Secret Cravings Winter Wonderland Blog Event

 

Happy 3rd Anniversary Secret Cravings!

 

 Thank you for joining me on this stop of the Winter Wonderland Blog Hop celebrating SCP's 3rd Anniversay! I've been a proud member of the award winning SCP family since it's inception and I couldn't imagine being anywhere else! This is my home away from home that I share with over 250 fellow authors, and more than 900 books! I hope you'll spend a little time with us!

 

If you prefer the sweeter side of romance, visit Sweet Cravings Publishing

http://www.sweetcravingspublishing.com/

 

 In December 2013, Secret Cravings put out the first edition of their eZine, Cravings! Take a moment to visit http://cravingsmagazine.weebly.com/ for past issues and be sure to sign up to receive upcoming issues.

 

 

My letter is ...

After e-mailing your answer to mailto:reviewcoordinator@secretcravingspublishing.com,

be sure to visit the other authors participating in the
SCP Winter Wonderland Event at http://secretcravingspublishing.blogspot.com/

for a chance to win ...

Grand Prize- iPad2

First place- Kindle Fire HDX

Second Place- $50 SCP Gift Card

Third place- $25 SCP Gift Card

SNOWFLAKES

     For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated with the intricate and delicate beauty of the snowflake! Over the years I have collected photos and books and read more about this crystalline miracle than I care to admit and along the way I discovered Wilson A. "Snowflake" Bentley.

          "Under the microscope, I found that snowflakes were miracles of beauty; and it seemed a shame that this beauty should not be seen and appreciated by others. Every crystal was a masterpiece of design and no one design was ever repeated., When a snowflake melted, that design was forever lost. Just that much beauty was gone, without leaving any record behind."  
          Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley 1925

I am sure you have heard the phrase 'no two snowflakes are alike' but did you know that Wilson Bentley made this discovery in the small rural town of Jericho, Vermont in 1885 when he became the first person to photograph a snow crystal (aka snowflake). Over his lifetime he photographed over 5000 of them earning the nickname "Snowflake Bentley."

For more information on Wilson Bentley, visit the official "Snowflake Bentley" website at http://snowflakebentley.com/.



In the spirit of celebrating, I'm hosting a contest of my own.  For a chance to win a PDF copy of my e-books Skin Deep, an erotic contemporary novella , Whisper Sweet Nothings, an erotic Weekend Getaway, as well as a $25.00 Gift Certificate to Secret Cravings Publishing, simply leave a comment below sharing your favorite activity in the snow.

If you've never seen snow (heaven forbid), then share what you would love to do if you found yourself in the snow!

Be certain to leave your e-mail so I can contact you if you are a winner. The winner will be chosen by Random.org and notified no later than February 4th!

Thank you again for stopping by and be sure to tell your friends about Secret Cravings Publishing 3rd Anniversary Winter Wonderland Blog Event! The more the merrier!

XOXO Layla Hunter XOXO
          www.laylahunter.com

 

 

Secret Cravings Veteran's Day Blog Hop / Wounded Warriors Project

Welcome! I am honored to be participating in the 2nd Wounded Warriors Blog Hop with Secret Cravings Publishing! First and foremost, to all of our brave servicemen/women,

I want to say ...
 

Thank You!

These two simple words never feel as though they are enough considering the sacrifices made, yet saying them can mean so much!

But I think you'll agree with me that we need to do more. Thank you is a good place to start but whether we choose to volunteer with one of the many organizations dedicated to helping our heroes, at home or abroad, I feel we honor their sacrifices by giving of ourselves anywhere in our community.

I am going to pledge at least 8 to 10 hours per month, volunteering and giving back! Just imagine what we could accomplish if everyone donated at least an hour, no less ten or more ...

Will you join me?

I know there are many blogs to visit, so I won't keep you long. In honor of our servicemen/women currently serving, our Wounded Warriors, and all our veterans, I am giving away several prizes:

 * Two (2) PDF copies of my e-book, Skin Deep, an erotic contemporary novella;
 * Two (2) PDF copies of my erotic short story, Whisper Sweet Nothings; and
 * Two (2) $5.00 Gift Certificates to Secret Cravings Publishing;
 * One SURPRISE box filled with lots of swag!
      
