Mickie Sherwood's Blog - Posts Tagged "bayoubabe99er"
Announcement: 2013 Swirl Award Finalist
Hi, all,
Mickie Sherwood here.
Announcement: BayouBabe99er is a 2013 Swirl Award finalist in the contemporary category! Yea!
http://www.swirlawards.com/2013/03/fi...
Just had to share!
Mickie Sherwood
~~Sweet, spicy romance – a heartbeat away~~
www.mickiesherwood.com/blog
www.mickiesherwood.com
www.blurbsinbloom.com
www.twitter.com/MickieSherwood
Mickie Sherwood here.
Announcement: BayouBabe99er is a 2013 Swirl Award finalist in the contemporary category! Yea!
http://www.swirlawards.com/2013/03/fi...
Just had to share!
Mickie Sherwood
~~Sweet, spicy romance – a heartbeat away~~
www.mickiesherwood.com/blog
www.mickiesherwood.com
www.blurbsinbloom.com
www.twitter.com/MickieSherwood
Mickie's Men and the Hair of the Women they Love
It's a hair thang! New excerpts of my men in their moments of weakness.
Read http://bit.ly/14QaXbr.
Mickie Sherwood
~~Sweet, spicy romance – a heartbeat away!~~
www.mickiesherwood.com/blog
www.twitter.com/MickieSherwood
Read http://bit.ly/14QaXbr.
Mickie Sherwood
~~Sweet, spicy romance – a heartbeat away!~~
www.mickiesherwood.com/blog
www.twitter.com/MickieSherwood
Swamp, Gators and Love, Oh My!
BayouBabe99er IR Sensual
Price: $2.51
Will the old Mouton-Cormier feud in Bayou country kill new love?
Scene: During a community meeting about the Gulf Oil spill, Sharlene is heartbroken to learn Drake is no longer the liaison officer. He has been reassigned and has left town without informing her.
Her Uncle Moot tries to lighten her mood with a little Zydeco.
Will Drake appear?
Excerpt:
They parked up the street and got out to live Zydeco music strumming in the air. The stroll back to the store lightened her mood, especially seeing the string lights decorating the al fresco eating area.
Her walk took on a little bounce the closer she got. Laughter swelled as those on the makeshift dance floor enjoyed themselves. They crossed the threshold, and the next thing Sharlene knew Moot had her in a backhand twirl in the middle of all the action.
Her uncle was a real stepper in his alligator boots for someone nearing eighty. The gaiety infected them as they Zydeco-stepped their troubles away along with the rest of the town. The exertion stimulated the return of Sharlene’s appetite. After a while, she parted ways with Moot, who showed no signs of tiring as he crowded in with two female dancers, whirling one by each hand.
Clyde had help behind the counter fulfilling orders as fast as requested. She waited her turn to order, keeping a lookout at the partygoers. The kaleidoscope of colors mesmerized her. Clyde’s tap on her shoulder startled her.
“What ’cha having, Sha?”
“I think we’ll try that boudin plate”—she pointed to the menu on the wall behind him—“with potato salad on the side, Mr. Clyde.” She had to yell over the music. “What are we celebrating?”
“The annual white shrimp season.”
“From what I’ve seen, there was barely any season at all.” She beat back the sadness.
“All the more reason for this outlet. Gator huntin’ ’bout to start. We need to kick up our heels a little. Just look at Moot.” She scoped out the dance floor as he talked. “He don’t squander no second chance.”
Sharlene’s grin showed all of her teeth as she spun completely around to watch. Her gaze faltered when a familiar outline dotted the doorway. She vacillated between her uncle’s constant movements and Drake’s stationary form. He staked out a new place just inside the door to observe the happenings. Then—their eyes collided.
Sharlene couldn’t deny the current that zapped her. A happy look touched on his face as she watched. She wanted Drake to whisk her onto the dance floor just to feel his strength against her body. The longer they stared, the more intense the surge.
The queasiness in Sharlene’s stomach drove her out for a breath of fresh air. She lost herself past the small group gathered under the sprinkle of white lights on the rear dock. The fact his presence affected her in such a way heaped on the guilt of blatantly ignoring her “why not” list. Her mind traipsed back there.
“Going in for a drink?” He hovered at her back.
“Thought you were long gone.” She never turned.
“I’m not going to let you get rid of me so easily.”
Sharlene crunched her shoulder upward, trapping his head in the spot where he nibbled her neck. His breath seared her skin making breathing almost impossible. His magnetism was so alluring. Her body molded to his when Drake’s arms solidified the bond.
She had to project some control even if she didn’t feel any. “Heard about your new job.”
“Yes. I’ve been reassigned.”
“So we were told today at the meeting.” She pretended to be unfazed.
Her body tensed. “I had to be free to pursue my options.”
