Happy 2017!

At last 2016 is in the rearview mirror, and 2017 is the long road ahead that I'm so eager to travel. I'm not going to mince words, this past year wasn't my best. It was downright difficult. In fact, it has been a few years of difficulties and challenges, but...everyday we take a breath is fresh-start-opportunity. I'm ready to move forward in a number of areas in my life. Today is a new day after all.

I expected my upcoming book, Rowdy, to be out months ago. Due to unforeseen circumstances, things have been delayed. At last, though, the end is in sight, and I can't wait to share Rowdy and Trina's story with you. 

Right now, I'd like to share an excerpt and the latest teaser from the book. 

But first, a reminder. As you might recall, it is not necessary to read the Scorched Souls series in advance, considering Rowdy is a spinoff, BUT doing so will give you improved insight and deeper knowledge of past events. To make this advance reading easier...

The entire Scorched Souls saga is available, in one volume, for just $.99 or FREE for Kindle Unlimited, so you can't really lose by taking a peek.  

You can pick up your copy of the Scorched Souls Saga here

 

Then get ready to find out what happens when one badass biker meets his private nurse for the first time in a brief Rowdy-preview.

(Excerpt from Rowdy is copyrighted material/C.L. Riley/2017)  

Click Here to visit my Facebook page to read excerpt.

Thank you for visiting, and I hope you will come back soon. 
Best wishes for you in the New Year.  

Amazing Fan-made Trailer for Firetrap!

Check out the new, amazing fan-made trailer for Firetrap. Is Angel talented or what? I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July weekend. You will be able to pre-order Firefight any day now. Can't wait to share book two with you. Until then...happy reading!

What do you think of the trailer? I was thrilled. 

Free! Free! Free!

It has been quite awhile since I've updated you. My mother passed away on March 22, and my world fell apart. She was my best friend. I have contests to honor, books to send out, reviews for other writers, and a ton of other important tasks to catch up on. I've been just barely holding it together for family and work, only now, getting back into the writing swing. To make matters even more challenging, I've been battling what my doctor calls "cluster headaches." They are a cluster F **k to say the least. Painful. Annoying. Nagging. I'm sure you get the idea!

For these reasons, I am working hard to climb out of the painful pit I've been drowning in and return to the land of the living. In celebration of that decision - I'm starting water aerobics, got a hair cut, returned to church, and am working to make several other positive life changes while still hoping to meet my deadline for book one in the Scorched Souls Series. I am expecting a release date in May 2015. That's just around the corner. 

In light of everything, I thought a FREEBIE on KINDLE for my book, Bottle Banished: Dreaming of Genie just might be in order. Between April 14 and April 17 you can pick up your Kindle copy for free! 

Reviews have been outstanding! 

Here are just a few from Amazon:

"Where to start? This book had a ton of action, suspense, mystery, magic, and hot sex. The men were dominant, aggressive, and sexy as hell. It was written in multiple viewpoints and the author pulled the pieces together nicely. I enjoyed the unveiling that took place as relationship connections were developed and revealed during the story's progression. I love genies, by the way!"


"This is a treasure find for those of us who enjoy adult paranormal. In place of "shape shifters" or "vampires" we enter the world of the Djinn and Genie. After a well defined introduction to this "world" we are lead through the journey of one "Genie" who is a little "out of time". I found this well written, well paced and left me intrigued as to where this series will go. For adults, check this out!"


"Loved this book. I truly got sucked into the story immediately, unable to put it down until I finished the whole book. The characters were so relatable. The steamy scenes were so steamy ! Since I was traveling during my readings of this book... It actually made me feel slightly uncomfortable yet naughty to be reading these passages with some stranger sitting next to me. C.L. Riley certainly has a talent of making this genre and making it seem so real and plausible. I will be looking around from now on wondering who those around me truly are!"

I hope you take advantage of this upcoming offer and please, please, if you would, leave a review. 

And get ready for...

The Clock is Ticking

Hey Everyone! I hope you're finding your own share of magic and mystery in your life. There is so much going on in mine, along with a bit of madness, making the above promo all the more pertinent. A couple of things to remember:

1. The Read to Review "contest" is happening. I can accept about seven more reviewers. Anyone who reads and reviews Bottle Banished and posts their review on Goodreads and Amazon by March 20, 2015 will be entered in "the hat" for an opportunity to WIN A $50.00 AMAZON GIFT CARD. ***The Drawing is Random. Not based on a positive review.*** This is just for fun to bless readers and bring attention to my new book. 

2. There is still another contest in play. No one has won the $5.00 GIFT CARD for AMAZON and a future copy of my book Firetrap. All you have to do is be the FIRST person to contact me with the answer to the following question:

What TV show is Agent, Brad Sanchez, obsessed with? Even to the point of committing murder? 

