Meet DH Black

Welcome to the Rebel Elite Holiday Hop – day 7!

Please say hello to DH  –

I am a crime and erotic thriller author and I bring tales of the police and our firefighters – among other wonderful occupations – who keep us safe and hold our lives precious. I do it in a way that’s gritty and in your face and not for the faint of heart. I love trying to bring the real people behind that masks of being the good guy or girl and I also try to do anything in my power to make it real. These books are bloody and gory and leave nothing to the imagination. I am lucky enough to have on, Inferno, still in the top ten on the Omni Lit Best Seller list where it has been for two months. This piece really brings out what horrors and undercover officer goes through and how the work can affect every aspect of their lives. From simply trying to hold a normal life to a love interest, you can imagine what being deep undercover for long periods of time might do.

I hope you like a taste of this one and let me know what you think. Thank you for hosting me,

THE RETRIBUTION COLLECTION – UNINVITED

A monster shattered Raine Thompson’s life. On a single stormy night, he lost the man of his dreams to a murderer who was never caught. Forced out of his home and away from his friends and family, Raine started a new life in a far away location but one close to a childhood friend, Carlos Tempata. Raine became a recluse as he continued his quest to hunt down the killer himself. And in his tormented dreams, a face continued to haunt him every night. A secret from his past was hell bent on destroying him. Just as he believed he’d remain alone for the rest of his life, a chance encounter on the beach reminded Raine he had to live.

Justin Cameron was a mystery man who showered Raine with not only his affections but also his wealth. Finally enticing him into a relationship, Justin offered Raine his heart in return for Raine’s undying love. But somehow the man wasn’t who he claimed to be and held more than just secrets. As Raine’s dreams became nightmares and his life was placed in jeopardy, Carlos worked to discover the truth against a backdrop of continued deceit. As a series of damning events turned into tragedy, Raine is forced to make a choice. One that could destroy everything he holds dear.

EXCERPT

“She’s choice, brother. You want a piece of her? I just might let you have some.” Sniffing, the man looked up from the teary-eyed woman who wore a look of horror.

“Nah. I got me a little woman. What the hell would she say if I took a piece?” Stone breathed as anger raced through him. He didn’t sign onto the job for this bullshit. Looking away briefly, he knew he had to keep his mouth shut but damn it, he was sick to fucking death of the insanity. The guy was barely human. No, Michael was the epitome of evil personified and Stone was on a personal mission to rid the world of his kind.

“Oh come on. This is sweet meat and easy too. Ain’t nothing better than taking what you want. Your little bitch ain’t gonna be none the wiser. What’s wrong? You a pussy, boy? I don’t hire me no faggots in this organization.” Snorting, Michael cupped the girl’s chin and hissed as he twisted and squeezed her face.

Shaking his head, Stone stepped back away from the scene. “I just like mine begging for my cock.” He stole a glance at the girl, who couldn’t be more than twenty, and resisted yanking out his gun and killing the fucker. They were so damn close to nailing this guy. So close but far enough he knew they powers that be would pull him from the case if they couldn’t get enough ammunition against him. He stole another glance at the girl and sucked in his breath. Strapped to the bed, strings of dark mascara were a garish reminder of the madmen he was working for. Goddamn how much of this shit had he seen? Girls were kept like animals to be played with and toyed with and… No, he could barely take the entire scene any longer, no matter what the hell it meant.

Groggy, the girl squealed behind the thick duct tape.

“Oh the bitch’ll be beggin’ for it. Trust me.” Climbing off the bed, he unfastened his belt as he chuckled. “I got balls the size of grapefruit.” Freeing his cock, he stroked down the length of his shaft as he turned to glare at Stone. “You’re staring. You wanna watch or what? Might learn somethin’ from the master.”

