Narrated by Heather Miles

So, I always promise I'm going to put one of these out every couple of weeks and then a month passes and here we are again. I'm fraught with self-imposed time constraints, unrealistic deadlines and a million other things that actually have to be done in life and, because of that, I'm always burning the candle at both ends, beautifully frazzled, but with a brilliant smile. But I had to fill the dead space of a month with what's going on behind the scenes of my uber cool world. Life is a changing and I’m changing too.

I’m a phoenix rising from the ashes.

A caterpillar metamorphosing into a beautiful butterfly.

It’s a rebirth…a wonderful awakening of something new and unexpected.

Know this, I love writing and it remains my first passion. I quit my other life to write. I sacrificed the money of a successful career to take on a lifelong dream of writing. I’ve never taken it lightly, hence, four novels in 18 months. But, it might be summer before you see my next novel. I had big plans to get Merger Reignited out in the spring, and Claiming Emerson is virtually done.

Then…something…changed.

I had this great idea of turning my novels into audiobooks. Wouldn’t it be awesome to hear K.K. and Josh's story come to life? Or even, Saying Yes? I sure thought so. And who better to bring them to life than me. And so it began. From idea to action. (I’m never idle) I found an amazing tenured audio engineer and put my somewhat sexy, sassy and tantalizing voice to work.

But then…

Here's what happened. I'm not the only one who likes my voice and within a few days of setting up my profile and samples on ACX (Audible Audiobooks), I was getting inundated with offers and contracts to narrate. I had no idea, that my dream of narrating would turn into a home studio and an editing partnership with the great Mike Iacopelli. Contracts come and we say yes, or no. You can't do them all and some aren't worth the time, which is all consuming. Others, we audition for because we want them. In four weeks we have secured 7 contracts, and more that we refused. I know it's taking me away from my writing, but it's super cool and frankly it pays well.

I wrote this to say that I’m still here. I’m still writing. It’s my passion. It's in my blood and what I’ve sacrificed everything for. However, this new thing...this audiobook adventure…is pretty cool.

Hang with me. Continue to support me in my ventures and we can ride the wave together. K.K. and Josh, Jake and the rest of the gang have an amazing journey ahead and it will surely unfold in a way that will blow your mind. Emerson will wow and tantalize as no woman has ever before.

I adore my fans and appreciate how much support I have from the world of romance, my friendships and those that just truly believe in me and my passion. The chrysalis is cracked and I’m emerging anew. Let’s see how it unfolds. In the meantime, here’s something to tide your sweet tooth.

Sneak Peek...Claiming Emerson

“Stunning…simply stunning.”

His words were hushed, but they licked my skin like hot embers. I savored the burn. Suddenly the only sound was the click of my heels. David stopped, but his eyes remained. I was cloaked in an emotion I knew well…desire and lust. “I need a fucking drink,” he whispered, but not soft enough that I couldn’t hear. I knew the power I had over men and didn’t take it lightly. My beauty and body was a highly sought after commodity, and tonight I was living on the dangerous edge of that wealth. Few in the day ever got a glimpse of who I became during the night. I kept it that way for a reason, always wearing conservative clothes, not prudish, but high fashion and modest - professional and classy, no hint of glamour, but simple refinement.

I ruled The Metropolitan Museum of Art as the youngest curator in history, with brilliance and charm, knowledge and an edginess that kept people hungry. My personal life was a complete mystery to my colleagues and friends, which was just the way I liked it. The way it had to be, part French, part English and all mystery. Every now and then they got a glimmer of a different me, which unbalanced the shroud I hid behind. Tonight was one of those nights. I was stepping from the shadows of modesty to use my power of persuasion to empty the pockets of the aristocrats, stars and socialites that deemed the event scene worthy. A flirtatious smile, a well played giggle and the sway of my hips, ever so subtle to the untrained eye, but no less effective on those who bought into the fantasy of me. It would have them reaching deep into their pockets and writing hefty checks, salivating for the new shining star of the second greatest museum on planet earth. I’d never forget the first.

The band warmed up in the distance as I made my way through the grand foyer, checking that every thing met my specifications. It was the second major event I’d helped orchestrate since my inception, but this time I was given free reign. From the featured cocktail, La Mystère, a jalapeno-infused, passion fruit and muddled lime margarita with a decadent kick, to the dark mystical interior that was as tantalizing as it was extravagant. The food opulent and the tablescapes over the top chic with silver chalices, crystal stemware and sterling silverware. The chargers were lined in Swarovski crystals and dazzled like diamonds against the two thousand rows of twinkle lights that hung from above. It was everything I wanted it to be and then some. It wowed. It spoke volumes for the affair: open your wallet or drop your pants, either way you’re about to be seduced.

