Celebrate Your Freedom to Live, Love, & Read—Freedom Hop

 LET FREEDOM RING!

Welcome to the Freedom Hop, a great sampling of authors sharing short excerpts from their work. Please enjoy and consider picking up the full book by clicking on the buy link.

~*~

How wonderful is it to have the independence to choose how we live our lives, who we love, and what we read?

I'm lucky enough to have always had the choice and I've used my liberty to do what I love… write about hot romances between men and women, edit for authors who write about all kinds of love—from best friends who become lovers to same sex couples and relationships that include multiple partners, and read all of the above with voracious abandon.

When writing as Skylin O'Thomas, I tend to focus on contemporary romance, sometimes filled with those little relationship moments, but I also love to add a little adventure. There's something fun about weaving in tension with suspense or a perilous situation. It's also a joy to create adventure by adding a good bit of humor.

For this year's Freedom Hop, I'm sharing short samplings of all my current titles and a longer excerpt of my very first release, Down in Mexico, which I'm giving away for the blog hop.

~*~

Down in Mexico

Available on Amazon ~ $1.99

Kiernan Darby spends five long years playing dead. It's a life in limbo, but it lets Lars Rademacher do his job and eliminate the members of a lethal crime syndicate, Kiernan's former employers.

After discovering she's alive and well, Lars tracks Kiernan down in Mexico. Their reunion is sweet… until he reveals a pesky detail he conveniently forgot to mention.

Kiernan isn't completely safe. In fact, Lars is using her as bait to catch the last member of the espionage organization.

Excerpt:

Kier picked up her glass, sipped the wine, contemplating.

"I learned to shoot. Small arms for the most part, but I know how to sight and fire a rifle." Her hand twirled the glass and her gaze turned hard. "It may be overkill, but I keep a handgun in the house, my shop, the car. I have two on my boat along with a rifle." She raised her eyes to his. "I didn't plan to make it easy for them to kill me."

She wouldn't. Even without the small arsenal, she'd have put up a hell of a fight before going down. It was in her nature to battle back.

Lars reached across the table and laced his fingers with her free hand. "You were smart, Kier. You had no way of knowing what would happen after you left."

She shrugged a shoulder. "There have been several times over the last five years that I've felt like something was off. Not quite right." She squeezed his hand. "It'll take some getting used to… this being safe thing."

Shit. He had to come clean. Now.

He had a feeling it wouldn't be pretty.

"Uh, Kier, about that." He took a deep breath and just spit it out. "You may not be that far off base thinking something's not quite kosher."

Her brow knit with confusion. "But I thought you said—"

"I did. I lied."

Her mouth opened, then snapped shut. So many emotions crossed her face he couldn't keep up with them.

She got up and paced the kitchen. "What exactly did you lie about?"

Book Tagline: Boy meets and falls for girl. Girl 'dies' in a fiery explosion. Five years later, they meet again.

~*~

AUTHOR GIVEAWAY

To celebrate our freedom to live, love, and read, I'm giving away Down in Mexico, which is the first book in the South of the Border series. New titles will be coming soon.

To enter, please leave a comment and let me know how you like to spend the 4^th of July. Non-US readers, let me know what would celebrate with fireworks.

Other titles by Skylin O'Thomas

Merry and Bright

Available on Amazon | BN | Resplendence Publishing | ARe | ~ $2.99

Presley wants to start some new holiday traditions, but waking up in bed with Gunnar and Frazier isn't what she had in mind. Yet… she can't think of a better way to be merry and bright.

Creative Ink

Available on Amazon ~ $1.49

Brian and Lucy are on the verge of mainstream success—watch it happen in Creative Ink.

Busted in Bubbles

Available on Amazon ~ $1.99

Is there anything better than a bath time romp with a hot man? Emsley Bourne wants to find out.

~*~

Please stop by my website

Celebrate with more fireworks! Visit the other participating authors.

