Tag: short story

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Dirty Diana – J. D. Mason

MMA fighter, “Dirty” Diana Rigby has just lost her title in a championship match. Soon after the fight, a relative calls Diana delivering the devastating news that Diana’s abusive and estranged mother, Louise Rigby is dying. Overwhelmed in disappointment and grief, Diana breaks the promise she made to herself years ago, and returns to her hometown of Rhino, TX to find closure with the woman who raised her, the woman she swore she’d never see again.

 When Sheriff Jake Randolph stops the beautiful stranger for speeding, he has no idea that it’s the young girl he first laid eyes on over twenty years ago when he and his superior, the former sheriff were called to the Rigby house in response to a disturbance call. Back then, the rookie cop believed that the child should’ve been removed from the home for her own safety, but his decision was over ruled, and he’s never forgiven himself for his lack of conviction.

 An emotional confrontation with her mother leaves Diana reeling into old habits of looking for love for all the wrong reasons, and Jake finds himself on the receiving end of Diana’s bad habits.

Story Notes: Dirty Diana

This story came on the heels of some major life changes and on the eve (give or take a week or two) of a dream trip to Europe. It was important for me to reel in the chaos and focus, so I made it a point to progress through this story like an MMA fighter in training.

J.D. Mason is the author of more than twenty novels including The Woman Trapped in the Dark, Seducing Abby Rhodes, The Real Mrs. Price. A national bestselling and award-winning author, her work has been featured in in USA Today, Essence, Pride Magazine in the U.K., and Today’s Black Woman.

SUGAR is an anthology with the perfect blend of authors at the top of their game who have crafted stories that will leave you wanting more.#PreOrderSUGAR http://ow.ly/7ABT30l7J4h #Goodreads #Drama#Bookworm #GreatReads #Books #BookAddict #BookGeek

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Excerpt – Spicing Things Up by Lisa Watson

Cassia pressed the doorbell and waited. Her palms were moist, so she wiped them on a black skirt she was wearing that fell just above her knee. She quickly ran her tongue over her teeth, then straightened her blouse.
The door opened suddenly, bringing her face-to-face with the object of her desire.
“Cassia,” Dylan said, his expression neutral. “Come in.”
“If you’re busy, I can just—”
“No, not at all,” he said motioning for her to enter.
She swept past him into a home that exuded style, warmth and masculinity. He closed the door behind her and gestured to the couch across the room. “Have a seat. Can I get you anything?”
“No, thank you.”
He took a spot across from her. “So, what’s up? You mentioned you needed to discuss something about the agency?”
Dylan’s woodsy cologne made it hard to concentrate, as did the navy-blue sweater that molded to his torso tighter than a sports car hugging a race track. Cassia tried to refocus her attention, but it was hard when gazing into his face meant staring at his stubbled jaw and eyes the color of twelve-year old whisky. She could swear she felt perspiration forming above her professionally shaped brows. She blamed her assistant, Tabitha, for this sudden, new awareness of him. Her carefully packaged feelings for Dylan had been neatly tucked away, and now the bow was starting to unravel.
Suddenly, Cassia stood and moved across the room, pretending to be studying the paintings on his wall, but in truth she was just hyper aware of everything from the unhurried pace of his breathing, to the way the dimmed light in the living room enhanced the hue of his eyes.
“We have a new client,” she finally said, scanning the antique world map adorning his wall. “Mrs. Maya La Dova.”
“As in La Dova resorts?”
“One and the same.” Cassia confirmed, with a quick glance over her shoulder.
“So, what does this have to do with me?”
“Well, since your father’s health scare, things have been a bit…uncertain,” she turned to lay eyes on him. “Especially since you’ve always been vocal about not wanting to work here.”
Dylan frowned. “You know why. I’d signed a non-compete clause. Plus, my boss was reluctant to see me go because I was his best investigator. Apparently, I was very good at what I did,” he said with mirth.
Some of the breeze whooshed out of Cassia’s sails. “Oh. I didn’t know that.”
He stared at her with surprise. “I just assumed you knew. Anyway, it’s all straightened out and won’t be an issue.”
Cassia was dumbfounded. “Neither dad, nor Michael ever told me. I always thought you just didn’t want to be here. It was one of the reasons I didn’t think you’d be a good fit.”
Dylan covered the distance between them in five strides.
“Only one?” he replied. “It was never an issue of wanting to, Cassia. Besides, heart attacks have a way of changing people’s minds.”
She nodded. “Point taken.”
Without warning, the air grew taut with tension. Cassia’s breathing was choppier by the second. Dylan leaned in closer. Cassia resisted the urge to back up.
“Why don’t you trust me, Cass?”
Caught off guard by his proximity, sheer height, and unhurried air, Cassia hesitated. He’d never used a nickname for her before.
“It’s not that I don’t trust you…well that’s not entirely true. I’m passionate about my work, and the company. I don’t want anything to jeopardize either one.”
“I’m also committed to making sure we thrive. Our fathers formed this company and devoted every waking moment to its prosperity Now that we’ve taken over for them, I’m just as dedicated to seeing us grow.” He folded her arms across his chest. “It’s easier to do that when we’re both on the same page—are we?”
Cassia walked back to the couch. She sat down and smoothed the non-existent wrinkles out of her skirt. “Why would you doubt it?”
“Because reading people is what I do.” He crossed the room and sat down. His frank gaze pinned her to the spot. “And my instincts tell me two things; that you like not sharing the spotlight. And that my commitment to work has nothing to do with the tension between us.”
When she remained silent, Dylan finally said, “So what did you need?
Happy to discuss about anything besides their personal history, she blurted out, “Will you be my husband?”

