Main Site: [Home][About Kate][Behind the Scenes][Blog (New Window)][Contest] [Email][Free Short Fiction][Kink of the Month Archives][Links][News] [Newsletter][Out of Print Titles] [Poll][Reviews][Upcoming Events][Videos] [Which Characters Share Your Sign?] Series Sites: [Alien Affairs][Ancient Blood][World of Blood and Soul][Horsemen] [Hot River & Yummy Love][Knights of the Ruby Order][World of Mate Marks] [Python Place][Rough, Tough and Tumble & Aspectians] [Series from the Silver Iris Galaxy] DANGEROUS CRAVINGS by Kate Hill Format(s): Ebook Heat Level: Erotic Pairing(s): M/F and M/M/F Genre/Themes: Vampire Length: Collection Publisher: Changeling Press Cover Art: Karen Fox ISBN: 978-1-59596-977-4 Purchase Links:Changeling Press / All Romance Ebooks / Amazon Related Books or Books Set in the Same Universe: Blood and Soul, The Elixir Maidens, Heart's Blood, The Masters, Bloody or Nothing Blurb: Burgundy Peak. Safe haven for vampires… but nowhere is safe from affairs of the heart. Sensual and captivating, Tavia could have almost anyone she desires, except the man she wants. But time is on her side. When his wife leaves him for a younger man, Tavia is ready to show Ash a new life, as the most powerful, passionate creature in the world -- a vampire… Rude, arrogant, and merciless, Disdain's reputation precedes him. Haunted by memories of the past and an addiction that is slowly destroying him, he has no desire for a relationship -- until he's faced with a woman he cannot resist. While Mansi grieves for their lost lover, Apollo retreats into himself. Mansi fears her husband is beyond help… until Huxley enters their lives. The members of Dark Rhythm aren't likely to forgive and forget, however… With the body of a goddess and the spirit of a warrior, Adira has fought at Ariel's side since the dawn of man. Throughout the ages, Ariel has loved her, and feared her. She is the one temptation he could never resist, and therefore the one he could never surrender to. For the last three hundred years she's been hunting him, and he has been running. Now the running's about to stop -- at Burgundy Peak. The Elixir Maidens includes the novellas The Red Curtain, Disdain, Lust and the Damned, and Hair of the Dog. Read blurbs and excerpts for each story below. The following excerpts from DANGEROUS CRAVINGS are for readers 18 and over. The Red Curtain The Red Curtain is highly recommended for readers who love to see the inner beast, the inner soul of the characters unleashed. -Tracey from Road to Romance A man's inner beast, awakened. Newlywed Ash Collins glimpses the exotic beauty next door through the veil of her red bedroom curtain. In love with his wife and loathing disloyalty of any kind, he pulls the shade on temptation. Sensual and captivating, Tavia can have almost anyone she desires, except for her intriguing neighbor. Disgusted by the idea of seducing a married man, she chooses to ignore her lust, but time is on her side. Years later, when his wife spurns his affection for that of a younger man, Tavia is ready to show Ash a new life as the most powerful, passionate creature in the world -- a vampire. Excerpt: Grinning like a schoolgirl, she took a moment to calm her racing heart before walking to the foyer. Her hand on the doorknob, she arranged her face into a less silly expression, then opened the door. Beneath his khaki jacket, Ash had changed into a casual black shirt and pants. The fierce wind tousled his hair and again she had the urge to bury her fingers in it. His gaze swept her from head to toe and she knew by his scent that he liked what he saw. She stepped aside and said, "Hi. Come in." "Thank you. I'm not sure if you drink or not, but here." He handed her a bottle of wine. When she took it from him, she made a point to touch his hand again. Her fingers lingered over his for a bit longer than necessary. She noted that he was rather cold. No wonder, with the weather outside. Glancing at the bottle, she read the label then held his gaze. "Red wine is my second favorite drink." "What's your first?" She smiled and took a step closer, pouring all of her feminine as well as vampiric charms into an intense glance. "I can't tell you all my secrets right away, can I? Let's sit in the parlor. I have a fire going. Right through there." She handed him the bottle and pointed to the door on their left. "I'll join you in a minute. I just