Month: June 2021

Weekend Excerpt–BROKEN HARTS

Published on by Pandora SpocksLeave a comment

Two weddings.
One Valentine’s Day.
And hearts will be broken.

A wedding on Valentine’s Day? It’s beyond cliché.
But it’s what Ali Hart’s niece Shannon wants. So Ali will wear the pink tulle bridesmaid’s dress, carry the rose and eucalyptus bouquet down the aisle, and keep her opinion to herself.

Ali is back in New York to get ready for the wedding, but her older sister and brother seize on her visit as the perfect time for Ali to make arrangements for their elderly father, who can no longer independently care for himself.

A navigational error puts Ali on a collision course with destiny. Now what?

***
A wedding on Valentine’s Day? It’s perfect.
Unless you’re not positive that she’s the one for you.

In the dark recesses of his heart, Logan Pryce knows that Catherine von Hollen isn’t the love of his life. The daughter of his father’s business partner, they’ve known each other for years. She’s blonde, gorgeous, and everyone loves her. On paper, it’s perfect. On paper.

A chance encounter with a nameless redhead on a crowded subway platform causes Logan to question everything he thought his life was going to be. Will he stay with the safe bet, or will he take a chance on something more?

If you love your romance with a little heat and plenty of heart, you’re going to love Broken Harts!

Here’s a steamy little teaser from BROKEN HARTS.

In the still of pre-dawn, Logan gazed up at the ceiling of Ali’s bedroom and sighed contentedly. Her head rested on his shoulder as his right arm cradled her. His left arm curled beneath his head on the pillow.

At the sound of her steady breathing, he smiled. When he’d invited her to lunch, he’d had no thought of ending up in her bed.

He shifted his lips thoughtfully. Well, to say no thought wasn’t entirely accurate. He’d allowed the occasional notion or two to blossom into full-blown fantasy, fodder for a private jerk-off session in the shower here and there. And there had been a stray thought or three when she’d shucked her coat at the restaurant earlier in the day, that form-fitting sweater dress clinging to every curve most deliciously. His cock had certainly taken notice.

He allowed himself a silent whistle.

Still, he would never have broached the subject. Not on a day like today, with the drama of her father being lost. It would have felt manipulative, somehow.

But it had been Ali who had brought it up, Ali with that heated gleam in her soulful brown eyes, and he’d been helpless to respond in any other way than he had.

There on the sofa in the den, they had made out like two starving souls, each practically clawing at the other, lips desperately seeking and finding, until Logan thought he’d explode right there. With a knowing smile, Ali had stood up and taken his hand, leading him to her bedroom, where she shut and locked the door behind them.

In the privacy afforded in her room, Logan had shed all pretense of self-control, hurriedly tugging first at her clothes and then his own until they stumbled toward the bed in a tangle of discarded garments. He scarcely waited for her to retrieve a condom from her bedside table before he plunged himself into her.

He closed his eyes and replayed the moment in his mind, relishing her gasp in his ear as he took her that first time. He hadn’t lasted long. He had known he wouldn’t. It had been a long time.

Catherine usually couldn’t be bothered, and when she acquiesced, he usually ended up feeling like he’d had to talk her into having sex with him. Which was why he hadn’t bothered in months, preferring his own hand and a vibrant fantasy life.

That first time on the bed had been followed up in the shower, where he and Ali had adjourned to clean up. The memory of her perky tits, water dripping from her luscious, imminently suckable nipples, her water-slick, shapely ass… Softly, he whistled again as his cock stiffened at the memory of taking her a second time against the marble wall of the shower.

The third time had been different, much slower and more sensual as he’d gradually brought her to climax twice, each time with Ali whimpering softly as she attempted to stifle her orgasm.

Note to self, he thought. Next time, we go to a hotel. The thought pleased him. He wanted to hear Ali’s pleasure unfettered by the presence of other people in the house.

Next time.

Pressing a light kiss to the top of her head, his thoughts strayed back to when they had first arrived at the Hart’s apartment. Taking care of Ali’s father had involved a flurry of activity. Logan had stayed in the background as much as possible, grateful when Mrs. Smith offered him warm, dry clothes in place of the damp, clammy ones he had worn in the snow. While changing in the hallway bathroom, he had taken the opportunity to call Catherine to apprise her of his missed flight.