In the anthology, SPICE readers get a taste of the most anticipated fiction offerings of the year. Readers will enjoy this eclectic blend that will stay with you long after the pages have been turned.
http://ow.ly/UhDt30lLxSI
#Fiction #Thriller #Erotica #Goodreads #BookAddict

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Spicing Things Up – Lisa Watson

Spicing Things Up

There’s a time for playing it safe, but sometimes you need to spice things up!

Cassia Hampton needs a husband to go undercover. People are leaving the La Dova Outer Banks, an exclusive couples-only resort, and filing for divorce. Suspecting corporate espionage, the Queen of Hospitality hires Hampton Reese Investigations to get answers. With all her other operatives on assignment, Cassia reluctantly turns to her business partner, and former flame, Dylan Reese, for help.

Dylan sees posing as Cassia’s love-struck husband as a prelude to rekindle their love. His idyllic romantic getaway has some unexpected pitfalls that could jeopardize their most recent assignment and his relationship with his partner.

Putting business first, Cassia pushes her affections for Dylan to the back seat because she’s not about to risk being distracted at work. While her head concentrates on business, her heart hasn’t forgotten Dylan’s ability to affect her, but denying her feelings for him may be one secret she can’t keep hidden.

Story Notes for Spicing Things Up

Working on the Spice Anthology was a unique combination of fun, hard work, and lots of creativity for me. Each of the authors brought a unique style and their own personality to the project. It was the first time I’ve had the opportunity to be edited by Naleighna Kai She challenged me as an author and ensured that I told the best possible story. I enjoy writing in locations that lend themselves as backdrops for a great romance, and for Spicing Things Up, the Outer Banks in North Carolina does just that.

Lisa Watson is a National Bestselling author that believes that when love speaks…you’d better listen. She’s done just that penning over sixteen novels in the Multicultural, Interracial, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, and Sweet Romance genres. Her latest clean Romantic Suspense, Spicing Things Up for the Spice Anthology, proves that there’s a time for playing it safe, but sometimes you need to spice things up!
www.lisawatson.com

Connect with Lisa on Facebook (NCLisaWatson), Twitter (@LisaYWatson), Goodreads (LisaYWatson), Pinterest (LisaYWatson), Instagram (LisaYWatson), and www.lisawatson.com

In the anthology, SPICE readers get a taste of the most anticipated fiction offerings of the year. Readers will enjoy this eclectic blend that will stay with you long after the pages have been turned.
http://ow.ly/UhDt30lLxSI
#Fiction #Thriller #Erotica #Goodreads #BookAddict

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Excerpt – Not That Nice by Michelle D Rayford

