Feeling Blessed ~Giveaway

Every year, I find a new reason to feel blessed. This year is no different. First and foremost, my family comes before everything. That never changes. They are my heart and soul. But this year…my dream came true. I went from writing for me to writing a series for my favorite publisher—Ellora’s Cave.

I can’t express what a wonderful feeling it was to get ‘the call’ for my debut, Unexpected Find. Excited, scared, disbelieving but above all…blessed. They pulled my novel out of the slush pile and gave a newbie author a chance. I’ll forever be grateful for that.

I hope everyone has something or someone to cherish this holiday season too.

Happy holidays!

About Me

I've always been an avid reader and encourage everyone to escape the hectic daily grind with a few minutes a day in your favorite book. 

I'm lucky enough to share my cat's home with my three wonderful children, husband, dog and snake. When not writing, I work as a chemist in a pharmaceutical lab. 

My passions beyond reading and family include music, classic cars, tattoos and animals (all of which have found their way into my writing in one form or another).

So that's a little bit about me...

Nancy

Unexpected Find on Amazon

Excerpt

Rafe waited for Josh to leave then stepped behind Jasmine and slipped an arm around her waist, locking her to him. She molded against him, softness to hardness, and was short enough to tuck under his arm. She leaned into his embrace as if she’d done so for a lifetime, head tipped back to rest against his chest. The easy way she accepted him pushed him to take more. With a palm on her hip, he tugged her closer, pressed his engorged shaft to her body. She stiffened and spun, blonde hair very similar in shade to his whipping with the move. Wide-eyed, she stared at him. He loosened his grip but didn’t release her.

Gods, she was beautiful. Gray eyes, dilated at the moment, a few freckles on the tip of a slightly crooked nose and a mouth made for kissing. Her rounded face with its finely sloped forehead lent her an angelic quality, but the desire stamped on it ensured she’d be the wicked kind of angel, given the proper encouragement. And he had every confidence in his ability to bring out the vixen hidden behind her sweet exterior.

He thought about all the ways he could urge the siren out and a grin spread. Oh, the unveiling would be fun.

She shoved at his chest, didn’t move him, and huffed. “Let go, buddy. We’re done.”

Her husky voice wrapped around him and the bite of irritation in it appealed to him as well. He enjoyed feisty females—in bed and out.

“But you didn’t answer me,” he replied, enjoying the confusion making her brows scrunch. Tiny crinkles appeared by the corner of her almond-shaped eyes. He liked how they looked there.

“What did you ask?”

“Am I hot enough for you?”

Her jaw dropped, but the evidence of her desire drifted to his nose.

“Good. I’m glad I fit your needs.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“You didn’t have to.” He took her hand, linking their fingers, and led her away from her human friend and the other males’ appreciative glances. He wanted her alone…to talk.

She hesitated at the entrance to the employee hallway. “What a sec, buddy. I am not going anywhere with you.”

He tipped her chin up, met those hypnotizing gray eyes. “Name’s Rafe. Rafe Alexander.”

She licked her lips. “Rafe,” she said.

Damn, his name sounded good in her breathless voice.

“Jasmine.” He tried the name out. It rolled nicely on his tongue. “Walk with me.”

Enter my giveaway

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Breathing life into a hero ~ Giveaway

Molding a hero…

Giving a character life is one of my favorite parts of writing. What will my hero look like? How will he act? For me, I need a name picked out before I type my first word. I simply can’t stick a generic title on him and build his personality. He needs an identity. Once I decide on a name, his life can take shape. This is where his story comes in. He didn’t just appear in the world I created. He lived in it, interacted with others, maybe loved and lost. Those are the details I need to know to mold him.

In Unexpected Find, my hero’s name is Rafe Alexander.

So let’s see, Rafe is a five hundred year old feline shifter. He’s protective of his family and works with the human government’s shifter division to locate and rescue kidnapped shifter children. After living for centuries, he’s a gentleman at heart, but his animal instincts make him dominant and possessive.

