Do You Think You Know....??

1Night Stand

Pararescuemen Series

LJ Garland & Debbie Gould

Book 1

Second Chance

Lieutenant Colin Beckett, US Air Force special ops, lost his wife in childbirth while off on a mission. Two years later, he’s still trying to come to grips with the guilt that tortures him. And to complicate matters, he finds himself undeniably attracted to his wife's sister, Emily. Struggling with his desire, he tells himself he doesn’t deserve a second chance with such an amazing woman.

Emily wants Colin in her life and her bed. Enlisting the help of Colin's teammates and Madame Eve's 1Night Stand dating service, she plans to prove to Colin he can have everything he lost once again.

BUY LINK

Book 2

In My Sights

Six months ago, Siobhan Cantrell’s world was changed forever by a sniper’s bullet. The incident transformed her from a secure confident woman to a recluse, afraid to leave her own home. When her friends urge her to re-enter the world of the living, they suggest Madame Eve’s 1Night Stand dating service. Nervous, she signs up and learns the company is renown for in-depth background checks and safe encounters. So, how dangerous could it be?

Sergeant Bobby Martin has witnessed Madame Eve’s magic firsthand. His teammate found true love through her service. Still a skeptic but giving in to peer pressure, the Air Force Pararescueman signs himself up. When he meets Siobhan, his doubts fly out the window—unfortunately bullets start flying in them. Determined to protect her from a sniper that won’t give up, Bobby vows to keep her safe. As their chemistry ramps up, so does the sniper’s attempts.

Can Bobby keep Siobhan alive, or will the killer catch them in his sights?

BUY LINK

Book 3

Explosive Conditions

Staff Sergeant Zeke “Diz” Matthews never forgot the woman he rescued from a burning boat. She invades his dreams at night and thoughts of her distract his days. Fed up with his cranky change in demeanor, his teammates urge him to take advantage of Madame Eve's 1Night Stand dating service.


Kaci Phillips needs to start a new life. But she struggles to move on from the horrific event that claimed her whole family. When she reconnects with the sexy Air Force pararescueman who saved her six months earlier, the weight she's been carrying at last lifts.

What begins as a hot, frenzied night of passion in each other’s arms ends with gunfire, blood, and the threat of death. With the odds stacked against them, can Zeke and Kaci defuse such explosive conditions?

BUY LINK

Book 4

Do No Harm

Air Force Pararescuman, Junior Lieutenant Kyle “Raven” Alvarez has seen it all. After three years as the team’s medic, he’s been up to his elbows patching back together the worst humanity has to offer, overseas and stateside. So, when his teammates set him up for a date through Madame Eve’s 1Night Stand service, he jumps at the chance. But under no circumstances will he end up like Colin, Bobby, and Zeke...with a ring on his finger and a lifelong commitment. Just one night of hot, sweaty no-strings-attached sex, and he’ll be good to go. Besides, Madame Eve found three perfect matches already. He’s in the clear, right?

Dr. Melissa Anne Carter has dedicated her life to saving people. Especially the innocent victims of rampant gang violence that come through her Emergency Department. Then out of the blue, her long-forgotten application to 1Night Stand is answered. Madame Eve has found her perfect match. Maybe a night in the arms of a man who can make her body sing will help her forget all the horror she’s witnessed and lives she couldn’t save. At least for a little while.

But destruction at the hands of a madman has never hit so close to home, becoming more personal than ever. And when a man with a penchant for explosives vows revenge by abducting Melissa, the oath she took to Do No Harm takes on new meaning. Can Kyle and his team save the good doctor before the timer runs out—literally?

BUY LINK

Book 5

Third Time's the Charm

Twice, Senior Airman Jason Moore let The Fixer, a maniacal bomber who’s fixated on destroying the Pararescue team, slip through his fingers. Last time, he was the hero for holding the killer captive. Now, he’s the goat for letting the guy escape…again.

He’s got it bad….

