors for more great deals, freebies, and giveaway, so in a way, everyone wins!

Before you enter the giveaway, check out an interview with Luce Iblis from the Mel Goes to Hell series by Demelza Carlton, one of the authors sponsoring the giveaway!

Have you ever wanted to interview the devil himself? Today I'm talking to Luce Iblis, the seductive CEO of the HELL Corporation.

Interview with
Lucifer
Luce Iblis

Luce Intimately Teaser low res
Welcome. Can you please state your name, in case anyone doesn’t recognise you?I'm Luce Iblis, CEO of the HELL Corporation. Everyone knows me.

Now, you're one of the supporting characters in Demelza Carlton's Mel Goes to Hell series. Can you tell us a little bit about that? I'm not sure why it's called that. I mean, the whole series is about me. My exploits from when my corporation employs a new office angel.

Ah, okay. Can you tell me a bit about her? Who, the new office temp? I haven't seen much of her yet, but that will change. She had a musical name. Merry? No, Melody. She was unusual – not like most of the agency girls. They all come in dressed in white as if they've never done a bit of work in their lives. I spilled the cold dregs of my coffee on one of them once – her shriek was so loud, she might've woken the dead. I made it a point to be around when we interviewed new ones after that – it was fun to see their reactions when their perfect white shirt turned brown, wet and transparent.

What was Melody's reaction? Melody…see, she was different from the start. She had a white shirt, sure, but under a light brown suit. Kind of golden brown, like a macchiato. Like she wasn't as pure as the others – already a little corrupted, if you know what I mean. Not afraid to get a bit dirty. And the tits on her? Damn, made you want to rip that jacket and shirt right off her so you could worship them properly. Damn. What was your question again?

Ah, her reaction? When you spilled coffee on her? Oh, right. Coffee. Well, I had a full cup that day and she ran into me at full tilt, just like I wanted. Knocked the coffee clean out of the cup, right into the air. I figured it'd be everywhere. I even got some on my shoes. Lili's shoes were full of it – she was squelching around in them all day. But Melody…Hell, she didn't get a drop on her. As if the coffee wouldn't dare to spoil that perfection. And she just smiled, shook my hand and left. That's when I knew I had to have her.

I see. Mr Iblis, have you ever been in love? Or ever had your heart broken? In love? You mean that animistic, pheromone-enhanced state where your body wants to sleep with someone so bad that it persuades your head that there is more than pure, unadulterated lust between you? Hell no. If I want to sleep with someone, I seduce them until we do. End of story. Who'd want love? That would mean handing your emotions, your heart and soul to someone so they could one day reject you, screwing up your most precious parts and throwing them away like an empty eggshell, to be crushed and obliterated in the darkness of some landfill pit. Someone you once trusted and cared about, which is even more painful. Why would I ever subject myself to that sort of agony again?

So you have had your heart broken? Of course not. I wouldn't trust anyone with my heart.

Who would you say you're closest to? Right now, that'd be you. Would you like me to be closer

Ah, no. That's fine. What's your favourite scent? Why, so you can wear it later? In the morning, it's coffee. But if you're talking about what I like most, that would be a combination of scents. Myrrh, coconut and sandalwood, with a touch of lemon and neroli.

Why? Why is that scent…sorry, mixture of scents…so poignant for you? It's what I imagine Heaven smells like.

Do you have any secrets? Yes.

Will you tell me what they are? Well, that depends on what you're willing to do in order to hear them. I'm not a man to share my soul lightly and I'd expect an equal exchange. Are you willing to spill your soul?

Ah, the interview is all about you, Mr Iblis, so we'll skip to the next question, I think. What's your favourite colour? White.

I'm sorry. You're dressed entirely in black. Your shoes, pants, shirt, tie, jacket – all black. Yet your favourite colour is white. Can you tell me why? White's the colour of purity and angels. It's the colour of infinite possibility, innocence and a virgin slate. With the right stimulus, white can become any colour under the sun – including black.

What makes you laugh out loud? Someone who thinks she can resist me. Some think they can, but it isn't long before they submit to me. I'm irresistible, you see.

What's on your bedside table right now? Let's see…today's Monday and the cleaner isn't due until Friday. I think there are six sets of underwear, mostly lace but one of the girls had this studded leather number. Maybe seven, I'm not sure. A bedside lamp and an alarm clock. A couple of sets of handcuffs and the keys. Pretty standard after a quiet weekend, really.