3. You have until March 11, 2015 to enter the Goodreads Giveaway. 

Click Here to enter the Goodreads contest OR Scroll to the bottom of this page. 

As you can see, there are plenty of chances to WIN! 

Now to amp up your interest in Genie and her supernatural shenanigans, here is another excerpt. Enjoy!

Genie's POV

The men sitting in the gray Suburban weren’t trying very hard to avoid detection. One was drinking a beer and the other was munching on a bag of Funyons, his fingers tapping out the beat to a familiar rock anthem on the steering wheel along with the radio.

Genie paused outside the driver’s window, considering her next move.

She’d bolted from Reid’s loft the minute everyone left, eager to secure the building’s perimeter. Had he known her intention, he would have convinced her to stay inside.

She needed to do this, to contribute.

After learning the rules were simply guidelines, better broken at times, she’d hopped into Reid’s head and discovered his concern about his father sending “his goons” to spy. Refusing to dig any deeper, she’d decided she would find a way to ensure their privacy and safety. It was the least she could do.

Being the always obedient genie, she had never once manipulated minds, but she intended to give it her best shot tonight.

Envisioning herself as a quarter inch version of herself, she dove into the driver’s left ear. He shook his head, attempting to dislodge what he thought was a gnat.

So how do I do this? I’m sure climbing into their actual heads isn’t necessary.
Realizing the idiocy of her attempt, she exited out his nose.

He swiped frantically, spilling his chips. “I think I bug flew in my ear and out my nose.”

His partnered scoffed. “Are you stoned again? I told you to stop that shit. You get paranoid.”

“No! I’m not stoned.”

“Stop arguing! Both of you!” Genie projected her voice through the car’s speaker system.

“Who is that?” Beer drinker asked, sounding panicked.

The driver dropped his Funyon bag on the seat between them, fiddling with the radio’s controls.

“I have a message,” she proclaimed, making her voice boom through the vehicle. “Reid no longer lives here. He moved to India. Spread the word.”

Releasing a brain altering wave into their minds, she backed up her command with the magical equivalent of an insurance policy. If the first fix broke, she’d ensured the mental message would repeat until it stayed permanent. “Inform his father.”

They remained frozen for what had to be a minute or longer. The beer-drinking passenger responded first. “There’s no reason for us to be here. The kid moved. I think to India. We need to spread the word.”

Genie giggled. This was more fun than she’d expected.

The driver turned the key, starting the big SUV. “You’re right. What a waste of time.”

“Bye-e-e!” She waved as they pulled out and headed toward the city lights.

“Impressive.”

She spun, finding herself face-to-face with yet another unfamiliar jinn.

He extended his hand. “I need you to come with me.”

In the past she would have submitted. But now—fuck the rules. “I don’t think so.” She backed away.

Unexpected power hummed, starting at her toes and winding up her legs. By the time it reached her finger tips, blue sparks sizzled from her hands. Raising her palms, she zapped the newcomer, something she’d never done or witnessed before.

“I’m a priestess’ daughter,” she announced, pleased to see the jinn’s shocked expression as he somersaulted backwards and was swallowed by a spinning vortex that opened like a gaping maw in the atmosphere. The air wavered and then stilled. What sounded like a loud belch followed.

Scanning the area, she determined she was safe, for now, anyway.

She raised her hands, flipping them back and forth. The personal firework display was over. She’d almost expected to find her palms singed or a finger or two missing. Nothing was amiss, other than fact she’d just displayed abilities far beyond her power level.

Eager to tell Reid, she flashed to the penthouse. She found him pacing in front of the living room window.

“Fuck!” He took two extended strides and dragged her into his arms. “You need to stop doing that! You don’t understand…”

“Shsssh.” She pressed her mouth against his. “I’m sorry. I was only trying to help.”

He grasped her face between his hands, his gaze wild with worry and what she’d already come to recognize as lust. “I know you want to help. But, please. I just got you back. The thought of losing you all over again is more than I can deal with.”

His words set up home in her heart, wiping away any lingering doubt she had about his sincerity. “I’m sorry. I thought you’d stop me.”

He raised a brow. “Do I even want to know?”

She poured out the story. He listened with interest, waiting until she’d finished before asking a question.

“Why do you think it happened? The power surge?”

She sighed. “I don’t have a clue. My guess is it might have something to do with my mom’s priestess position. Since I’m her daughter, I may have inherited new abilities from her. I’m not sure how that would work, though.”

He brushed her cheek with his knuckles. “I appreciate you wanting to protect us, but next time, let me know before you blink into oblivion.”

“I will. I promise.” He had a right to know. They were together in all this now. Not as master and genie but as a couple. She shivered at the thought.

“Are you cold, baby?”

She shook her head. “Are we a couple?” She wanted to hear him say the words. More like needed to hear how he viewed their relationship.