Every member on the team has found love through Madame Eve, but Jason dreams of hooking up with the sexy FBI agent who stormed in with a warrant for his laptop. He can’t get the curvy Black-Irish federal agent—or the Glock she pointed in his face—out of his thoughts. Ghost, Bobcat, Diz, and Raven, they all say she’s out his league. Handing him Madame Eve’s card, they tell him he needs to get his head out of his...well, you know, and back in the game. Fine, Madame Eve it is.

She’s got it bad....

Special Agent Flynn Carmody has been focused on her career since the day she joined the Bureau. She doesn’t have time for the picket fence, 2.4 kids, or the minivan...or, for that matter, falling in love. She spends every waking moment keeping the country safe. When her partner comments that she’s wound so tight she just might just pop and suggests a one-night stand, she decides he may be right. A single encounter of hot, sweaty, no-strings-attached sex might help relieve her pent-up stress and help her focus on getting her career back on track.

Everything’s going bad....
When Jason and Flynn at last meet, passion explodes—along with almost everything else around them. The Fixer has plans for the couple. After all, he has a reputation to uphold, which means people must die. It’s what he’s paid to do, and he’s very good at his job. But with Flynn at Jason’s side, can they bring the bad guy down and prove Third Time’s the Charm?

BUY LINK

Third Time's the Charm....

Coming December 2016....
The final chapter in the Pararescuemen Series

Twice, Senior Airman Jason Moore let The Fixer, a maniacal bomber who’s fixated on destroying the Pararescuemen team, slip through his fingers. Last time, he was the hero for holding the killer captive. Now, he’s the goat for letting the guy escape…again.

He’s got it bad….
Every member on the team has found love through Madame Eve, but Jason dreams of hooking up with the sexy FBI agent who stormed in with a warrant for his laptop. He can’t get the curvy Black-Irish federal agent—or the Glock she pointed in his face—out of his thoughts. Ghost, Bobcat, Diz, and Raven, they all say she’s out his league. Handing him Madame Eve’s card, they tell him he needs to get his head out of his...well, you know, and back in the game. Fine, Madame Eve it is.

She’s got it bad....
Special Agent Flynn Carmody has been focused on her career since the day she joined the Bureau. She doesn’t have time for the picket fence, 2.4 kids, or the minivan...or, for that matter, falling in love. She spends every waking moment keeping the country safe. When her partner comments that she’s wound so tight she just might just pop and suggests a one-night stand, she decides he may be right. A single encounter of hot, sweaty, no-strings-attached sex might help relieve her pent-up stress and help her focus on getting her career back on track.

Everything’s going bad....
When Jason and Flynn at last meet, passion explodes—along with almost everything else around them. The Fixer has plans for the couple. After all, he has a reputation to uphold, which means people must die. It’s what he’s paid to do, and he’s very good at his job. But with Flynn at Jason’s side, can they bring down the bad guy and prove Third Time’s the Charm?

Surgery, Bears, and Fiddles?

LJ: Hey, Deb! How’s it going?

DEBBIE: Grrreat!

LJ: Good. Wait…what’s that on your hand?

DEBBIE: A splint.

LJ: Are you okay?

DEBBIE: Never better… Mostly.

LJ: Were you doing jello-shots while singing karaoke on a balance beam again?

DEBBIE: One-handed keg stands while playing a fiddle with my feet.

LJ:  What??

DEBBIE: Why don’t you believe me?

LJ: Oh, I do! After all these years, I don’t doubt it. <shakes head> We talked about this, what might happen…. Oh, never mind. You’re gonna do what you’re gonna do. <sigh> Okay…so what do you mean by “mostly”?

DEBBOE” Okay…so I had Carpal Tunnel Release surgery on my right hand.

LJ: Does it hurt?

DEBBIE: Uh, yeah!

LJ: What about writing?

DEBBIE: I’m poking at the keys with my left hand.

LJ: Go you! And doing a lovely job. So, I saw on FB you had game cams. What all have you caught on video?

Bear Cam.... Gotcha!

DEBBIE: Bears, Deer, coyotes, turkeys, raccoons, ummmm, got a pic of an owl once, a fischer cat. Lots of squirrels. A few strange looking people here and there. Say, we should use one of these camera’s in Do No Harm, our next Pararescueman story. Ya know, how the bad guy kidnaps the Doc and the guys go after him? Maybe they can us a trail cam for surveillance. Of course if they knew where he was they’d just go barging in, so, maybe not.