“I’m leaving. Just remember we have a timeline, man.” Yeah, the master of brutality. Holding up his hands he started to walk out of the room. The second he made it to the door he sucked in his breath as he heard the sound of her dress being ripped. Walk out. Don’t play the cards. So close. So fucking close to shutting down not just one asshole but also others. Hell, he didn’t even know half of the freaks involved, but he knew enough to realize the situation was getting out of hand. But sweet Jesus, he was one man. Stone swallowed hard and eased into the tiny living room toward the kitchenette of the sleazy motel. Goddamn he was tired of spending time in shit holes. He’d been deep under cover for so fucking long he was no longer sure of his own name. Michael Siska was one bad man but far too well connected and had skated around the law for years. Stone was determined to stop him. This was daddy’s pride and joy after all and his to keep and protect. What a fucking joke.

Hissing, Stone rubbed his tired eyes and tried not to concentrate of the ugly sounds coming from the other room. The poor girl was squealing and fighting. He thought about the few nights he’d been able to help the girls, if you could call throwing them scraps of food helping. How men lived this way was beyond him. Gripping onto the counter, he attempted to control his breathing. The asshole was not only a major player in a series of drug-riddled crimes including high class brothels in the city but also had a penchant for raping and mutilating women when they got out of line. This was the third time Stone had to stand by while the freak got his jollies off on hurting some innocent girl. Thank God none of them ended up dead or he’d have to blow his cover. The man’s behavior was getting out of hand. Even his lieutenants, as Michael liked to call them, could barely tolerate his level of savagery.

And protecting certain family members was supposed to be a step up. For him it was a one-way ticket into hell.

His pulse racing he started pacing the floor as the sounds continued, the girl crying in anguish. As she wailed, Stone heard what had to be the sound of the asshole backhanding her hard. Then as a series of slaps and grunts filtered into the room he sucked in his breath.

”Shut the fuck up, bitch! You fucking whore!”

Bam! Crack!

Stone cringed and fingered the gun nestled in the back of his pants. As the sounds of her being beaten escalated he knew he’d had enough. Taking three long strides, he made it into the bedroom and stopped short. “What the fuck are you doing?” The girl was barely recognizable from the blood covering her face and neck. Beaten unconscious he wasn’t even sure the girl was breathing.

“Get the hell out of here! You were offered and refused. Just givin’ the tramp what she deserves,” Michael snared as he continued plunging his cock into her savagely.

His body shaking, Stone exhaled slowly as a series of vibrant colors swirled around his field of vision. “Stop fucking beating her.” He closed his eyes and tried to hold it together but rage thrashed through his body until he was barely able to breathe.

“I said get the fuck out.”

As Stone slowly opened his eyes he could see the girl had turned her head and was pleading silently for help. Jesus Chris she was awake for this horror. Sucking in his breath, he licked his dry lips and couldn’t take it any longer. This was never going to end. Suddenly snapping, he yanked his gun and cocked it and realized the freak was too busy raping the girl to hear him. Holding the revolver with both hands he pointed the muzzle toward Michael. “One chance. Stop hurting her. Now!”

Without looking Michael simply laughed. “Fuck off, freak.”

Stone shook his head as he closed the distance and said a silent prayer to a God he would never believe existed.

And then he pulled the trigger.

 

****

 

Flicking his finger across the seam of his mouth, Raine Thompson sighed in contentment. No, he was excited for the first time in a solid few months. They were out together enjoying the simple things in life just like they used to. And nothing was going to fuck it up. The thought giving him a smile, he grabbed his wine glass, swirling the ruby red liquid before taking a huge gulp.

“You look at me like you want to eat me instead of what will be a delicious dinner,” he whispered as he leaned over the table.

“There’s no doubt I’ll have you for dessert and perhaps more than once.” He couldn’t help but smile as he gazed at Brent Miller, his significant other. There was something so engaging about his lover’s smile, including the scar he wore like a badge of honor. From the man’s dancing blue eyes to his shaggy hair, Brent always managed to leave Raine breathless. As he lifted his wine glass in salute, he gave Brent a heated look.

“Well, I guess the birthday hunk does deserve certain treats tonight. But then again it begs the question. Have you been a good boy all year?”

“I didn’t hear you complaining the last time I was sucking your cock.”

