Winner of My Compulsion Book Launch Contest is...

::Drumroll Please::

Gail S.

Congratulations, Gail. 

Please contact me at
cass @ cassandra curtis [dot] com (no spaces) 

with your snail mail information for mailing out your prizes.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by the blog, read my excerpt, entered the contest, and helped me celebrate the release of my latest ebook.

I strive to make my prize winners happy, however, as with all my contests, it is the participant’s responsibility to check the blog to see if their name is announced as a winner, and/or to respond to winning notification emails in order to claim your prize. Prizes must be claimed within 30 days of contest winning announcement. If not claimed within 30 days, the prize will either be added to another contest, or a second chance drawing at my discretion. Not responsible for lost/stolen mail. 

Compulsion Book Launch Party!

Release day is finally here!

Compulsion
by Cassandra Curtis

ISBN: 9781301335596

Lindsay Dannon has a dirty little secret. While she hides behind her plain and proper image at work, a wanton woman with a rich fantasy life lurks beneath the surface. The thrill of sex in public places, and the risk of exposure, is a compulsive itch she knows only one man can scratch—her boss, Jack Randolph.

The company’s “no tolerance” policy on interoffice dating is the only thing stopping her. Good thing Jack created the rules, because he’s determined to make all of Lindsay’s sexual fantasies come true…

Warning: Wanton woman, sexy CEO, hot bondage in a glass elevator, and plenty of room on the conference table. ;)


Excerpt from Compulsion by Cassandra Curtis

*Warning: Not office safe, reader discretion is advised. For mature (18+) audiences only!*

December 23rd, the holiday office party...

Lindsay Dannon knew trouble. It followed her like a bloodhound, scenting the air at any hint of romance, even a day dreamy type of affair that only existed in her mind.

She admired the object of her desire from across the crowded room. The man was too handsome for her peace of mind. No—don’t look at him. You’ll only make yourself crazy. Lindsay slid her last drink ticket at the man behind the cash bar, hoping another glass of liquid courage would ease the tight knot in her stomach.

Life was full of regrets. Did she really want this moment to become a missed chance she’d look back on when she was fifty? Lindsay downed the alcohol in one long, burning swallow. Tears watered her eyes as she coughed. Served her right for ordering whiskey neat instead of eggnog. She tucked a length of her pale blond hair behind her ear. Now or never, Linds. You can do this.

She watched as Jack Randolph, surrounded by his executive team, excused himself, a drink in one hand, cell phone to his ear as he exited the party. Heat blossomed in her midsection and spread throughout her body courtesy of both Jacks. Now that she’d finally worked up her nerve to approach the man of her dreams, he’d left.

Lindsay followed him down the hallway, telling herself she wasn’t a stalker. So she was a little fixated on the boss. It didn’t mean she planned to follow him home and camp out under his window. At least not tonight, she thought with a smile.

Dead end. Now what? Where did he go? Maybe it was best she hadn’t found him. How would she explain her ill-conceived actions? Lindsay supposed she could blame it on the over-the-counter cold meds she’d taken that morning, then the two drinks at the party.  But that didn’t explain this odd compulsion she had to touch Jack Randolph. That started the first day they met.

Distant male voices grew louder and as they came closer, Lindsay recognized Edward Edmonds, the company’s Vice President of Human Resources, talking with another man she didn’t know. She ducked into one of the small conference rooms, peering from behind the partially closed door, and watched as they continued down the hallway. Now there goes a man I have no desire to touch.

Edmonds had been the one to hire her, saying how the company liked stealing good employees from their competition. She’d pasted on a smile, inwardly cringing at his over the top swarmytude. She knew she wasn’t being fair. He’d always been professional and polite to her, but the man gave off a weird vibe, setting her creep-o-meter radar on alert. At least now he was out of sight and hadn’t seen her.

“That was close,” Lindsay muttered under her breath.

“Ms. Dannon.”

Lindsay jumped, startled by the deep male voice behind her. Her body turned sideways into a wall of muscled perfection, while her elbow’s trajectory aimed straight for the hand still holding a whisky on the rocks. Time slowed as she observed Jack’s half-full glass upend on his pale yellow sweater. Noooooo!

Panicked and mortified, she swiped at the brown stain marring the cashmere, making matters worse. The blotch now resembled a Rorschach test. “I’ll pay for the dry cleaning. I’m so sorry, Mr. Randolph.”

“It’s okay, Ms. Dannon. Don’t worry about it.”

Her fingertips brushed against the wet sweater and by accident, rubbed a stiff male nipple. She knew she should stop immediately, but some demon imp prodded her to keep caressing the tight point. He took her hand in his and pulled it away from the sweater and her tempting target.

“Trust me it’ll be fine,” he paused as he stared down at her. “My assistant Tegan said he brought you to work this morning.”

“Yes, my car’s in the shop.”