Saturday Standard—Busted in Bubbles: Rayne McKinnon's digital daily recording

I've taken a long hiatus from posting the Saturday Standard. It's time to revisit this fun little blog idea.

What is the Saturday Standard?

A fun little sneak peek behind the scenes, featuring character interviews or another type of glimpse into their lives, or six or seven questions about the setting, plot or character traits, or a collage of inspirational pictures I used while writing the manuscript. Basically, anything that strikes my fancy.

This week, I'm sharing an excerpt from Rayne McKinnon's daily digital recording. Rayne is the hero of Busted in Bubbles and he's almost achieved everything he planned, with one more client to sign. He's got a reason to be a little excited…

Let's listen in…

Set up a meeting with Jorn Pestle and plan to sell strong to win his business. The man does his homework so he knows I'll back up anything I promise. The timing couldn't be better to gain his corporate accounts. Triple S will be on site at the conference, which means Emsley Bourne will be in attendance. If all goes according to plan—and let's face it, when doesn't it?—I'll be able to have a conversation with her about more than coffee and security products.

The only iffy part is Emsley herself. She's such a wild card. But… if my gut is right, she'll get on board, especially if she pulls her usual stunt of short sheeting my bed. She'll have a challenge this time because I'm in a cabin instead of a standard room. Something tells me her unique skillset will see her through. I can't wait to find out.

End daily recap, Rayne McKinnon

Check out Rayne and Emsley's interaction after she uses her stealthy talent in Busted in Bubbles.

Is there anything better than a bath time romp with a hot man? Emsley Bourne wants to find out.

Available on Amazon

Rayne McKinnon sells a lucrative security-consulting job and it's time to move on to his next objective: adding a partner. He wants Emsley Bourne, personally and professionally, and puts a plan in motion to achieve his goal. She only has to follow through with her usual tradition.

Emsley lives for the next thrill, in business and life. She's got a unique skill set and uses it to gain access to Rayne's cabin to follow through on her standard short-sheeting escapade. Imagine her surprise when she discovers Rayne soaking in a tub full of bubbles. Busted, she can either flee the scene—or join Rayne for some bath time fun.

Saturday Standard--Busted in Bubbles: A page from Emsley Bourne's journal

I've taken a long hiatus from posting the Saturday Standard. It's time to revisit this fun little blog idea.

What is the Saturday Standard?

A fun little sneak peek behind the scenes, featuring character interviews or another type of glimpse into their lives, or six or seven questions about the setting, plot or character traits, or a collage of inspirational pictures I used while writing the manuscript. Basically, anything that strikes my fancy.

This week, I'm sharing a page from Emsley Bourne's journal. Emsley is the heroine of Busted in Bubbles and she's completely stoked she managed to pull off a silly little prank against Rayne McKinnon. She's got a reason for being so thrilled…

Take a look…

Success! I can't believe I pulled off short-sheeting Rayne McKinnon's bed. And it was soooo easy. Well, for me, anyway. Thanks, Dad! Sometimes is pays to have a criminal in the family.

So, I wonder how long it'll take Mr. Uber-Security-Expert to figure out who's pulling the stunt. Seriously, I can have so much fun with this. Rayne ends up coming to almost every conference I attend. I figure he'll have me nailed as the culprit within a month, maybe two. The guy's got a solid reputation and knows his shit. Totally hot, by the way. I love a man with the smarts to back up his good looks.

Short-sheeting. Man, I haven't tried to attempt that feat since summer camp a loooonnnggg time ago. Most fun I had as a kid. And yeah, completely juvenile, but at least it brings back one of the few happy memories I have of growing up. Before I had to move in with Dad. Eh, whatever. At least he gave me a skill set I can use for work. Who knew knowing how to bypass security systems would turn into such a lucrative, honest, profession? It's a good thing no one asks me how I know so much about the pros and cons of our product line.

Anyway, here's hoping Rayne figures out my little trick pretty soon. I'd love to see his reaction and maybe finally have a reason to spend time with him that's not sitting over coffee or talking shop at lunch.