“Of course. I’m happy for you, Drake. The situation here could drag on for years.” The topic of discussion dimmed the beauty of the mystic swamps before them.
“Aren’t you curious why the sudden change?”
“Not really.” She told a shameless lie.
Drake spun Sharlene and kissed her tenderly, all in one fell swoop. He parted, dispensing tiny nips with his teeth. “I’ll tell you anyway.”
Sharlene reacted too late. Her lips tingled from the close encounter. She was statue-still, for his thumb and finger kept her in that pose. His other hand braced the small of her back. The twinkling lights reflected in his eyes. “Drake?”
“Shh.” His lips seized hers, again. “The last thing the people need is a hint of impropriety.” Honesty brimmed in his eyes. “Don’t fight the inevitable, Sharlene. Your new job, congratulations by the way”—he digressed to show his support—“convinced me to request a transfer.”
“You…you requested? That was completely unnecessary and you know it.”
“What I know is…I’ve come alive in the short time I’ve known you,” he admitted. Let’s see where this takes us.”
“It can’t take us anywhere, Drake,” Sharlene whispered glumly. “We’re too far apart in too many ways.”
He wouldn’t be dissuaded. “Go on. Get it out of your system. Tell me how our ethnicities matter…our ages. One thing you can’t count—and that’s conflict of interest.”
He was right about that last factor. “This conversation isn’t going to happen.” She fell short of breaking his hold.
Drake meant business. He was ready to heal his hurt. His head dipped to reverently touch his forehead to hers. “This is a long time in coming for me, Sharlene. I’m asking you not to send me away without exploring what could be.”
* * * *
Moot joined Clyde at the rear window as Sharlene and Drake hashed out the terms of their blossoming romance. Clyde felt his old friend’s distraught presence. “New day, Moot.”
“Same ol’ Cormier, Clyde.” He didn’t like what he saw, even if he’d apologized later for his attack. “Gon’ put a stop to that!” Moot got no farther than the end of the counter. His eyes cut to the hand on his arm.
“You gon’ do to them what was done to you all those years ago?”
“Not the same thing,” Moot declared.
“Is if they want to be together and someone stop ‘em.” Clyde knew the depth of their relationship—something he kept to himself. “You ain’t gon’ let Sha miss out ’cause she don’t want to go against you, are ya?”
Moot seemed to debate the question as he advanced on the door in time to see Sharlene palm both of her hands to Drake’s chest. What she said to him was anybody’s guess. What tumbled from her mouth as her eyes closed and her head shook made him wish he was a lip reader.
What does the future hold for Sharlene and Drake? Buy, read and enjoy!
Buy: http://www.amazon.com/BayouBabe99er-B...
Buy: http://www.bookstrand.com/mickie-sher...
http://www.goodreads.com/Louisiana_Lady
Mickie Sherwood
~~Sweet, spicy romance – a heartbeat away~~
www.mickiesherwood.com/blog
www.twitter.com/MickieSherwood
Price: $2.51
Will the old Mouton-Cormier feud in Bayou country kill new love?
Scene: During a community meeting about the Gulf Oil spill, Sharlene is heartbroken to learn Drake is no longer the liaison officer. He has been reassigned and has left town without informing her.
Her Uncle Moot tries to lighten her mood with a little Zydeco.
Will Drake appear?
Excerpt:
They parked up the street and got out to live Zydeco music strumming in the air. The stroll back to the store lightened her mood, especially seeing the string lights decorating the al fresco eating area.
Her walk took on a little bounce the closer she got. Laughter swelled as those on the makeshift dance floor enjoyed themselves. They crossed the threshold, and the next thing Sharlene knew Moot had her in a backhand twirl in the middle of all the action.
Her uncle was a real stepper in his alligator boots for someone nearing eighty. The gaiety infected them as they Zydeco-stepped their troubles away along with the rest of the town. The exertion stimulated the return of Sharlene’s appetite. After a while, she parted ways with Moot, who showed no signs of tiring as he crowded in with two female dancers, whirling one by each hand.
Clyde had help behind the counter fulfilling orders as fast as requested. She waited her turn to order, keeping a lookout at the partygoers. The kaleidoscope of colors mesmerized her. Clyde’s tap on her shoulder startled her.
“What ’cha having, Sha?”
“I think we’ll try that boudin plate”—she pointed to the menu on the wall behind him—“with potato salad on the side, Mr. Clyde.” She had to yell over the music. “What are we celebrating?”
“The annual white shrimp season.”
“From what I’ve seen, there was barely any season at all.” She beat back the sadness.
“All the more reason for this outlet. Gator huntin’ ’bout to start. We need to kick up our heels a little. Just look at Moot.” She scoped out the dance floor as he talked. “He don’t squander no second chance.”