I'm sorry – you keep a collection of women's underwear on your bedside table? Are they trophies, or is that where your partner likes to keep her underwear? Or do you wear it yourself? It's just where it lands when I'm busy. Most girls want me to keep their underwear to remember them by. My cleaner told me there are phone numbers written on some of them. I don't know. She'll clean them all up on Friday and next weekend's girls will start a new collection. Why, would you like to see me in women's underwear? I can absolutely rock a corset, if that's what you're thinking. But you'd have to make it worth my while…

If you were doing your own spring cleaning – ah, not your cleaner, but you – what would be the most difficult thing for you to throw out? That's easy. Any bottle of whisky with just one glass left in it. I couldn't throw it out until it's empty, but it might not be the right time to drink that particular one, either.

What is your greatest fear? None of your damn business.

Okay. When and where were you the happiest? That's none of your damn business, either.

What impression do you make on people when they first meet you? Most people find me irresistible from the beginning. I can't help it – it's just who I am.

How about after they've known you for a while? Most want more of me by then, depending on how soon they give in to me. They also know they'll have to offer something pretty valuable in return to get it, though.

What do you like best about yourself? What's not to like? I'm the devilishly hot CEO of the HELL Corporation. Women swoon for me and men…they tend to do the same, which can get quite awkward, sometimes.

What do you want most out of life? Anything I can get. I have particular tastes, but I want the most. That's all.

But what do you really want? World domination sounds good. I'll take that and any perks that come with it.

Say you're using that new office temp for something...what would it be? You mean Melody Angel? That one? She's one of my staff – it could be anything. But what I'd really like is for her to rip off that tight little skirt, open her shirt and let those perfect breasts spill out, so I can bend her over the desk and have my way with her. Several times over a long, hard afternoon. Then we'll see how white her shirt is…

Have you ever heard of sexual harassment? Sexual harassment? Ha, no!

It's when someone makes unwanted sexual advances in the workplace. Oh, I know what you're referring to. But it's not something that happens in my office. When I make an offer, it's always gratefully accepted. Eventually. Never unwanted.

So what do you think Melody is using you for? Ha. Hahahaha…Melody Angel? Using me? That girl was wearing innocence like a cloud of her delectable perfume. She wouldn't know how to use someone with my power. Oh, I can do plenty for her – perhaps that's what she wants. My favour.

How do you feel about that? It's what everyone wants from me. Favours, for me to use the wealth and power I have to help them. Provided I get my money's worth from them in return, who cares? It's business.

Really? You don't think it would be personal for her? Oh, her payment to me is likely to be very personal, but it's still a business arrangement. I never take anything that isn't offered, though I can be quite persuasive when I do want something.

Even though we hope she'll never do it, for now just pretend it could happen: What's the worst thing Melody could do to you? It's not the bad things she could do to me – it's all the bad things I want to do to her. And with her. And I suspect she's longing to do all sorts of things to me. Why else would she be at the HELL Corporation?

Why would that be so bad? Did I say it would be? That sweet girl could become an absolute star in the bedroom if she's willing. Or on my desk, if she's a quick learner.

Why would you deserve it? I'm Luce Iblis, the sexy CEO of the HELL Corporation. No one's more deserving than I am when it comes to sexy women.

What's the worst thing you could do to Melody? I could steal her mind, body and soul, corrupting her to Hell for all eternity. Hahaha, or I could offer her a permanent job in my company.

Why would she deserve it? If her performance in the office exceeded my expectations, I might offer such a deal to her. I might not, too. It depends if she has what it takes to make me happy.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? I wouldn't know.

All right. What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? That's none of your business.

What is your greatest regret? Agreeing to do this interview. I have a stack of reports on my desk to approve for release, including Melody's first one. I'm looking forward to showing her the standard of work I expect from her. Are we done here?

Yes, I think we are. Thank you for an interesting insight into your unique character, Mr Iblis.

Don't forget to also check out the complete list of books included in this promotion! Some of the authors have even put their books on sale just for you! Click any book to check it out on Amazon!

