HARD CASE - A Recommended Read by Joyfully Reviewed...
Tres Moran stole glances toward Alek’s table and wondered about the guy who sat with him. Her hostess caught her.“Interested in big cats now, are you?”She and Holly had worked clubs like this together as a team for a lot of years now. They’d been together long enough to know each other’s likes and dislikes. The only difference—Hol thrived on the performance. Tres was a watcher. This job would be a piece of cake. Tres hoped to settle down this time. This close to Big Bear and Arrowhead, she could let her leopard enjoy the snow. Hot weather for long periods didn’t suit her.“Big is not bad at all, but he’s a warm cat. He likes the heat, and he probably has fleas. Plus, I can smell the vamp in his ass from here. And you can’t trust those Kind cats. They’re deadly mothers.”“You like Alek just fine.”“He’s one of the good guys, keeps his paws to himself, and tigers like snowy, cold climates.” Tres knew her friend wanted to get it on with the tiger. “Anyway, we’re friends, there’s no attraction there. You know that, Hol. Wish things could be different because he sure is good to look at.”“Well, the one your eyes are glued to is no slouch. The phrase ‘eye candy’ certainly pops into my mind. A real sweet piece of candy.”Tres agreed with her assessment. The guy was huge, way over six feet. Those green eyes could drag you to hell and back. And you wouldn’t mind the trip. His mouth held her mesmerized. Lips looked so soft, yet they were held in a tight line of control. Ash-blond hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail that grazed his shoulders. The hair color indicated a difference from other lions. This cat would be white when he changed. Something she’d never seen before. Tres wouldn’t mind a peek under the designer suit he wore. Shit, wouldn’t mind a quick ride either. Okay, down girl, back to work. Tres faced her hostess.“Did the shipment of Chilean merlot come in?” She looked at Holly.“Yes, twelve cases of good vintage.”“Nice. Make sure it gets put up in the cellar. I don’t want it to sit at this temperature long.”“Taken care of already,” Holly said.Tres dripped. A state of moist heat settled between her thighs while she watched the guy talk with Alek. He turned her on. If he became a regular customer, her desk drawer would need to be filled with a change of clean, dry underwear. Not her typical reaction to lions. Warm climate cats never turned her on. This one would be trouble. Thank God she had a strict policy about customers. Maybe he’s visiting.Things had been really slow in her life lately. Over the last five years she’d chosen her partners wisely. The minute Tres felt more than a slight attraction, she ran. By no means would she consider herself promiscuous, but lately the word “celibate” came to mind. If Tres didn’t get some soon, her maidenhead would grow back. Her leopard was even starting to complain. It was bad when a lion turned her on this much.She stopped at the door of one of the private booths and thought, what the hell? A peek that’s all. The pile of paperwork on her desk could wait to be handled. Tres promised herself it would be next.Blurb:
Leron Wilder is a jaguar of the Kind species, big cat shifters infected with vampyre blood. Nothing has gone right for Leron since his best friend Jag mated with the owner of the local coffee shop. Stuck training a new cat shifter who’s a badass wannabe, Leron stops by the coffee shop to seek his ex-partner's advice.
Corinne Nelson loves her new home and her new job as a waitress at the Coffee Swirl, and she’s really hoping she won't have to move on this time. Life’s finally looking up -- until the hottest man she’s ever met walks into the shop -- and licks her hand?
