Author: Siobhan Muir

#ThursThreads – Tying Tales Together – Week 460

Posted on by Siobhan Muir

Welcome back to the home of Paranormal & Dauntless Romance. Today is Thursday and that means it’s time to start flashing. We’re at the beginning of our ninth year of weekly prompts. It’s amazing we’ve gone this long! This is Week 460 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. Want to keep up each week? Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook and the Group on MeWe. Need the rules? Read on. Here’s how it works: The prompt is a line from the previous week’s winning tale. The prompt can appear ANYWHERE in your story and is included in your word count. The prompt must be used as is. It can be split, but no intervening words can be inserted or tenses changed. Rules to the Game: This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250. The story must be new writing, not a snippet from something published elsewhere with the prompt added. Incorporate the prompt anywhere into your story (included in your word count). Post your story in the comments section of this post Include your word count in the post (or be excluded from judging) Include your Twitter handle or email in the post (so we don’t have to look for you) The challenge is open 7 AM to 8 PM Mountain Time The winner will be announced on Friday, depending on how early the judge gets up. How it benefits you: You get a nifty cool badge to display on your blog or site (because we’re all about promotion – you know you are!) You get instant recognition of your writing prowess on this blog! Your writing colleagues shall announce and proclaim your greatness on Facebook, Twitter, MeWe, and Google Plus, etc. Our Judge for Week 460: Scottish Word Slinger, Dauntless romance author, and #ThursThreads host, Siobhan Muir. Facebook | Twitter | Patreon | EdenBooks | Happy Earth Day! Take some time to enjoy the flowers and weather (hopefully good) where you are. And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together. The Prompt: “What did you want him to do?” All stories written herein are the property (both intellectual and physical) of the authors. Comments do not represent the views of the host and the host reserves the right to remove any content. Now, away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThreads. Good luck!

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Tattoo & Teddy Bear Tuesday: Eric T.

Posted on by Siobhan Muir

Good morning! It’s another glorious Tuesday and a good time to enjoy a few hot men. Well, one in particular to start. We’ve come to the part of our program known as April Showers. Unfortunately, in Wyoming that means snow showers with a side of sleet. I was hoping for rain, but it’s just too cold. Looking forward to May and June when we get flowers and warmth. We definitely need a hot man to warm us up. This week, the hot man has the best of both worlds, he’s a tattooed teddy bear. My favorite. And he’s happy to share his ink with you. Meet Eric T. He’s one of PAUL HENRY SERRES PHOTOGRAPHY‘s models and he makes a great biker, doctor, cowboy, detective or billionaire hero. Eric is available for romance cover images to fit your taste. Wouldn’t you like him to take you on a wild ride? Thanks to Paul Henry Serres Photography for the permission to share this image with all y’all. Happy Tattoo & Teddy Bear Tuesday!

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Snippet Sunday – Take a Deep Breath

