Winner of Avril Ashton's giveaway...

is DEBBY!!!

Debby, please email me @ avril.ashton@yahoo.com with the title of the ebook of your choice and I'll get it out to you.

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2nd Excerpt (R) Love the Sinner-M/M~Avril Ashton

BLURB: Detective Gabriel Ashby has never looked twice at another man, yet the criminal across from him, the man he’s interrogating, isn’t like any other. Gabe can’t deal with the sudden, intense need he has for one of NYPD’s Most Wanted. Everyone close to Angelo Pagan ends up dead, with the smug gang leader standing amid the rubble. Gabe would love nothing more than to bust Angelo’s ass and lock him up. So why is he seeing the bastard in his dreams at night?

 Angelo Pagan knows attraction to Gabe is suicide. He’s resolute to ignore the chemistry…until a police raid goes wrong. He critically injures Gabe, changing the trajectory of both their lives. Now the two can’t get close enough. They settle into a forbidden affair threatened by lies and betrayal, living on different sides of the law with no way of breaching the gap between them. With the authorities looking to make an example of Angelo, Gabe has to decide if it’s really worth it to hate the sin but love the sinner.

EXCERPT

He trudged up the stairs to his house and fitted the key into the lock with frozen fingers. The instant he stepped through the door, the hairs on his nape shot up. He blinked in the darkness, keeping the lights off as he reached inside his coat pocket and grasped the cool butt of his SIG, his personal piece.

Standing with his back against the closed door, he waited, quieting his breathing. Nothing moved. Had he imagined the presence of someone else? He’d been on edge since the shooting—hell, even before that. Since I questioned him.

Damn it.

He wasn’t supposed to think about that. About him.

Gabe kept his grip on the SIG, not entirely convinced he was imagining things. Bending over, he placed the beer at his feet carefully, flicking on the light as he straightened.

“Took you long enough.”

No. Gabe gulped in a lungful of air. Angelo Pagan leaned against the archway leading into his living room, arms crossed, relaxed sensuality oozing from his every pore. Clad in head-to-toe black, the man looked like the sexiest freaking burglar ever.

Gabe’s feet were moving before he realized his intentions. Grabbing Pagan by the throat, he slammed him into the wall and pressed the gun under his chin.

“Why the fuck are you in my house?” The too-familiar musk of spice and heat hit his nose.

“Watch where you put that gun.”

Gabe’s knees weakened at the lazy drawl. The man he’d been trying so hard to forget was in his arms. He pulled off the black wool cap covering Pagan’s head and watched in starved fascination as long dark hair tumbled over his wide shoulders.

“Pagan.” Wincing at the hoarseness in his voice, Gabe cleared his throat. Long, curled lashes fluttered, lifted. Those expressive brown eyes met his and he bit the inside of his cheek.

“Cop.”

One word and Gabe was back inside that interrogation room.

“Why are you here?” He ignored the needy cock twitching between his legs and kept hold of the gun with a not-so-steady grip.

Those eyes held him captive. He couldn’t look away, he didn’t want to even as the voice in the back of his mind demanded he run.

“Lose the SIG, amado.”

Gabe blinked. Ama-who? “No.”

Pagan smiled and Gabe had no problems breaking eye contact then. He dropped his gaze to those lips curved just so and bit back a groan. God, the many times he’d lain awake next to Trish imagining ways to abuse those lips, that mouth.

“Gabe.”

He jerked his gaze back to Pagan’s eyes. Shit. Shouldn’t have.

“Six weeks is way too long, amado.” Pagan rocked into him, his arousal bumping Gabe’s.

Gabe closed his eyes on a hiss. Heat crawled up his spine. “Don’t. Don’t do this.”

“Dios, cop.” Pagan touched him; warm fingers dipped under Gabe’s collar and brushed his nape.

He shivered.

“Look at me.”

His eyes flew open at the harsh command. Pagan stared him down, nostrils flared.

“You’re drinking too much.” Concern flashed across Pagan’s face before he smoothed it away. “You can’t numb it with alcohol.”

Jesus. Gabe’s eyes stung. “Why the hell are you here? Go away.” The gun he still held trembled violently.

Pagan’s expression grew serious. Sad. “I’m here making sure you’re all right. Making sure you’re not in pain.” His lips twisted. “Physically.”

“And why the fuck do you care?” Gabe shot back. “You tried to freaking kill me.”

“¡Idiota!” The fingers at Gabe’s neck tightened. “If I wanted you dead, you wouldn’t be breathing right now.” He jerked his chin toward Gabe’s wounded shoulder. “That bullet saved your life. I saved your life.”