Sharlene’s grin showed all of her teeth as she spun completely around to watch. Her gaze faltered when a familiar outline dotted the doorway. She vacillated between her uncle’s constant movements and Drake’s stationary form. He staked out a new place just inside the door to observe the happenings. Then—their eyes collided.
Sharlene couldn’t deny the current that zapped her. A happy look touched on his face as she watched. She wanted Drake to whisk her onto the dance floor just to feel his strength against her body. The longer they stared, the more intense the surge.
The queasiness in Sharlene’s stomach drove her out for a breath of fresh air. She lost herself past the small group gathered under the sprinkle of white lights on the rear dock. The fact his presence affected her in such a way heaped on the guilt of blatantly ignoring her “why not” list. Her mind traipsed back there.
“Going in for a drink?” He hovered at her back.
“Thought you were long gone.” She never turned.
“I’m not going to let you get rid of me so easily.”
Sharlene crunched her shoulder upward, trapping his head in the spot where he nibbled her neck. His breath seared her skin making breathing almost impossible. His magnetism was so alluring. Her body molded to his when Drake’s arms solidified the bond.
She had to project some control even if she didn’t feel any. “Heard about your new job.”
“Yes. I’ve been reassigned.”
“So we were told today at the meeting.” She pretended to be unfazed.
Her body tensed. “I had to be free to pursue my options.”
“Of course. I’m happy for you, Drake. The situation here could drag on for years.” The topic of discussion dimmed the beauty of the mystic swamps before them.
“Aren’t you curious why the sudden change?”
“Not really.” She told a shameless lie.
Drake spun Sharlene and kissed her tenderly, all in one fell swoop. He parted, dispensing tiny nips with his teeth. “I’ll tell you anyway.”
Sharlene reacted too late. Her lips tingled from the close encounter. She was statue-still, for his thumb and finger kept her in that pose. His other hand braced the small of her back. The twinkling lights reflected in his eyes. “Drake?”
“Shh.” His lips seized hers, again. “The last thing the people need is a hint of impropriety.” Honesty brimmed in his eyes. “Don’t fight the inevitable, Sharlene. Your new job, congratulations by the way”—he digressed to show his support—“convinced me to request a transfer.”
“You…you requested? That was completely unnecessary and you know it.”
“What I know is…I’ve come alive in the short time I’ve known you,” he admitted. Let’s see where this takes us.”
“It can’t take us anywhere, Drake,” Sharlene whispered glumly. “We’re too far apart in too many ways.”
He wouldn’t be dissuaded. “Go on. Get it out of your system. Tell me how our ethnicities matter…our ages. One thing you can’t count—and that’s conflict of interest.”
He was right about that last factor. “This conversation isn’t going to happen.” She fell short of breaking his hold.
Drake meant business. He was ready to heal his hurt. His head dipped to reverently touch his forehead to hers. “This is a long time in coming for me, Sharlene. I’m asking you not to send me away without exploring what could be.”
* * * *
Moot joined Clyde at the rear window as Sharlene and Drake hashed out the terms of their blossoming romance. Clyde felt his old friend’s distraught presence. “New day, Moot.”
“Same ol’ Cormier, Clyde.” He didn’t like what he saw, even if he’d apologized later for his attack. “Gon’ put a stop to that!” Moot got no farther than the end of the counter. His eyes cut to the hand on his arm.
“You gon’ do to them what was done to you all those years ago?”
“Not the same thing,” Moot declared.
“Is if they want to be together and someone stop ‘em.” Clyde knew the depth of their relationship—something he kept to himself. “You ain’t gon’ let Sha miss out ’cause she don’t want to go against you, are ya?”
Moot seemed to debate the question as he advanced on the door in time to see Sharlene palm both of her hands to Drake’s chest. What she said to him was anybody’s guess. What tumbled from her mouth as her eyes closed and her head shook made him wish he was a lip reader.
What does the future hold for Sharlene and Drake? Buy, read and enjoy!
Buy: http://www.amazon.com/BayouBabe99er-B...
Buy: http://www.bookstrand.com/mickie-sher...
http://www.goodreads.com/Louisiana_Lady
Mickie Sherwood
~~Sweet, spicy romance – a heartbeat away~~
www.mickiesherwood.com/blog
www.twitter.com/MickieSherwood
Kitchen Scenes - Cherished Moments CATCT BB99er AA/IR Sweet/Sensual
Emotional love stories to massage your senses & squeeze your heart!
What goes on in your kitchen?
Cherished Moments
Genre: Mainstream African-American Romance
Heat: Sweet
Price: $2.99 Amazon
Scene:
After an anxious night on the run, Jordan welcomes Deke's comfort.