Brent broke into a mischievous grin as he shook his head. “You’re incorrigible.” Sighing, he gazed out the window of the restaurant into the darkened night. Exhaling slowly, he fingered the rim of his glass in an aimless pattern.

“Why the long face?”

“Just business. I’m just worried. You know me.”

“I know you’re worried but the economy is going to turn around. Besides, we said no shop talk tonight.” Easing his hand across the table Raine brushed the tip of his finger back and forth across Brent’s wrist. When Brent pulled his hand away quickly Raine knew there was something else going on. “Spill it.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I know you too well. Remember? Me? I’ve been your live in lover for like four years.” While he smiled Raine could feel the tension mounting between them. He took another sip of his wine and concentrated on the crowd in the restaurant, pretending to give a shit. The seafood restaurant was their favorite and one they reserved for special times. Oddly enough they hadn’t been here in over six months. Hell, he couldn’t even remember the reason why but they’d simply stopped doing the majority of things they loved. Then again they hadn’t had a whole lot to celebrate in quite a while and the economy was only partly to blame.

Tick. Tock.

“You might as well tell me.”

Brent shrugged and sat back in his seat. “Look, I didn’t want to tell you this tonight but I have to go away on business for a couple of weeks – maybe longer. I don’t know.”

ENJOY A SEXY VIDEO TRAILER

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcLFrsnck6A

 WHERE TO FIND ME

http://dhblack.wordpress.com/

dhblack@dhblack.com

http://twitter.com/bethanyhalle

http://www.omnilit.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=D.+H.+Black

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Meet Britni Hill!

Day 5 of the Rebel Elite Holiday Hop!

Say Hi to Britni!

Tell us about yourself:

I’m a hair stylist and I absolutely love it.  I’ve been doing it for about 7 years.  The only other thing I could imagine doing is writing and hey I get to do that too.  I’m a big dork.  I love comic book movies and star wars.  I spend most of my spare time reading or writing.

What television sitcom is most like your family? Why?

Hmmm…I can’t really think of any off the top of my head.  The show Whitney is a pretty good glimpse at my relationship though.  She says the ridiculous things I think, and her boyfriend tells her she’s crazy but tries to make her feel better.

What’s your favorite thing to do to relax?

I usually read and maybe have a glass of wine.

Do you prefer…
Public speaking or public singing? Oh neither.  I hate to be the center of attention, but I guess public speaking because I’m an awful singer.

Writing in a notebook or typing on the computer?  Typing on the computer.

Coke or Pepsi?  Coke

Living without your cell phone or living without your computer? Cell Phone

Cake or pie? Cake…I hate pie.

Now about you as an author…
Did you always want to be an author?

As soon as I learned to put pen to paper I started writing stories.

What authors had an impact on you growing up and as an adult? I loved RL Stine when I was younger.  In high school I couldn’t get enough Shakespeare and Edgar Allen Poe.

Did anyone in your life influence you or encouraged you to be a writer? (teacher, family member, friend)

My boyfriend is amazingly supportive and he keeps me going when I get stuck.

What is your favorite aspect or writing? Your least favorite?

Getting the stories that are in my head out has to be my favorite.  I hate writing blurbs.

What aspect of writing would you most like to improve on?

I love commas.  I love to use them too much, so I could use some improvement there.

Do you have any “must haves” with you while you’re writing?  Not really.  My laptop and some music.

Do you have a common theme or item that appears in each of your books?

My two that are currently out go together so I guess you could say yes.  Most of my writing is very different from those two stories though.

What have you learned the most from being in the writing business?

It’s a lot of work, but that doesn’t mean you can’t reach your goals.  You definitely have to have thick skin to do this though.

Tell us about your latest release:

 

Join Taylor and Layla for the final chapter of their journey in the long awaited follow up to Tears in the Rubble. In the wake of a terrible betrayal, Taylor and Layla bury their feelings for the other, good and bad, just to get by day to day. Forced together because of their daughter, Taylor struggles to forgive Layla so he falls into the role of fatherhood, naturally striving to be the best father he can be. Layla’s guilt overwhelms her as she fights herself over her feelings for Taylor. After all, she doesn’t believe she deserves another chance. She’s already had too many. Making a family out of a broken relationship won’t be easy, but with both Taylor and Layla pushing forward, will they ever find a new normal? Will they ever confront their feelings for one another?

