Thursday, June 24, 2010

Take You to Another World Contest Day #5: Red Garnier


I met Red only a few months ago, after reading her book The Satin Sash-- which I loved. Her new book, The Feather, is in book stores now and it's a really good, really interesting read. Leave a comment below for a chance to win it!

Blurb:

It can drive a woman wild—-and to places too forbidden to comprehend.

After decades dedicated to business, successful corporate lawyer Meredith Sinclair is having the wildest ride of her life. James Hamilton—hunk, god, legend—is everything she respects, admires, and desires in a man. So when James makes her the most indecent proposition she’s ever heard, Meredith can’t resist. After all, he knows every which way to satisfy a woman.

That night, as he sends shocks of desire through Meredith’s naked body with a feather she’s treasured all her life, Meredith is overcome with something else: an unknown and consuming fear…

A hazy vision takes Meredith back to Victorian England, where she’s exchanging sexual favors for money—and where James is a lord bound by his duties to society. And now Meredith and James must come to terms with their star-crossed past if they can ever hope for a future together. But will the soft strokes of the feather take them to heaven, or to hell?

Excerpt:

“May I come in?”
The sudden question was preceded by two taps on the door, and followed by the appearance of James Hamilton. Black suit, black tie, no smile. All perfect. Her office shrunk two sizes on the spot.
Meredith stiffened in her chair, then frowned at her computer as though she’d been riveted by some e-mail or file on it. “James. What a surprise.”
He shut the door behind him with a click. And her heart went thud. Thud, thud, thud.
Suddenly, his bold, sophisticated presence made her inhumanly aware of everything unsophisticated about her office: the corkboard haphazardly hung on the wall behind her, the silk roses in the glass vase on the corner of her desk—roses that had never seemed so fake before.
He could have been Bond—James Bond—and she the silly Miss Moneypenny.
Unaware of her distress, James stuck his fingers into the pockets of his pants and crossed the small space to stare thoughtfully out the window. Meredith’s tenth-floor office had a very uninteresting view of the back alley. No one had ever stared so long at it before.
When silence had reigned for minutes, Meredith brought her hands up to the keyboard, so that if he turned, she could busily type something. He didn’t glance at her, though. He braced a hand on the window frame above him, while the other stretched the material of his pants as he fisted it in his pocket.

“You didn’t let me drive you home.”
His voice throbbed, so thick and so unlike him that a ball of regret plummeted to her stomach.
She swallowed painfully, feeling foolish. Like the coward she was.
“Meredith . . . I don’t say anything I don’t mean—” He cut himself off. His thumb tapped in his pocket in what had to be the first sign of restlessness she’d ever seen from him. “When I asked you to stay, I wanted you to.”
Meredith hadn’t noticed she was twirling the phone cord until she had to untangle her finger. “I’m sorry. I belatedly realized how inappropriate it was of me to stop by uninvited.”
“Did I give you the impression you weren’t welcome?” he asked quietly.
The bed creaked in her ears. Her moans echoed, his soul-melting voice uttering sexual commands in her ear. She shivered.
“No. No, you didn’t,” she admitted, noting he seemed to have forced his thumb to be still. “But I considered how neither of us wants any complications, and I thought it best to leave. I hate to inconvenience you.”
“Christ.” He laughed—not a happy laugh—and shook his head. “You don’t. Inconvenience.” He came over with three determined strides. “Haven’t you read between the lines yet?”
“I’d need a loupe to read one of yours,” she said, smiling. She fell solemn when he bent over the desk, his expression serious.

His nostrils flared. Silver eyes that were gripping in their intensity coasted across her features, making her breath quicken. With one tanned hand flat on the leather-topped surface, the other reached out and . . . and . . . felt so good as it glided . . . over her cheekbones . . . her lips. His voice, when he spoke, was deep and thick, and the most erotic thing she’d ever heard. “Spend the night with me.”
Her womb constricted, gripping tight with need. While muscles that needed him rippled with awareness, Meredith tucked her face into his warm, dry palm, unconsciously seeking his caresses. With his thumb he brushed her skin with up to her cheekbone, then ran his knuckles up and down before his thumb returned.
“Will you come to me tonight?”
What kind of things did a woman wear and buy and say and do to drive James Hamilton crazy? Meredith would like to know. Because inside, her mind was a whirl, her body not even hers anymore, and she felt so alone. . . . She feared only she was in this turmoil and he was just calm, confident, sexy. . . .
They were enclosed in her office, but they were whispering like misbehaving children hiding in a closet so they wouldn’t be caught. Meredith could feel their hot, intimate whispers running over her bones like ribbons. Her voice was breathy and soft, and her head fell forward as she asked, “Do you want me to?”