LJ: LOL! I see they didn’t do a carpal tunnel on your brain….

DEBBIE: Funny! Also where we hunt, there’s

I can see dead people....

been this dude digging up an old settlement from back in the 1700s that was on the top of the mountain.

LJ: Sounds like an excellent setting for a story. Wait, haven’t we discussed that one?

DEBBIE: Yup. Some old dude ran from a treason conviction and the fate of death by hanging and brought his followers to the top of this Vermont mountain. Well, short story is, he left after a couple years, but most of his followers stayed for somewhere between 10-12 years until some epidemic wiped most of them out and then the remaining survivors left.

All didn't end well (yes, pun intended)

LJ: Bury the body, guys! Throwing it down the well has a way of coming back to bite you in the butt. <shakes head> So, someone found the original site?

DEBBIE: Yeah! Well this dude has been up there digging up the old foundations of houses and armories and mills and all kinds of stuff. Which is cool and all but….

LJ: But….??

DEBBIE: But what happens when he comes across the graves of all the children and adults that died up there? What happens when all those souls are disturbed and released? What if they aren’t happy about being disturbed? What happens if there is an evil soul among them?

LJ: Yeah…thinking we might have to revisit this story idea. And hey – you’re right there.

DEBBIE: Of course I’m right, sheesh. But anyway, let me just tell you, walking around up there in the dark is not fun. I’m more worried about the spirits of these people than the mama bear with her three cubs. And believe me she’s worrisome. Who knows what kind of evil this digger dude may have stirred up? Now what?

LJ: You can go up and interview ghosts and take pictures and stuff. During the day, of course. Tho, rumor has it time isn’t the same for spirits, so they might get you in daylight just as easily as in the dark. I mean poof there they are…grabbing you with their icy, boney fingers…dragging you toward that well. <nods> Yeah, even ghosts don’t learn from their mistakes. Doomed to repeat them over and over and over.

DEBBIE: Ya know? You are absolutely of NO help trying to calm my fears! And I DO NOT interview ghosts.

LJ: I know, right? I mean, what would you ask them? “Dude, so not cool how it all went down for you. Guessing there was no white light for you to go into. Bummer. How’s the afterlife treatin’ ya?” Pft. And they’d be all old-English and stuff. “I know not of what you speak. Get back, ye devil. Be gone!”

DEBBIE: <huge eye roll> Somehow I don’t believe you are taking my fears seriously.

LJ: What?? Of course I am!

DEBBIE: Uh-huh. Anyway, I think we should write a story about what might happen if these souls got released. We’ve talked about it before, but I have a different idea now, lol.

LJ: Did you get my get well card?

DEBBIE: Yes. Have I failed to tell you that and thank you?? Please forgive my bad manners. It was very kind of you. Actually <sigh> it was the only one I received. L

LJ: Well, everyone is about the Internet and FB and IM and all that.

DEBBIE: Soooooooo, I’m off to bow hunting safety course so I can use my super cool crossbow this season. We shall chat about that plot.

LJ: Ooo, I see the crossbow working with the gravesite digging story. Hmmm….

DEBBIE: Oh, btw, I got Kyle in our Decadent 1Night Stand story to the hotel and stripped. Your turn to introduce him to the doc. Mwahahaha!

LJ: On it! WooHoo!

 

Pararescuemen 1Night Stand Series

 

BUY: Amazon

Second Chance

....Lieutenant Colin Beckett, US Air Force special ops, lost his wife in childbirth while off on a mission. Two years later, he’s still trying to come to grips with the guilt that tortures him. And to complicate matters, he finds himself undeniably attracted to his wife's sister, Emily. Struggling with his desire, he tells himself he doesn’t deserve a second chance with such an amazing woman.
....Emily wants Colin in her life and her bed. Enlisting the help of Colin's teammates and Madame Eve's 1Night Stand dating service, she plans to prove to Colin he can have everything he lost once again.

....Will their one night lead to the happy ending she longs for or the loneliness he thinks he deserves?