Excerpt Not That Nice by Michelle D. Rayford – Spice Anthology

Kelsee braced for his reprimand and anger. Both were as familiar as breathing. She knew how much Alex hated the light shining in his face. She couldn’t believe she’d forgotten to close the blinds.
Everything had to be perfect. Always.
When she couldn’t take the silence a moment longer, she chanced a peek and released a sigh of relief at the sight of the empty pillow beside her. Then she remembered. He wasn’t there. The reason, for the moment, escaped her.
Kelsee snuggled deeper in the sheets and stretched out in the middle of the bed. She tried to relax and reclaim sleep, but her brain was already churning. She couldn’t shake the feeling that she’d forgotten something.
The phone rang, and she checked the caller ID screen and groaned. She composed herself before answering, “Hello, Mariam.”
Her sister-in-law skipped the usual greeting of ‘As-salamu Alaykum’ and asked, “Are you ready?”
Kelsee’s mind froze. Ready for what?
“I can’t believe I have to do this,” Mariam’s usually strong voice cracked.
Memories flooded in. Today was the funeral.
Two days ago, her husband left to play “golf” at the Chandler Park Course in the Five Points area in Atlanta. Kelsee made him a fruit smoothie. He downed it in silence and left without saying goodbye.
Kelsee went about her regular Saturday chores of cleaning the house, stripping the sheets, mopping and vacuuming. She was washing their dishes when the phone call came. The call that changed everything.
Her mask firmly in place, Kelsee lied, “I can’t believe it either.”
She closed her eyes, listening as Mariam sniffed and repeated the same rambling from yesterday. “Why would Allah take him from me so soon? My baby brother. Why?”
Kelsee didn’t respond. No one in that family listened to her anyway. Instead, she padded to the bathroom and stared at her reflection in the mirror, wincing at the fresh bruise. A final rebuke from her loving husband.
Kelsee ended the call and mentally prepared herself to play the part of the grieving widow. Make-up would camouflage the bruise. Dark shades would hide any other remnants of what had become of their marriage. Or maybe she’d display what he’d done. This was one secret he wouldn’t take to the grave.

They met in the emergency room where she worked. The cop, with the chiseled features and sexy smile, had a habit of trying to coax a reaction from her. She never obliged. Kelsee had convinced herself that she didn’t need the distraction.
What happened next was a blur. Kelsee remembered tending to a gunshot wound patient. She remembered a loud banging sound coming from the admitting area. She remembered the doctor turning toward the hall and screaming. All she could recall was the shape of the gun a teenager pointed at her.

***

Kelsee came to on a cot. For a blissful two seconds, she didn’t know where she was. Her memory returned in waves. The controlled chaos of the emergency room. The smell of sulfur from the gunpowder.
And then a baritone voice said. “I knew I would get you in bed, but I didn’t envision it happening this way.”
Her eyes snapped open. Officer Williams’ dark hooded eyes lasered into her own. Up close, she noticed a scar under his clean-shaven chin and his scent, a heady blend of musk cologne.
“What happened?” Kelsee croaked and swallowed hard. She tried to sit up but couldn’t navigate the mechanics of her body.
He extended his hand. “Some punk tried to finish off your patient. My partner had to put him down.”
Kelsee turned to leave and winced from a jab in her side.
“You may feel that for a while,” he said, “I had to tackle you.”
“I didn’t even get dinner first.” Kelsee blinked in horror. Was she really flirting with the man right now? “I mean, I owe you a thank you.”
“I’m Alex, by the way.” He cleared his throat. “How about we get a coffee or something?” He tucked a stray curl behind her ear. “As you can see I’m a nice guy. You have to say yes this time.”
His touch fought for space in the jumble of thoughts clouding her mind. Kelsee sighed. Maybe she should give Mr. Nice Guy a chance.
And she did. Officer Alex was her real-life hero. Someone had finally arrived on time. Kelsee thought she would never have a reason to be afraid again.
She was wrong.

In the anthology, SPICE readers get a taste of the most anticipated fiction offerings of the year. Readers will enjoy this eclectic blend that will stay with you long after the pages have been turned.
http://ow.ly/UhDt30lLxSI
#Fiction

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Excerpt – Next Lifetime by MarZe Scott