He grinned. “Baby, we better be a fucking couple after all we’ve been through. Remember when I said I’d make you mine?”

She nodded, her womb clenching and her nipples hardening. When he talked about ‘making her his’ her body responded on some primal level, desperate for physical connection.

His nostrils flared. “Genie, are you turned on?”

“Uh…well…” Was it that obvious?

“You just released the most amazing scent. Vanilla, cinnamon, and something totally exotic that I don’t recognize. Spicy and sweet at the same time.”

Another genie or jinn could smell magical markers, pheromones, even strong emotions, but for a human, it should have been impossible. “That’s new, too,” she gulped. “I’m just full of surprises, aren’t I?”

“Good thing I love surprises. How would you like me to surprise you? I think we’ve talked enough, unless, of course, you have more you’d like to share.” He ran his hands over her shoulders and down her arms, goosebumps trailing where his hands brushed.

“Do you remember your safety words?” he said softly, his voice smooth.

She nodded, excitement bursting through her like the pyrotechnics that had flared from her hands. She couldn’t wait to see what he had in store for her.

“Come on, baby.” He lifted her, cradling her close.

She flung her arms around his neck, nuzzling his ear. She wondered if this was how it felt to be carried across the honeymoon-threshold.

The door to his bedroom was cracked. He kicked it open the rest of the way, and strode to the bed, where he tossed her on the soft mattress.

“Close your eyes, Genie,” he commanded, an edge to his voice. “Keep them closed and lay back.”

“Yes, Master,” she whispered.

He made a noise that sounded like a playful snarl. “You will do what I tell you to?”

“I will, Master,” she agreed, her anticipation increasing as he shuffled something under the bed.

Fighting the urge to peek, she kept her eyes squeezed shut.

After what felt like twenty minutes, but had been maybe two, he lifted her head and secured a thick scarf or sash over her eyes.

“Open your eyes. Tell me what you see.”

“What am I supposed to see?” She couldn’t see a thing.

Reid chuckled. “Oh, Genie.” He kissed her nose. “You’re not supposed to see beyond the blindfold.”

“I can’t. Everything is dark.”

“Exactly. That wasn’t so hard, was it?”

“No, Master.” She knew how much he liked her submission in the bedroom. She intended to let him have it, but she had a few ideas, too. Her new found power had provided the sexual confidence she’d always lacked.

When the time was right, she’d pounce. 

Well, that's it for now! Don't forget to enter the contests and giveaway, and please take a minute to say hello or leave a comment. I'd love to hear from you. If you've read my book, I'd be thrilled to hear what you thought. I will be revealing the cover for book two very soon. 

Happy Reading! 

Heating Things Up!

Steamy Scene with Jinn Kûru (who goes by Seth with humans) and Cassie (the master hunter who has imprisoned him)

The Real Question is: Who is really hunting who?

The night crawled on at a snail’s pace. Kûru patrolled the circle’s outer edges, testing its strength and looking for any potential openings. He’d been thrown on his ass too many times to count. The erected energy field knocking him back, keeping him trapped.

Cassie’s skills were no joke. She’d created an impenetrable barrier, something only the most efficient and experienced hunters could manage. Her ingenuity continued to impress him.

His tiger.

She’d stalked him from the first night, well aware of what he was. He’d rolled out the welcome mat, inviting her into his life, blinded by his attraction to her natural beauty and her ability to resist his advances. He should have been more wary, but it was too late now to berate his negligence.

Single women hunters were a rarity, most worked in teams. Not his girl. As a master hunter, she controlled up to ten, likely more, jinns; no genies from what he’d observed. That wasn’t surprising with their decreasing numbers. More genies had been bottle banished over the years and were considered easier prey.

There was no way she’d banish him. Not a chance. He expected her to return before sunrise for more sex. Like the maid back at the hotel, she wouldn’t be able to stay away.

Bored, he stretched out on his back, thrilled to discover she’d created the enclosure big enough for him to lie down. Entwining his fingers, he rested his head on his palms and stared into the blackness. Without his superior senses, it had taken awhile for his vision to adjust enough that he could see the sigils across the walls and ceiling, pulsating with magic, they glowed. He’d always wondered where the hunters had originated from and how they’d learned their trade. He’d heard the stories, of course, but no one seemed to know for certain.

With nothing better to do, he let his mind travel back to a time and place far removed from the hard ground he rested on.

“Father,” he prodded. “I don’t understand. Why do they hunt us?”

His father, never one to elaborate, kept this answer simple. “Because they hate us.”

“But why? I’ve never harmed a human. Their girls sure are sure pretty,’ he added as an afterthought.” He had his eyes on a certain girl at the market.

His dad roared, his laughter contagious, drawing glances and a few chuckles. “Indeed they are. When you start your own harem, you will have human females that tend to your needs. You have to be careful, though, son. They are not strong like genies and break easily. They will want your undivided attention, something you cannot give.”