 

Book: Second Chance - A 1Night Stand Story, Book 1 
Genre: Contemporary, erotic romance, military romance

Heat level: 4

Word count – 12k

Cover art by LFD Designs

 

BUY: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
| ARe | Smashwords

In My Sights

....Six months ago, Siobhan Cantrell’s world was changed forever by a sniper’s bullet. The incident transformed her from a secure confident woman to a recluse, afraid to leave her own home. When her friends urge her to re-enter the world of the living, they suggest Madame Eve’s 1Night Stand dating service. Nervous, she signs up and learns the company is renown for in-depth background checks and safe encounters. So, how dangerous could it be?

....Sergeant Bobby Martin has witnessed Madame Eve’s magic firsthand. His teammate found true love through her service. Still a skeptic but giving in to peer pressure, the Air Force Pararescueman signs himself up. When he meets Siobhan, his doubts fly out the window—unfortunately bullets start flying in them. Determined to protect her from a sniper that won’t give up, Bobby vows to keep her safe. As their chemistry ramps up, so does the sniper’s attempts.

....Can Bobby keep Siobhan alive, or will the killer catch them in his sights?

 

Book: In My Sights - A 1Night Stand Story, Book 2 

Genre: Contemporary, military romance, erotic romance, suspense/thriller

Heat level: 4

Word count – 16k

Cover art by Fantasia Frog Designs

 

BUY: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Explosive Conditions

  ....Staff Sergeant Zeke “Diz” Matthews never forgot the woman he rescued from a burning boat. She invades his dreams at night and thoughts of her distract his days. Fed up with his cranky change in demeanor, his teammates urge him to take advantage of Madame Eve's 1Night Stand dating service.
  ....Kaci Phillips needs to start a new life. But she struggles to move on from the horrific event that claimed her whole family. When she reconnects with the sexy Air Force pararescueman who saved her six months earlier, the weight she's been carrying at last lifts.
  ....What begins as a hot, frenzied night of passion in each other’s arms ends with gunfire, blood, and the threat of death. With the odds stacked against them, can Zeke and Kaci defuse such explosive conditions?

Book: Explosive Conditions - A 1Night Stand Story, Book 3 
Genre: Contemporary, adventure, erotic romance, military romance, suspense/thriller
Heat level: 4
Word count – 17k
Cover art by Fiona Jayde

Coming Soon...

Do No Harm

Book 4 of the 1Night Stand Pararescuemen Series

It's Official -- Release Day has Arrived!

We are thrilled to announce the release of the third book in our 1Night Stand Pararescueman Series: Explosive Conditions! We packed as much action and romance as we could into it. Let us know what you think. We'd love to hear from you!

OH - and be sure to check out the contest listed at the end of this blog!

Explosive Conditions
A 1Night Stand Story
Pararescuemen Series – Book 3

 

BLURB:
....Staff Sergeant Zeke “Diz” Matthews never forgot the woman he rescued from a burning boat. She invades his dreams at night and thoughts of her distract his days. Fed up with his cranky change in demeanor, his teammates urge him to take advantage of Madame Eve's 1Night Stand dating service.
....Kaci Phillips needs to start a new life. But she struggles to move on from the horrific event that claimed her whole family. When she reconnects with the sexy Air Force pararescueman who saved her six months earlier, the weight she's been carrying at last lifts.
....What begins as a hot, frenzied night of passion in each other’s arms ends with gunfire, blood, and the threat of death. With the odds stacked against them, can Zeke and Kaci defuse such explosive conditions?

Genre: Contemporary, military romance, erotic romance, suspense/thriller

Heat level: 4
Word count – 17k
Cover art by Fiona Jayde

BUY: Amazon | ARe | Smashwords | Barnes & Noble | Decadent Publishing

 

