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Tag Archives: Caitlyn O’Leary

Book Review – Her Devoted Hero

08 Thursday Feb 2018

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Black Dawn series, Book Review, Caitlyn O'Leary, Her Devoted Hero

Her Devoted Hero

Black Dawn Book 2

by Caitlyn O’Leary

Navy SEAL Dex Evans has a problem. His buddies think it’s a riot when they sign him up for a dating service behind his back. But who would have thought that with a profile like SailorBoy69 he’d snag a woman who was hysterically funny and gorgeous. Too bad she was also skittish as all hell. Dex fears that when she finds out his profile was a set-up, his happily ever after could sink to the bottom of the ocean.

Single mother, Kenna Wright was in way over her head. She’d spent years putting her child first while ignoring her needs. So what was she thinking responding to the flirtatious email? Luckily for her, when she is stuck on a project with Dex, he’s even better in person than he’d been on his online profile. But can she believe this sexy SEAL when he says he’s looking for more than a fling?

When one of her co-workers is murdered and it looks like Kenna might be the next one in the killer’s crosshairs, Dex is determined to keep her safe. But with a target on her back, it’s really hard to keep a shield over her heart.

……. Hello SailorBoy69,

SNMP stands for So Not Mary Poppins. Take it to heart. My photo is me, but it’s pretty much a fake, since it took me two hours and twenty dollars worth of product to achieve the look. If we were to meet in person, I probably wouldn’t look anywhere close to this, so soak in this picture. Actually, don’t worry, we won’t meet, but I’ll get to that.

Here’s me in a nutshell. I live in the good part of town because I work my ass off handling my full-time job as a nurse, plus a part-time gig, that’s so my son can go to school in a decent school district. Being a good mother is the most important thing in my life, so I have no earthly idea why I’m responding to your profile since I don’t have time to date. Did I mention I have a kid, two jobs and really don’t look like this?

I like the fact that you’re serving our country. That’s part of the reason I’m reaching out to you. But the real reason I’m writing, is that I’m ninety-nine point nine percent sure you won’t respond, so this is a safe letter to write. I can feel good that I’ve finally put myself out there, without enduring the humiliation of a first date, which I’ll fail at, because I’ll never in a million years figure out how to reach this level of pretty again.

But in all seriousness, I wanted to take aim for a good guy, and you’re it. I like the fact you’re in the Navy. I like the fact, that you work with disenfranchised kids. I think you’re a nice man. Hell, I don’t even care if that’s not your real picture, because responsible men do it for me. Of course in my world they’re like mythical unicorns, they just don’t exist, at least not for me. But the dream of a responsible man makes my panties damp. See I can say this safely, cause you’re not going to respond, and I’m never going to meet you.

So, that’s my story SailorBoy69. Just know that out there in this big bad world a woman thinks you’re pretty exceptional, except for the atrocious cyber name you’ve given yourself of course. Now, if you have a thought of responding, for God’s sake don’t. Remember, it’s me. I have a kid, two jobs, and I’ll look like crap, and you’ll ruin the fantasy.

― Signed, So Not Mary Poppins

This is the first of O’Leary’s books that I’ve read so I wasn’t sure what to expect … and I definitely got so much more than I would have guessed.  There’s the fun romance between Dex and Kenna but there also is a whole lot of suspense over who the killer is and why he might be going after Kenna.  It’s a well-done mystery and I wasn’t sure who it was until pretty close to the end.

The love story is great too.  Dex does so much to help support Kenna and transition her into believing there could be a relationship between the two of them.  She’s not had a lot of luck with men and it’s meant she’s lost a lot of her confidence.  Plus she’s been on her own for a long time, raising her son with some help from her mom, so it’s a bit hard for her to let someone else in to their lives.  She may put up a bit of a fight, but she’s definitely not scaring away a SEAL.

Fantastic action, a sweet love story, and entertaining characters … O’Leary is going on my list of authors to watch!

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Spotlight – Trusting Chance

17 Thursday Apr 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Sneak Peek

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Caitlyn O'Leary, Trusting Chance

As you might have noticed, I don’t discriminate based on the heat level in my books.  As long as it is a good story and I get my Happy Ever After, it doesn’t matter to me if they never get past kissing or if they have down and dirty sex in graphic detail.  I know that diferent people have different thresholds, so only keep reading if your’s is set to Super Hot.

