Stories from a French Village: A Romance

“Madame Houdusse had a lover,” said Madame Sauveboeuf, a rather vicious local gossip. “He was the gendarme from Vaiges. He’d arrive by bicycle (eight kilometres) and if she could get away from her husband, she’d go to the empty house that’s right next door to Madame Boule’s, light a candle, and put it in the window to let him know she was there and waiting. They carried on like that for years. It was terrible.” By the time I arrived in this village of four hundred and fifty souls, Madame Houdusse was an elderly lady, stocky, slow and impertinent. But so was Madame Sauveboeuf. The two women had been rivals back in the 1950s when Madame Houdusse had run the restaurant and café on the far side of the bridge, and Madame Sauveboeuf’s mother had run the café and restaurant on the village square. Had there been a secret lover? Perhaps Madame Sauveboeuf only wanted to blacken Madame Houdusse’s reputation, although that passionate romance might have taken place half-a-century before. There’s no way of discovering the truth now. Both ladies are gone, so are the other old folks. The lovely old stone house with wooden shutters where the lovers met has also vanished. What happened to it? “I bought it and had it pulled down twenty-five years ago,” Madame Boule told me. “Even though I’d promised the former owner I’d take care of it, I didn’t want to spend money on the place.” Only the trace of a chimney remains, the hint of a red brick entry, and this story.

Winter's Requiem: Three female rivals, one ancient curse… #paranormalromance #historical

 

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Y6BMP7H

The eruptive conclusion to the Dark Goddess saga is packed with adventure, intrigue, and magic.

Three powerful females hold the fate of the world in their hands in this epic paranormal historical romance set in mystical Scotland.

To find the traitor that still threatens Dal Riata and Aedan, Domelch journeys down a perilous path into certain danger. Brigit is drawn back to Gartnait, but her unrequited love for the sullen king forces her to make a harmful decision. When Cailleach awakens in a different body in enemy lands, she finds herself powerless and is captured by an enemy prince. In his arms, lost memories return, and the truth of the Dark Goddess’s tragic past leads Cailleach into a world of rediscovery and dangerous choices.

To prevent eternal winter, all three must make difficult choices and sacrifices to break an ancient curse that threatens to destroy everything they care about.

Excerpt:

“Why do I sense ye are up to something most foul?” He narrowed his eyes and peered at her, suspicion shadowing his blue depths.

The loud talking around them at the king’s table quieted. She sensed people watching them. “Perhaps we should take this discussion outside.”

Aedan stood, grabbing on to her elbow. “Please excuse our hasty departure. Continue yer feasting,” he announced, steered her out of the hall, and led her behind a storage hut shielded by bushes.

Domelch wriggled out of his grasp. “Aedan, you have to cease this...this overbearing nature of yours.”

“Overbearing, eh? Because I care about ye? It is one matter for ye to gather in the grove for yer pagan prayers, but it is another altogether to be so friendly with one such as she.” His hard voice softened. “I worry of the dangers. I do not want to lose ye.”

“We share some of the same recurring dreams. Somehow our pasts are intertwined, and I need to know what that means.” She stroked his stubbly cheek. His concern, though overbearing, touched her. “You will not lose me. I promise to use caution.”

“It deeply wounds me that I cannot persuade ye otherwise, but I fell in love with yer untamed spirit, and I suppose I will reap the effects of that. Sometimes I wish...” He looked away, his jaw tightening.

She knew he was going to say he wished she were a Christian woman. “Oh, Aedan.” Her pain-filled heart bled for the sorrow she caused him by reverting back to her old beliefs.

Aedan’s hard, dark gaze made her shudder. “I know ye have been practicing magic over the winter. Do ye think I cannot smell yer bitter herbs? And yer chest of witching tools has been moved.” He shook his head in a sign of discontent. “I worry yer witchery will do great harm.”

Her ire rose, and she bristled. “Do you feel that in your heart or is that what the monks prattle on about? I do not mock your prayers to your God,” she said quietly.

He gazed at her, the light in his eyes softening. “Vera well, but I cannot plead with ye enough to use caution, especially with Brigit.”

She understood he was torn between his Christian beliefs and the part of himself that understood the old religion.

“I love you, Aedan. I will never love another, but you have to let me live my life as I wish.” She implored him with her eyes. “I cannot be imprisoned in a cage.”

He reached for her, clutching her shoulders in a tender grasp. “And I would not wish to crush yer spirit, but I cannot still this dread I feel. What are ye planning?”

