And He Shall Name Her Moody | An Excerpt From DAWN OF ARIS

Image Posted on February 15, 2015

The words and graphs on the report were blurring together again and Luke blinked, his eyes drifting back to the clock. He wanted to call her but figured if Aris wanted to talk then she would have called him or at least responded to his texts by now. The fact that he was the only one initiating contact—stopping by her place, calling her, texting her—was an obvious sign. She hadn’t answered her door or returned his messages in days. He needed to take the hint and fall back if, in fact, those were hints. Luke was genuinely concerned but perhaps she was misinterpreting his persistence. It was clear to him that Aris wasn’t looking for more than a casual friendship and he was…what?

What was he looking for?

Leaning back in his chair, he pulled out his phone, glanced at the screen and laughed at himself…and the truth behind his actions.

He needed to get his shit together.

When the hell had his mild interest in Aris shifted to something more? In the beginning, she’d barely caught his eye. He’d seen her around, but there were dozens of pretty women in the neighborhood. Yet, she was the one who always shifted his attention. It was just something about her…but his curiosity was fleeting and never enough to make him go out of his way to say hello or want to know her name…

Until he saw her at the sports bar.

That urge to finally speak to her had surfaced out of nowhere, but everything afterwards had been completely driven by her. He’d simply gone along for the ride—from the botched breakfast at her apartment to her decision to upgrade them from neighbors to friends.

Luke smiled as he remembered the first time she called his place. He had gotten home late and saw he had a few messages. He figured they were from his mother and Jessica, the only two people who insisted on calling him at home before trying to reach him on his cell. He was right, of course. The second and third messages were from his mother and Jessica, but it was the first one that surprised him—a long message that was left around the time he’d left Aris’s apartment earlier that same day to grab food before the tow truck arrived to haul off her car.

“Hey, it’s me. Aris. I got your number out of the community directory…who knew the day would come when I would actually find myself using this thing? Anyway, I was just thinking…not too many people know that I have mutilated heads in my apartment, I’m a lousy cook and I eat like a man. In my mind, that makes you a friend…which means you get to have the number to my Droid. My land line is really only for bill collectors, but I see they listed it in this directory despite my request for them not to. The nerve…I ought to write a nice-nasty letter to the property manager about this…anyway, what was I sayin’? Oh yeah, my number…save it…”

Luke shook his head at the memory, grinning at how she could go from dismissive in one minute to declaring them friends shortly after. That night, he’d saved her number in his phone without hesitation. Instead of Aris, he had entered Moody as the name to appear in his Contacts list.

Straightening up in his chair, he put his phone away and shifted his gaze to the report in front of him that he didn’t care to read…grinning and still thinking of her…

Yeah.

Moody suited her perfectly.

DAWN OF ARIS IS COMING MARCH 3!
Pre-Order Your Copy Today: www.amzn.com/B00TC1K3J6

Aris Collier is chasing her dreams…at a snail’s pace. With little money and big talent, she works tirelessly to perfect her craft…even at the expense of her relationships. When she walks away from yet another dead-end entanglement with the hopes of  finally getting her life on track, the last thing she expects is a fast friendship with her neighbor, Luke. They couldn’t be more different but soon the two become an inseparable pair, leaving Aris both surprised and disturbed that Luke understands her better than anyone else ever has…

Luke Donovan has it all—looks, career, money and status. Most importantly, he has the bold, brave and beautiful Jessica Knox, a woman he’s been building his impeccable life with since college. But as Luke continues his corporate climb, he soon realizes that the view from the top isn’t so great and the future laid out in front of him is very far from his true definition of happiness. For the first time in his life, Luke is unsure…until he meets his quirky neighbor, Aris, who just may help him discover what love and life are really all about…

It’s My Thing | An Excerpt From DAWN OF ARIS

Image Posted on February 8, 2015

Luke followed Aris to her apartment, careful to keep a reasonable distance. Despite the dozen reasons why it wasn’t “cool” for him to be in this situation, he’d surprised himself by agreeing to breakfast anyway.

His evening had definitely not gone according to plan. When he saw Aris sitting at the bar right before kickoff, he recognized her immediately and figured it was a good opportunity to finally say hello. He had anticipated having a quick conversation with her before he eventually claimed an empty table to watch the game alone as he intended. Buying her a drink, driving her home and hanging out in her apartment after midnight were the absolute last things he would have expected to happen.

But here he was, still following her.