Posted on by Siobhan Muir

It’s time for Snippet Sunday and I’m so ready for the warm spring temps to come back. We had snow for the last two days and I don’t want it, lol. Beltane is right around the corner, and I thought I’d showcase CLOUDBURST COFFEE & SPA, the companion tale to THE BELTANE WITCH. Both occur around May Day, which is coming up, and there’s a sequel to them coming in October this year. In this snippet, we’re in Moira Callahan’s POV. She owns the Cloudburst Coffee & Spa and she’s just had an accident out on her floor. (BTW, this scene is also in THE BELTANE WITCH) ~~~~~~ Moira jerked in her chair as her waitress Tess came screaming into her office. “Ohmygod ohmygod ohmygod.” “Calm down, Tess. What’s going on?” “I just accidentally dumped some coffee on someone and she fell and hit her head and now she’s not breathing, and—” “Whoa, whoa, whoa. What happened?” Moira rose and followed the agitated woman out the door into the Cloudburst Coffee & Spa, her pride and joy. “It was an accident. She got up and turned right into me, and the coffee spilled.” Tess’s expression filled with tears. “It burned her, I think, and she tripped over her chair and hit her head on the table…Oh my God, I’m sorry, Moira.” “Take a deep breath, Tess. We’ll figure it out.” Moira grabbed the cordless phone on the way into the main floor of her coffee shop and headed for the small knot of people standing around a handsome man kneeling over someone on the floor. “Oh no.” Tess twisted her hands in her apron and bit her lip. Moira felt the breath leave her body as she recognized Sabrina Foxglove out cold, blood staining the floor. “Holy Goddess!” “I know. It was an accident, I swear.” Tears slid down Tess’s cheeks. Before Moira could say anything, Sabrina gasped and opened her eyes. She scanned the crowd around her in startled recognition and some of Moira’s tension eased. The man hunched over Sabrina spoke with her a few moments, reassuring her, and Moira wondered who he was. She wanted to ask, but Sabrina’s recovery meant more at the moment. “Is she going to be okay?” “I think she will be fine, but she needs to go home and rest.” The man nodded. “I have to get to work…” Sabrina struggled to get up, but the handsome stranger gently pressed her down. ~~~~~~~ Well that’s a little excitement for the day. 😉 There are several great authors on the Weekend Writer Warriors list, the Snippet Sunday Facebook group, and the Rainbow Snippets Facebook group. A few of my favorites are, P.T. Wyant, Karen Michelle Nutt, Veronica Scott, Jessica Subject, Kathy Griffith Karysa Faire, and Iris Blobel. Here’s the blurb for DUDE WITH A COOL CAR: Available Wide Moira Callahan knows a thing or two about fresh starts. Second chances are a different story… As an empath synced into the energies of spaces around her, Moira always understood what people needed, and tried to provide. But after escaping an abusive D/s relationship, she’s ready to make her own rules as the owner of the Cloudburst Coffee & Spa. Life is good. Until her first love shows up in town seeking his second chance. Aiden Westmorland escaped Cloudburst to learn to control his sexual needs, but he left behind the one woman who calmed his statistical empathic abilities. Now he has a chance to rekindle the fire they’d shared as teenagers, with the flavor of BDSM. But earning the trust of an emotionally scarred woman after his long radio silence is easier said than done. When Moira’s past comes to Cloudburst, threatening the life she’s fought to rebuild, Aiden insists she go to the police. But her former Dom has a past of his own, and he isn’t willing to let go so easily this time….

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#ThursThreads – Week 459 – Winners

