Hating on Tyler McCreary... (Bear Mountain)

Tyler McCreary

Over the course of the last 14 weeks, I've been doing "re-read events" in my Facebook fan group. Each week, we all re-read one of the Bear Mountain books and then meet on Tuesday nights to discuss -- I answer questions and offer up inside information, etc, etc...

We still have six more books to go, and then we're going to do Project Zed, as well.

Week before last, I saw a post that said this person hated Tyler McCreary (A Beta for Two Bears).

It nearly broke my heart.

Tyler is my favorite of the McCreary boys... and quite possibly my favorite character next to Declan.

Now, my explanation as to why contains SPOILERS... so don't pass here unless you've read the WHOLE series...

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1. Tyler IS the McCreary Clan.

He is the one male who stood up when it counted the most and he has made sure that the majority of his brothers stayed connected amid the chaos. 

Dmitri

2. Tyler stood up for his littlest brothers when no one else did

Even in his darkest moment, his only concern was for the four little guys. He HAD to get to them in that snowstorm. He HAD to protect them. He HAD to step up and raise them.

3. Tyler even stood up for his miscreant teenaged brothers when no one else did

He convinced Barron and Dmitri to offer the middle boys a place to call home. He made sure his brothers were together, not set about to the four corners of the universe. He was THE GLUE that held them all together.

4. Tyler has stepped into the role of father to his brothers

As have Barron and Dmitri. Instead of running from responsibilities, he has taken them on without a second thought. To the younger boys, he has basically become their father

5. Tyler was tough on Jamie, Penn, and Colt when they returned

Because he loves them. Their supposed deaths had devastated him. To learn they were suddenly alive and had ran off broke his heart. He felt abandoned, when he would've never abandoned his brothers. Once he learned the reasons why and had time to cool off, he welcomed them back with open arms -- with the caveat that if they ever hurt the younger ones by running away again, he'd tear them apart.  I think he deserved that one.

6. Tyler can be meddlesome and opinionated and gets into his brothers' business

Barron

Again, because HE LOVES THEM. The McCreary Clan eventually get to a point where they're almost respectable. His brothers are finding redemption in their home town and a lot of that is because of Tyler and his persistence, and the job he's done as a father to his younger brothers. He loves his family. He wants them all to have the happy ever afters he has and maybe on occasion he sticks his opinions or his foot where it doesn't belong -- but ultimately it's coming from a place of love and a desire for them to be better people.

7. Tyler is an amazing father

Just look at the job he's done with his brothers... and the many babies he's had with Barron and Dmitri (who are pretty damned fine fathers themselves)



So all this Tyler hate needs to end. He is an amazing, rich, loving character who deserves to be loved right back!

Damned Good Food - Tuscan Shrimp with Pasta

I know I haven't done one of these in a while, but the kidult and I tried this recipe last week (with many alterations of our own design) and it turned out SO GOOD -- so I had to share.

We have tried to live a pescatarian lifestyle, but have fallen off that boat and are back to eating all kinds of meat. But the positive side effect is that we're still eating much more seafood than other meats each week, which isn't a bad thing, health-wise.

We have shrimp a lot. A WHOLE LOT. I recommend buying fresh, if you can, as they have more flavor (which are often previously frozen, but can't help that much.) Frozen bagged shrimp often lack the same great flavor after they've been frozen for long periods of time, but many people not close to water sources have no other alternative if they want shrimp.  (BTW - Whole Foods has had some great fresh shrimp on sale the last few weeks, so I've been in heaven.)

Also, wild caught is healthier than farm raised. Too many farms are feeding antibiotics, hormones, and animal feed to farm raised fish/shrimp, so they're often not as healthy as wild caught.  Also, I NEVER buy wild caught from Asian markets, particularly China. Their waters are highly polluted.

Shrimp is very low in fat and calories, so it's a great addition to the diet. Of course, this recipe has heavy cream in it, so that's adding it back in, but it's all about balance, right?

Okay, off my soapbox about seafood and on to the recipe

(Oh, one last thing -- I've heard this recipe is really good with chicken cutlets instead of shrimp if you're not a seafood fan!)