I stood looming over the top of the red carpet that lined the stairs, men and women were working frantically to make sure everything was in perfect order. At a thousand dollars a plate, it had to come off without a hitch. Discerning guests knew the difference. I took a cathartic breath, pleased with the outcome, then turned into the face of the one person I never expected to see. My heart stopped from the sheer shock of his radiant smile.

“You’re unmasked,” he said in a low husky purr that curled around me like soft velvet. A voice so familiar and enchanting, years slipped away, the past now present before me as I inhaled the beautiful sight of him.

“As are you.”

He slipped on the jet black mask that marred his beauty with a terrifying erect nose that slopped down towards his tender, rose tainted lips. It was very 'Eyes Wide Shut' and I almost hated that he had to hide his face. I admired the fine sculpting of his jawline and cheekbones, his deep set eyes and the five o’clock shadow that never failed to make you want to eat him alive. Heat singed my insides.

“You couldn’t look more beautiful.” With a tantalizing grin, he stuck his finger in the air and gestured for me to spin around for his perusal. I complied without a word, savoring the heat of his admiration. He nodded with approval and a blush swept over my cheeks. “I’m sure the others don’t know quite what to make of you like this.”

He was right. I’d left most of the staff that was familiar with me in complete awe. They were scurrying by me at a clipped pace and then when it donned on them who I was, their jaws dropped and they could only smile and nod their approval, too embarrassed to ogle. I was grateful for my position. I didn’t want to entertain questions. David was already going to be a challenge. I’d thwarted his advances since I arrived in New York, tonight was only going to make it worse. I had a hard fast rule about mixing business with pleasure, but there were a couple of instance where I’d crossed that line and one of them was standing before me.

“You could say that.” I lifted the mask that had dangled from my hand for the last hour and went to slip it on, but not before he wove his hand in mine and pulled me closer. I thought he was going to kiss me and as much as I yearned to feel his lips on mine, a sense of panic washed over me, but either he knew better or his mask rendered him incapable. He stopped short, but I could see the curl of his perfect lips rise with awareness. I softened my stance and relaxed into his touch. The smell of his cologne washed over me like a sensual flood. I closed my eyes and inhaled him - lust, passion, history. It was all there in the musky cedar and spice that cloaked his skin.

“Midnight. The Four Seasons.”

I opened my eyes and sank into the pools of liquid amber that always cast a spell over me. “I can’t.”

“You can and you will.”

I shouldn’t, but I would. He was one of two people that held any power over me. I didn’t concede to come, but I didn’t have to, he knew I’d be there.

“Put your mask on, Emerson. I don’t like sharing you with the world.” It was a command. I stared into his sultry eyes, challenging him like I always did. A band of heat that felt something like pain tightened across my chest when he used my full name. But I knew it was for my own protection. In this environment we were acquaintances. Regardless, it felt like a chink in my armor, but I remained unaffected, or so I thought. But he could read me. We’d been dancing this dance for so long now that I knew the steps with my eyes closed. A tantalizing waltz we’d mastered long ago. “Stop it.” His eyes pierced mine and for a split second I wanted him to pull me into his arms and reassure me that everything was alright. Had it ever been? “I won’t ever call you, Eme, in public.”

I nodded in understanding, though it didn’t hurt any less. He ran the back of his knuckles over my cheek, tenderly. It was far to intimate, but I didn’t care. I shut my eyes and inhaled. “You’re so beautiful.” He took the feather and crystal embellished mask that was custom created to match my dress and held it up to examine it. “Exquisite.” It dazzled under the shimmering waves of light. “But it still pales in comparison to you, my love,” he said, teasing his bottom lip with his tongue. My breath caught in my chest as I stared at him in wide-eyed wonder. He was mesmerizing in every sense of the word. The mere sight of him had me wanton and he played into that desire, stroking my need with delicate innuendo. He slipped the mask over my eyes then tied the raven silk ribbons at the back of my head, securing it with a loose pin that held up the bulk of my hair. Then, without thought or concern, he curled his finger in a loose fiery tendril that cascaded down my neck. A shiver ran down my spine and a spark of heat set my heart racing. He let it go and stepped around me so that we were eye to eye.

“Midnight. I’ve waited long enough.”

He had…we had.

With that, he turned and walked away, melding into the pooling crowd that had started to filter into the mystical space. Each person hidden behind the beautiful fanfare of custom masks, couture ball gowns and tailored tuxedo’s, masquerading behind secrets. None bigger than mine. None bigger than me.

Here's what's coming from the garden

(Oh...it's drinkable:)

Mint Julep's