Hi! I’m Opal Carew and I’d like to thank Delilah for inviting me to be a guest blogger today!

Do you enjoy old movies? I love watching old B&W classic romance movies. I used to watch them with my mum when I was a kid.

I loved musicals, like Singing in the Rain, and any Fred Astaire movie, but I particularly liked the fun and poignant romances that would make you laugh and cry. One of my favourites was An Affair to Remember.

Knowing my love of old movies, my husband suggested that I write a book called A Fare to Remember with a female taxi driver, which I thought was a great idea! When he asked me when I’d write it, however, I told him it would probably be about five years.

Fast forward fifteen years and it’s finally done!

Originally, it was scheduled to be released on his birthday (Jan 3^rd), which was so wonderfully appropriate. Unfortunately, it got moved to April 4th. But, finally, he can now see it out in the world!

And the cover… Oh, I just LOVE it! A close friend told me it looks like a movie poster and that gave me the idea to have it made into an actual poster, which I gave to my husband for Christmas and we now have hanging on the wall!

A fun fact: I hadn’t finished the book when my publisher (St. Martin’s Press) showed me the cover for the first time. When I saw it, I knew I had to work in a scene to fit that sexy image! I’ve included an excerpt of that scene below.

Now if you think that because this book is based on an old movie that means it won’t be my usual sizzling hot erotic romance, check out the teaser below! 😉

So a few of my favourite old B&W romance movies are:

• An Affair to Remember
• Bell, Book and Candle
• The Desk Set
• The Apartment
• Some Like It Hot

What are some of yours?

Remember the mention of free books?

I’m not offering a contest where only a couple of peple will win, because every one of you can get several free books by signing up for my Reader Group (OpalCarew.com/ReaderGroup) and by taking advantage of the great new InstaFreebie anthology (instafreebie.com/free/U3fBd) I’ve put together with several other authors. This gives you a chance to sample my writing (and the other authors’ too) to see if you enjoy it. If it’s not your style, you can unsubscribe anytime. No worries! 🙂

A Fare to Remember

A chance encounter leads to a passion they can’t forget in Opal Carew’s newest erotic romance!

Stevie has given up on love and just wants a simple life driving her taxi. But her plans are turned upside down when gorgeous billionaire Reid Jacobs steps into the back of her cab. Commanding and mysterious, he’s a temptation she can’t resist―and soon their torrid one night stand leads to an intoxicating affair.

In Reid’s strong arms, Stevie finds herself falling harder than she ever imagined. But is she ready to trust again? And when his business partner falls for Stevie, will it change everything? One thing is clear: she’s about to take the ride of her life….

“Carew brings erotic romance to a whole new level…she sets your senses on fire!” – Reader to Reader

A Fare to Remember by Opal Carew is one sexy ride!

Buy Link (goes to all major vendors):

https://bit.ly/2mdsS6S

Excerpt of A Fare to Remember

This is the scene that was inspired by the cover. It’s one of my favourites in the book!

~ ~ ~

Stevie drove to the office tower, then pulled up in front. Dylan strode out the door and over to her cab.

“Hey, thanks for picking me up,” Dylan said with a smile as he got in the back of the cab.

She gazed at him in the rearview mirror and smiled. “It’s what I do.”

He laughed. “Yes, well, I appreciate it. It’s murder getting a cab on a wet night like this.” He pulled off his damp suit jacket and lay it down beside him.

“So where to, sir?” she asked with a grin.

“Well, I have this great penthouse. How about you take me there and we both go up and I’ll show you the fabulous view?”

She caught his gaze in the mirror. “I might be persuaded.”

He opened his briefcase and pulled out a shopping bag from a designer store. “Would it help if I gave you a gift?”

She grinned. “I don’t know. Depends on what it is.”

She pulled off the main road and down a quiet street, then pulled over. She turned and took the bag he offered and peeked inside. She pulled out the tissue and found a lovely white shirred dress. It was very elegant, but at the same time, sexy, since the slinky fabric would cling to her every curve.

She gazed at him questioningly.

“We thought we’d dress for dinner.”

“Should I be insulted?” she teased. “My plaid flannel shirt isn’t good enough for you fancy penthouse dwellers?”

He chuckled. “Personally, I love your plaid flannel. It’s so”—he grinned—“soft to the touch. Especially with you inside it.”