She had taken it as he’d known she would, anger reducing her conversation to short, clipped responses. No doubt there would be hell to pay when he returned home.

Of another thing, there was no doubt, as well. Logan couldn’t marry Catherine. He didn’t love her; it was as simple as that.

Honoring their hair-brained pledge had been a bad idea from the get-go, but at that low point in his love life, it had seemed like a reasonable consolation.

A hell of a reason to get married, he chided himself.

Ali shifted slightly, sighing softly in her sleep. Logan gazed down at her and held her closely, appreciating the sense of warmth that flooded his soul.

No, he couldn’t marry Catherine. He didn’t love her. He loved Ali. He knew it as surely as he knew his own name. And if he were honest, he’d known it since he’d first seen her in the subway station. He was utterly in love with Ali Hart.

The only thing to do was to call off the engagement. Logan resolved to do it as soon as he got home.

BROKEN HARTS by Pandora Spocks

BROKEN HARTS is available
at your favorite online bookseller.
books2read.com/BrokenHarts

Weekend Excerpt–FOR SPARROW

Published on by Pandora SpocksLeave a comment

A platonic Dom/sub relationship?
It’s a damn odd arrangement.

When Jessi Crenshaw’s husband Graham dies unexpectedly, she’s devastated. He’s the only man she’s ever loved. Just eighteen when she met him, she’s been married to him for twenty-five years. Now she’s lost her friend, her lover…and her Dominant.

But as it turns out, Graham had an inkling that his health was in decline, and he tapped his friend and protégé in the Lifestyle, firefighter and paramedic Judd Farris, to be Jessi’s Dominant until she gets back on her feet.

Judd is determined to fulfill his promise to his friend. But it’s a damn odd arrangement—a platonic Dom/sub relationship. With her fiery auburn hair, sparkling green eyes, and audacious spirit, Jessi captured his attention the first time he ever saw her. At her husband’s funeral.

A man could go to hell for the things he’s been thinking. But they’ve drawn a line, and he’s going to stick to it.

Judd’s sexy good looks and his gentle confidence aren’t lost on Jessi. She’s torn between loyalty to the man she loved, and desire for the man increasingly in her fantasies. In the letter Graham left for her, he mentioned that she might find Judd attractive. But that’s simply ridiculous. He’s five years younger than she is. He couldn’t possibly be interested in her. Could he?

Judd’s a Dom without a sub, and Jessi’s a sub without a Dom. It’s perfect for the time being. Could it be that Graham had more in mind than merely a temporary solution?

And could it all end at the hands of a madman?

Read a teaser from 2018 Golden Flogger Award-Winner FOR SPARROW.

Jessi’s hands shook.  With her index finger she traced the writing on the front of the envelope.  She glanced out the back door to see Judd kick off his shoes and sit on the edge of the pool, sinking his feet in the water.  Buddy flopped down beside him and rolled over, wanting his tummy scratched, and Judd obliged. 

She turned her attention back to the envelope.  Her irrational self told her that if she didn’t open it, somehow everything could go back to normal.  But curiosity won the moment, and she slid her thumb under the flap and carefully opened the letter.

My dearest Sparrow,

I’m so sorry I’m not there with you.  I can feel my heart beginning to wear out.  Please don’t be angry with me for not telling you, I know how you worry about things.  We’ve had a good life together.  I’ve told you before and I’m telling you again, you are the best thing that ever happened to me.  The fact that you are the mother of my children amazes the hell out of me.  What did I ever do to deserve such a terrific family?

Jessi reached up to wipe a silent tear from her cheek.  Self-consciously, she flicked her eyes out to the pool deck to find that Judd was watching her intently, and he flashed a sympathetic smile.  Sniffing, she read on.

It would be pointless, I suppose, to tell you not to mourn.  Just don’t do it too long.  And don’t you dare wear black.  God, I hate all that maudlin bullshit.  Now Sparrow, you and I know that you are a natural submissive.  I don’t want you to feel lost without a Dominant in your life.  I want you to find one, a true Gentleman who will cherish you in the way you deserve.  One who will nurture the sexy, sensual woman you truly are.  Don’t you go back to some kind of vanilla half-existence.  That would really piss me off. 

