Cupid's Arrow

Safina Ralph is single on Valentine's Day.  She's determined to have a good time in L.A. away from her home in Chicago with her friend, Lynn.  The two of them have exclusive passes to Red, the hottest nightclub on Venice Beach.  Just as the festive atmosphere begins to coax Safina into the party mood, she notices something . . . or someone shooting arrows into the crowd of unsuspecting partygoers below! 

Chaos erupts as Safina races to stop the attack. When she confronts Kal, one of the club's sexy owners, Safina's sure he's the attacker despite his warm reassurances and her body's hot response to his touch. Consumed with overwhelming feelings of déjà vu and desire, Safina is relieved to get back home but she can't shake unsettling questions and Kal's handsome face from her mind.

After their encounter at Red, Kal tracks Safina down in Chicago with questions of his own.  And the answers for them both could be the key to everything they've wished for, but will Safina accept the truth and can Kal trust his heart? 

Available with Noble Romance Publishing on Valentine's Day!

Safina splashed cold water on her face several times before meeting her reflection in the decorative oval mirror hanging over the modern basin. Some curls had escaped from her fancy up-do, but that was the only sign to indicate she had experienced something out of the ordinary. Pulling a paper napkin off the marble counter, she patted the moisture from her face.

There was something about . . . she didn't even know his name. Safina shivered, remembering the awareness she’d experienced when his hard body had pressed so close to her own. Even in her dazed state, the scent of his cologne and the feel of his arms wrapped under her thighs had sent her heart racing.

Maybe Lynn was right; time to go back to the hotel. Taking a deep breath, she shut off the bathroom light and opened the door, instantly aware her friend was gone. "Where did Lynn go?"

Kallias downed the contents of his glass. "I told her I'd bring you back out after you had a few more moments to regroup. I'm Kal, by the way."

Safina looked around the beautifully decorated room. There were large mirrors on all the walls and an interesting collection of art pieces adorning the wooden shelves facing the desk Kal now rested against. Red was obviously doing very well.

"How do you feel now?"

Tearing her gaze off the exquisite ivory sculpture of a man and woman intertwined in an intimate embrace, Safina met Kal's dark brown eyes. "Better." Except for the fact she was now experiencing a serious case of déjà vu on top of everything else.

"Beautiful, isn't?" Kallias asked, coming to stand by her and the suggestive artwork.

Safina nodded, afraid to speak. Just his presence evoked a response from her body she didn't understand. Goosebumps prickled along her skin as she sucked in a deep breath. Unconsciously, she took a step away from Kallias, who turned from the statue to study her.

"Safina?"

Those lips, those dark eyes, his voice was so familiar. She couldn't breathe. She wanted to escape whatever was happening to her. She needed to escape before she rushed into his arms. "I-I'm gonna go. Thanks, Kal."

Safina turned and rushed for the door, letting out a yelp when Kallias stopped her with a sharp tug on her arm.

Kallias moved close, bringing his face a centimeter, maybe two, from hers. "Do I know you?"

His hand on her skin was more than she could bear. Pleasurable tingles raced from his warm touch up and down her bare arm. With wide eyes, Safina tried to yank free but he held fast. "Please—"

Kallias cut her off with a kiss. His lips melded with hers and Safina forgot about struggling and moaned, going limp in his arms. She kissed him back, enjoying the heat and passion she could taste as he stroked her tongue, remembering . . . remembering something. Finding a bit of strength, Safina wrenched away, breathing hard.

Kallias licked his bottom lip and appeared to be just as bemused as she was. Safina used his momentary confusion to break free of his grasp. Pivoting on the balls of her high-heeled shoes, she bolted for the door.

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A Christmas for Carol

Imagine losing the love of your life right before Christmas.  It's a nightmare Carol Christine Moore had to face two years ago.  Unable to cope with the pain of losing her fiancé so unexpectedly, Carol closes off her heart entirely. 

She puts all of her time and energy into making the coffee shop she owns with her best friend a success.  Consumed with customers and the daily grind, Carol has convinced herself that she doesn't need anything or anyone else in her life. 

All that changes the day Grant walks into the Cafe Bean.  Carol squashes the instantaneous attraction she feels for this sexy, funny, and easy-going patron.  After sipping coffee and chatting casually together for months, Grant finally asks Carol out on a lunch date.  Both of them realize the sparks they feel are real, but Carol isn't sure she can let go of the past. 

The night before Christmas Eve, Grant gives Carol a ride home from work.  When he confronts her about his feelings, Carol is forced to face her own.  What happens next will delight and surprise you.

A Christmas for Carol is a heart-warming tale about forgiveness, love, and second chances!

Sneak Peek! 

He shoved one hand into his coat, and pulled out a small white box. He held it out to her. “This is for you.”

Carol stared at the beautifully wrapped gift with surprise. “Grant . . . .”

“Just open it.” He flipped on the overhead light.

Her heart hammered as she yanked off the red ribbon, and lifted the box top to reveal an exquisite gold chain with a delicate charm. The little coffee cup sparkled with tiny diamonds. “It’s beautiful!” Carol gasped. “I can’t believe you got me a gift. Thank you. I love it!” On impulse she leaned over to give him a quick kiss, but Grant pulled her in closer. He tasted like cinnamon as he deepened the kiss, brushing his lips slowly across hers. Pulling off her hat, he laced his fingers through her hair, holding her in place as he teased and tasted every inch of her mouth.

Carol whimpered, overwhelmed by her need for him. Desire ignited and raged through her body as he caressed her tongue in deliciously deliberate strokes. She raised her hand to touch his beard, loving the way the short hairs tickled her fingers. Her craving for him was undeniable. She wanted to let go and give herself over to the feelings rushing through her as he massaged her scalp.

Maybe it was time to let go. Maybe it was time to let her heart feel something other than pain and guilt.

He pulled away, leaving her lips throbbing and tingling. Neither of them spoke for a few seconds, the hum of the heater the only sound in the truck.

Grant stared out the window at the snow falling more heavily on the windshield. “There’s something between us, Carol. Something I’ve never felt before with any woman and I know you feel it, too.”

Carol loosened her scarf, still frazzled from his kiss and her own chaotic emotions.

“I know we’ve only been on one date—“

“Three.” Carol corrected him, blushing when she saw the triumphant look on his face.

“I know. I was just checking to see if you were counting our lunch dates. I feel like I already know so much about you and I still want to spend more time with you.”

Carol shook her head. “This is crazy. We hardly know each other.”

Grant looked at her. “That’s not true. I know you’re a morning person. I know you like cream and sugar in your coffee. I know you like to wear the color yellow. I know you don’t like to wear a lot of make-up. I know you obsess over tiny details at your job. I know you like to laugh. I know holiday music makes you crazy.”

Carol looked at him in shock until she couldn’t see him because of the tears in her eyes again. “Stop. Stop!”

Grant grabbed her hand. “I can’t, because I want to know more. I know you’ve been through something tragic and life changing. I understand that, but I have to know if I even have a chance with you.”

Scheduled for release with Noble Romance Publishing on December 21, 2009!