EXCERPT:
....Glancing up, he nodded to the captain in the pilothouse, who returned the gesture and gave him a friendly smile. Zeke tied off the tender, stepped onto the swim platform, and made his way up to a shaded teak deck.
....He bit back the urge to whistle. As far as boats went, this one was impressive. He entered the ship’s interior and pushed his sunglasses up on his head. Crisp white linen covered a table to his right. In the center, a silver bucket with ice chilled a bottle of champagne, and two crystal flutes flanked the bubbly.
....Nice.....A quick scan of the rest of the room left him with the impression of lavish comfort. Somehow, the mix of gold colors and warm-toned wood eased his angst. Yeah, he shouldn’t let the location of his one-night stand detract from his blind date. Who gave a crap if the boat reminded him of Kaci? His mission was to get laid, so he could clear his head and move on.
....Beyond the room divider, he noticed the end of a bar. Was there a bottle of Scotch stocked back there? Because he sure could use a shot to take the edge off. As he rounded the partition, he stumbled to a stop. A petite woman with short red hair stood at the bar with her back to him. The plush carpet must have masked his approach because she tapped her fingernails on the granite counter, offering no sign of being aware of him.
....His gaze dipped below her copper strands to her backless dress. Damn. All that creamy skin sent lust jolting through him. Not to mention the way the black fabric hugged her like a wet suit, displaying one mighty fine looking ass. The hemline stopped mid-thigh, and at the very bottom of her long, toned legs, stilettos graced her feet, adding at least four inches to her height. Oh yeah, he could work with that.
....He cleared his throat. “Uh, hi. My name’s Zeke. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” The redhead turned to face him, and the blood rushed from his head. Sea green eyes met his. Shock rolled through him with such force, his whole axis tilted.




More

RELEASE DAY CONTEST

 

In our Garland & Gould book, Love & Curses, who cursed the tattoo artist. Noooo, you don't have to buy it (although you could - LOL). The answer can be found here on the blog. Send your answer to Debbie at mountecho2006@yahoo.com.

All those who send Debbie the correct answer will be in the running to win their choice of a tin of chocolate hearts from Pure Madness Chocolates (pictured right) or a $20 Amazon gift card!

Contest closes Monday, 8 p.m. EST. Winner announced the following day. Good luck!

 

Crack that Whip Girl!

Debbie: Oh stop your blushing, I’m not spilling any of your secrets…yet…

Laura: What? I don’t have any secrets. You’re the one with the hip boots, chickie!

Debbie: I meant the writing whip, and for your info, I don’t have hip boots. We haven’t taken up waterfowl hunting yet.

Laura: Riiiight.

Debbie: Okay, so I guess its pony up time or whatever that saying is. We fell WAY below our goal last year. Granted our goal may have been a tad bit aggressive.

Laura: Yeah, probably. But at least we got ONE book out.

Debbie: As opposed to the ten we wanted, lol. But we need to do soooo much better. We do have three stories in progress, I just feel that with the slow down from holidays and this rotten cold I’ve had for six weeks that its hard getting that momentum back.

Laura: Hmm…and now I’ve got that cold. You sent it to me, didn’t you?

Debbie: Hey, I’m all about sharing. Anyway, I know we’ve never cranked ‘em out the way some do. We have our own quirky methods, and I wonder if it’s different for those of us that co-author. Well, I guess it would be, but maybe we can brainstorm some ideas to get our butts in gear and share for others that might find them helpful.

Laura: So what are you talking, like a list or something? Ooo, I like lists!

Debbie: *eye roll* This I know. Sure, a list is fine if that makes you happy. Go…Now…I’m timing you.

Laura: Ummm.

#5 Step away from the pastries.

Debbie: Pastries? That’s the awesome advice we are going with?

Laura: I don’t know about you, Deb, but I find it darn difficult to type anything with a bearclaw in one hand. That single-finger poking one key after another really cuts down on my daily word count.

Debbie: Oh good God, really? Just shove it in and get back to work. No need to nibble.

Laura: Good gosh! You would do that to a bearclaw? Just muck it down like it was a… a… a common donut? You’d probably slam down a cheese Danish, too. One bite. Gone. A bearclaw needs to be savored, enjoyed…as does a cheese Danish. Cramming it in your mouth in a single bite is just…wrong. I can’t believe this information didn’t come to light earlier. Color me shocked!

Debbie: Cheese Danish???  I think I just threw up in my mouth. A donut is a donut is a donut. No need to get all orgasmic over it. Moving on! What about music? Does that work on getting you motivated?