Tears still streaming, she laughed because she could almost hear Graham’s voice. 

If you have this letter, you’ve met Judd.  I’ve known him for several years now, and he’s a solid Dominant.  I’ve asked him to check in on you and to take care of some things around the house.  I’ve also asked him to help you out until you find a Dominant of your own.  Judd is willing to give you knee time, Sparrow, to help you settle your mind and find peace.  I don’t mean sex and kink.  He would be a sort of ‘emotional Dominant,’ just until you get back on your feet.

On the other hand, if you found yourself attracted to Judd, it would make me happy knowing that you’d be in good hands.  He’s a good man, Jessi, a gentle man and a Gentleman.  He would be a perfect sexual Dominant for you.  I worry thinking about the dangers out there, Sparrow.  You and Judd could make your own way. 

Mortified, Jessi glanced out the back door.  Thankfully, Judd was staring out across the pool.  “I can’t believe you’re telling me these things,” she murmured to herself.

Anyway, I trust you, Sparrow.  You’re smart and strong, and I’m so proud of you.  Never forget that you are absolutely the love of my life.  I’m forever grateful to you for taking my hard, stuffy heart and helping me to be a better man than I ever dreamed about being.  Be sure the kids know how much I love them.  I love you, my Sparrow, with all my heart.  Live happy.  Find love and cherish it.

Your loving husband and Master, G.

Jessi was completely undone.  Sobbing, she folded her arms on the counter and rested her head on them.  She cried until she felt she had no tears left.  Moments passed and she raised her head.  It hurt and her eyes felt puffy.  With a glance at Judd and Buddy still sitting by the pool, she went into the powder room and splashed water on her face. 

Taking a deep breath, she forced her feet out the back door and across the pool deck.  Judd smiled up at her kindly.  “How are you holding up?”

Jessi shrugged as she stepped out of her sandals and sat beside him, slipping her feet into the cool water.  They sat without speaking, each gently sliding feet through the water, watching the ripples cross the pool and return to them.  Judd moved his foot under her leg and raised her foot to the surface.  The fuchsia nail polish was chipped and peeling. 

“How long since you had a pedicure, Jessi?” he asked gently.

She moved her foot away and looked at him sharply.  “What exactly did your letter say, Judd?”

He exhaled forcefully.  “Like I said, he was worried about you.  He said that you’re submissive and that you might need somebody in your life until you find your way.”  He glanced at her knowingly.  “When was the last time your mind was quiet, little one?”

A tear slid down Jessi’s cheek and she swiped at it roughly.  “So, you’re my appointed Dominant, is that it?” she asked testily.

“It’s not like that.”  Judd looked at her steadily.  “Graham and I were friends.  We talked about Dominance and submission for hours over the years.  He trusted me.  Trusted me with the one thing that meant the most to him in the world.” 

He paused, gazing at her thoughtfully.  “He didn’t want you to run into the wrong kind of man while you’re looking to ease your mind, to fill that emptiness that I see in your eyes.”  Jessi stubbornly looked away and swiped at her cheek again. 

“You know, it’s entirely up to you.  I’m going to complete the list of things around your house.  I promised him I would.  But whether you accept me as a surrogate Dominant?  Only you can decide that.” 

He ran a frustrated hand through his hair.  “You miss knee time, I know you do,” he said softly.  “A chance to just let go of all the concerns that weigh you down.”  Jessi turned back to look at him, her expression softer.  “I’m not talking about kinky sex, tying you up and all that.  I’m offering you a chance to clear your mind of everything, let me carry your burdens for a while.”

“Why?  Why would you do that?”  Her voice was strained.

Judd shrugged.  “I’m Dominant.  It’s what I crave, to be needed, to take care of a submissive.”  He laughed lightly.  “I’m a Dominant without a submissive, and you’re a submissive without a Dominant.  For the time being, it works out well.”

He gazed at her steadily, kindness in his brown eyes.  “Just say the word.  Do you want knee time, little one?”

Another tear rolled down her cheek.  And she nodded.  “Yes,” she whispered.  “I want knee time.”

He smiled patiently.  “Yes, what, little one?”

“Yes, Master.”

Judd shook his head.  “I’m not your Master, little one.  Yes, Sir will do.”