She sighed. “You will not understand. I told you I am helping Brigit, which will help me as well.”

“Tonight is the full moon. Is it tonight ye make plans for magic?”

“Yes.” She decided not to lie to him.

Defeat dimmed his eyes, and his expression hardened like stone. “Ye are like the wild cats Gartnait keeps, unfettered and defiant.” His hard expression changed to tenderness. “I love that most about ye, but it also fills my heart with uneasiness that ye are venturing into danger, and I will lose ye.”

“You will not lose me, Aedan, not unless you force me to live a life not my own.” She conveyed her resoluteness to him with her unflinching stare and silently vowed never to allow anyone to enslave her again like Cailleach had.

“God’s teeth, lass, ye must have cast enchantments over me because I cannot deny ye.” His eyes smoldered behind thick, black lashes, glimmering with frustration and affection. “I can command one thousand warriors to do my bidding, but I cannot rule over ye. It excites me as much as it brings me to my knees. Nae other could affect me so.”

His words frightened her as if they were a veiled warning, and dread sat like a stone in her stomach. “You have command of my heart. Is that not enough for you?”

“I do not know.” He clenched his jaw, his eyes misting.

“Aedan? What are you finding so difficult to say to me?” Fear stabbed at her gut.

His gaze wavered as if he wanted to avoid looking into her eyes. “What I’m trying to say is that if it comes to choosing between ye and my kingship,” he said, swallowing hard, “I know not how I will choose.”

****

Enter a world of enchantment and passion

www.kelleyheckart.com

SINFULLY WICKED - Erotic Romance - Menage - Voyeurism - Dominance - Discipline - on AUDIBLE - Tina Donahue Monthly Newsmagazine #TinaDonahueBooks #EroticRomance #Menage #Giveaways #EyeCandy

SINFULLY WICKED

NOW ON AUDIBLE

Two brothers...

One woman...

Unforgettable passion.

 

Menage

Voyeurism

Dominance

Discipline

Alpha Heroes

 

Years before, Nikki fell in love with Mitch and Connor, betraying them as only a high school girl could. Now, she’s back and needs their help.

Powerful and commanding, Mitch has never stopped craving Nikki. Connor hungers for her as badly, but isn’t ready to forgive. If she needs some fast cash by working at their gentlemen’s club, she’ll have to audition by stripping for them.

Gladly. Aroused by their shameless scrutiny, Nikki’s willing to do whatever it takes to be near them again…even being punished in the BDSM Room or starring in one of Connor’s erotic films. Mitch won’t have it, unless he and Connor are the ones mounting and enjoying her.

On a sultry weekend in a secluded island mansion, desire reignites on camera and off as Nikki surrenders to their lust, dominance, and exquisite discipline, reawakening their timeless bond and the beginning of forgiveness.

 

PRAISE FOR SINFULLY WICKED

FIVE STARS - AMAZON REVIEWS

“Two men as powerless in her presence as she was in theirs.”

Redrabbit Reviews

Great Story!

Sexy Sirens & Cajun Heat Book Blogs

HOT!

TS

TEASERS

Excerpt:

Nikki Blaine smelled of magnolia and musk, the mingling of helpless female and seductive predator. A curious combination, but who said she couldn’t be both?

Hell, she was a freaking mess. Her palms clammy from anxiety, her nipples tight with expectation. The kind a woman experiences when she’s about to be spanked, then hopefully laid…long and hard.

Yeah, right.

She paced the spacious office like a caged animal, her high heels clicking on the shiny hardwood floor, the sounds keeping time with her pounding pulse. No matter how much she needed it—and by God, she did—soul-stirring sex, followed by aching tenderness, wasn’t going to be on the menu this afternoon. Going to the men she’d betrayed years ago, brothers she’d truly loved, didn’t count as the smartest thing to do, but she needed their help.

Stopped at the burgundy leather sofa, she clutched the arm for support. According to the secretary here, Mr. Wade would be with her in a few minutes.

Nikki hadn’t bothered to ask which Mr. Wade the young woman had been talking about. She would have bet this room belonged to Mitch. Scented by leather and something woodsy, it was darkly masculine with rich mahogany walls, copper accent lamps topped by bronze-colored shades, and classic cherry furniture. Solid and imposing.

The desk was nearly as long as a bed and wide enough for two people, maybe three.

Don’t go there. She had no right. It wasn’t as though she could waltz in here after nearly fifteen years and expect Mitch to give her a hug or a welcome home fuck…if he showed up at all.