The thought of him touching her shirt . . . stroking over the fabric . . . cupping her breast . . . sent her hormones spinning.

“The fact that you gave this to me now rather than when we reach the apartment . . . I assume that means you want me to put it on now?”

He nodded. “That way from the time you park the cab and we start upstairs, it’s like we’ve started a date.”

She smiled. “A date with two men. I could go for that.” She pulled away from the curb. “I’ll take us somewhere I can change.”

* * *

Dylan was looking forward to this evening. He and Reid had put their heads together to plan the perfect evening to convince Stevie that what Reid could offer her surpassed anything she could get from being with her ex-fiancé, in case she was having second thoughts. Reid felt his biggest weapon was Dylan—a second man to ramp up the excitement.

Dylan was thrilled to be a part of it.

Stevie turned down a quiet street, then into a dark alley. She pulled over and stopped the cab.

“What are we doing here?” he asked, glancing around.

She tossed the shopping bag into his lap, then she got out of the car, opened the back door and climbed into the backseat beside him. Then she started unbuttoning her shirt.

“You’re changing here?” he asked, his eyes widening as she slipped off her shirt, then tugged her navy tank top over her head, revealing her black lace bra.

“Sure. Why not?”

“I . . . uh . . . guess.”

She’d kicked off her shoes and was already slipping off her jeans, pushing them to the floor of the car. At the sight of her in her tiny bra and panties, his groin tightened. She held up the dress.

“Hmm. It’s off the shoulder, and I definitely don’t want a black bra underneath.”

She dropped the dress and reached behind her. His cock swelled as she peeled away her bra and dropped it on the seat. She grinned at him, clearly aware of the effect her perfect, round, naked breasts were having on him.

She pulled the dress over her head and let the slinky garment glide down her body. She pulled it into place, smoothing it down. It lovingly hugged every curve. And he couldn’t help noticing that her hard nipples were clearly visible through the thin fabric.

She pushed herself up on her knees. “Do you like it?” she asked, swiveling a little to give him different views.

“Oh, yeah.” His gravelly voice made it clear how much.

She smiled. “Can you see my black undies through the white fabric? Because I wouldn’t want that.”

His gaze jerked to her groin.

“I . . . uh . . .” Just say yes, a little voice shouted in his head.

“Better not to take any chances.” She tugged the hem up a little and slid her hands under the dress, then began to wiggle.

“What are you doing?” But he knew damned well exactly what she was doing.

Dylan almost salivated as Stevie sat down again, then glided her panties down her shapely calves and slipped them off her feet.

“Any shoes?” she asked. “My sneakers will just ruin the look.”

“Uh . . . yeah. In the bag.”

God, she was totally naked under that dress. His cock swelled some more.

She pulled out the shoes—white satin stilettos with rhinestone trim—and slipped them on.

“Nice.” She smiled at him and pushed herself onto her knees again, but this time she pulled up the hem of the dress enough to straddle his legs.

Her fingertips moved down his chest and he realized she was unfastening the buttons of his shirt. She pushed it open and smiled as she stroked his naked flesh.

“Thank you for the pretty gift.”

“It was from Reid, too,” he said absently, mesmerized by the glitter in her eyes.

She rested her hand so her palm cupped his nipple, keeping it warm, then she teased his other nipple with her fingertips.

“I’ll thank him later.”

Freebies

You can get free stories by signing up for my Reader Group: OpalCarew.com/ReaderGroup

Get a free anthology of 7 sizzling stories: instafreebie.com/free/U3fBd

About Opal

As a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of erotic contemporary romance, Opal Carew writes about passion, love, and taking risks.  Her heroines follow their hearts and push past the fear that stops them from realizing their dreams… to the excitement and love of happily-ever-after.

Opal loves nail polish, cats, old movies, crystals, dragons, feathers, pink hair, the occult, Manga artwork, Zentangle, and all that glitters. She earned a degree in Mathematics from the University of Waterloo, and spent 15 years as a software analyst before turning to her passion as a writer. She grew up in Toronto, and now lives in Ottawa with her husband, huge nail polish collection, and five cats.  One of her sons just finished his second Masters degree in Geopolitics (first at Sussex University in the UK and second at Carleton University in Ottawa.)  The other son has an undergraduate degree from Carleton University and is now working at Apple.  Yes, mom is proud!