Next Lifetime by MarZe Scott

Elijah Hargove’s body laid on the shag carpet, apparent of one thing— a gunshot to his temple and a .9-millimeter handgun right next to him. However, those two things weren’t enough for Daylin to believe he had taken his own life.
“Miss Montgomery, are you aware if Mr. Hargrove was depressed,” asked Detective Voorhees.
“I don’t know,” she admitted. “He didn’t get any type of diagnosis from a doctor.
Daylin’s gaze followed the blue uniforms and neatly dressed investigators around the place where she had lived a tumultuous life with a man she once believed was her Prince Charming, but Elijah revealed himself to be a monster instead.
Detective Voorhees flipped the paper open and turned it to face Daylin, who scanned the handwritten letter that delivered a gut punch to her soul.
Daylin and Elijah had a chaotic relationship, but could never be said that the high school sweethearts ever experienced the sweet part of what love was supposed to be. Desires of leaving their hometown died as Elijah’s childish tantrums and pleas grew into full on abusive episodes every time Daylin talked about moving on. If there was a wish that had been granted, it was one that only her heart uttered— to be loved by a man she could call a friend.
A broad, flirtatious smile and runway model swagger made Maurice the breath of fresh air that Daylin needed, giving her the friend that she never had in Elijah. Common interests in travel, music, and the occasional debate about Daylin’s Wolverines being better than Maurice’s Buckeyes made for frequent and sometimes raucous lunchtime breaks at Atwater Bank and Trust.
On days when Elijah started an argument early in the morning before she left for work, Maurice treated to her lunch as if he knew she needed to talk about what was stressing her out.
* * *
Sitting in the dimly lit corner booth of Shane’s Bar and Grill, the restaurant was crowded like it was Valentine’s Day.
“Hey handsome,” her voice trembled as she stood to hug her friend, ignoring the ogling eyes from women whose gaze wandered from the companionship of the men at surrounding tables to the appearance of what could be considered perfection.
“How are you, Beautiful?” the bass voice sang from a wide smile from a handsomely chiseled face.
The words to explain her situation became caught in her throat.
“Did he hurt you again?”
“He found our texts about the baby.”
“But it was his baby.”
One wayward tear set the path for more to fall and Daylin couldn’t stop the flow if she tried.
“It was,” she stammered and then took a deep breath. “I didn’t get the chance to tell him because I miscarried. At some point he went through my phone and found the texts. I guess that sent him over the edge and he … he’s dead.”
“Are you okay?” Maurice tilted his head as if he was hit with a sudden thought. “Did you?”
He slowly released Daylin and lowered his gaze so their eyes met.
“Did I what?” she snapped.
“You know …”
“I would never,” she replied, twisting her face in horror that her best friend would think that she could harm Elijah, even if he deserved it. “I didn’t do anything to him even after all he’s done to me. He killed himself and left a letter blaming me for it … can I stay at your place until the investigation is over.”
“That can’t happen. Faye is close to her due date.”
* * *
The days following Elijah’s death proved to be even more troubled than when he was alive. Police questioning her at the hotel made for a less than relaxing stay and prank calls from blocked callers kept Daylin awake at night.
“She killed my son,” Ms. Hargrove warned, her large protruding eyes narrowing on Daylin’s face, this time the woman showed up to her job with the Channel 7 camera crew. “She’s still under investigation for my son’s death. She shouldn’t be walking around free while I have to bury my only child.”
“Your boy,” Daylin locked her gaze on the petite woman’s face. “On a good day was a monster and you knew it. You saw the bruises.”
“Stop lying about him,” Ms. Hargrove screamed wagging her finger in Daylin’s face. “Know this if you don’t know anything else— God is going to punish you for what you did and He uses people to get His work done. You better watch your back because you never know the hour.”

SUGAR is an anthology with the perfect blend of authors at the top of their game who have crafted stories that will leave you wanting more.#PreOrderSUGAR http://ow.ly/7ABT30l7J4h #Goodreads #Drama#Bookworm#GreatReads #Books #BookAddict #BookGeek

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Next Lifetime – MarZe Scott

High school sweethearts Daylin and Elijah were anything but sweet. Over the years, Elijah’s actions threatened to tear their relationship apart. Then Life takes a sudden turn when Elijah is found dead in their home and all the evidence points to either suicide or murder. As the investigation begins, Daylin tries to find safety with a man who has been her best friend and anchor for years. Unfortunately, Maurice’s growing family takes priority and Daylin is left on her own.

When the police exonerate Daylin and Elijah’s family goes on a smear and harassment campaign to destroy life that plays out in the media and on all social networks; Daylin has no choice but to change jobs and give up her home and start a new life elsewhere. A chance meeting reconnects her with Maurice and the friendship blossoms into something more. The need for revenge is so strong, that even now Elijah’s mother, Joan, is set out to make sure Daylin does not have a happy life especially since, despite what the police say, she holds her responsible.

Will Daylin and Maurice’s newfound love withstand the madness brought on by a mother whose relentless attack can land them on the other side of the grave?

About Next Lifetime by MarZé Scott
The story of Daylin and Maurice was inspired after seeing Facebook posts about women wanting to marry their best friends.
The story is unique because the drama had nothing to do with anyone having to choose one person over another. The story tells how if a thing— be it a job, a move, or a relationship is meant to happen, the Universe will see to it that it does.

MarZé Scott is a lifelong resident of Ypsilanti, Michigan. A lover of all things creative, MarZé loves to read, write, draw and do makeup artistry when she’s not taking care of her family. She has been writing short stories and poems since elementary school and developed a taste for writing about provocative topics like the consequences of casual sex in high school. Her debut novel, Gemini Rising is due for release 2018.