Hmm…so what does Rafe look like?

Tall, muscular and confident. Add in long blond hair, golden feline eyes and Rafe is born.

My cover for Unexpected Find matches him perfectly. Don’t you think?

Unexpected Find on Amazon

Excerpt

Rafe waited for Josh to leave then stepped behind Jasmine and slipped an arm around her waist, locking her to him. She molded against him, softness to hardness, and was short enough to tuck under his arm. She leaned into his embrace as if she’d done so for a lifetime, head tipped back to rest against his chest. The easy way she accepted him pushed him to take more. With a palm on her hip, he tugged her closer, pressed his engorged shaft to her body. She stiffened and spun, blonde hair very similar in shade to his whipping with the move. Wide-eyed, she stared at him. He loosened his grip but didn’t release her.

Gods, she was beautiful. Gray eyes, dilated at the moment, a few freckles on the tip of a slightly crooked nose and a mouth made for kissing. Her rounded face with its finely sloped forehead lent her an angelic quality, but the desire stamped on it ensured she’d be the wicked kind of angel, given the proper encouragement. And he had every confidence in his ability to bring out the vixen hidden behind her sweet exterior.

He thought about all the ways he could urge the siren out and a grin spread. Oh, the unveiling would be fun.

She shoved at his chest, didn’t move him, and huffed. “Let go, buddy. We’re done.”

Her husky voice wrapped around him and the bite of irritation in it appealed to him as well. He enjoyed feisty females—in bed and out.

“But you didn’t answer me,” he replied, enjoying the confusion making her brows scrunch. Tiny crinkles appeared by the corner of her almond-shaped eyes. He liked how they looked there.

“What did you ask?”

“Am I hot enough for you?”

Her jaw dropped, but the evidence of her desire drifted to his nose.

“Good. I’m glad I fit your needs.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“You didn’t have to.” He took her hand, linking their fingers, and led her away from her human friend and the other males’ appreciative glances. He wanted her alone…to talk.

She hesitated at the entrance to the employee hallway. “What a sec, buddy. I am not going anywhere with you.”

He tipped her chin up, met those hypnotizing gray eyes. “Name’s Rafe. Rafe Alexander.”

She licked her lips. “Rafe,” she said.

Damn, his name sounded good in her breathless voice.

“Jasmine.” He tried the name out. It rolled nicely on his tongue. “Walk with me.”

Enter my contest ($25 Gift Card or a copy of Unexpected Find)

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The birth of the Royals & Giveaway

The birth of the Royals…

A lot of people have asked me where I came up with the idea for my spin on shape-shifters. I wish I had one simple thing I could point to and say there, that’s where my idea came from. I can’t. A combination of things influenced me. My love of big cats (tigers, lions and jaguars in particular) gave me a start and when I couldn’t decide which one I wanted to write about, I decided to include them all. That got me to thinking. What would it feel like to not only shift into a big predator but to have three of them sharing your body and soul? Talk about internal dilemmas and split personalities. Cats are territorial so having three with their own wants and desires would require a hero that was strong enough to bring them to heel and dominant enough to harness all their instincts.

And that's how my Royals were born...

Royal Pride series blurb

As multi-feline shifters, Royals—the privileged descendants of the gods—live with the wants and demands of the animal spirits sharing their bodies. Everything is more intense for a Royal—their primal drives, possessiveness and lusts. Exotically beautiful and strong, these immortals never lack companionship but once their mating instincts are triggered, nothing sways their devotion or dims their desire.

Their dominant natures demand they claim their female’s body and soul, ensuring their chosen one knows exactly to whom they belong. Once marked as a Royal’s beloved, their women realize how wickedly satisfying life can be with a mate focused on meeting their every need.

Excerpt

The butterflies in Jazz’s belly took flight. The man was a romantic. “You know, I’m starting to enjoy the odd way you talk. It makes me feel as if I walked into a world where princesses wait to be swept away by their knight in shining armor.”