Mating is not something Leron is looking forward to. Yet the minute he tastes the new waitress, he knows he’s in serious trouble. She’s a flavor he could find addictive. But she’s not who she says she is, and everything’s falling apart around them. He’s starting to feel like a cat on a hot tin roof…
Excerpt:
"Here's your black coffee." It was her. The silken sound of her voice slid right down to his cock. As she was putting his cup on the table, he tried to touch her hand. She pulled away and the hot liquid sloshed over the side and burned her. The cup rattled in the saucer and tilted over. "Oh, my God, I'm so sorry." Leron spoke quickly. "It was my fault. Are you okay? Let me look." An angry red blister had already formed. His cat instincts took over and he brought her hand to his mouth and began to lick the red welt. His tongue lapped at her like she was today's special. He had lost his mind and didn't know where the fuck to find it. Her body trembled and she tried to pull away. "Mister..." "Let her go." Jag's tone was soft and non-threatening, but Leron saw red. Best friend be damned. He had no right to tell Leron he couldn't touch her. Suddenly, some sense came back to him. "Cory, right? I'm sorry... I..." He never got to finish. She left so fast, his head spun. He watched her tight ass move away down the aisle. Son of a bitch! Confusion rained down on him. His heart beat out of control, his lungs were full of her scent, and his dick was ready to explode. The taste on his tongue was divine. He heard Jag's laugh from a million miles away. "What?" The sound of the swinging door to the back drew his attention. Barb stormed their way. Hell. Jag said, "You're in for it now." She stopped at the table, and her brow quirked up. He looked down at the spilled mess still there. "Look, you can't come in here and lick my employees. Keep that catty stuff outside. And you," she wheeled around to Jag, "are no better. Why didn't you stop him?" "For the same reason he couldn't stop me when I wanted you." Leron's head snapped up, and he looked from one to the other with his jaw hung open. Sometimes their blood bond was a pain in the ass. "No way, dude. No. Fucking. Way."
POSTING PLACE FOR
NC-17 AND XXX EXCERPTS
BLURB
Getting enough cream is a problem for this cat…
Jag Arizon has a plan to correct that. A jaguar from the Kind species, big cats infected with vampyre blood, he walks in both worlds. Aside from blood, he’s addicted to cream, and only one person can cure him. In convincing her to donate to his cause, Jag gets much more than he bargained for.
Barbara Dorsey, the uptight co-owner of the local coffee shop, has all the cream this cat needs. But she’s only giving it away in dreams to the one man who not only opens the door to her every desire -- he can change her world forever.
EXCERPT
She unsnapped the button and tore the zipper down. His cock fell out in her hand. It was hot and felt like velvet on steel. His musky scent rose up and made her whimper with desire.
Barbara dropped to her knees and began to run her hands along his shaft. She let her fingertips brush his balls, and drew a hiss from his lips. Cupping the head of his penis, she smeared the moisture there and used her hand to masturbate him. The tight skin moved back and forth with her motions.
The teardrops of precum dribbled from the slit on his cock’s broad head and called to her. She slowly descended and flicked her tongue across the tip to collect the fluid. “Mmmm,” she moaned as she slipped her lips over him.
“Jesus, please,” he begged her with his head thrown back.
Barbara swallowed his whole length and started a slow rhythm of back and forth. Her hair bounced around her head as she licked up and down and sucked his cock while his body quivered.
She had to catch her breath, and while she did, Barbara kissed and nibbled on his balls. She pulled one then the other into her warm mouth. Releasing them, she ran her tongue back up the tender underside of his erection and took him back in her mouth. He tried to shove it all down her throat. And she took it. Over and over. He was relentless.
His body bowed as he stabbed his cock into her mouth. “Come up here,” he whispered.
She stood between his legs and pressed into him. The front of her skirt showed spots of his wetness. His hands dropped down and pulled at the hem until he ripped it right up the front. Barbara gasped in surprise. She felt so wild, so wanton. “What are you going to do?”
“I’m gonna take what I want.”
Still trapped between his legs, she leaned into him. His cock jerked against her stomach and made her knees weak. Barbara trembled. He grabbed her full ass in his large hands massaged and stroked her cheeks. Air locked in her throat as his fingers brushed over her puckered anus. Without entering her, he rubbed and played at the rim. She’d never been touched like that and it sent a taboo thrill racing through her body.
“What do you want?” Her eyes explored his and saw the need stamped in them.
“You know what I came for.”
His hands spanned her waist, turned her and lifted her to the desk. Going down on his knees between her legs, he took deep breaths as though he absorbed her scent into his body.
“You smell like heaven,” he said, so softly she barely heard him. His tongue darted out and grazed her labia. Then long, slow strokes covered her pussy. He delved between the folds with his mouth and took everything. Fingers joined his tongue as he explored her cunt and made her drip more. “So damn good.”