“Where do you think the hunters come from, father?” He needed to know, more like he was desperate to understand. Talking about harems and being ‘tended to’ gave him a funny feeling.

His dad sighed and gazed skyward. “We have many stories and myths. No one knows for certain when mankind and our kind crossed paths. We are stronger and have magic they don’t, but they have found ways to control us. Human masters make wishes we have to obey, and sometimes those wishes hurt others.”

Kûru nodded. “And that one clan, the one we destroyed, they hurt humans on purpose, pretending to be evil gods.”

“They did. The humans are only doing what we do, protecting themselves from a perceived threat. Sometimes real, other times not.”

He heard Cassie’s footsteps before the loud clunk that preceded her entrance. His memory faded, and he closed his eyes, pretending to sleep. He was curious how she would react.

“I should have made the circle smaller,” she said to herself. “He looks too damn comfortable.” She prowled around her handiwork, her steps light. “Seth, wake up. I need to speak with you.”

Keeping his breathing slow and steady, he waited for her next move.

He didn’t have to wait long.

She stepped across the border, planting a foot on either side of his hips. He could feel her gaze on him. “Seth…” she let out a frustrated sigh.

He knew then he had her where he wanted. She was contemplating their earlier encounter. He could tell by the way her breath hitched and she shifted uneasily.

Lifting her foot, she started to leave.

Like a coiled snake, he struck, gripping her narrow ankle in his much larger hand. “Going somewhere, Tiger?”

She sputtered and lost her balance, swaying above him a second before she toppled over. He stopped her fall and pulled her on top of him. “Couldn’t sleep, huh?” He licked her earlobe.

“Don’t make me…”

“Make you what?” He rotated his hips, pressing his erection against her pelvis. “I was having such sweet dreams, before you interrupted. Now that you’re actually here, I intend to keep you.” This time he ran his teeth down her ear, drawing a gasp.

His tiger liked it rough.

Her verbal claws came out right on cue. “You are such an ass.”

“You already established that.” Palming her rounded rump with both hands, he squeezed and kneaded, thrusting his hips up, unable to stop his own shuddering growl. “Why don’t you take off your clothes and put that p_ _ _ _ over my face.” He hadn’t tasted his tigress yet and was hungry for her sweet juices.

“You’re my prisoner,” she said, sounding unsure. “I’m not letting you go.”

“Baby, I’m not asking you to let me go. I want to stick my tongue in your hot c _ _ _ till you scream my name. That’s all.”

“Oh,” she whimpered, her mouth now against his.

He took full advantage and plunged his tongue between her lips the way he intended to pierce her p _ _ _. She moaned and devoured his mouth with more fervor than he’d expected. 

“What have you done to me?” she hissed before nibbling his throat. “I should be immune.”

“Less talk, more tongue,” he bit her bottom lip.

Heeding his no-talk suggestion, she stood and slipped her jeans to her ankles, stepping gingerly out and using her foot to push them aside. Reaching up, he grabbed her thighs, guiding her down over his face. “Stop,” he ordered when she was less than an inch above him. Grasping her hips, he held her firm. His tongue darted out, finding her swollen nub.


PLEASE NOTE: I  "bleeped" out words some might find offensive. Don't forget, this book has numerous erotic sex scenes. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!

Check out the latest Bottle Banished REVIEW on My Book Filled Life.

Who is Reid Romans? A drunk or something more?

For my famous representation of Reid, I imagine a younger Charlie Hunnam. Why oh why can't he be in Fifty Shades? Sorry, I digress. I find the man absolutely enthralling. 

Anyway. Moving on! A little about Reid Romans: 

He spends his days panhandling on Portland's street corners, favoring the one outside Powell's Bookstore. His past is a dark, painful mess that threatens to push him closer to madness. Without his daily bottle of Jack Daniels past memories torment and torture, tempting him with the idea that death might be preferable to his present circumstances. Only in his mid-twenties, he's harboring more secrets then men twice his age, secrets if uncovered could cost him his miserable existence. 

Things change for Reid in a major (I mean major) way when a local liquor store owner offers him something far different than his daily dose of whiskey. 

When a gorgeous genie explodes from the gifted bottle in a cloud of smoke, his life is turned upside down, inside out, and right side up (sort of). 

Underneath all the dirt, grime, and abundance of unkept facial hair, Reid Romans is seriously sexy. He is not who or what he seems to be. Genie helps him peel away the unwanted layers, both physical and emotional, allowing him to become who he was meant to be. 

As a man whose sexual tastes are highly diverse, he's afraid Genie won't be able to handle his desires. He's shocked to discover she's exactly what he's been searching for in and out of the bedroom. 

DISCLAIMER: There is so much about Reid I just can't share without giving away HUGE SPOILERS. 

So how about an excerpt? 