Posted on by Siobhan Muir

Week 459 of #ThursThreads had many fantastic tales. I’m honored to see all the writers come to tie a tale as we head toward the end of our ninth year. If you’ve been doing it a while, thank you for sticking with us. If you’ve just found us, welcome! May you come back again and write more great flash. Thousand thanks to Stacy Bennett for judging this week. Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook or the #ThursThreads Group on MeWe to keep up with news, etc. Entries: Catherine Verdier | @CatheVerdier Silver James | @SilverJames_ Charlene Mertz @rrats1231 Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea Richard Gibney | @ragtaggiggagon Mark Ethridge | @mysoulstears Mark A. Morris Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig M.T. Decker | @mishmhem Honorable Mentions David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig Stacy says: Pirates and bureaucracy. They seem to go together frequently, don’t they? Well I suppose they are two sides of the same thematic coin. Of course, it’s easy to reel me in with words like wisp and magic and demon. I do love me some magical realism. Also makes me wonder about the nature of the perpetrator and the prototype. There is a deeper game afoot here and it reeks of the supernatural – my favorite. Nicely done. Mark A. Morris Stacy says: This one was fun. It had the surreal glow of a truly fantastical universe where underwater game shows lead the way to hell or perhaps heaven. Or perhaps just to the other side. It evoked a kind of Gaiman-esque irreverence which I wholly appreciated on this rainy Thursday.  And even I spent long minutes pondering… how IS a raven like a writing desk? Well done! winner announcement Week 459 Winner M.T. Decker | @mishmhem Stacy says: I love a good dog story. And here we had a warm-hearted vet hosting a radio show for nervous pet owners. Something reminding me of 1950s suburbia. So I blindly stumbled straight into the fantastical surprise, lulled by the apparent normalcy of the story. Until… Cerberus. Just think if that pup had chosen to “get lovies” from the poor bastard who broke in! Don’t talk to strangers “Hello, you’re on the air with Dr. Francis,” DVM Mark Francis stated as the board op took the first call. “I was wondering if you could help me with my dog. He hasn’t been acting like himself lately.” “Well, that’s why we’re here— although please remember, while we can offer advice we should not be seen as a replacement for your vet.” “It’s not serious, at least I don’t think it is it’s just— he’s not acting right.” Dr. Francis nodded to himself as he listened, not only to the man’s words to his tone and how he spoke as if he had all the time in the world. “So— can you give me an example?” “Well, someone broke into my house,” the caller answered. “And he froze… like he wasn’t sure if he should attack, herd the person out, or get lovies.” Dr. Francis smiled at the phrase ‘get lovies.’ It never ceased to amaze him how the coldest person out there could melt at the thought of their dog.” “Well, those are three very different drives coming into play and all of those are normal reactions, albeit any given dog will usually only have one reaction. What did you want him to do?” “I guess I just wanted him to scare the person away.” “And did he?” “Sort of,” the man answered. “But I think that was more the three heads than anything he actually did.” “Three? Sir, what’s your dog’s name?” “Cerberus.” “…as in…” “Yes.” “Next caller!” ~~~~~~~ Congratulations Eighteen Time Winner M.T., and Honorable Mentions David and Mark! Don’t forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it! Pass on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, MeWe, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the original tales HERE. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! 🙂

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#ThursThreads – Tying Tales Together – Week 459

Posted on by Siobhan Muir

Welcome back to the home of Paranormal & Dauntless Romance. Today is Thursday and that means it’s time to start flashing. We’re at the beginning of our ninth year of weekly prompts. It’s amazing we’ve gone this long! This is Week 459 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. Want to keep up each week? Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook and the Group on MeWe. Need the rules? Read on. Here’s how it works: The prompt is a line from the previous week’s winning tale. The prompt can appear ANYWHERE in your story and is included in your word count. The prompt must be used as is. It can be split, but no intervening words can be inserted or tenses changed. Rules to the Game: This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250. The story must be new writing, not a snippet from something published elsewhere with the prompt added. Incorporate the prompt anywhere into your story (included in your word count). Post your story in the comments section of this post Include your word count in the post (or be excluded from judging) Include your Twitter handle or email in the post (so we don’t have to look for you) The challenge is open 7 AM to 8 PM Mountain Time The winner will be announced on Friday, depending on how early the judge gets up. How it benefits you: You get a nifty cool badge to display on your blog or site (because we’re all about promotion – you know you are!) You get instant recognition of your writing prowess on this blog! Your writing colleagues shall announce and proclaim your greatness on Facebook, Twitter, MeWe, and Google Plus, etc. Our Judge for Week 459: Jersey Girl who pumps her own gas; romantic fantasy author with a Jungian soul, Stacy Bennett. Facebook | Twitter | And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together. The Prompt: “Can you give me an example?” All stories written herein are the property (both intellectual and physical) of the authors. Comments do not represent the views of the host and the host reserves the right to remove any content. Now, away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThreads. Good luck!