Gabe snorted. “Yeah. Whatever.”

“Listen to me, cop.” Pagan leaned forward, bringing their faces mere inches apart. “I need you alive. I need you breathing.” He took in a breath then let it out in a rush. “I need you.”

Gabe wanted to run as far away as he could from those eyes reflecting his needs back at him, but more than that he wanted to taste the man in his arms.

He wanted so bad and so fierce.

“Lose the gun, cop.”

Gabe followed the slow movement of his own hand as he lowered the gun. He tucked it into the small of his back before meeting Pagan’s eyes. The cold air disappeared, replaced with flames licking at his skin.

“Pagan.” He growled the name as he shuffled closer. Pagan grabbed his lapels and pulled him in even tighter.

Gabe lifted a trembling hand and did what he’d wanted to from day one—he slid his fingers through Pagan’s thick hair. The soft strands wrapped around his fingers like silk.

Pagan shuddered. Gabe cupped his jaw. The short hairs of his stubble pricked his palm.

“I’m not…” He licked his lips. Pagan’s eyes dilated. “I’ve never…I’m not gay.” If he hadn’t been losing himself in those gold eyes he’d have missed their slight widening.

Pagan shifted away, out of his hold and Gabe never felt emptier.

Alone.

“Mierda.” Pagan shoved his fingers through his hair. “I…you…” Anguish bled from his eyes and roughened his voice. He turned away.

“Angelo.” Gabe grabbed his arm. Electricity crackled and popped at the skin-on-skin contact. “Please.”

“You don’t want this, right? So let me go, cop.” Pagan’s gaze flicked down to where Gabe held him. “Let me go.”

Gabe swallowed. “I can’t.” He tightened his hold on the thick wrist. “I can’t.” The thought of watching Pagan walk away, of never seeing him again, punctured something in his chest. But what would be the result of him staying? Could he be with a man, this man?

“Qué quieres, Gabe? What do you want?”

His name on Pagan’s lips sounded so good. So right. Gabe looked at him, trying but failing to find words.

“Damn it, Gabe.” Pagan wrenched out of his hold and grabbed his shoulders. “Tell me what you want.”

“To kiss you.” The words tumbled from his lips, harsher than he intended. “Just once. To know what it’s like. What you taste like.”

Pagan’s eyes darkened.

“Maybe then I’ll be able to forget you.”

Pagan arched an eyebrow and stepped forward. “You think it’s that simple?”

Gabe held his ground. “Yeah.”

“So do it.” They stood chest to chest. Pagan’s warm breath caressed Gabe’s forehead when he said softly, “Kiss me, cop. Then try to forget me.”

Get it from Ellora's Cave May 9: http://bit.ly/ImoN94

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Men of May Blog Hop and Free Read (Avril Ashton)

This weekend I'm participating in the Men of May blog hop. Come check us out and enter to win prizes from well over 30 authors. Start at my blog and follow the linky:  http://avril-ashton.blogspot.com/2012/05/men-of-may-blog-hop.html

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First excerpt (R) Till Surrender-M/M~Avril Ashton

BLURB: Tattooed half-breed, Takayo ‘Saint’ St. John, kills for the PSC with single-minded efficiency. He’s never questioned or failed his assignments…until he stares into the cornflower blue eyes of Ryken Valte, the man whose life he’s infiltrated under false pretenses. Harsh words and a cold shoulder isn’t enough to keep the distance between them, but Saint’s mission hangs over his head. His job is to kill the brother of the man he loves and he sees no way out of his predicament.

Ryken melts under the intense attraction between him and Saint, but the man keeps pushing him away, denying their connection. Ryken would give up everything, do anything to have Saint at his side and in his bed, but secrets bigger than them make it impossible. Ryken yearns for Saint’s surrender, but he’ll get more than he bargained for when dark forces neither comprehends return with a vengeance.


EXCERPT

“No killing the target until you hear from me.”

Takayo ‘Saint’ St John leant back in his chair, arms folded across his chest, and raised an eyebrow at his boss. Remi Parascu pushed a folder across the large mahogany  desk towards him.

Saint grabbed it and flipped open the brown folder. “Tell me again how I got chosen to babysit a freaking human?”

This wasn’t his normal assignment—most of Saint’s missions were in-and-out jobs, like the one he’d recently completed in Germany. . He hadn’t even disembarked the Council’s private jet when Remi showed up with this new gig. The Paranormal Security Council—known as the Council—marshalled the different paranormal sects in the US and abroad, providing security for high-ranking Para officials, and making sure Para laws were upheld. When anyone stepped out of line and broke those laws, the PSC also dealt with them. ‘Dealing with them’, more often than not, meant killing them, and Saint was one-fourth of the team given the termination assignments.