His thumbs took ages to trace the contour of her lips, to slide sinuously between them. “I’m asking you to.”
She ached. Felt void without it. Him. Thrusting and thrusting and thrusting.
Her breasts prickled, demanding she take him up on his offer and beg him to rub her with his palms and fingers.
He was asking her for a night, an entire night, and she did not want to think of the dangers. Only of the pleasure.
Relaxing in her seat as he fondled her lips, Meredith allowed her tongue to slip out to lick him, and she closed her eyes when he pushed his thumb in for the delectation of her senses. She softly suckled, tasted skin and salt and him. He murmured, “Come to me tonight.”
“Why?”
“So I can kiss you.”
“Everywhere.”
“Make love to you.”
“All night.”
She buried her face deeper into his hand and nuzzled him as she pressed a kiss to the center of his palm.
“Do you know what else I’m going to do to you?”
She was breathless with anticipation, susceptible to anything he’d say he’d do. And if he said, I’ll hurt you, Meredith. I’ll break your heart and make you regret every word and sigh you ever gave me, she would still succumb.
He came around the desk with agonizing slowness, then behind her chair, to tug the backrest down with his hands as he bent to whisper in her ear. “I’m going to restrain you,” he said, his voice like velvet flowing into her veins. “I’m going to tie you up from the top of your head down to your two little feet, so the only part of you that can move will be your mouth as you cry out my name.”

Oh, god. His arms came around; one hand slipped under her jacket, and the other delved into her skirt. Meredith’s body arched to accept both of them, and his amused chuckle made the little hairs on her arms rise to attention.
“You like restraints, don’t you? They excite you.” He fondled the sex, the breast, the taut, beaded nipple. His fingers burned her through her clothes. “You’re a sassy little lawyer, you like power, but you like feeling helpless, too. You want to feel trapped, to wiggle your way around the free area. . . . You like limits, knowing there’s something bigger than you out there, and messing with it. You like messing with me.” Her soaked silken panties were glued to her flesh as he stroked his finger up and down the material, tracing the entry of her sex. “Guess what.” Her nipple pinged when he grasped and pulled. “I want to take you there. I want to take you high and low, touch and lick you until you’re so hot, so fucking aroused, you’d come at the touch of a feather.”
“Oh, god, James.”
“Say yes, Meredith. Come to me tonight. Come play with me.”
“Meredith?”
When her assistant’s voice outside her office registered in Meredith’s lust-fogged mind, she started in her seat, pushing James’s hands away. By the time the young blonde opened the door and peeked inside, Meredith sat calmly in her chair while reviewing the contract, with James looming behind her, his head bent as though he were reading, too.
“I’m sorry. Did I interrupt anything?” Kylie asked, and Meredith looked up and blinked.
Come at the touch of a feather . . .
She set the contract aside and waved a hand in the air. “Kylie. Oh no, Mr. Hamilton and I were just . . .”

“Actually, Kylie, you are,” James said, propping a hip on the corner of Meredith’s desk and gazing at her with the confidence of one who is used to being obeyed. “Do you mind giving me a minute with Miss Sinclair?”
Kylie’s smile faltered as she scrutinized James first, then Meredith.
Come at the touch of a feather . . .
Meredith felt such hot, blazing color creep up her neck and cheeks, it took all her effort to keep from ducking under her desk.
“Julian wants to see you,” Kylie finally told her.
Meredith rose from her chair, her thighs still weak from the desire pumping through her veins. But Julian was, after all, the owner of the company, and her boss. “I’ll be right there.”
When Kylie nodded and shut the door behind her, James’s presence became a Herculean force inside the room. Pulling at her. Weakening her. Every atom inside of her, every cell, seemed entirely focused on him, on his steady breath, his virile scent, his size and frame and the entire space surrounding him.
He caught her elbow as she tried to pass. His fingers around her bone formed a steel-like bracelet as he flicked his wrist and spun her around. His eyes burned his question into her. Stamped his desire into her. “And my answer?” he prodded, the silver orbs of his eyes almost engulfed by the growing black of his pupils.

Desire crashed through her like a frenzied stampede that abolished doubt and reason. Lava inundated her veins.
Inwardly trembling with anticipation, afraid of everything he made her want and feel and crave so potently, she pulled her elbow free.
With the cacophony of her heartbeat echoing in her ears, Meredith strode across the room and set her hand on the doorknob. And without meeting his gaze, before even trying to continue to rationalize all the feelings he stirred in her, she whispered, “Yes.”

