Hi!
I’m Blue Saffire, author of The Blackhart Brothers Series. Thank you, Fresh Fiction for this opportunity to share with you and your readers what’s going on in my head. Now hold on, there’s a lot, I’m trying to make it interesting. LOL
I have been working on a book that seems like it will never end. Like seriously, I’m at about 108k and I still have some things to add in. It’s the last book in a series so there’s a lot that goes in wrapping up a seven-book series.
What I have been thinking about while working on this book is how as the author you have to pick which story you want to tell for each character. It was the same for In Deep, book 2 in the Blackhart Brothers Series. I had to make decisions.
Did I want to dive into the mystery that’s going on in the background or did I want to focus on the romance and make the mystery completely secondary. Or is there a sweet spot right in the middle that will allow for perfection.
Newsflash. I don’t think perfection is a real thing. Hahahaha. Yes, laugh with me and at my pain. Or should I say that perfection is in the eye of the beholder. For me, perfection is when I tell the story closest to my core.
What I realized is that I have to stay try to the story that speaks to the heart. Mine and the heart of my characters. I think that’s what makes the best stories.
Every character has something to say. It might not be what everyone wants to hear, but it’s the right story for that character. I think that’s what I love about the Blackharts. They each have these stories that have been inspiring to me as an author to tell steamy, heartfelt, funny, action-packed stories. And I’m just stretching the surface with books one and two. I can’t wait for you to get all four books because these are all stories that tug at the emotions and each show you a unique side of all that’s going on with the family during a trying time for them all.
You know, this is so random, but I wonder what would happen if I told the same characters’ stories from two different angles. Might be fun. Okay, back on task, Blue.
With over fifty titles published and ton more stories rattling in my brain, I think following that gut feeling that my character ignite is the way to go. It’s always what makes me fall in love over and over again. Yes, I fall for each of these guys. The greatest love affair ever, the life of a romance author. LOL.
So, I have a question. What’s your idea of the sweet spot in a good book? Or is there even such a thing?
Hey! Here’s a taste of In Deep from the Blackhart Brother series.
***
Danita
I return to a group full of laughter. Everyone around the table is in near tears. I take my seat and wave the waitress over. This will be my last beer of the night. I always drink enough to blend in, but not enough to lose myself and compromise my mission.
“I remember that,” Maureen says as she wipes at tears. “It was a great fundraiser, though.”
“What did I miss?” I say as I sit.
“Good times,” Stevens says. “We have some great memories of the old crew that used to be around here.”
“What changed?” I ask nonchalantly. “Things have shaken up a lot from what I hear.”
Everyone around the table turns somber. The laughter dries up. A few start to look uncomfortable.
“People change,” Stevens says. “Situations aren’t the same.”
The waitress arrives and a few others ask for another round. “I’ll take care of this round,” Kevin says. “I’ll be leaving soon. It was good to see you guys.”
Stevens’s face lights up. “It was really good to see you. Cal says you guys are building something with that investigations firm. I’m glad you guys are still looking out for the people that need you.”
“We do what we can,” Kevin says.
“Speaking of Cal. Didn’t you come with him?” Jennings says. “Where’d he get off to?”
Kevin chuckles. “My sister called on our way in. I think he ducked back out. Who knows? I’ll probably be taking a cab home.”
“I’ll give you are ride if you need,” Maureen says.
“I’ll be fine,” he replies, his eyes landing on me. “Hey, Moralez. Before I go, how about we head out on the dance floor?”
I can’t help the smug grin that comes to my face. I roll my eyes over him and grin some more. He’s not ready for this.
They’ve been playing a mix of Latin music for the last twenty minutes. My dad is 100 percent Puerto Rican and my mother is African American. I have more rhythm in my pinky than this Irish dude has in his entire body.
“I don’t think that’s such a good idea,” I scoff.
He narrows his eyes and a grin tilts his lips up. Leaning into the table, he lets his eyes pass over me like a caress. As he places his elbows on the table, his muscles bulge beneath his T-shirt.
“Are you profiling me?” he says with humor in his voice.
I mock his gesture, leaning in as well. “Profiling.” I lift a brow. “Nope, I’m assessing the situation and I don’t think you, or I, should take the risk.”
“Aye, ya think that my Irish ass can’t hold a beat. I see it in yer eyes. Come, love, let me teach ya a lesson,” he says smoothly, slipping into that sexy accent again.
I can’t help the smile that spreads across my lips. “Okay, you got me. I don’t think you can bachata to save your life, papi. Save yourself the embarrassment. I take that shit serious. You’re not ready for me.”
He releases a full belly laugh and his face lights up. I didn’t think he could get any more gorgeous. Damn, he’s fine. Like, forget my three and a half years of celibacy fine.
“I think I might surprise you.” He winks as the rest of the table snickers.
I look around. Suddenly, I get the feeling I’m missing out on something. I narrow my gaze at them all before turning back to Kevin.
His eyes sparkle as he stands to his full height. He nods toward the dance floor. “Come on. What do you have to lose?”