The president of the PSC met his gaze with unblinking eyes. “This is an elite’s job and, since Prescott’s on another assignment, you’re up to bat.”

That still left one other person. “And Voltaire?”

The female head of their team known as the Death-Bringer was the deadliest of them all. This job seemed more suited to her. Besides, Saint really wanted to sleep. And get laid. Though not necessarily in that order. It’d been a long-ass minute since he’d had a good dick suck and a balls lick. Fuck, but he was due.

Remi pushed her chair back and got to her feet. The tight grey skirt and blue blouse she wore clung to her lithe frame. Saint didn’t have to be into chicks to appreciate her gorgeous feminine form.

“Voltaire’s in Colorado.”

The words were spoken evenly, but he had a feeling more went on behind Remi’s direct stare.

“She’s mated with a wolf out there and is apparently still in the honeymoon phase.” Remi grimaced.

He chuckled. “Must be one crazy-ass wolf to risk mating with V. She’s a live one.”

“Yeah, well, at least she hasn’t left completely. In fact, she’s the one who recommended you for this.”

“No shit.”

“No shit.” A knock came on the door of her office and Remi headed towards it. “Read up on your cover and the target. Wheels up in five hours so I suggest you get that pesky hard-on taken of asap.”

Folder in hand, Saint surged to his feet with a grin and snapped a salute. “Yes, boss.”

*****

ve and a half hours later, Saint still hadn’t got any sleep, but he’d managed to rub a nut off in the shower. Not quite the same as a warm, wet mouth swallowing him, but he could hold on—barely, till he found a willing partner.

As the pilot turned off the seatbelt sign, he stretched his legs out on the seat in front of him and read through the folder Remi had given him. He grinned when he saw his name remained the same. He didn’t technically exist, so they’d given him a brand new, and very violent background. Not too dissimilar from his real life, but the fake Takayo St John was all about honour and morality. Fighting for the greater good.

Ugh. Saint wanted to hurl. He already hated the new him. It was the perfect bait, though, to reel in the humans intent on making a move on the Council. He flipped back to the pages about his target.

Nathan Valte.

Tall and lean, the fair-headed former professor of literature looked older than his thirty-eight years. He’d turned activist against all Para citizens after his wife and child were killed by leopard shifters.

Literally torn apart.

Saint winced at the gruesome pictures. Since his loss, the professor had become outspoken about his hatred for Paras, amassing a pretty considerable following. Before now, no one in the paranormal community had taken him seriously, deeming him harmless and grieving. Something had definitely changed. What though? That info wasn’t in the file, but several attempts had been made on Valte’s life. The man was in desperate need of a bodyguard, and who better to fill the role but fake Saint?

He’d be embedded with Nathan at his Texas compound until Remi gave him the go-ahead to off the professor. Saint didn’t do up close and personal, though there was a first time for everything. As a half-breed—part Para, part human—no one would have an idea a Para was in their midst unless Saint wanted them to. Unlike full-blooded Paras, he could pass for human any day of the week.

He paused at a photo of Nathan Valte with a younger man by his side. The other man’s face was averted, his attention off camera, but he’d been graced with the same light colouring, slight build and fair hair as the professor. If Remi’s info was anything to go by, this would be the professor’s baby brother, ten years younger, Ryken.

Saint stared at the younger Valte, wishing he could see his face clearly. A sense of familiarity flooded him as he practically willed the man to turn around, look into the camera. Stupid. Did he know Ryken Valte? Should he? His gut told him yes. Saint caressed the man’s face in the photo and the tattoos on his chest, arm and back came alive—writhing, burning his skin with each stroke of his finger.

“Fuck.” Sweat popped out on Saint’s brow. He flung the folder across the plane’s cabin and staggered to his feet. What the hell?

Pre-order Now/Buy May 7th~ http://bit.ly/IzdBFc

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Howdy from Avril Ashton

Good morning all, and thanks to the Goddess Fish peeps for having me over today. I’m Avril Ashton and I’ll be dropping in and out all day. Computer time is limited as Sunday is family day and use of computers is banned. LOL

This upcoming week I have two releases on deck and I thought I’d share a few sneak peeks from them with you. They are M/M, and I’ll be giving away an ecopy of one of them to one person who comments on any of my posts during the day.

Here are the blurbs from my two releases and I’ll be back during the day with excerpts. First up, releasing on May 7th (tomorrow) from Total-E-Bound and available now for pre-order:


TILL SURRENDER 
Book two in the Paranormal Security Council Series

The key to his salvation is the one person he’s destined to love...and betray.