Rafe grinned, the sad look replaced by amusement. Releasing her hands, he slid his around her waist. “You would make a beautiful princess.”

“Would I?”

“One to be fought for.” He twirled a lock of her hair around a finger. “What about me? Would I fill the role of your knight in shining armor?”

She smiled, completely charmed by this man. She ran her hands over his chest, luxuriated in the layers of muscle under her palms. “I don’t know if any horse would be able to carry you for long. I see you more as a warrior, a conqueror.”

“One who demands the bonny ladies as his reward after a battle?” He swept her into his arms. She gasped and grabbed his shoulders. Lust heated his eyes as he mapped her face. “Oh yes, I like this fantasy and in it I get to choose you as my booty.” He bent his head closer so his golden eyes filled her vision. “I think I might keep you, Jasmine.”

Her breath hitched. “I think you have a wild imagination.”

“Or a hopeful one.” He eased back but watched her with that focused gaze she was starting to associate with him. “I want you.”

The lust-hazed glint to his eyes told her exactly what he wanted. For once in her life, she did too—but it couldn’t happen. She had responsibilities. Spontaneity and motherhood did not mesh. The little episode in Josh’s office proved that. She would’ve been mortified if Sara walked in while they were having sex. Everyone in town would’ve known within the hour. The other playgroup moms would find out, maybe shun her or at least look at her negatively. No. Any liaisons she had would have to be planned and kept hidden.

She licked her upper lip. “I haven’t had sex in a really long time, Rafe.” She dropped her gaze and stared at his chin. “What we did tonight wasn’t like me either. I’m not like that. Easy.”

He brushed his lips over her forehead. “I know.” He set her on her feet and took her hand. “Come, let’s get you home.”

Unexpected Find blurb

Royal Pride, Book 1

Since the murder of her best friend, Jazz is stuck in a safe but lonely way of life. She’s willing to sacrifice everything to keep herself and her family safe from the shifter world. The sexy stranger who struts into her friend’s bar changes all that. From the first glance Jazz knows she’s sunk—their chemistry sizzles from across the room, it’ll be undeniable up close.

Jazz is the most beautiful female Rafe has ever seen and he wants her from the second he sets eyes on her. The depth of the need that swamps him every time he’s near her surprises him. It takes every last ounce of his self control not to pounce on Jazz and make her his. Only her distrust of his shifter nature holds him back. He counts it as a win every time his beloved human gives in to their passion and takes him to her bed. But Rafe’s patience isn’t infinite and he’ll do whatever it takes, face any danger—past or present—to ensure that Jazz becomes his. Forever.

Here's a link to enter my contest ($25 GC or a copy of Unexpected Find)

Unexpected Find on Amazon

Connect with me

Website: http://www.nancycorriganauthor.com

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Finding time to do it all ~ Giveaway

The holiday season is upon us and I’m faced with the same dilemma—how am I going to get everything done? On top of my normal everyday life tasks, I’m suddenly responsible for baking, decorating, shopping, wrapping, parties and a gazillion other chores I wouldn’t normally have to do. So, how do I find time to do it all?

Simple. I don’t.

I’ve accepted that unless I forgo sleep or quality time with my family, I can’t fit it all in. I used to feel bad about that. Not anymore. Now, I’ve embraced the beauty of delegating. That’s right. Beginning a few days before Black Friday, I make a list and share the wonderful joys of getting ready for the holidays with my family.

The kids become responsible for decorating. The husband gets a detailed list of who, where and when he needs to chauffeur our children so they meet all their appointments. Family baking days are scheduled and shopping trips are coordinated. Of course, I end up picking up everything else and it doesn’t all get done but that’s okay. Those missed chores weren’t that important in the first place.

Family, friends and enjoying our time together matter the most.

I hope everyone finds time to enjoy the important things this holiday season too.