His tongue poked and stabbed her until Barbara couldn’t hold back. She flooded his mouth with her desire. Wave after wave rushed from her.
He groaned. “Yeah… cream, sweet cream.”
He stood and grasped her legs, wrapping them around his waist. His cock slipped noisily into her wet channel. He bent his knees and started to stroke inside of her.
"Witty and sexual as the cats come out to play"
Hard Case gives us a look at the voyeuristic side as well as from the performer's point of view. It also shows us what a person is willing to go through to win his mate. It is erotic with a touch of humor thrown in here and there.
from ParaNormal Romance
by Annette Stone...read more
The sparks Case and Tres create are like tinder to a flame. J. Hali Steele definitely knows how to make the most of both the voyeurism and exhibitionism scenes in Hard Case. Both the erotic tension between Tres and Case and the fulfillment of their desires makes the book sizzle. Hard Case works on every level and I hope desperately Ms. Steele writes a book for Case’s friend Alek. Joyfully Recommended! Review by Shayna - read full review at Joyfully Reviewed.
Holly from Whipped Cream Erotic Romance Reviews gave HOT TIN ROOF 4.5 cherries. She says: The characters are fully developed and beautifully complex. The attraction between Leron and Cory is intense and almost immediate, and the scene in the kitchen of the coffee shop is as hot as any I’ve read. I wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone who wants to visit these exotic cats and their friends. But be sure to take plenty of cold drinks and keep the a/c on high. Read more at Whipped Cream.
With Extra Cream received 5 angels! Kimber of Fallen Angel Reviews said With Extra Cream is a fun erotic romance between a hot shapeshifter and a practical woman. Jag is one of the most playful paranormal heroes written. The beginning of the story with him strung out on too many lattes is hilarious. Read full review HERE.
T. S. Peters at JERR gave HOT TIN ROOF 4.5 stars. She says:
Although short, this was one of the most entertaining books I have read this season. There wasn't a minute of this book when my eyes weren't melted to the screen. The dialog, emotions and action in Hot Tin Roof will steal your breath away. I don't recommend drinking anything while you're reading this. I made that mistake and it was not pretty. Read more at JERR
Nicole from Bitten by Books said: I enjoyed With Extra Cream! It is a short tale of a sensual nature...for as short as it was, it was enjoyable. If you are looking for some sizzle during your lunch, then this may be the one for you! Read full review HERE.
Carter Gates, amateur Latin ballroom dancer, is ready to make a move on his sexy new assistant. Bree’s scent intoxicates him, and her lithe body makes it hard to keep his hands to himself. But Carter owns the company and has one rule—hands off the staff. His body isn’t listening.
Bree’s no better off. She has a taste for her new boss, one she can’t quench. Hiding the fact she’s best friends with his partner, and a dancer herself, she slips into a revealing outfit and his arms…just for one night of sexy, hot competition and a highly erotic tango that gives new meaning to “going up in flames”.
Bree’s friend has other ideas—she wants to keep Carter for herself. However, after spending a passionate evening in Carter’s arms, and his bed, Bree wants more. And she’s determined to get it.
Trent Dallion was screwed. Much older than him, the wily little cougar had him by the balls—and he couldn’t get loose. She’d thanked him for killing her brother. Did she mean it? Or was she playing a game of cat and mouse, waiting for revenge.
Peri Montana tasted her destiny in the blood of the jaguar who took her diseased brother’s life. Mountain born and bred, she wanted nothing to do with the desert cat that possessed more vampyre abilities than she was comfortable with. Could she return to the hot desert nights without literally losing her tail?
Seriously Reviewed said about RHYTHM OF LOVE: SMOKIN' hot sex!!! Oh the sexual tension starts early and POW**** delivers with a bang! :)
Ms Steele delivered some reeeeeeally good loving that had me sweating from the get-go :) I always love it when an author can deliver the goods and leave me happy at the end. Great job Ms Steele I shall keep an eye out for your name in the future :)
Read the full review HERE.