Tattooed half-breed Takayo ‘Saint’ St John kills for the PSC with single-minded efficiency. He’s never questioned or failed his assignments...until he stares into the cornflower-blue eyes of Ryken Valte, the man whose life he’s infiltrated under false pretences. Harsh words and a cold shoulder aren’t enough to keep the distance between them, but Saint’s mission damns him. His job is to kill the brother of the man he loves and he sees no way out of his predicament.

Ryken melts under the intense attraction between him and Saint, but the man keeps pushing him away, denying their connection. Ryken would give up everything, do anything to have Saint at his side and in his bed, but secrets bigger than them make it impossible. Ryken yearns for Saint’s surrender, but he’ll get more than he bargained for when dark forces neither comprehends return with a vengeance.

BUY LINK: http://bit.ly/IzdBFc

Next up, coming May 9th from Ellora's Cave, is

LOVE THE SINNER

Detective Gabriel Ashby has never looked twice at another man, yet the criminal across from him, the man he’s interrogating, isn’t like any other. Gabe can’t deal with the sudden, intense need he has for one of NYPD’s Most Wanted. Everyone close to Angelo Pagan ends up dead, with the smug gang leader standing amid the rubble. Gabe would love nothing more than to bust Angelo’s ass and lock him up. So why is he seeing the bastard in his dreams at night?

Angelo Pagan knows attraction to Gabe is suicide. He’s resolute to ignore the chemistry…until a police raid goes wrong. He critically injures Gabe, changing the trajectory of both their lives. Now the two can’t get close enough. They settle into a forbidden affair threatened by lies and betrayal, living on different sides of the law with no way of breaching the gap between them. With the authorities looking to make an example of Angelo, Gabe has to decide if it’s really worth it to hate the sin but love the sinner.

BUY LINK: http://bit.ly/ImoN94

Remember, please leave your email addy in the comments.

 

A Caribbean transplant, Avril now lives in Brooklyn, N.Y with a tolerant Spousal Equivalent. Together they raise an eccentric daughter who loves reading and school (not so much school anymore). Avril’s earliest memories of reading revolve around discussing plot points of The Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys with an equally book-minded mother  

Always in love with the written word, Avril finally decided to do the writing in August of ’09 and never looked back. Spicy love scenes, delicious heroes, and wicked women burn up the pages of Avril’s stories, but there’ll always be a happy ending; Av remains a believer of love in all its forms.

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Far From The Usual, by Avril Ashton *NC-17 excerpt*

She spent most of her morning over at Genevieve’s house, biting her tongue to keep from asking about Cam. The damned man was of no consequence to her, but she kept seeing his eyes in her mind. She blinked it away.

Any other man but him.

After business was done, everything confirmed for the dinner party the next day, Genevieve made them a quick brunch. Arden stomach grumbled at the smell of bacon and eggs sizzling and she mumbled a thank you before diving into all the greasy food. Normally she’d stay away from it, but she figured what the hell, she owed herself an indulgence and since sex seemed quite a ways off, this was the next best thing.

She’d just put her licked-clean plate in the kitchen when a vehicle pulled into the driveway. She lifted the curtain at the window over the sink and peered out.

“Ah, fuck me.”

Cam’s blue, dented pick-up truck sat behind her car. She watched as he exited the cab of the truck, a black t-shirt stretched taut over his wide shoulders and forearms, long legs covered in worn denims and black work boots.

He looked good. And she shouldn’t be noticing his ass, but damn. He glanced at her car, took two steps, then stopped.

Arden frowned. He looked at the house, jaw working, then back to her car. His lips moved and he trailed his hand covered in black fingerless gloves across the passenger side door almost reverently.

She felt that touch, a tangible caress on her skin. Her body flamed and Arden spun around from the window with a gasp. He’s a rude, crass man. But her body was warming to him and for him. No! She yelled at herself. He’s Clark’s brother.

And off limits.

Not that she wanted him.

“Arden, that should be Cameron,” Genevieve’s voice drifted to her from upstairs. “He’s here to fix the dishwasher. Tell him I’ll be down shortly.”

“Okay,” she called back as the front door open. Suddenly she wanted to run and hide, duck below the table even. Anything to get away from those ice blue eyes.

Instead she couldn’t move to save her life and she remained rooted to the spot at the sink, heart jumping to her throat when he made his appearance. She had to breathe through her mouth, fighting not to squirm as he undressed her with a glance, mouth twisted into a smirk.