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Thursday, June 30, 2016

Zero by Morgan Dark - Excerpt & Giveaway



Zero
by Morgan Dark

Release Date: June 28th 2016
RubiƱos 1860


Summary:


Kyle Bradford is the envy of Drayton College, but everything takes a turn when a dangerous shadow, hidden in the darkness, starts to stalk him. From then on, his life falls apart. Unjustly accused of being the main suspect behind the robberies terrifying high society, he is forced to prove his innocence. And to do so, he has to find the real culprit: Zero, an infallible criminal who keeps his identity hidden under a silver mask. What Kyle does not know is that his enemy is keeping a secret. A secret he would sacrifice everything for. 






Buy Links:
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PROLOGUE

The police were the last to arrive. Five patrol cars. They got out of their vehicles, some of them with pistol in hand, and quickly regrouped on the stairs leading to the Los Angeles Opera.

By that time, the curious onlookers were already there. Most of them were upper class. Exclusive spectators who, just half an hour earlier, were watching the world premiere of Macbeth, and were now chatting amongst themselves, speculating on the incident that had just taken place.

The journalists were there, too. As soon as the news leaked, on-call editors came out charging and were now banging on the main door, armed with their cameras and microphones. Their group included a young journalist fresh out of college reporting on the occurrence for a local television station.

“It appears that another robbery has taken place. This time, at the Los Angeles Opera. Owned by multi-millionaire Marissa Grossman, the Empress Diadem has disappeared. For the time being, there are no witnesses. The thief's identity is still unknown, but it is believed that he may be…”

“Look!” shouted someone from the group of curious bystanders. They were pointing toward the rooftop of the Opera.

There he was: dressed in a form-fitting black suit, a hood covering his head and his face hidden behind a silver mask with a smile frozen in place. Like a shadow blending into the dark of night. Not a soul was unaware of who the unknown man with that arrogant gaze was or what he had done over the past few months. Even so, his presence provoked a certain strange fascination that immediately drew everyone’s interest and attention.

“That’s him! Yeah, that’s him!”

Murmurs of alarm quickly rose up from the crowd of onlookers and the journalists pointed their camera lenses toward the Opera rooftop, trying to snap the most perfect picture possible of the mysterious individual. The police were the last ones to react and, at first, the only thing they managed to do was bring order to the impromptu crowd.  

The dreaded one-hundred-million-dollar thief. The same one who had spent the last six months stealing objects of countless value. A slippery ghost who committed impossible robberies and disappeared without a trace.

Nobody knew his real name, because his true identity was a mystery. The media had christened him as "Zero" because the name was the closest thing to what they knew about him: nothing. Since they hadn’t come up with anything better, the police kept using the nickname. Now, everybody called the shadow the same thing.

“We need more forces! Tell all units in the area to come immediately. Get moving!” shouted Lieutenant Brown. A hoarse voice came from his throat, annoyed by the humiliation and anger. Once again… Once again, he had managed to slip past them… How was it possible?

The day before, the police station had received a message sent by Zero himself, telling them that his next target was the Empress Diadem: a sparkling 16th-century diamond, ruby and emerald tiara. But he didn’t say when or where the robbery would take place. Like always.

It wasn’t the first time the Lieutenant had received one of these warnings. The only difference was that, this time, he had moved heaven and earth to stop it. He had sent his best men to escort Marissa Grossman to the bank where she kept the diadem and then back to her mansion. He also assigned surveillance patrols and sensors with alarms all over the house. He was convinced that if the robber wanted to commit the theft, he could only do it at the Grossman’s house where, in theory, it would be easier.

But he never showed up. Zero didn’t come. The Empress Diadem remained safe and sound and the officers went back to the station, where they were received with cheers and applause. For the first time, they had prevented one of his thefts… Or at least, that’s what they thought until the Opera director had called them to say that the jewel had vanished from its owner’s head during the second act of Macbeth. Under Marissa Grossman’s seat, they found a silver coin: the robber’s unmistakable signature.

From the rooftop, Zero contemplated the scene unfolding at the building’s entrance. He was totally calm, delighting in the confused look on the police officers’ faces. He hadn’t the slightest doubt that they must be wondering how he had done it and what plan he had come up with this time to take off with the Grossman family’s valuable relic in a place so full of people, without getting caught. They could keep on speculating.

They would never find him out.

Five minutes, he calculated. That was how long it would take the officers to pounce and trap him. He had just enough time to slip away before they surrounded him. After that, Lieutenant Brown and his men would search the city, like they always did. They would go into the surrounding homes. They would search the few businesses that still remained open. They would create quite a stir, trying to find him. When they were finished, Zero would already be far away. Maybe peacefully sleeping in his bed, as if he hadn’t the slightest to do with the fact that he would be the day’s most important news tomorrow.