Where is he? Nearly a half hour had passed since his secretary had led Nikki inside. She hoped after Mitch’s initial shock had worn off about her being here, he hadn’t decided against seeing her. If so, she couldn’t blame him. He probably figured she’d behave as cruelly now as when they’d been in high school.

She circled the sofa and paused at framed news articles of him and Connor published in well-respected business magazines. Those pieces were intimately familiar to her. She’d read them when she lived in New York prior to her ex-husband’s arrest. Through the years, she’d followed Mitch and Connor’s many successes, wanting only the best for them.

Smiling softly, she touched the first photo taken outside Wicked, their wildly popular gentlemen’s club. The reason she was here today.

They had to say yes to her proposal. At the very least, they had to show up. If neither did, Nikki wasn’t certain what she’d do.

The glass recorded Mitch’s reflection behind her.

Her heart stalled.

He stood in the doorway to his office, bathed in gauzy light pouring in from the arched window. Beyond it, Atlanta moved at a far more sluggish pace than Manhattan ever had, today’s oppressive humidity forcing everything to an exaggerated Southern crawl.

In here, everything unfolded in slo-mo, except for her walloping heart.

She faced him for the first time in too long, needing to get her fill.

Oh, Mitch.

At six-three, he made the sprawling room seem small, his build lean yet muscular, no longer the lanky teen. Ruggedly handsome, he wore his thirty years well. Laugh lines graced the corners of his beautiful hazel eyes. They looked golden behind his sooty lashes, complementing his olive complexion. Combed away from his forehead, his chestnut colored hair was longish in the back and on the sides.

Nikki reined in her urge to run her fingers through his thick, wavy locks, to touch and smell him, her face buried in the hollow of his neck, her body pressed close, lost in his heat and strength. Protected at last. Home.

A preposterous notion that made it difficult for her to join him, impossible for her to speak, but still she hoped.

His gaze wasn’t guarded or indifferent as she’d feared. Wonder flooded his features, no different from when they’d been in her parents’ garage after their first kiss. She was fifteen then. He’d been a year older and seemed so worldly. Life hadn’t been easy for him or Connor. She’d fallen in love with both brothers, but Mitch had made the initial move.

They’d been horsing around that afternoon, mercilessly teasing each other. Mitch finally settled the score by tickling her into submission. Before Nikki could catch her breath or slug him, he brushed his lips against hers. Their velvety warmth surprised. His bristly cheeks thrilled. She’d wanted him to hold her in his arms forever. Later the same week, Connor kissed her. Nikki never wanted to leave his side.

There was no guilt for what they’d done. Both brothers accepted the other’s claim on her just as she had, treating it as needed and natural. For the most part, their relationship remained innocent. They were her dearest friends, like none she’d ever known.

Their bliss lasted three months, ending when school started in the fall.

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Getting in shape for the beach

And by “getting in shape for the beach” I mean for relaxing with a good beach read, under a big umbrella, on a lounge chair, and with a cool drink in hand. I love that I can adjust the light setting on the Kindle so I can read in most sunlight. And in I doze off under the blanket with a cool ocean breeze blowing across me, well that’s what relaxing’s all about.

Honestly, I spent nine years in Virginia Beach and didn’t enjoy the beach much. I burn easily and sand—ugh!—gets EVERYwhere. But now in land-locked Idaho, a little ocean therapy would be nice! Here’s a book that might help us think about getting in shape for those beach vibes. Hope you enjoy!

Blurb:
An erotic fairy tale based on, guess what… Baer and the Three Goldilocks

Susan Baer, founder of Baer Hugs, health centers for women, longs to find her special someone. Sadly, there are no prospects in sight. Suddenly, three men come into her life. All successful, all gorgeous, all blond. And posing their own unique problems. One is too rough and hard in his treatment, one is too soft and wants her to take charge. The last is…well, let's just say he's unavailable. *sigh* Can any of them turn out to be “just right?”

 

 

 

 

Buy link:
Amazon Kindle Unlimited https://www.amazon.com/Baer-Three-Goldilocks-Dee-Knight-ebook/dp/B08R7TR367/

Excerpt:
About an hour before Susan normally broke for lunch, Toby Williams strolled into the office.

Automatically, Duncan’s eyes narrowed. He disliked Toby Williams. Strongly. At first, the feeling had been his normal reaction to arrogance. Toby had the confident swagger of a man who was both rich and good-looking, and knew it. Oh sure, the guy was attractive in a so-so way. His hair was so blond it was almost white. That alone would make him stand out in a crowd. And he seemed fit, in good enough shape to take care of himself in a fight if he had to. He supported the Italian economy with his suits and shoes, and the gold and diamond markets with the necklace, watch and pinkie ring he routinely wore.