He had already involved himself more than he should have and he still didn’t understand why she refused to report her car stolen, but that was none of his business. The only thing left for him to do at this point was make sure she was safely locked inside.

He didn’t need breakfast.

He had enough problems.

When they reached her front door, Aris slipped her key into the lock and asked him to grab the large box in the corner of the entryway. Luke picked it up as she asked and placed it on the floor of her foyer. He could hear her moving in the darkness when she told him to close and lock the front door. Just as he was about to say goodnight and head to his own apartment, a soft light filled the room.

“Oops.” Taking in the scene, she giggled. “I forgot about them.”

“Yeah.” Luke watched cautiously as she scrambled to gather the mutilated mannequin heads scattered about the living room floor. They were in all shapes and sizes, the apparent victims of every grotesque injury imaginable. “I’m gonna go…”

Aris stopped collecting the heads and turned to face him, seemingly oblivious to the rubbery skin that fell from the faux flesh wound on the side of the head she clutched in her left hand. “Why?”

He shook his head at the absurdity of her standing in the middle of this freak show asking him such an obvious question.

“Oh. Because of this? ” She walked over to him so he could get a closer look. “It’s my thing. Given your reaction, I’m flattered. This isn’t even my best work.”

As Aris piled the heads in a corner on top of a dark, thick sheet, Luke watched her every move. She began talking nonstop, her voice animated as she went on and on about what she’d done to her — Mike, Carol, Greg, Peter, Bobby, Marcia, Jan and Cindy. She’d named each one, having carefully planned all of their horrific fates. Then, she rambled about how embarrassed she was that her apartment was so messy and how she never had time to clean up because she was always working.

Somewhat fascinated — and also satisfied that this wasn’t some cry for help on her part — Luke surprised himself for the second time in as many hours…

And decided to stick around.

DAWN OF ARIS IS COMING MARCH 3!
Pre-Order Your Copy Today: www.amzn.com/B00TC1K3J6

Aris Collier is chasing her dreams…at a snail’s pace. With little money and big talent, she works tirelessly to perfect her craft…even at the expense of her relationships. When she walks away from yet another dead-end entanglement with the hopes of  finally getting her life on track, the last thing she expects is a fast friendship with her neighbor, Luke. They couldn’t be more different but soon the two become an inseparable pair, leaving Aris both surprised and disturbed that Luke understands her better than anyone else ever has…

Luke Donovan has it all—looks, career, money and status. Most importantly, he has the bold, brave and beautiful Jessica Knox, a woman he’s been building his impeccable life with since college. But as Luke continues his corporate climb, he soon realizes that the view from the top isn’t so great and the future laid out in front of him is very far from his true definition of happiness. For the first time in his life, Luke is unsure…until he meets his quirky neighbor, Aris, who just may help him discover what love and life are really all about…

Mark Your Calendars for 20 Days of Romance!

Image Posted on February 2, 2015

Need something to heat up those cold winter nights?

Check out the 2nd Annual 20 Days of Romance!

Some of the hottest authors will be bringing you some of their sexiest excerpts from their latest or upcoming releases…and yes, I will be sharing an excerpt from DAWN OF ARIS on Friday, February 27th. Yay! 😀 You won’t want to miss it!

Hosted by Chelle Ramsey
Every Monday-Friday, February 2-27, 2015
Only @www.writingmydreams.com

Mark your calendars for this event! I’ll be there. How about you?

Dawn of Aris | Coming Winter 2015!

Image Posted on January 4, 2015 Updated on January 12, 2015

Dawn of Aris

A Novel by Rae Lamar

Aris Collier is chasing her dreams…at a snail’s pace. With little money and big talent, she works tirelessly to perfect her craft…even at the expense of her relationships. When she walks away from yet another dead-end entanglement with the hopes of  finally getting her life on track, the last thing she expects is a fast friendship with her neighbor, Luke. They couldn’t be more different but soon the two become an inseparable pair, leaving Aris both surprised and disturbed that Luke understands her better than anyone else ever has…

Luke Donovan has it all—looks, career, money and status. Most importantly, he has the bold, brave and beautiful Jessica Knox, a woman he’s been building his impeccable life with since college. But as Luke continues his corporate climb, he soon realizes that the view from the top isn’t so great and the future laid out in front of him is very far from his true definition of happiness. For the first time in his life, Luke is unsure…until he meets his quirky neighbor, Aris, who just may help him discover what love and life are really all about…

Meet Tashi From UNLIKE ME

Image Posted on December 9, 2014

I hated cocky bastards.