“Let’s make a bet,” I say.
Curiosity brightens his face. Those green eyes sharpen on me for the second time tonight. He nods for me to continue.
“I’ll dance with you, but the first time you step on my feet or miss a step, it’s over and you’re clearing my entire tab for the night,” I say.
My tab isn’t that big at all, but why not have a night of free drinks. It will be the cherry on top. However, I think I’ve made a grave mistake as more snickers bounce around the table.
“You’re on. And if I win, love, you and I leave after the dance. I want to get to know a little more about you.”
I stiffen a little. Getting to know me is out of the question. I would allow him to get to know Danita Moralez, but he’ll never know me.
Something tells me to back out now. I’m not into hookups and this is dangerous. I don’t know his game or why he left the force. He could be one of the bad guys that has learned a better way to run the operation they have going on.
However, there’s something that tells me to get to my feet and head out to the dance floor. The voice wins out as I stand. I walk to the other end of the table where he is and look up into his eyes.
The first thing to hit me is his cologne. It’s subtle but really nice. I want to move closer to inhale him.
I shake that silly thought off and lock eyes with him. His eyes are more gorgeous up close. Wow, this man is sexy. His thick brows and long lashes tip him over into breathtaking.
I’m five seven, but even in my three-inch heels I have to look up at him. He holds out his hand and I place mine inside. The moment our palms touch, it’s like a zap to my entire system. My skin hums from his touch. His long fingers swallow my hand as he leads me out to the dance floor.
A smile takes over my face as the record changes. Prince Royce and Chris Brown’s “Just As I Am” comes on, and I want to hoot with laughter. The Latin Bachata-R&B mix is going to win me this bet fast. This is going to be good.
To show Kevin how bad he’s fucked up, I lift my arms above my head and bend one knee in front of me. I then start to rock my hips and show off with a kick, ball, change that’s sure to keep him from catching up with me.
He bites his lip as he gives me a heated stare. I continue to dance around him in a circle, taunting him with the seductive sway of my hips in my tight jeans. This was over before it started.
I throw my head back and laugh, and that’s when he grabs my hand and spins me into him. I’m surprised. My laugh dies in my throat as he looks down into my eyes with a smug grin.
He starts to move our bodies to the music in perfect rhythm. He has the steps down like a pro. My lips part in disbelief, and he gives me a sexy pointed look. I snap out of it and take him to task.
However, he doesn’t miss a beat. He reaches for my hands and positions them behind my head as he keeps eye contact. It’s like we’re reaching out for each other and holding on to a new-found love. The passion is in the moves as he guides our bodies to dance in a circle. He then spins me back into him and places his hands on my hips.
I dance back two steps and rock two more. He follows before retreating two steps of his own. He’s not just keeping up, he’s guiding, and it’s hot as fuck.
I’m thrilled that he doesn’t seem to be counting his steps or mimicking the dance from lessons. He’s in the music, in the moment. Then he turns it up a notch.
He drags my hips into his and places his forehead to mine. That humming passes through me times ten. His hand on the small of my back is warm and doing things to my body that shouldn’t be possible from only his touch.
His breath fans my lips as he guides me around the small dance floor. Everyone else has moved out of the way. Or maybe I’m in this bubble and I think they’ve all gone.
“Still doubting me?” he says, and his voice vibrates through my body.
I’m the one to nearly stumble and miss a step. Only reason I don’t is because he swiftly lifts me into his arms, placing me flush against his body without my feet touching the floor. He keeps that intense eye contact as he allows my body to slide down his.
Swaying me slowly to the beat of the music, he continues to look at me. Wrapping one arm around my waist and moving my other hand to place around his neck, he takes off around the floor again. It’s sensual and sexy the way he moves us.
“Not bad, Blackhart,” I pant when the song changes to a slower song, and he starts to slowly sway us again.
“Is your car here?”
I grin. “Eager much? I never said I was going to fuck you, so get that out of your mind.”
“I never said I wanted to fuck you. I said I want to get to know you.” He gives me a look, and I actually have the nerve to blush.
- Don’t. Blush.
This guy is definitely trouble. However, when I look into his eyes, I see something there that causes me to make a decision that’s against everything I am. I don’t know if it’s because I’ve been lonely and missing the real world, or if it’s the comfort I feel standing in his arms. Whatever it is has my mouth moving before I can stop it.
“We can walk to my place from here. I don’t need a car,” I say.
A smile lights his handsome face. “Grand, let’s go.”
I nod, and we return to the table to get my things. Signaling for the waitress, I let her know I’m ready to close my tab. When she gets to our table and hands over the bill, I take out my wallet to pay, but Kevin covers my hand and places a few bills on the waitress’s tray.
“You do know you won the bet?” I say with a questioning gaze.
“Aye, sure do. Still want to treat you.”
I’m not going to look a gift horse in the mouth. Free drinks are free drinks. With my bag in hand, I allow him to lead the way out as he hugs a few of the guys and says his goodbyes.
“Shit, my feet hurt,” I groan as I step out of the bar.