Fingers crossed.

~Emsley~

Find out how long it takes Rayne to peg Emsley as his trickster in Busted in Bubbles.

Tagline: Is there anything better than a bath time romp with a hot man? Emsley Bourne wants to find out.

Available on Amazon

Blurb: Rayne McKinnon sells a lucrative security-consulting job and it's time to move on to his next objective: adding a partner. He wants Emsley Bourne, personally and professionally, and puts a plan in motion to achieve his goal. She only has to follow through with her usual tradition.

Emsley lives for the next thrill, in business and life. She's got a unique skill set and uses it to gain access to Rayne's cabin to follow through on her standard short-sheeting escapade. Imagine her surprise when she discovers Rayne soaking in a tub full of bubbles. Busted, she can either flee the scene—or join Rayne for some bath time fun.

Thank you for stopping by!

Smokin' Hot—Hot Kiss: Busted in Bubbles

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.

Greetings!

This week we're tasked with sharing a hot kiss, whether it's slow, eager, passionate, a kiss can be many things. *sigh* Check out the smokin' smooches and enjoy! :D

For my feature, I'm posting a scene from a current release, Busted in Bubbles, a sexy short with some bath time fun.

For a little background, here's the book tagline:

Is there anything better than a bath time romp with a hot man? Emsley Bourne wants to find out.

Bring on the steamy smooches…

"Someone has to keep you on your toes, Ems. The whole short sheeting of my bed is fun and all, but come on… it's been a year." He leaned forward a little, his mouth hovering an inch from hers. "I think it's time to play something else, don't you?"

Emsley fought back a shudder. God, his voice sounded like good Scotch. Smooth, with just a touch of bite to it.

Her tongue flicked out, wetting her lower lip. "Something more grown up maybe?" She straddled his thighs and scooted forward until her hips were flush with his groin, his thick erection pressing against her. "I could go for that… if you're really game."

Rayne moved fast, capturing her lips in a very hot kiss. Emsley groaned low in her throat and gave herself over to the onslaught of sensory overload. His tongue swept inside her mouth and she responded, wrapping her arms around him, one hand traveling up to the back of his head, her fingers raking through his dark hair. The other slid down his back, drawing him closer. She wanted to feel his skin against hers. Craved the contact like an addict.

A first for her. She rarely felt a consuming need for sex. Then again, she'd had a thing for Rayne since the day they bumped into each other at his first conference three years ago. She'd gotten to know him, not well, but enough to know he found her attractive.

~*~

Available on Amazon

~*~

Book Blurb: Rayne McKinnon sells a lucrative security-consulting job and it's time to move on to his next objective: adding a partner. He wants Emsley Bourne, personally and professionally, and puts a plan in motion to achieve his goal. She only has to follow through with her usual tradition.

Emsley lives for the next thrill, in business and life. She's got a unique skill set and uses it to gain access to Rayne's cabin to follow through on her standard short-sheeting escapade. Imagine her surprise when she discovers Rayne soaking in a tub full of bubbles. Busted, she can either flee the scene—or join Rayne for some bath time fun.

~*~

Thank you for stopping by.

Please feel free to drop by my website

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

Smokin' Hot—Hot Bothered: Busted in Bubbles

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.

This week we're tasked with sharing a scene with sexual tension to leave us hot and bothered. Nice! Especially if you live in a cold climate… like Ohio in February. LOL

For my feature, I'm posting a scene from my current release Busted in Bubbles.

For a little background, here's the tagline:

Is there anything better than a bath time romp with a hot man? Emsley Bourne wants to find out.

Bring on the tension…

"Someone has to keep you on your toes, Ems. The whole short sheeting of my bed is fun and all, but come on… it's been a year." He leaned forward a little, his mouth hovering an inch from hers. "I think it's time to play something else, don't you?"

Emsley fought back a shudder. God, his voice sounded like good Scotch. Smooth, with just a touch of bite to it.