Head now in the refrigerator, Jordan looked over the door when he spoke. He set the box on the table. After taking a few steps, he stood in her space. Jordan found her body commandeered. He gave her a tender hug that lingered until she had no choice but to hug him in return. At his touch, her insides sizzled.
Cold air from the refrigerator spread over her hot skin, causing the fizz in her ears. Deke seemed satisfied just to hold her, and she sensed nothing passionate in his embrace. On the contrary, his hold alluded to a deepseated predicament. Something she presumed he hesitated to share.
She nudged him. "Do you want to talk about it now?"
"There's a lot—"
"You deserve to have your say." Jordan delayed his offer. "Let's eat first."
"I make a mean omelet."
She stepped out of her comfort zone, tiptoeing to peck Deke on the cheek. "Thank you for all you've done—especially—when you didn't have to do it."
Deke looked at her with a bemused twinkle in his eyes. "The thanks should go to Howard. If it wasn't for him…" His voice trailed off.
"What?" she asked, with brows raised.
"Let's just say, things would be a whole lot different."
Cutie and the Cowboy Trucker
Genre: Mainstream African-American Romance
Heat: Sensual
Price: $3.50/$2.99 Amazon
Scene:
Veronica and Mike try to wind down after a horrific event that happened in the wee hours of the morning tests her trust in him.
Distress entered her eyes.
"I'm sorry for dredging up sad memories. Losing your love is heart-stopping."
His chair scraped when he sat. "You say that like you've been there."
She sighed. "I have."
Veronica seemed to spend a few private moments back in time. Her look expressed deepest sympathies better than any spoken words. Tiredness etched her face as the wee hours of the morning shed its darkness. The rumble outside lassoed Mike's attention.
"That's one of my drivers coming in." Mike left the table for a look across the yard. He drank from his cup while watching the truck limp to a stop. "That doesn't look good."
Veronica joined him at the window. "All the more reason for me to get out of your hair."
"I meant it when I said you're not in the way here." He faced her now. "Don't make a drastic decision you'll regret."
"Too late," she whispered.
"Regrets about the trade, huh?"
"If only you knew."
Mike gulped the last dregs of his coffee. "I think I have a problem I need to solve."
"I'll take that." Her reach for his mug brushed his hand.
"Thanks," Mike said, his concentration glued on other matters now. He paid scant attention, absently let go of his cup, and pecked her a spontaneous good-bye on the lips. The feathery touch shocked him. "Veronica!" He was embarrassed. "I–I—"
Her eyes were as wide as saucers.
"Please forgive me. I didn't mean for that to happen. I wasn't thinking."
"Mike, it's okay. No harm done." She put distance between them.
"Here I am, trying to convince you I'm trustworthy, and I do a boneheaded thing like that."
"You aren't going to jump my bones when I turn my back, are you, Mike?"
Her question alarmed him. "Hell no!"
"Okay." Veronica snickered. "It's forgotten."
With that, Mike rushed out of the kitchen, mumbling to himself as he went. But he was long out of earshot for her to understand what he said. He beat up on himself. Twenty-four hours in Veronica's company and she had rattled the bars jailing his heart.
Mike loped on toward the garage. He was hesitant to look back, yet he was unable to fight her allure. He took the chance.
Veronica waved. He ducked behind his truck. A hasty peek let him see she'd gotten the hint and vacated the window.
BayouBabe99er
Genre: Mainstream Interracial Romance
Heat: Sensual
Price: $2.99
Scene:
Although Sharlene appreciates Drake's help in the rescue of her uncle, she tries to discourage his persistent advances.
...Sharlene busied herself in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on the coffee started last evening. Drake's appearance provoked her to head for the door.
"Thanks again." She flung it wide open.
"Aren't you going to offer me a cup?"
"I'm worn out, and I'm sure you are, too."
"You owe me the rest of the story, Sharlene."
"You know all I know." She kept her answers short and curt to discourage his visit.
Drake covered her hand, the one holding the door. "I really came to warn you yesterday." He eased the door to a close. "I didn't tell anyone your identity," he promised, leaning closer.
Sharlene ducked. "Business association only." The coffeepot beeped right on time. She escaped right under his nose.
Two mugs and the fixings hit the table. Sharlene used that distraction as her invitation for him to wander over to a seat. She bustled about the kitchen in an attempt to give the goose bumps that sprang up on her arms time to vanish before she joined him. She'd forgotten the warm, homey sensation that surrounded one when in the presence of someone special.
Sharlene poured the steaming hot coffee, took her seat, and sampled her creamy, sweetened brew. She eyed Drake over the rim of her cup, cognizant that he pretended indifference to her blatant observation. Her secret thoughts evaporated into thin air throughout the cozy kitchen with each hindered breath she inhaled.