Trusting Chanceis the first book in a new series written by new author, Caitlyn O’Leary.  I was intrigued by the blurb but I also got a couple of sneak peeks and liked what I read, and I thought you might too.  Check out the below (including a bit of Q&A with Caitlyn) and, if it seems like your cup of tea, the book released earlier this week so you can get your own copy.  And make sure you come back and let everyone know what you think!

*****

If you had to choose to give up one, which would it be, chocolate or sex?

“Good-Bye cruel world, I couldn’t live here, if I was denied either one! Of course, the opposite is also implied…my happiest moments include both sex and chocolate at the same time.”

Since you’re married, describe your first date with your husband.

I was forty-five minutes late to meeting him, and he was walking out the door when I showed up. I did a sort of interview to find out if he was a “good guy”. He said he never felt more comfortable on a date.   I got a lot of great information that convinced me he was a great guy and we should go out again!

Do you fall in love with the characters you write?

I fall in love with them every single time. In “Trusting Chance” I loved Chance’s mischievous humor and caring when he schemed. I loved Sam’s over protective, sometimes domineering side, but that he also had inner demons that he needed to work out.   I fell in love with Josie as a great friend of mine, (even if she was so small that she could be carried around everywhere by the heroes!)

Where do you get the ideas to develop your characters?

Some things are definitely art imitating life, which makes it easy for me to understand what the characters are going through. Other things are just internal struggles that I’ve battled within my own psyche. I’m also an avid people watcher, and have worked with and listened to others for years. I’ve been blessed to see so many people struggle and grow. I hope that my characters embody the very real strength of others that I have known.

Do you ever get angry at the characters you write?

Yes, occasionally I get a little impatient them. My characters remind me of me, they are always doing something to paint themselves into a corner. For example in “Protecting Olivia” the main character always thought she was invincible because she knew that the cause she was fighting for was just, but she often ended up in harm’s way and needing help.

My characters don’t do things maliciously or stupidly they usually are trying to do what’s right, but they make a mess of things and it requires other characters to set them straight. I regularly require the people in my life to help put me back on the rails, as well. Thank God for good friends and family!

What genre(s) do you write?

I write erotica, Menage a Trois, Happily Ever After. What’s the point of writing a book without a happily ever after?

Why did you choose to write erotica?

I always knew I wanted to be a writer, and I was a fan of romances, so I was always going to write Happily Ever Afters. In the last few years, much to my husband’s delight, I’ve become a fan of erotica. I wrote a bit and found I was good at it. I truly believe we all need a little mental stimulation to keep us fantasizing and happy. This, in turn, makes our real lives so much sweeter!

Do you ever find yourself slipping away and becoming so immersed in your story it affects how you relate to others?

If I’m writing a really strong heroine, I’ll end up being a lot more blunt at work. I’ve I’m writing a more submissive heroine, I find myself deferring to others more than I normally would.

Are you in any of your books?

Because it is erotica, I have had mixed results, my husband is very supportive. All of my family is happy that I’m successful, even if they aren’t really thrilled with the genre that I’m writing. The funniest reaction is from my 80 year old father who is anxiously awaiting the print version of my first “dirty” book to come out. He’s got everyone in his retirement community and the food bank where he volunteers waiting to buy copies as well. Apparently they are all excited to read it. Thanksgiving is going to be really interesting this year.

*****

TCTrusting Chance

by Caitlyn O’Leary

Blurb:

Josie Decker and Chance Reynolds knew each other 25 years ago when they were in the same foster home, before her birth mother reclaimed her.  Now, Chance and his best friend Sam Booth, an Afghan war veteran, are living in Fate Harbor, Washington, when Josie re-establishes ties with her former foster parents and opens a bakery in the quaint town.  Chance did well in corporate America and is now free to manage his charities, but his most important project is capturing Josie’s heart.

He realizes that her time growing up with her mother has left her with physical and emotional scars and a belief that she is unworthy of love.  A soul-healing sanctuary, Fate Harbor is accepting of Triad alliances, and Chance believes that he, Josie, and Sam can forge a lasting. fulfilling relationship.  Sam suffered a childhood of bouncing in and out of foster care, added to recent trauma from fighting for his country that left him desolate.  Chance despaired of saving the brother of his heart, but finding Josie again has given him hope that the three of them can make the perfect future together.

