Ari Thatcher's Blog: Ari Thatcher's Words of the Moment

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Welcome back to Hot for Friday! We’re focusing on hot and bothered scenes today, filled with sexual tension. You know, those moments where your body is saying, “Yes, yes…” and all you can think about is acting on those tingly feelings.

I’m featuring Honey, I’m Home today. Previously published by Ellora’s Cave, this short story features married couple Lisa and Rick. Lisa has a night of passion planned, only to discover her husband has brought home his boss for dinner.

How could he bring someone home for dinner without telling her?

Grabbing her largest apron, she pulled it over her head and tied it around her waist, checking to see that it covered the sheer lace over her breasts. She muttered and swore under her breath as she fished pasta shells from the sink. So much for the night of passion she had planned.

Air whooshed through the small space when Rick pushed past the swinging door into the kitchen. She felt his breath on the nape of her neck just before he planted a warm kiss there. “You smell great. I hope you don’t mind. I brought Mr. Grissom for dinner.”

She forced a smile as she looked back over her shoulder. “Of course not, there’s plenty of food.”

His hand stroked down the curve of her back and cupped her ass. “What’s this? New dress?”

“I, uh, wanted tonight to be special.” The warmth of his hand spread from his touch, making her want more. She turned around, parking her hips against the counter.

He took in the outfit, complete with apron and his favorite black strappy stilettos, and one side of his mouth curved in that way of his. His hand slid down past the hem of the short black gown, really almost a negligee, then up again under the fabric. Her skin burned where his fingers roamed.

The roughness of his palm through her silk stockings sent shivers up her sides. He plucked at the garter belt then continued over her hip to a bare ass cheek. He tugged her close and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. “Just what did you have in mind?”

Unable to resist, having spent the afternoon fantasizing about what they would be doing all night, she captured his mouth, forcing her tongue deep. She tasted his mint gum, and felt his excitement pressing against her belly. When she leaned back for air, she met his gaze and wondered if her own eyes were as smoky. “A nice dinner, a special dessert, and a new toy or two…”

Rick growled and bent to kiss her again but suddenly straightened. “Shit. Mr. Grissom. Well, we’ll feed him and drop some hints, then send him on his way.”

Don’t forget to head on back to Book Boyfriends Cafe to read all the other Hot & Bothered excerpts!

It’s time for Hot for Friday! This week we’re posting swoon-worthy scenes, and I’ve picked one of the sweeter moments early on in Love Me Now, when Seth is trying to keep their relationship professional. At least for now.

Seth drew back, wishing he could tell what she was thinking. He pressed her head against his chest and rested his chin there while he gathered his thoughts. Sleeping with her shouldn’t be an option, at least not until after the opening. She deserved more than to have people question how she got in the exhibit.

“You’re awfully quiet.”

Her voice brought him out of his thoughts. “I go blank when I look at you. Your hair is wild, all tousled from the sea air. It’s like you rose up out of the waves to seduce me.”

She laughed. “Some siren I’d make. I’m short, dumpy and can’t carry a tune.”

Unable to stop himself, he grabbed a handful of her ass. “Dumpy, hell. Your curves make me hungry. If I’m not careful, I’ll be taking a bite of this before you go home tonight.”

I’m going a little retro here to one of my older books, Renegade Wolf. As you might gather, this is a paranormal shapeshifter romance. Micah has just rescued Stephanie from a drunken letch at bar and gives her a ride home. She’s extremely attracted to him from the start, and can’t figure out why.

She continued to mull over the situation as they traveled. Why couldn’t she have met him under normal circumstances? Giving in to the damsel in distress game put her at a disadvantage. If they were going to get to know each other, it had to be on her terms.

Before she could decide what her terms were, they came to a stop at her apartment building. Where had the time gone? He shut off the engine and climbed out, holding the door for her to follow.

Her hand rested on the warmth where he had sat and she shivered. What was wrong with her? She acted as if she’d never been this close to a man before, which was far from the truth. Farther than she liked to admit sometimes.

Stephanie slid off the seat, coming face to face with Micah. Face to chest, she realized. She was tall but he was taller. And broad, built like a tank. She exhaled, the sound too close to a sigh. Her gaze traveled up the front of his flannel shirt and locked on his.

