Get Hooked: Reel in a Great Book—Cupid's Curse #MFRWAuthors #MFRWHooks

Welcome to Book Hooks, the weekly smorgasbord sampler hosted by the MFRW Authors Blog.

Readers: get hooked and reel in some great books. Authors are sharing short excerpts from their work. Please enjoy and consider picking up the full book by clicking on the buy link.

While Cupid's Curse isn't set around Valentine's Day, it is about cupids and making perfect matches.

This week, we meet Bree Daniels.

Series Tagline: When gods and mortals play together… the result is often unexpected.

Book Tagline: Cursed by the god of love, Archer Stewart, a Cupid of the First Order, knows exactly who to blame—his fellow cupid, Bree Daniels.

~*~

Bree Daniels had a dilemma. Up next for a turn at the matching chapel—she'd put it off as long as she could—she'd end up face-to-face with Archer Stewart. And he would not be happy to see her.

And didn't that just figure? Because she couldn't wait to lay eyes on him—and maybe her hands and other body parts, too. If he didn't try to strangle her before she had the chance.

She didn't really blame him. Her track record with him sucked so far. First, there were the less than stellar circumstances they'd met under. She'd arrived naked from a beach in Belize. The hook-up she'd had took a weird turn and the guy hid her clothes. Already late, she decided not to waste time and popped into the grotto sans anything but skin… which completely made a bad impression with Arch.

But they'd muddled through that debacle and found some common ground. Enough that they spent some time together. Got to know each other. Spent a glorious week at the Four Corners.

The sex had been incredible.

But Arch wanted more… and Bree didn't feel ready to be tied down.

Her reluctance didn't go over well.

And then came the curse. Poor Arch couldn't leave the grotto until Eros removed it. And she'd been the indirect cause.

Gads… when I screw up, I really do it up right.

She needed some deified intervention and found herself standing outside Aphrodite's private chambers.

If anyone could help Bree fix the mess she'd made, it would be the goddess of love.

Raising a hand, she rang the chimes and waited to be summoned inside. 

The tinkling trill drew Aphrodite's attention away from choosing an appropriate piece of clothing. "I'm not decent, but come in anyway." Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, had no shame when it came to immodesty.

Bree entered Aphrodite's lovely suite and watched as she stepped into a gorgeous frothy robe.

"Bree. How lovely to see you today." The goddess sat down at her vanity and admired the view.

Bree stepped further inside the sanctuary and opted for formal politeness. "Mistress, I seek advice." A safe opening when one didn't know the mood of the goddess. 

Aphrodite raised a brow. "Oh, come on, Bree. You know I don't stand on ceremony." She picked up a make-up brush, waited a beat then laughed. "Okay, I do. But not with you." She waved Bree to a nearby slipper chair.

Bree relaxed and sat down. "Thanks." She started feeling good about coming to see Aphrodite.

The other woman swept a lovely pink color on her cheeks, but watched Bree carefully. "You look pensive, my dear. What worries you?"

Bree blew out a breath and decided to just lay it out. "I'm due for my turn at the matching chapel…" When Aphrodite gave her a knowing look, she hastily added on the truth. "Okay, overdue for my turn, and I've sort of got a problem."

Aphrodite smiled. "Hence the advice seeking part." She laid the make-up brush aside and turned to face Bree. "Okay. Spill."

Bree suddenly didn't know where to start. "Uh, you know the guy who's cursed? Archer Stewart?" When the goddess nodded, she continued. "I haven't had a matchmaking session since he's been stuck there. Purposefully."

Aphrodite's patience wore thin. "And?"

Bree opted to spit it out in one go. "And we had a thing and it sort of went kinda south… and well, now I have to face that smokin' hot guy or lose my privilege as cupid."

Aphrodite mused. "Hmm. You've done it to yourself this time, haven't you?"