Question of the Day: I just got back from Disney World (where we all had a blast despite the crazy heat) so I thought I'd ask a question about amusement parks today. Which amusement park is your favorite? Though I enjoyed Disney World, I'm still partial to Disneyland and Universal Studios in California-- maybe because I remember them from when I was a kid and it was so exciting to go there that I wouldn't be able to sleep the night before. Anyway, what's your favorite and why?

46 comments:

  1. Oh wow... I am not sure I have a favorite... Oh wait.. when I was little, there was this little fair use to come through our town and I loved the Sizzler!! OMG, that ride took all my allowance!!! LOL!! It was amazing!! It went from side to side, round and round and then the whole thing went round and round... You were never still... never in the same place twice. LOL! Awesome ride!!!
    Thanks Tracy!

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  2. I'm partial to Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. It has great coasters and now I live even closer than I did when I was a kid.

    ~Lindy

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  3. OMG, I LOVE Cedar Point. We used to go a couple times a year when I lived in Michigan. And Cecile, the Sizzler was one of my favorites-- I used to love when the state fair came and I could ride it over and over again :)

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  4. I'm not really into amusement parks because I'm afraid of the rides..lol But I did really like Knottsberry farm when I was little because there was a lot for someone to do when they didn't want to go on the scary rides.

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  5. I love Disneyland. I think the first time my parents took us kids was maybe 1961??? I've been back many times and it never ceases to amaze me....It's truly a magical place...and I can't wait to take my new granddaughter!!!

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  6. I will say Disneyland went back there about 12 years ago and still loved it like i was a kid again.
    sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com

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  7. For me, it's all about Disneyland. I've been living in California my whole life. So how can I not enjoy "the happiest place on Earth." Everytime I go there, it's a new experience for me.

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  8. I used to live in Indiana. So I would have to say Cedar Point. I love the roller coasters there. I also liked Dollywood for the shows and shopping.

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  9. When I was little we would go to World's of Fun or Six Flags Over Mid-America and I loved both places!
    Now our favorite is Disneyland, we have yearly passes and probably go once a week or more if we can!! :)

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  10. Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio! Great coasters & close to home!

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  11. I've only been to Great Adventures in NJ. It was tons of fun. A bit too scary at times though, I'm chicken!

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  12. My favorite is MGM but I hear the name changed to Disney something. I can't remember it now. I love the different shows they have all day long.

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  13. My favorite has to be the local Renaissance Festival. You might not think of it as an amusement park, but it has lots of rides, lots of food and crazy entertainment. AND you can dress up! :D

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  14. I haven't been to many. I would say Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN.

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  15. I enjoyed Disneyland and Universal Studios when I went there, but my favorite park to visit is Silver Dollar City in Branson Missouri. They have some great rides and great arts and crafts. They also have a cave you can go through. It's a lot of fun for everyone.

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  16. We did go to disney world and i went to disney land in 9th grade, but busche gardens and kings dominion were only about 3 hours away. so i have more fond memories of those places. since they were so close my parents let me, my bro and sis all bring a friend, so that was the best!

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  17. Hmmm. It's been so very long since i been to an amusement park that it's hard to say. I have to admit i rather enjoyed Hershey Park in PA. The day i went wasn't too crowed so we didn't have to wait very long to get on things. We rode every roller coaster and had a blast.

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  18. Loved the excerpt.

    I haven't been to Disneyland or Disney World,heck I haven't even been to Canada's Wonderland. I did go to Marineland..does that count..I loved the shows they had with the whales and other sea life.There's also local fairs that I've gone too,mostly as a teenager though,I haven't been to one in years.

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  19. Hum, I would have to say Disney world and all those parks, down in Orlando! I grew up on the west coast and went to Disneyland frequently, then again as an adult, I still think Orlando wins out for me. So much to offer for adults as well as kids. And frankly we all turn into kids there right?

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  20. I never went to an amusement park when I was a kid! Our vacations were always educational or sporty- camping, boating, visiting historic sites etc....
    I did take my kids to Crystal Palace, an indoor amusement park located in New Brunswick, this spring. But I sat in the Chapters store sipping a Starbucks and just watched them on the rides...that was good enough for me ;-)

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  21. I love Six Flags. I could happily ride Thunder River all day but they won't let me. (I asked)

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  22. Honestly, I've never been in an amusement park because we have no one close by...

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  23. I grew up going to carnivals and community fairs and I enjoyed those. I went to Riverside Amusement Park (I think that's what it was called), but didn't enjoy it as much.