“He just called and asked if I would be willing to take you home after the party... unless you’ve made other arrangements?”

“No! I mean, no, I would appreciate the ride.” Stop staring at his chest!

“Good. Be ready to leave in ten minutes. Now, if you’ll excuse me...”

Lindsay took a deep, calming breath as he walked back to the party. Seriously, did she just flick her boss’ nipple? OMG! What was wrong with her? She’d wanted to pull the sweater over his head and lave the male nub with her tongue. She groaned at the mental image.

The man was founder and CEO of Randolph Systems, a guy known for being ruthless, arrogant, and tough. Not a touchy-feely type. Yet he’d offered to help an employee home. The man had hidden depths, and more than anything, she wanted to be the one to explore them.

After freshening up in the women’s restroom, she returned to the party room and retrieved her coat. She spotted Jack putting on his driving gloves. He caught her glance, nodded to her, and then guided her through the lobby to the small parking lot opposite the front entrance.

The blustery winter wind howled, while the snow already on the ground swirled in the air. Lindsay pulled the coat’s hood over her head and shivered. After a year of living in Colorado, she still wasn’t used to the freezing cold or the crazy snowfall. The black leather trench coat Jack wore seemed too thin to protect against the elements. At least he’d wrapped a scarf around his neck.

Snowflakes stuck to his black hair like tiny stars glistening under the overhead parking lights. She had a mad impulse to brush the snow away and kiss the fine silver at each temple. Her heart skipped at the tender notion. He stood with the passenger door open, waiting for her. An old-fashioned gesture, but one she liked. Jack Randolph might be rough around the edges, but he had manners.

The drive to her apartment was silent, but she could sense the sexual tension and knew it couldn’t be all one-sided.

“Thank you for the ride home,” she whispered, leaning toward him, debating if she should act cool, or give in and let him know how much she wanted him.

Between the alcohol fogging her brain and her hormones reminding her she hadn’t been with anyone in over two years, Lindsay decided now was her best chance to make one of her fantasies a reality. Right there. So she took the chance and caressed his cheek, planting a passionate kiss on his lips. Nudging until she gained entrance, her tongue slid beneath his as he finally kissed her back.

Lindsay stroked the muscled thigh of his leg through the fabric of his dress slacks. Inching her hand closer to the prize until her fingers traced the contour of his hard, long cock, she tugged at the straining zipper. It was heaven and hell. Heaven because she’d tasted his lips and it was everything she’d imagined, and hell because after two minutes of bliss and heat, he pushed her away.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know what came over me. It won’t happen again. I promise,” Jack apologized, appearing almost as embarrassed as she was that moment. Why, oh why had she taken the chance? She should have known better. A man like Jack Randolph wouldn’t be interested in her.

The small hurt at his words made her chest ache. I was what came over you. I want you and you sure seemed to want me! Lindsay wished she could say the words.

“I think it would be best if we just forgot this ever happened.” Jack gripped the steering wheel, his expression wooden. He might forget this night, but she never would.

There are two parties going on simultaneously and you'll want to check them both out!


I'm at www.smutketeers.com celebrating with R.G. Alexander and Eden Bradley, playing Truth or Dare and giving away 2 copies of Naughty Little Secrets, book one in my Naughty South series. My Smutketeers contest ends midnight, Friday, May 17, 2013.

Plus — if you mention my book release (and provide the links where readers can go to my book to read more or purchase) on Facebook, Twitter, or other social media, and come back here to leave a comment on my blog (let me know where you mentioned my new book, Compulsion), you'll be entered in a prize drawing (the more places you mention my book, the more entries you'll receive).

One lucky winner will be drawn at random from all entries here at When Midnight Comes, and will receive the following prizes:

A $10 GIFT CARD for PANERA BREAD
A $15 GIFT CARD for AMAZON.COM
A GOODIE BAG (magnet, pen, nail file)

Contest ends midnight Monday, May 20, 2013 and winner will be announced Tuesday, May 21, 2013.

Note to my fans in SL—Tonight  Story Hour reader Becca Draele will be in Second Life, reading excerpts from my newest erotic romance Compulsion, 7pm SLT (Pacific time), 10pm (Eastern). Click the link below to teleport to the event. Remember to bring your headphones because storytelling is in voice.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Romany/222/161/21

BUY COMPULSION ON SMASHWORDS
BUY COMPULSION ON AMAZON
BUY COMPULSION ON B&N (coming soon)

Must be 18+ to enter. No purchase necessary. The odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. Contest void where prohibited by law. I strive to make my prize winners happy, however, as with all my contests, it is the participant’s responsibility to check the blog to see if their name is announced as a winner, and/or to respond to winning notification emails in order to claim your prize. Prizes must be claimed within 30 days of contest winning announcement. If not claimed within 30 days, the prize will either be added to another contest, or a second chance drawing at my discretion. Not responsible for lost/stolen mail. 