All you need to do to be entered for one of these prizes is leave a comment ... but not for me.

Instead, I want all who participate to leave a comment for our brave and beloved servicemen and women. Consider this a special place to leave a message in honor of, or on behalf of a loved one, or to any of our servicemen/women in general. Take as much space as you need ... there's no limit one can put on words from the heart.

I will print out the comments and include them in letters I am sending through Soldier's Angels!

In addition to the above prizes, I will donate at least $30 for 30 comments to Wounded Warriors Project but this year, I'll donate up to $100 for 100 comments!

The contest will run through Monday, November 11th and end at midnight. Winners will be announced and notified on Tuesday. Be sure to leave your e-mail address at the end of your comment so I can contact you if you're a winner! Winners will be chosen by Random.org!

Be sure to visit all the Secret Cravings Publishing authors participating in the

Blog Hop at http://secretcravingspublishing.blogspot.com/

If you'd like more information about the Wounded Warrior Project, be sure to visit their website! https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/Default.aspx?tsid=66

Thank you again for stopping by and be sure to tell your friends about our Wounded Warrior Blog Hop!

XOXO Layla Hunter XOXO
www.laylahunter.com 

Souls Around the World October Blog Hop

Welcome to Souls Around the World October Blog Hop - October 1st through the 31st!

 Things that go bump in the night ...

 

It's that time of year...shorter days, chillier nights and the countdown to one of my favorite holidays...Halloween!

 

I've been fascinated with the paranormal for as long as I can remember and in particular, ghosts! I'll be the first to admit I've had some interesting encounters that have left me to wonder if there is truly life after death. I've always been curious about what happens to us after we pass from this earth. Do we go to Heaven? Are we reincarnated? Do we cease to exist?

Everyone has their own beliefs. I won't get into a lengthy discussion on religion or theology but I will admit I am beyond curious. Personally, I cannot believe we cease to exist. There has to be more, but if so, what? 

Perhaps these questions are what stoke the fires of my curiousity and feed my need to research all things paranormal. Do we 'cross over' and if so, do we ever have the chance to 'come back' and visit loved ones, or see to unfinished business?

I indulge in the guilty pleasures of every ghost show available...Paranormal State; Psychic Kids; Ghost Adventures; and my all time favorite, Ghost Hunters! I read anything and everything I can get my hands on and I wonder...

My weekly FREE read for Secret Cravings Publishing, My Soul to Keep, explores the possibility of life after death and what happens when one's soul refuses to cross over.

BLURB:

Special Agent Analiese Valentine – aka "Val" – lived and died for her career. Possessing a sixth sense for as long as she could remember, Val always knew she was different – and so did everyone else. So different, in fact, her own mother – apparently unable to tolerate her daughter's unusual gifts – abandoned her, forging internal scars so deep most relationships, if any, were cultivated at a safe distance. A near-tragic accident opens unexpected doors – some otherworldly – changing her life in ways she'd never imagined possible.

Dr. Maxwell "Max" Thornton, a psychologist, lives an almost reclusive life except for his practice. Although his empathic abilities allow him to help his patients in ways most practitioners never could, the effort is taxing, at times debilitating. Keeping a limited and selective clientele, he manages to pursue a career and maintain his sanity, convinced normal relationships are out of the realm of his reach.

When a guarded agent and a reluctant empath cross paths, unexpected revelations occur and a delicate thread binds them to one another as a predetermined Fate begins to unfold, sending them plummeting into a war between good and evil.

Here's an excerpt ...

At three o'clock in the morning, Val awoke to the sounds of voices in the other room. "Damn it Theo. This isn't a frat house," she mumbled, climbing out of bed.

Padding down the hallway, the voices stopped suddenly, a cold chill creeping up her spine. "Theo?"

Silence.