Laura: What? I’m still distracted by the image of you with an entire bearclaw in your mouth. Your cheeks are puffed out and when you talk little bits of bearclaw shoot out. OMG! You’re choking. I have to do the Heimlich and save you!

Debbie: I don’t talk with my mouth full, my mamma taught me some manners. And you’re in Alabama, darling. How you gonna manage the Heimlich.

Laura: See, I already knew how awesome your mamma is, which is why I was so shocked to see those bits of bearclaw flying out. Okay. So you’re up for #4. Annnd go!

Debbie: I told you…Oh never mind. What about writing yourself a weekly goal, like six thousand words a week? Would that help you get back into the swing of writing?

Laura: Is that #4?

Debbie: Holy crap. Have you had your caffeine today? Please try to keep up. We are trying to fix a problem here and help others out at the same time. Sheesh.

Laura: Yep. And people like lists cause they’re orderly and easy to remember.

Debbie: okay I give up. Here we go.

1.     Make yourself weekly realistic goals.

2.     Read. I always want to write after reading a good book.

3.     Make notes throughout your day. If something about your story comes to mind during the day, jot it down. Keeps you energy for your story going.

4.     Brainstorm. When we brainstorm together it always gets me jazzed up to write. Plus we are able to work through roadblocks much easier when we talk it out.

5.     Last but not least, WRITE! Just sit down and do it. If its been a while and you think it sounds like crap, then rewrite. But bottom line is if you don’t start now, you won’t do it tomorrow either.

Laura: Now you’re talking. There’s a list both new writers and established authors can live by.

Debbie: No thanks to you. And, no, strep throat is no excuse for flightiness. Take your meds, get caffeine and sleep (not necessarily in that order) and be ready to get back to business. I’m cracking down. This is your final warning.

Laura: Sure. (cough cough). I’m going to bed.

Debbie: Ummm, what about plugging our Friday release???

Debbie: Laura??? Helloooooo??? Why must I do everything? Well I’m only giving a teaser. You guys will have to tune back in on Friday for the excerpt and good stuff. Like maybe even a giveaway or two. HAHAHA! She’s gone to bed so, yeah, there will be two giveaways Friday. Teach her for going to bed. Sick smick.

Explosive Conditions
Book 3 of the Pararescuemen series

Blurb:....Staff Sergeant Zeke “Diz” Matthews never forgot the woman he rescued from a burning boat. She invades his dreams at night and thoughts of her distract his days. Fed up with his cranky change in demeanor, his teammates urge him to take advantage of Madame Eve's 1Night Stand dating service.
....Kaci Phillips needs to start a new life. But she struggles to move on from the horrific event that claimed her whole family. When she reconnects with the sexy Air Force pararescueman who saved her six months earlier, the weight she's been carrying at last lifts.
....What begins as a hot, frenzied night of passion in each other’s arms ends with gunfire, blood, and the threat of death. With the odds stacked against them, can Zeke and Kaci defuse such explosive conditions?
 

Debbie: That’s all we got folks. If you have any great ideas to help an author or two get over a writing slump, leave us a comment. Would love some more advice.

Cover Reveal: #1NightStand Pararescuemen Return with Explosive Conditions @DecadentPub

LJ: It's always a good day when you get the cover for your next book. You look at it, the layout, the colors, the hot guy <g>, and wonder if it portrays the blood, sweat, and tears you worked into your story.

DEBBIE: Blood, sweat and tears, wasn't that a band back in your day?

LJ: Uhh. Back in my day? Honey, I’m a few months younger than you. So that would be back in “the” day or “our” day. LMAO As far as the cover we’re here to talk about is concerned, the answer for me is a resounding YES! The design really captures the essence of Staff Sergeant Zeke “Diz” Matthews’ story.

DEBBIE: Love, love, love it! Of course Decadent has awesome cover artists. We haven’t been let down yet! AND, Zeke is a hottttttie!

LJ: Yes he is! Intense. Strong. Determined. And the guy on the cover really conveys that, I think.

DEBBIE: Yessirreebob!

LJ: LMAO A bit enthusiastic there, aren’t we? Wonder what our readers think….