* * * *
The very idea Drake faced a challenge to his love sobriety intensified the nagging question about his future. He had muddled through life on autopilot since the tragic deaths of his family nearly four years ago. Work was his company keeper—his sanity regulator. Looking at the gorgeous redhead on the other side of the table had him wondering if he was ready for a heart fixer. Better yet, was she ready for him?
He spooned sugar into his coffee, lounged back in his seat, and kept a daring eye on Sharlene. Sharlene returned his gaze. Her eyes shifted from his face to keep track of each sweep of his hand as the spoon clanged against his cup. The ticking seconds strengthened his resolve to pursue her affections. They sipped through a six-cup pot—slowly. Drake was satisfied to savor the quiet moment where only she existed in his world.
Buy:Amazon | Topazpublishing
Mickie Sherwood
~~Sweet, spicy romance – a heartbeat away~~
www.mickiesherwood.com/blog
www.Twitter.com/MickieSherwood
www.blurbsinbloom.com
What goes on in your kitchen?
Cherished Moments
Genre: Mainstream African-American Romance
Heat: Sweet
Price: $2.99 Amazon
Scene:
After an anxious night on the run, Jordan welcomes Deke's comfort.
Head now in the refrigerator, Jordan looked over the door when he spoke. He set the box on the table. After taking a few steps, he stood in her space. Jordan found her body commandeered. He gave her a tender hug that lingered until she had no choice but to hug him in return. At his touch, her insides sizzled.
Cold air from the refrigerator spread over her hot skin, causing the fizz in her ears. Deke seemed satisfied just to hold her, and she sensed nothing passionate in his embrace. On the contrary, his hold alluded to a deepseated predicament. Something she presumed he hesitated to share.
She nudged him. "Do you want to talk about it now?"
"There's a lot—"
"You deserve to have your say." Jordan delayed his offer. "Let's eat first."
"I make a mean omelet."
She stepped out of her comfort zone, tiptoeing to peck Deke on the cheek. "Thank you for all you've done—especially—when you didn't have to do it."
Deke looked at her with a bemused twinkle in his eyes. "The thanks should go to Howard. If it wasn't for him…" His voice trailed off.
"What?" she asked, with brows raised.
"Let's just say, things would be a whole lot different."
Cutie and the Cowboy Trucker
Genre: Mainstream African-American Romance
Heat: Sensual
Price: $3.50/$2.99 Amazon
Scene:
Veronica and Mike try to wind down after a horrific event that happened in the wee hours of the morning tests her trust in him.
Distress entered her eyes.
"I'm sorry for dredging up sad memories. Losing your love is heart-stopping."
His chair scraped when he sat. "You say that like you've been there."
She sighed. "I have."
Veronica seemed to spend a few private moments back in time. Her look expressed deepest sympathies better than any spoken words. Tiredness etched her face as the wee hours of the morning shed its darkness. The rumble outside lassoed Mike's attention.
"That's one of my drivers coming in." Mike left the table for a look across the yard. He drank from his cup while watching the truck limp to a stop. "That doesn't look good."
Veronica joined him at the window. "All the more reason for me to get out of your hair."
"I meant it when I said you're not in the way here." He faced her now. "Don't make a drastic decision you'll regret."
"Too late," she whispered.
"Regrets about the trade, huh?"
"If only you knew."
Mike gulped the last dregs of his coffee. "I think I have a problem I need to solve."
"I'll take that." Her reach for his mug brushed his hand.
"Thanks," Mike said, his concentration glued on other matters now. He paid scant attention, absently let go of his cup, and pecked her a spontaneous good-bye on the lips. The feathery touch shocked him. "Veronica!" He was embarrassed. "I–I—"
Her eyes were as wide as saucers.
"Please forgive me. I didn't mean for that to happen. I wasn't thinking."
"Mike, it's okay. No harm done." She put distance between them.
"Here I am, trying to convince you I'm trustworthy, and I do a boneheaded thing like that."
"You aren't going to jump my bones when I turn my back, are you, Mike?"
Her question alarmed him. "Hell no!"
"Okay." Veronica snickered. "It's forgotten."
With that, Mike rushed out of the kitchen, mumbling to himself as he went. But he was long out of earshot for her to understand what he said. He beat up on himself. Twenty-four hours in Veronica's company and she had rattled the bars jailing his heart.
Mike loped on toward the garage. He was hesitant to look back, yet he was unable to fight her allure. He took the chance.
Veronica waved. He ducked behind his truck. A hasty peek let him see she'd gotten the hint and vacated the window.
BayouBabe99er
Genre: Mainstream Interracial Romance
Heat: Sensual
Price: $2.99
Scene:
Although Sharlene appreciates Drake's help in the rescue of her uncle, she tries to discourage his persistent advances.
...Sharlene busied herself in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on the coffee started last evening. Drake's appearance provoked her to head for the door.
"Thanks again." She flung it wide open.