Available on Amazon

~*~

Series Blurb: Welcome to a world where gods and goddesses of various pantheons mix and mingle with mere earthly mortals—often with unexpected results. Deities can't seem to help themselves and have to meddle with their human counterparts. Sometimes the godly being offers much needed assistance, but occasionally they lash out and cause harm.

But mostly, the amalgamation of deified power and human nature combines to be highly entertaining.

Book Blurb: Sygin and Boyd, adept mages, are looking forward to their winter break, being alone in the big manor for Yule is their most cherished tradition. But a series of mishaps may keep them from their celebratory festivities.

~*~

~*~

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Reel in more great books! Visit the other participating authors.

Sunday Snippet: Underbelly

I'm so happy The Flash and Arrow are back! Also, Gotham and Sleepy Hollow had great returns. As always, Banshee threw me for a sideways spin, bringing something random in from last season to kick the story and plot forward in a totally new way. Gotta say I'm pretty thrilled the topic of who Hood is or is not is being raised. I'm so damned curious about his past, which I rather hope ties into the military heist plot thread. We'll know if I'm right in about seven more episodes. J

Caught up with The Librarians and would not be disappointed if that one gets another season. It's such a fun show! Also loving the news of an X-Files revival. I'm almost through season six of my rewatch so the information comes at a timely moment. J

Tonight's post is from Underbelly, an urban noir novella with main characters who work and play together.

Here's the tagline:

Jarrod Steele is a private investigator who deals with the weird and the unknown and can find anything his clients want. His super-efficient assistant, Maylin Rose, along with her unique skill set, makes sure of it.

And a preview snippet…

Maylin entered Jarrod's office and placed a file on his desk. "Schematics of the Barrowman's sublevel. It's gonna be a two man job, Jarrod." She propped a hip on the edge of the oak surface. "How's your black wardrobe? All clean and ready for the thieving?"

Jarrod opened the folder and reviewed her notes before answering. "I'm always ready for retrieval, Maylin. You know that." He leaned forward, sliding the file in her direction then pointed to her egress point. "This is five miles from the nearest road. We'll have Barrowman's security team, including the hounds, on our ass within two minutes of removing the hex cube." He glanced up. "How're we getting out?"

A slow smile spread across Maylin's face. "Got that covered already. Stashed a dirt bike in this little copse of trees." She pointed to the area. "And if that fails, I've got an ATV waiting across the river, here." Her finger landed on the spot where she'd hidden the other vehicle.

Jarrod settled back. "Got our asses covered, as usual." He closed the file. "Have I mentioned how terrific you are lately?"

Maylin smirked. "No, but you may wanna hold that thought." She nodded toward the folder. "I couldn't figure out a way to safely transport the damned cube out of the sublevel." She met his gaze. "Don't know about you, but I don't want any nasty side effects from handling that thing."

Jarrod held up a finger. "Ah… I have just the thing." He opened the bottom drawer of the desk. "Did I forget to mention I acquired a shaman's medicine bag?" He laid the leather pouch on the surface. "The contents will nullify the bad juju from the cube long enough for us to return it to its rightful owner."

Maylin put two fingers under his chin and raised his face. "Yes, you did forget to mention that very important fact." She leaned in close, her mouth hovering over his. "I'll let it slide this time." She gave him a quick, hard kiss. "But you get to carry it while I get us off the property."

Jarrod opened his mouth to argue, but stopped. "Fine. Have it your way." He stashed the bag back inside the drawer.

Maylin straightened, her lips curving upward. "I think I will, but since you're being a good sport, you can call the shots when we have our post retrieval romp at my place." She started for the door. "I'm heading out. Pick me up at ten." She glanced back over her shoulder. "I'll be the one dressed head to toe in black." Twisting the knob, she exited Jarrod's office to the sound of his hearty chuckle.