Her tongue flicked out, wetting her lower lip. "Something more grown up maybe?" She straddled his thighs and scooted forward until her hips were flush with his groin, his thick erection pressing against her. "I could go for that… if you're really game."

Rayne moved fast, capturing her lips in a very hot kiss. Emsley groaned low in her throat and gave herself over to the onslaught of sensory overload. His tongue swept inside her mouth and she responded, wrapping her arms around him, one hand traveling up to the back of his head, her fingers raking through his dark hair. The other slid down his back, drawing him closer. She wanted to feel his skin against hers. Craved the contact like an addict.

A first for her. She rarely felt a consuming need for sex. Then again, she'd had a thing for Rayne since the day they bumped into each other at his first conference three years ago. She'd gotten to know him, not well, but enough to know he found her attractive.

~*~

Available on Amazon

~*~

Book Blurb: Rayne McKinnon sells a lucrative security-consulting job and it's time to move on to his next objective: adding a partner. He wants Emsley Bourne, personally and professionally, and puts a plan in motion to achieve his goal. She only has to follow through with her usual tradition.

Emsley lives for the next thrill, in business and life. She's got a unique skill set and uses it to gain access to Rayne's cabin to follow through on her standard short-sheeting escapade. Imagine her surprise when she discovers Rayne soaking in a tub full of bubbles. Busted, she can either flee the scene—or join Rayne for some bath time fun.

~*~

Thank you for stopping by.

Please feel free to drop by my website

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

Smokin' Hot—First Encounter: Busted in Bubbles

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.

For this week's entry, we were asked to post our hero and heroine's first encounter?

FUN!!!

I love writing that first meeting, or sometimes, the first time characters see each other after a long time or maybe even a break-up, because they just can't stay apart. Or sometimes, it's when they've been interested and are just now acting on their attraction.

Emsley Bourne and Rayne McKinnon have one of those attractions. I'd like to share a scene from Busted in Bubbles, a sexy short, where Emsley and Rayne  share their first encounter after three or so years of dancing around each other.

Book Tagline: Is there anything better than a bath time romp with a hot man? Emsley Bourne wants to find out.

So… without further ado…

Emsley glanced in each direction before she used the master keycard to let herself into Rayne's cabin. If she'd figured the timing right, it shouldn't take longer than five minutes to short sheet his bed and another six to get the card back to the concierge desk. Poor Ron had no clue she'd borrowed his all access entry key to pull a prank. Hell, he didn't have any idea she'd lifted the damned thing at all.

With a smug smile, she crossed the living area and started up the spiral staircase to the loft. About five steps up, she froze, carefully listening and hearing water sloshing in the bathroom. Shit. Rayne must've skipped the fancy-pants dinner. Okay, could she still pull off her traditional short sheeting of his bed and still leave him none the wiser?

She pondered, considering her skill level against the chance he might discover her presence. Should she risk it?

Yeah. She loved a good challenge.

She started up the next step and stopped again. Wait… bath? What the hell? Curiosity ate its way through her intention of getting in and out. Rayne couldn't possibly be soaking in a tub. Hell. Yeah, he could… and he might have company. The thought bothered her… even if it shouldn't. She might find the combination of looks and brains a heady mixture, but it didn't give her any claim to his affections.

She hesitated. Indecision warred in her brain. She had zero desire to become a voyeur if Rayne had brought someone along for this trip and they'd decided to get kinky in the tub. She weighed her options. The possibility of finding him with some woman wrapped around him would be like a kick in the teeth, but… 

Screw it. She made her way back down the steps, tip-toeing to the bathroom door.

She had to know if the do-it-all security expert liked to soak in a tub. Peeking around the corner, she bit her cheek to keep from laughing out loud. Sure as shit, Rayne McKinnon sat up to his shoulders in frothy bubbles. An open bottle of bubbly, nestled in a bucket of ice, sat beside the tub, a glass filled with the golden liquid held in one of Rayne's hands, dangling outside. His head rested on the rolled edge of the tub, eyes closed, his fingers lazily tilting the glass back and forth.