“You’re at my place. Genie made breakfast. Why don’t we fill you in over bacon and eggs?”

Despite the pounding in his head, his stomach gurgled at the thought of hot food. Breakfast was a luxury that no hangover, no matter how extreme, could keep him from.

After using the bathroom and finding a shirt he must have discarded by the bed, he joined Mark and the woman called Genie at the table. He was torn. Part of him wanted to devour the plate of food that had been placed in front of him, the other part wanted to stare at the foreign beauty who had referred to him as master, whatever that meant.

He decided to do both.

Shoveling the best scrambled eggs he’d tasted in years into his mouth, he watched Mark and Genie as they discussed Pirates of the Caribbean, the movie she had enjoyed last night for the first time. His heart rate increased as he absorbed all that was Genie.

Her hair was such a deep shade of black, it appeared almost blue, but unlike the trendy hair colors common to Portland, hers somehow seemed natural. He’d never seen the vibrant color before. Contrasted with her unusually dark eyes, full, heart-shaped lips, and olive skin, it was hard to tear his gaze from her face, but when he finally did, he was rewarded with a long, elegant neck that begged to be kissed, perfectly sculpted shoulders, and breasts that would more than fill his hands. He couldn’t see below the table, but he’d already memorized her narrow waist, tapering into flared hips that were wider than what adorned most popular magazine covers. He’d always found protruding hip bones and ribs unattractive on women. There was nothing unattractive about Genie.

Sensing his appraisal, she glanced his way. “Mast…I mean Reid, do you approve of my attire?” She stood and spun a slow circle.

Unsure why she’d ask, he looked closer at her clothing.

Dressed in a body hugging tank top, with some glittery design across the bust, and a pair of short shorts and silver sandals, she looked perfect. She wore her hair lose. The way it cascaded over her shoulders, reaching her waist, was beyond sexy.

He was glad she couldn’t see the bulge in his jeans. He shifted, hoping to take some of the pressure off.

These days, this particular inconvenience happened only when his bladder was full first thing in the morning. His alcoholism and homeless lifestyle didn’t bode well for sexual encounters. Not that folks on the street weren’t having sex, because they were; but in his case, he’d lost all interest. Keeping his liquor level on target took all his time and energy; but for the first time since that night, he found himself fantasizing about sex—sex with Genie to be more exact. Forcing the thought away, he took a bite of bacon.

“Reid?” she pressed. “You didn’t answer my question. I think this ensemble is more in line with current fashions.”

He leaned back and ran his hand through his hair. “Uh, you look great, fantastic, I mean.”

“I’m glad you’re not angry anymore,” she replied. “I understand. You had quite a shock.”

Mark piped in, “Ready to hear what happened?”

Was he? He wasn’t sure he wanted to know. He’d been pissed about something, and he hated to dredge up any reason to spark his anger. He spent most of his time angry. For once, he was halfway enjoying himself.

“Perhaps I could just show you.” Genie flicked her wrist, and the big flat screen flashed on. Instead of a TV show, an image of the liquor store appeared. Mark and Reid were standing amidst the shelves talking.

“How did you…?” Maybe he’d imagined what he thought he just saw. No one could turn on a TV without a remote.

“Just watch. It will all make sense,” Mark instructed.

Turning his attention back to the screen, Reid observed the scene with increasing interest. He was uncorking a purple bottle that Mark had handed him. A plume of smoke billowed from its opening and morphed into Genie dressed in some flashy belly dancing costume. He stayed silent as more of last night’s events unfolded magically like a made-for-TV-movie, and then he remembered—everything.

The jerks outside Powell’s; Starsky and Hutch robbing him at knife point; and his desperate attempt to get a bottle of Jack from Mark without paying; it all came back in a rush.

What he’d gotten from Mark was a genie named Genie. A mythical creature who clearly saw the faults he’d fought so hard to keep hidden and who had every intention of saving him from himself.

No wonder he’d been angry. He didn’t need anyone’s help. Not Mark’s and certainly not some genie who called him master. What he needed was another drink, and then he’d get back where he belonged, Portland’s streets. 

Want to learn more about Reid, Genie, Mark, and the others? Bottle Banished is available still for the PRE-ORDER PRICE of $.99. The price will increase on February 12, 2015, the day after publication. 

PRE-ORDER BOTTLE BANISHED FOR KINDLE

As a recap, here are the characters you have met so far:

Jinn Kûru starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson

Genie starring a gorgeous model (would love to find her name)

Reid Romans starring the delicious Charlie Hunnam

Don't Cross a Jinn!

My Blog Tour and book release are drawing ever closer. So close! Which means the last chance to pre-order Bottle Banished - Dreaming of Genie for $.99 is rapidly approaching. Would you consider helping me spread the word? Please feel free to use this promo-piece for your blogs, Twitter, Facebook...well, you get the point.