Jarrod and Maylin are my favorite kind of partners, true equals, even if their society doesn't recognize it.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye 

Sunday Snippet: Raid at Midnight

I love it when characters creep me out on television shows. The marine colonel on Banshee is a total madman and takes the mantle of crazypants from the Red Bone leader Chayton Littlestone. Gotta say, he lost points this past week, but I won't get into why in this venue. I may have to dust off my Universes Altered blog and go to town on this season. LOL

Other television news… eh, not much until this upcoming week. Looking forward to new episodes of Arrow and The Flash. Hoping for some great stuff from Gotham and Sleepy Hollow, too.

Lastly, come on February. I need Bitten and The Walking Dead back on my screen. :D

Tonight's post is from Under the Blackhawk Banner, a novella with something of an alternative universe.

Here's the tagline:

In a battle torn land, the saving grace is the Blackhawk Banner. Any who fly the flag are protected by the elite group of pilots and their crew who pull off amazing feats of victory. Verity Jones, the lone female in the group, is about to become one of their secret weapons, and Emory Cavendish will make it happen, over the protests of damned near everyone.

And a preview snippet…

"Cavendish!" The company commander bellowed from his office.

Emory sighed and placed his pencil in the holder and gathered up the report, stuffing the pages in the folder on his desk. He rose, squared his shoulders, and started for the CO's office. No doubt, the man discovered who'd flown the last mission.

"Cavendi—" Earl Whitcomb paused mid-shout. "'Bout damned time you got your ass in here." He pointed to the seat opposite his desk. "Take a seat, Captain. And you'd better be ready to explain yourself." Whitcomb dropped down, his heavy girth rattling the chair on its hinges.

Emory crossed his legs at the ankles and settled back. He didn't expect the meeting with his CO to last long, but he made it a point to remain calm and collected. Whitcomb raised a brow, indicating Emory should get talking.

Emory cleared his throat. "Verity Jones flew the mission last night and you're not happy about it?" He wanted everything nice and clear when he filled out his report.

Whitcomb exploded. "You're goddamned right I'm not happy, Cavendish. What the hell are you thinking?" He waved a hand. "Never mind. You're not thinking with your brain." The man leaned forward and lowered his voice. "You're thinking with your cock. And I won't have it." He hissed the last few words.

Okay, not what Emory expected. The blistering tirade, yes. The red-faced anger, absolutely. But an accusation of being led around by his shaft? Not bloody likely.

Emory straightened. "With all due respect, Sir. You couldn't be more wrong." He got up and paced, back and forth, seeking a cool head before speaking again. "Do you have any idea who her father is?" Victor 'Aces' Jones, the best damned Blackhawk pilot out of WWI.

Whitcomb snorted. "Of course I know who he is. Why the hell do you think I even let the woman near my planes?" He leaned back, folding his hands over his hefty belly.

Emory paused. "Your planes, Sir? All aircraft belong to the Blackhawk cause. And who do you think keeps them flying?" He started his trek back and forth again. "Verity Jones. She knows every inch of those machines, can coax miracles from them, and you know what else?" Emory stopped directly in front of the desk. "She can fly like no one else I've ever seen."

Whitcomb opened his mouth, but Emory held up a hand. The old man narrowed his eyes, but remained silent.

Emory dragged in a deep breath. "I won't deny I find Specialist Jones fascinating, but she's bloody damned good at what she does…" He pinned Whitcomb with his gaze. "And that includes running missions. She got in and out of enemy territory right under their noses. Who else could have pulled that off?"

Whitcomb lifted a brow. "Aside from you?" He shrugged. "No one. But I don't want a woman flying under the Blackhawk banner. What's next? Combat patrols?" He shook his head. "No. I won't have a member of the fairer sex showing up all the men who've put their lives on the line." He shoved the chair back and rose from the seat. "It's bad enough she's roaming around the stronghold wearing pants and overalls. Keep a tight leash on her, Cavendish, or you'll be held responsible when everything goes sideways because she's here."

Emory blew out a frustrated breath. "Yes, Sir. I'll make sure she keeps a low profile."

Whitcomb came around the desk and clapped him on the shoulder. "Glad we understand each other, Captain. You're dismissed."