The humor died and Emsley's face heated up. God, he looked damned good, bubbles or not. A wave of jealousy hit her… he appeared so content. The relaxed pose, the hot water, the alcohol… geez, she could go for all three. Okay, four. She could go for Rayne right now, too.

Rayne opened his eyes and shook his head. "Come to short sheet the bed again, Ems?"

She blinked and sputtered, but didn't deny the accusation. "How did you know?"

Rayne drained his glass and poured another flute. "You're the only person I know brazen enough to swipe a keycard at a security conference and not worry about getting caught." His lips quirked knowingly. "That juvenile record of yours must come in handy sometimes."

Emsley almost missed the backhanded insult. Her eyes had been riveted to the sculpted muscle playing under his skin when he poured the drink.

She nodded absently. "Yeah, it does." His words registered. "Wait. What? My juvie records are sealed. You shouldn't know about them."

Rayne's lips curved in a slow smile. "It pays to have extraordinary hacking skills."

~*~

Available on Amazon

~*~

Brand Blurb: Sexy Shorts—Kick back and unwind with a satisfying read even when time is limited.

Book Blurb: Rayne McKinnon sells a lucrative security-consulting job and it's time to move on to his next objective: adding a partner. He wants Emsley Bourne, personally and professionally, and puts a plan in motion to achieve his goal. She only has to follow through with her usual tradition.

Emsley lives for the next thrill, in business and life. She's got a unique skill set and uses it to gain access to Rayne's cabin to follow through on her standard short-sheeting escapade. Imagine her surprise when she discovers Rayne soaking in a tub full of bubbles. Busted, she can either flee the scene—or join Rayne for some bath time fun.

~*~

Thank you for stopping by.

Please feel free to drop by my website

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

Get Hooked: Reel in a Great Book—Busted in Bubbles #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.

I'm revisiting one of my first releases, Busted in Bubbles, a sexy little short story designed to be a hot, quick read. I'll be posting a series of pivotal scenes over the next couple of weeks. Please enjoy!

Today's post features some banter between Emsley and Rayne, picking up from where last week's post left off.

Book Tagline: Is there anything better than a bath time romp with a hot man? Emsley Bourne wants to find out.

~*~

She had to know if the do-it-all security expert liked to soak in a tub. Peeking around the corner, she bit her cheek to keep from laughing out loud. Sure as shit, Rayne McKinnon sat up to his shoulders in frothy bubbles. An open bottle of bubbly, nestled in a bucket of ice, sat beside the tub, a glass filled with the golden liquid held in one of Rayne's hands, dangling outside. His head rested on the rolled edge of the tub, eyes closed, his fingers lazily tilting the glass back and forth.

The humor died and Emsley's face heated up. God, he looked damned good, bubbles or not. A wave of jealousy hit her… he appeared so content. The relaxed pose, the hot water, the alcohol… geez, she could go for all three. Okay, four. She could go for Rayne right now, too.

Rayne opened his eyes and shook his head. "Come to short sheet the bed again, Ems?"

She blinked and sputtered, but didn't deny the accusation. "How did you know?"

Rayne drained his glass and poured another flute. "You're the only person I know brazen enough to swipe a keycard at a security conference and not worry about getting caught." His lips quirked knowingly. "That juvenile record of yours must come in handy sometimes."

Emsley almost missed the backhanded insult. Her eyes had been riveted to the sculpted muscle playing under his skin when he poured the drink.

She nodded absently. "Yeah, it does." His words registered. "Wait. What? My juvie records are sealed. You shouldn't know about them."

Rayne's lips curved in a slow smile. "It pays to have extraordinary hacking skills."

Available on Amazon

More e-retailers coming soon!

~*~

Book Blurb: Rayne McKinnon sells a lucrative security-consulting job and it's time to move on to his next objective: adding a partner. He wants Emsley Bourne, personally and professionally, and puts a plan in motion to achieve his goal. She only has to follow through with her usual tradition.