And…if want a chance at my giveaway ($25 gift card or a copy of my debut, Unexpected Find) here’s the link…

http://www.nancycorriganauthor.com/contests.html

Unexpected Find

Nancy Corrigan

Royal Pride, Book 1

Since the murder of her best friend, Jazz is stuck in a safe but lonely way of life. She’s willing to sacrifice everything to keep her family safe from the shifter world. The sexy stranger who struts into her friend’s bar changes everything. From the first glance Jazz knows she’s sunk—their chemistry sizzles from across the room, it’ll be undeniable up close.

Rafe wants Jazz from the second he sets eyes on her. The depth of the need that swamps him every time he’s near her surprises him. It takes every last ounce of his self-control not to pounce on Jazz and make her his. Only her distrust of his shifter nature holds him back. He counts it as a win every time his beloved human gives in to their passion and takes him to her bed. But Rafe’s patience isn’t infinite and he’ll do whatever it takes, face any danger—past or present—to ensure that Jazz becomes his. Forever.

A Romantica® Paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Unexpected Find on Amazon

Enter my contest ($25 Gift Card or a copy of Unexpected Find)

Connect with me

Website: http://www.nancycorriganauthor.com

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In Bed With Mr. Perfect Excerpt R rated

Heat from Ann’s hot body radiated into him. His cock jerked against his jeans as her hips pressed against his. Joe’s hands itched to touch her burning flesh.
She leaned back and cupped her hands on his cheeks. “We’ll see about that.” 

Before he had time to process her words, Ann’s lips moved over his, frying Joe’s brain cells.
Ann’s spicy flavor filled his senses. Blood pounded through his body, fueling his hunger for her. He let her spin him as the picture frame next to them fell to the floor. “God, Ann,” he panted.
“Touch me. Now,” she demanded, tugging at his jeans.
He grabbed her ass. Silk over supple flesh filled his hands as her hot body melted into his, his insides shaking with passion. Blood raged through his body in white-hot pulses. He knew it would be great between them, but he never figured he would lose it before they even started.
Tearing his lips from hers, he sucked in oxygen. “Fuck, Ann, you feel good.”
Her fingers fumbled at his fly. “Joe.”
“Bed. We need a bed.” He pushed Ann to her bedroom. His elbow slammed into the doorjamb. Pain radiated up his arm and blended with his raging needs. The heady combination exploded in his gut. “Fuck me.”
She staggered to the bed, sat and pushed the mound of pillows onto the floor.
All but falling on her, Joe ripped the flimsy fabric down her arms as he pushed her to the bed. The sound of stitching giving way filled the air. He tugged her bra straps over her shoulders. The desperate sounds of her moans clawed at his balls as her full tits spilled from their cups. Ann’s pink nipples puckered, begging him to taste them.
Saliva pooled in his mouth as he looked down at her. She was everything he could have imagined and more. “I have never seen anything so sexy in my life,” he said.
Her chest heaved and her breasts swayed, seducing him even more. His cock strained against his zipper, begging to be free. “Are you sure you want this?”
“Yes.” She licked her lips. Her fingers worked his fly over his throbbing shaft.