His gaze stopped at her knees, exposed by the tight denim shorts she wore, and then climbed to her face slowly. Arden gulped. She didn’t know where to look, what to do with her hands. Hell, she’d forgotten her name.

The dislike from last night shone in his eyes, but so was the hunger. Potent and dark, she felt it wash over her skin and tried not to let her tremors show.

Not good. Not good.

She licked her lips and immediately regretted it when his gaze dropped to her mouth. “Good morning, Mr. Mercer.” There, no wobble. “Your mother will be down shortly.”

He held her gaze as he walked toward her. Slow and steady. Unlike her heartbeat that ratcheted higher and higher with each step. She backed up, hips pressed into the counter obstructing her escape.

She stood her ground on weak knees as he stopped in front of her. He placed both hands on the counter on either sides of her, caging her in as his scent—mild sweat and something spicy—teased her nose. She pursed her lips, locking in the whimper in her throat as her pussy flooded, soaking the crotch of her shorts.

He stared at her mouth and she remembered the brief brush of his mouth over hers the night before. The barest of touches and yet she still felt it.

“You should call me Cam,” he murmured against her ear. “Mr. Mercer would be a bit much to scream out when I’m buried deep inside you, don’t you think?”

A sound left her, a pleading whimper as her knees buckled. She threw out a hand and grabbed his arm for balance, staring at the contrast between her dark skin and his vibrant tattoos.

He had plans to fuck her and judging by the way her clit pulsed at his words, her body had no objections. But she did.

Arden swallowed and met his eyes, mentally stiffening her spine. Time to nip this shit in the bud. “You cannot have me, Mr. Mercer. Despite what you may think, I’m not a toy to be used up and thrown away. Keep your fantasies to yourself.”

Footsteps sounded on the stairs and she shifted away, but he grabbed her nape. She moaned at the sensation of his fingertips on her skin.

“Make no mistake, Princess, I’ll be fucking you.” He dragged his tongue over her cheek.

Arden shuddered and almost collapsed.

“And you’ll be begging me for more.”

COMING MARCH 15, from Evernight Publishing

 

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FREE READ by Avril Ashton

For those still unsure whether to take a chance on my writing, here's your opportunity to sample some of my stuff for FREE. TOUCH, my free read, is available for download on my website.

Six months after a brutal attack, Dahlia Pierce still jumps at her own shadow, but the green-eyed stranger holding her at gun-point has her yearning to feel him. His touch, his kiss. He robs her bank and leaves, only to reappear in her bedroom later.

Cruz Doriaye has always been more interested in business than pleasure. The bank job should be no different, but the need radiating off Dahlia gets to him. Calls to his own hungers. He answers, but his line of work stands between them. As does her secrets.

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Hot Excerpt: Far From The Usual by Avril Ashton

Excerpt One, FAR FROM THE USUAL, coming March 15 from Evernight Publishing *some language*

“All done, Mr. Mercer?”

“Yeah, you’re good to go.” He held her gaze, heating her skin under all that ice as he quoted his price.

“Great.” She broke eye contact and fumbled with her purse. “I assume cash is acceptable?” At his curt nod she counted out the appropriate amount plus a nice tip and handed it over. “Thank you for your prompt service.”

He stared at her then flipped his gaze to the money in her hand and backed away without taking it.

“What the hell?” Arden scrambled out of the car, cursing those damned heels as they sank into the soft ground. Rain pelted her in the face as she yelled after Cam. “What the fuck is your problem?”

He ignored her and she kicked off her heels and raced after him. Grabbing his arm, she tugged.

“What the hell is your problem with me, Mr. Mercer?” She brushed wet hair from her eyes and glared up at him. “Did I kill your puppy or something?”

He shrugged and her gaze darted to those shoulders.

Briefly.

“I don’t like you,” he said.

What? Arden gaped up at him. She would never cop to how her chest felt like he’d sliced her open. “Everybody likes me.”

He laughed in her face. “You’re a spoiled, entitled rich kid.”

Where the hell did he get off? “You don’t know me.” She poked him in the chest. “You don’t know shit about me, so you have no right to judge me.”

Water dripped from his hood and down his chin. “My brother knew, right? And it seems he had enough of you.”

“Motherfucker!” She lifted her hand to punch him in the freaking nose, but Cam grabbed her wrists. She fought him, kicking at his shins.

“Get your hands off me, you son of a bitch.”

He lifted her off her feet and brought her down on the hood of his truck. Arden struggled as he grabbed her nape and brought their heads close.

“Does daddy know how dirty his little girl’s mouth is?” His lips brushed her ear and Arden shivered.