In the darkness, she couldn’t see exactly what color his eyes were, if they were truly as golden brown as they had appeared. What she could see told her they were turned up at the corners, laughing at her.

For some reason that made her smile. Gave her the courage to take control. “Thanks for the ride.”

Instead of moving past him, she rose on her toes and pressed her lips to his. She meant it to be brief, a tease, but she couldn’t end it. Her arms cupped the nape of his neck, pulling him closer. His warm palms pressed against her butt, imprinting on her soul. Parting her lips, she brushed her tongue against his and almost melted at his moan.

Her entire body vibrated now as her hunger grew. She strained higher on her toes needing more, needing…what?

His hands slid up her back, burning his claim as his mouth had when he kissed down her neck. She was certain people would look at her and know she’d been claimed, just from his kiss. Marked with his brand.

She needed to stop. To end this before it went too far. Before she was unable to walk away.

As if he heard her thoughts, he drew back, gently kissing her one last time. She opened her eyes and looked into his, not attempting to move around him. “So, maybe sometime we could try again without the drunken friend part?”

He smiled. His teeth looked even larger this close up. Predatory. “I’d like that.”

Stephanie dug in the side pocket of her purse and pulled out her business card, holding it out to him. “Give me a call.”

One last time she stretched up and kissed him, then bit back a flirty giggle as she walked toward her door. She fought the urge to turn and see if he watched her. As she closed and locked her door, she heard his truck fire up and she let the laughter out. Why did she feel so giddy? Like she’d awakened some long-hidden part of her. She wanted to lift her head and call out into the night.

Her smile still wide as she dropped her purse on the small table by the door, she glanced in the mirror on the wall. Then looked again. Leaning in close, she peered at her teeth. Now her imagination was laughing at her, making her think the canines looked longer.

Brushing her hair off her face, she met her reflection in the eye. And gasped. Her blue eyes were now the same golden brown as Micah’s.

Renegade Wolf, and it’s companion story in the Devil’s Promenade series, Immortal Temptress, are available on Kobo   Nook &nbsp

Kindle and iBooks

Don’t forget to continue on to read the rest of the hot kisses!

We’re featuring sexual tension this week in the Book Boyfriend Cafe blog hop. To me, tension the the unrequited part of love making, the building need, want, desire. Sometimes we’re lucky and get release. Sometimes we have to wait. That only increases the tension the next time they hook up, right?

Today’s excerpt is again from Love Me Forever, a Second Chance at Love novella. It releases on the 24th, but you can pre-order now!

The way she sat with her head tipped to one side, her bare neck taunted him, begging to be kissed. Nibbled. Unable to keep the distance between them, he shifted to sit next to her. That brought her fragrance to him again. He was hopeless around this woman. No way could he last through the day without making love to her.

He kissed her shoulder, finding her skin warm from the sun. Moving closer to her neck, he kissed again, and continued planting little pecks until he reached her ear, where he nipped the fleshy part.

She tipped her head away, offering more access.

Taking advantage, he licked her jaw line as far as he could reach. Her breathing increased, now escaping through parted lips. “You are a seductress,” he whispered before the tip of his tongue teased her ear.

She gasped, the sound trailing into a whimper. He cupped her chin and turned her mouth to his, capturing her sigh. His tongue plunged in, thrusting deep as her moan vibrated against his lips.

Tasting, exploring, he brought back the memory of her kisses, the few they’d shared. The years dropped away and they were young again and in lust. Running a hand down her arm, he shifted to cup her breast, then realized where they were.

“I’m sorry,” he said, glancing back toward the trail. “I shouldn’t have started something here.”

Love Me Forever is available for preorder: Kindle, iBooks, and Kobo.

Don’t forget to head back to Book Boyfriends Cafe to read all the other swoon-worthy lines!

Is there anything like a first kiss? The promise, the hope, the need and desire. When it sneaks up on you unexpectedly, demanding attention, it can be a turning point in a new relationship.

Here’s the first kiss in Love Me Now, my latest release. First, the blurb, to introduce the characters:

Hot, wealthy and charming Seth Ventura holds the key to Lily Astor’s career as an artist, but he’s also the ex-boyfriend of the woman who was Lily’s downfall six years ago. Can she trust her artwork and her heart to this man who says he’s changed?

