Annie Rayburn is the pseudonym of Carol Burnside, whose works have placed and won several romance writing contests. Annie is e-published, traditionally in short stories, and recently self/Indie published her previously released short story,
Insight and a novella,
Phantoms & Fantasies. Her latest release from Red Sage is
Bittersweet Obsessions (June, 2011), an erotic romance with sci-fi and paranormal elements. Learn more about Annie and her books at
www.AnnieRayburn.com.
Like Annie’s author page on Facebook: Annie Rayburn, Author
If you've never met Annie Rayburn or been introduced to her writing, today is an opportunity to get to know her just a bit AND to read an excerpt from her e-book, PHANTOMS AND FANTASIES. I know you'll enjoy it, so let's not waste any more time.
PHANTOMS AND FANTASIES by Annie Rayburn
Blurb: After a devastating trauma, Zeenie attended a college mixer and experienced powerful, Crainesian life-mate pheromones between herself and Turk. Unprepared, she panicked and fled.
Turk has waited and yearned for Zeenie for years while staying dialed in to her recovery. Finally, rumor says she's ready to date again, and he's determined to make her short list, even if it means resorting to a little trickery. On a blind date, he surprises her with patience and maturity when she fights against their pheromone bond, then shows tenderness and consideration when phantoms of her past arise.
As she learns more about Turk, Zeenie entertains heated fantasies and makes tentative forays into his sensual world. But her initial rejection broke with Crainesian custom and continues to cast a dark shadow on their future. Can she embrace her sexuality and summon enough courage to claim her man in true Crainesian style, or will their growing love be tainted forever?
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The following excerpt is taken from a sequence between Zeenie and Turk after she’s begun to trust him. They are Crainesians, humanoid beings whose pheromones are stirred in a big way when they encounter their mate. Like in this excerpt, they can share dreams. The italics with quotes are telepathic communication.
She took a deep, slow breath and succumbed to the beckoning darkness only to find Turk waiting for her there. Excitement zinged along her veins. He held out his arms. She hesitated, heart pounding in a wildly erratic cadence.
“I don't want to hurt you, Zee. Trust me. Let me show you a little of what it could be like between us.”
Oddly, the mental link didn't frighten her. She walked into his arms, desire and happiness surging through her body in waves. This was right and good. She knew it.
For several moments Turk just held her, his chin resting on top of her head. Pulling back, he brushed his lips against her forehead before he tilted her chin up and took her mouth with his. Again, Zeenie acknowledged the tight control Turk kept on his desire while she lost herself in a maelstrom of sensation. Desire, excitement, anticipation and a little dread all mixed into a potent cocktail designed to seduce.
Turk continued kissing her, first settling his mouth firmly over hers, then pulling back. The little sips and nips he teased along her jaw line made her strain nearer, wanting a closer connection. He avoided returning to her mouth, working his way along her jaw line and neck with tiny sucks and nibbles, teeth scraping across sensitized skin. In his wake were spots of moisture left cooling heated flesh. Electric current seemed to hum through her, with nerve endings standing at attention.
She reached up, tentatively touching his bare chest, running her palm over the smattering of hair scattered across his pectorals. Her index finger grazed his nipple, and Turk sucked in a breath. Catching her hand in his, he returned it to his waist.
“Not this time. This is for you.” The low timbre of his voice next to her ear, breath puffing hot on her neck and his words sent shivers down her spine. “You're in control, Zee. Just like it's supposed to be. I promise you that. Nothing happens here you don't want. Just stay open for me. The minute you're uncomfortable with anything, we abandon it. Understand?”
She nodded, her nipples tightening almost painfully. Her breasts felt heavy, needy.
“Are you okay with everything so far?”
“Yes, only...”She hesitated, embarrassed.
“Tell me.”
Uncharacteristically shy, she couldn't bring herself to ask. Instead, she reached for his hand and cupped it over her satin-covered right breast, breathing deeper. “They ache.”
She could have sworn her breast swelled to fit his hand.
His thumb made a slow caress over the underside of the gentle curve. More. She arched into him and his hand tightened on her back, his head lowered, mouth closing over her beaded nipple with a swift suction, even through her nightgown.
Zeenie cried out as need stabbed low in her abdomen. She clutched Turk's head to her, wanting to prolong the sensation. Oh, yes. Please.
She didn't even know what she begged for, just that she didn't want it to stop.
(Excerpt is protected under copyright)
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Today, Annie is giving away a copy of Phantoms & Fantasies to one lucky commenter.
And, since a good Pumpkin Spice Latte always goes well with a good book at this time of year, I'm drawing for someone to receive a $5.00 Starbucks giftcard. (Winner to be announced tomorrow on this blog).
But that's only today's offerings!!!! There's still more to come!
Don't forget: Tomorrow,
Thursday, Annie will be interviewing Turk Fontaine on
Mary Marvella's blog,
Pink Fuzzy Slippers Writers . Leave a comment on Thursday for another chance to win a download.
Then on
Friday,
you'll want to visit Linsey Lanier where she and Annie are going to be playing Spin The Bottle to decide
WHICH CRAINEY WOULD YOU KISS? And guess what? Yes! Another chance to win a download and other prizes.
Then on
Saturday, on
Annie's blog, she will announce the winner of her fabulous Grand Prize........(drum roll please) Twelve Semi-precious heart pendants in their own jewelry box. Aren't they gorgeous? More information on her Saturday Grand Prize Drawing can be found on her blog at:
http://annierayburn.com/2011/10/14/blog-tour-commences-monday/
I hope you enjoyed your visit today with Annie and that you'll check her out tomorrow on Pink Fuzzy Slippers for more fun and prizes.
I ALSO HOPE YOU'LL DROP BACK BY ON FRIDAY TO WELCOME MY SECOND SPECIAL GUEST THIS WEEK, AUTHOR, E. AYERS. SEE YOU THEN!
Yesterday I had the fantastic Annie Rayburn blogging with me and it was a great day. Thanks to everyone who came out to comment, but now is the time to list the winner of a $5.00 Starbucks card. Drum roll please!!! Julee Adams! Congratulations!