How did you decide on your story plot?

I was actually challenged to write a short story about love and nothing else.  That was the first scene from the first book that I wrote, and From the Rubble just wraps up the story.

How did you choose your characters names and location for your story?

The names just came to me.  I guess my characters told me what they were.  As for location.  The first scene I wrote took place in an old barn so I went with small town.

Do you have a favorite scene? Why? Not off the top of my head.  Maybe I love them all too much.

Do you have a character that you identify with? Who and why?

I do.  In a story that hasn’t been published yet.  You’ll meet her later.

Blurb –

Layla Swanson grew up in the lazy, small town of Hollow Oaks and can’t wait to get out.  She has big dreams and big plans in the big city.  Layla has worked hard and her senior year is nearly at its end.  She can’t wait to go away to college.  And she’s one step closer to getting what she wants. Layla isn’t letting anyone get in her way.

Taylor Scott may not be your typical country boy, but he doesn’t mind Hollow Oaks.  His dreams may not be marked on paper and set in stone, but it doesn’t mean he doesn’t have them.

A chance meeting between the two childhood friends may have Layla second guessing her longtime plan. Their rekindled friendship is leading them down a path neither one could have foreseen.  But with Layla leaving for college, many challenges face them, especially when she so stubbornly sticks to her solo plan.

Is Taylor’s love enough to convince Layla to let him in?  Or when everything falls apart, will Layla run away?

 

Let our readers know how they can get a hold of you…

Twitter: @thatbritnihill Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BritniHillAuthor

Blog: http://britnihillwriter.blogspot.com/

You can find From the Rubble here –

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Meet Alex Jones!

Day 3 of the Rebel Elite Holiday Hop!

Say hi to Alex!

Knights of Fey: Remain

Sneak Preview

 

Jace trailed behind Morgan grudgingly, taking in the brilliance of the sun and the crispness of the breeze through the grass. Everything seemed green here, like the world had been infused with a double dose of whatever made things grow. The flowers bloomed in radiant shades, and the moisture had not left the air, a sensation that woke Jace more surely than a cup of coffee. The mountains grew larger as they approached, towering like giants above the plains.

As they drew closer, they caught Jace’s eye. His brows wrinkled, and feet slowed. “That…” He halted, second-guessing himself. But there it was, just as he remembered. “I know that skyline. Those are the mountains where I live. I’ve painted them dozens of times.”

Morgan stopped just long enough to gesture him onward. “Of course they are. Keep up! We are nearly there.”

The nonchalance in his tone startled Jace. Did that mean… “Are we back in the real world? I mean, my world?” he demanded, jogging to catch up. They’d both caught up to Hector, who had paused on hearing the conversation, marveling at his ignorance.

“He has told you nothing?”Hector questioned in curiosity. “Morgan, you have left the boy very little to chew on in our long walk. It must have been dreadfully dull.”

Jace was simultaneously repulsed at being spoken of so dismissively, and overwhelmed with curiosity. “What do you mean? Why are the mountains the same?”
Morgan cast a disapproving glare to Hector. “He will not be here long. The less he knows, the better it will be.”

Hector did not heed the warning. He strode closer in step with Jace, reveling in the mortal’s ignorance. “What Master Wolfhame does not wish you to know, boy, is that our worlds are the same. The mountains, the valleys, the rivers and streams, the oceans—we exist on the same Earth. It is merely the realms that are different.”

“The realms?” His eyebrows knit crossly. It wasn’t yet making sense.

“Otherworld, as we call your realm, and Amaranth, ours: the eternal flower. It is a fitting name, don’t you think?”

Jace still did not grasp the concept behind his words. “So, Otherworld and… Amaranth… They exist in each other? Are we in my world? In Otherworld?” he corrected.