Damn. She struggled harder but his vice grip held her immobile. Rain poured, wetting her tight white dress, molding it to her skin.

“Did my brother get any of those dirty words or are they all for me?” His fingers at her nape tightened. His bulky frame covered her vision and Arden inhaled his scent of clean soap and anger. Her nipples beaded.

She tried sliding out from under his hold, but only succeeded in sprawling backward on the truck’s wet hood. Lifting her hands, she clutched his arms.

“Cam.” She heard the whimper in her voice, but rejected it. She didn’t whimper.

He lifted his head, met her eyes, and her tremors started. His fingers at her nape flexed. The coolness in his eyes bled away, leaving only heat. Leaving only flames.

“No.” She shook her head. It wasn’t right, but her cunt was all slippery. He didn’t like her, but she tightened her grip on his forearm. “You don’t like me.”

His lips curved, his hold on her slackened and Arden scrambled away, nearly falling to the ground in her attempt to get away.

Cam grabbed her hand, yanked her into his chest.

Arden held her breath to avoid breathing in his musk.

“I don’t have to like you to want you, Princess.”

She was burning up, melting, but Arden gathered her strength and pushed at his chest. “I don’t like you, either, Mr. Mercer. Nor do I want you.” Oh, God. She couldn’t even convince herself.

He chuckled, blue eyes flashing. “Liar. I’ve seen it in your eyes, Princess. You think I don’t know you’ve been avoiding me?”

“Shut up! Shut up!” She squeezed her eyes shut, panting. He knew. God.  She should leave, walk away, but there was a strange buzzing in her ear, her heart thudded in her chest, and her pussy was all kinds of hungry.

Wet fingers grazed her cheek, cupped her jaw. His hot breath fanned across her face. Arden forced herself not to inhale, not to move, not to moan. Soft, firm lips brushed against hers, feather light. Barely there. She sucked in a breath, reached for him, but he’d already moved back.

Away from her.

His gaze was hard, inscrutable. “If you want it then I’ve got it, Princess.”

She swallowed, coughed. “No.” Arden shook her head, the lie burning her tongue. “I don’t want it.” She straightened her wet dress and turned her back, walking back to her car.

Cam raced after her. “I’m not alone in this attraction, Princess. You can’t hide from it and me forever.”

She heard the words but chose to ignore them. He had no idea what the hell he was saying. This wasn’t an attraction, merely a lack in judgment. Arden bent over, digging out her heels from under a pile of mud with a grimace. “I have to go.”

He grabbed her arm. “The road is blocked because of an accident. No one is coming down this way, you’ll have to take the long way home.”

She stared down at his hand on her arm. “I should thank you, I guess. Right now, I just need to get dry. And drunk.”

He narrowed his eyes. “What are you trying to forget?”

“A lot.”

COMING MARCH 15, to Evernight Publishing

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Hello From Avril Ashton

Good morning all, Avril Ashton here. I'm excited to be with you guys today, sharing excerpts and more from my upcoming erotic I/R novella, Far From The Usual, coming March 15 from Evernight Publishing.



BLURB

He’s her ex’s brother, yet Arden Windham aches to be in Cam Mercer’s arms. The man is rude and obnoxious, his blue eyes cold and unfeeling, but he makes her body melt. Being with ex-con Cam is nowhere in her plans, not if she wants the affection she’s worked so hard to gain from her overbearing father. Still, Cam’s touch is unlike anything she’s ever felt and Arden finds herself having to choose between her wants and her needs.

Cameron Mercer is his family’s black sheep, a man apart. For six months he watched Arden waste her time with his twin and now she’s free, he’s not waiting another minute. He’s on a campaign to get her off the tight rope she’s been walking. There’s a rebel behind that smooth façade and he’s on a mission to set Arden free. Too bad she insists on putting up a fight.



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(Adult excerpt) In Wicked Chains by Avril Ashton

Elina crumpled to the floor in a quivering heap after Kingston yanked the belt from her wrists. Finally, she knew what his touch felt like on her skin. She’d have proof, real-life images in her head when she went to sleep tonight. But did she pass his test? Had she shown him she could take whatever he dished out?

She lifted her head. He sat next to her on the floor, his back against the couch. His head was thrown back, eyes closed, fists clenching and unclenching at his side.

She swallowed. “King?” He didn’t move, but his jaw flexed. “Kingston, look at me. Please?’

His eyes opened slowly. Pain, lust, and for a brief flash, fear stared at her from his blacker than black gaze. “I can’t do this with you. I won’t.”