Tuscan Shrimp with Pasta

Prep 5 to 10 mins
Cooking 15 mins

3-4 servings

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 small yellow onion, diced
1/2 cup white wine (or broth, if you prefer)
6 oz. diced FRESH tomatoes (capriani are great in this)
1 cup heavy whipping cream
3/4 cup milk*
3-4 cups baby spinach leaves, washed and stems removed
1 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoons of water**
1 teaspoon fresh diced/dried rosemary
1 teaspoon fresh diced/dried thyme
1 teaspoon fresh diced/dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste

About 9 -12 oz of your favorite pasta***
Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water

*I used 2% milk, but would likely do fine with full fat, too - skim might be too thin. If you really want to try skim, I suggest perhaps adding another half teaspoon of cornstarch to your slurry.

**Mixing cornstarch and water makes a slurry - make sure there are no lumps! Mix with a fork and break lumps up. The smaller your bowl/cup to mix in, the better - ramekins work great, if you have one. Warm water works best, and you can use some of the pasta water if you'd like - it has a little added starch from the pasta, too)

***Use 9 oz for 3 people, 12 oz if serving 4.  We used rotini the first time, but I think linguini or fettuccine, or even a thin spaghetti, might be a better choice next time. 

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Melt the butter and add in the garlic and fry until fragrant, about one minute.

Add rosemary, thyme, and oregano, sauté for just 30 seconds (if diced) to a minute (if fresh) to warm them through and enhance flavor.

Add in the shrimp and fry two minutes on each side, until just cooked through and pink. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Fry the onion in the butter/herbs remaining in the skillet until near translucent. Pour in the white wine or broth, and reduce by half, deglazing the bottom of the pan (scrape the bottom).

Add the diced tomatoes and sauté for three minutes.

Reduce heat to low-medium heat, add the cream and milk. Bring to a low simmer, while stirring occasionally for about four to five minutes. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.

While the cream and milk is simmering, bring a 4 qt pot of salted water to boil. Add your pasta and cook using the instructions included, or to your taste preference. (Some like al dente, some don't) Drain when done and hold. Don't forget to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water!

Add in the washed spinach leaves to the cream sauce and allow to wilt in the sauce, stirring often.

And add in the parmesan cheese and blend.

Allow sauce to simmer for a minute or two, or until cheese melts thoroughly in the sauce.

Add the cornstarch/water slurry to the pan and continue to simmer while quickly stirring the mixture through until the sauce thickens.

Add the shrimp back into the pan and stir through.

Add the pasta back into the pan and stir through. If sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the pasta water, no more than a tablespoon at a time until you get the desired consistency.

Enjoy!


Original recipe was found at Cafe Delights and altered for our preferences with supplemental additions made to unclear instructions.

#FlashbackFriday HUDDLE, Men's Football League, 1

Flashback Friday

Huddle

Men's League, 1

Arrogant quarterback Aiden Summers thinks he’s God’s gift to football. When he’s not drafted, he and the country are shocked, but his cocky attitude barely wavers. Another offer to play ball, in a lesser league, is the best he can find to get paid to play—at least until the next season of big league ball inevitably comes knocking. Arena football team owner Bailey Thompson is retired from the big game himself, but the love of play kept him inside the business. He sees undrafted college player Aiden Summers as just what his fledgling team needs to sell more seats and raise the profile of the league itself. 

When the controlled Bailey meets with cocky Aiden, Bailey immediately knows the younger man needs a little dose of humility and where better to learn that on his knees, with the taste of the crop coming down on his flesh? Aiden’s not gay, but he can’t ignore the desire the rough caresses ignite, regardless if they’re from another man or not.

Can Bailey get Aiden to understand humility and service before it’s too late?

Twisted E-Publishing  *  Amazon

Aiden stood at the cracked door, peeking in on a conversation he had no business peeking in on. If Nash’s plan worked, Aiden would land on the bench again, so he wasn’t completely out of the situation. 

He should leave, come back later. 

He couldn’t back away. 