Tiger Lily from Whipped Cream Erotic Romance Reviews gave COUGAR BY THE TAIL 4 cherries. She says: J. Hali Steele writes spicy stories that stick with the reader long after the last page. This story doesn’t disappoint. Peri and Trent grabbed my attention right off, and held me long after I closed the ebook. Ms. Steele also writes with a tenderness and way with description that made me feel like I was there, frolicking on the mountainside with Peri and Trent. Read more at Whipped Cream
"Growl and roar-it's okay to let the beast out."
Aldan Spade, a gambler who is fortunate enough to have luck and success, is surrounded by beautiful women everyday at a gentleman’s club. He keeps his life in tight control to hide a secret from all but his best friends. But when he saw the new hostess, he burned for something more. Her sexy body, her scent stirs a fire in him he can’t extinguish.
Rosemary Carino gave up working the pole in topless clubs long ago. She finds herself thrust back into the business. Staying out of the clutches of Aldan Spade was not going to be easy. Her body melts around him, aches to know his intimately. Hiding her past from him turns out to be much harder than taking her clothes off.
“Why the hell isn’t she at the door?” Ace turned in his seat to see his new hostess. His breath caught in his throat as his tongue tied around itself.Shit, her backside was spectacular. She wasn’t much taller than five eight. Soft waves of chestnut-colored hair hung to the middle of her shoulder blades, which were bare. The shiny aqua halter dress clung to her like a snake’s skin. She had a tight, shapely ass. If she bent over her hem would ride up enough to show the color of hair between her legs. He hoped she would bend, and prayed she didn’t wear panties. His dick jerked in his slacks.He could only guess at eye color or if the front of her dress was filled as lusciously as the back. God, he wanted her to turn around. As if she read his mind, she did.Ginger-painted lips slanted in a sexy smile. A light over the bar shone in brown eyes that glanced sharply around the room. They lit on him and he saw the mischievous gleam as she looked at each of the guys. Christ almighty, his cock leaked. Brown hair and eyes, his dream combination.“Shit, you could’ve told me,” Ace said to no one in particular.Ren chuckled. “And miss your reaction? No way. She’s something else, huh?”“Get a look at all that chocolate hair.” Her firm high breasts were full and mounded from the top of her dress. Nice thighs drifted from beneath the short hem. “And those curves, shit, just like I like ‘em.” He grinned ear to ear.Chess nudged him back to reality. “You haven’t met her yet.”She headed their way and Ace licked his lips. Oh. Hell. Yeah. She’d be going home with him tonight. She stopped an arm’s length from table, stood between him and Trace.“Gentlemen, I see you’re back. Is everything to your satisfaction? Can I get you anything?”“Champagne, your best. And why don’t you join us?” Ace felt like celebrating. He’d taken a chunk of money from the tables and the night kept getting better.“Thank you, we’re very busy. Maybe some other time. I’ll make sure your order is placed.”“I can talk to the manager for you,” he said.Ace wanted her closer. The scent of musk wafted from her body, enticed and teased his nostrils. The crotch of his pants became very uncomfortable.“Won’t be necessary. Another time perhaps.” He fell into the pools of melted chocolate directed his way. Not thinking straight, he reached for her hand. She gracefully avoided him and stepped out of reach. “Sir, I’ll make sure your order is handled. I had the pleasure of meeting the others earlier. I’m Rosemary Carino, my friends call me Roe.” She didn’t even extend her hand for a shake.“Aldan Spade. You can call me Ace.”“Well, it’s a pleasure to have you stop in and I hope you’ll visit us again, Mr. Spade.” Spinning on her high heels, she left the smell of heaven in her wake.“Jesus F. Christ. That’s a first.” Ace clamped his jaw shut.“Yup,” Ren said. “Now, you can pay up.”“Shit.”
A TOP PICK! Melinda said: Ace of Spades are in three words, hot, sizzling and passionate. Roe and Ace were just right for each other. See more HERE.
Tiger Lily of Whipped Cream Reviews said:
J. Hali Steele writes compelling stories that draw the reader in from the first page. Rhythm of Love is no exception. The characters are life-like, interesting, and fresh. There are plot twists in this story I never saw coming and loved. HERE.