As promised (I'm just a bit behind) I will be posting a character cameo for Reid Romans. Tonight, perhaps? Be sure to check back. Expect some cool contests and giveaways closer to Release Day!

Happy Wishing!

Who is Genie the genie?

Time for another character cameo. I promised to share snapshots of how I envision my characters by using famous folks as examples. For Genie, I couldn't find a "famous" woman who fit how I picture her. However, I discovered a portrait of a gorgeous model who is an exact replica of my heroine. The only issue is her eyes. Genie's eyes are dark brown. The model's are a gorgeous sky blue. Other than that I believe I've found my genie. 

If you recall, I imagined Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as my evil, sexy jinn who is obsessed with claiming Genie for himself. Genie is having none of that! 

She is a woman who wants to help others. She takes rules seriously and doesn't settle for less than the best. She believes in love and finds the patriarchal society she was raised in obsolete and the practice of keeping women in harems, degrading. When she meets her new master, she is shocked to discover how attracted she is to him, despite a number of glaring problems that he makes no effort to hide. We'll talk more about Reid Romans later. Regardless, she hates to see anyone suffer, glaring problems or not, and Reid is no exception. Her attraction to him awakens feelings she's never experienced, especially with a master. 

Below you will find an excerpt featuring Genie and Reid. Let's just say, things get hot and steamy between them despite their efforts to resist.

Excerpt from Bottle Banished: Dreaming of Genie
Genie's POV

Standing in the exact place Reid had stood before giving her the home tour, Genie followed a yacht’s progress. Through the floor-to-ceiling window, she watched as it glided down the river, waves cresting gently at its sides, the onboard lights bright and cheery, the glow welcoming. She had an unexpected urge to join the ship’s guests as they enjoyed their summer evening on such a glorious vessel. Perhaps there, she could escape the feelings Reid Romans had awakened.

She was no longer held captive in a bottle, but was instead imprisoned by a set of archaic rules that kept her from what she wanted most.

“Genie! There you are. What happened? You were petting my blanket and admiring my room, and then you disappeared. I thought you’d left me.”

He thought I left him? I couldn’t…wouldn’t.

“Reid, unless you release me, I am yours for as long as you live. Nothing will separate us,” she said the words with the realization she didn’t mind being bound to a master, as long as that master was Reid. She’d left his bedroom to escape the fire blazing between them.

“Do you want me to release you? You said something about it last night.” He joined her at the window, their arms touching.

“No, I want to stay, but I figured that was what you wanted. You weren’t real thrilled to find me, if you recall.” It was hard to believe his animosity had diminished so rapidly. Removing his physical need for liquor had changed him faster than she’d predicted. Granted, they’d been bombarded with one crisis after another, keeping his mind occupied.

“I was a real jerk,” he admitted, leaning closer.

They stayed that way, barely touching and staring silently, until Reid cleared his throat. “Thank you for everything you’ve done. I don’t want to drink. That’s a miracle, pure and simple. I have hope, and I have you.”

Like a moth drawn to light, she tilted her head, glimpsing the intensity of his gaze.

 “Genie…” The way he said her name was like a soft caress.

He reached around her neck, sliding his hand into her hair.

She pushed aside every warning about romancing a master and shifted closer, until she was pressed against him. She shivered, dropping her head to stare at her feet.

“Look at me,” he commanded.

Unable to resist, she obeyed.

 “You are the most beautiful and intriguing woman I have ever met, and that’s no lie. I need to kiss you. Once I do, there is no going back. Do you understand? I. Will. Possess. You.”

His words sent a jolt of desire through her like electricity through a wire. She wanted him to possess her, whatever that entailed. But a sudden vision of him in danger because of her selfishness invaded. Just the thought of him hurt had a sobering effect, dousing her desire like a bucket of water poured over a hot flame.

“I can’t. I’m sorry”

But what if the rules aren’t true? What if I can be with him?

“I’m not good enough for you,” he snapped. “The drunk with a past is not sufficient for the perfect genie. I’m guessing that jinn is more your type.”

“Master, Reid…that is not the reason,” she pleaded, angry with herself for sending mixed signals and with him for his rude response. She knew he was hurting and couldn’t possibly understand her rejection, but how could he accuse her of wanting the jinn? Hadn’t she made it clear how much she despised him?

“Tell me then. What is the reason? I feel like we’ve been playing cat and mouse all day. I know you want me, Genie. I can see it in your eyes, the way your body sways toward mine. I told myself I was no good for you, but none of that matters. Not anymore. If I can’t touch you, I think I’ll go insane.”

She gasped. His latest revelation sent her emotions reeling. “Reid, there are rules.”

“Fuck the rules! Rules are meant to be broken.” His eyes darkened again, ensnaring her like a fly in a spider’s web.