want to get a couple of glasses." He walked down the hall and she slipped into the kitchen. After choosing two wine glasses and a corkscrew, she joined him in the living room, pausing for a moment in the doorway. He was seated on the couch, staring at the fire, as she approached, he turned to her, the reflection of the flames dancing in his eyes. Sitting beside him, she placed the glasses near the plate of cookies on the table. Fascinated by his hands, she watched them uncork the bottle and pour the wine. She desperately wanted to touch him again. Even better, she wished he'd kiss her. His scent enveloped her, so sensual and captivating. He handed her a glass and again she used her fingers to stroke his as she took it. This time he returned the caress, his gaze fixed on hers with such intensity that she almost forgot he wasn't a vampire. It was rare to find a mortal with such a penetrating gaze and strong sexual magnetism. Only Master Zigor had ever made her feel this possessed, yet even he hadn't aroused her so completely with a look. Suddenly Ash's eyes narrowed and he shook his head. "What?" she asked, leaning back against an oversized black pillow. "Your eyes are very beautiful. I almost feel as if you're hypnotizing me." "So do I," she said, lulled yet aroused by the softness of his voice. Simultaneously, they sipped from their glasses. Tavia placed hers on the table and picked up the plate, offering it to him. "Cookie?" He took one and bit it. She tried not to stare blatantly at his adorable mouth as he chewed. Instead, she chose a cookie and placed the dish aside. "They're good," he said. "Want another?" She broke hers and extended a piece to him. Rather than accept it, he moved closer. She scarcely needed to concentrate to hear his heart beating. His scent filled her and she longed to be far closer than they were now. "I'm sorry, but I would really love to kiss you right now," he said, his green gaze locked on hers. Tossing the broken cookie back on the plate, she smiled and said, "Go for it." Disdain 4 Stars! A wide array of characters -- as well as sexy love scenes -- make this a delightful and scorching read. - Faith V. Smith from Romantic Times Magazine 5 Cups! I absolutely loved this book. -Cherokee from Coffee Time Romance Click here for more reviews of Disdain. Fearful of the hunters who killed her creator, Alana has been living under Master Zigor's protection at Burgundy Peak. When Disdain, an ancient alpha with unmatched skill in mind control, is hired by Zigor to teach certain novice vampires, Alana finds herself undergoing the roughest training of her life -- with a man who sets her very soul aflame. Rude, arrogant, and merciless, Disdain's reputation as an instructor precedes him. Haunted by memories of the past and an addiction that is slowly destroying him, he has no desire for a relationship-until he is faced with a woman he cannot resist. Excerpt: From behind the door to his left, the annoying hum of a vacuum cleaner stopped. A moment later, the door opened and Alana stepped out. Their gazes locked. Her eyes widened and her scent grew stronger, more sexual. "I was just on my way to clean your room, Master," she said. Disdain resisted the urge to close his eyes and sigh. He loved the sound of her pretty voice calling him Master. He wanted her to say it in the bedroom. "But I can come back later. I don't want to bother you," she continued. "You're not bothering me." He unlocked his door, then held it open for her. "Thanks," she said, pushing in her cart of cleaning supplies. He opened the shades while she began making the bed. Though they didn't speak, the tension between them filled the room. He sensed her fear of him, but also knew he aroused her as much as she aroused him. "How long have you been working for Zigor?" "About seven months." "You enjoy it?" "I'm very grateful to him and Mel. They saved my life." "What happened to your creator?" "She died." Her clipped tone implied she didn't want to discuss the vampire who had Changed her. Just as well. The less he knew about her, the less he would care. "You're a maid?" He approached, standing near enough that when she stood she bumped into his chest. "Sorry." She tried to move away from him, but he refused to let her. "Excuse me, please." His hand rested lightly on her waist, and he cupped her face, tilting it toward his. "Why?" Alana stared at him, her