Waiting Not So Patiently For An Upcoming Book

Are there any books in a series that you've been waiting forever to read? Cue *SQUEE fan girl* moment here, as I share some exciting info about a couple of series books  and sequels I've been waiting forever to read. Okay it only seems like forever because I have mad love for the authors and their writing.

First up is the fifth book in Elizabeth Bear's Promethean series, One-Eyed Jack and The Suicide King. The release date is November 6, 2013, been waiting on this and happy 2013 is finally here. Only six months left to go, wooyah!

Published by Prime Books, One-Eyed Jack and The Suicide King can also be read as a stand alone book.

Don't ya'll just love that cover? So cool!

About the book:

The One-Eyed Jack and the Suicide King personifies the city of Las Vegas - its history, mystery, mystical power, and heart! When the Suicide King vanishes - possibly killed - in the middle of a magic-rights turf war started by the avatars of Los Angeles, a notorious fictional assassin, and the mutilated ghost of Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel - his partner, the One-Eyed Jack, must seek the aid of a bizarre band of legendary and undead allies: the ghosts of Doc Holliday and John Henry the steel-driving man; the echoes of several imaginary super spies, decades displaced in time; and a vampire named Tribute, who bears a striking resemblance to a certain long-lost icon of popular music.

Other books in this series include:

Blood and Iron (June 2006, ROC)
Whiskey and Water (July 2007, ROC)
The Stratford Man: Volume I: Ink and Steel (July 2008, ROC); Volume II: Hell and Earth (August 2008, ROC)


Another book on my Please Can I Have Another list is author Kristen Painter's next book in her acclaimed House of Comarré series, Last Blood.  Also the fifth book in her series.

#5 – LAST BLOOD
Gothic Urban Fantasy
Release date: July 2013

 About the book:
Retribution is a gift…

In the final showdown between the forces of dark and light, Mal and Chrysabelle face not only Tatiana, but the ancient evil that now controls her: the Castus Sanguis. Chrysabelle gathers her friends and family around her, forming a plan to bring an end to the chaos surrounding them. But the Castus is the most powerful being they’ve ever come up against. Defeating such evil will require a great sacrifice from someone on the side of light.

One of them will change sides. One of them will die. No one will survive unscathed. Can Chrysabelle save those she cares about or will that love get her killed? What price is she willing to pay to draw last blood?

Other books in this series include:

Blood Rights (October 2011/Orbit)
Flesh And Blood (November 2011/Orbit)
Bad Blood (December 2011/Orbit)
Out For Blood (October 2012/Orbit)

I do have some good news for anxious HOC fans, Kristen's novella prequel will be out tomorrow, May 15th!  Sweet! Check it out:

Set in the world of the House of Comarré, Kristen Painter gives us a new novella about the price of freedom.

Maris’s life as a comarré has come down to three options: escape her patron and spend the rest of her days looking over her shoulder, fight him for her freedom with the understanding it could mean her death or undergo dangerous experimentation to transform her blood into something even more powerful.

Before she can make a decision, she discovers the vampire who’s been charged with sunproofing her blood isn’t so fond of her patron either. In fact, Dominic is unlike any vampire she’s ever met, but is she desperate enough to put her trust in another noble? Her heart says yes…

BUY NOW: Amazon | B & N

Mother's Day

Wishing all the mom's out there a fun day with their families, whether it's having breakfast in bed, or going out to a movie, or simply relaxing on the sofa and reading a good book. It's your day, so enjoy it.

To all the kids out there, most of us only get one mum in a lifetime, so cherish her well and make sure she knows how much you love her. Give her a hug and tell her how much she means to you. Yeah, it sounds sappy as heck, but one day you'll thank me for the reminder.

In love and light,
Cass

Friday Finds: eBooks For Under A Dollar - Shifter Made by Jennifer Ashley

I'm amazed at how many great ebooks are out there for only .99¢ so I decided to feature one every Friday. Whether it's a sizzling erotic romance novella, a romantic comedy, or a mystery, you'll get to discover new authors and reignite your passion for reading.


Today's Friday Find is:
                                     Shifter Made by Jennifer Ashley

Alanna, sister to a Fae prince, is sent on a thankless mission--to return to medieval Ireland and coerce a Shifter to craft an incredible sword. Niall O’Connell, master sword maker of the old Kingdom of Ciarraí, hates Fae, resenting the time when Shifters were little better than Fae slaves. But Alanna's heartbreaking story and her beauty are difficult to resist. Together, she and Niall forge a sword that changes Shifter history, at the same time forging an unbreakable bond between themselves.

This novella is prequel to the Shifters Unbound series, a standalone story that tells how the Sword of the Guardian came to be.

This is a 10,000 word novella. It also appears in print in the Mammoth Book of Irish Romance (Running Press, 2010).

Available at the following e-book retailers:

Barnes & Noble NOOK

Amazon.com KINDLE