Just that easy. Just that simple.

Another impeccable robbery. The twentieth one in less than six months. Not too bad. Not bad at all, in fact. He stepped away from the edge of the roof and put the Empress Diadem away inside his suit for safekeeping.

Only then did he realize that he wasn’t alone.

A silhouette stood between him and his only escape route, blocking his flight.

“We finally meet face-to-face.”

They didn’t need to get any closer. Or for the moonlight to illuminate the newcomer’s face, hidden behind a strange shadow. Zero was fully aware of who he was. He would recognize that raspy voice anywhere. His name? Dimitri Cooper. The best detective in Los Angeles and officially responsible for his capture, specifically entrusted with the task by the Government.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Detective,” said the robber, as if their meeting, far from being a setback, was an excuse to have a pleasant chat. Dimitri didn't answer. He removed his pistol and aimed at Zero.

“I’m afraid this will be our first and our last meeting. I had a hard time finding you, although I finally did.”

 Zero was unfazed when he saw the gun was aimed at him.

“We could say that I’m not too friendly with the police.”

“You’ve been stealing from innocent people for half a year, and you still have the gall to make those jokes of yours.” Dimitri motioned for Zero to move toward him, and held his pistol more tightly. 

“You can come over here so I can cuff you now. And don’t try any funny stuff.”

“What funny stuff would I try?”

“Just put your hands in the air!”

Zero obeyed.

“Now, start walking if you don’t want to get shot.

For a fraction of a second, the robber glanced at his suit's right-hand pocket. He could see the outline of a small, rounded object inside… He made no move to grab it. He just stared at it, as if thinking about something.

“Let’s get a move on!” brayed Dimitri.

He brought his attention back to the detective and slowly walked toward him, calmly analyzing his rival’s appearance, so different from his own: his emotionless countenance was chiseled in stone, with metallic gray eyes that looked like they could drill through him. He was wearing a trench coat that reached his knees, his police badge hanging from one side of his belt while his pistol holster hung from the other.

He stopped just a few feet away from him.  

“Good. It’s over. Finally.”

“I’m afraid not.”

Before Dimitri could move, Zero rushed the distance between them and kicked his pistol. Dimitri couldn’t hang on to it and it was lost in the darkness. In the blink of an eye, Zero rose up like a giant behind the detective and grabbed him by the neck, immobilizing him. He had moved so quickly that it seemed as if time had stopped and he was the only one able to move from one side to the other.

“I think I remember you mentioning something about me being trapped, or something like that.”

“You’re fast.”

“I wouldn’t be the one-hundred-million-dollar thief if I wasn’t.”

“That’s true. But you’ve got a defect that trumps your speed.”

“Oh, I do? And what might that be?”

“You’re too sure of yourself,” Dimitri said while closing his fist and then, forcefully, punched his enemy's stomach. Zero hissed out in pain and surprise. He doubled over, instinctively releasing the police officer. Now he was the one without time to react.

“Did you really think it was going to be that easy?”

The robber’s eyes gave off a sinister glint that made the hair on the back of Dimitri’s neck bristle. He moved back. They had never been so close. In fact, he doubted that anyone had ever managed to get so close to the legendary criminal. But now that there were just a few feet between them, now that he was right in front of him, he felt like running away and escaping.  

He had been on the force for too long to be intimidated by a criminal who wasn’t even armed. And yet…

There was something different about him. His presence. His mere existence. Whoever he was, this robber gave off…a strange aura. He wouldn’t even know how to put it into words. How he moved and the power he held was disturbing, frightening. Attractive… but as gloomy as the Los Angeles nighttime sky.

While Dimitri was lost in thought, Zero took the opportunity to recover from the blow and counterattacked. Just as swiftly as before, he pounced on his rival and grabbed his arm, spinning around and throwing him over his back. The officer fell on his side and, for a few seconds, the only thing he could see were stars dancing around inside his head.

His brief period of reflection had cost him dearly. “You shouldn’t have gotten in my way.”  

“My duty is to arrest you. You, and everyone else like you,” Dimitri groaned. His entire body hurt. 
And he had a broken rib. Or two. For sure.

“I’m not like everyone else.”

“Yeah, I think I’ve realized that tonight.”

