Holiday Party - V.S. Morgan

Here for Day 13 is an author whose 1NS story, The Gift (which is FREE as of right now btw) was not only the first 1NS story I read, but also one of my favorites. Here to share about her holiday memories is V.S. Morgan!

What the Holidays Mean to Me

By V.S.

Christmas and Halloween were the most magical times of year for me growing up, and they remain to be so for different reasons now that I’m an adult.

The holidays first and foremost represent family. For me that’s my hubby, teenaged son, and pets. We love to watch movies, play games, and read together while snuggling with the dogs.

The holidays are also a time of peace and recharging of my creative spirit. My day job is typically very intense prior to the holiday season, so the time away is doubly important for me. My creativity usually skyrockets during the holidays as I have time to relax.

I’m very reflective during the holiday season. I look at what I’ve done the previous year and what goals I have for the next. These are often personal goals, particularly around my writing. This year was an amazing one with two stories contracted and published. I’m looking forward to having more books out next year.

Thank you for visiting me today. I’m giving away an eCopy of my book, Hunter’s Mark to a reader who comments. Happy holidays to you!

(Quick note from Emily...don't forget to also enter the grand prize giveaway).

Blurb:

Artist Casey Smith lives a quiet life, under the radar of his enemies, until one fateful night he loses control and the astonishing image of a wolf racing down a suburban street splashes all over social media.

Hunter’s bullet never misses its target. The assassin seeks out and kills his prey with a clear conscience by following two simple rules: 1) Don’t kill innocents 2) Don’t kill shifters. 

Realizing his latest assignment violates those rules, the hunter activates Princess Protocol and the assassin becomes the protector. Red hot attraction flares between the hit man and his former target. Can Hunter resist the sweet shifter in his care?

Excerpt:

He stepped closer to Casey’s stall but stumbled over something small and furry. The toe of one Birkenstock caught on a clump of grass as he attempted not to trample the little beast, and he ass-planted with said beast jumping onto his chest to give him a broad doggie smile.

His buddy laughed piss-your-pants-hard in his ear. F**k a duck.

“Miss Priscilla!”

The target he’d worked so hard to observe remotely sank to the ground between his sprawled-out legs, peeling the tiny hairball off his chest and setting it on the ground.

“I’m so sorry! Are you okay?”

Big blue eyes fringed with long, pale lashes scanned his body while strong yet gentle hands moved over his ankles and legs, searching for an injury. Oh, a toucher. His wolf basked in the tactile attention. His breath hitched as those hands glided past his knees and skimmed his thighs.

Damn, he needed to get laid after this assignment.

“Oh, my, what a li’l sweetie. Look at those freckles! I wonder if he’s got them everywhere. I’d like to lick them,” Rex crowed in his ear.

He growled.

The other man chortled. “Possessive, much?”

He inhaled deeply, only to be slammed with the force of a Mack truck. Strawberries on a warm summer’s day and fresh-cut grass—shit, his target smelled delicious. He took another breath, and his brain reeled. He’s a wolf shifter, too? F**k.

Casey’s brows furrowed. “Where are you hurt?”

He forced a smile. “I’m fine. No worries.”

Casey returned the smile, his wide and high beam combined with sparkling eyes. Hunter stared as warmth wrapped around him like a blanket. He had no ammo against such a happy, open expression. The guy freaking glowed.

Hunter’s Mark available at many locations including:

Decadent Publishing     |     iTunes     |     Kobo     |     ARe
Amazon     |     Smashwords     |     Barnes & Noble 

I also have a new release coming out December 16, Sam’s Temptation.

On a working vacation in Montana, Chef Gabi Inez’s schedule allows her to enjoy planned activities and hangout with her cousin and his new family. She’s not looking for love, but spending time with a hunky cowboy sounds perfect. Gabi works hard, but every girl needs some fun. What if flirting leads to something more?

Sam Malone is the brains behind Blackbird, a guest and working ranch. Since his parents’ death, his sole purpose has been family and the ranch’s survival. Burned by love in the past, he avoids the distraction that comes with beautiful women. But what’s a cowboy to do when a sweet and sassy chef gets under his skin, only to be told by her overprotective cousin she’s off limits?

Excerpt:

He retreated a step, raising his hands in a nonthreatening manner. “Sorry, I want to make sure you aren’t hurt. I was going to save you from that creep, but you beat me to it.”

She tossed her head and dark curls bounced around her face. “This is New York, cowboy. We girls save ourselves.”

Her tone was sassy, but her hands trembled as she set the glass on the counter. The music changed to something soft and slow, and he gave her a reassuring smile. When you fall off your horse, you need to get back on. “You certainly did. If I promise to behave myself, will you dance with me?”

He held out his hand, fully prepared for her to tell him to go to hell.

She hesitated and finally shrugged. “Sure.”

When she placed her small hand in his, his pulse raced.

He led the way to the dance floor and loosely held her, fighting the urge to pull the beautiful woman close and bury his face in her long hair; its unique scent combined with a hint of vanilla and jasmine was intoxicating. His body flamed at each slight touch of their bodies. He’d never experienced an attraction so instantaneous, so urgent. Not even with his ex, Veronica.

“Do you have a name, cowboy?” she asked, her soft voice causing his dick to harden.

It’d been a while, but where was his control, damn it?

“Samuel Malone, brother of the groom.”

She must have really shorted out his brain for him to give his full first name, which he never used. He was Sam, plain and simple.

“Ah, I see the family resemblance. I’m Gabriela Inez, cousin to the other groom.”

This beautiful lady was related to Rafael? Why hadn’t he ever mentioned her? They continued to dance, and sparks flared when she relaxed into him. She was a little thing, even in her sexy stilettos. He hunched to rest his jaw against the top of her head. Perfect. He didn’t pause as the song transitioned to another. No way was one song enough. He eased back and gazed down, taking in her beauty and finally focusing on her full, luscious lips. Suddenly nothing was more important than kissing her….

About the Author:

V.S. Morgan has lived all over the US but calls Minnesota her home now. Her family includes her hubby, son, and a menagerie of pets.

She's been writing stories since she could hold a pencil and dreams of happily ever afters - even for two hot men - because love knows no boundaries. V.S. writes MC/IR contemporary, paranormal, and suspense m/m and m/f with heart. She plans to branch into fantasy and sci fi romance, as well.

V.S. is a GLBT ally and a lifetime contributor of The Trevor Project.

Website     |     Twitter     |     Facebook and Goodreads: V.S. Morgan