Above and Beyond – The Beginning: Chapter 6

Part 1 is here. Part 2 is here. Part 3 is here. Part 4 is here. Part 5 is here. This, sadly, is the last installment – but luckily you can find details about Roxy and Rob below!

Chapter Six

Roxy woke encapsulated by a powerful male body. Rob. She smiled and moved just slightly. Why would anyone ever want to move from this? She could feel his cock, soft, between her pussy lips. It also felt decidedly damp down that way, and she throbbed a little, in a good way. In a not-long-had-an-orgasm way. Did he? Her fingers went to her moist pubic hair, yep he did. He never penetrated her.

Jesus, for a male prostitute he sure was an upstanding citizen. Her body tingled from the many positions where she’d found climax, and the thoroughness in the way he’d fucked her. Oh man. Just five more minutes here.

Then her brain kicked into gear. What was the time? Her plane left at midday. She had to be at the airport by eleven, and the stream of light coming through the crack in the curtains seemed awfully bright. She threw Rob’s arm from over her and leaped from under the covers. The digital clock display blinked at her from the sideboard. Holy shit! It was already ten thirty.

“You okay?” His deep voice thrilled through her even in her panicked state.

“It’s fucking ten thirty and I have a plane to catch and I haven’t done anything I was going to do, and you’re still here, and…this won’t cost me any extra, will it? Because I haven’t got the time to go to the website and pay more and I don’t want to be in debt to a brothel.” She scurried about shoving things into her small carry-on case, taking the free biscuits. The village children would love those.

“You’ve read How to win friends and influence people several times, huh?”

“This is no time for jokes. I cannot miss that plane. People are depending on me.” She realised he was out of bed and pulling on his clothes, and, God, she was still naked. He picked up anything he saw of hers and came over to push it into her bag. “Thanks. Can you call me a cab? Or call reception to call me one?”

“Sure.” He went to the phone.

Roxy rushed to the bathroom. She needed a shower. Lord only knew when she’d get another one, and she couldn’t go back to the island smelling of sex. But she had no time. She had to get downstairs to the taxi and would she even have time to get there?

“You have ten minutes. Jump in the shower. I’ll find you some clean clothes in your bag.”

“There’s underwear, shorts, and a t-shirt in the side pocket.” The stream of hot water coursed over her skin and Roxy got to work with the soap and flannel washing away last night. Damn.

Clothes flew through the door as she towelled herself off. “Thanks.” Why the fuck was he helping her? Maybe she was wrong, but this seemed pretty weird.

“I’ll call the airport and see about your flight.” His voice was so sexy. Stop it.

She pulled on her clothes and roughed her hair up a bit with her fingers. It would have to do.

She did a last minute scope of the suite and couldn’t see anything. Her bag, her phone, passport, visa, and her wallet were all there. She shoved her feet into her slip-on sandals. Ten minutes and she was ready. Record!

“Taxi will be waiting outside the foyer. Your flight is delayed by fifteen minutes and they’ll check you through as soon as you arrive.”

“Right.” How organised was this man? Roxy bolted out the door, dragging her case into the waiting elevator with open doors straight across the hall. He couldn’t have arranged that? He stepped in beside her.

“Well. Thanks. Um…it’s been nice.”

He glared at her across the lift and closed the gap between them in no time flat. His mouth possessed hers and she’d soon be soiling these clean panties if his tongue owned hers for much longer. As soon as she ran out of breath, he let her go, almost flung her from him. “Nice is an insult.”

“Sorry. I didn’t realise you people rated these things. My bad.” The lift doors opened and she struck out for the foyer doors and the taxi waiting there. He was close behind and if she didn’t know better, she’d say he was as mad as a meat axe.

Rob opened the back taxi door, grabbing her case and stowing it in the boot, then he got into the front seat.

“What’re you doing?” Her eyes met his in the rear vision mirror.

“I’m coming to help.”

“You’ve done enough. I’m fine.”

The angry stare she got back in answer silenced her. Okay, okay. Be anal. All the male hookers in the city and I have to get the responsible one. They travelled the fifteen minutes in awkward silence. Her body spoke to his though and his answered back in no uncertain terms. What the fuck? This was supposed to be a night of fun and then hit the road, Jack. Where was all this sexual angst coming from?

Roxy switched on her phone and waited for it to update her messages and any missed calls. Two messages. One from Juliet. One to tell her she had a voice message. She texted Juliet saying she’d slept in and would fill her in later with details. She turned her phone off to conserve what little battery power was left. The taxi navigated into the drop off zone and stopped.

“Thanks.” Roxy handed the driver thirty bucks. “Keep the change.”

Rob already had her case out by the time she got to the boot of the car. “Let’s go. You have fifteen minutes to check through.”

“I’m fine. Really.”

“No time to argue. Let’s go.” Rob took off at a blistering pace towards terminal one. Roxy had to jog to keep up.

They checked her through with lightning speed and unusual politeness. “What gate are you leaving from?” He walked beside her.

“Does it matter?” The security screening was close.

“I guess not.”

“Tell me you are not coming through the security with me?”

He didn’t say a word. He’d actually been considering it? This just got crazier.

“No. Seriously, you are scaring me. I know I paid for attentiveness, but this is a little freaky.” Roxy put her carry-on case and hand bag up on the conveyor belt.

“What if I told you that last night wasn’t my usual line of work?”

Roxy’s heart dropped through to her feet. “What?”

“Let’s just say I was doing a favour for a mate.”

“Oh. My. God. I thought…what we did….You could have told me.” Roxy’s face burned all the way down her neck.

Rob pulled her in close to his body, his arms holding her captive against him. “Would you have had as good a time if I did?”

“No.”

“Exactly.”

She looked up into his deep blue eyes and somehow she couldn’t be mad. She’d wanted adventure and she’d got it. “Well, thanks, I guess. I hope I get my money back.”

“I’m sure you’ll work it out.”

The final boarding call for her flight came. “I have to go. This is totally fucked up. I don’t know what to say.”

“You are an incredible woman, Roxy Williams. Everything a man could ever want. You save that for someone special. Take care.” He kissed her on the lips, a gentle, loving, tender kiss. Her insides melted and she did not want to walk away from him. “I won’t see you again, will I?” It wasn’t a question, more of a realisation.

“It’s unlikely.”

Tears formed and she pushed away, walked through the security gate, picked up her belongings, and headed for her plane. She didn’t have time. She’d got what she wanted: Incredible sex and no strings attached. She’d gotten far more than she’d ever imagined possible and when the bite marks and sore muscles faded, Roxy was certain the memories would be strong.

She smiled at the attendant as she boarded the plane. Yes, she was happy. That was once-in-a-lifetime stuff. Now she had a job to do revealing the truth. One day, just maybe, she’d find that kind passion to keep for a lifetime. Roxy knew she could never settle for anything less now.

Wait. How did he know her last name?

If you’ve enjoyed meeting Rob and Roxy, follow their adventures even further in the action-adventure full-length novel Above and Beyond!


20833In the sticky, steamy jungles of Papua New Guinea, they fight for the lives of the world’s most vulnerable people. They didn’t expect to have to fight for their own.

All investigative journalist Roxy Williams wanted was a hot one-night stand: quick, dirty, and completely one-off. A business transaction to ease stress, loosen tension, and allow her to get right back to her job — exposing the heart-breaking realities of people smuggling. So when all hell breaks loose in a small village on Papua New Guinea, the last person Roxy expects to see is her one-night-stand and male escort, Rob, with a boat, a beach, and an escape plan!

Rob is supposed to be long-gone from this assignment, but after their one night together, he can’t seem to let Roxy go. Using all his resources, Rob risks his job to keep track of her — and when a huge storm threatens, he goes after the sexy journalist. Now they’re together, in danger, and fighting for their lives. People smuggling is a big money industry, and the smugglers are playing for keeps.

Above and Beyond – The Beginning: Chapter 5

Part 1 is here. Part 2 is here. Part 3 is here. Part 4 is here. Still NSFW. 

Chapter Five

Roxy shovelled noodles into her mouth like it would be her last meal. By the way Rob was packing it away; he’d worked up an appetite too.

She looked away when he looked at her. Felt kind of weird to try and make small talk over Singapore Noodles after the way they’d explored each other’s bodies. The actions and feelings were intimate, yet there was no way they could possibly be.

She’d paid good money for him, and he presumably would be doing this all again with a different woman tomorrow. Less than twelve hours, and she’d be fighting off the mozzies in the village.

There was some work she had to do online, and some calls to make. She’d had her money’s worth, way more than that. She should sleep and then do her research before she had to get back on the small plane. But a part of her didn’t want to break the connection with him, the in-control girl wanted to hold on a little bit longer.

“You want me to go?”

She glanced at him. “What makes you think that?”

“Vibes.”

“I have some stuff to do before I go back tomorrow.” She shrugged not wanting to commit to telling him to go. This huge suite would be empty without him.

“You could go the next day.”

“Can’t. I hitched over on a small motorboat, and the flights only go once a week.”

“Okay.”

“So really I should get my stuff done, and sleep.”

“Yeah. Still, a sleep cuddled up to you would be awesome.”

What? “Does that happen with other…clients?”

“You aren’t other clients.” Honesty shone through his sparkling eyes.

Roxy’s heart flipped over. Stop with the feelings crap, she told herself. He is paid to sleep with women. Lots of women. “Special favours?”

“Something like that. You don’t want to be alone yet, do you?”

“A couple of hours sleep. That’s all.”

Goddess. It was the only word he could think of as her pert backside pushed into him, and her taut nipple hardened under his fingertips. Her deep breathing told him she slept; her occasional murmuring told him of her satisfaction. The scent of her soft hair told him he didn’t want to hold another woman, ever.

Exactly the position he couldn’t afford to be in, and he should leave now. Stuff it. What harm had been done? They’d both gotten something they needed, and she didn’t have his last name. Plus she was safe. Safe in his arms.

Her toned body pushed back into him again, and he responded. Her nipples, taut and irresistible, perked further as he coaxed each in turn. His erect cock pressed lengthways between her moist folds and he moved back and forth in silent rhythm. Slow, so as not to wake her. She murmured, and he stilled. How easy it would be to slip inside her tightness. Instead, he resumed his strokes, and she pushed back into him. He snaked his hand down her belly, the softest of her flesh was there, but beneath he felt the powerful muscles. Soft hair met his fingertips and he rested there a while. Could a woman orgasm in her sleep? Her arousal was clear as his cock slicked between her folds, but he never entered her. She was hot and moist making his actions easy. He parted her, pressing a fingertip to her clit. She moved, murmured, gave a slight tremble, then breathed out and relaxed. Rob kept a steady, calm stroke going with his cock. He wouldn’t fuck her. Not without protection. Her body tensed, and her breath shortened. He slipped two fingers between her pussy lips and heightened her arousal with fast pulses until Roxy whimpered a little and he knew he had her on the edge. He slowed. He kissed her shoulder, and then nipped it with his teeth. She shuddered. Those pre-climax trembles started and he kept his finger moving over her engorged bud, pressing a little more, working into the very centre where it was most sensitive.

The way she reacted to him, even in her sleep, had him on the edge of control. Her panting came hard and a small cry in the back of her throat signalled her release. Rob couldn’t hold his back either, and he let go to a slow, powerful orgasm that rocked his body.

When her body had stilled and her breathing had evened again, he tightened his arms around her. She moulded back to him, a perfect fusion, and Rob felt happy. He didn’t have much experience with the emotion, but he was certain this was it. With a woman who thought he sold himself for sex.

Best damn sex he’d ever had. Would ever have, because he knew that Roxy had been uninhibited for a good reason. She had paid for an experience — she had no expectations to fill. If he confessed now, she’d feel embarrassed and hurt. She’d feel violated and used. He knew those feelings well, and he wouldn’t put her through that.

In time, he’d forget the softness of her skin, the way she screamed as she came, the shudders her orgasm gave her, the orgasms he gave her. He’d be off this case in a month. His boss assured him arrests would be made by then and the case closed.

Meanwhile, he’d be back in Tassie, doing the right thing for once. For the rest of his life. Fuck.

Final installment is tomorrow! We hope you’ve been enjoying this story!


20833In the sticky, steamy jungles of Papua New Guinea, they fight for the lives of the world’s most vulnerable people. They didn’t expect to have to fight for their own.

All investigative journalist Roxy Williams wanted was a hot one-night stand: quick, dirty, and completely one-off. A business transaction to ease stress, loosen tension, and allow her to get right back to her job — exposing the heart-breaking realities of people smuggling. So when all hell breaks loose in a small village on Papua New Guinea, the last person Roxy expects to see is her one-night-stand and male escort, Rob, with a boat, a beach, and an escape plan!

Rob is supposed to be long-gone from this assignment, but after their one night together, he can’t seem to let Roxy go. Using all his resources, Rob risks his job to keep track of her — and when a huge storm threatens, he goes after the sexy journalist. Now they’re together, in danger, and fighting for their lives. People smuggling is a big money industry, and the smugglers are playing for keeps.

Above and Beyond – The Beginning: Chapter 4

Part 1 is here. Part 2 is here. Part 3 is here. This is NSFW, and hot.

Chapter Four

The heated, bubbling water still over his hips, Rob took Roxy’s hands and drew her back in to the tub. The soft skin of her shoulder slid like silk under his lips. Her breasts were just over a handful of perfection, as he cupped them from behind. The citrus scent of her hair filled his nostrils as he found his way to nibble her ear.

Rock hard and wanting to lose his cock in the rippling pleasure of her pussy had pushed him to the brink, but he’d clued in to the fact she needed to be in control. Rob sat in the corner of the spa; Roxy nestled back in his lap. He grabbed the complimentary bottle of massage oil, flicked it open, and squeezed it over his hand.

The bottle floated off and he smoothed the scented oil over both hands. He massaged her breasts from behind again, paying particular attention to the hardened nipples. She arched back into him and, in his sorry state, he felt every movement.

“I want to fuck you so bad.” He spoke the words low into her ear. “I want to ram into you until you scream for me to stop.”

“Mmm.”

He took his hands from her breasts and spread the massage oil up over her shoulder and neck. Like a brick wall. Rob worked his fingers and thumbs over her knotted muscles. He’d watched the loads she carried to and from the camp, knew she’d be tense. She not only lived in the village, she’d helped build it. He worked his thumbs in circles at the base of the back of her neck and down between her shoulder blades.

Roxy groaned and mewled and let her head fall forward. “Awesome. Love a massage.”

“Feels like you needed it. Carry bricks for a living?”

“Something like that.”

Rob ached for her, but one thing he did know was patience paid off, so he continued rubbing her back and around her waist and worked back up to tweak her nipples.

“As much as I’d like to be inside you right here, I’m not convinced condoms work so well under water.”

She turned around then, and kissed his lips. When her hand squeezed his cock, it was Rob’s turn to close his eyes and groan. She kissed his chest and nipples and increased the stroking. “Do you come every time….for every…client?”

“No.” Technically not a lie.

“I want you to come for me. I want you to enjoy this as well.”

“Roxy, I haven’t enjoyed anything so much for a long, long time.” His hips lifted from the seat when her grip and speed increased. “And that is a fact.”

“Well, then. You won’t mind if I make you come just like this, then, will you?”

The friction and the pressure was such he could only squeeze his eyes shut and shake his head.

He was thick and long in her hand and she wanted to make him lose control. Somehow, if he came too, it made this less clinical, less of a performance on his part. Logic told her that it shouldn’t matter — she’d made a good sound decision and she was the only one with anything to lose, but the woman in her wanted to know this god of a man would remember every damn second with Roxy Williams.

She’d never been much for the look of a penis. Always laughed how they all looked the same given a few individual nuances, but Rob’s was perfect. Smooth, large, and she just bet he knew how to use it. Of course he did.

She worked him, slowly now, squeezing harder. She traced the droplet of excitement with the tip of a finger. He was completely powerless to the impending orgasm; his body tensed impossibly tight, head lolled back, eyes squeezed tight.

Every inch of him was poised to hold back what she wanted the most, to make him come, to be in control, to make him feel something for her, even if only in this moment. Roxy stood to get even more leverage, and pumped, almost yanked him as fast as she could. “If you want to fuck me, you better come on me first. Let me see if your orgasm is worthy of being in my pussy.”

His trembling began.

“Yeah. You love it hard, don’t you? Come on.”

He swelled in her grip, tell-tale droplets glistened on his smooth head. “Rob. Come for me. Come over me.” She demanded in a low growl. The power of having a man at her mercy thrilled her “Next orgasm will be inside me. Fucking my brains out.”

He exploded, with a gruff, throaty noise, pumping and pumping until he lay semi-flaccid in her hand. His mouth powered over hers, his tongue demanding her tongue as if in penance for the way she’d brought him undone. She opened to him and he crushed her body to his.

For all that was good in this world, he was solid between her thighs again. So soon.

There really is a God, she thought. And he is right here with me.

Rob stepped out of the tub and pulled her up with him, never losing the connection of skin on skin until he threw her, wet and hot, onto the king-size bed.

“Condoms, top draw.”

“How do you want it?”

Well, there went the niceties. She liked him more and more. “Hard.”

His grin was almost maniacal, animal, and his eyes flashed a warning. “Oh, you’ll get it hard.” He slid the condom into place and rubbed his length a few times. Roxy couldn’t take her eyes from him until he got her attention with his stone-cold order. “Turn over.”

On all fours now, Roxy arched her arse up to him. He answered her with a sound slap on her butt cheek, and then rubbed the sting away with deft hands. “Your arse is made for spanking. But later.”

Roxy wasn’t sure how she felt about that, but she was sure she wanted to find out. His fingers drilled into her hips held her steady. “You’re so wet. I can see it.”

She felt the round head of his cock at her opening and squeezed as tight as she could. Make him fight for it. “You made me that way.”

“You’ll be a lot wetter by the time I finish.” He pulled back on her hips and slid himself home. The slice of pleasure-pain took her and her back arched so hard Roxy worried her spine would snap.

“Yeah. You wanted it hard. You need it hard. Dirty.”

Another slap rang out on her left bottom cheek and Roxy cried out.

He showed no mercy as he slammed his cock into her. She wanted it more, wanted it harder, wanted it all. He did not let her down. Just when the spitfires began to form before her eyes, his fingers pressed to her throbbing clit and circled there long enough for orgasm to break her apart from the inside out.

She screamed. Screamed dirty swear words. Screamed his name. He kept at her, kept thrusting, circling, and somehow holding her up with one powerful arm. The pressure on her clit increased, and she wanted more. Just when everything in her body said she should be finishing, she wanted — needed — more.

Rob obliged, his hard cock never letting up, and the arm supporting her went away. She face-planted into the soft quilt, the material grazing over her sensitive nipples with every forward movement she made. God, she could stay here for ever, like this. The next orgasm was a foregone conclusion. Then she felt a tickle in the place she’d never had touched before, a slow circular movement around the outside of that most protected erogenous place.

She tensed a little, and he just kept circling, not violating, just teasing her there. “Play with your clit.” His demand was as deep and rough as the cock impaling her. Roxy touched herself, rubbing frantic and fast. His finger behind massaged deeper “I’m going to come.” His voice, desperate and raw.

Rob rammed her with his cock and slid his fingertip inside her untouched place and her body erupted into an explosion of pleasure. Roxy drove her body backwards wanting to be filled everywhere and she could not be sure she didn’t black out for a millisecond.

Rob’s roar seared through the room and he collapsed his body over hers, pulling her to lie on her side, holding her close and still breathing expletives into her ear. She couldn’t agree more. Best fucking sex, fucking ever.

She wondered how many other women he’d pleasured that way. He probably did that to women every day.

“Don’t get any crazy ideas. I’ve never, ever lost it that way before. Intense. Fucking awesome.”

Just add mindreading to the wonderment that was Rob. “I wasn’t worried.”

“If you say so.”

Roxy wasn’t sure she could move, but she had to. This felt far too cosy and emotional for the situation. “I’m going to use the bathroom and grab a cold drink. Want anything?” He let her go and moved off the bed behind her.

“I’ll shower I think, and I need some serious food. Starvin’ Marvin.” He called from the bathroom. “Are we ordering in? Or do you want to go out?”

“Depends.” Just thinking about how he felt inside her had her desire humming again. There was no way any follow up sex could be that good. She heard him washing his hands.

“I may lose the little remaining skin on my dick, but I’m willing to take the risk.”

Roxy laughed. “We’ll get room service.”

She’d paid for the whole night and she’d damn well have it. When her plane left at midday tomorrow, she’d go back a different woman. “Sweet.” Rob sauntered out past the bed and headed for the kitchenette in the living room. She heard the fridge open and close and his glorious, naked self came back in. Perfection in male anatomy. Who needed a commitment?

This was way easier. Buy male company when she needed it.

“So, do you want a drink?” He sipped on a can of lemonade.

“Not right now. I’m going to look online for places that deliver.”

“I’ll grab a shower. Welcome to join me.”

Roxy looked at his cocked eyebrow and half grin and threw her tablet aside on the bed. She’d order later.

Too easy.

Find out what happens next – tomorrow!


20833In the sticky, steamy jungles of Papua New Guinea, they fight for the lives of the world’s most vulnerable people. They didn’t expect to have to fight for their own.

All investigative journalist Roxy Williams wanted was a hot one-night stand: quick, dirty, and completely one-off. A business transaction to ease stress, loosen tension, and allow her to get right back to her job — exposing the heart-breaking realities of people smuggling. So when all hell breaks loose in a small village on Papua New Guinea, the last person Roxy expects to see is her one-night-stand and male escort, Rob, with a boat, a beach, and an escape plan!

Rob is supposed to be long-gone from this assignment, but after their one night together, he can’t seem to let Roxy go. Using all his resources, Rob risks his job to keep track of her — and when a huge storm threatens, he goes after the sexy journalist. Now they’re together, in danger, and fighting for their lives. People smuggling is a big money industry, and the smugglers are playing for keeps.

Above and Beyond – The Beginning: Chapter 2

Missed Part 1? Check it out here!

Chapter Two

Well, that internet photo definitely didn’t do him justice. The hair seemed a little darker and in the flesh the man was built like a brick shithouse. Roxy smiled and liked the idea of buying his companionship more and more. He exuded raw energy when he burst through the door and laser-beamed to her.

Guess that much money does get a quality experience. Sexual electricity zapped in the air. Roxy made a mental note to buy Juliet a bottle of bubbly for this recommendation.

“Sorry. Traffic was thick.” He smiled and took her hand, kissed the back of it. “Let’s get out of here and I’ll make it up to you.” His smile could corrupt a female army of angels.

“Oh. We are still having lunch first, aren’t we?”

“I have the best place lined up. Do you like ribs?”

“I love ribs.” Her mouth watered. After a diet of fish, sago, and tropical fruit, a slab of meat would do just fine.

He took her other hand and pulled her up from the sofa, and she hooked her arm through the crook of his. He towered over her. “Thank you, Gregory.”

“Gregory couldn’t make it. I’m Rob.”

“Okay, thanks, Rob.” Bewdy. They must have upgraded me. Her jaws ached from the smile. Would you like fries with that? She knew she would not be using the two-hour-money-back guarantee with Rob. Bring it on.

Roxy finished the full rack of ribs with sticky sauce coating her fingers, and dripping down her chin. Okay, the chin part may be a bit gross. They weren’t the only patrons, so she licked her fingers and wiped her chin with a paper napkin.

“You’re enjoying those.” Rob’s voice thrummed into her body.

“I’m enjoying being myself and not having to worry what you might think of me.”

“It’s always nice to be yourself.”

“Hmm. I guess it’s the opposite for you. But you can be yourself around me. I doubt you’ll be seeing me again.” She finished off a few crisp chips and picked at the side salad.

“Never know.”

Roxy took a mouthful of beer and shook her head. “I doubt it. Unusual circumstances. I don’t make a habit of…it.”

Rob raised his eyebrows and flashed a wicked grin. “If it makes you this relaxed, maybe you should.”

Roxy laughed. “Now you sound like my best mate, Juliet. She said she’d met Gregory. Maybe you met her as well.”

“I meet a lot of people. Great view.”

Stupid. Shut up. He doesn’t need to be reminded he sold his body for a living. “It is a wonderful view, and the food, absolutely divine. I couldn’t eat another thing.”

“Would you like another drink?”

“Sure. Beer will be great.”

Rob signalled the waiter who took the order and cleared the plates. “What are you doing for dinner?”

Roxy laughed again. “I’m hoping we’ll be getting room service.”

His eyes, the clearest of blue, twinkled as he downed the last of his drink. “No problem.” He leaned in toward her. “I haven’t enjoyed my job so much in a long time.”

Roxy felt the heat in her cheeks. Stupid blushing when this was the arrangement. She’d paid for romance and she’d damn well have romance.

The waiter set down the fresh drinks and Rob picked his up and held it towards hers. Roxy clinked with a huge grin. “To one night in paradise,” he said.

Man, this lady was all sorts of hot. The sight of her pink tongue licking the remains of her lunch almost had him compromised right there at the table. He still couldn’t be sure, but he assumed she’d paid for a companion for the night.

He’d whipped her out of the hotel fast in case Gregory turned up. She’d turned her phone off when he arrived, so he didn’t have to worry about anyone calling her about a mix up.

Yes, this was wrong. So very wrong. He had no right to pretend. But he couldn’t blow his cover and if she was paying for sex, she was clearly as strung out as he was after his six months of watching her in a bikini. What could it hurt? They’d both get what they needed and she’d be safe.

“Just one more question, then I won’t mention it again.” Roxy lowered her voice to just above a whisper. “Is the meal already covered in your price?”

“Sure. All sorted out.” Rob didn’t mind paying for the meal at all. “What do you do?”

Her eyes widened and she swallowed. “Do?”

“For work. You know, a job.”

“Oh. Of course.” Her shoulders relaxed as she exhaled. “I thought you meant…never mind. I’m a journalist.”

“Interesting.”

“Very. Right now, I’m living in a village on a small island that’s part of Papua New Guinea.”

“Hardcore. Aren’t you afraid?”

“At times.” She shrugged. “But someone has to show the world the truth.”

“How long have you been there?”

“Three months. On the upside, I’ve never been this tanned or fit.”

“Lucky me.” He placed his hand over hers and fireworks exploded in her head. Maybe that was the beer; she’d better ease up. This was too much outlay to forget a second because of an alcohol cloud. His thumb lazily rubbed over the back of her hand.

It seemed totally crazy, but Roxy felt a connection here, a real attraction. Her desire tightened low in her belly and suddenly she just wanted his hands on her. Every second counted. She had never felt this confident or relaxed around a man. The freedom empowered her.

No need for pretence, no emotional barriers. One hit and get away clean. Not like the lying debacle she’d called a relationship…Even the primitive village wasn’t far enough away from that humiliation.

“How about a swim? It’s a beautiful day, and it’s only three o clock.”

“Actually, I have a better idea. My suite has a spa.” Roxy drank the rest of her beer and sat the empty glass on the table.

The look of desire in his eyes surprised her. Yeah, it was his job, but his enthusiasm seemed above and beyond the call of duty. Talk about a professional.

“Let’s go,” he said.

Tomorrow – things heat up.


20833In the sticky, steamy jungles of Papua New Guinea, they fight for the lives of the world’s most vulnerable people. They didn’t expect to have to fight for their own.

All investigative journalist Roxy Williams wanted was a hot one-night stand: quick, dirty, and completely one-off. A business transaction to ease stress, loosen tension, and allow her to get right back to her job — exposing the heart-breaking realities of people smuggling. So when all hell breaks loose in a small village on Papua New Guinea, the last person Roxy expects to see is her one-night-stand and male escort, Rob, with a boat, a beach, and an escape plan!

Rob is supposed to be long-gone from this assignment, but after their one night together, he can’t seem to let Roxy go. Using all his resources, Rob risks his job to keep track of her — and when a huge storm threatens, he goes after the sexy journalist. Now they’re together, in danger, and fighting for their lives. People smuggling is a big money industry, and the smugglers are playing for keeps.

Above and Beyond – The Beginning – Chapter 1

If you’ve read the sexy, sassy, action-adventure Above and Beyond, then you know that Roxy and Rob have a mysterious back story that adds to their sizzle. For Christmas this year, we thought we’d give you a little gift: that back story, explored in great, sensual detail, over the next six days.

For those of you who haven’t yet read Above and Beyond, then this is a great introduction to some fantastic, fun characters.

Enjoy!

Chapter One

She spent the first two hours of her break luxuriating in the bath, the shower, and then the bath again. Cleanliness put an end to one of her two major longings. Thirty minutes until the male escort met her for lunch. It was crazy on every level, but her insides screamed excitement. No complicated feelings. Paid for online. Highly recommended by BFF. Nothing could go wrong.

Roxy cycled every justification through her mind for the umpteenth time. To waste a five-star executive spa suite in beautiful Tropical Cairns would be criminal. Her present living arrangements left her desperate for human touch. No shame in that. Twenty more hours and she would fly back to the island for who-knew-how-long.

Sure, Gregory cost a packet for the whole night, but why rush the process? The two-hour “change your mind? Money back guarantee!” clause sold it. Dammit, this itch needed scratching. Now.

Her message tone chimed — inbox from Juliet. Her smart phone may be the thing she missed most when she was in the tiny village.

So how’s civilisation? The text, to anyone else, would read as casual.

Of course, Roxy knew her best mate really meant, “Did you order the hot man for sex like we talked about before you left?”

He’ll be here in 30 zomg! Roxy hit reply.

Squeeee!

Roxy grinned and texted, Shut up. No really… Her stomach lurched. Hunger? Nerves? Desire?

Bahahahaha u will b fine!

Plenty of time to back out if need be. She replied, Yeah.

The answer came back. You will. Stop freaking out. Classic Juliet; the woman knew her.

Roxy took a deep breath. Naughty excitement exploded inside. She stretched her legs out on the ottoman and texted back. I’m good.

She wondered if Gregory did massage. That could be nice. Her phone buzzed.

B bad very bad YOLO!

Roxy chuckled and answered, Ok, go away now b4 I back out.

She studied the door, along the bar, the other door. No one. The photo on the net didn’t show his face, just a dark head of hair looking down and a tanned body dressed only in jeans. She was the only woman in here, though. It shouldn’t be tough for him to pick her out. Another message came through.

Lol wait till u c him *drool* I want deets tomoz hahahahahaa

Roxy smiled. This all came way easier to her best friend who’d holidayed in this hotel several times and promised, though she’d met Gregory, she’d never done the deed with him. Life is for the living, right? Her smart phone time said twenty minutes to go.

Rob Lawson sat in his carefully chosen seat, back in the corner, both doors in view, out of the line of sight of everyone present yet seeing everything. He watched her looking around, sipping her drink, using her phone. His attention travelled down her tanned legs and back up to the frayed edge of denim shorts barely covering anything.

Maybe she’d be meeting a friend or family, not a lover. Of course, if she was alone, Rob would be only too happy to keep her company for a while. Better than following her all day trying not to be noticed.

His speciality was watching — watching and learning. Roxy Williams, investigative journalist, young, stubborn, and looking to get her head blown off by the people-smuggling bosses if she wasn’t more careful. He gave her slim, toned body a long study. Federal policing had its perks, for sure. They had operatives on the island, just off the south coast of Papua New Guinea, so he knew the smugglers wouldn’t touch her there. It was far too risky. But out here, in the open city, she was not safe at all.

No one else in the Bureau of Federal Police wanted to make Roxy’s safety a priority. According to his boss, she went in there knowing the dangers, so any mishaps were her own fault. Rob’s request to have someone tail her was refused. So Rob took a few days off to do it himself. Something about her just brought out his protective instincts, though he’d never seen a stronger, more capable woman in action. Roxy was tough as old boot leather. He sipped his scotch and cola — it was five o’clock somewhere, and Rob needed the relaxing burn of alcohol down his throat. She glanced at the doors again and hunched a little. A man. She was definitely waiting for a man. It was in the nervous rise of her shoulders every time the door moved the slump of disappointment when it wasn’t who she expected.

Her fingers tightened around her coffee mug handle and her other hand drummed a beat out on the arm of the chair. What crazy bastard would stand her up? Her sun-bleached hair shone in the rays beaming through the huge plate glass. She’d cut it short — that was different — and her skin shone from a fresh scrubbing. But even through the layers of grubbiness, and a monitor screen, he’d been attracted to her.

Too many late, lonely nights watching surveillance videos in the past six months. But if some dickhead was going to leave her high and dry, then Rob had a duty to hot-blooded males everywhere to go keep her company. She looked at her watch, and checked her phone. Rob glanced at his watch, fifteen minutes past midday. He’d give it another five minutes and then he’d blindside the sucker and steal the girl.

After downing his drink, he left by the small side door marked staff only. He made his way through the kitchen, apologising to the staff for his stupidity, and used the other door to come out in the small lounge on the side she looked at the most. Over at the other door, another familiar face gave his heart a thump of fear. That man was looking at Roxy with a cold smile. He’d seen him on surveillance too, and he wasn’t one of the good guys. The man swallowed his drink, set his glass on the bar, and moved towards Roxy.

Rob stepped up his pace. She looked up and met his stare as he moved closer. She fidgeted a bit with her bag, and smiled.

He eyed off the ape who’d stopped and gone back to lean on the bar, glancing their way, wetting his lips every second. The best way to protect her was to be with her.

“Hi.” He stood beside the sofa she lounged on.

“Hi. I was beginning to think you weren’t coming.” A half smile played at her mouth and she looked down.

Rob had two choices. The right one and the one he always made.

Chapter two coming tomorrow…


20833In the sticky, steamy jungles of Papua New Guinea, they fight for the lives of the world’s most vulnerable people. They didn’t expect to have to fight for their own.

All investigative journalist Roxy Williams wanted was a hot one-night stand: quick, dirty, and completely one-off. A business transaction to ease stress, loosen tension, and allow her to get right back to her job — exposing the heart-breaking realities of people smuggling. So when all hell breaks loose in a small village on Papua New Guinea, the last person Roxy expects to see is her one-night-stand and male escort, Rob, with a boat, a beach, and an escape plan!

Rob is supposed to be long-gone from this assignment, but after their one night together, he can’t seem to let Roxy go. Using all his resources, Rob risks his job to keep track of her — and when a huge storm threatens, he goes after the sexy journalist. Now they’re together, in danger, and fighting for their lives. People smuggling is a big money industry, and the smugglers are playing for keeps.

 

 

New in November!

Releasing today – time to spoil your e-reader!

22577From the dark mind of Rhyll Biest comes a story about a Teutonic god, a guarded recluse, some dirty pictures, and the spark of curiosity that leads to a dangerous attraction.

Contemporary romance, heat level: scorching


22585As the Black Raven, she’s cold, distant and alone…untouched by the gossip and scorn of her aristocratic peers. Until he enters her house — and her life — then suddenly her icy shell is no match for the heat of attraction…

Historical romance – Regency, heat level: steamy


22582One treasure map; a pair of priceless emeralds; two very keen hunters — only one can win, but who says that competition can’t be a little fun?

Contemporary/Action & Adventure romance, heat level: steamy


22581What began as an impersonal-but-cheerful holiday gift for a soldier far from home becomes so much more…

Contemporary/Holiday romance, heat level: sweet


and don’t forget that our first Sydney Housewife made her debut this week:

22583From the hottest writers in Australia comes a scintillating new series. Enter the world of Sydney’s elite, and find out what goes on behind the doors of the most exclusive addresses in the country…

Contemporary/Erotic romance, continuity series, heat level: scorching

Happy reading!

Seven ways to smash action-adventure characters out of the ballpark

by Wendy L Curtis

Giveaway details found at the bottom of this post!

Giveaway details found at the bottom of this post!

I’m often asked what inspires me to develop my characters. Are they me? Are they my hubby? Are they anyone that I know personally? The fact is I draw my inspiration for my Action & Adventure heroes and heroines from everyone I’ve known. But especially I look to everyone doing the daily grind, keeping their heads above water, being a part of a family, and continuing the pioneering spirit of our people.

Here are seven must-haves for my action & adventure characters to ensure they can handle all that I’ll throw at them:

  1. Working Class Values – every one of my heroines and heroes must work hard. They have to know what it’s like to do an unfair day’s work for too little pay, or at least they have learn along the way that sometimes you have to put in more than you seem to get out.
  2. Be Resourceful – when something needs to get done, I like to know that it will get done. It may not be the prettiest way, or neatest way, or even the logical way but it gets done. This comes from the wonderful attitude that there’s more than one way to do things. Sure some ways are more advisable, but when the chips are down and resources are limited, don’t give up; find another way.
  3. Be a Teacher – a chain is only as strong as its weakest link and breaking that link won’t help. Just because a person can’t do something doesn’t mean they are an idiot, they just need to learn, practice, get confidence. Teach, support, and build confidence. Never criticise, ridicule, or assume it’s a gender issue. This is where my support characters come in also. To break down barriers and stereotypes.
  4. Have passion – yes, okay, my books do have the detailed sexytimes, but we all know passion is about way more than that. My characters must have passion. They need something that they swoon over, something that makes them livid, something that tickles their funny-bone, something that breaks their heart every time. If they have a goal, they have it for a good reason, and even if it takes forever, they keep plugging away. Emotions people. Have them. Feel them.
  5. Cooking skills – I don’t care if it’s a sausage on a stick in the flames or a six course gourmet meal, but my characters will get some food on the table. I also don’t care who‘s cooking; male or female, as long as they both can do some kind of food then I know no one is going to starve or sit around wasting time waiting to be fed.
  6. Dream Big – if they don’t have a dream then they are going to get one. Just like in real life, my characters have to dream big, have to want more. There has to be a reason to get up in the mornings. Even by the end of the story, they still need to have things to aspire to.
  7. Sense of humour – if we don’t laugh we’ll cry. We do this, all the time. Humour can help diffuse a situation, it can help people find rapport. Looking at the funny side of things is an endearing quality, and can also be infuriating. There’s real skill in having and great sense of humour and knowing when it is appropriate and when it isn’t appropriate, and sometimes failing at both.

20833In the sticky, steamy jungles of Papua New Guinea, they fight for the lives of the world’s most vulnerable people. They didn’t expect to have to fight for their own.

All investigative journalist Roxy Williams wanted was a hot one-night stand: quick, dirty, and completely one-off. A business transaction to ease stress, loosen tension, and allow her to get right back to her job — exposing the heart-breaking realities of people smuggling. So when all hell breaks loose in a small village on Papua New Guinea, the last person Roxy expects to see is her one-night-stand and male escort, Rob, with a boat, a beach, and an escape plan!

Rob is supposed to be long-gone from this assignment, but after their one night together, he can’t seem to let Roxy go. Using all his resources, Rob risks his job to keep track of her — and when a huge storm threatens, he goes after the sexy journalist. Now they’re together, in danger, and fighting for their lives. People smuggling is a big money industry, and the smugglers are playing for keeps.

We’re giving away a copy of Wendy’s Above and Beyond title. To be in the running, leave a comment, including your email address, telling us your favourite action hero/ine of all time.

High Stakes

by Nina Hamilton

Giveaway details found at the bottom of this post!

Giveaway details found at the bottom of this post!

Whether our characters are saving the world or surviving the elements, Action & Adventure tends to be a high stakes game. The moment that leaves both the character and reader breathless as we await the outcome of a rope (and character) slipping off a cliff is why I write about the rescue heroes of the emergency services.

My romances, set in Far North Queensland, tend to be grounded in the real world because I continue to be genuinely amazed by the courage that the emergency rescue teams show in their work. When saving lives comes in the job description of men and women, the sexiness isn’t just in the uniform.

Out of respect for the real life protagonists involved in rescues in the area I definitely shy away from depicting real life incidents on the page, However, I do also try to make sure that the scenarios that I create are both plausible and interesting. I regularly read the rescue helicopter updates available through their website and with my mother as part of the volunteer emergency rescue community I often get the behind the scenes stories.

To that end, my brother, a doctor, and my friend Rob, a former lifesaver, often get a call or email late into the night. A few times they’ve laughed and I’ve known I had a little more research to do. Apparently one of the lifesaving techniques I had considered for a scene really, really couldn’t have happened and what I thought was the protocol for cracking a chest wouldn’t have worked out well for anyone… so we work towards the moment where they say,”Yeah that’s cool.”

The best romance is one where both parties are changed by the moment of falling in love and I can’t imagine a more powerful time to do that than in the action of saving a life or in saving each other. The Action & Adventure romance genre is a long established one and millions around the world love a bit of suspense mixed with a love story. Favourites of mine are Nora Roberts Chasing Fire and Linda Howard’s Cover of Night. Looking up Linda’s title just added three more of her backlist to my Kindle’s to be read (again) list. Getting addicted to those thrills is a danger of being a fan of the genre.

What is your favourite romance where the stakes are that much higher?


 

8869Hanging, strapped together, ten metres above a sea platform forces a quick intimacy between workmates. For Dr Brigid Adair, dangling from a helicopter wire is an everyday occurrence in her job working for the helicopter rescue crew in North Queensland, Australia.

For former US Army medic Matt Roberts, Australia means a new future; a place to escape from the war zones of his past. Despite his significant wealth, he’s taken a job as an elite helicopter paramedic, wanting to make a positive contribution to his new community.

Matt Roberts knows very well the destruction that romance can reap on a unit, so when he first arrives and sees the gorgeous single doctor, Brigid, assigned to his rescue crew, he’s nervous. Very nervous.

Dr Brigid Adair is going to need more than just her medical training to lead Matt back from his self-imposed isolation. High-pressure situations hovering over some of Australia’s deadliest land and sea and the ignition of a passionate flame might just do the trick.


 

20381Opposites attract in this medical romantic suspense set in the high adrenalin world of the Cairns Rescue Helicopter team.

English surgeon Andrew Wentworth left behind a successful career and a failed engagement to join the Cairns Rescue Helicopter team, but it’s not shaping up to be the rejuvenating working holiday he expected.

Rescue paramedic Kate Spears is used to proving herself in a man’s world, so informing the handsome surgeon that all his orders now come from her is deliciously satisfying. But she soon finds that Andrew cannot only take everything she throws at him, he keeps coming back for more.

They couldn’t be more different, from their histories to their personalities to their plans for the future, but the flames between them can’t be ignored. And, in the close quarters of chopper rescue, they’re about to find that there’s no place to hide from love.

We’re giving away one bundle featuring both of Nina’s fabulous Rescue stories. To be in the running, leave a comment, including your email address, telling us your favourite high stakes romance: it could be physical, emotional, or psychological high stakes!

An idiot’s guide to action & adventure romance

by Serenity Woods

Giveaway details found at the bottom of this post!

Giveaway details found at the bottom of this post!

One Hot Winter’s Night is an action/adventure, fun and sexy romance novel that follows two archaeologists as they travel around the globe on a treasure hunt for priceless artefacts. How easy is it to transfer action and adventure stories to novel form? Here’s an idiot’s guide to the top five things you need to write action/adventure romance:

1. A gorgeous gamma hero

What do I mean by this? Well, Harrison Ford has been labelled the ultimate gamma hero—that is, a blend between the arrogant alpha and the boy-next-door beta. Think Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark, Han Solo in Star Wars, or Michael Douglas’s Jack T. Colton in Romancing the Stone. Your gamma man takes all the best bits from the alpha—he’s tall, dark, and handsome (or a variation of), arrogant, or at least confident in his abilities, brave and adventurous, but he also wields the wicked sense of humour and down-to-earth qualities of the beta hero. Heath in One Hot Winter’s Night exemplifies my perfect man, and yes, there’s more than a little Harrison Ford about him!

Raiders of the Lost Ark2. A feisty, courageous heroine

Think Kathleen Turner in Romancing, Karen Allen in Raiders, Princess Leia, Lara Croft, and The Mummy’s Rachel Weiss. Heroines have to be independent, adventurous, gorgeous, funny, and determined to resist the hero (although of course they can’t.) Cat in One Hot Winter’s Night is classy, witty, and smart, but like all these heroines, she can also be amazingly clumsy and she doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty!

The Mummy3. An exotic setting

Raiders went from jungle to desert to cities like Berlin. Romancing delves deep into the heart of the Columbian jungle. The Mummy moves from London to Egypt. One Hot Winter’s Night starts in an ice hotel in Sweden under the Aurora Borealis, travels to the Pyramids in Cairo, to Xi’an in China, the sub-tropical Northland of New Zealand, and finally to London. Want to write an adventure story but never been to that country? That’s what’s the internet’s for!

Romancing the Stone4. A priceless treasure

Your hero and heroine have to be hunting for some kind of ancient artefact. In Raiders it was the Ark of the Covenant, in Romancing it’s a gemstone, in The Mummy it’s…well…a mummy. Often the artefact has religious or historical significance. In One Hot Winter’s Night they begin by fighting over the necklace of an ancient Swedish princess, then an Egyptian cat statue, then the Terracotta warriors. If the artefact has some kind of supernatural power, so much the better.

5. Romance

Ultimately, the novel has to have romance. What would Raiders or Romancing or The Mummy be without the love story? Your hero and heroine’s relationship has to be packed full of chemistry, and although these are ultimately romances, they’re not soppy stories but fun-packed adventures often full of sex ‘n’ sizzle. Cat in One Hot Winter’s Night seduces Heath so she can steal the priceless necklace from under his nose. Little does she know it’ll start a chase around the globe!


9505Indiana Jones meets Lara Croft in a hot, desperate treasure hunt that spans the globe and captures the imagination.

Dr. Cat Livingstone works for the British Museum, and she’s frustrated as hell when the mysterious man she knows only as the Silver Fox snatches yet another artefact from under her nose. Determined to steal the priceless necklace back, she tracks him to the Swedish Ice Hotel, but she doesn’t bank on him being the most gorgeous guy she’s ever laid eyes on.

Heath has no idea that the hot blonde in the ice cold hotel has ulterior motives. But when a night between the sheets ends with both Cat and the necklace gone in the morning, Heath jumps into action.

Unfortunately for Cat, Heath lives for the thrill of the chase. And the chase is on.

We’re giving away a copy of One Hot Winter’s Night! To be in the running, leave a comment, including your email address, telling us your favourite Action movie pairing!

Strong feisty girls

by Fiona Palmer

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scroll all the way down for the giveaway!

I love them. I’m constantly drawn to this type of female character. I always wanted to be tough, to do what the boys did, to prove myself. That’s why I learned to drive my dad’s trucks, raced speedway, drove tractors, changed tyres, and generally just loved spending time in the shed with the men. Even if sometimes, I was scared. Sometimes those scary things can be so rewarding, life changing, and give you confidence when you thought you had none.

When I was younger, I was drawn to shows like Dark Angel and Alias, where kick ass girls had the staring roles. I’m still no different, loving books and movies like Vampire Academy, Hunger Games and Divergent. I worship these strong, determined ladies…even if at times they don’t think they are. Yet they have courage in spades. And I want to be them. (Maybe the gorgeous guys they end up with is a huge plus too!)

katnissSo it was no surprise that I wrote a YA series with a tough, determined and courageous leading lady. Jasmine (Jaz) believes she’s just your average normal teenage girl but most kids don’t love spending time in a gym, nor do they know how to do karate or fight men twice their size. Jaz is everything I’d love to be. (She also has abs. I would love abs, not this squidgy middle that having two kids has helped create along with my love of chocolate.)

trisI like these girls to have spunk, to be witty like Rose from Vampire Academy. But still they aren’t perfect either…they have flaws, normal human traits, which only makes me adore them more.

Rose

Of course, Jaz has to have that obligatory gorgeous guy, so in comes Ryan. He’s older, strong and muscled like a soldier. His dark eyes are mysterious, but intriguing, but Jaz is cautious…he seems dangerous. But there is something about him she can’t shake. He draws her into his secret agent life, recruiting Jaz and changing her life forever. Hopefully I’ve made Jaz just as awesome as my favourites like Rose, Tris, and Katniss.


The Recruit_FinalFrom one of Australia’s Queens of Romance comes the debut in a brand new YA series about secrets, strengths, and what lies beneath the surface.

Jasmine Thomas may not be completely normal, but she’s a pretty typical seventeen-year-old girl. She hates the rich mean kids, loves her best friends, and can’t wait to get out of school each day. Her spare time is spent at The Ring — a boxing gym where she practically grew up — learning karate, boxing and street fighting. So, yeah, Jaz can kick some major butt.

Life seems pretty normal until the day Ryan Fletcher enters her gym…mysterious and hot with heaps of bad boy charm. Sure, she checks him out. Who wouldn’t? But what doesn’t show on his gorgeous abs are secrets and lies that dominate his very grown-up world. Now Jaz has to figure out just how far she is willing to go to know more. Could Ryan really be offering the life-fulfilling life path she’s always dreamed of?


 

TheMission_Final_smlFrom bestselling author Fiona Palmer comes the second in a young adult / new adult crossover series about sexy spies, a super secret agency and the work they do to save the world.

Recruited into the secretive, shrouded MTG Agency, Jaz dives headfirst into her training, regretting nothing about her decision to help save the world at the age of 17. Now she’s ready and anxious for her first mission — to prove she has what it takes…and to start making a difference.

The only thing that stands in her way is Ryan, the dangerous and sexy agent who first recruited her, and is now guiding her. He doesn’t want Jaz to sink too deeply too quickly into his world of secrets and lies, but his inability to trust her to know her own mind only makes Jaz furious.

When a job comes along that only Jaz can do, Ryan has to let go, and Jaz soon learns that she can swim with sharks, but she’ll come away with scars.

We’re giving away one fabulous bundle of both of Fiona Palmer’s titles – to be in the running, leave a comment, including your email address, about your favourite feisty girl – in real life or fiction!