A victorious scream clogged his throat. He swallowed and gazed down into her shimmering blue eyes. Feelings he hadn’t let surface broke free from their restraints and poured through him, lifting him to a level of elation he hadn’t known existed.
Biting into her full bottom lip, Ann slid her hand around his dick. Ecstasy stabbed into him. He moaned, tugged down his pants and gazed down at woman of his dreams.
“Ann.” He shuddered and bit the inside of his cheek.
Ann’s sweet lips spread into a seductive smile. “Mmm.” She leaned in, her tongue darting out to flick lightly over his engorged cock head.
Wet heat washed over his dick, almost bringing him to madness. His knees buckled. He wrapped his hands in her cascade of hair and willed himself not to come.
She took him deep into her mouth. Her throat muscles milked the sensitive head of his cock. Joe’s world tipped on its axis. Short bursts of breath pushed past his lips. Nothing in his life could have prepared him for this moment. He’d spent years training and controlling his body and with one swipe of her tongue, she brought him to his knees. Resisting the urge to thrust himself down her throat, Joe squeezed his eyes shut. That made all the sensation more intense. This was what he’d been wanting for almost a decade. All the sleepless nights had been well worth it.
Pleasure crashed over him, hard and demanding. Her talented mouth danced over his cock in a ballet of pure ecstasy. Pleasure filled his soul, nearly ripping him open.
The burn deep inside him flared. Joe gripped her head and pulled out. “I’m going to come.”
Ann’s nails dug into his hips, stopping his retreat. “I want to taste you.” She slid her hot mouth down his shaft.
“Shit.” He was powerless when it came to her. “You feel so good.” Lights flashed behind his eyes. Rapture flooded over him in hungry waves. Spiking down his spine and erupting in his gut. Joe couldn’t hold back any longer. 

Get your copy today
http://www.amazon.com/Bed-With-Mr-Perfect-ebook/dp/B00F0SDBLC/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1378518479&sr=8-6&keywords=Heidi+Lynn+Anderson

Ellora's Cave: http://www.ellorascave.com/in-bed-with-mr-wonderful.html

Welcome! I have a giveaway!

Hi Everyone!

Thank you all for taking the time to come to the release party for In Bed with Mr. Perfect published with Ellora’s Cave. To celebrate I’m giving away $25.00 gift card to either Barnes and Noble or Amazon. Stop by my website www.heidilynnanderson.com and leave me your email address and you store preference. I’ll put your name in a hat. I’ll do the drawing tonight 11:59 pm. I really hope you will pick up In Bed with Mr. Perfect by Heidi Lynn Anderson 

Blurb:

Curvy Ann Griffin has a secret—she’s in love with her longtime best friend and business partner Joe Mathews. After suffering through a date from hell—which definitely wasn’t worth putting on her strangling shapewear for—Ann heads home. How was she supposed to know the night would end with her throwing herself into his arms and allowing him to fulfill her every fantasy?

What’s a guy to do when the woman he loves kisses him senseless? Go with it, that’s what. For more than a decade, Joe has fought back his needs for the voluptuous beauty. In his mind, the only thing missing in their relationship was the ability to explore every inch of her luscious body.

Although sleeping with Ann could destroy everything they have, Joe won’t allow that to happen. He knows they’re made for each other. Now he only needs to convince her.

http://www.ellorascave.com/in-bed-with-mr-wonderful.html

http://www.amazon.com/Bed-With-Mr-Perfect-ebook/dp/B00F0SDBLC/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1378514786&sr=8-6&keywords=Heidi+Lynn+Anderson

The Ties that Bind…

…a rancher and a lawyer, that is. Funny enough, it’s still the same answer it always is: family. Kat’s family moved out to this ranch when she was a teenager. She hated it at the time. But over the years, her parents’ dream of owning and working their own land became her dream. She’d sacrificed her childhood. Put her dreams away to live this life. Now someone was trying to tear it away from her. It wasn’t fair.

Jasper’s life had been devoted to fairness. He’d gone to law school and become a lawyer just to help people navigate the government bureaucracy from inside the system. It’s not the path his father had walked. And he had to leave his family behind in order to achieve everything his has. But he was determined to do things his way, the right way.

Blurb:

Universal Defiance, Book One

On a rural settler planet, Kat must resort to putting out an ad to find a husband. She doesn’t expect to find love—that’s a dream in these parts—just a partner to help work her ranch. Then the devastatingly handsome Jasper answers her ad and turns her on in ways she never dreamed possible. Too bad he’s not who he says he is.