“You’d better stop chasing after me. You'll be the one who ends up getting hurt."

“There’s an easy solution for that. Stop robbing, turn yourself in, and I’ll quit bothering you.”

“I’m afraid that won’t be possible. I…”

Zero’s words were left hanging in the air. Something drew his attention away. A small black object, fallen at the detective's feet. His gloved hand shot like a lightning bolt to his right-hand pocket. The circular object that was there before had disappeared and, in its stead, there was a remnant of ripped fabric, shredded on the side. His shoulders tensed imperceptibly.

“What’s wrong? Looks like you’re worn out from fighting,” Dimitri mocked him.

He stoically bore the pain and stood up. He couldn’t afford to sit in a corner and nurse his wounds. He had to stop this criminal he had been chasing for months. Moving forward, his heel drew dangerously close to the object under the robber’s gaze.

“No!”

The police officer froze, bewildered. He looked down at the object at his feet. Intrigued, he bent down and picked it up.

“Now what might this be?”

“Don’t touch that.” Zero wasn’t acting as calm as he had been before. One could almost feel the tension emanating from his body.

“Put it down!”

Like a cat, he jumped at Dimitri. He moved too abruptly and the object slipped from the detective’s hand. It arced through the air before plunging to the ground.

It hit the rooftop, cracking like a whip in the air. Almost at the same time, Zero let out a piercing shriek. A metallic taste filled his mouth and something liquid started spilling out over his chin. Blood. He let out a groan and closed his eyes to contain the sudden pain punishing every part of his being.

“Meddling policeman,” he muttered. His head was spinning as he staggered.

Dimitri held him up, not understanding what was happening. The pain he saw shooting from the robber’s eyes was no performance act. Zero was hurt, but how? He remembered banging into him, but not hard enough for him to be in such a state...

No matter what, he had to do something. He wanted to catch him, and that had been his goal for six months now. But he didn’t want his death on his conscience. Not his death, or anybody else’s. He couldn’t leave him like that. He took a radio from his trench coat and started giving orders, never leaving his prisoner for even an instant.

“Attention, this is Officer Dimitri speaking. I need a medical team. I repeat. I need a medical team. I have an unconscious civilian on the Los Angeles Opera rooftop."

“Who are you calling unconscious?” mumbled Zero. The object that fell from his pocket was just a few feet away. He tried to take a few steps toward it. Dimitri stopped him.

“Don’t even thing about moving.” He held on to his arm more tightly and added, “I already told you that this would be our first and our last meeting.”

“What makes you think that?”

“Have you seen yourself? I highly doubt you can escape with the state you’re in.” Dimitri couldn’t help but appreciate the irony of the situation. Before, Zero had given him the chills.

His presence was almost supernatural. Now, he looked like a helpless, vulnerable kid… His gaze came to rest on the silver mask. It perfectly fit its owner’s factions, hiding his face from the hairline to the chin. After so many weeks chasing him down, so many sleepless nights because of him, he still didn’t know who was hiding behind the disguise.

He hooked his fingers behind the titanium hooks holding the mask to Zero’s face. Zero started to squirm as soon as he understood his intentions.

“Don’t touch me!”

“Are you afraid I’ll find out the truth?”

Dimitri released the titanium locks and the silver mask fell from its place, revealing the famous thief’s identity. They observed one another in the darkness. Two enemies, finally face-to-face after countless chases and escapes. Neither of them spoke a word. They merely regarded one another. The detective couldn’t believe what he saw. As far as he was concerned, Zero felt a wave of anger rising up in his throat, consuming his pain and turning it to fury.

They had found out his secret… They had found out who he was…

“That’s impossible…” whispered Dimitri. “I know you…”  

Zero grabbed the tranquilizer dart gun hidden on his leg. Before the detective could utter his name, before he could even say one syllable, he shot him in the neck. The officer immediately dropped to the ground like a sack of potatoes.

The thief bent over and picked up his mask. He put it on again. But he knew full well that it was too late now.

He knows…

Six officers burst onto the rooftop. Lieutenant Brown was with them, anxious to avenge how ridiculous Zero had made him look at the Grossman’s house, at any price. They aimed their guns at him.

“Put your hands where we can see them!”

Zero ignored the order and looked for the circular object that he had lost. It was too close to the police officers. It would be impossible to get it back without getting riddled by bullets while trying. But if he left it behind… If someone touched it… He hesitated. What should he choose? He knew that no matter what he decided, he would regret it. So he opted for the lesser evil.