Hard as hell—all the time—that’s Erac Dane.
From a mythical race of statues sculpted from bits of Stonehenge, he is cursed and has been trapped in his stony shell for twenty-five years. In a constant state of arousal, Erac watches and hears others have the woman he desires more than freedom. The clock strikes midnight and the curse ends—Erac vows to have what he wants.
Vena Waring’s never been happy with her choice of men. She thought Jason was the one, until he cheated on her. Now that he’s back in her life, can Jason accept what she is? Most of all can he accept the virile, rock hard, man who takes her to new heights, and wants to take Jason along for the ride!
EXCERPT
No, Erac could never love her.His thighs were thick and comfortable under her. Sometimes when she wriggled her butt to get comfortable, an electric shock went straight through to her core. Lately, it happened a lot. It embarrassed her how nice the bulge between his legs felt nestled against her ass. Yeah, I'm not getting enough sex. What the hell was wrong with her?Relaxed and all cried out, she dozed off, but not before she whispered, "You always make me feel good."* * *
Vena's eyes flew open and her head snapped up at a strange sound. It was dark with moonlight filtering through the oak trees that dotted the back yard. Damn, how long had she sat there sleeping?Standing slowly, she stretched, letting her eyes adjust as she peered around. What time is it?A twig snapped on the side of the house. Movement caught her eye and she turned in its direction. Holding her breath, she watched a dark figure emerge from the shadows."Hey, babe."Hell, it was Jason."Damn it, jerk, you scared the shit out of me. What are you doing here?""Why are you standing out here in the dark? It's damn near midnight. Guess that's why you didn't hear me ring at the front door. Where's the staff?""I gave them the night off." She ran a hand through her short hair and focused on the man in front of her. "I told you to stay away." As she walked across the yard toward the back door, the motion light flared bright and Vena flipped the switch so it remained lit. She returned to stand by the large tree.Jason was gorgeous. His blond hair, always perfectly styled and in place, was mussed tonight. The black tee he wore stretched across his chest revealing taut muscles. He was a big man whose thighs were strong and hard. Jason worked out regularly and it showed. His over six foot frame was athletically toned and he turned many a female head when they were out together. Some men stole a second look too.But tonight he was a mess."Why are you here?""Honey, don't." He stepped closer and she noticed he carried a plastic shopping bag. "I came over to talk, to tell you I'm sorry.""God, what is it with you, with us? There's nothing left between us, Jason. Go home." Vena knew she didn't mean it. What was wrong with them, with her? He did satisfy her, she just wanted more of...of what?"You don't mean that." He sat the bag down and reached in to pull out what appeared to be a ready-to-roast turkey. "Look what I bought. It's the only one I could find on such short notice that wasn't frozen." He placed the dripping package back in the bag."Have you lost your fucking mind?"He stepped closer and grabbed her shoulders. "We haven't made love in a long time and I know you want me, Vena, you always want me."His eyes darkened. It probably crossed Jason's mind to tell her she wanted him in that way too much and too often. After all, it's what sent him away."Damn it, I can't leave you alone, I can't stay away from you. It's like..."His words drifted off and she smelled the alcohol on his breath. That explained everything."I'm calling the cops." She took her phone out, flipped it open and started to dial 9-1-1. Before she finished, he snatched it from her, slammed it shut, and hurled it across the yard."I need you." He shoved her into the tree and