Seeing Nash’s head bobbing above Bailey’s groin made Aiden’s cock harder than he’d ever imagine it could be. Aiden wasn’t gay, yet watching the two men get it on was the biggest turn-on he’d ever witnessed. He couldn’t see Bailey’s cock past the edge of the desk and he wanted to see it with a desperation that bordered on obsession. 

Thick and taut, his own cock screamed against the zipper of his jeans. Gripping himself through his jeans, he massaged himself, urging the length to grow even longer. It wasn’t enough, his touch lacking in every way. Aiden unbuttoned his pants and then lowered his zipper, pushing his briefs apart to let his shaft escape the close quarters. 

Palming his cock, he stroked himself as he watched the scene before him. Heat churned in his sac, the need to come spiraling through him with force. The need took his breath away. 

Bailey sliced his fingers through Nash’s hair, coaxing the man to take more of Bailey down his throat. The longer Aiden watched, he was fairly certain this wasn’t the two males’ first time in this position. There seemed to be a familiarity they shared, or Nash was very adept at sucking cock. 

Bailey began to moan louder, pumping his hips up into Nash’s mouth. Aiden quickened the pace over his own shaft, his hips moving in concert with Bailey’s. Seconds after Bailey cried out, Aiden came, shooting a thick load onto the carpet near the door—all while Nash swallowed Bailey’s load. 

As soon as it was over, Aiden was shaken. He quickly shoved his cock back into his pants and zipped them up as he heard the two men speak in low tones. 

His head spun as he rushed away from the door. He launched into the men’s room down the hall and washed his hands, cleaning off the remnants of his spunk. Aiden looked up into the mirror when he was done, still shocked he’d responded as he had. 

He wasn’t gay. 

He... wasn’t.

My Coffee Addiction

Where's a New Book????

So, yeah, I'm being a bit "lazy" right now and there's been no new release since Sleeping Beauty.

There WAS going to be a new book on May 30, but due to unforeseen circumstances, the book took a total u-turn and I had to make MASSIVE changes.

A secondary character made me realize the book was actually his and not his nephew's, like I thought it was. But his nephew's story will also be coming, just at a later date...

I need more time to get it right, so that project is being pushed back at least a month, if not more.

After making those changes, I decided to shelve the story for a week or two to let my brain untangle and focus on a short project I've been considering doing.  I needed something short and sweet that wouldn't pull me too far away from the shelved book. This will likely be coming close to mid-June.

The big project with all the changes will hopefully be coming in late June/early July.

So check back soon -- I should have a story many of you might be excited to see coming. More news to follow as soon as I have something to share!

Yes, there will be more coming from Midnight, Mississippi soon, too. I had planned for June, but this change in schedule is now pushing the next book in that series tentatively to July.

x
Kelex

Sunday Spotlight - Lisa Oliver and Fagin's Folly

Welcome Lisa Oliver back to Sunday Spotlight! She's sharing a bit from her new release, Fagin's Folly, Alpha and Omega Series, 6

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Fagin Mars, alpha-heir of his father's pack, had two possible life paths. On the one hand, he could do what his father demanded; mate with a female wolf shifter and take over the pack or...something else entirely. Fagin was opting for option two. After a terse exchange with his father, Fagin gets permission to go on a road trip for thirty days. He wants to find his true mate. It shouldn't be that hard, should it?

Cooper Samuels stayed well away from wolf packs. As an omega, he knew the terrors he'd have to face if he ever got caught in pack territory. Which is why he worked for a human accounting services firm and never told anyone about the furry side of his nature. That was, until he went to meet a prospective new client as a biker bar called Fagin's Folly. He should've known his life was going to change the moment someone barrelled into him and knocked him over. 

But just because the Fates stepped in and put these two men on the same path, didn't mean the journey was going to be easy. Things aren't all as they seem in Fagin's home pack and things turn nasty after a night on the town. Kidnappings, challenges and the archaic notions many shifters believed about omega wolves was enough for Fagin to consider handcuffs and not the kinky kind. Will Fagin have to give up his mate so soon after finding him, just to ensure his mate's safety?