But looks and wealth weren’t why Duncan disliked Toby Williams. No, Duncan just didn’t think all of that gave a guy an excuse to be a world-class asshole.

It didn’t help that Susan was seeing the jerk regularly, though why she went out with him Duncan would never understand. Williams treated her like shit with sly, backhanded compliments, or he ignored her presence altogether. Yet she seemed to brush off the slights.

Williams’s arrogance aside, his treatment of Susan was enough to damn him in Duncan’s eyes. He kept his opinions to himself, however, because she’d never hinted she would welcome them. He stayed wary around the bastard, just the same.

Duncan remembered the first time he met Toby, soon after he’d started working at the club. He’d greeted Toby in a professional manner, but had been virtually disregarded. When Susan introduced Toby as an old friend and Duncan held out his hand Toby took it, but with obvious reluctance, as though it were beneath him to interact with “the help.”

Then Susan and Toby had gone to lunch. When they returned, Toby had looked at Duncan with a decidedly superior sneer, but had also kept his distance, making Duncan assume Susan had told Toby about his sexual preferences. Since then, and with some glee, he found ways to make contact with Toby every time he came to the office. Simply knowing that his voice and his movements—which he exaggerated during the visits—made Toby uncomfortable, added a spot of enjoyment to Duncan’s day.

The enjoyment was always short-lived however, knowing that Susan was going out with the creep.

Like she was today.

“Hello, is there anything I can do for you?” Duncan knew why Toby was there of course, but he asked anyway, his voice low, seductive. Barely above a purr.

Duncan watched…and watched… Wait for it… There it was. The Toby Smirk, perfected, he assumed, after years of use.

Reviews:

"…one hilarious moment after another ... Ms. Knight deserves a pat on the back for this lovely adult bedtime story. Her idea was fresh, and her writing is witty."

"Dee S. Knight has written a sensuous, humorous story that will get the reader both laughing and panting ... This is not only a scintillating tale, but it will give the reader warm feelings and a satisfying time."

"…beyond wonderful! … was truly one of the most enjoyable stories I've read! … perfect for a quiet night at home!"

A little about me:
A few years ago, Dee S. Knight began writing, making getting up in the morning fun. During the day, her characters killed people, fell in love, became drunk with power, or sober with responsibility. And they had sex, lots of sex.

 After a while, Dee split her personality into thirds. She writes as Anne Krist for sweeter romances, and Jenna Stewart for ménage and shifter stories. All three of her personas are found on the Nomad Authors website. And all three offer some of the best romance you can find! Also, once a month, look for Dee’s Charity Sunday blog posts, where your comment can support a selected charity.

 Author links:

Website: https://nomadauthors.com

Blog: http://nomadauthors.com/blog

Twitter: http://twitter.com/DeeSKnight

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeeSKnight2018

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/265222.Dee_S_Knight

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B079BGZNDN

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/dee-s-knight-0500749

Sweet ‘n Sassy Divas: http://bit.ly/1ChWN3K

 

Taken by the Alien by @meganslayer #paranormal #romance

 

Taken by the Alien by Megan Slayer

Cover Art: Bryan Keller

BIN: 011857-03864

Genres: Action Adventure, Dark Fantasy, New Releases, Paranormal, Romance, Sci-Fi , Urban Fantasy

Themes: Alien Encounters, Capture Fantasy, Elves /Dragons /Magical Creatures, Magic /Sorcery /Witchcraft

Series: Taken (#13)

Book Length: Novella

Page Count: 118

Price: $4.24

Amazon (Kindle) Apple Books Barnes & Noble Kobo Books Kobo Plus

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DBZPDL23

https://www.changelingpress.com/taken-by-the-alien-taken-13-b-3864

She’s got magic she’s never tapped into. He’s from another galaxy. Together, they’re just right.

Lindsey Knepper-Lare just wants to belong. As far back as she can remember, she’s felt different. She’s convinced she’ll always been damaged goods. Then she’s abducted by an alien and spirited to a planet with a name she can’t even pronounce. Then Ronan walks into her life. He’s everything she wants, but has never had the courage to go after. Too bad he’ll never pay her any mind.