SUGAR is an anthology with the perfect blend of authors at the top of their game who have crafted stories that will leave you wanting more.#PreOrderSUGAR http://ow.ly/7ABT30l7J4h #Goodreads #Drama#Bookworm #GreatReads #Books #BookAddict #BookGeek

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Excerpt – Cayenne by Janice Pernell

Michael raised the trunk and gazed at his ex-girlfriend’s unconscious body. Nia was blindfolded, her legs and ankles bloodied by the thick rope binding them. He had to play his cards right if he intended to get her out of this alive.
“You sure nobody saw you snatch her?” Michael asked Lee as the self-proclaimed pretty boy and wannabe gangster got out of his car.
“Positive.” Lee leaned over to admire himself in the mirror.
Michael swore that he would make things right with Nia, make her his wife—as soon as he could free her from her captors.
“Before Angelique kills sleeping beauty,” Lee said, “I’m gonna break her off some of what the women beg me for.” He gave a wicked sneer that set Michael’s nerves on edge.
Though his fists were aching to have a conversation with Lee’s face, Michael chomped down on his anger. Months of undercover work will go down the drain if I lose my cool.
“You’d better get in the car and go meet up with your sister like she told you to,” Michael warned. “People get antsy in this kind of deal.” He glanced at his watch. “Keep them waiting, and they’ll get cold feet. Then there won’t be a baby to sell. Angelique will be pissed if that happens.”
“Maaan, you think I’m scared of that chick?” Lee’s chest was stuck out like a rooster in a cockfight, but his voice sounded more like a hen with its neck on the chopping block. “My sister don’t run things. I do.”
The only thing Lee ran was his mouth. None of the informants Michael had encountered in ten years of undercover work divulged as much information as Lee belched out while bragging about his power, prowess, prosperity, and plans—none of which he possessed. Angelique was the brains behind everything they did.
Michael raised his hands in mock surrender. “Since you call the shots, how about I look after her”—he nodded toward Nia—“until you get back?”
Cursing under his breath, Lee motioned for Michael to remove Nia from his black 2018 Lexus RX.
Michael gathered her slender body in his arms.
Lee slammed the trunk, gave a two-finger wave, and sped off into the night.
Nia never flinched. Her breathing remained slow and steady as the door closed, shutting her off from the outside world.
Not knowing when Lee and Angelina would return, getting Nia out of that place was a priority. But concerns about Nia being unconscious for three hours trumped that. Michael carried her to his Cadillac CTS and gently laid her across the back seat.
Her natural beauty mesmerized him. Baby-soft coco skin. Eyebrows that framed her brown eyes like they were works of art. Thick black hair that created a halo around her face.
He placed a feather-light kiss on her lips. In a fairy tale, she would awaken with undying gratitude. But he feared that no magic kisses or potions could ever make her regard him favorably again.
He got the smelling salts from the first aid kit in the car. Getting in the driver’s seat, he turned toward her and waved the bottle several inches away from her nose.
She wrenched away from the acrid smell of ammonia. Convulsing with coughs, she thrashed around, probably hoping to free her hands, take the blindfold off, and make a run for it.
Putting a hand to her chest, he gently held her in place. The heartbeat that was faint as he held her against his chest a minute ago now pounded against his palm like a battering ram.
“Shhh,” he whispered.
Her head darted around to follow his hushed tone, then to take in other sounds in the space: a dog barking nearby; the hum of the furnace in the adjoining utility room; his ragged breathing as the fear of losing her to killers subsided.
Michael braced himself, knowing that once he said something, she would recognize him. “I’m going to take off your blindfold.”
She gasped, cringed, and craned her head toward the sound of his voice.
He untied the black bandana that covered her eyes and let it slip off.
Light spilling from the dome light over Nia’s head made her squint, but when she fully opened her eyes, she honed in on Michael’s face. Her expression transformed from bewilderment to horror, giving voice to everything she couldn’t vocalize.
Why did you do this to me?!

In the anthology, SPICE readers get a taste of the most anticipated fiction offerings of the year. Readers will enjoy this eclectic blend that will stay with you long after the pages have been turned.
http://ow.ly/UhDt30lLxSI
#Fiction #Thriller #Erotica #Goodreads #BookAddict

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Cover Feedback

 

I’m working on a new short story.

Synopsis:  What happens when your greatest achievement occurred in high school?  Twenty something Rodney Aces faces a cross-road when someone from his past makes him question the choices he has made.  Will he continue to drift through life or make a change?

What do you think of this cover?

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New Cover Design

Lie to Me

 

I got a professional to design an ebook cover for my upcoming short story, Lie to Me.  What do you think?

I love it.  It’s much better than my feeble attempts.

Lesson learned:  Hire professionals.

Enjoy!