FOR SPARROW by Pandora Spocks

Award-winning FOR SPARROW
is available at your favorite online bookseller.
books2read.com/ForSparrow

Weekend Excerpt–CHASING ORDINARY

Published on by Pandora SpocksLeave a comment

She’s his first taste of ordinary.
And everything he ever wanted.
If he doesn’t blow it.

Red-haired Petey Cavanaugh is a sculptor who welds steel and glass creations. A young widow, she lives on her in-laws’ sheep ranch in Montana where she helps out during the day, working on her art at night.

Looking to raise money to expand the ranch’s business, she gratefully accepts her art school roommate’s offer of a gallery show in Manhattan. It’s been years since she was in the city, and she’s happy to visit her old friend.

Nik is in New York on business. He’s been traveling for nearly a month, enduring endless meetings, attending obligatory dinners, and battling jet-lag. On his way to yet another business dinner, his world collides with Petey’s one rainy Manhattan night.

Their mutual attraction is immediate, but Nik’s skeptical. Could it possibly be that this gorgeous, enchanting artist has no idea that he’s Europe’s most eligible prince?

Spending time with Petey is Nik’s first-ever taste of ordinary. What will happen when she finds out the truth?

Three stops later, Petey took his hand and led him out of the train. They made their way up to street level, where the sun had set. In the glow of dusk, they made their way down the street.

When they came to a line of people waiting on the sidewalk, Petey joined them. Nik smiled indulgently. “What’s this?” he asked.

“Dinner,” she said, grinning up at him mischievously.

After about fifteen minutes, they’d made their way to the corner, where the line continued. Ahead, Nik saw a red truck which seemed to be the focus of the line. He looked to Petey questioningly.

“It’s called Yumpling. They serve the best Taiwanese in Manhattan. I had to check Twitter to find out where they’d be tonight. All these people did the same thing.”

“All to eat food from a truck?” he asked.

She laughed lightly. “I told you. Ordinary can be pretty awesome.”

They ate their chicken bowls on a park bench overlooking the river, all the while chatting about nothing in particular. When they’d finished, they dropped their trash into a nearby can.

Nik took her hand and pulled her close. “Are you ready to go back to the hotel?” he asked, pressing kisses along the side of her neck.

Giggling, she lightly pushed him away. “Soon. But there’s one more place I want to take you. We can walk from here.”

Hand in hand, they walked two blocks down and one block over, coming to a stop in front of an Irish pub. “This is my favorite bar on the planet.” She grinned at him. “Jules and I spent way too much time here back in the day. Come on.”

The red door of the four-story brick building was propped open and just inside, a man collected their $5 cover charge before allowing them to pass through a green Dutch door into the pub. The space was small, a narrow aisle between the huge oak bar down the left side and high-top tables to the right. Midway through was a small stage, where a trio of musicians played Irish music on traditional instruments.

Petey pushed her way through the crowd toward the stage and managed to snag a table a couple was just leaving. She hiked herself up onto a stool and patted the one beside her. Smiling, he joined her. Petey flagged down a passing server. “Two pints, please.”

Their Guinness was delivered and Petey touched her glass to his. “Slàinte,” she smiled. They both sipped their beers, and she nodded with the music, at times even singing along.

I need to tell her. The thought ricocheted through his mind. The time has come. Before we get to the suite. I should give her the option to change her mind. The thought caused his heart to pound. What if she changes her mind? It was something that hadn’t occurred to him before.

“Are you alright?” she asked.

Realizing he was frowning, he smiled and nodded. “I’m fine. Just lost in my thoughts. Listen, Petey, I wanted to talk to you about something.”

She smiled apologetically. “Hold that thought. I need to make a quick trip to the Ladies’. I’ll be right back.” She gave him a peck on the cheek and headed deeper into the pub past the stage.

Jorgen suddenly appeared at his side. “We need to leave now, sir. A number of photographers are outside in front of the bar. Word has apparently gotten out.”

“I can’t leave. Petey just went to the restroom.”

“The car is waiting just outside the back door. Lars and Ada are already there, and I’m keeping an eye this way.”

Nik nodded, knowing the security team had worked out the best possible plan, given the circumstance. “Alright. Let me pay our tab.”

He flagged down the same waitress who had brought their pints and pressed a crisp $100 bill into her hand. “Thank you very much.”