“Why?” She scrambled to her feet. Warm moisture slid down her legs. His gaze dipped, settling at the juncture of her thighs before leaping back to her face. He struggled with something, but kept his lips sealed.

“Why won’t you do this with me?” Lips and limbs trembling, she asked, “Is it because of him, my father?’

His eyes flashed. “I’m not going to judge you by your father’s actions, El.” He glanced away. “Besides, we’re kind of in the same unlucky boat when it comes to parents.” 

“Then why?” Elina caught herself before she dropped to her knees. Begging a man to want her, to need her was so beneath the Vicente image, but she couldn’t make herself care. This was Kingston, the man she’d wanted from day one, the one she dreamed of at night, the name she called out in moments of stolen self-pleasure.

He blanked his features. “You’ve been through some stuff with your father and I’d never hold it against you, but today is the first time I’ve seen you be stubborn, be assertive, be…someone other than Elina Vicente, daughter of a dead gangster.”

Tears burned her eyes. “That must tell you something. It must tell you that I want this.” She stepped forward, held out a quivering hand. “I’m offering up myself to you, King. I’m willing to take whatever you dish out.” The words broke in her throat and she had to force them out, but it wasn’t from fear. Anticipation and the thrill of finally admitting her wants and needs to the man who made those emotions come alive was the cause.

What happens if he turns me down?

He jerked upright. “It tells me you still have no idea what you’re asking for. No idea what the words you’re saying really mean.”

“I allowed you to touch me. Make me…” She dropped her hand and pursed her lips.

“Come. That’s the word you’re looking for.” He pushed off the floor and stood, arms folded, deep gaze glued to hers. “I made you come, Elina. You can’t even say it, can you?” 

“Of course I can say it,” she scoffed. “Come. See?” Despite her bold words, heat still swept her face and neck.

Kingston’s mouth twitched. “Yeah, you’re a regular dirty-talker.” He approached slowly, crowding her. She couldn’t hide the reflexive flinch, but managed to squelch the urge to retreat.

I’ve got to be strong. Show him I can do this.

His hand snaked around her waist and yanked her close. His breath feathered across her forehead. Elina shivered and gulped his scent into her lungs. At the faint hint of patchouli, her eyelids fluttered.

“You’re tough, right?” Up close, his words rumbled in her ear.

She nodded up at him.

He grinned, nostrils flared. “Show me.”

“Ho-how?”

“Touch me.” He grabbed her right wrist and laid her palm on his chest. The muscles jumped under his black t-shirt. “Touch me.”

She curled her fingers, teeth digging into her bottom lip. And now came the time to really show and prove. While she had no problems with Kingston’s hand on her body, her confidence surely didn’t extend to being the one who did the touching. Her experiences with Niko were limited to being on the receiving end, except the time she got him drunk and climbed him. Even then, she barely did anything.

“Your hesitation tells me I’m right, you’re not ready.” Kingston’s words interrupted her thoughts.

Usted puede hacer esto, Elina. You can do this. Elina put those words on permanent repeat in her mind and lifted her hand from his chest. Reaching up and behind him, she pulled out the rubber band holding his thick braids in place. They spilled over his shoulders, framing his face and giving him a wild, untamed appearance.

“Shake them,” she whispered.

He did. Tilting his head back, he shook his head with rapid moves. The braids flew around, beauty in motion. When he stopped, she did what she’d wanted to the second she laid eyes on Kingston. She sank her fingers into his hair and wrapped a few stands around her fingers.

His gaze burned her, face inscrutable. She met his eyes and emotions swamped her. “I’ve wanted to do that forever,” she confessed in a husky voice. And today most—if not all—of her dreams came true.

“What else have you always wanted to do?” Kingston shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “Show me.”

A little braver, a little more in control of her runaway emotions, Elina did. She removed her hand from his hair and cupped his cheek. His closely shaved facial hairs tickled her palm. She kept her eyes on her hand as she swiped her thumb over his cheekbone.

And again her hand shook. Breath left her in heavy pants. She leaned into him and pressed her nose to his throat. Kingston jerked, then stiffened. His arms rose as if to hold her in place, but dropped back to his sides.

Elina inhaled the salty scent on his skin. Whimpers fell from her lips. Kingston’s chest rose and fell in rapid movements. She swore she heard the thudding of his heart, felt it in his pulse. Nose to him, she slid a hand down his chest and lifted the hem of his t-shirt. His body went back to taut, but she ignored him, dragging the tip of her fingernail across his exposed flesh.

“Fuck!”

The groaned word vibrated in his chest. Triumph raced through her body. She’d made him feel.