And in my mind there was simply nothing worse than some jerk trying to tell me what to do.

So why the hell was I doing ninety on the freeway headed downtown?

It was almost midnight, and I had to go to work in the morning, but here I was all dolled up and ready for Mr. Quincy…ahh… Damn. Ummm…

Coleman!

Quincy Coleman.

Whatever.

Anyway, I couldn’t deny that I couldn’t get him out of my head, which was why I finally broke down and called the number on his business card and left a message telling him to get at me the next time he blew through town. I could definitely see a lot of good times between us, but something about him just wasn’t sitting straight with me.

And I typically trusted my instincts.

After I left Bree, I had almost convinced myself to stay in for the night. Besides, who did Quincy think he was to assume that I didn’t have anything better to do with my time than to be waiting on his ass to call?

I hopped in the shower anyway.

When I finally stepped out, I wrapped a towel around my body and dripped all the way into my bedroom to watch television. I did my best to ignore the flashing red light on my phone, but I eventually caved.

One text message. From Quincy.

Why aren’t you in my bed yet?

I despised cocky bastards.

But that shit turned me on.

So I got dressed.

And now I’m speeding in the HOV lane without a dummy in my passenger seat to throw off the cops.

Or maybe I was the dummy.

Fuck this.

This wasn’t me.

I would have to immediately handle this situation before it got out of hand. Before Quincy Coleman got too confused about how this shit was really supposed to go with me. Clearly, he was the type who was accustomed to having his way, but I would have no problem schooling him if need be. Let him know up front that his stubbornness was of no consequence. Like when an irresistible force meets an immovable object. Sooner or later, something’s gotta give…

And it wasn’t going to be me.

UNLIKE ME by Rae Lamar
http://www.amzn.com/B007M4I5UO

Adjusting to a recent promotion and newly separated from her husband, Sabrena Moore is taking everything one day at a time. A stroll down memory lane with her ex is the last thing Sabrena needs but, as the days turn into weeks, the urge to reconnect becomes impossible to ignore…

Rowan Washington is as determined to right his wrongs with Sabrena as she is determined to keep their resurrected relationship platonic. So when he is asked to partner with Sabrena to help mentor a troubled young boy through their company’s youth mentorship program, Rowan doesn’t hesitate to take advantage of the quality time that naturally comes along with the task…

As Sabrena and Rowan grow closer, others do their best to disrupt their reunion but, in the end, everyone’s fates are sealed when Sabrena is forced to choose between what seems best and what feels right…

An Excerpt From 22 | No Promises

Image Posted on September 24, 2014

Here’s a short excerpt for your reading pleasure!

SCENE: That moment when Nina decides to throw caution to the wind…and Dean couldn’t be happier. 😉 Enjoy!

“Thank you for this time, Nina.”

I picked up the carafe from the coffee table and poured myself another tall glass of sweet tea. “Sure. Not like I got anything better to do…”

He laughed as I downed half the glass. “Thirsty?”

“It’s not what I’m really craving but it’ll do.” I took another long sip. “Besides, a true Southerner can never pass up the House Wine of the South. Can you pick up another gallon for the next time I come over?”

He smiled. “Next time, huh?”

“Sure. Why not?”

“Nothing I want more.”

I winked, finishing my tea. “Then you shall have it.”

Several emotions played across his face before he settled back against the cushions, watching me. “Well then, I promise to do everything I can to keep that pretty smile on your face.”

My smile faded as I shook my head and looked away. “No need for that.”

“For what?”

“Promises.”

He stretched his arm over the back of the sofa. “Why so skeptical?”

“Must I list all the reasons?”

“I’d rather you didn’t.” He grabbed my hand and kissed it. “Just glad you’re here with me now, despite it all.”

“So,” I said, relishing the sensation of his lips on my skin. “What do we do now?”

“Whatever you want.”

He was calling me out, almost daring me to try him. But what I wanted was dumb. Irresponsible. I knew better than to let my body overrule my mind, to give in to temptation. I was smarter than that.

But I was a woman first.

We squared off. Dean didn’t move, clearly leaving it up to me to officially push us over into the physical realm. I boldly leaned over and pressed my lips against his. Sensing his slight hesitation, I straddled him and slipped my tongue into his mouth to let him know that I meant business. That I needed this.

More importantly, I needed this from him.

His hands encircled my waist before moving over my hips to palm my ass. “Nina?”

I shifted my mouth to his ear, then lifted my head and let his lips assault my neck. “Hmm?”