While Jorgen took his seat at the table, Nik headed for the direction in which Petey had disappeared, finding the restrooms just beyond the main area of the bar. Beyond that appeared to be a billiard room occupied by a pair of pool tables. From where he waited, he could see the back door.

The ladies’ room door opened and Petey emerged, startled to see him standing there. “Oh, hi! Did you give up our table?”

His voice was urgent. “We need to leave. My car is out back.”

Petey frowned. “Why? What’s wrong?”

Jorgen joined them. “Sorry, we need to move now.” He ushered the pair toward the back door.

Craning around to look at Jorgen, Petey stopped. “What’s going on? Why is he here?”

With more patience than he felt, Nik explained, “Petey, you remember Jorgen, my secretary.”

“I’m sorry, Ms. Cavanaugh, but we must leave at once.” The man’s tone was soft but left no room for question.

When they got to the door, Nik stopped and faced Petey. “When we open the door, we need to move quickly into the car. Don’t stop for any reason. I promise I’ll explain everything.”

“Alright, sir, are you ready?” Jorgen asked.

Nik nodded curtly. Grabbing Petey’s hand, he pushed open the back door. As soon as he did, the night exploded into brilliant flashes of light. Unable to see, Petey felt Nik pulling her by the hand, and Jorgen pushing her from behind.

Faceless voices chorused all around them. “Prince Stefan, who’s the woman?” “Prince Stefan, over here…” “Why are you in New York?” “Is she a stripper?” “Prince Stefan…”

Nik ducked into the car and pulled Petey in behind him. Jorgen pushed Petey’s head down, preventing her from hitting it on the roof of the car, and then got in beside her, pulling the door closed. “Go, go, go,” he ordered to the people in the front seat, and the car sped off into the night.

Wide-eyed, Petey turned to Nik. “What. The ever-loving. FUCK. Was that?!”

He ran a restless hand through his hair. “I wanted to talk to you back at the bar.”

“We’ve been together all afternoon and evening. If you wanted to talk to me, you had plenty of time. Who were those people?” Her voice was shrill.

He sighed deeply. “Tabloid reporters, mostly, I imagine…”

“And what were they saying? Prince Stefan? What the hell is that about?” She crossed her arms and glared at him.

Nik looked down at his hands. “That’s my official name.”

“Your official name. I’m still not getting this, Nik. Explain it to me.”

He reached for her hand. “I’ve been meaning to tell you all day. The fact is, I’m the crown prince of Beruvia.”

She snatched her hand back. “The crown prince of Beruvia,” she repeated, blinking. “You told me you were Nik, a something or other businessman.”

“That’s true also. That’s the work I do.”

Angrily, she shook her head. “I don’t understand what’s going on, but I’ll tell you something,” she snapped. “I don’t like being lied to.”

“Petey, I never meant to lie to you,” Nik protested.

She addressed the driver. “Stop the car.”

Jorgen placed a hand on Petey’s forearm. “That’s not advisable, Ms. Cavanaugh. The photographers are no doubt chasing us.”

Petey whipped her head around. “I’m not talking to you,” she snapped.

“Petey, please let me explain,” Nik offered.

“Stop this goddamn car right now, or I will open the door and jump out!” She leaned across Nik and gripped the door handle.

Resigned, Nik spoke to the driver. “Stop the car.”

Petey opened the door as the car rolled to a stop. As she climbed over him on her way out, he reached for her hand. “Petey, please…”

“You lied to me. I can’t believe I’m so stupid.” She glared at him one last time before marching away down the sidewalk in the opposite direction.

CHASING ORDINARY by Pandora Spocks

CHASING ORDINARY is available
at your favorite online bookseller.
books2read.com/ChasingOrdinary

Weekend Excerpt–LOST & BOUND

Published on by Pandora SpocksLeave a comment

Spoiled Hollywood starlet Shasta Pyke
is used to getting her own way.
She’s met her match in
Dominant mountain man Blake Walker.

Blake Walker is no stranger to tragedy. Immediately following a horrific event years earlier, he was lost for a while until he embraced his Dominant nature and found his true calling. But things change and now he’s back where he started, helping to run his family’s secluded lake lodge.