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Snippet Sunday – If I’m Staying Longer

Posted on by Siobhan Muir

It’s time for Snippet Sunday and it’s starting to look a lot like springtime out there, but since I’m in Wyoming, I expect snow any moment, lol. I thought I’d showcase CLOUDBURST COFFEE & SPA, the companion tale to THE BELTANE WITCH. Both occur around May Day, which is coming up, and there’s a sequel to them coming in October this year. In this snippet, we’re in Aiden Westmorland’s POV and he’s talking to Kieran Callahan, one of Moira Callahan’s brothers. Kieran is the first one to speak. ~~~~~~ “She pined over you for years after you took off in the dead of night.” The news made Aiden’s heart twist, but he shrugged. “I got the impression I wasn’t real welcome here.” “Yeah, I can see how that might be given the way my older brothers and parents treated you.” Kieran nodded with a half-smile curling his lips. “My dad always said never trust a man who won’t look you in the eye.” Aiden grunted. He couldn’t look anyone in the eyes. He’d see too much and sometimes could even hear their inner thoughts, thoughts not meant to be shared with anyone. Moira had been the only one who’d offered him total silence and peace from the unrelenting statistics when he met her gaze. He could’ve fallen in love with her for that alone. “But Moira never had a problem with you and I trust her instincts more than I trust my brothers’. I figure they all had it wrong about you.” “Thanks.” “Yeah, well, back to my earlier point. If you’re only here for a two-week spell and then gone again, stay away from my sister.” “And if I’m staying longer?” Aiden had come back to Cloudburst for only one reason. He’d lost the one woman the inner statistician said had a ninety-seven percent chance of being his life partner. She’d been too young and too naïve then. But she’d grown up and he wanted to be with his heart. “I might just let it slip where she lives now.” Kieran winked and patted the bar. “You just let me know.” He offered a sly grin as he headed over to serve another customer. Aiden sat rooted to his stool and blinked a few times as the information settled over him. ~~~~~~~ Well that should throw him for a loop. 😉 There are several great authors on the Weekend Writer Warriors list, the Snippet Sunday Facebook group, and the Rainbow Snippets Facebook group. A few of my favorites are, P.T. Wyant, Karen Michelle Nutt, Veronica Scott, Jessica Subject, Kathy Griffith Karysa Faire, and Iris Blobel. Here’s the blurb for DUDE WITH A COOL CAR: Available Wide Moira Callahan knows a thing or two about fresh starts. Second chances are a different story… As an empath synced into the energies of spaces around her, Moira always understood what people needed, and tried to provide. But after escaping an abusive D/s relationship, she’s ready to make her own rules as the owner of the Cloudburst Coffee & Spa. Life is good. Until her first love shows up in town seeking his second chance. Aiden Westmorland escaped Cloudburst to learn to control his sexual needs, but he left behind the one woman who calmed his statistical empathic abilities. Now he has a chance to rekindle the fire they’d shared as teenagers, with the flavor of BDSM. But earning the trust of an emotionally scarred woman after his long radio silence is easier said than done. When Moira’s past comes to Cloudburst, threatening the life she’s fought to rebuild, Aiden insists she go to the police. But her former Dom has a past of his own, and he isn’t willing to let go so easily this time….

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#ThursThreads – Week 458 – Winners