“You’re not gonna play me again, are you?” he asked, biting my shoulder. “Because I swear I might cry this time…”

I recalled the previous night’s events and how things got hot and heavy but the extra glasses of wine got the best of me and I passed out as soon as he put me in the bed. Pulling my shirt over my head, I tossed it to the farthest corner. “That was then. Besides, all I’ve had to drink tonight is sweet tea. Shall I continue?”

His silence was all the permission I needed to proceed although he still appeared hesitant. I stood and unhooked my bra, sliding the thin straps down each arm…completely sober and showing no signs of retreat. “Surprised?”

“To say the least.”

I shrugged and stepped out of my pants. “Yeah, me too. In my mind, this was supposed to play out so much differently…”

He unbuttoned his shirt, his eyes focused on my fuschia thong. “Is that right?”

“Mmhmm,” I said, bending over to grab my pants and shirt. “There wasn’t going to be a next encounter because I really had no intention of ever seeing or speaking to you again.”

He sat forward, running his hands up and down my legs. “Funny…’cause I figured I’d never be able to get you back over here.”

I shuddered as his tongue found my navel. “I bet you probably thought I’d badger you with a bunch of questions if I did come back, huh?”

“Yeah,” he mumbled, kissing my stomach.

“Don’t get me wrong,” I said, placing my hand on his shoulders to keep from melting into the floor. “I still have a great view of all the red flags waving in the distance. It would be nice to get some answers…like how does one stop ordering whores cold turkey? And why is your ex is still popping up like the wedding date is still circled on the calendar. But then I’m like…what’s the point?”

“Nina—”

“No, let me finish.” I stepped closer to him and sighed as his mouth closed over my nipple. “Even if I got all the answers to those questions and you kept making all your sweet promises, it still wouldn’t guarantee that we’d have a happy ending. Nothing ever guarantees that…life just doesn’t work that way.”

He picked me up and I was on my back looking up at him before I could blink. “What are you saying?”

“I’m saying,” I began as I watched him strip until he was naked. I’d never seen anyone slip a condom on so fast. “That I apologize for my indecision this past week.”

“You apologize?” he asked incredulously, pulling my thong down my legs.

“Yes. I’ve wasted a bunch of time with all my back and forth and doubts. I think we had it right the first night we met, don’t you? Just keep it simple. It’s obvious we’re both feeling each other…it doesn’t have to be anything more than this…”

I pulled his head down and kissed him softly. Felt the fire ignite between us as his full weight descended and he kissed me like he was debating my argument.

Like this would be more than just a fuck.

I jerked my head, trying to gain control of the situation. I could feel his smile before his mouth moved south to its next target.

“Did you hear what I said?” I whispered, trying to stay focused. “Let’s just keep this strictly phys—”

“Later, Nina. I’m busy.”

22 by Rae Lamar
http://www.amzn.com/B009YBW78O

Having suffered the loss of her fiance, cushy job and luxury Midtown Atlanta condo at the height of the U.S. recession, Nina Drake packed up and left the ruins behind to start anew in sunny South Florida.

With no life and no friends, Nina settles in and resigns herself to the simple existence of a gift shop attendant where she passively observes the scores of colorful clientele living in the five-star resort where she works. After a few random run-ins with a peculiar resident, Nina’s boredom gives way to curiosity and she blindly steps out of her dull routine into someone else’s shoes…and the arms of an irresistible stranger. But it’s only a matter of days before Nina goes from dreaming of romantic possibilities to realizing that this tawdry hookup can never evolve into something real…

In spite of Nina’s aversion to his sordid past, Dean Whitmore is determined to make her believe that his intentions are as real as their instant connection. And the fact that he only has a few weeks to prove it to her before life leads them in different directions just makes the challenge that much more appealing…

An Excerpt From 22 | Third Time’s The Charm

Image Posted on August 29, 2014

“Hey Ana…yeah, still not at my best…I think it’s a bug or something that’s going around…yes, yes I sure will…ok…thank you…yes, I’ll see you tomorrow night…ok, bye.”

I pulled the cordless phone from my ear and pressed OFF. Waited a few seconds. Bit my lip.

Staring at the keypad, I pressed REDIAL.

Only this time, I asked the Operator to transfer me to Villa 1616.

I got voicemail.

With a calm voice, I asked Dean to meet me at Red Fish Grill at 5PM.

Which left me with a whole three hours to waste.

Bypassing the tub for the shower, I let the water beat me down until it ran cold. Ignoring my towel, I left the bathroom and stretched across my bed to air-dry while watching reruns of Girlfriends  on Centric.