When pampered Hollywood starlet Shasta Pyke gets into trouble with the law, she’s sent to the wilderness of northern Ontario to cool her heels for a few weeks. There she meets sexy bush pilot Blake, who is tasked with seeing to her needs as the sole guest at the lodge.

Initially, Blake isn’t impressed with the spoiled actress, but he’s happy that her visit allows for his sister Jackie and her kids to go on a much-needed vacation. Try as he might, he can’t figure out what the hell Shasta Pyke is doing so far out of her element.

Shasta’s attracted to Blake’s obvious good looks, but there’s more to him than that. He sees through her armor to the vulnerable little girl she hides from the world. The Daddy Dominant in him craves to shelter her, to make her his own.

Could she be the baby girl this Daddy Dom’s been waiting for?

Here’s a NSFW teaser from LOST & BOUND.

It was the third night in a row she’d shared a bed with Blake, and for the third night in a row, Shasta’s sleep was blissfully dreamless. Consciousness dawned slowly, and before she opened her eyes, she heard the twitter of birds outside. Breathing deeply, she inhaled the scent of him, all musk and spice and man.

Lifting one eyelid, she grinned happily at the sight of Blake sound asleep on his back with one arm tossed over his head, the other one resting across his belly. His mouth was open, and he snored softly. Peeking beneath the covers, she was delighted to find his cock at the ready, large and erect.

Shasta shifted cautiously, careful not to wake him, until she was able to slide her right leg across him, straddling his waist. Blake stirred, opening his eyes to see her mischievously grinning down at him. “Good morning, Daddy!” she giggled.

His smile was sleepy. “Mmm,” he stretched his arms, then folded them behind his head, “good morning, kitten. What have we here?”

She giggled again. “We have Daddy under my control.” Her eyes sparkled impishly.

Blake chuckled. “Is that so?” She nodded. “So what are you going to do?” He suppressed an indulgent smile.

“You have to do what I say. First of all, no talking.” Shasta watched to see his reaction. At the amused sparkle in his eyes, she continued. “Then, your hands need to be over your head. Pretend like they’re tied to the top of the bed.”

Blake moved his hands, clasping them together and resting them above his head on the pillow. “Like this?”

“Yes, but you’re not supposed to talk.”

“Oh, sorry about that.”

“It’s okay, only you did it again.”

“Oops!” He winked gleefully.

“Daddy!”

Exaggeratedly, he clamped his lips together and blinked up at her expectantly.

“Now,” she continued, resting her hands on his shoulders, “I’m going to kiss you. But don’t even think about kissing me back.” Her lips curled in an impish smirk.

Blake nodded with mock seriousness, distracted by her breasts swaying enticingly close to his chin. Shasta leaned forward and touched her lips to his, nibbling on his lower lip before invading his mouth with her tongue, seeking and finding his. His moan rumbled up from his chest as his hands made their way down to fondle her delectable mounds.

“Daddy!” she pouted.

“Sorry, kitten, they’re just right there. My hands have a mind of their own.” He grinned mischievously. Shasta leaned over to replace his hands over his head, and he took the opportunity to cover her left nipple with his mouth.

She sat back up and arched an eyebrow. “Somebody wants some stripes.”

Blake just grinned up at her. “What are you going to do with me now?”

Shasta shifted lower, placing his hardness at her entrance. “I’m going to fuck you now.” Slowly, she lowered herself all the way down onto his straining erection.

Again, a moan rolled up from his chest as his eyes closed. “Holy…oh, kitten…”

Pleased with herself, she ground her hips, riding up and down in a slow rhythm, all the while keeping her eyes on his. Leaning forward, she rested her hands on his shoulders once again.

“Okay, enough,” Blake growled, gripping her hips and flipping them so that he was on top. “Kitten wants a morning fuck, be careful what you wish for.”

Shasta’s giggles turned to moans as he plowed into her, hard and fast. The change in angle had him hitting directly on her pleasure spot. “Oh, shit, oh, Blake…” Her moment came hard and fast, and Blake followed closely behind, collapsing to her side in a gasping heap when he’d emptied himself once again.

He pulled Shasta close and she rested her head on his shoulder. “Well, that was a hell of a good morning.” He lightly kissed her forehead.

LOST & BOUND by Pandora Spocks

LOST & BOUND is available
at your favorite online bookseller.
books2read.com/LostandBound