Posted on by Siobhan Muir

Week 458 of #ThursThreads had many fantastic tales. I’m honored to see all the writers come to tie a tale as we head toward the end of our ninth year. If you’ve been doing it a while, thank you for sticking with us. If you’ve just found us, welcome! May you come back again and write more great flash. Thousand thanks to Isabella Muetzel for judging this week. Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook or the #ThursThreads Group on MeWe to keep up with news, etc. Entries: Mark A. Morris Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea Silver James | @SilverJames_ Charlene Mertz | @rrats1231 Richard Gibney | @ragtaggiggagon Catherine Verdier | @CatheVerdier Joe Hesch | @JAHesch Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir Teresa Eccles| @TeresaMEccles Stephanie Backus | @stephaniebackus David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig Marci Baun | @MarciBaun Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil Kelly Heinen | @Aightball M.T. Decker | @mishmhem Honorable Mentions Charlene Mertz | @rrats1231 Isabella says: This piece was so wholesome and cute! It melted my heart! Marci Baun | @MarciBaun Isabella says: Where can I find one of those magical swords? Silver James | @SilverJames_ Isabella says: Her character interactions and descriptions always get me. They’re so fun! winner announcement Week 458 Winner M.T. Decker | @mishmhem Isabella says: Truth be told, I hate present tense. However, while I read this, I hardly noticed and genuinely enjoyed the short. It was well written and flowed well throughout the piece. I absolutely loved those sensory descriptions! Banish Misfortune “I imagine too much.” Sometimes it feels like the therapist wants me to fill in her blanks. I was never good at that. I prefer multiple choice it gives me guidelines— a clue as to what is acceptable. How do I tell her that the sound of branches brushing against the house become demons dragging their nails against the clapboard; that the wind blowing through the trees is the hot breath of the enemy closing in? How do I make her understand that these are images but memories? How do I tell her that I have seen that glint in her eyes as she writes, binding my fate to her words? Her word is the power keeping me here— binding me to this place, and I’m not sure if the 36 psychiatric hold will stand. It’s up to her and she knows when I’m lying. “Can you give me an example?” she asks, her thumb strokes the ring in her middle finger.” The demon in my dream had done the same thing, and I’m not sure which side of the dream is real now. I calm my breathing, trying to reach the images, and she smiles at me. “Imagine,” she prompts. “Imagine the power you hold; imagine what you could do with it.” I let out a trembling breath and nod as I see the greed in her eyes. “Three wishes,” I agree, and the deal is struck. When she releases the circle, all bets are off. Imagine. ~~~~~~~ Congratulations Seventeen Time Winner M.T., and Honorable Mentions Charlene, Marci, and Silver! Don’t forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it! Pass on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, MeWe, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the original tales HERE. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! 🙂

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#ThursThreads – Tying Tales Together – Week 458

Posted on by Siobhan Muir

Welcome back to the home of Paranormal & Dauntless Romance. Today is Thursday and that means it’s time to start flashing. We’re at the beginning of our ninth year of weekly prompts. It’s amazing we’ve gone this long! This is Week 458 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. Want to keep up each week? Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook and the Group on MeWe. Need the rules? Read on. Here’s how it works: The prompt is a line from the previous week’s winning tale. The prompt can appear ANYWHERE in your story and is included in your word count. The prompt must be used as is. It can be split, but no intervening words can be inserted or tenses changed. Rules to the Game: This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250. The story must be new writing, not a snippet from something published elsewhere with the prompt added. Incorporate the prompt anywhere into your story (included in your word count). Post your story in the comments section of this post Include your word count in the post (or be excluded from judging) Include your Twitter handle or email in the post (so we don’t have to look for you) The challenge is open 7 AM to 8 PM Mountain Time The winner will be announced on Friday, depending on how early the judge gets up. How it benefits you: You get a nifty cool badge to display on your blog or site (because we’re all about promotion – you know you are!) You get instant recognition of your writing prowess on this blog! Your writing colleagues shall announce and proclaim your greatness on Facebook, Twitter, MeWe, and Google Plus, etc. Our Judge for Week 458: Artist, Horsewoman and High Fantasy writer, Isabella Muetzel. Facebook | And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together. The Prompt: “Imagine what you could do with it.” All stories written herein are the property (both intellectual and physical) of the authors. Comments do not represent the views of the host and the host reserves the right to remove any content. Now, away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThreads. Good luck!

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Tattoo & Teddy Bear Tuesday: Thomas Tourville

Posted on by Siobhan Muir

Good morning! Welcome back to another day of beautiful men. I love doing this. And I can because it’s my blog and my rules. Aw yeah, hot men ahead. So let’s get started, shall we? This week, the hot Tattooed Hero is all tattoo and very little teddy bear beyond his beard, but he’s here play the field and warm your heart. How was your Easter weekend? Did you get a lot of goodies in your basket? I’m here to add one more. 😉 Meet Thomas Tourville. He’s a model for FURIOUS FOTOG and he’s one of my favorites. You’ll be seeing Thomas on one of my covers very soon. Thomas is available for romance cover images of all types. I’ve seen him as an MMA fighter, a cop, a firefighter, a country cowboy, a bad boy, and SWAT cop. You can get this tattooed hot man in all sorts of settings. You should definitely check him out. He’ll definitely be on one of my covers. Keep an eye out for him. Thanks to Golden Czermak of Furious Fotog for the permission to share this image with all y’all. Happy Tattoo & Teddy Bear Tuesday!