Website: OpalCarew.com
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Hi everyone, my name is Cornelia Amiri, and since St. Patrick’s Day is tomorrow, and I am known as the Celtic Romance Queen, I felt it was the perfect day for an Irish-geared blog post. As you know, on St. Patrick’s Day, at least in the United States, anyone who doesn’t wear green gets pinched. But you may not known that it was King Tighernmas (Teernmas) of Tara, who brought the color green to the emerald Isle. Through trade with the Phoenicians, he obtained dyes to create green, yellow, and blue and introduced those colors to Ireland around 1620 B.C. in the timeline of Bronze Age Ireland.

I wrote a historical/fantasy/romance set in Bronze Age Ireland, in 660 BC, called Queen of Kings. It is about Macha Mong Ruad or Macha of the Red Tresses. She was the only woman listed as a High King of Ireland.  Marking off the borders with the pin of her cloak brooch, Queen Macha laid the foundation of the Royal Palace of Emania also known as Emah Macha, where the Kings of Ulster ruled from for six centuries.

To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, Queen of Kings is free at Amazon from today to March 19th.

As wild, strong, and beautiful as the land she rules, all men lust for her, warriors and kings bow to her might and magic, but one champion comes forth with a white bull and true love.

Excerpt:

It was night, her element. For as there were the dark gods of the moon and the sea, so there were the bright ones of the sun. She was dark. Her gaze fell onto the distant plain where she had raced with Nath earlier in the day. Though clouded in darkness now, she thought of the lush green grass that blanketed the earth. The deep, dark soil, firm and solid, sure, constant, dependable. She turned and gasped. Nath had come upon her, silently. He stood there at her side.

“I did not mean to startle you, my queen.”

His nearness was overwhelming. She cleared her throat, pretending not to be affected. “Not at all.”

But she couldn’t tear her gaze from him. Fiery sun, bright and hot, big and bold. Everyone wanted him to shine on them.

“The druid thought you would be out here.”

“The druid knows me well.”

When the rays of the sun touched the rich earth, they created the lush peaceful green pasture. She needed him, the sun for her earth. They completed, they belonged together, dark and light, earth and sun, Nath and Macha. The druid knew it, and druids were never wrong.

He looked up and her gaze followed his. The pearl moon gleamed, smooth and perfect against a clear, ebony sky, twinkling with countless stars.

“Dark, sparkling, vast and enchanting,” Nath rasped.

“Yes, the night sky is lovely.”

“I did not mean the sky, my queen.”

A twinkle of moonlight caught her eye as she gazed at him. His eyes alone could set her ablaze. Fire danced in her. “I need to speak with you.”

“Yes, your majesty.” He leaned closer to her.

“Nath, what is it you want of me?”

*~*~*~*

I hope you have a happy St. Patrick’s Day.

Here is a link to the pinterest board on Queen of Kings:
https://www.pinterest.com/corneliaamiri/fantasy-ancient-historical-romance-queen-of-kings/

And My website https://CelticRomanceQueen.com

Hello Delilah fans! Spring is upon us, most of us at least. Libidos stir in days of budding flowers and warm air. What better time to enjoy a torrid romance?

I’ve got a freebie for you again this month, but fair warning—giveaways with future blog posts may not include frequent freebies as they have in these past few months. If you want to never miss a giveaway, subscribe to my once-a-month newsletter. That’s where to nab freebies plus notices of upcoming releases, juicy tidbits, and other good stuff. Sign-up at https://eepurl.com/bHOyS9 and be assured that your info goes no further than my fingertips. The newsletter is free and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Now to a brief confession: sometimes when I write a story, it keeps on living after I quit. I consider that a success as far as writing goes, but it can become quite the nag. After nearly two years, the nagging that surfaced after I finished writing “The Captive” became deafening. So I’ve written a second installment, “The Escape,” in what seems destined to become a lengthier tale.

“The Captive” is a short story set in the late 9^th century England when the Saxons and Danes were fighting over control of the land. Seeking a brief time of secret pleasure with a captured Danish warrior, Elspeth Lady of Hystead hides away in a remote cabin on her estate and has the man delivered to her. Her aging invalid husband will be none the wiser. Yet an unexpected problem arises and it has nothing to do with her husband. It has to do with this stunning man standing before her, tied and injured, his long blond hair partially hiding the disdain in his intense stare. This was not what she expected.