"Aren't you going to offer me a cup?"
"I'm worn out, and I'm sure you are, too."
"You owe me the rest of the story, Sharlene."
"You know all I know." She kept her answers short and curt to discourage his visit.
Drake covered her hand, the one holding the door. "I really came to warn you yesterday." He eased the door to a close. "I didn't tell anyone your identity," he promised, leaning closer.
Sharlene ducked. "Business association only." The coffeepot beeped right on time. She escaped right under his nose.
Two mugs and the fixings hit the table. Sharlene used that distraction as her invitation for him to wander over to a seat. She bustled about the kitchen in an attempt to give the goose bumps that sprang up on her arms time to vanish before she joined him. She'd forgotten the warm, homey sensation that surrounded one when in the presence of someone special.
Sharlene poured the steaming hot coffee, took her seat, and sampled her creamy, sweetened brew. She eyed Drake over the rim of her cup, cognizant that he pretended indifference to her blatant observation. Her secret thoughts evaporated into thin air throughout the cozy kitchen with each hindered breath she inhaled.
* * * *
The very idea Drake faced a challenge to his love sobriety intensified the nagging question about his future. He had muddled through life on autopilot since the tragic deaths of his family nearly four years ago. Work was his company keeper—his sanity regulator. Looking at the gorgeous redhead on the other side of the table had him wondering if he was ready for a heart fixer. Better yet, was she ready for him?
He spooned sugar into his coffee, lounged back in his seat, and kept a daring eye on Sharlene. Sharlene returned his gaze. Her eyes shifted from his face to keep track of each sweep of his hand as the spoon clanged against his cup. The ticking seconds strengthened his resolve to pursue her affections. They sipped through a six-cup pot—slowly. Drake was satisfied to savor the quiet moment where only she existed in his world.
Buy:Amazon | Topazpublishing
Mickie Sherwood
~~Sweet, spicy romance – a heartbeat away~~
www.mickiesherwood.com/blog
www.Twitter.com/MickieSherwood
www.blurbsinbloom.com
BayouBabe99er IR Sensual Cougar-Cub Listen to Bayou Sounds
Paddle the bayou with Sharlene and Drake
Listen to Bayou Country sounds
Tags: Cougar-cub, secretive blogger,
Gulf Oil Spill, Louisiana swamps
5 stars Barnes and Noble reader rating!
2013 Swirl Award Finalist
Cougar-Cub Romance
Louisiana's lushness is the setting for my mainstream contemporary interracial love story, BayouBabe99er. This romance story takes place after the disastrous Gulf oil spill that threatens to eliminate the communities scattered along the coast. What can a forty-four year-old laid-off banker, and an oil company liaison closer to the age of her daughters than hers, have in common? Desire! The desire—to right a wrong—and for each other.
BayouBabe99er
Genre: Mainstream/IR Romance
Heat: Sensual
Word Count: 25,980
Buy/Price: $2.99 Bookstrand | $2.51 @ Amazon
The pirogue’s tiny motor pushed them deeper into the marsh bypassing masses of water lilies hugging the perimeter. So far, their search for oil proved fruitless. And that was a good thing because hoop nets dotted the outer area. Those results met with Sharlene’s approval. Drake’s fascination with the swamp was exhibited in the way his camera whirred at the press of the button.
Sharlene left a flag at every turn.
“Almost like Hansel and Gretel.”
He had recovered, she realized by his teasing tone. “It’s picturesque, Drake. But don’t let the idyllic setting lure you to carelessness. The denseness of this swamp can swallow a body whole.” Drake swung and snapped numerous times, capturing her against the natural backdrop.
They traveled the narrow ways, sometimes losing sight of the sun through the overhanging and binding branches. It reappeared lower on the horizon, indicating the length of time spent on what turned out to be a wild goose chase. Sharlene decided to pack it in and maneuvered the craft around the next bend. One last search place came to mind.
“I’m glad this was a waste of your time,” he said.
“Not a complete waste. Allowed me to concentrate on something other than my pitiful problems.” Honesty was her strong suit. Saying something personal like that to a complete stranger was uncharacteristic.
Sitting backward on his seat to face her, Drake’s stare held open curiosity. This event brought to mind the last time he felt so emotionally connected. He faced the heart-wrenching rawness rather than withdrawing psychologically as he’d always done in the past.
Drake took aim with the camera, zooming in for the perfect shot. Sharlene never altered her expression. What she offered right then was a look into her inner soul. That was a look the camera didn’t do justice.
A spirit-connecting shiver rocked him.
Sharlene devoted all of her energies to keeping her mind on the delicate operation and off the feelings of infatuation warring inside of her. Her sensitivity heightened. The stagnant water smell in places absent of sunlight drifted passed her nose. Feathery wisps of wind touched her skin. Every stimulus around her sharpened.