Like all of the books in the Alpha and Omega series, this can be read as a standalone and has no connections to the others in this series. Contains some violence, an Omega who quickly finds his backbone and an Alpha wolf who realizes love is worth any sacrifice. M/M, HEA, No cliffhangers. 

Amazon.com  *  Amazon.co.uk  *  Smashwords

Excerpt

Crap-sticks. Cooper was alone in a surprisingly clean office big enough for a cluttered desk and three chairs, and a guy whose scent was making it difficult to concentrate. The guy was a wolf shifter and suddenly Cooper was aware of how vulnerable he was. 

“I didn’t want to cause any trouble by coming here. I wasn’t aware this place was owned by wolves,” he said quickly. “My boss sent me because the call said you needed an accountant to help file your taxes. I can call someone else to come in,” he indicated the door as he edged towards it. “I don’t expect you to work with me and as you said, you’re going on a trip, so I can just see myself out and tell my boss to call you?”

“Where do you think you’re going little omega?”

Gulp. Was it too much to hope he wouldn’t notice that annoying little fact? Cooper studied his feet. Meeting the man-wolf’s eyes was not advisable. “Leaving? Removing myself from your presence as I’m sure it offends you? I just want to get out of here because I’ve no desire to get my head bashed in, or worse.” Now would be a really good time to shut up.

“We seem to be suffering from a communication breakdown. Please, take a seat.” Fagin’s voice had none of the animosity Cooper was used to from alpha wolves, but now he had another dilemma. 

I don’t know your rules. I don’t dare ask. Where am I meant to sit? On the floor? Giving his suit up as lost anyway, Cooper crossed his legs and sat on the floor. It’s not as though the chairs looked comfortable anyway. 

“What the hell?” 

Cooper held his breath as the alpha’s face came into view. “You called me Omega,” Cooper muttered. “Where I came from, Omegas sit on the floor.”

Fagin growled, and Cooper ducked instinctively. Although it had been ten years since he’d heard the low menacing rumble from an alpha, his wolf still reacted as though it was yesterday. The growl got louder in response and Cooper felt his heart start to pound rapidly and black spots appeared in front of his eyes. 

“Please get up. In this office you sit on a chair,” Fagin grumbled. “Or better yet, my lap. Who do I need to kill for causing my mate to cower this way?”

Kill? Mate? That feeling of falling into the twilight zone increased. At least his hardened cock made sense, but Cooper didn’t know how to act around alphas any other way. Years of conditioning made some things instinctive. Focusing on what he could handle, Cooper made to get up but before he’d got his feet under him properly the office door opened and hit him on the ass. He went flying again ñ this time into the corner of Fagin’s desk. Fuck, that hurts, Cooper thought as he crashed to the floor and the lights went out.

Adult Excerpt

“Weren’t you just telling me, I really shouldn’t give a damn what people think?” Fagin’s eyes showed his resolve. “I fully plan on letting you take me one day. Not today, I don’t think either one of us are there yet, but there is going to come a time when I’m not behaving like an idiot and you trust me with all you are. I know I’ve set that back some with my actions over the weekend, but we’ve not known each other long. It will come. I promise.”

Cooper’s mouth was dry, his mind assailed with wicked images a good little omega should never be thinking of. He imagined the taste of Fagin’s skin under his tongue; tracing over every ink stroke engraved there while his cock brushed against the swell of Fagin’s naked ass. He heard a groan and was shocked to hear it came from him. Fagin’s smirk didn’t help matters. 

“You’re thinking about it, aren’t you, my delicious little Omega.” Fagin’s fingers burned through Cooper’s shirt and Cooper arched into the touch. “You’re imagining what it’d be like to delve between my ass cheeks, maybe tease my virgin hole with your tongue as you work to make me ready for you.”

Cooper’s eyes fluttered closed and he groaned deliberately this time. His pants were sticking to the end of his dick and his ass begged to be filled. Fagin’s hand behind his neck pulled him closer, and a shiver ran down Cooper’s spine as Fagin licked up and then nibbled down the tendons in his neck. “You can feel it now, can’t you.” The sound of a zipper had never sounded so loud. A slight breeze and a firm clasp around his dick, let Cooper know it was his. 