Emory bolted from the office before he said something truly stupid. Like how he planned to have Verity take off after the clock struck midnight to try out the new equipment he had her install on the Bertha Jay.

I have so much love for this story. Emory and Verity are kind of like superheroes, bucking the status quo. Fun!!

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Uncommonly Good

So… the new season of Banshee started and blew my mind with the first episode. I have no idea why I'm so drawn to the show, but it never fails to push just a little further than I think it will. The opening scene equaled sheer perfection.

The Librarians is still making me smile and I’m getting ready to start Miss Fisher's Mysteries on Netflix this week. I've heard super awesome things about the series and can't wait to get into a new to me show.

OH! The CW also renewed ALL their fall dramas and I read the showrunners for The Flash and Arrow plan a once a year crossover for the two shows. WOOHOO!! Seriously happy for that news.

Bitten starts next month on Space and my unblocker app and Chromecast is going to be busy each week while I stream the episodes multiple times from the website. (Then watch again when Syfy airs them. :D)

And that's enough about TV, right?

Tonight's post is from Uncommonly Good, a novella where my main characters are on opposite sides and figure out a way to not be.

Here's the tagline:

Shelby Fewes and Creed Campanalla have a very friendly rivalry vying for top name in their respective dark and light organizations. When Creed is ordered to eliminate Shelby for retaliation, he makes a different call and the duo have an uncommonly good time proving the two sides can live and love together.

And a preview snippet…

Creed met Shelby at the entrance to the showers. "Ladies first." He waved her forward with a flourish.

She quipped. "I'm not a lady, but yeah, whatever." She entered the locker room and started stripping off her clothes.

The protective harness landed first, followed by her t-shirt. Next came her shoes, which landed on opposite ends of the room when she kicked them away from her feet. Her fingers slipped under the waistband of her shorts and pushed the fabric past her hips. She wiggled her butt and walked out of the garment.

Standing in her sports bra and hipster undies, she turned and winked. "Like what you see so far?" Her arms crisscrossed and she jerked her bra up and off.

She gave it a toss in in his direction. Creed gaped a little. Her breasts were gorgeous and would perfectly fit in the palms of his hands. His fingers itched to find out. But, no, his orders were to not engage.

She cleared her throat. "Hey, Master of Light, pay attention or you'll miss the best part." She hooked her thumbs under her panties and slowly slid them over her hips and down her thighs.

She lifted a leg, removing the limb from the leg opening, but left the cotton knit dangling from her other foot. Her knee bent and she kicked out, sending the undergarment sailing outward to land at his feet.

Standing nude, and perfectly bare everywhere, she quirked an eyebrow. "Chivalry earned you the free show. Now be more of a nice guy and give me the room to wash the sweat and grit from the cage away." She didn't wait for a response, striding into the shower stall and turning on the water.

Creed granted her request, taking a post outside the door. Nobody else would be treated to her brand of showmanship… unless they could get past him. And he planned to fight to the death if necessary. Shelby Fewes made his blood hum a finely crafted tune.

Her zest for life and her honorable show in the ring notched his respect up a couple of levels. She'd gone toe to toe with him, physically and otherworldly, and when the outcome proved a draw, she acknowledged their evenly matched skills instead of pulling a sleight of hand. Not many of the darkside fae played by the rules, but Shelby did—at least while in the cage.

His heart heavy, he weighed his options. Follow his directive or take a chance on walking a different path. He needed to make a choice. The exchange with Shelby, sexual tension and all, gave him a jolt of much needed reflection. Did he blindly accept his orders, or go with his gut and let Shelby live?

I love the vibe these characters have. Can't wait to get back to work on this one.

That's it for the week.

Cheers!

Skye

Smokin' Hot—Book Girlfriend Celebrity Lookalike: Cupid's Curse

Welcome to the Hot for Friday blog hop!

Readers: Enjoy posts from authors with fun weekly tasks or a cool question.