The sight of dark, gooey slickness clinging to Cypress knees put her back in a serious frame of mind. The shutter snaps ceased when Drake read her current expression. Swinging forward, he immediately began logging the unfortunate sight. “Damn!”
“What’s next?” Sharlene asked.
“A fight.”
She brought them safely through the alternate route, noting the heavy coverage of oil ended where the passage forked. They were chugging along on the return route when the three-propeller trolling motor clogged in debris. Sharlene saw an unwelcomed sight when she looked up ahead. “Oh, no!”
He whipped her way.
“Water lilies.”
He looked away. “Yeah. So?”
The motor resisted her efforts at clearing the strangling vines from its blades. “We’re stuck.”
“No, we’re not.” Drake sounded confident. “We have the pole.”
She exclaimed with a smile, “The pole!” Wrangling it from under the seat with a little too much enthusiasm courted disaster. The end hit the under-seat, Sharlene lost her grip, and the life-saving stick slipped into the murky water. “No-o-o!” she cried, peering over the side.
“Well,” he said to reduce her ire, “I can clear a path by hand.”
“Are you out of your mind?”
“You have a better idea?”
“Hopefully, there are other fools out today besides us.”
“Have you seen anyone else all day?”
He had a point. “No.”
“Then we don’t have a choice.”
Sharlene noticed a defiant look in his black eyes. She gave a stern warning with a hand on his shoulder. “This place is called Alligator Bayou.” She ordered him to reconsider. “We wait, Drake. There’s no other choice.”
* * * *
Drake gulped because a log in the lilies submerged right on cue. “I’m sorry, Sharlene. To have gotten you in this mess.”
“Like you twisted my arm.”
“I should have resisted.” I was too tempted by just being in your company.
“Uncle Moot’ll find us.”
Looking at the marshy jungle inspired little hope in him. “How can he?” She had the gall to laugh a throaty vibration that closed her eyes in enjoyment. She was the only one basking in the moment. Nevertheless, he soaked up all the charm she exuded, even in those uncertain moments.
“He knows these swamps like every line in his face.” When he seemed doubtful, she added, “Plus the breadcrumbs will help.”
His skeptical look caused another laugh to puncture the deathly quiet, scattering the birds from the trees. Drake followed their flight, a smile of his own slipping across his face. “You do that so easily.”
“What?”
“Laugh.”
“Hmmm. Sometimes that’s all you have left.”
They lapsed into silence. Drake fiddled with his camera for lack of anything better to do.
“Can I see?” Sharlene broke the silence, rocking the boat as she shifted to get closer.
“Sure.” He handed her the camera after toggling the dial to slideshow.
“You have a good eye. The pictures of the swamp are magnificent,” she complimented. Her thumb continued to hit the back button until one of her popped up. “I hate taking pictures. But I guess this one’ll do.” She turned the screen to him.
“I’ll say.” Taking the camera back, he scrolled to another. “Now, this one deserves a frame.”
She hesitated when he handed it for her to see. Sharlene made a face. “Ummm.”
“You know you like it,” he teased. She rewarded him with her fabulous grin. “Told you.”
Read full first chapter at Mickie's Mutterings.
Listen to Bayou Country sounds.
Also available: Cutie and the Cowboy Trucker -Amazon sale price $2.66
Mickie Sherwood
~~Sweet, spicy romance – a heartbeat away~~
www.mickiesherwood.com/blog
www.twitter.com/MickieSherwood
Listen to Bayou Country sounds
Tags: Cougar-cub, secretive blogger,
Gulf Oil Spill, Louisiana swamps
5 stars Barnes and Noble reader rating!
2013 Swirl Award Finalist
Cougar-Cub Romance
Louisiana's lushness is the setting for my mainstream contemporary interracial love story, BayouBabe99er. This romance story takes place after the disastrous Gulf oil spill that threatens to eliminate the communities scattered along the coast. What can a forty-four year-old laid-off banker, and an oil company liaison closer to the age of her daughters than hers, have in common? Desire! The desire—to right a wrong—and for each other.
BayouBabe99er
Genre: Mainstream/IR Romance
Heat: Sensual
Word Count: 25,980
Buy/Price: $2.99 Bookstrand | $2.51 @ Amazon
The pirogue’s tiny motor pushed them deeper into the marsh bypassing masses of water lilies hugging the perimeter. So far, their search for oil proved fruitless. And that was a good thing because hoop nets dotted the outer area. Those results met with Sharlene’s approval. Drake’s fascination with the swamp was exhibited in the way his camera whirred at the press of the button.
Sharlene left a flag at every turn.
“Almost like Hansel and Gretel.”