“Not in each other, boy. On top of each other. They cannot see each other because they do not exist together. But they exist alongside each other, to be sure. Right now, where we walk, in Otherworld there are people walking, animals living, probably even your cars driving. We just cannot see them, because they are in the Otherworld, and we are in Amaranth.”

“All of this, Amaranth, exists on top of my world?”

“Aye,” he repeated. “You may have even stood in the same room as us before, but never known it. You might feel a chill, if the veil is thin, and we might see a flicker of your image, but the worlds never coexist.”

Morgan grunted, walking at a faster pace. Jace noticed and sped up, as well. Hector felt friendly, explaining it all to him with relish; but he did not want to be long out of reach of Morgan. He felt safe in his guardianship, even for as cold as the hunter was acting at the moment.

“But I am here,” Jace turned to Hector, debating the point. “Obviously they can coexist, or I wouldn’t be here.”

“You are here because you have ceased existing in your realm and now exist in ours. We can travel between realms, through the mirrors, but beings cannot exist in both realms in the same moment.” Hector paused briefly, watching Morgan mount the next hill with calculating eyes.

In the moment when Morgan’s back was turned, Hector seized Jace’s wrist, pulling him close. The words were whispered harshly, quickly – “He has eyes for you, boy. But beware. The Queen is not what she seems.”

As quickly as Hector  pulled close, he retreated, leaving Jace breathless in fear and confusion. Eyes darted quickly up to Morgan, who seemed not to have noticed the exchange. Hector had resumed his casual, arrogant stride as if nothing had happened.

Jace was lost in shock. “What…”

“And so, dear boy, it’s simple,” Hector cut in. His volume was high and jovial, as it had been moments ago.

“I…okay…” Jace managed weakly. The words spun through his head—He has eyes for you, boy. The Queen is not what she seems. Why the warning? And the comment about Morgan? And how were they related? Jace swallowed nervously, then tried to shake the feeling of unease. Hector was playing games with him; he just didn’t know what they were yet.

Knights of Fey: Remain coming spring 2013 from Rebel Ink Press. Find out more at www.alexjonesbooks.com!

 

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Meet Nancy LaPonzia

Day 2 of the Rebel Elite Holiday Hop!

Say hi to Nancy!

Good stories are everywhere. Life is a novel. When I begin to think about a new story, I start forming the plot close to home. Nardi Point started that way, and so does my next story, Paths through the Garden.

Nardi Point is a new subdivision under construction in Raleigh, North Carolina. Over the past ten years particularly, Raleigh has attracted many newcomers from colder climes seeking job opportunities and a new way of life. That is so with Laurinda Elliot, a savvy successful software Project Manager. She meets her partner Dan Riser, an uber software developer, in Raleigh and the two transplants work their new lives living the dream. But for Laurinda, it isn’t enough. A home and family whisper to her and she’s keen to answer the call. Dan, not so much.

New home construction abounds in Raleigh. To Laurinda it’s the first step to following her heart. North Raleigh, close to the Neuse River, has a history of ancient North Carolinians traveling the land following the seasons living off abundant wild game, and amazingly huge fish that migrated up the river from the sea. We know this because of the amazing artifacts frequently found in farmers’ fields or discovered during road construction projects. Pre-historic Native Americans lived in the Raleigh area some 10,000 years ago. Remember, the Egyptian pyramids are only 3,000 years old!

And Laurinda? She’s caught between the ancient past and her dream future. Not only must she resolve what to do when ancient artifacts are discovered on their home building site at Nardi Point, she must also come to grips with what she looks for in a relationship when confronted with a new love, a single father of adorable four-year-old, Annabel.

My passion for archaeology helped drive this story. As a volunteer at the State Archaeological Office, I prepared bags of ancient pot sherds (yes here they’re called sherds, not shards), cataloging them and being in awe handling them. I’d wonder what hands had created the pottery over 10,000 years ago. How? Why? And thus, the story my story was born.

If you write, I recommend taking a fresh perspective of your home and community and consider adding them to the plot. Things you may take for granted can be of great interest across a broader spectrum of readers. And the joy of discovering these things afresh fuels your story. Ahh, the writing life!

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