Emsley lives for the next thrill, in business and life. She's got a unique skill set and uses it to gain access to Rayne's cabin to follow through on her standard short-sheeting escapade. Imagine her surprise when she discovers Rayne soaking in a tub full of bubbles. Busted, she can either flee the scene—or join Rayne for some bath time fun.

~*~

~*~

Please stop by my website

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

Get Hooked: Reel in a Great Book—Busted in Bubbles #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.

I'm revisiting one of my first releases, Busted in Bubbles, a sexy little short story designed to be a hot, quick read. I'll be posting a series of pivotal scenes over the next couple of weeks. Please enjoy!

Today's post features Emsley, my heroine.

Book Tagline: Is there anything better than a bath time romp with a hot man? Emsley Bourne wants to find out.

~*~

Emsley glanced in each direction before she used the master keycard to let herself into Rayne's cabin. If she'd figured the timing right, it shouldn't take longer than five minutes to short sheet his bed and another six to get the card back to the concierge desk. Poor Ron had no clue she'd borrowed his all access entry key to pull a prank. Hell, he didn't have any idea she'd lifted the damned thing at all.

With a smug smile, she crossed the living area and started up the spiral staircase to the loft. About five steps up, she froze, carefully listening and hearing water sloshing in the bathroom. Shit. Rayne must've skipped the fancy-pants dinner. Okay, could she still pull off her traditional short sheeting of his bed and still leave him none the wiser?

She pondered, considering her skill level against the chance he might discover her presence. Should she risk it?

Yeah. She loved a good challenge.

She started up the next step and stopped again. Wait… bath? What the hell? Curiosity ate its way through her intention of getting in and out. Rayne couldn't possibly be soaking in a tub. Hell. Yeah, he could… and he might have company. The thought bothered her… even if it shouldn't. She might find the combination of looks and brains a heady mixture, but it didn't give her any claim to his affections.

She hesitated. Indecision warred in her brain. She had zero desire to become a voyeur if Rayne had brought someone along for this trip and they'd decided to get kinky in the tub. She weighed her options. The possibility of finding him with some woman wrapped around him would be like a kick in the teeth, but… 

Screw it. She made her way back down the steps, tip-toeing to the bathroom door.

She had to know if the do-it-all security expert liked to soak in a tub.

Available on Amazon

More e-retailers coming soon!

~*~

Book Blurb: Rayne McKinnon sells a lucrative security-consulting job and it's time to move on to his next objective: adding a partner. He wants Emsley Bourne, personally and professionally, and puts a plan in motion to achieve his goal. She only has to follow through with her usual tradition.

Emsley lives for the next thrill, in business and life. She's got a unique skill set and uses it to gain access to Rayne's cabin to follow through on her standard short-sheeting escapade. Imagine her surprise when she discovers Rayne soaking in a tub full of bubbles. Busted, she can either flee the scene—or join Rayne for some bath time fun.

~*~

~*~

Please stop by my website

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

Get Hooked: Reel in a Great Book—Busted in Bubbles #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.

I'm revisiting one of my first releases, Busted in Bubbles, a sexy little short story designed to be a hot, quick read. I'll be posting a series of pivotal scenes over the next couple of weeks. Please enjoy!

Today's post features Rayne, my hero.

Book Tagline: Is there anything better than a bath time romp with a hot man? Emsley Bourne wants to find out.

~*~

The tradeshow paid off! Right on schedule.

Rayne McKinnon shook hands with Jorn Pestle, sealing the most lucrative security-consulting job he'd ever landed. "I'll have preliminary recommendations to you by Tuesday."

Pestle smiled. "Now, Rayne, there's no rush. And with the amount I just agreed to pay, you should be able to kick back and skate for at least a week. Don't you ever take any downtime?"

Rayne chuckled. "Staying on my toes is the entire reason I sold you on my services."