Ronan Miir wasn’t planning on visiting the diner on ERAEMA, but the second he spots Lindsey, he knows he has to save her. The metallic aliens on the planet want nothing good for to her. Not Ronan. He wants to kiss, touch, and protect her. Good thing he knows a thing or two about aliens, rescue, and getting back to Eerie. He’s ready to make their pairing into a forever romance… if she’ll give him a chance.

WARNING: Includes references to past abuse and dream-state scenes of torture which may trigger some readers.

WildCats About Reading 2026 #authors #authorsigning #booksigning #supportthelibrary #books

 

Join me and the Friends of EPLS Keystone at the WildCats About Reading Event, July 25^th, 2026 at the Village of LaGrange Municipal building, 301 Liberty Street, LaGrange Ohio. Meet authors, find your next favorite read and help the library!

Tickets are available now for only $12.50. All presale ticket holders will receive a swag bag and lanyard for the event. Universally accessible and all on one floor!

All proceeds from this event will benefit the Keystone Branch of the Elyria Public Library. Click here for more information or to buy tickets!

#authors #authorsigning #booksigning #supportthelibrary #books

Writing Lessons Learned in Motherhood

As some of you may know, a little over two years ago I had a bouncing baby boy. I don’t talk about him much in my writing life, to protect his privacy, and because I don’t think a lot of people want to be spammed with baby pictures in between sexy menage quotes.

To say that learning how to continue my writing career and balance everything else I need to do as a mom has been difficult is an understatement. But there have been a lot of bright spots too. Not just my son, who is the brightest possible spot in the universe—though I am a bit biased—but also the life lessons having to keep another little being alive has brought me.

In honor of Mother’s Day this weekend, I wanted to share the wisdom that I have acquired being a mom that I’ve applied to my writing. 

Take advantage of every minute. The time I have now is fleeting. Sometimes it’s just a few minutes while he is fascinated with a toy. Sometimes it’s a few hours while he takes a nap. It changes every day and can be very unpredictable. But having very little time has taught me how to use every minute to my advantage. Even if it’s just a few minutes, I can always find something that needs to be done.

Don’t try to remember anything. Stephen King famously never writes story ideas down before he starts a book. He says if it’s a good idea it will stay with you. Stephen King is clearly not the primary parent in his relationship. My memory has never been so spotty in my life. There is so much swimming in my head, stuff is constantly falling out. I make lists of everything. Every chore that needs to be completed around the house. Every little task that I used to just remember is now on a list on the refrigerator door. And guess what, most of them get done. What is known is what gets completed.

The same is true for your writing. The more organized you can be about your writing, the more time you will free up to actually write. Instead of worrying about what to post next on social media, keep a list of every idea that comes to you through your day and pull from that. Instead of worrying how to launch or promote your work, make a list of every task you or another author does before launch and follow it each time you have a new book come out. Add every little thing to the list. Even things you think you’ll remember. No one gets a prize for remembering it all.

One hundred percent isn’t always needed, showing up is what matters. Babies don’t need your one hundred percent all the time. As long as you are there for them, as long as you show up, they’re happy. The same is true for your manuscript. 

I used to always wait until I had one hundred percent to give before I would start anything. I would convince myself there was no use starting if I could give it my all. But I’ve learned from having a baby that you don’t always need to give one hundred percent. Sure, when you’re doing your last revision, you probably need to be fully rested and completely focused. But most of the time, seventy or eighty percent is enough.

Even if I’m tired, even if I don’t know how much I’ll get done, I try to at least do something. Because getting something done is better than nothing. And if I wait until I’m completely rested, and energized to go, it will probably never happen. But even fifty percent adds up overtime, as long as you keep showing up.

Your health is not an option. Nothing has put a strain on health like having a child in daycare. We’ve both been sick more over the last two years than we’ve been healthy (a little of an exaggeration but it’s not that far off). Which really makes you value and prioritize your health. Not only do I revel in those days when I’m not down with a cold, but I see more value in eating healthy, exercising, resting and drinking water—when I can do them. Especially when taking care of my health could mean one less cold I get from him. It might not appear the best decision for my writing career to go to bed instead of push for one more page, or to spend time making a healthy meal rather than promote a book, but making these things a priority means more time for writing, or promoting, or even just enjoying life, in the long run. Before my son, I used to put everything before my health. Especially my writing. But not anymore.

This is what I have learned so far from being a mom that I have been applying to my writing, but I’m sure as the years go on and my son grows there will only be more I’ll learn, and even more lessons I’ll be applying to my writing. Not just making me a better writer, and a better person, but hopefully a better mom too.