"This isn't funny Theo. I have to be at work early and-"

Her half-hearted tirade was cut off by the sound of a deep growl behind her. Whirling around, she expected to see something but the room was empty, lit only by the streetlights outside. Pale fingers of light reached across the hardwood floor, tiny specks of dust swirling within. Shadows shifted in the far corners of the room and the faint sound of whispers had her turning in circles.

"Who the hell is here? Come on…show yourself."

The echo of a sinister laugh came from behind her and she whirled around again, the air within the apartment growing heavy; dark.

She'd never encountered a ghost that didn't want to talk to her. Knowing she could see and hear them was the reason they sought her out in the first place.

This had to end now.

"Whatever. You don't scare me and I'm going to bed." Before she could turn towards the hallway, something pinched her hard on the back of her upper arm, eliciting a surprised yelp. Instinctively, she grabbed her arm, turning away from the source of the attack.

"Hey! Keep your damned hands off me!" For the first time, fear crept into the picture. No other ghosts had ever touched her, no less tried to hurt her, during an encounter.

As she moved towards the light switch, a sharp slap to the side of her face almost sent her tumbling to the floor but she managed to reach out, grasping the top of a chair with trembling fingers. "You son of a bitch!"

Her first instinct was to get her gun but the realization she didn't have it anymore – and the obvious reality of trying to fight something you can't see – left her feeling unusually vulnerable.

Backing out of the living room, she moved towards the phone then stopped. Who the hell was she going to call? Surprisingly the first person that came to mind was Max, not Riley. Why not Riley first?

Maybe because he abandoned you Val, turning his back on you, leaving you to fight this thing alone. Anger began to replace fear and she used it to her advantage.

"What the hell do you want?" she nearly screamed.

An eerie silence followed the echo of her demand before she heard a spine-tingling whisper in her ear.

Your soul.

Feeling as if she were going to be sick, she ran to the bathroom, a silent scream trapped in the back of her throat when an unseen hand grasped her ankle.

The impact knocked the breath from her just before her chin hit the floor. The coppery taste of blood filled her mouth. Rolling over, she tried to sit up only to be shoved back down, followed by a heavy weight straddling her chest. She screamed as the air seemed to be pushed violently from her lungs.

"Get off me," she cried, struggling against the suffocating weight pressing her against the floor, fear again replacing anger. She didn't know what to do to fight this thing.

"Theo!" she cried out, desperate for help.

If you'd like to read more, My Soul to Keep is available for download at SCP. It's FREE and each week, a new installment is posted.

http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=7&products_id=121

I know there are many of blogs to visit and I'm happy you stopped by! As a thank you, I am hosting a contest sof my own!

If you'd like a chance to win a $31.00 Gift Certificate to either Secret Cravings Publishing OR Amazon (winner's choice), all you need to do is leave a comment as to whether or not you've had a paranormal experience of any kind! Feel free to share as little or as much as you want to!

The contest will run through October 31st, of course, and a winner will be announced and notified November 2nd. Be sure to leave your e-mail address at the end of your comment so I can contact you if you're a winner! Winner will be chosen by Random.org!

Be sure to visit all of the authors participating in the

Souls Around the World October Blog Hop for a chance to win a Sony E-Reader filled with books from many of the authors participating!

 

The contest is open to anyone in a country that is participating including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. The winner will be selected November 1st! Good luck to everyone and enjoy the blog hop!



Thank you again for stopping by and be sure to tell your friends about the Souls Around the World October Blog Hop! 

 

XOXO Layla Hunter XOXO

www.laylahunter.com

http://www.facebook.com/people/Layla-Hunter/1173090819

www.twitter.com/Layla_Hunter

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The 100th Sunday Snog / Sharing a Kiss Fundraiser

Sunday, September 22nd through Friday, September 27th!

In my opinion there is nothing as intimate as a kiss, and nothing more memorable than a first kiss. Today I am going to share with you the first kiss between Emily and Rick from my erotic contemporary novella, Skin Deep. First, here's a little about Skin Deep ...