Seth hasn’t thought twice about the young artist whose artwork was thought to be plagiarized, but seeing her again makes him wonder how he’d ever overlooked her. He can’t get enough of her laughter now. He’ll give anything for a chance to earn her love.

Seth continued to try to draw her out of her shell as they ate, getting frustrated when her answers were brief. The longer he sat there, the more he needed to find out what made Lily Astor tick. What was her favorite food? What kind of movies did she like? Had she ever explored the beaches of Mexico?

He was in unfamiliar territory. The ability to draw people out was his livelihood. How else could he guarantee a successful showing, and know both the artist and the customer were getting what they wanted?

Why couldn’t he talk to Lily?

She toyed with her empty glass before she set it down and reached for her purse. “I should be going. Thank you for this.”

He jumped up to pull out her chair. “Thank you for trusting me with your time.”

She glanced up at him with a shy smile, then pulled her purse strap over her shoulder and walked toward the door.

When they stepped outside, he looked for signs she was interested in him. Acting as if he were certain she was, he said, “I want to see you again.”

“You will, at the exhibit.”

“You know that’s not what I meant.”

They reached her car door and she turned to face him. She searched his eyes for the longest moment and he held his breath.

“I have so much going on right now.”

“So much, as in you’re involved with someone?”

“No, no relationship.” Still she hesitated.

“You can’t work all the time, even when you are on the brink of breaking into superstardom.” He stroked her arm. When he saw gooseflesh spread from his touch, he moved in and brought his fingers to her chin, lifting her brown eyes to his.

Seth brushed his lips across hers, and another light touch, then sucked in a deep breath and captured her small gasp. His tongue slipped in to dance with hers. She tasted indefinably sweet, with the warm tang of her drink.

Heat shot through him.

His hands grasped her arms, fighting to keep from exploring her curves in such a public place. He deepened the kiss, his tongue stroking hers. The blend of her light scent and sweet taste drove him on.

Lily’s fingers curled around his biceps, neither drawing him in nor pushing him away. She stretched on her toes, allowing him deeper in her mouth. His breaths became shallow, short panting bursts, and he realized he needed to stop.

He lifted his head and pulled her tighter against his chest. His hand tangled in her hair. “I shouldn’t have done that, but I couldn’t resist. Say you’ll go out with me.”

She nodded against his chest. “Okay.”

Don’t forget to head back to Book Boyfriends Cafe to read all the other steamy first kisses!

Don’t you love that first round of lovemaking after you’ve been apart for a while? That’s what I’m featuring here today, from The Rock Star’s Wedding. Chaz and Kenzie have been apart due to his work travels, and finally reconnect. Warning: watch out for flying sparks!

Chaz led her into the living room and drew her close again, pushing her spaghetti straps off her shoulders. The dress shifted downward with his gentle tugs and she reached back to lower the zipper. Stepping away for a moment, she let the dress drop, sucking in her belly as it brushed past. Silly as it was, she was self-conscious standing before him in only her tiny silk panties, so she quickly closed the space between them.

“No, wait. I want to see you.” He took her hand and led her to the couch, next to the lamp. “I’d forgotten how beautiful you are.”

His gaze burned her skin, and much, much, deeper. She couldn’t wait any longer for his touch. She grabbed the front of his shirt and tugged him down for a kiss. Her lips were on fire. Her tongue slipped into his mouth to dance with his.

“So sweet,” he murmured.

Chaz’s hand stroked down her side, smoothing over her panties. She ground her hips against his hard ridge. Needing to touch, she slipped her hand between them and rubbed the length of his erection through his jeans.

Hunger flashed through her. Her nipples hardened. Her panties grew damp. She moaned against his mouth and thrust her tongue deeper.

He answered with a groan and cupped her breast, his thumb flicking her taut nipple. Ducking his head, he sucked the bud between his lips, sending electric currents through her.

She arched her back, wishing somehow he could suck both breasts at the same time. As if he heard her thoughts, he pinched the other nipple and tugged lightly.

“Yes,” she gasped. Her hands rested on his waist, maintaining her balance against the weakening of her knees. Her bones were melting.

Chaz licked his way through her cleavage on his way to her other breast. He nipped at the fullness, sucking just hard enough she was sure he left a mark.

Her breasts tightened, and she needed more. “Chaz, please,” she begged.