Jasper doesn’t know what he’s getting into when he ventures undercover to investigate a legal claim against Kat’s ranch. But after a toe-curling night under her roof and in her bed, he’s willing to do anything to stay there. He can’t say no to the tough-as-nails businesswoman who makes his body come alive.

When people start getting hurt, though, both Kat and Jasper have to decide how valuable one piece of land is. And the ranch that brought them together might be the very thing standing between them.

A Romantica® sci fi erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Excerpt:

“So, if you don’t mind me asking, why didn’t you sell after your parents passed away?” His voice was tense and his body stiff as he sat in his chair. “I mean, I know you like it here, but I’m sure you could’ve made a handsome profit.”

The question itself didn’t bother her. She was actually relieved that the silence had been broken. And they were going to be sharing this land in good times and bad, which gave him the right to question her devotion to it. Still, the awkwardness of the evening had her on edge so she took a little extra time to steady her nerves before she answered. “There were some offers. And, yes, some were more than profitable. But this is my home. Ranching is the only skill I have. Where would I go if I sold? What would I do?”

Her answer didn’t seem to relax him the way she thought it would. His posture remained tight as he asked, “Didn’t you dream of doing something, being something, before you moved here?”

“I dreamed a great many things, Mr. Lee. That’s part of youth. When I became an adult, I put those dreams aside and stepped up to the responsibilities of my life.” She took another bite of her dinner only to have it land like a lead ball in the pit of her stomach. Her nerves were officially shot. Damn shame too, seeing as how much effort her cook had put into the meat-and-vegetable pie in honor of Mr. Lee’s arrival. “Now, may I ask you a question?”

“Anything.”

 “The background check I ran said you were a lawyer. What kind of law did you practice and why did you decide to give it up?”

He gaped at her for a moment but then managed to mumble, “You ran a background check on me?”

“Of course. What kind of a businesswoman do you take me for?” She bristled at the insinuation. She might have gone looking for a husband through slightly nontraditional channels, but she had a brain. “I did a background check on my cook before I hired her and the worst she could do is steal the silver. After ten years, half my land becomes yours. I can’t let a criminal or a gambler get his hands on half my land. Besides, it was your background in law that made you stand out. An understanding of the law could be a big help around here.”

“I don’t think my field of law will be particularly helpful.”

She couldn’t imagine a field of law that couldn’t be put to some use. Even if he made his living chasing ambulances, he had to take coursework in other fields. “Why don’t you let me be the judge of that?” She smiled weakly at her pun but he didn’t seem amused.

He looked down at his food and sighed as if the weight of the world were on his shoulders before looking back up at her. “Okay. I guess it’s only fair you know. I represent the government in cases of eminent domain.”

An alarm went off in her head. “Eminent domain?” Her pulse raced with anger as she digested the words. The government didn’t let its lawyers just walk away. It paid for the lawyers’ school, gave them hefty loans and flashy gifts in return for a lifetime of servitude. It owned its lawyers from graduation to the grave. Which meant marriage had never been Jasper Lee’s goal. He’d been after her land from the start. And she’d foolishly given him a damn tour of it. “Get the hell out of my house.” The words were soft but her voice was steady and, thankfully, held its power. “And get the hell off my land.”

Thank you so much for joining me as I talked about Japer and Kat.

If you’re interested, you can find out more about me by visiting my website at www.ChandraRyan.com, follow me on Twitter @ChandraRyan, or friend me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/chandra.ryan

If you want to know more about Ulterior Motives you can check out it’s page on the Ellora Cave site: http://www.ellorascave.com/ulterior-motives.html

Or on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Ulterior-Motives-Universal-Defiance-ebook/dp/B00DSOY4SO/ref=sr_1_15?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1375226633&sr=1-15&keywords=ulterior+motives

Answering an Ad for all the Wrong Reasons

Jasper doesn’t want to get married. He’s not opposed to marriage in general. He just has a plan for his life and being married to a rancher on a remote settler planet isn’t going to get him where he’s decided he wants to be. But he does need investigate what’s going on. A lot of government land seizers have been coming across his desk lately. And when the ad for a husband catches his eye, he knows that would be the perfect cover for his investigation. He’s going to have to sell himself to Kat, though, without overselling and coming off like a creep. So this is how I imagined his reply to go.