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  24. I live in Ohio and it has to be Cedar Point all the way! tWarner419@aol.com

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  25. I love Disneyland because it holds special childhood memories with my parents.

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  26. Universal Studios is my favorite.

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  27. Oooh this book sounds great!

    My favorite amusement park? I actually haven't been to many :( But I did enjoy Hershey Park when I went!

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  28. I haven't been to many fun parks, but I really do think Disney World is the best of the ones I've visited. I liked the warm weather and nice people and park layout.

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  29. I actually haven't been to many amusement parks - only Disney World once when I was like 2-3 and I'm deathly afraid of heights soo... I have been to Cedar Point, Six Flags, and Geauga Lake... but still, my favorite would be Sea World. Yes, at times I miss the fun rides, but dolphins! Penguins! Shamu!

    Also - loved the excerpt and book blurb - very hot book!

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  30. It has been decades since I've been to an amusement park but I did enjoy, Hershey Park, too, and the county and state fairs.

    Thanks,
    Tracey D

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  31. Dollywood--an amazing place brought to life by the heart and imagination of an amazing woman, Dolly Parton. A fabulous theme park, located in a very beautiful setting. Something for everyone!

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  32. Probably another vote for Disneyland--it's the one that our family has visited the most often and has the most fond memories of :)

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  33. WOW! We are going to be in Disney World in three weeks! Love amusement parks. Don't get to Disney World often but...our favorite is of course Magic Kingdom. Epcot is second fave. Made it to Disneyland for the first time last year. Florida's Magic Kingdom is soooo much better!
    Absolute favorite amusement park closer to home is Hershey Park. Great fun, lots of rides. Great when traveling with kids of different age groups. Each area has rides for little ones among the roller coasters. (That way I am not stuck in one area of the park!)

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  34. I haven't been to many, but one of my favorites is Astroland which has the Cyclone roller coaster.

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  35. Have never been to any of these parks.

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  36. Disneyland is still my favorite. Even honeymooned there a million years ago, lol.

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  37. Bush Gardens! It's the best place - lots of animals and fun rides.

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  38. I haven't been to a lot of amusement parks so I don't really have a favorite at the moment. I'd have to say that so far I kind of like Cedar Point I'm not a big rider but I like a lot of the games and gift shops.

    There was also this one water park I went to with my dad one summer, that was pretty fun.

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  39. I just got back from Disney World (where we all had a blast despite the crazy heat) so I thought I'd ask a question about amusement parks today. Which amusement park is your favorite? Though I enjoyed Disney World, I'm still partial to Disneyland and Universal Studios in California-- maybe because I remember them from when I was a kid and it was so exciting to go there that I wouldn't be able to sleep the night before. Anyway, what's your favorite and why?
    I can't remember the name of the park but it was near Lake George where we were camping and my kids had a ball. A bit costly but we knew it was something they would remember forever.

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  40. I haven't been to Disney World since I was very little. In GA we have Six Flags which is lots of fun and next door is White Water, a water park that is great in the summer.

    But my favorite is in Valdosta, GA. Wild Adventures Theme Park. It's small so there are fewer crowds and it also has a water park attached.

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  41. I'm not really a fan of amusement parks...other than the trip to Disney World when I was 7... and a trip to PNE in Vancouver (age 14) & Le Ronde (age 16) in Montreal (taken under duress mind you) I haven't been to one voluntarily. I don't like the noise or the crowds...there's also the factor that I'm a wuss when it comes to height so no funky rollercoaster rides for me.

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  42. My favorite is Disneyworld because there is so much to do there and Epcot is my favorite of the parks because it is like going around the world in a couple of days!

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  43. For my kid-at-heart soul it would have to be Disneyland in California.

    I lived in Southern California all through school and had visited so many times. I have very fond memories of friends and family enoying the magic that Disney provides in abudance. LOL, I remember when they use to issue booklets of tickets as admittance and the best ride in the park was the "E" ticket. So, whenever we would describe any kind of event in our lives, my friends would say "it was an E experience"...meaning it was the best time ever.

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  44. I haven't been to many or any big famous ones. I'm better off sharing my favorite amusment ride (ferris wheel) or treat (cotton candy). But with a three year old I am definitely looking forward to planning a trip someday to disneyland. I think it's just the whole concept and imagery of Disney that makes it irresistible. Loving the excerpt of The Feather!

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  45. Disneyland is magic. Nowhere else comes close for me.

    marypres@gmail.com

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  46. I have only every been to Disney World but would like to go back so I that would be my favorite right now.

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