Jorn nodded. "True, true. But at least take the night and do something fun."

Rayne agreed. He had a plan to celebrate already in place. Nothing Jorn would probably find enjoyable, but Rayne didn't particularly care. If tradition held firm, he had the potential to do something way more than fun.

Heading out of the main lodge's executive lounge, he dropped by the concierge to place a quick order for room service, to be delivered in about an hour. He needed to make a few strategic stops before he made his way to the private cabin tucked back in a dense copse of tall pines.

Wandering around the vendor area, he spied the booth he'd been seeking. He'd been too busy meeting with potential clients to get into the sales room before now. Making a quick perusal, he didn't see the person he wanted, but oh, he heard her. Her loud peal of laughter preceded her when she exited from the private transaction space curtained off from the rest of the booth. The enthusiastic handshake with her buyer indicated she'd made a big sale.

Available on Amazon

More e-retailers coming soon!

~*~

Book Blurb: Rayne McKinnon sells a lucrative security-consulting job and it's time to move on to his next objective: adding a partner. He wants Emsley Bourne, personally and professionally, and puts a plan in motion to achieve his goal. She only has to follow through with her usual tradition.

Emsley lives for the next thrill, in business and life. She's got a unique skill set and uses it to gain access to Rayne's cabin to follow through on her standard short-sheeting escapade. Imagine her surprise when she discovers Rayne soaking in a tub full of bubbles. Busted, she can either flee the scene—or join Rayne for some bath time fun.

~*~

~*~

Please stop by my website

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

Celebrate Your Freedom to Live, Love, & Read—Freedom Hop

Let freedom ring!

Welcome to the Freedom Hop, a great sampling of authors sharing short excerpts from their work. Please enjoy and consider picking up the full book by clicking on the buy link.

~*~

How wonderful is it to have the independence to choose how we live our lives, who we love, and what we read?

I'm lucky enough to have always had the choice and I've used my liberty to do what I love… write about hot romances between men and women, edit for authors who write about all kinds of love—from best friends who become lovers to same sex couples and relationships that include multiple partners, and read all of the above with voracious abandon.

When writing as Skylin O'Thomas, I tend to focus on contemporary romance, sometimes filled with those little relationship moments, but I also love to add a little adventure. There's something fun about weaving in tension with suspense or a perilous situation. It's also a joy to create adventure by adding a good bit of humor.

My latest release, Busted in Bubbles, is a short, sexy romp with witty banter and a man who's not afraid to own a tub of bubbles. If anyone is an X-Files fan, the idea behind the story came from an episode where Assistant Director Walter Skinner had no qualms admitting to soaking in a big bubble bath.

My hero, Rayne, sets the scene with loads of the sudsy froth—and champagne—then waits for Emsley to arrive. Needless to say, he convinces her to join him for some bath time fun.

The book was so much fun to write and I'm giving a digital copy away for this blog hop. Please leave a comment for your entry and tell me how you celebrate your freedom to live, love and read.

~*~

Book Tagline: Is there anything better than a bath time romp with a hot man? Emsley Bourne wants to find out.

~*~

With a smug smile, she crossed the living area and started up the spiral staircase to the loft. About five steps up, she froze, carefully listening and hearing water sloshing in the bathroom. Shit. Rayne must've skipped the fancy-pants dinner. Okay, could she still pull off her traditional short sheeting of his bed and still leave him none the wiser?

She pondered, considering her skill level against the chance he might discover her presence. Should she risk it?

Yeah. She loved a good challenge.

She started up the next step and stopped again. Wait… bath? What the hell? Curiosity ate its way through her intention of getting in and out. Rayne couldn't possibly be soaking in a tub. Hell. Yeah, he could… and he might have company. The thought bothered her… even if it shouldn't. She might find the combination of looks and brains a heady mixture, but it didn't give her any claim to his affections.