Emily Monroe, a statuesque high school English teacher, is convinced that getting a tattoo to cover the remnants of her brush with Morphea is the only option left to open the door to self-acceptance, allowing her to finally move on with her life after the devastating diagnosis left more than physical scars in its wake.

Rick Sutton, owner of Skin Deep, a successful tattoo shop, has his own cross to bear. Crippling guilt and the specter of unrequited justice overshadow every aspect of his life, trapping him within the haunted corridors of his heart and soul; until the day Emily walks into his shop.

Instantly, he recognizes a kindred spirit in Emily, and a tenuous bond is formed. When the intimidating yet teddy-bear of a man offers her a glimpse into his passionate side, she is moved by what she sees and takes a leap of faith. Together they traverse the physical and emotional journey of freeing themselves of their perceived flaws, an erotic undertaking that proves to them beauty is only Skin Deep.

If you have a moment to watch the trailer for Skin Deep …

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9Dr9IM1csQ

 

Now it's time to get lost in their first kiss ...

His face changed from confusion to anger. "Damn it Em! What the fuck did this guy do to you?" Stalking towards her, he backed her against the car. "I know you are upset and at the risk of crossing another line…"

He placed his hands against the car, on either side of her face, his lips only inches from hers, waiting for an answer.

The night grew silent. Looking up, she held his gaze, blue eyes searching his for any sign of empathy. He stepped back then, moving his hands to his hips and staring up at the night sky. Drawing in deep breaths, she could only assume he was trying to calm himself.

Granted he seemed an imposing figure in the best of circumstances, but when angry, as he now appeared, he became even more intimidating. She wasn't afraid of him though, just the opposite.

Wanting to answer him, she searched for the words, but they wouldn't come easily. He waited.

"After a seven year relationship during which he asked me to marry him several times, I finally agreed. We set a date, booked a church and planned our reception. We planned our honeymoon, sent out invitations and then…I was diagnosed with Morphea. I tried to keep it hidden from him, afraid of his reaction, I guess…you saw him; he's flawless in an anal, metro sexual sort of way."

Em searched his face before continuing. The dejected look was still there even though he tried to hide it. Reaching out, she brushed a stray lock of hair from his forehead, remembering how he’d come to her rescue tonight.

"One day, he walked in on me in the bathroom and…God, the look on his face." Fighting the urge to look away, she recalled the open disgust clearly etched on Daniel's face. "I had to tell him then and even though it seemed as if he would be all right with my condition, I couldn't erase his initial reaction from my mind."

Tears spilled freely now but she didn't care. "The night of the rehearsal dinner he surprised me with a heartfelt, romantic toast and for the first time, I actually allowed myself believe he was okay with all of this. And then…on the morning of our wedding, I received a text. He was having cold feet and sorry, but he couldn't go through with it." Embarrassment colored her cheeks, forcing her to look away.

"What a son of a bitch! But Em…the minute you thought you had to hide your condition from him should have been the instant you realized he wasn’t the man for you. The guy is a fucking dick! Leaving a woman like you because of what? A few friggin' spots?" Grumbling under his breath, he ran those large hands roughly through his hair, the gentle breeze catching stray strands here and there.

The raw fury of his rant struck a chord deep within, and without thinking she stood on tiptoe capturing his face in her palms and kissed him. The gesture, impulsive and brief, bore the depth and weight of her heartache.

She jumped back, her ass hitting the car door. "I'm sorry…I shouldn't have done that. I crossed the line this time and…"

He quieted her rambling by placing his index finger upon trembling lips. Taking a step closer, he sent her heartbeat racing within her chest. A little flutter stirred in the pit of her stomach, along with something else.

 The moment her lips met his, a jolt of electricity tore through her, an instant response to his proximity. Never had she experienced such a powerful reaction with Daniel.

Leaning forward, he cupped her face within large hands. For what seemed like an eternity, his lips hovered just above hers, his gaze searching for any sign she wanted him to stop.

 It had been years since Emily had kissed someone, no less wanted to be kissed. After Daniel's blatant rejection, she’d shut down, allowing herself to feel nothing.