heart thumping against her ribs. God, he has the most gorgeous eyes and he smells wonderful. His thumb began stroking her cheek with surprising gentleness and Alana found herself rising onto her toes as his mouth descended upon hers. His lips were moist and soft, yet at the same time firm. They moved slowly against hers, gradually becoming more demanding. Lust and the Damned If you love vampires you are going to love this story. -Oleta M Blaylock from Just Erotic Romance Reviews Click here for more reviews of Lust and the Damned. The Ancient Vampire Apollo and his wife, Mansi, have loved one another for centuries. When young Ambrose, a human, comes to them for help, wishing to join their ranks, they both are attracted to him. Ambrose becomes an intricate part of their lives -- until Apollo's connection with the zealot organization Dark Rhythm claims Ambrose's life. A bitter Apollo forces himself to endure a painful exit ritual, and he forever denounces his association with Dark Rhythm. While Mansi engages in healthy grieving for their lost lover, Apollo retreats into himself. Mansi fears that her husband is beyond help until Huxley enters their lives. The young vampire reaches Apollo's frozen heart and becomes the couples' adored third partner. But can they really trust this young Vampire, when they know the members of Dark Rhythm will never truly let Apollo go? Excerpt: "You may leave now, Ambrose Brooks. We won't stop you, but you will not find us again, should you look. Or you may stay and learn everything we have to teach. Unimaginable things. Some wonderful, others horrible. Decide now," Apollo stated. "What kind of choice is that? You make it sound like I'll be missing the opportunity of a lifetime if I leave, yet giving up my soul if I stay." "When people enter into a relationship, they do give up part of their soul." "What sort of relationship?" Apollo moved so quickly that he even startled Mansi. One moment he was squatting calmly by the fire, and the next he had pinned Ambrose to the door, his sapphire gaze fixed on the slighter man's, his fangs exposed. "A relationship deeper than friendship. Powerful. Binding." "What in God's name are you?" Hair of the Dog I really enjoyed the retrospective look, how Ariel and Adira coped and learned to fight, as well as their offspring, how they were chosen and made. -Trang Black from Just Erotic Romance Reviews Click here for more reviews of Hair of the Dog. In the beginning, they were twelve. Immortal. Invincible. Innocent. Twelve master vampires, the ancients, conceived by the creator to destroy the thirteen unleashed by the Evil One. They are more powerful than any force known to mankind. Nothing can stop them, nothing can kill them. Nothing but one of their own. One by one, the others have lost their innocence, have grown tired, have given up the fight. Now they are two. Ariel, the first. And Adira. With the body of a goddess and the spirit of a warrior, Adira has fought at Ariels side since the dawn of man. Throughout the ages, Ariel has loved her, and feared her. She is the one temptation he could never resist, and therefore the one he could never surrender to. For the last three hundred years shes been hunting him, and he has been running. Now the running is about to stop -- at Burgundy Peak. Excerpt: Back at the manor house, he took several articles from his bag of belongings and traveled into the nearby woods. Finding a secluded clearing, he undressed and took his flogger. No matter how intensely he focused on his punishment, he couldn't stop thinking about a mistake that had cost innocent lives and forced him to reclaim immortality from one of his vampiric children. After several hours with the flogger, his back felt like a raw mass of pure, horrific sensation. The physical pain did nothing to subdue the emotional turmoil of destroying one of his children turned bad. Dropping the instrument of self-mutilation, he walked into the brook, his legs trembling a bit from pain and blood loss. Even the cool water did little to sooth his stinging flesh, yet he began healing rapidly. By the time he stepped out and dressed, the physical pain had significantly diminished. Sitting under a tree, he caught Adira's scent. Moments later she entered the clearing. "Well," she said, stopping in front of him and folding her arms beneath her breasts, "at least I waited long enough so that