“But you’re wearing the hell out of those shoes, love,” Kevin says beside me. “I can carry you of you like.”
“I’d break your fucking back,” I snort.
“I doubt it.” He chuckles and bumps my shoulder. “I’ll call a cab if you like. It will give me more time to get to know you while we wait.”
“We’ll be fine walking. It’s enough of a walk to get to know me.”
We’re half a block away from the bar and headed in the direction of my place when it hits me that I’m about to take this guy home with me. Maybe I had too much to drink after all because this is so unlike me. I’m about to stop and call it a night as he brushes the back of his hand against mine.
That charge is back, causing me to look up at him. We lock eyes, and I forget everything I was going to say. It’s like he has me under his spell.
He creases his brows as if he’s trying to find his thoughts or something as well. One moment, it’s a simple caress of my hand, the next his long fingers are entwined with mine. A shiver runs through me. The knot that forms in my belly is so tight, my breathing shifts between steady inhales to short and heavy pants.
“You feel that too?” he murmurs.
I nod because I’m not sure what my words are going to sound like.
He begins to rub circles on the back of my hand with his thumb. My nipples tighten in my bra. This man is dangerous in all the right ways.
Run, Dem. Run now.
He licks his lips as his gaze drops to my mouth. Suddenly, he breaks his own spell, clearing his throat. Thank God he turns forward, we were both about to run into one of those parking meter ticket dispenser boxes.
He laughs, bringing a smile to my face. How is a laugh so sexy and masculine? My toes curl in my shoes. He flexes his fingers around mine as if he knows the effect he has on me.
“Cal says you’ve been with the department for about three years. How long have you been on the force?”
I pull up the memorized generic answer I have for this question. It burns like acid to tell him the lie, despite having told the same one to so many others over the years. “It’s been seven years.”
He releases a whistle. “So, you fast tracked it. Wasted no time, did you?”
“I’m not one to waste time. If I want something, I go after it.”
I don’t mean for my words to come off as they do, but even I can hear the double entendre in them. Kevin looks down at me and the heat in his eyes says a million words. He releases my hand to press his large palm to the small of my back.
Holy shit, my body quakes, and it has nothing to do with the night air. I swear, I break out into a sweat. He’s frying my brain cells.
He begins a light conversation, and I try my hardest to focus on his words. I’m fine until he gets to the more personal questions. That’s when I turn the conversation over to him.
“You’re a PI now, right?” I ask. It’s all I can do to try to bring some of this tension down.
“Aye, my brothers and I have started a company.”
“That’s cool, but damn, that must be a big transition.”
He gives me a bright smile. “I can be flexible. It’s not hard to adjust and fit where I’m needed. As you said, I go after what I want and I’m always up for a challenge.”
We’re not talking about his job. Honestly, I don’t care what we’re talking about as long as he keeps talking. This thing building between us with each step has taken over all my good sense.
I’m so drawn to him; I don’t realize I’ve been leaning into his side until we turn onto my street. When I go to pull away, he tightens his hold on me and splays his hand against my belly.
I’m in trouble. Back at the bar, I might have been able to cut this night short. Now, I can’t get to my door soon enough.
When we do arrive at my front step, I turn to him. “Wait here, let me go inside and put my dog in the yard.”
He looks at me with a knowing look. I reach into my bag and smile back at him. Yeah, big boy, you’re getting some.
(C) Blue Saffire, Sourcebooks Casablanca, 2020. Reprinted with permission from the publisher.
***
The Blackhart Brothers #2
I'll do anything to protect what's mine. . .
The last thing I needed was a call from my old precinct letting me know my knucklehead nephew had been picked up for skipping class. Still, I figured it would be an in-and-out visit. Quick. Simple. But the moment I heard her voice, I should've known it would be anything but easy.
I wasn't expecting the feelings that came roaring back the moment I laid eyes on the saucy detective with the gorgeous smile, but I probably should've seen it coming. Our history is one for the books, and it's a page-scorcher. And now here she is, standing in my way, and I can't seem to remember why I ever let her leave my side.
It looks like the sparks between me and Detective Danita Moralez are as intense as ever, but she's also more guarded than before. Two years ago, she walked out of my life because she wasn't willing to reveal the dangerous truth about her undercover work. This time, she's not going to get away so easily.
"Unputdownable romance. . . Thrilling action and plenty of heat are sure to have readers hooked."--Publishers Weekly starred review for Calling on Quinn
Romance Contemporary [Sourcebooks Casablanca, On Sale: August 4, 2020, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9781492695110 / eISBN: 9781492695110]
Blue Saffire, award-winning, bestselling author of over thirty contemporary romance novels and novellas, writes with the intention to touch the heart and the mind. Blue hooks, weaves, and loops multiple series, keeping you engaged in her worlds. Every word is meant to have a lasting touch that leaves you breathless for more.
Blue and her husband live in a home filled with laughter and creativity, in Long Island, NY. Both working hard to build the Blue brand and cultivate their love for the arts. Creativity is their family affair.
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