Until Rick. Admittedly, the interest and curiosity had been there all along, but something about tonight resonated deep within her soul, touching her heart.

"Don't…don't kiss me because you feel sorry for me," she said, her voice barely a ragged whisper.

 "I'm not about to kiss you because I feel sorry for you." His warm breath danced across her lips.  

This is what it should feel like…the earth shifting under your feet… butterflies in your stomach…heartbeat quickening…that shiver in your spine…a stirring deep within your very core?

When Rick slipped his arms around her waist, a shiver coursed through her as their bodies touched, now face to face, chest to chest, thigh to thigh. A slow heat simmered just under the surface and she wanted to feel more. Reaching up, she moved her hands through his hair before wrapping her arms around his neck, urging him closer, melting into him. 

Letting loose a small sigh, she pressed herself against him, lips parting in invitation, one he eagerly accepted by delivering a tender yet hungry kiss that promised of something more, something richer and deeper than she’d ever felt before.

Nothing else existed but this moment, this stolen moment in a wind-blown parking lot with a remarkable teddy-bear of a man who made her feel more like a woman than she had in a decade.  The effects of his lips traversed her entire body, from the top of her head to the tips of her toes and she was lost, in no hurry to be found.

 His hands moved up and down her back, slow, unassuming. In response, she opened for him further, Rick tasting dark and dangerous, the feel of his tongue sliding against hers more sensual than she could have imagined. Drawing in a quick breath, she slipped deeper into his embrace, raising her arms up and over his back, her fingers drifting through his thick hair.

The soft strains of music and laughter drifted towards them on the wind and she knew this moment was just that, a moment. But one not likely to be forgotten.

When his lips left hers, they took with him welcome warmth, leaving behind an all-too familiar chill.

 "Kiss me again?" she whispered and stretched towards him, tentatively brushing her mouth against his lower lip. Laughing out loud, he pulled her close as his mouth covered hers in a searching kiss, waking her body as if from a deep sleep.

 She brushed the tip of her tongue across his bottom lip, eliciting a soft moan from him, and he mimicked her, engaging her in a sensual dance as she lost herself in his arms once again.

*****

I know there are many blogs to visit, so I won't keep you long. I am giving away several prizes including a PDF copy of Skin Deep and a $10.00 Gift Certificate to Secret Cravings Publishing.

All you need to do to be entered for one of these prizes is leave a comment below. In addition to the above prizes, I will donate $1.00 to Doctors Without Borders for EVERY* kiss left on my blog!

The contest will run from September 22nd through September 27th and end at Midnight, Eastern Standard Time. The winner will be announced and notified by Sunday, 9/29.

Be sure to leave your e-mail address at the end of your comment so I can contact you if you're a winner!

(The winner will be chosen by Random.org)

Be sure to visit all of the authors participating in the Blog Hop at

http://blissekiss.co.uk/100th/

 

Thank you again for stopping by and be sure to tell your friends about the 100th Sunday Snog / Kissing Fundraiser for Doctors Without Borders Blog Hop!

XOXO Layla Hunter XOXO
www.laylahunter.com
http://www.facebook.com/people/Layla-Hunter/1173090819

www.twitter.com/Layla_Hunter

Skin Deep is available at http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=products_all&filter_author=27&zenid=5f85c5a5cd239607a790e407655ffb1b

As well as Amazon, B&N, All Romance Ebooks, and Bookstrand

*Up to $100 USD!


Secret Cravings Publishing Blog Hop

WELCOME!

Needless to say the picture above certainly stirs some romantic and sensual ideas. I love the way one picture, one song, one scent or one flavor can just as easily create a memory as it can resurrect it. There are times I hear a song and it transports me right to the moment I first heard it. The same with a scent or a flavor...like pierogis. Everytime I taste them, I can picture myself with my grandmother sharing a plate after school.

I know there are many of blogs to visit, so I won't keep you long. I'm happy you stopped by and if you'd like a chance to win a PDF copy of my e-book, Whisper Sweet Nothings, an erotic contemporary short story, as well as a $15.00 Secret Cravings Publishing Gift Certificate to purchase a few more new books!