DEBBIE: Well, they’ll love it of course. They have great taste!

(Unofficial) BLURB:

Staff Sergeant Zeke “Diz” Matthews never forgot the woman he rescued from a burning boat. She invades his dreams at night and thoughts of her distract his days. Fed up with his cranky change in demeanor, his teammates urge him to take advantage of Madame Eve's 1Night Stand dating service.

Kaci Phillips needs to start a new life. But she struggles to move on from the horrific event that took her mother, father, and brother. When she reconnects with the sexy Air Force pararescueman who rescued her six months earlier, the weight she's been carrying at last lifts.

What starts as a hot, frenzied night in each other’s arms ends with gunfire, blood, and the threat of death. With the odds against them, can Zeke and Kaci diffuse such explosive conditions?



Summer Solstice, Baby!

LAURA: Hi all!

On average, the Sun is 1.496×10⁸ km away.
That's 8 min 19 s for those of you
travelling at light speed.

DEBBIE: Damn it’s hot! Where are we?

LAURA: We’re in central Mexico checking out some Aztec ruins.

DEBBIE: Why???? And why did you have to pick the hottest day of the year to do this?

LAURA: It’s the summer solstice. It’s the day marking that summer is halfway over already.

DEBBIE: Ummm, didn't summer just begin?

LAURA: Yeah, kinda. For the kids out of school, absolutely. Course, I’m not really an expert in any of this solstice stuff—but I do find it fascinating. I do know today is the longest day of the year. You've got over fifteen hours of daylight today! Fifteen hours of sightseeing. Fifteen hours of cruising the local markets.

DEBBIE: Fifteen hours of drinking margaritas.

LAURA: Fifteen hours of writing time…which reminds me, where is that next chapter?

DEBBIE: I thought this was a research day? Pushy, pushy, pushy. So why are we in Mexico on the longest hottest day of the year?

LAURA: No clue. Hey look…an alter. Why don’t you crawl up there and take a load off?

Sacrifices were made while the person was
still alive. The heart was ripped from the chest
and held up to the gods while still beating.
Often, the priest would take a bite.
Yummy....

DEBBIE: Ummm. You are the one who dragged me here for no good reason, YOU crawl your butt up there. Sheesh, next time you want to do research, GOOGLE!

LAURA: You know, the Aztecs did a lot of sacrifices... If crops didn't grow and the people were starving, the priests made sacrifices.
....Here. Let me help you up on this alter....now layback (eases Deb back). Comfy? Now, imagine that the people are all disgruntled and want food. What better way to do it than to rip out a heart and offer it to the gods?
....(unzips fanny pack) And check out this knife. (Holds it over Deb so she can see it) I got it at a local shop where the owner flintnaps his own blades. And I’m pretty sure this handle is an actual animal bone! Pretty cool, huh?

DEBBIE: Laura, I swear to all your Aztec gods if we don't get off this damn thing now I'll never let you have coffee again. I am NOT your sacrificial lamb here. Get what we need for this next Red River book and we’re out!

LAURA: (puts knife back in fanny pack) Sheesh. I wasn’t really gonna sacrifice you.

Aztec Priest or Summer Solstice Eye Candy?
Either way, Debbie says she's
volunteering for the sacrifice.
"Somebody's gotta do him- er, it. Um, yeah."

DEBBIE: Uh huh. I know you want to sell books, but damn, woman.

LAURA: Well, we all have to make sacrifi— er, I mean do what needs to be done to get the word out.

DEBBIE: And who is going to write the next book with you if you sacrifice me???? You will never find anyone like me.

LAURA: Yes, you are unique!

DEBBIE: HAHAHAHA, you’re stuck.

LAURA: Okay, so…since the summer solstice has been around for, well, since the beginning of time. I can easily imagine that the Aztec’s understood the significance and took advantage of pleasing their gods through sacrifice.

DEBBIE: Sounds bloody.

LAURA: I’m sure it was. I thought since the next book in our Red River series has an Aztec tie, we should visit and get a feel for the place. Did lying on the alter get you in the mood to write?

Aztec Sun Calendar - Is time running out?

DEBBIE: No. But I am hungry. Let's go get a steak.