I didn't have to witness you beating yourself bloody." "No one asked you to come," he replied quietly. "Did it help?" His gaze flickered toward her in question. "Punishing yourself. Did it help?" "Not really." "Maybe discipline isn't what you need for this particular problem. Maybe this will help more." She knelt beside him and drew him into her arms. Strangely, her embrace did what no amount of punishment could. He felt a slight release of pent up emotion and for the first time in his long life gave in completely. He wrapped his arms around her and she tenderly ran her fingers through his hair. "Ariel," she murmured, brushing her lips across his temple. Unable to fight off the need burning inside him, he covered her mouth with his. His lips moved sensuously against her soft, moist ones. Adira opened her mouth to his searching tongue. Hers met it, caressing with languid strokes that pushed his desire to fevered heights. Please. Please. Her spiritual voice spoke to him. Yes, yes, he answered. I want you, Adira. I need you. How he did need her! The only way to dull the raw, gnawing grief seemed to be through her. She was giving and taking in a way he never dreamed possible. "Take me, " she whispered against his lips. "Ariel, please take me." A low growl of desire escaped his throat. He instinctively began to undress her with surprising deftness for a man who spent his life abstaining from carnal pleasure. While he removed her clothes, she tore off his, her hand seeking his bare flesh beneath. The heat of her palms on his skin was too wonderful for words. He groaned with pleasure. Within seconds they were wrapped naked in each other's arms. Bitten, Again I loved the drama that Kate Hill has been able to introduce to the book, the conflict of heart and mind. -Sheryl, Ecataromance Sensual Click here for more reviews Bitten, Again. It took some major convincing for Nigel to accept that Sondra, his vampiric daughter, is in love with a member of the drag queen band The Elixir Maidens. Nigel's super-conservative beliefs have frequently caused problems throughout his long life, but rather than risk losing Sondra forever he agreed to accept her cross-dressing fianci, Richie. On the eve of Sondra and Richie's wedding, Nigel realizes that a drag queen son-in-law is the least of his worries. Richie's tall, dark and mysterious Creator, Daniel, appears unexpectedly at the reception and Nigel is faced with a long denied love that's stronger than ever. Only time -- and a little matchmaking from The Elixir Maidens -- will tell if that love is powerful enough to overcome wounds that have bled since the days of ancient Rome. Excerpt: In spite of his desire to stare at a man he'd always found most beautiful, Daniel kept his attention focused on everything except Nigel. Always impatient and a bit paranoid, Nigel was first to break the silence. "Do you plan to stay in New York long?" A wicked little smile on his lips, Daniel turned to him and said with mock innocence, "Are you talking to me?" "You know damn right well I'm talking to you," Nigel hissed. "I might visit for a bit." "You're injured, aren't you? What happened?" "My, my. Such personal questions from a stranger." "Fine. Don't answer. I couldn't care less if you're dying." "You've made that clear enough," Daniel muttered and took another sip from his glass. "A man like you lives for trouble, so even if you found someone willing to care about you, it would be pointless." "Contrary to popular belief, Nigel, there are people who care about me. And you? Have you found the perfect mate yet?" "There's no such thing," Nigel snapped and glared at Daniel from the corner of his eye. "But I have enough companions to satisfy my every need, in case you're interested." "I'm not." That much was true enough. He'd learned long ago to overcome any petty jealousy for a man who'd treated him with such unwarranted contempt. "Now that I know you're his Creator, I can see why Richie didn't have a chance." "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" "It means no wonder he thinks it's perfectly acceptable to don makeup and skirts and sees no difference between male friends and male friends, if you get my meaning." "It amazes me, Nigel, how a man can live so long and not progress. This is the fucking twenty-first century, not the bloody dark ages."

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