All you need to do is share with me your favorite sense -- either taste, sound, touch, scent, etc., for a chance to win!

The contest will run through Midnight, Sunday, August 25th. Winner will be announced and notified by Monday evening. Be sure to leave your e-mail address at the end of your comment so I can contact you if you're a winner! Winner will be chosen by Random.org!

Be sure to visit all of the authors participating in the

event at http://secretcravingspublishing.blogspot.com

 

Here's a peek at Whisper Sweet Nothings ...

     Sarah Cole never expected to find herself divorced and nearly broke at the age of thirty-four, no less working part-time as a phone sex operator for Whisper Sweet Nothings.  

Solely responsible for the care of her grandmother, she's willing to do whatever she needs to care for the woman who raised her, even if it means foregoing her dream to sing.

 News of his impending deployment turns Lt. Samuel Meade's world upside down, and he finds himself alone to face the unknown when unexpectedly abandoned by his girlfriend.  

 Eager to help him shake the blues, friends set him up with Whisper Sweet Nothings for a little fun before deployment. Not wanting to seem ungrateful or endure the merciless ribbing of his buddies, he goes ahead with the call, expecting the worst.

 Instead, he finds Sherry (aka Sarah Cole), a kindred soul as seemingly lost as he is.

Neither could have imagined the instant bond forged that night, the foundation for a friendship that would span nearly a year. Sharing heartfelt letters with a woman he's never met, Sam finds himself falling for her.

 Scarred in more ways than one during his deployment, Sam returns stateside suffering from PTSD and a painful leg injury. Convincing himself that he is as broken as his dream of pursuing her, he gives himself over to despair. 

 Unbeknownst to them, with the help of a friend, they find themselves face to face, embarking on a journey of self-discovery, acceptance and a once in a lifetime love.

 

 

Here's an excerpt ...

Sarah jumped when the phone finally rang, staring at the console like a deer caught in headlights, unable to move. What the hell was she doing?  This was insane, an introverted, thirty-something, afraid-of-her-own-shadow architect-wannabe trying to pass herself off as a phone sex operator? She'd lost her mind.

"Are you going to get that or what?" Rachel chided. Sarah looked helplessly to her designated trainer.

 "You can do this. Remember why you are doing this, sweetie. It makes it easier. I'll be nearby," the woman reassured her.

Sarah nodded, adjusting her headset and reaching over to press the flashing button—the button that would lead her down a path she'd never pictured herself traversing, especially not at this point in her life.

When she began training, she'd been asked to pick a name for herself and had chosen Sherry. It had a sweet, girl-next-door quality to it unlike her actual name. Her eccentric, literary-minded mother had thought it a wonderful idea to name her only daughter Scheherazade, although most of her friends called her Sarah. Tonight, though, she was Sherry, a sexy voiced seductress on the other end of a telephone entertaining horny men and perverts and…

Stop! You can do this Sarah. If you could live through one of the most brutal divorces in recorded history, you can do this.

"Hello, this is Sherry. Welcome to Whisper Sweet Nothings…have you called us before?" she asked sweetly even though her hands shook and her heart pounded painfully within her chest. Quickly, she glanced at the computer screen to scan a few details about her caller.

 "Uh, no…this is…well, this is my first time calling."

Given she was new she'd been told she would get the undecided first-timers or the clients who wanted a more vanilla experience. Most of the women here had a specialty…BDSM, fetish, gay/lesbian, etc. As she trained, she could add to her repertoire if she chose which would increase her moneymaking potential.

"Not to worry. That's why they put you in my very capable hands. I will take care of you. What's your name?" she asked, pulling out the scripts she had studied ad nauseum.

"Sam. My name is Sam. Know what…this was a mistake. I…I should go. I'm sorry, ma'am…I didn't mean to waste your time and…"

 She could hear his voice trembling and her heart went out to him. He was as nervous as she was. "Sam…listen to me. I probably shouldn't tell you this, but would it make you feel better to know that this is my first time too?"