He had recovered, she realized by his teasing tone. “It’s picturesque, Drake. But don’t let the idyllic setting lure you to carelessness. The denseness of this swamp can swallow a body whole.” Drake swung and snapped numerous times, capturing her against the natural backdrop.
They traveled the narrow ways, sometimes losing sight of the sun through the overhanging and binding branches. It reappeared lower on the horizon, indicating the length of time spent on what turned out to be a wild goose chase. Sharlene decided to pack it in and maneuvered the craft around the next bend. One last search place came to mind.
“I’m glad this was a waste of your time,” he said.
“Not a complete waste. Allowed me to concentrate on something other than my pitiful problems.” Honesty was her strong suit. Saying something personal like that to a complete stranger was uncharacteristic.
Sitting backward on his seat to face her, Drake’s stare held open curiosity. This event brought to mind the last time he felt so emotionally connected. He faced the heart-wrenching rawness rather than withdrawing psychologically as he’d always done in the past.
Drake took aim with the camera, zooming in for the perfect shot. Sharlene never altered her expression. What she offered right then was a look into her inner soul. That was a look the camera didn’t do justice.
A spirit-connecting shiver rocked him.
Sharlene devoted all of her energies to keeping her mind on the delicate operation and off the feelings of infatuation warring inside of her. Her sensitivity heightened. The stagnant water smell in places absent of sunlight drifted passed her nose. Feathery wisps of wind touched her skin. Every stimulus around her sharpened.
The sight of dark, gooey slickness clinging to Cypress knees put her back in a serious frame of mind. The shutter snaps ceased when Drake read her current expression. Swinging forward, he immediately began logging the unfortunate sight. “Damn!”
“What’s next?” Sharlene asked.
“A fight.”
She brought them safely through the alternate route, noting the heavy coverage of oil ended where the passage forked. They were chugging along on the return route when the three-propeller trolling motor clogged in debris. Sharlene saw an unwelcomed sight when she looked up ahead. “Oh, no!”
He whipped her way.
“Water lilies.”
He looked away. “Yeah. So?”
The motor resisted her efforts at clearing the strangling vines from its blades. “We’re stuck.”
“No, we’re not.” Drake sounded confident. “We have the pole.”
She exclaimed with a smile, “The pole!” Wrangling it from under the seat with a little too much enthusiasm courted disaster. The end hit the under-seat, Sharlene lost her grip, and the life-saving stick slipped into the murky water. “No-o-o!” she cried, peering over the side.
“Well,” he said to reduce her ire, “I can clear a path by hand.”
“Are you out of your mind?”
“You have a better idea?”
“Hopefully, there are other fools out today besides us.”
“Have you seen anyone else all day?”
He had a point. “No.”
“Then we don’t have a choice.”
Sharlene noticed a defiant look in his black eyes. She gave a stern warning with a hand on his shoulder. “This place is called Alligator Bayou.” She ordered him to reconsider. “We wait, Drake. There’s no other choice.”
* * * *
Drake gulped because a log in the lilies submerged right on cue. “I’m sorry, Sharlene. To have gotten you in this mess.”
“Like you twisted my arm.”
“I should have resisted.” I was too tempted by just being in your company.
“Uncle Moot’ll find us.”
Looking at the marshy jungle inspired little hope in him. “How can he?” She had the gall to laugh a throaty vibration that closed her eyes in enjoyment. She was the only one basking in the moment. Nevertheless, he soaked up all the charm she exuded, even in those uncertain moments.
“He knows these swamps like every line in his face.” When he seemed doubtful, she added, “Plus the breadcrumbs will help.”
His skeptical look caused another laugh to puncture the deathly quiet, scattering the birds from the trees. Drake followed their flight, a smile of his own slipping across his face. “You do that so easily.”
“What?”
“Laugh.”
“Hmmm. Sometimes that’s all you have left.”
They lapsed into silence. Drake fiddled with his camera for lack of anything better to do.
“Can I see?” Sharlene broke the silence, rocking the boat as she shifted to get closer.
“Sure.” He handed her the camera after toggling the dial to slideshow.
“You have a good eye. The pictures of the swamp are magnificent,” she complimented. Her thumb continued to hit the back button until one of her popped up. “I hate taking pictures. But I guess this one’ll do.” She turned the screen to him.
“I’ll say.” Taking the camera back, he scrolled to another. “Now, this one deserves a frame.”
She hesitated when he handed it for her to see. Sharlene made a face. “Ummm.”
“You know you like it,” he teased. She rewarded him with her fabulous grin. “Told you.”
Read full first chapter at Mickie's Mutterings.
Listen to Bayou Country sounds.
Also available: Cutie and the Cowboy Trucker -Amazon sale price $2.66
Mickie Sherwood
~~Sweet, spicy romance – a heartbeat away~~
www.mickiesherwood.com/blog
www.twitter.com/MickieSherwood