She hesitated. Indecision warred in her brain. She had zero desire to become a voyeur if Rayne had brought someone along for this trip and they'd decided to get kinky in the tub. She weighed her options. The possibility of finding him with some woman wrapped around him would be like a kick in the teeth, but… 

Screw it. She made her way back down the steps, tip-toeing to the bathroom door.

She had to know if the do-it-all security expert liked to soak in a tub. Peeking around the corner, she bit her cheek to keep from laughing out loud. Sure as shit, Rayne McKinnon sat up to his shoulders in frothy bubbles. An open bottle of bubbly, nestled in a bucket of ice, sat beside the tub, a glass filled with the golden liquid held in one of Rayne's hands, dangling outside. His head rested on the rolled edge of the tub, eyes closed, his fingers lazily tilting the glass back and forth.

Available on Amazon

Leave a comment to be entered to win a digital copy!

Let me know what freedoms you enjoy and please include an email address.

(Drawing to occur on July 7, 2014)

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Blurb: Rayne McKinnon sells a lucrative security-consulting job and it's time to move on to his next objective: adding a partner. He wants Emsley Bourne, personally and professionally, and puts a plan in motion to achieve his goal. She only has to follow through with her usual tradition.

Emsley lives for the next thrill, in business and life. She's got a unique skill set and uses it to gain access to Rayne's cabin to follow through on her standard short-sheeting escapade. Imagine her surprise when she discovers Rayne soaking in a tub full of bubbles. Busted, she can either flee the scene—or join Rayne for some bath time fun.

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 Celebrate with more fireworks! Visit the other participating authors.

Banner Thursday—Busted in Bubbles Banner

Today, I'm featuring the banner for my recently released humorous, sexy romp, Busted in Bubbles, published by my personal imprint, Starry Sky Press.

For this banner, which I use as a rotating ad on my blog and website, I hoped to convey something a little playful and fun since the book is focused on what happens when Emsley discovers Rayne in a tub full of bubbles. The red background with a few bubbles seemed to fit the bill.

Take a look…

The book is available on Amazon with other e-retailers coming soon.

Next week: The Busted in Bubbles cover

Tagline: Is there anything better than a bath time romp with a hot man? Emsley Bourne wants to find out.

Blurb: Rayne McKinnon sells a lucrative security-consulting job and it's time to move on to his next objective: adding a partner. He wants Emsley Bourne, personally and professionally, and puts a plan in motion to achieve his goal. She only has to follow through with her usual tradition.

Emsley lives for the next thrill, in business and life. She's got a unique skill set and uses it to gain access to Rayne's cabin to follow through on her standard short-sheeting escapade. Imagine her surprise when she discovers Rayne soaking in a tub full of bubbles. Busted, she can either flee the scene—or join Rayne for some bath time fun.

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Thanks for reading!

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May Day Facebook Party #MFRWorg

It's Time to Party!

hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers (#MFRWorg)

JOIN ME & over a dozen other authors as we share excerpts from our contemporary romances. Get ideas for some new books to enjoy this spring. With all heat levels represented, there's something for everyone. Join in on the hourly contests and win prizes. This is a party you do not want to miss and it's going on all day on May 1st.

I'll be featuring excerpts from Busted in Bubbles, Down in Mexico, and maybe something from an upcoming release or two. I'll also be giving away a copy of Busted in Bubbles, featuring new cover art.

Join us!

Confirmed Participating Authors INCLUDE:

Victoria Barbour - Vicki Batman - Paloma Beck - Gemma Brocato - Candy Caine - Lisa Carlisle - Carly Carson - Margie Church - Karen Cino - Wendy Lynn Clark - Margo Bond Collins - Kandie Delley - Emerald - Candace Gold - Lily Harlem - Susan Jaymes - Mona Karel - Patricia Kiyono - Adriana Kraft - Jan Meredith - Siobhan Muir - Martha O'Sullivan - Skylin O'Thomas - Victoria Pinder - Irene Preston - Jana Richards - Christi Williams - Sabrina York

CLICK HERE to Attend!