Not at all.

Book 2, “The Escape,” is a novelette, available at your favorite bookseller.

So here you go—use this code RE54R for your free copy of “The Captive” at Smashwords—and always remember, Indie authors thrive on your reviews!

~~~

About Lizzie Ashworth

A bit about me – I live in the wilds of the Ozark Mountains with three cats, two hound dogs, and whichever child has taken up temporary residence between grad school and relocation. I’ve been writing my entire life and can’t express how wonderful it is to share stories with readers like you. Every book comes from the heart in the hopes that you will find a bit of pleasure within those pages.

Follow me for free erotic short works, hot photos, and the occasional rant on my blog at https://lizzieashworth.com/

Like my Facebook author page for updates on other nice and naughty works https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLizzieAshworth/

Enjoy some amazing eye candy? Check out my Pinterest page https://www.pinterest.com/ashworthlizzie/

Even though I’m a city girl, I often write about cowboys and Texas…maybe because I grew up in South Texas where cowboys and ranching loom large. My cousins had ranches and horses they let me ride whenever I visited them in North Texas. I attended camps that had rodeos, so I performed in those rodeos and went to rodeos frequently. My brother and I had toy guns, holsters, ropes and our brooms were our horses.  When I grew up and married, I married a man who wore Levis and boots and owned guns and land in the Texas Hill Country.  The Texas mythology was as much a part of him as it was of me.

Many of our friends have ranches or grew up on ranches. Two of my neighbors are the heiresses of two huge legendary South Texas ranches. Yesterday I visited a girlfriend out on her ranch, La Mota. Her father once owned a creamery in South Texas that made locally famous butter. He put together a huge ranch (nearly 500,000 acres). But time and downturns in the economy forced the family to scale down. They still have their homestead which was built in a beautiful Texas oak mott.

In South Texas the land is mostly a coastal plain which was part of the sea. Mostly it is just brush country. But every now and again, hundreds of oak trees clump together into a stand of trees we call an oak mott. Many ranchers build their homes in an oak mott to get a relief from the blistering South Texas sun.

Nestled inside gorgeous live oak trees, my friend’s home feels like a bird sanctuary.  Inside, the house is filled with ranching antiques, heavy Spanish or German furniture from the 19^th century. On the eastern side of her home, she has a lovely high-ceilinged screened porch with birdfeeders hanging from its eaves outside. In a distant pastures hundreds of wild turkeys cackled excitedly as they gathered to get ready to roost in the spreading branches of her oaks for the night. In another pasture sandhilled cranes were landing with a similar goal in mind.

In my 8-book series, Texas: Children of Destiny, I try to make South Texas and its larger than life cowboys and their brides come alive for my readers. Passion’s Child (Book 1) is free.

ANN MAJOR, author of Passion’s Child, Destiny’s Child, and Night Child (Books 1, 2 and 3 of TEXAS: CHILDREN OF DESTINY series) and Love With An Imperfect Cowboy (Book 1 Lone Star Dynasty)

www.annmajor.com
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I found out this week how generous authors and readers can be!

Maybe you heard… On Tuesday, Hard SEAL to Love, the 9th story in my Uncharted SEALs series,  released—with a glitch! The pre-order shell I’d initially loaded as a placeholder, but which I did replace with the full, finalized story, went out to everyone who had pre-ordered the book! As you can imagine, I was horrified. Some readers who received it, and don’t know me, immediately complained in the only way they knew how—by awarding the story a slew of 1-star reviews on Amazon. The file was fixed in Amazon, but those reviews will remain there in perpetuity. But thanks to authors and readers who answered my panicked call for help, my rating for the book now sits at 3.6. Not stellar, and I can only hope it will improve over time, because as sad as it sounds, most people do pay attention to ratings before they purchase.

To those who helped, all I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you. And as a small token of my appreciation, please help yourself to a free copy of this short story I published some time ago. Be warned. It’s erotica. Not a romance. But I hope you will find it satisfying. Enjoy!

DOWNLOAD NOW:
Textile Free (678 downloads )