began feeling her breasts with rough hands."Jason," she pleaded. Vena wasn't sure what she begged for. She needed him bad but she wanted to talk, try to figure this out.Pinned with her back against the large trunk, she jumped at the sound of a loud crash behind the tree. Jason, intent on freeing her breast, didn't seem to hear the heavy footsteps or the rustle of the shopping bag. Vena saw it coming from the corner of her eye. It slammed into Jason's head sending beads of bloody water onto her face and in her eyes, blinding her for a moment.Jason slid into a heap on the ground.She swiped at her face with her forearm and when she could open her eyes again, standing before her was a bare ass, naked man.Holy crap!It was...Vena could tell by the length of his hair, the breadth of his shoulders, and the cut of his muscled stomach. His penis, normally just a bulge between his thighs, bobbed in the air. She stumbled back in disbelief.Stepping over Jason, he caught her by the wrist, kept her from falling on her butt. Gray eyes stared, his chest heaved up and down."I...I..." His voice creaked like an unused, rusty door."Who the hell are you?" Deep in the recesses of her mind, in her heart Vena knew the answer before she even asked. She needed to hear him say it. Amazed at her calm, she gazed down his body, her eyes coming to rest on his thick cock. As they swept upward, she took in a myriad of lacerations, some fresh, crisscrossing his chest. By the time she reached his face, her breath came in rapid puffs."Erac," he croaked."This can't be happening." Her head shook back and forth, denying what she saw.His hands moved to her shoulders and he drew her against his hard body, held her tight. He whispered, "Mine."Surreal, everything moved in slow motion. It dawned on her she may have gone crazy. If lucky, she was still asleep."No one will ever hurt you again." His words came out harsh and strained. "I promise."Unbelievable.Behind him, Jason groaned. Thank God he was alive."A freaking statue just cold-cocked a man in my back yard with a fucking turkey." She glared up at him. "Tell me I'm dreaming."Thunder rolled overhead and she looked up just in time to see a bolt of lightning streak toward them. It slammed into the tree and split it dead center, sending a shower of sparks in every direction. Erac snatched her behind him."What the fuck is happening?" Vena screamed above the crackle of flames. The smoke cleared and a shadowy figure emerged."Hello, daughter."Oh shit!
Night Owl Review's BusyMom said: 3.75 I loved the premise of this book…a living statue watching over the woman he loves… The love scenes were scorching; one on one, a threesome where the focus was Vena, then a guy guy scene where she is more a voyeur. Very hot. Read more HERE.
Sin at TwoLips Reviews said: ...kept my interest throughout the read. I found the curse enthralling and the characters vibrant...I’d recommend this read to any number of people. HERE.
THE STONEGARS
Book 1
THE STONEGARS
Book 2
Etah Dane is finally free and she is hell-bent on vengeance.
Cursed by a witch, she spent twenty-five intolerable years locked in her rock hard shell—aware of everything. Etah is Stonegar, a statue created using pieces from mythical Stonehenge. Like all of her kind, she’s proud of her constant state of arousal and her insatiable sexual appetite. One man who mysteriously watched, and sometimes caressed her stony form, set her blood on fire. Etah’s body aches to know him intimately.
Slander Weldon is a sculptor who experiences a frightening and life changing event. He’d unwittingly created a monster. Even his male lover, Grant Rawlins, didn’t believe him. Then he met Etah Dane. Not only does she know the truth, she stirs a latent and uncontrollable desire in him. Slander wants to have Etah—and he wants Grant to watch.
Can they survive Etah’s consuming need for sex and revenge—or will it tear their lives apart?