LAURA: Now you’re talking!

DEBBIE: But first, let’s share an excerpt from Sins of the Mind, the first book in the Red River series. Don’t forget! One lucky commenter will get a free copy.

LAURA: Cool! AND by commenting on our blog, readers get entered into the Grand Drawing with the following prizes:
....1st Prize – a Kindle Touch or Nook Touch
....2nd Prize -a library of science fiction romance titles from over 20 authors (these will be mostly ebooks with one print anthology), and an Anabanana Gift Card.

RRR

Red River Series: Book 1

Sins of the Mind

L.J. Garland & Debbie Gould

BLURB:....Seven years ago, Abby Montgomery survived a brutal attack. Now she is ready to put her pain in the past and move on with her life. The problem is, one by one the men in her life are being viciously murdered.

....The detective assigned to the case, Ethan Parker, has demons of his own to hide. As the danger gets closer to Abby, so does Ethan. But can they get past his secrets before the killer gets to them? Sometimes the sins of the mind are more depraved than the sins of the heart.

BUY LINK

EXCERPT:

....“Moment?” He raised his eyebrows, tried for a surprised expression. “We were having a moment? Where was I?”

....A husky laugh escaped Abby’s lips. She gave him a playful shove, but he caught her hand, his fingers encircling her delicate wrist. With great care, he bowed his head and pressed his lips to the center of her palm. Her sharp intake of air told him she liked it.

....“Is this the moment you were referring to?” He kissed her wrist. “Or this?” His mouth grazed along her skin, up the side of her neck to the tender point below her ear.

....“Mmm.” She shivered.

....He inhaled, reveled in her unique scent. A mixture of spicy vanilla and exotic flowers invaded his senses and sent the room slowly spinning. Primal lust roared through him, demanded he possess her in a rush of carnal passion.

....But Ethan resisted.

....Intent on enticing Abby into a wild, heated frenzy, he trailed the tip of his tongue along her throat. Her pulse hammered beneath his ardent attention, and he reveled in her response. His fingers slid over her supple skin. One hand sought the silky tresses adorning her head while the other coaxed her legs across his lap and then slipped around her waist.

....He pulled back, stared into her lovely face. Eyelids fluttering, she sighed in his arms. When she looked at him, desire burned bright in her eyes. His heart stuttered at the sight, and hot need rushed to his groin.

....“Abby.” Her name rolled from his tongue in a mix of desperation and lust. A voracious hunger to taste every inch of her body washed over him. The urge to kiss the small of her back, to run his tongue along her skin, delving and dipping into her secret, sensitive places, all but overwhelmed him. “Tell me to stop. If you’re not ready, honey, tell me to stop right now and by all that’s holy, I will. But you need to know how much I want you right now.”

RETURN TO SFR BRIGADE HERE

1st Prize - winner's choice of a Kindle Touch or a Nook Touch
2nd Prize - a library of science fiction romance titles donated by various authors and an Anabanana Gift Card. Most of the books will be in digital format, with one print anthology.
Midsummer Blog Hop Participants

1.	Pippa Jay	13.	Liana Brooks	25.	Debra A. Soles
2.	Misa Buckley	14.	A. R. Norris	26.	Marlene @ Reading Reality
3.	Arlene Webb	15.	L.J. Garland & Debbie Gould	27.	Rae Lori
4.	Pauline Baird Jones	16.	Sandra Sookoo	28.	Bella Street
5.	Frances Pauli	17.	Cara Michaels	29.	Kyn Hatch
6.	Imogene Nix	18.	Sheryl Nantus	30.	T.K. Anthony
7.	Natalie Wright	19.	Diane Dooley	31.	Jo Jones
8.	Greta van der Rol	20.	Kathleen Scott	32.	A.B. Gayle
9.	Jessica E. Subject	21.	Ella Drake	33.	Sue Ann Bowling
10.	Kayelle Allen	22.	Cathy Pegau	34.	S. Reesa Herberth and Michelle Moore
11.	Joanne Elder	23.	T. C. Archer	35.	DL Jackson
12.	Melisse Aires	24.	Kitty Roads	36.	Hywela Lyn