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Snippet Sunday – What Can I Get You?

Posted on by Siobhan Muir

It’s time for Snippet Sunday and it just happens to be Easter. A good time to sit back, eat some chocolate, and hunt for eggs. The witches in Cloudburst approve. Since it’s Easter and Beltane is right around the corner, I thought I’d showcase CLOUDBURST COFFEE & SPA, the companion tale to THE BELTANE WITCH. Both occur around May Day, which is coming up, and there’s a sequel to them coming in October this year. In this snippet, we’re in  and he’s come back to Cloudburst to reconnect to the woman he left behind. He just has to find her first. ~~~~~~ Aiden zipped up his jacket as the cold Cloudburst wind stole all the heat from his body. Damn, he’d forgotten how bitter it could be in the mountains of Colorado. His strides lengthened and he found himself standing beneath the overhang of the Cliffhanger Bar. Don’t go inside. You’re asking for trouble. But he pushed the door open and sighed in relief as heat flooded over his chilled body. He shouldn’t be there, not with all the animosity he’d experienced with Moira’s family, but tonight he couldn’t stay away. He settled on a stool at the bar. “What can I get you?” Aiden glanced up to take in the bartender and recognition dawned as quickly as the man’s stats. Kieran Callahan, Moira’s younger brother. Blood type AB positive, BMI twenty-two point four, life expectancy ninety-one point six years, ninety-four percent chance he will marry outside his profession. Aiden dragged his eyes away from Kieran and focused on the handwritten menu on the wall. “I’ll take a Powder Keg Stout.” “Comin’ up.” Kieran moved away and Aiden breathed a sigh of relief. He hadn’t been recognized yet, but he’d changed a great deal. Hopefully, it’d keep him safe. At least for tonight. Kieran set a glass and a chilled bottle on the bar in front of Aiden and gave him a neutral smile. Aiden didn’t meet his gaze, but focused on the beer. “How long you in town for, Westmorland?” Aw, hell, that didn’t take long. “Dunno. Just got back in tonight to visit with family.” Aiden took a swig from the bottle. “You got a problem, Callahan?” “That depends.” “On?” The younger man scanned the rest of the bar. When no one waved him down for anything, he turned his attention back to Aiden. “On whether or not you’re here to break my sister’s heart again.”  ~~~~~~~ Her brother’s not makin’ it easy for him. 😉 There are several great authors on the Weekend Writer Warriors list, the Snippet Sunday Facebook group, and the Rainbow Snippets Facebook group. A few of my favorites are, P.T. Wyant, Karen Michelle Nutt, Veronica Scott, Jessica Subject, Kathy Griffith Karysa Faire, and Iris Blobel. Here’s the blurb for DUDE WITH A COOL CAR: Available Wide Moira Callahan knows a thing or two about fresh starts. Second chances are a different story… As an empath synced into the energies of spaces around her, Moira always understood what people needed, and tried to provide. But after escaping an abusive D/s relationship, she’s ready to make her own rules as the owner of the Cloudburst Coffee & Spa. Life is good. Until her first love shows up in town seeking his second chance. Aiden Westmorland escaped Cloudburst to learn to control his sexual needs, but he left behind the one woman who calmed his statistical empathic abilities. Now he has a chance to rekindle the fire they’d shared as teenagers, with the flavor of BDSM. But earning the trust of an emotionally scarred woman after his long radio silence is easier said than done. When Moira’s past comes to Cloudburst, threatening the life she’s fought to rebuild, Aiden insists she go to the police. But her former Dom has a past of his own, and he isn’t willing to let go so easily this time….

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