Authors: Get in on the fun and join here.

We already got to know our book boyfriend celebrity lookalike. For this week's entry, we get to cast our book girlfriend celebrity lookalike.

FUN!!!

As mentioned in my boyfriend casting post, I almost always have an actor or actress serve as inspiration when I'm writing. It's great to have visual imagery as a point of reference when creating characters.

I'd love to share my vision of hotness for Cupid's Curse, coming soon from Ellipses Press, Ltd.

So… without further ado…

Please meet the truly gorgeous inspiration for Bree Daniels.

Anna Silk

Anna stars as Bo, a succubus, in Lost Girl. Bree is a very sexual being, but she's also got a few vulnerabilities, even if she tries damned hard not to show them. Anna's character—hello, Succubus!—really gave me a needed boost to get inside Bree's head. And Anna's look is what I wanted, too. No hardship to cast Anna as Bree.

Book Tagline: Cursed by the god of love, Archer Stewart, a Cupid of the First Order, knows exactly who to blame—his fellow cupid, Bree Daniels.

Series Tagline: When gods and mortals play together… the result is often unexpected.

Bree Daniels had a dilemma. Up next for a turn at the matching chapel—she'd put it off as long as she could—she'd end up face-to-face with Archer Stewart. And he would not be happy to see her.

And didn't that just figure? Because she couldn't wait to lay eyes on him—and maybe her hands and other body parts, too. If he didn't try to strangle her before she had the chance.

She didn't really blame him. Her track record with him sucked so far. First, there were the less than stellar circumstances they'd met under. She'd arrived naked from a beach in Belize. The hook-up she'd had took a weird turn and the guy hid her clothes. Already late, she decided not to waste time and popped into the grotto sans anything but skin… which completely made a bad impression with Arch.

But they'd muddled through that debacle and found some common ground. Enough that they spent some time together. Got to know each other. Spent a glorious week at the Four Corners.

The sex had been incredible.

But Arch wanted more… and Bree didn't feel ready to be tied down.

Her reluctance didn't go over well.

And then came the curse. Poor Arch couldn't leave the grotto until Eros removed it. And she'd been the indirect cause.

Gads… when I screw up, I really do it up right.

She needed some deified intervention and found herself standing outside Aphrodite's private chambers.

If anyone could help Bree fix the mess she'd made, it would be the goddess of love.

Raising a hand, she rang the chimes and waited to be summoned inside.  

The tinkling trill drew Aphrodite's attention away from choosing an appropriate piece of clothing. "I'm not decent, but come in anyway." Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, had no shame when it came to immodesty.

Bree entered Aphrodite's lovely suite and watched as she stepped into a gorgeous frothy robe.

"Bree. How lovely to see you today." The goddess sat down at her vanity and admired the view.

Bree stepped further inside the sanctuary and opted for formal politeness. "Mistress, I seek advice." A safe opening when one didn't know the mood of the goddess.  

Aphrodite raised a brow. "Oh, come on, Bree. You know I don't stand on ceremony." She picked up a make-up brush, waited a beat then laughed. "Okay, I do. But not with you." She waved Bree to a nearby slipper chair.

Bree relaxed and sat down. "Thanks." She started feeling good about coming to see Aphrodite.

The other woman swept a lovely pink color on her cheeks, but watched Bree carefully. "You look pensive, my dear. What worries you?"

Bree blew out a breath and decided to just lay it out. "I'm due for my turn at the matching chapel…" When Aphrodite gave her a knowing look, she hastily added on the truth. "Okay, overdue for my turn, and I've sort of got a problem."

Aphrodite smiled. "Hence the advice seeking part." She laid the make-up brush aside and turned to face Bree. "Okay. Spill."

Bree suddenly didn't know where to start. "Uh, you know the guy who's cursed? Archer Stewart?" When the goddess nodded, she continued. "I haven't had a matchmaking session since he's been stuck there. Purposefully."

Aphrodite's patience wore thin. "And?"