When Josie’s 18-year old, younger twin sisters arrive, Chance’s plans are challenged. After learning of Josie’s unorthodox relationship, one of them says the idea of the triad “hurts her heart”.  Can Josie go against her beloved sister?  How can Josie not follow her heart, in loving these two men unconditionally?  With the help of Fate Harbor’s townfolk, a dance festival, and some hunky firemen, a happy ending is guaranteed for all.

*****

authorAuthor Info:

Caitlyn O’Leary was born and raised in a small town in the Pacific Northwest.  She’s been an avid reader all her life.  Her earliest creative writing endeavors consisted of “ghost writing” exercises in which she pretended to be her younger brothers and sisters when she did their homework assignments, before they turned them in as their own.  Years in corporate America honed her ability to manipulate words by day, while at night she continued to read everything she could get her hands on, including many, many steamy romances!

Now, happily married to her long, tall Texan and living in Southern California, Caitlyn has finally found the time to write erotic Happily Ever Afters for Siren. She enjoys swimming, travelling, writing, babysitting her nieces and nephews, spending time with friends and family and doing lots of “research” for her upcoming novels with her husband.

Website – https://www.caitlynoleary.com/

E-Mail – Caitlyn@Caitlynoleary.com

Blog – https://www.caitlynoleary.com/blog

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/caitlyn.oleary.35

Twitter – https://twitter.com/CaitlynOLearyNA

*****

Excerpt:

“I don’t require a keeper, Sam. I’d like you to leave.” He turned to her.

“I think you need someone to watch out for you, someone who cares about you. When was the last time you had someone you could lean on?” When he saw her confused expression, he had his answer.

“How many people have you taken care of over the years?” he asked quietly.

Josie bit her lip, and he just couldn’t help himself, he brushed his fingers over her mouth, rescuing that bit of flesh. “I would love it if you would let me take care of you; just a little bit…is that so wrong?” He cupped her face, and bent for a slow taste of those luscious lips.

Josie couldn’t stop her response. His words had unlocked something deep within her. She couldn’t remember a time when she could literally lean into someone, and she reveled in it. Her arms lifted to encompass his broad shoulders. God, he felt so hard, so good and strong. Trying to get even closer she lifted up on her toes, and gasped in pain. He felt it in their kiss, and correctly interpreted it. He broke away and looked at her. In one quick moment, she was lifted in his arms and then found herself settled on his lap on her sofa. She looked up at him in wonder. “You’ll hurt yourself doing that,” she admonished.

“Baby, you’re just a little thing,” Sam said.

Josie snorted in disbelief.

“Okay, you’re lush and curvy, just the way I love women. I can’t stand a woman who’s going to blow away at the first strong wind. But, Josie, compared to me, you are a little thing, and you’re the perfect size, with the absolute perfect body. Do you understand me? Are you finally hearing me?” Josie looked up at him, and saw the absolute truth on his face. She turned away, and nuzzled his neck, not wanting him to see the sheen of tears in her eyes. This man, who made her blood sizzle, was turning her self-image upside down. She felt like a huge weight had been lifted from her heart.

“I know we’re going to talk about our injuries, but can you please tell me how such a beautiful woman could think she needed to hide in clothes four times her size? How she could think that she wouldn’t have men falling at her feet?” Josie couldn’t help giggling at the outrageous statement.

“I’m serious, Baby. At least a quarter of your male customers are coming into Sweet Dream Desserts to see the sights, not for the pastries.” Sam tilted her head so she was forced to look at him. “Let me guess, it was some guy who convinced you that you, you were less than perfect.”

“Actually, it started way earlier than that. My mom was one of those women who would blow away in the wind, and she was constantly harping on my weight. So, it’s pretty much ingrained that I’m fat. And, yeah, I got pretty serious about a guy, and when I finally agreed to sleep with him, well, he wasn’t all that impressed with my body. He insisted the lights be turned off.” Josie had to turn away from Sam. She couldn’t stand to see pity in his eyes.

Once again he turned her face, and she ended up looking up at him, and what she saw was anger. “Baby, that should never have happened. I understand a parent belittling you, boy do I understand that, but I can’t understand the asshole issues. If I was lucky enough to get a chance to make love to you, I would want all the lights on. I wouldn’t want to miss a thing.”

 

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