EXCERPTOver two hundred pounds of store clerk leered at her from behind the counter licking his lips. “Well now, honey, how can I help you?”At least he’s clean.“Give me your shirt.”“What?”“I’m speaking English, I said give me your shirt.” Reaching over, she took hold of a handful of his top and hauled his ass across the counter, dropping him to the floor.He glared at her, dumbfounded, from his knees. “Lady, you’re crazy.”“I’m naked, I’m hungry as hell, and I’m not asking again. Shirt. Now.”He unbuttoned it, shrugged it off his meaty shoulders and handed it over. Etah pulled the soft, warm material on and began to button it up. From his position on the floor, the clerk grabbed her around the knees and tried to take her down.“You don’t want to do that.” Since he no longer had a top on, she grasped his thick forearms, and pulling him up, she settled his ass on the counter.“What kind of freak are you? You on drugs or something?”“I’m not a freak.”But she was. To humans her kind would always be freaks. Abominations.Etah was Stonegar, an ancient race of statues with the ability to come alive and take a human form. They were created unknowingly by sculptors who’d over the years ransacked and stole bits and pieces of stone from the site at Stonehenge and incorporated them in the completion process of their stone and statue creations.Stonehenge was rumored to have mythical powers.It was true.There were millions of Gar, even cats and dogs, with hair the color of their creators. Hers was a Dane, big and blond.One thing all Stonegar had in common was gray eyes.Often when working with the coarse rasps or rifflers in the end stages of refining the hair or other detailed parts, sculptors cut themselves or an old wound would open allowing blood to seep into their material and from this the statues gained life.Extraordinarily strong, Gar could best ten or more humans in a fight. They could assume their stony form instantly, preventing any damage to their living bodies. The only way to destroy one was to literally smash it to smithereens and scatter the dust to the four corners of the world.Her kind had remained hidden for thousands of years because they were peace loving and stayed to themselves. A smile curled her lips at the thought of how many humans reported their precious stone works of art missing each year.Often made in groups for sculpture gardens, they were also sold or stolen, in groups, so Gar were usually surrounded by family. Etah had two brothers and she knew exactly where one would be.Once she got her bearings, she was heading for the bitch who cursed them. The first thought in her mind--make sure her family was safe. The second--kill the witch who ensconced them in stone for twenty-five fucking years. And any relatives she had. Make them suffer as Etah had, bound in her statue.“See the guy over there,” she asked the frowning man she held immobile on the counter. She pointed to the drunk who tried to hide by wedging his slight frame between two soda dispensers. “Whenever he comes in here to piss, you let him. And feed him every day.” Grabbing the beefy clerk’s balls, she gave a hard twist. “That way I don’t have to come back.”“Oww! I got it, lady.”“Good.” She ignored the sound of the door swishing open behind her. “I’d really hate to hurt the family jewels.”“Easy, miss, I think you’ve made your point.”Etah swept around ready to attack. She met amber pools of light that held a hint of humor. His cheekbones were high in a hauntingly handsome face, and he had the complexion of well used porcelain, soft and creamy. A blue black ponytail hung over one shoulder to his chest and was tied off with a red ribbon!Goody, a present just for me.
Winner of the Thorn in Embrace the Shadow's Clash of the Covers - August 2010
Cover art: April Martinez
5 Diamonds! S.K. Fero of Got Romance Holiday Reviews said: I have been to Stonehenge and found it awe-inspiring. The author’s twist on using the famous place was great fun and well done. The characters were unique and I especially enjoyed poor Erac’s frustrations at the beginning. Talk about torturing a hero! Read more HERE
SERVICED Shepherd's Watch Book 1
Blurb
Ren Alsatian is no one’s seeing-eye dog but when he’s forced to care for a blind woman, the last thing Ren expects is the straight-laced librarian that reads him like a book. She fills his dreams nightly with page after page of raw sex between the dusty aisles. He wants to show her how to smell, touch and taste.
Marguerite Pinkston knows it isn’t going to be easy living with the service animal assigned to her. She dislikes dogs and this one comes with a handler whose husky voice and wild, sexy scent enflames her with visions of entwined bodies. If only she could see…
Ren teaches Marguerite a new way to see, and he shows her how to love dogs.
Click here to add text.
Excerpt:
When his gaze reached the hem of her skirt, he couldn’t pull his eyes away. She’d been dressed in the hospital each day by a nurse and wore a full set of pajamas. He’d never seen her like this. Her legs were crossed and the skirt had slid up, baring even more of her big thighs. His mouth open, he sucked at the air, drawing her scent deep into his lungs. Shit.“Ren?”“Uhh, I’m a little out of breath. Sherpa needs to stretch his legs so I left him out to run for a while.” He had to get it together. “Would you like anything before we talk?”“Maybe some wine. There’s a small bar in the room I use as an office right across from your guest room.”“I’ll be right back.”He returned carrying two glasses, a bottle of Merlot and a corkscrew. The wine goblets in his hand clinked together loudly when he stopped dead in his tracks. Margy had removed her shoes and her feet were curled under her. Her scent wafted around the room and drove his shepherd out of its mind. Ren shuddered with the force needed to keep his animal at bay.He couldn’t take any more. Settling beside her, he put the glasses on the coffee table, uncorked the red wine, and poured some into both glasses. “Give me your hand.” Her fingers were cool when he wrapped them around the stem.