 She caught the look of disdain from Rachel who shook her head from side to side, obviously a mistake and likely not to be her first. Sorry, she mouthed, turning her attention back to Sam.

 "I think you are just saying that to keep me on the line."

 She smiled. "No, this really is my first time. I'll make you a deal. We take this one-step at a time…together. How does that sound?"

There was a moment of silence and she thought she'd lost him. Her heart sank.

 "That sounds fine."

 "So tell me…what is it you were looking for when you called me tonight?"

 

Thank you again for stopping by and be sure to tell your friends about Secret Cravings Publishing Blog Hop! As always, the more the merrier!

XOXO Layla Hunter XOXO
www.laylahunter.com

Doggone Blog Hop for Charity

Hello all! I am so excted to be participating in the Doggone Blog Hop for Charity!

Meet Maggie Moo! This endearing 8 year old greyhound/lab mix literally trotted into our lives on Easter Sunday of 2012.

Our journey began Good Friday , the plan had been to get our feet wet looking for a dog. St. Hubert's in North Branch had many dogs available for adoption, especially seniors. Given our schedules, an older dog would be a perfect fit.

As we were getting ready to leave we took one last walk out back and looked at the dogs in the outdoor runs when this gorgeous lady, lying so nonchalantly in a huge sunspot, glanced over her shoulder and took us in. After sizing us up, she stood gingerly, so thin and cautious, and came over, liquid brown eyes sparkling in the sunlight.

Those eyes reminded me so much of our first dog, also a greyhound/lab mix we'd adopted many years ago from St. Hubert's in Madison … our first beloved Maggie.

Yes, their names were the same. When the volunteer told me her name was Margaret but they called her Maggie, I looked over at my husband and saw the coincidence wasn't lost on him either.

We asked to take her out and as we walked to the outdoor meet and greet area, she followed close at my side, nudging my hip as we strolled along as if to hurry me up. Once inside and off the leash, she took one look at us and then the cool, green grass and … the grass won out. *laughs*

Grass is her catnip. She loves to lie in the grass; to roll in the grass; to breathe deeply of the grass; to sleep in the grass.

Of course, it was love at first sight but since we had cats, also seniors, we needed to think about how she would fit in with that dynamic. Besides, adopting a dog is a huge commitment and we wanted to take the time to sleep on it. Morning came and we were back at the shelter, giving Maggie the 'cat' test. She passed with flying colors and the decision was unanimous … she was coming home with us! Mellow and sweet, she would be a wonderful addition to our family.

Saturday was spent preparing the house for her arrival and Sunday we picked her up and brought her home.

Eager, friendly, yet cautious cats awaited her arrival and after a carefully supervised meet and greet, a couple of our cats began to groom her. Then she licked one of them and we noticed her spotted tongue … both sides! She chose a bed of her own and made herself at home and it was as if she'd always been there.

A visit with the vet a couple of days later led to a clean bill of health except for her being considerably underweight at only 44 pounds. The stress of being in a shelter had taken its toll on her and the plan was to add some weight over the course of a few months.

Fortunate to be able to take her to the office with me those first few weeks, we were able to bond quickly and settle into a routine. Co-workers nicknamed her 'Maggie Bag of Bones' and 'My Little Pony'.

Over the next few months we did what we needed to do in order for her to gain weight and we took her on frequent, short walks so as not to tax her obviously achy joints. We loved seeing the spring in her step and the sparkle in her eyes as we went on our daily walks. We quickly learned that Maggie loves walking almost as much as she loves grass.

A year later, with even brighter eyes, a shiny coat, and 66 pounds to call her own, Maggie is thriving and much to our surprise has the energy of a puppy! So much for a laid back senior dog! *laughs* She is quick to remind us when its walk time with what we'll call her 'inside voice' … she doesn't bark but she'll try to 'talk' and never fails to make us laugh.

I think she knows she's making us laugh too because I swear this dog smiles. She prances and hops like a kangaroo to where her leash is and waits patiently for the walking shoes to go on. Wonderful in the house and always eager to snuggle on the couch with us, she seems to find her greatest joy in the great outdoors.