She reached for his head, stroked her palms over his coarse hair. Tension tightened in her belly. She wanted to rush ahead and get to the good part, the incredible feeling of him thrusting inside her, but she wanted to savor the sensations he created and make them last all night.

She needed to see his skin, too. “You’re wearing too many clothes.”

Sorry, did I cut you off at the good part? You’ll just have to check out the book! Kindle iBooks Kobo Nook

Don’t forget to hop back over to Book Boyfriends Cafe to check out the rest of the sexiness!

USA Today Bestselling author Ari Thatcher is the “naughty name” of sweet romance author Aileen Fish. Ari has always loved sexy romance where love takes the leading role. Reviews have called her work “captivating” and “compelling”, and her characters “intelligent, intriguing and realistic.”

Stay up to date through her website, Facebook and Twitter.

I was lucky enough to be included in a bundle with twelve other amazing authors in Hearts and Kisses. My story, The Rock Star’s Wedding features Kenzi and Chaz, who’d been lovers a few years before but had gone their separate ways. After a few life changes (read the book, LOL, but one has to do with his wedding) they are able to connect again. This is their first kiss after finally getting together.

She couldn’t stand that close to him and not kiss him. It wasn’t humanly possible. Without a phone between them, and not thousands of miles and a few times zones, she needed to remember how he tasted. She rose on her toes, her fingers shaking as they flattened on his pecs.

His chest rose, filling her hands, and his voice grew gravelly. “Kenzi.” He cupped the back of her head and pulled her into his kiss, nibbling, then sucking her lower lip.

A moan escaped her. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she ran her fingertips over the coarseness of his hair. His hands slid down to leave burning trails on her back as he explored. Stroked. When his thumbs caressed her ribs, her breasts swelled in anticipation of his touch.

“You taste so sweet.” He kissed the corner of her mouth. Nipped her earlobe, his breath tickling her.

Currents of passion shot straight to her core, making her gasp. Her body was on high alert. Every spot he touched shattered at the sensation. She needed to slow down. She’d climax right there in her entryway if they didn’t stop.

She couldn’t stop.

Focus. Focus on the salty taste of his skin, how smooth his neck felt beneath her tongue.

When her teeth brushed against his pulsing vein, he growled. “That’s so good.”

His voice made her tingle, no need for him to touch her. You’ve got it bad, girl.

Chaz slipped his tongue into her mouth, and palmed her breasts through the thin rayon fabric. Her nipples pebbled.

Kenzi grew lightheaded, lost in the sensations he brought out of her. This wasn’t a fantasy, not a memory. She knew when they picked up their old friendship that it would one day lead to this. Or had hoped it. Prayed for it. Chaz was her first, and definitely her best lover.

Hearts & Kisses is available now!

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, twelve New York Times, USA Today, National bestselling and award-winning authors deliver a dozen contemporary romance novels and novellas packed with drama, suspense, love and laughter. From the Highlands of Scotland to the Hollywood hills, twelve strong heroines meet twelve hot heroes in tales that span the globe. Whether you crave big-city adventure or small-town romance, second chance stories, or sexy single dads…this outstanding collection holds something special for you. Come be our Valentine, and snuggle up with these sweet and steamy romances, perfect for reading on a chilly winter’s eve. Happy ever afters guaranteed.

Don’t forget to head back to the Book Boyfriend’s Cafe to check out all the other Hot for Friday posts!

Need a sexy date for Valentine’s Day? How about 12 of them? Our new release will keep you warm & happy.

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Just in time for Valentine’s Day, twelve New York Times, USA Today, National bestselling and award-winning authors deliver a dozen contemporary romance novels and novellas packed with drama, suspense, love and laughter. From the Highlands of Scotland to the Hollywood hills, twelve strong heroines meet twelve hot heroes in tales that span the globe. Whether you crave big-city adventure or small-town romance, second chance stories, or sexy single dads…this outstanding collection holds something special for you. Come be our Valentine, and snuggle up with these sweet and steamy romances, perfect for reading on a chilly winter’s eve. Happy ever afters guaranteed.

Heart Tamer (Heartthrob Series Novella) by Sophia Knightly, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Fashion designer Kate Hayes must somehow convince her estranged ex-husband, Alec MacLeod, to agree to an unusual request. In this fiery second chance at love, whose heart will be tamed?