He took out one of the smoke bombs he only used when urgently needed and threw it to the ground. A gray cloud spread over the rooftop, covering everything under a dense fog.


When it had cleared, the circular object was right where it was before. But Zero had disappeared.










About the Author

Morgan Dark is one of the most original teenage literature writers. Always enveloped in suspense, as of yet no one knows her true identity. She began writing ZERO after a hooded man robbed her in her New York apartment. Included amongst the stolen items was her favorite ring. After ZERO became one of the most awaited teenage books in 2015, her ring showed up in her
house again… in black envelope with no sender. 

Author Links:

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Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Therian by Roxanne Kade - Excerpt & Giveaway



Therian
(The Bloody Crescent #1)

by Roxanne Kade

Genre: YA Paranormal

Re-release date: June 10th 2016
48fourteen

Summary:



All Amberlyn Darksky has ever wanted is to be normal.

Amber has never been ordinary. She has a gift, the ability to see memories through simple touch, and for her it’s a curse. Especially when she has to relive her mother’s death, on the night she was born, through her father’s eyes. Leading a sheltered life for years under his constant watch has her yearning for freedom and her acceptance into Cyprus Falls University gives her just that.
Plunged into a world of true love, heartache, seduction, and horror, with a deepening affection for Tayelon Cree, and the undeniable allure of Lucard Colbaine, can she accept what either of them represent in her life? And what about the steely-eyed vampire who invades her dreams?
When the blackouts and nightmares begin, Amber fears the pain that rips into her soul and threatens to destroy her. Before long, she is faced with the truth of her destiny as well as the devastating secrets that surround the people she holds dearest; dark secrets that will truly change the course of her very existence.
Amberlyn will have to fight as hard as possible to remain human while the beasts inside her rage to take over.

Buy Links:


Excerpt

“Need a little help?” someone asked from her left. 
            Amber looked up and caught her breath, her gaze fixed on the deepest, liquid hazel eyes she’d ever seen. The handsome guy in front of her smiled and inclined his head. She kept staring, taking in his tall frame and wide shoulders. He wore a bright aqua t-shirt that hugged his torso and contrasted beautifully with his deeply tanned muscular arms. Amber’s heart fluttered and a rush of desire erupted over her entire body. Never before had she experienced such overwhelming feelings. She was aware that she stood with her mouth gaping open like a fool but she couldn’t stop herself. He was beautiful, handsome, sexy…Oh my God! He’s smoking hot! Amber couldn’t find her voice, and his brow furrowed when she still hadn’t spoken.
“Ah, I...I’m looking for East Wing Hall,” Amber blurted out, her skin burning red-hot. She hated that her cheeks betrayed her embarrassment, and desire, so easily.
“Oh, that’s easy. It’s this building over here.” He pointed to a row of blue oblong shapes on the map. “East Wing Hall” was printed above them. “My sister stays in the same building. I can show you if you want?”
            She nodded.
            His frown disappeared and was replaced by a huge grin that showed off his perfectly white teeth. Who is this gorgeous person standing before me? she wondered. He portrayed a certain confidence about himself, but it was not filled with arrogance. His smile was warm enough to melt the iciest heart, and Amber’s refused to stop its erratic beat. She couldn’t drag her eyes away from his lips, wondering what it would be like to touch them with her own. Would they be firm or soft? She bit her lower lip, lost in the fantasy of her first kiss, until she realized he was waiting for her.
“Thanks,” she responded. Calm down, she told herself. Try to act normal before he starts thinking of you as a freak.
            Amber turned to pick her bags up off the floor, but her handsome escort had already grabbed them. 
“I’m Taye.”
“Hi, Taye. I’m Amberlyn.” She shook the waiting hand he managed to hold out between her bags, forgetting about her gift and her promise to herself to avoid as much physical contact as she possibly could.  


About the Author
Roxanne Kade lives in the land of Funsunzi. Affectionately named by the locals for its fun, sun and sea, Durban, South Africa is a culturally diverse and beautiful city that offers warm weather, big smiles and a host of attractions. 

Roxy spends her nine to five in the finance division of a shipping company and is currently studying her degree in Financial Accounting. 

Words are her escape from reality. When She's not working, writing or studying, she can be found devouring a book or baking to her heart’s content.


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