At 5PM, I entered my closet and snatched a sea-green, strapless romper off a hanger. After ironing out a few wrinkles, I slipped it on and returned to the bathroom to apply enough makeup to look pretty but not too much to have Dean thinking that I cared…even though his interest in me still mattered. A little.

Noting the time, I piled my hair on top of my head in a twisted top knot and slipped a silver hoop into each pierced ear. A few sprays of perfume later, I left my bedroom with my wedge heels and straw bag in hand.

Determined to get some answers.

At ten ‘til six, I was sipping on my second glass of Cabernet and wondering if I’d made another mistake.

But I didn’t have time to think about it too much because Dean finally appeared. Given we hadn’t spoken since I left his villa, I figured he’d bypass the chair next to me and opt to sit across the table, which he did. His business attire was incredibly sexy but I did my best to ignore that and the fact that he was wearing the shades I’d sold him when we first met.

“Bosses are still in town,” he said, explaining his formal appearance. “I had meetings all day. Sorry I wasn’t able to return your call sooner and let you know I’d be late. I tried to call you on my way here, but your phone was off. Did you get my message?”

I forced my eyes over to the pretty palm trees and tranquil waters. “No. But thank you for coming.”

“Of course. I’m really glad you called.”

I faced him, my expression  blank.

He removed his shades and stared at me, a soft smile on his gorgeous face.  “You look beautiful.”

“Thanks,” I replied, flatly. “But I don’t need your compliments. I need to understand.”

Nodding, he settled back in his chair and released a long breath before he told me everything Lexi had already confessed, but in more explicit detail.

I couldn’t believe my ears.

“I delight in hedonism,” he finally said, concluding the summation of his sordid lifestyle.

I frowned. “You’re a patron of the sex industry.”

He leaned over the table and placed his hands over mine, searching my eyes. “It’s what I do…what I’ve done, yes. But it doesn’t define me.”

I snatched my hands away and stopped the server to ask for the check.

“Can we just start over?” he asked after the woman placed the bill face down on the table.

Rubbing my forehead, I turned my gaze to my glass of wine. I should have asked for a refill.

“Please?” he begged, grabbing my hand and moving it from my head to his lips, sending shock waves through my entire body. “Third time’s the charm.”

I watched as he moved from his chair to sit in the chair next to me and allowed him to kiss his way up to my bare shoulder. Before he could attack my neck, I shifted away from him, unable to conceal the pleasure I felt from his touch.

“Just give me tonight,” he whispered, stroking my cheek. “Give me another chance and get to know me. And then whatever you decide about where we go from here, I’ll accept it. Deal?”

I didn’t agree.

But I didn’t disagree either.

Satisfied, he relaxed against the back of his chair and finally took in the surroundings. “Great idea to get a table out here. It’s a perfect evening.”

I pursed my lips.

He winked at me.

I shook my head, trying desperately to clear it and shake off the crippling effect that his presence had on my ability to exercise common sense. “What are you doing?”

“Enjoying what I hope will not be our last night together,” he replied, dropping two twenty dollar bills on the table before standing and helping me to my feet. “I know you may not want to believe it right now, but you can trust me.”

“Trust you,” I asked, incredulous. “A man who has whores on speed-dial?”

“A man who used  to have whores on speed-dial.”

I rolled my eyes. “Since when?”

He slipped his sunglasses on and grinned. “Since I bought these shades.”

I stared at my reflection in his lenses.

And followed him out of the restaurant.

22 by Rae Lamar
http://www.amzn.com/B009YBW78O

Having suffered the loss of her fiance, cushy job and luxury Midtown Atlanta condo at the height of the U.S. recession, Nina Drake packed up and left the ruins behind to start anew in sunny South Florida.

With no life and no friends, Nina settles in and resigns herself to the simple existence of a gift shop attendant where she passively observes the scores of colorful clientele living in the five-star resort where she works. After a few random run-ins with a peculiar resident, Nina’s boredom gives way to curiosity and she blindly steps out of her dull routine into someone else’s shoes…and the arms of an irresistible stranger. But it’s only a matter of days before Nina goes from dreaming of romantic possibilities to realizing that this tawdry hookup can never evolve into something real…

In spite of Nina’s aversion to his sordid past, Dean Whitmore is determined to make her believe that his intentions are as real as their instant connection. And the fact that he only has a few weeks to prove it to her before life leads them in different directions just makes the challenge that much more appealing…