We've always adopted our animal companions and we've been blessed over the years to have some truly remarkable souls come into our lives. Everyone comments on how we saved Maggie from the shelter but the truth is we saved each other. Life is all the better with a dog named Maggie Moo.

*****

In honor of Maggie, I'm giving away several prizes including a PDF copy of my e-book, Skin Deep, an erotic contemporary novella; a PDF copy of my newest release, Whisper Sweet Nothings, a short erotic contemporary; and a $10.00 Gift Certificate to Secret Cravings Publishing.

All you need to do to be entered for these prizes is vote for Maggie Moo and leave a comment with the words TOP DOG! 

In addition to the above prizes, I will donate $1.00 to St. Hubert's in Branchburg, NJ for EVERY comment left in honor of Maggie and all the dogs (and cats *winks*) who bless our lives!

The contest will run from June 19th through June 21st and end at midnight. The winner will be announced and notified on Sunday. Be sure to leave your e-mail address at the end of your comment so I can contact you if you're a winner! The winner will be chosen by Random.org!

Be sure to visit all the authors participating in the
Doggone Blog Hop for Charity at

http://cadragonfly.blogspot.com/2013/06/doggone-blog-hop.html

 

Thank you again for stopping by and be sure to tell your friends about our Doggone Blog Hop for Charity event! The more the merrier!

XOXO Layla Hunter XOXO
www.laylahunter.com

Cuddle Up with A Contemporary Romance Blog Hop

WELCOME TO OUR "CUDDLE UP WITH A CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE" BLOG HOP!

I know there are many of blogs to visit, so I won't keep you long. I'm happy you stopped by and if you'd like a chance to win a PDF copy of my e-book, Skin Deep, an erotic contemporary novella, as well as a $15.00 Secret Cravings Publishing Gift Certificate to purchase a few new books for the summer!

All you need to do is share with me your favorite thing about summer for a chance to win! For me, I love the longer days, farm-fresh fruits and vegetables (especially tomatoes and corn!), and the smell of honeysuckle.

The contest will run through Sunday, May 19th. Winner will be announced and notified by Monday evening. Be sure to leave your e-mail address at the end of your comment so I can contact you if you're a winner! Winner will be chosen by Random.org!

Be sure to visit all of the authors participating in the

event at http://secretcravingspublishing.blogspot.com/2013/05/secret-craving-publishing-contemporary.html

Here's a peek at Skin Deep ...

Emily Monroe, a statuesque high school English teacher, is convinced that getting a tattoo to cover the remnants of her brush with Morphea is the only option left to open the door to self-acceptance, allowing her to finally move on with her life after the devastating diagnosis left more than physical scars in its wake.

Rick Sutton, owner of Skin Deep, a successful tattoo shop, has his own cross to bear. Crippling guilt and the specter of unrequited justice overshadow every aspect of his life, trapping him within the haunted corridors of his heart and soul; until the day Emily walks into his shop.

Instantly, he recognizes a kindred spirit in Emily and a tenuous bond is formed. When this intimidating man offers her a glimpse into his passionate side, she is moved by what she sees and takes a leap of faith. Together they traverse the physical and emotional journey of freeing themselves of their perceived flaws, an erotic undertaking that proves to them beauty is only Skin Deep.

 

If you have a moment to watch the trailer for Skin Deep …

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9Dr9IM1csQ

Want to read an excerpt or two … I have one Sweet and one Sexy! http://www.secretcravingspublishing.com/files/Skin_Deep_Excerpts.pdf
 

The Romance Review gave SKIN DEEP by Layla Hunter a 5 Star Review and it’s a Top Pick!

“SKIN DEEP left me speechless. It swept me away, left sweet tears in my eyes and a smile on my heart.”

“… a beautiful tale that will warm your heart and light your fire.” Michelle R

http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=1531

 

Thank you again for stopping by and be sure to tell your friends about Secret Cravings Publishing Cuddle Up with a Contemporary Romance Blog Hop!

XOXO Layla Hunter XOXO
          www.laylahunter.com