The Sometime Bride by Ginny Baird, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Carrie St. John is done with wedding disasters. Third time’s the charm? A jilted bride and a ditched bachelor cut a “fake fiancé” deal.

The Surrogate’s Secret by Mimi Barbour, USA Today and National bestselling author. Confirmed bachelor, Miguel, forces his dead brother’s gorgeous, headstrong surrogate to marry him so he can take her and her twins to Chile to cheer his ailing mamita.

Breaking the Rules by Mel Curtis, USA Today and National bestselling, award-winning author. The Gordon’s marriage has been an emotional rollercoaster, but Jack has the solution-lock them inside a safe room for a cool-down, which turns out to be hot.

Take Me, I’m Yours by Donna Fasano, USA Today bestselling author. Sexy single dad Derek learned the hard way to never trust a beautiful woman. So although he is indebted to Lainey for thwarting a kidnapping attempt on his daughter, he isn’t about to offer her his heart on a silver platter!

Valentine Babies by Mona Risk, USA Today and National bestselling author. Getting involved with fearless reporter, Roxanne, involves more complications than Dr. Greg has ever faced in the OR.

The Army Doctor’s Valentine’s Baby by Helen Scott Taylor, USA Today and National bestselling author. An abandoned baby brings two lonely army doctors together.

The Rock Star’s Wedding by Ari Thatcher, USA Today and National bestselling author. Kenzie’s vacation in St. Thomas heats up when her high school sweetheart and rock star heartthrob Chaz appears. If only he wasn’t there for his wedding.

Love Struck by Patrice Wilton, USA Today bestselling author. With the “love bug myth” and discovery of gold, Serendipity Falls is no longer safe. Can Samantha and Kyle find a way to end this madness, or will they too be swept away by love?

Ambrosia by the Sea by Traci Hall, National bestselling and award-winning author. After a bitter betrayal by her late husband, self-taught chef Celia Langdon moves to the sea, where dive shop owner Dax Smith dares her to heal from the heart.

Reading Between the Lines by Anna J Stewart, National bestselling author. When Ethan Sutherland was in high school, he’d go to any lengths to hide his secret, including betraying the one girl who tried to help him. Now he’s back in town and hoping Cassidy Wells finds it in her heart to forgive him.

No Perfect Destiny by Jackie Weger, National bestselling and award-winning author. Leah Spencer lives in the present until one sun-drenched day, her troubled past imperils the future and threatens all she holds dear.

In The Rock Star’s Wedding, Kenzi is vacationing on St. Thomas with friends and runs into her old flame, rocker Chaz Marino, who’s wedding is supposed to happen in a few days. Given the excerpt below I’ll leave it to you to decide is the wedding goes off as planned:

She couldn’t stand that close to him and not kiss him. It wasn’t humanly possible. Without a phone between them, and not thousands of miles and a few times zones, she needed to remember how he tasted. She rose on her toes, her fingers shaking as they flattened on his pecs.

His chest rose, filling her hands, and his voice grew gravelly. “Kenzi.” He cupped the back of her head and pulled her into his kiss, nibbling, then sucking her lower lip.

A moan escaped her. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she ran her fingertips over the coarseness of his hair. His hands slid down to leave burning trails on her back as he explored. Stroked. When his thumbs caressed her ribs, her breasts swelled in anticipation of his touch.

“You taste so sweet.” He kissed the corner of her mouth. Nipped her earlobe, his breath tickling her.

Currents of passion shot straight to her core, making her gasp. Her body was on high alert. Every spot he touched shattered at the sensation. She needed to slow down. She’d climax right there in her entryway if they didn’t stop.

She couldn’t stop.

Focus. Focus on the salty taste of his skin, how smooth his neck felt beneath her tongue.

When her teeth brushed against his pulsing vein, he growled. “That’s so good.”

His voice made her tingle, no need for him to touch her. You’ve got it bad, girl.

You can find The Rock Star’s Wedding on Kindle

Ari Thatcher is the “naughty name” of USA Today Bestselling sweet romance author Aileen Fish. Ari has always loved sexy romance, the hotter the better. Reviews have called her work “captivating” and “compelling”, and her characters “intelligent, intriguing and realistic.”

Stay up to date through her website http://arithatcher.com, Facebook and Twitter @arithatcher.

See the other Hot Kisses in the tour at

Book Boyfriends Cafe!