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(R) Excerpt; In Wicked Chains by Avril Ashton

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She burst into the bar as Sasha entered.

“Hey, E. Been waiting long?”

Elina brushed past her and out the open door with a choked sob. She’d lose Sasha, too, if her friend ever found out about Elina’s feelings for Kingston.

“Whoa. E, wait up.” Sasha’s heels clicked on the ground as she ran after Elina.

Elina slowed to a stop beside her car and hastily brushed at her damp eyes.

“Hey.” Sasha settled a hand on her shoulder. “Look at me.”

Resigned, Elina turned slowly. Sasha removed her sunglasses and frowned up at her. The concern in her eyes made Elina want to weep even more. She hiccupped.

“What’s wrong? Why are you crying?”

Movement at the club’s entrance caught Elina’s eye. Kingston stood framed in the entranceway, unbound braids around his shoulders, buckling his belt.

Sasha followed her gaze and frowned. “Did Kingston do something to you? Did he hurt you?” 

“Get in the car.” Her friend opened her mouth. “Now.” Elina slid behind the wheel and started the vehicle, pulling away as Sasha hopped in and slammed the door.

“What the hell is going on?” Sasha buckled her seatbelt and threw her handbag in the backseat.

Elina bit her lip and sped out of the club’s parking lot. She eyed the rearview mirror. Kingston stood in the space she’d pulled out of, arms crossed, staring after them. Silence reigned as Sasha sat beside her patiently, glancing from Elina to the road ahead, and back.

“Lo siento,” Elina said finally. If Sasha no longer wanted to be her friend, she’d deal with it. She’d probably broken some kind of sacred law between best friends. Thou shall not lust after your best friend’s brother, no matter how much he stars in your nighttime fantasies.

Sasha sighed. “You’re scaring me. You know that, right? I’ve never seen you like this before.”

“I know and I’m sorry.” Elina gripped the steering wheel to hide her trembling fingers. “I-I didn’t mean for it to happen, it just did.”

“What did?” Sasha’s voice rose. “Fuck, E, you’re not making any sense.” She twisted in her seat to face Elina. “Stop speaking in riddles before I smack the shit out of you.”

Elina’s lips twitched. Sasha’s violent side always made her smile. “I saw something in Kingston’s office. He and a woman. They were…”

“They were what?” Suspicion laced Sasha’s words. “Tell me and I’ll kick his ass.”

“They were…she was on her knees.” Elina swallowed and forced out the words. “Naked. Pleasuring him with her mouth.” She wanted to say, taking what was mine.

Sasha’s mouth rounded, eyes widened. “Oh.” She faced forward and placed her head back on the headrest. “That’s what has you upset?”

“It should’ve been me,” Elina whispered. Sasha stiffened. She ignored her friend’s reaction and continued. “I’m the one who’s wanted him for months, pretending not to care. Pretending.”

Sasha remained silent, staring straight ahead.

Elina glanced at her. “I’m so sorry. I know I’ve broken your trust in me and I understand if you don’t…” Her voice broke. “If you no longer want to be my friend.”

“Pull over.”

Elina flinched at the barked order. She pulled over to the side of the road and sat, silent, waiting for Sasha’s reprimand.

“Look at me.” Sasha unbuckled her seatbelt and leaned over to grasp Elina’s shoulder.

Elina lifted her chin and met her friend’s gaze.

“You’re in love with my brother?”

Elina nodded. “I’m sorry for—”

Sasha slashed a hand through the air. “Stop apologizing. I’m not mad at you. Surprised, but not mad.”

“Really?” Elina perked up. “You’re not breaking up with me?”

Sasha chuckled. “No. I’m not breaking up with you, E. I’m sorry you had to see him with somebody else. Why don’t you just tell him how you feel?”

“I was. I gave up waiting for him to make a move, to come to me. That’s why I was there, to see him. To tell him how I feel.” She shook her head and turned away before Sasha saw the tears in her eyes. “I think he wants me, too, but then this happens. Maybe he can’t see past our friendship. Or maybe he can’t deal with who I am,” she whispered the last part

“You don’t know that.” Sasha took Elina’s hand in hers. “You can’t know what he thinks until you talk to him.”

“No.” Elina pulled her hand away. “No, I can’t face him, not after that.”

Sasha sighed. “It’s your choice, but I think you should talk to him.” She grabbed her purse from the backseat and opened the car door. “Gimme a sec, I’ll be right back.”

Elina laid her head on the headrest and closed her eyes. She had one load off her chest. Others remained, but at least she had Sasha by her side. She didn’t lose her friend, and that was the one positive in all this.

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