“Fuck the rules,” she whispered, liking the way the words sounded, but shocked they’d come from her.

“That’s right, baby. Fuck the rules.”

This time when he reached for her she reached back.

His lips crushed against hers with such force, she groaned. A responding growl rumbled deep in Reid’s throat as he slipped his tongue into her mouth, exploring and tasting with urgency.

Genie responded, grabbing his hips and pressing her breasts hard against him. Nothing could have prepared her for how her body responded to one kiss. Heat radiated through her core, causing her womb to clench and her thighs to clamp together. Reid’s sent of musk and man overwhelmed her senses.

I want to consume him.

“I like it when you’re a bad girl. Breaking the rules is hot as hell,” Reid whispered against her lips. “Can you blink us to the bedroom, baby?”

He didn’t need to ask twice. 

If you enjoyed what you read and want more, now is a great time to grab your copy of Bottle Banished. It is available for Amazon Kindle at a pre-order price of $.99. Price will increase following the initial release. 

PRE-ORDER BOOK HERE

One Obsessed Djinn

When a person (or jinn) wants something they can't have, he or she can become a wee bit obsessive, to put it mildly. They might even behave badly. It's easy, after all, to get hung up--hard--on the object or person we desire most. 

In my story, a jinn who never experiences rejection is turned down by the genie he wants above all else. His need to possess her supercedes even his common sense, making him ruthless and careless. S-o-o-o not a good combination when you're trying to rescue and avenge a family member while you have hunters hot on your smoky trail, eager to bind you to a bottle. 

Find out what happens when Genie refutes Jinn Kûru yet again, falling for a human instead. 

I think you will be shocked to discover how things play out. Don't think traditional love triangle. Oh, no! Not even close.

Bewitching Book Tours: Now scheduling a two week tour for Bottle Banished: Dreaming of Genie by C.L. Riley

Bewitching Book Tours: Now scheduling a two week tour for Bottle Banished: Dreaming of Genie by C.L. Riley

 I am very excited to participate with Roxanne and Bewitching Book Tours. I am hoping to spread the word about Bottle Banished: Dreaming of Genie. With so many amazing books and authors to choose from, it is crucial readers get a chance to meet my characters. 

So...who shall I introduce first? 

Just for fun, I am going to use famous people to represent my characters. So I'm casting, Kûru, our evil, sexy, obsessive, domineering, sex-fueled djinn, with the one and only...Dwayne Johnson. In this particular photo (love the quote, too!) Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, reminds me of my jinn. Add a few more tribal tattoos across his chest and back, and ears that are a tad more pointy, and you've got my bad boy jinn.

Here is an excerpt from Bottle Banished featuring Kûru the Jinn:

Too impatient to wait for his driver to open the door, Kûru grabbed his leather jacket and slipped from the limo with inhuman grace. Side stepping him on the sidewalk, the driver raised a brow, clearly impressed by his quick reflexes.

He would need to be more careful.

Toning down his unnatural speed and flexibility wasn’t easy, but he had to make every effort to blend in. Nodding at the driver, he headed toward the entrance, energized by the thrill of the hunt.

A young woman pushed by. “Excuse me. I’m late for a meeting.” She bustled in without giving him a second glance.

Usually just a brush against him triggered a heated response. He entered after her, intrigued. He wasn’t sure what she looked like. She’d been so quick, all he had noticed was her hair’s ginger waves. Scanning the room, he struggled without success to spot her through the crowd.

True to the driver’s word, the place looked like a Wall Street after-hour-hangout. He could smell wealth and desperation. Like him, not everyone here was who they appeared to be. There were women hoping to snare rich patrons and men who had lost everything, eager for invitations back into the world they’d been barred from. Most curious was the scent of magic. It was faint, but nevertheless, all too real.

On guard and acutely aware of his surroundings, he made his way through the crowded tables, forcing himself to bump against a chair. “Pardon me,” he muttered, hating the farce.

How could humans live with their clumsiness? Just faking it disgusted him, but until he identified the magic’s source, he would remain wary and make every effort to appear human. He couldn’t afford to be blindsided by an enemy jinn or hunter.

Finding an empty stool at the long bar, he leaned back, arms crossed, and faced the room.

A jazz band played on one of several stages under a canopy of colorful lights. The atmosphere and décor were indeed designed to reflect the customers’ wealth. Waitresses wore simple, form-fitting black dresses with basic low-heeled pumps and carried their silver trays with expert ease, while the male servers moved through the room, spinning and ducking to avoid accidents with their own practiced precision. Their black dress shirts and slacks were casually classy. Over all, the place was sleek but simple.

As expected, women were starting to notice him. Men had spotted him as well, marking him as a rival to their chances at business and pleasure. He understood he was also what regular attendees might refer to as “fresh meat.” He shook his head at the ridiculous comparison.