I am a very courteous and respectful male in my mid-thirties. I do not have any warrants and have never been arrested or ever charged for any crimes. Though I’ve never worked with animals or been on a settler planet, I am a hard worker and a quick learner. I also have a solid background in business, which I believe could be a benefit to you and your ranch. My interest in your ranch is purely from a business perspective. It would be nice to develop a friendship and camaraderie over time, but I have no expectations of physical intimacy if we do reach an agreement.

Blurb:

Universal Defiance, Book One

On a rural settler planet, Kat must resort to putting out an ad to find a husband. She doesn’t expect to find love—that’s a dream in these parts—just a partner to help work her ranch. Then the devastatingly handsome Jasper answers her ad and turns her on in ways she never dreamed possible. Too bad he’s not who he says he is.

Jasper doesn’t know what he’s getting into when he ventures undercover to investigate a legal claim against Kat’s ranch. But after a toe-curling night under her roof and in her bed, he’s willing to do anything to stay there. He can’t say no to the tough-as-nails businesswoman who makes his body come alive.

When people start getting hurt, though, both Kat and Jasper have to decide how valuable one piece of land is. And the ranch that brought them together might be the very thing standing between them.

A Romantica® sci fi erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Excerpt:

When he opened the door to the guestroom, though, the blaring of an alarm stopped him from going any farther. At first he thought he’d somehow triggered the noise but as soon as he smelled the first wisps of smoke, understanding filled him. Something was on fire. He wanted to rush out into the safety of the open grounds but he fought against the instinct. He had to make sure Kat got out as well.

He raced back to the bathroom to find her standing in the hallway, wrapped in nothing but a towel, with her dark hair flung over one shoulder in a curly mess. There were no tears or hysterical rants despite the fear clearly reflected in her expression.

His job required him to make quick assessments of situations and he excelled at it. But sometimes that left him blind to the more subtle aspects of life. He’d seen a competent businesswoman when he’d first laid eyes on Katarina Maxim. She’d been nothing but efficient and practical from the moment she held her hand out to him. But now, as she shivered in front of him with alarms going off in the background, he realized how much he’d missed in that original assessment. He’d seen her as a businesswoman but the person standing in front of him now possessed so much more.

The vulnerability of the moment and her calm resolve in meeting it added to her strength and touched him.

“I came to find you as soon as I heard the alarm.”

“Most men would’ve gone to battle the blaze first.”

His heart sank at her words. She saw him as a coward. Not that it mattered how she saw him. He wasn’t really trying out for the role of her husband. As soon as he finished his report, he’d be on his way back to his real life. But her words still stung. He’d like to be the hero at least once. To be the one who rushed in and saved the day.

“Don’t look at me like I just kicked your damn puppy. I meant that as a compliment. Most men stupidly let their hormones control them and they tend to get in the way,” she added as she walked past him. “I’ve never been impressed with the gender as a whole.”

He felt fairly certain they did not share the same understanding of the word “compliment” but didn’t dare ask for a clarification as she bustled down the hallway all businesslike.

I’ll be back a little later to tell you about the conflict that binds Jasper and Kat as they struggle to find out what’s going on with the ranch.

In the mean time, you can find out more about me by visiting my website at www.ChandraRyan.com, follow me on Twitter @ChandraRyan, or friend me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/chandra.ryan

If you want to know more about Ulterior Motives you can check out it’s page on the Ellora Cave site: http://www.ellorascave.com/ulterior-motives.html

Or on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Ulterior-Motives-Universal-Defiance-ebook/dp/B00DSOY4SO/ref=sr_1_15?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1375226633&sr=1-15&keywords=ulterior+motives