Bree opted to spit it out in one go. "And we had a thing and it sort of went kinda south… and well, now I have to face that smokin' hot guy or lose my privilege as cupid."

Aphrodite mused. "Hmm. You've done it to yourself this time, haven't you?"

~*~

Coming Next Week!

~*~

Series Blurb: Welcome to a world where gods and goddesses of various pantheons mix and mingle with mere earthly mortals—often with unexpected results. Deities can't seem to help themselves and have to meddle with their human counterparts. Sometimes the godly being offers much needed assistance, but occasionally they lash out and cause harm.

But mostly, the amalgamation of deified power and human nature combines to be highly entertaining.

Book Blurb: Archer Stewart, a Cupid of the First Order, suffers the wrath of Eros when he nips the wrong woman with an arrow. Cursed by the god of love, Arch spends his days making perfect matches or he had to deal with some unpleasant consequences.

Bree Daniels is indirectly responsible for Arch's predicament and seeks advice from Aphrodite, hoping to find a way to make amends. After almost two years apart, Bree finally realizes Arch is the man she wants and she's willing to risk her immortality to set him free.

~*~

Thank you for stopping by.

Please feel free to stop by my website

And don't forget to enjoy the other Hot for Friday posts!

Sunday Snippet: Led Astray

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone is getting a great start to the new year. I kind of love this time. It's almost like a period of renewal. I jot down goals or revisit past ones to see my progress. Last year, I got more accomplished than I realized, which makes me excited for 2015.

On the television front, I finally sat down and watched Ascension and I’m sooooo glad I did! If Syfy gives a green light to make it a series, I'll be a happy camper. I also took some time and got started on The Librarians and I'm charmed by the show. It's a little campy and ridiculous, but I don't care. It's fun, lighthearted, and reminds me a lot of Warehouse 13, which I loved.

Looking forward to the return of my regular viewing treats and the start of the new seasons for Banshee and Bitten.

Tonight's post is from Led Astray, a novella with main characters at cross-purposes, but they have to work together.

Here's the tagline:

Gia Schmidt is tasked with bringing Orrick Triolo around to her clan's way of thinking, but he proves a hard case to crack, even with her considerable skills. Orrick's got something she wants but if she's not careful, he'll lead her astray instead of the other way around.

And a preview snippet…

Okay, a pissed off Orrick didn't rate with anything she planned. She needed him in her corner, helping her, not all steely-eyed angry… even though he wore that particular look extremely well.

Shaking off the thought, Gia tried to get him to see her side. "Look, Orrick, why can't you—"

He cut her off with a low growl. "Just drive." He kept his eyes straight ahead, his jaw clenching then relaxing. "Just. Drive. Don't do or say anything else." The rumble and rasp of his voice brooked no argument.

Gia studied him a moment, weighing the pros and cons of trying to reach him. The cons won. She put the car in gear and pulled out into traffic. The drive to the estate would last at least thirty minutes, hopefully enough time for him to cool off and see reason.

"Turn left at the next intersection." He made it sound like an order.

Gia slid a quick glance in his direction. "That's not the quickest way to Manor Glen." She stayed in the middle lane, but slowed down.

Orrick nodded. "We're not going there. Turn left." His jaw worked again. "Or I bail. Right now."

Turning her blinker on, Gia complied, moving into the correct lane. "Where, exactly, are we going?" A hard knot formed in her gut, unease creeping up her spine.

Orrick finally turned his gaze in her direction. "To the caves. Got a problem with that?"

Oh, hell yes, she had a big ass problem with the idea, but she wouldn't give him the satisfaction of confirmation.

Instead, she lifted a shoulder. "It's going to be a long drive. You might want to get comfortable." She made the left, heading out of the city.

Orrick visibly relaxed and shifted his position, stretching out his long legs. Gia bit back a heavy sigh. Didn't it just figure? His calm edged her tension into high gear.

Ahhh. I love writing tension between characters. So much fun.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye