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 3

Part 1 is here. Part 2 is here. Folks, this is where it gets NSFW.

Chapter Three

Rob knew he should feel bad. God knew he should feel bad. But he couldn’t let the truth ruin Roxy’s day. He’d never been with a woman who felt she could be completely herself. No airs and graces, no worrying what the world thought, no hang ups.

This wasn’t much more an invasion of privacy than being filmed in secret. He never had to see her again; he could save her the embarrassment of ever finding out. His posting would be up as soon as this case was over and back to Tasmania he’d go, to sort the mess out down there. But what he could do, right now, is show a woman he admired for her strength and guts just how desirable she was to a man. To this man.

Give her a night she could take into the future with her, one where she’d never settle for anything less than pure passion in life. In a way, it was also a gift to himself. Once he went back, passion would be a thing of the past. Shit, stop with the warm fuzzy stuff. Rob needed to shut all his feelings off. His future involved doing the right thing, not having feelings.

If he was going to get it wrong, one last time, well, he was going to get it epically wrong.

He watched Roxy pull her shirt off over her head, and step out of her shorts. His breath stopped short. Firm abs, definition. Large swell of milky white breasts in a black lace bra. Slim strong shoulders and arms. Don’t even get him started on the curve of hips in matching panties or the firm expanse of beautifully toned legs.

Yep, his last, big, bad decision was underway, and it would surely prove the best of the lot. “I don’t have a swimsuit here, so I’m just going in my undies.” Her laugh was the best sound in the world.

“No problem. I’ll leave my tight-y whitey Y-fronts on then.”

“Oh, you so do not wear those.”

Rob laughed; she looked so happy, so damn happy. “Come on in, Rob, the water is fine!” The hum of the spa filled the room.

There he was undressed and standing before her in black briefs and his body must have been photoshopped to look that perfect. No more thinking if this was right or wrong. She couldn’t wait to make the most of this opportunity. She’d never been free in her sexuality, not really.

He stepped in and the groan as the hot water bubbled over his body was delicious. She floated towards him and ran her hands over his hard biceps as he lowered into the tub to hold her. “Do we kiss? I mean, do you do that?” She’d heard that it was too intimate an action for some in this business.

“Baby, we do whatever you want to do, however you want to do it.”

So she kissed him. Light, exploratory, almost chaste.

Rob responded in kind, his lips nibbling over hers, making her crazy with his tenderness. All of a sudden, Roxy didn’t have a care in the world. His perfect kiss shook her to the core. Did he take lessons or something?

“You are a very beautiful woman, Roxy.” Rob’s murmur vibrated against her lips as she breathed him in. “Kissable. Edible. Very fuckable.”

“Show me.”

His mouth grazed over her neck, down until he drew on her taut nipple through the lace of her bra, sucking, scraping his teeth ever so slightly. Beneath the swirling water he slid his hand inside her panties. He returned to kiss her mouth, demanding she open wide to let his tongue dance in perfect sync with hers.

Rob pulled out of the kiss. “I want you naked. Now.”

He unclasped her bra and it floated off across the water, then Roxy leaned back on the edge of the tub to remove her panties. She watched him take off his underwear and then he was pressed against her. Skin on skin. She groaned with excitement and shivered with need under the command of his fiery kiss.

His fingers slid inside her tightening sheath and she cried out into his mouth. He pushed up and she wanted more, wanted it harder, and the best part was she didn’t have to worry about telling him exactly that.

This time she’d take a man in the way she’d always dreamed. Total abandonment. Desire, need, and fantasy ruled today, and Roxy would not stop it for anything. She was intoxicated with freedom and the chance to be what she wanted.

Right now, she wanted to be dirty. Very dirty.

She moved her body forward, giving him full access to finger her deep as she widened her legs and attacked his mouth with her panting kisses. Every part of her wanted a part of him close. She bit his neck, sure to mark. He flinched back, and the guttural moan deep in his throat spurred her on to his nipple, teasing and nipping, while her legs splayed open to his thrusting fingers.

The swirling water buoyed them, and he pulled her punishing mouth away from his body using her hair. “Keep that up and I’ll spank you. Tell me what you want. Exactly what you want, when you want it.”

Roxy hoisted herself up onto the ledge at the side of the tub and leaned back against the wall as she opened her legs and parted her pussy wide with her hands. “Eat me.”

His grin was that of a hungry, rabid animal. “Gorgeous, hot, wet pussy. My pleasure.” He tickled her aching clit with his fingertip, fast and light, and slid a finger in with his other hand. Her hot sheath squeezed. “You like that? You want to come?”

“I do. Not yet. Make it last.”

“There will be more than one.”

“How many?”

“Until you push me away and tell me to stop.”

“Eat me.”

Rob almost split his dick. Roxy had no inhibitions and she was completely in tune with her needs. He craved her youthful energy and zest for life. He wished he could see life that way again.

He lowered into the water carefully; if he got his raging hard-on too close to the jet stream, he’d come for sure. “Hold open for me, babe. Tell me what you love.”

He let his tongue movements play over the very edge of her engorged clit. Pink, sweet, and swollen for him. He flicked her bud and her body vibrated.

“Oh fuck. I can’t come yet, it’s too good.” She growled the words at him.

Rob used three fingers to stretch her wide. She clamped around him so hard it took strength to hold up inside her, but the filth coming out of her mouth said she liked it that way. He never withdrew his fingers all the way, just pumped up into her with short, shunting pushes. Her clit glistened in an orgasmic dream and he pursed his lips gently over it, sucking, drawing gently and flicking the hardened end of his tongue over her centre.

Roxy cried out. She cursed. She opened herself wider to him. Rob maintained control and kept the rhythmic suction and tongue work going.

“Harder. I’m going to come. Harder.”

But Rob didn’t go harder. Stopping his tongue assault, he worked her carefully, drawing her delicate flesh into his mouth with metered, precise, soft sucking. He pressed his fingers as far inside her as he could and the tremors began. He took his mouth away and blew a stream of air onto her clit.

“Holy. Fucking. Hera.”

He watched her press her head against the wall, eyes closed. So close now, so very close. He took her with his mouth again and let his tongue play. He teased with the tip, licked with the flat, sucked with his lips. As the orgasm broke through her, she swore — a lot — and his scalp screamed in pleasure-pain when she entwined his hair around her fingers.

She’d never wanted any cock inside her so bad, but she couldn’t stop him and his magic mouth as the waves of orgasm broke through.

To her surprise, he went gentle again. Only her hyper-sensitive clit could feel his every soft flicker and the stream of breath he blew in between. Her orgasm didn’t end. Her body shook and gripped his fingers over and over again. Yet he just kept touching her ever so slightly, working his fingers in and out in long, deep stroking.

Her orgasm had almost subsided. Almost. Then she felt him working a place inside she’d thought was a sexual myth. A G-spot? None of her self-explorations had ever proven its existence. But something was happening with his fingers inside, and the pressure built in her core. His mouth became more insistent, not rough but regular.

“Oh, man. I never…I—” But before she could even think of what she wanted to say, another orgasm crashed through her. Bigger, harder, better. So, so much better and she felt the flood of it around his hand, as he just kept stroking her.

Roxy felt turned inside out as the last of the tremors left her limp and spent.

The second he withdrew from her, she felt empty, frantic with the need to be filled again. “Rob. You have a magic mouth. That was incredible.”

“You have a magic, delicious pussy, and I could eat it all night. So sweet and hot.”

Roxy’s insides fluttered and her heart jumped when he placed his head to her belly, his cheek resting there. His hand held hers, fingers entwined.

Then she remembered she’d paid for this. She’d paid for his professional expertise and that was what she got. Roxy wondered if every woman felt the twinge of it to be real the first time she’d hired a professional.

Chapter four tomorrow – same bat time, same bat place!


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.

 

 

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.

Love in Exotic Places (also photo bait)

Is there anything more romantic, more conducive to steamy, sensuous passion than danger and desire in a far-flung exotic location? Escape authors Wendy L Curtis, Gracie Macgregor, and Georgie Tyler don’t think so! From the jungles of Papua New Guinea to the island paradises of Gozo in Malta and Mykonos in Greece and the harsh and beautiful Sudan, they’ve woven stories into settings as thrilling and unforgettable as the first stirrings of love. Here they share the excitement and the challenges of finding – and writing – love in a foreign land.

What’s the allure of an exotic location?PNG

Wendy: I love exotic locations because every time I dream about relaxing and not having a worry, it’s on a secluded island, with cocktails delivered by a cabana boy ! I do think it is how a lot of people like to dream about how their life could be different, so it’s a definite escape within books.

Sudan hutsGeorgie: I guess I’ve always been captivated by exotic locations. Not necessarily places with a 7-star rating attached to them, but places that are out of the way, or have religious, scenic, or remote location qualities. I’ve travelled but not as extensively as I would have liked to and always love to know about new places. I suppose when my kids have grown up I’d love to travel the world and write reviews of places for holiday makers as well as write novels and get paid to do it! A bit grand , but oh well, it’s good to dream. 

Majestic cliffs line Gozo's coastline.

Gracie: I think when we travel to an exotic location, even in our imagination, we allow ourselves the chance to become different people. It takes courage to immerse yourself in a strange place, and you can’t help but grow from the experience. You’re already open to new possibilities – a different culture, all the amazing sensory experiences – so there’s always that tantalizing potential for something wonderful to happen to you.


Exotic settings are perfect for romantic suspense. How did you choose your setting to ramp up the tension?

Tour boats just like the ones in Hearts on Hold call Xlendi, Gozo, home.

Gracie: My setting chose me! I was holidaying on Gozo, basically just soaking up the sun and history and atmosphere in the little coastal village of Xlendi, and suddenly imagined how a peaceful, sleepy place could be the ideal setting not just for love and romance, but for sinister secrets and scandal. There was that underlying tension between past and future, between innocence and greed. Of course, the sinister secrets, scandal and greed are all fiction! The beauty, peace and romance are the real Gozo.

Cairns

Wendy: I wanted people smuggling to be a part of my suspense angle without focusing on it completely. I also needed tropical storm activity, and it had to be close to Australia, as refugees coming in boatloads is a very hot topic here. But I also did not want to present it with a biased POV about the right and wrong of it but with a human compassion feel about the only ones in the wrong are the ones profiting from the hopes and pain of others. And anywhere I chose had to be known enough for most Australians to understand the beauty of it, but also volatile enough for there to be a real threat of danger there, and I definitely didn’t want to choose a real place that might be offended by being portrayed as something illegal going on there. So I made up a small island off the south coast of Papua New Guinea, and never had any national people actually involved in the smuggling except by skippering a boat to take people to the detention centre so he got to keep the boat for his fishing. So I needed another nice place to set part of the story in, which turned out to be Cairns.

Sudan

Georgie: Sudan was an obvious place to set the story for me. I sponsored four boys there for many years through a charity and would correspond with them through their translator. When I came up with a story involving MSF doctors and a scary warlord, Sudan was the perfect location. The internet was my friend as I researched as much about the location as possible. I’ve never lived in Africa and have only visited it as a child and have no memory of it. However my father spent some years growing up in Iraq on a RAF base and had many stories of life in the desert. As for Mykonos, I have visited the island and Greece several times as my mother is Greek and I grew up in England and I think it’s pretty hard to beat a summer holiday in Greece!


What did you find most difficult or challenging about writing in these settings?Sudan women

Georgie: Sudan is not a country many people know much about. However, there is a wealth of information on the internet and I tapped into it! Describing landscapes and weather patterns, political turmoil is relatively easy as this information is accessible. The more difficult research is understanding the people and the way they think. I had to draw from my bank of knowledge, my relationships with people who have lived and worked in Africa (not necessarily Sudan), who have lived and worked in Muslim countries, doctors and nurses (I seem to know a lot of people who work in the medical profession! It helped since my main characters are doctors!).

Moorish influences appear in farms and villages all over Gozo.

Gracie: I was very conscious that I was writing about crimes and intrigue happening in a small place, filled with real people getting on with their real lives. I haven’t had that same concern with setting stories in busy metropolises, because there’s an anonymity in big cities that means you can write about the people in a shop or a bank and not be worried a reader will think you’re writing about them or someone they know. I wasn’t in Xlendi long enough to get to know anybody very well, so all the characters are entirely fictional, and I was keen to make the central antagonist an outsider.

800px-Papua_New_Guinea_(5986599443)Wendy: Hands down the most difficult aspect of using PNG as a setting was the fact that I didn’t want to ever disrespect the very proud people who call PNG home. For this reason I made a fictitious island off the South Coast and was very sure I always portrayed the people and the place in a good light. Also, I’ve never been there, so I tried to anchor my story there with what we might all believe it would be. Most of my story takes part in Cairns, also a very exotic location but a lot more accessible for me as a writer.


Why do you think an exotic setting works so well for the romance genre?

20833Wendy: Romance is a genre readers use to escape from real life for a while. I think an exotic location aids that healthy escapism. There are plenty of places we’d love to go but may not ever get a chance, or places we’ve been that these settings remind us of. 

19910Georgie: Exotic rhymes with erotic! No, I’m only kidding! I think a good romance novel can be set anywhere. It’s the relationship between the hero and heroine and how it unfolds that is important. However, I like to read and write books that take me to another place. I want to smell the spices in the air or hear the crash of the wave as he lowers his head and steals his first kiss. I want the conflict in the story to extend beyond the protagonists’ relationship and for their environment to have a hand in their journey of discovery. I also love to learn about new places and since authors are also researchers, your general knowledge grows.

9690Gracie: I like Georgie’s point about exotic rhyming with erotic! Travel takes us out of our everyday routines, makes us less inhibited people, more spontaneous, more ready for excitement – more ready for love! Exotic locations are not just great places to discover new love; the fashion for second honeymoons suggests they’re also fantastic for rejuvenating tired love. I thoroughly recommend them!


And what exotic places are next on the horizon for you or your characters (ie what are you writing now?!)

Georgie: The locations of my next two books are inner city Sydney. However, many from rural Australia, other states and beyond may find it an exotic setting. Perhaps one day I’ll write a story set in Mongolia or Tibet/Central Asia. Now that’s exotic! Anyone got any ideas?!

Gracie: I’m going back to Gozo, but in a very different time setting. Gozo has long been thought to be the true identity of Ogygia, the island home of Calypso in Homer’s Odyssey. Calypso was a famed beauty, and a very tragic figure as well. I’m telling her love story.

Wendy: I definitely have a PNG follow-up story coming and that will have a good dose of Tasmania in it as well. Tassie is my home state and there are places here that can just take your breath away and it often gets overlooked as an exotic location.

Wendy L Curtis is the author of Above and Beyond, Gracie Macgregor’s book is Hearts on Hold, and Georgie Tyler wrote Doctors Beyond Borders, all published by Escape Publishing.

See what’s blossoming in May – just in time for Mother’s Day!

20837Kicking us off this month is a favourite author going in new directions – Fiona Palmer introduces us to Jas, and the secret, shadowy world of the MTG Agency in this contemporary, action-adventure, YA/NA series debut!


20836Next, we’re thrilled to welcome Alison Stuart to the Escape family with this beautiful, pastoral regency about a woman who’s just escaped one dismal marriage, and has no interest in ever entering into another…if only her husband’s heir wasn’t quite so appealing.


20835Dark, violent, gripping, enthralling, thoroughly addictive – we’d never read anything like Daniel de Lorne‘s debut novel – the novel to read if you prefer your vampires to actually have bite.


20831Looking for something short and very sweet? May we recommend Jane O’Reilly’s latest – lovely – story about best friends on the cusp of something more – if only one of them dares to take that next step.


20834One of Escape’s best-loved contemporary authors, Elisabeth Rose, moves into Romantic Suspense this month with a gripping, harrowing tale about a mob widow, and what she’s willing to do to protect her son.


20832Trust us – after reading this fantastic corporate-set contemporary romance by debut author Alexa Bravo, you’ll never look at elevators the same way again!


20833Hot, steamy, sensual – suspenseful, this debut Romantic Suspense novel from debut author Wendy L Curtis takes on the people smugglers of Papua New Guinea, featuring an intrepid investigative journalist, a Federal Policeman, and one major one-night misunderstanding.


20830Last, but definitely not least, we welcome back Charmaine Ross with a fun, flirty contemporary romance, a David v Goliath story that celebrates the beauty that is Melbourne’s cafe culture.