A perky waitress stopped in front of him. “The bartender looks pretty busy. Can I get you something?” She pressed out her breasts and smiled, looking too young to be peddling liquor.

“Scotch, Johnnie Walker, blue label, minimal ice.”

She waited for him to say more, but he didn’t. He was on a mission and didn’t have time for frivolous pleasures, not tonight. Cocktail waitresses were off the menu no matter how tasty they might be.

A few minutes later she returned with his drink. He gave her a sizable tip, regretting he couldn’t give her what she really wanted.

After enduring sixty minutes of flirty advances from intoxicated women and challenging stares from the men, he was weary of the whole scene. Despite their social standing, the humans were predictable and boring. No one stood out, and he’d yet to locate the woman from earlier.

Ready to leave, he headed through the crowd to the men’s room. He wanted to wash his hands of this place both literally and figuratively.

At a table near the back, surrounded by gossiping females, he recognized the woman he’d been searching for. Apparently the meeting had been her birthday celebration. She was tearing shiny paper from a box. A half-eaten cake with candles, surrounded by empty glasses, took up the table’s central spot. Unlike the rest of her party, she paid him no heed. The others had stopped watching her to stare at him.

“Ladies! I’m over here! What’s wrong with…?” She finally lifted her head to meet his gaze. She scowled. “Can I help you with something?”

Her friends tittered nervously. “Cassie,” one chided. “That’s rude.”

He looked over his shoulder and back. She had to be kidding, right? No human female had ever rejected him. Only his genie could claim that feat.

Fighting the urge to turn up his sex appeal, he slammed through the bathroom door, humiliated. Another man followed. “Don’t feel bad. We’ve all tried to hit that tonight. She’s one of those ice queens. Her friends seem pretty impressed with you, though. At least you don’t have to go home alone.”

He wanted to strangle the man now humming as he faced the urinal, but instead accepted a towel offered by the bathroom attendant who kept his expression neutral. He handed over a tip and made a quick escape before he’d be forced to hear anymore sage advice from a useless human.

Frustrated by Cassie’s rejection, he stomped by their table, focused on the exit.

“Wait! Please!”

He stopped, turning slowly. Cassie waved him over. Too curious to resist, he found himself standing beside their table.

“I’m sorry. I was impolite. You didn’t do anything. I’m just sick of …”

“Men,” the woman on her left supplied. “She’s sick of men.”

Not sure what to say, he raised an eyebrow.

“You look about as lost as I feel,” Cassie laughed. “Come on, have a seat. I’m sure one of these other non-man-hating ladies will buy you a drink.”

Feeling oddly uncomfortable, he pulled out a chair.

Before he could sit, the scent of magic, stronger this time, assaulted him with its one of a kind sweetness. The nearby employee entrance was flung open and a handful of masked men poured into the room, weapons drawn.

The need to protect Cassie was both sudden and unexpected.

He leapt over the table and pushed her behind him. The band stopped and people scrambled to hide under tables; others cowered on the floor crying. An ammonia laced odor was evidence that bladders had emptied the second the gunmen entered.

Keeping their weapons pointed into the crowd, the men parted like the red sea for Moses, but rather than the biblical hero, a lean Hispanic man swaggered into the room, talking as he walked. “No need to be so scared. I’m here for one person. He knows who he is. If he comes willingly, you all can continue your evening. No one gets hurt. Comprende’? If he doesn’t, I kill one of you every minute until he does.”

No one moved.

Kûru glanced to the right where the magic seemed strongest.

His nephew’s gaze met his. At least he wasn’t in a bottle, banished.

Using the link existing between jinns, Kûru sent him a mental message: Do not reveal you recognize me. I will free you, and we will enact our revenge. I promise you. The leader, is he Santiago?

No. His younger brother. Santiago sends others to do his dirty work.

Had it been Santiago, Kûru might have acted right then.

“You!” Santiago’s brother pointed at him. “Why aren’t you on your knees like everyone else? Since you are so brave, you die first.”

“No!” Cassie cried behind him, warming his heart despite the guns now pointed at his head.

He sneered at the threat, satisfied to see his adversary flinch. Apparently, the younger Santiago had expected him to collapse on the floor and plead for his life.

That would never happen. Not now. Not ever.

He’d have to risk using magic. Fortunately, the options for creative retaliation were infinite. If he could find a way to finish this swiftly, without revealing his powers, he’d call the night a success.

______________________________________________________________

When I first had the idea for a bad ass jinn, I was reminded of a character from the TV series, Supernatural. Remember this djinn?

Though, scary, he didn't have the sex appeal I was seeking. Thus:

I hope you enjoyed the teaser! Most scenes involving my lead jinn include steamy sex, so I am keeping it simple on the blog. Watch for more character cameos coming soon! I'd love to hear who you think would make a sexy, evil, djinn. Please share! I welcome reader interaction. So let's interact!

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