She took a sip, and the soft sigh that followed the sweep of tongue over her wet lips undid any resolve he had left. “Marguerite --” He placed his goblet on the table.“Margy, please.”“Margy, I’ll show you how to see through touch so much better than they did in therapy.” He took the wine from her hand, set it on the table, and turned to face her. “Touch me.” Ren gently placed her fingertips on his cheek.Her touch was soft, tentative -- and set his blood on fire. Shit, he purred like a freaking cat. Totally lost when the tips swept across his lips, he opened his mouth and took her thumb inside. When she didn’t pull away, Ren sucked gently and wrapped his tongue around it, savoring her taste.He didn’t want to stop but he did. Leaning over, he dipped two fingers in his wine glass and moved his hand to her mouth. She trembled when a drop hit her chest and slid slowly between her heaving breasts. “Ren, I --”“Shh, taste it.” Her mouth was hot as she licked his fingertips clean. Her raw scent drifted up and filled his nose. Ren’s shepherd silently howled with pleasure.Stopping now was out of the question. Watching her, smelling her every day had stripped away his defenses. Alarms clanged in his head like Big Ben but he ignored the warning.* * *
Margy tried to stop, but instead of pushing his fingers out of her mouth, she drew them further in.What the hell was she doing? This man had spent every waking hour with her for over three weeks. Surely he had a girlfriend who wondered where he was, who he was with?No, not Ren. She’d known a few like him and they didn’t have one woman. The strong, silent, macho type who would answer to no one. His job called for him to be in the company of beautiful women day and night so why would he want to be with a plain Jane who was blind? He provided a service, it was his job. Nothing else. But she couldn’t find it in herself to give a damn right now. Margy wanted him -- one time. After all, it wasn’t as if they’d just met.
“I won’t stop at a kiss or a touch. I want it all.”“Will Sherpa be okay?”“You’re worried about the dog?”“He’ll be out there for quite a while.” I’ve gone mad!His wicked laughter ricocheted around the room and should have been a warning she was in deep trouble. Air whooshed from her lungs when Ren grasped her hand and put her fingers in cool liquid. Wine. He took her fingers back in his mouth and sucked each one until they were clean. Taking hold of her wrists, he placed her hands on his face. “See me.”In therapy, they’d taught her the basics but it felt nothing like this when she touched them. She stroked down to his chin and let her thumbs rub over soft, full lips. His cheekbones were high and his jaw wide. She visualized the hair she felt there. “You have a beard.”“I haven’t had time to shave today.”Margy trembled at the feel of his hands brushing across her shoulders. He moved down her arms to the bend in her elbow. Circling under them, his fingers stroked the sides of her breasts. Moving her hands up, she eased her fingers into his hair and sifted through the waves. Not too short, not too long. “Describe the color for me.”“Dark brown, almost like bittersweet chocolate.”She feathered her fingertips over his eyes and his brows. Neat, trimmed. “Your eyes…”“The color of roasted chestnuts.”“Do you describe everything using food analogies?”“No, but I’ve thought of tasting you for days.”Tiger Lily of Whipped Cream Reviews said:
Few books capture my attention within the first few pages, but this one did.,,characters came alive for me, even when
they didn’t behave as
I’d suspected...If you
want a story that’s got
lots of heart and heat,
then you need to read
Shepherd’s Watch:
Serviced.
Read full review HERE
Dyanne Doezz of The Romance Studio said:
J. Hali Steele writes a nicely gathered novella. All senses are effectively depicted delivering a well rounded piece of work...this is an enticing short story that can be read in an evening.
Read full review HERE
Cover Art: Bryan Keller
Cover art: April Martinez
Cover Art: Seneca
Cover Art: Seneca
Cover Art: Bryan Keller
Cover Art: Seneca
Cover Art: Bryan Keller
Cover Art: Bryan Keller