“Your cock sinking into my tight heat,” Fagin’s voice lowered in a growl. “Feeling my whole body clench around you as you thrust deep.”

“Fagin.” Cooper pleaded. He didn’t know what he needed, but fuck, he needed it now. One rip later and his ass was exposed. Cooper pushed his butt out as Fagin’s finger ran down his crack. 

“Imagine surrounded by the heat of my body.” Fagin slid a finger deep inside and Cooper cried out. 

There was a fumble and a second finger joined the first. Cooper could feel his slick running down his butt and there was a tiny part screaming at him that his suit was ruined. But all he wanted in that moment was for Fagin’s length to fill him, thrust into him, pound into him ñ anything to take away the ache he felt in the pit of his stomach. 

 Amazon.com  *  Amazon.co.uk  *  Smashwords

About the Author

Lisa Oliver had been writing non-fiction books for years when visions of half dressed, buff men started invading her dreams.  Unable to resist the lure of her stories, Lisa decided to switch to fiction books, and now stories about her men clamor to get out from under her fingertips.  

When Lisa is not writing, she is usually reading with a cup of tea always at hand. Her grown children and grandchildren sometimes try and pry her away from the computer and have found that the best way to do it, is to promise her chocolate.  Lisa will do anything for chocolate.

Lisa loves to hear from her readers and other writers. You can friend her on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/lisaoliverauthor), catch up on whatís happening at her blog (http://www.supernaturalsmut.com) or email her directly at yoursintuitively@gmail.com.

Blog: http://www.supernaturalsmut.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lisaoliverauthor

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/wisecrone333

Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/author/lisaoliver

and if you are keen on excerpts teasers and cover reveals join my group :) 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/540361549650663/

#FlashbackFriday - CLAIMING CALLUM (Alaxian Heirs,1)

Flashback Friday

Claiming Callum
Alaxian Heirs, 1

An alien prince was hidden on Earth twenty-five years ago, his freedom a casualty of the Alaxian Civil War.

Callum Walters has no idea of his true origins, growing up believing he’s a typical human alongside his best friend Trex. Callum hides his desire for Trex, afraid the truth will tear them apart.

When he’s attacked by strange men, Trex jumps into action, protecting Callum from danger. Callum is whisked on board an alien ship and taken off Earth. His whole world is stripped from him—everything but Trex.

Yet that relationship is changed, too. Trex is his bodyguard, sworn to his duty to the royal family, not the man Callum thought him. Betrayed, Callum pushes Trex away.

Trex refuses to be pushed and has more secrets to share with Callum, one which will bind them forever.

Twisted E-Publishing  *  Amazon

“Would you jump in front of a bullet to save me?” Callum asked, his mouth working faster than his brain.

Trex turned, his stare capturing Callum’s. “I would.”

Trex’s stare held more than his admission. There was something else bubbling underneath.

Heat?

“Why would you be so hellbent on doing your duty for a planet you’ve never seen?”

Trex lifted his chin and strolled closer. “Because I was taught the Alaxian ways. When no one was around, my parents taught me the rituals and rites of our world. I understand what is at stake. I may not have seen that world, but I understand it and its traditions. And I know what my reward will be for doing my duty well.”

“Reward? I knew money had to be involved. So what do you get for protecting me?”

Trex closed in, stopping within inches of Callum. He lifted a hand and caressed the side of Callum’s face. Callum’s knees felt weak again, and he nearly dropped to the mattress. He refused to show weakness in Trex’s sight, though, and fought to stay upright, ignoring the spiraling lust caused by Trex’s nearness.

“Not all rewards are monetary,” Trex whispered before kissing Callum.

Callum felt the first touch of Trex’s lips on his, and his body exploded with need. A spark lit through him, like an electric surge that almost took his breath away. He’d wanted Trex for so long, dreaming of this moment. Trex moved his hand, sliding it to the back of Callum’s neck and drawing him closer. The kiss ignited, their lips and tongues warring with one another as Callum pressed his hands against Trex’s chest.