~~Author Wednesdays-Brenna Zinn~~

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Please welcome my Author Wednesday guest, Brenna Zinn!!!!  Thank you for being her today Brenna and letting us know a little bit about Touched by Midas. Take it away, Brenna.

Want to be touched by a Navy SEAL?  Who doesn’t??

Last year I was a part of an award winning anthology – SEALs On Fire - with my book, Dagger’s Edge.  This year I have a sexy new release as a part of the SEALs Going Hot series with Desiree Holt, Cerise Deland and Samantha Cayto.  Touched by Midas, the story of a superstitious Navy SEAL and a woman trying to live a “normal” life away from her rock-and-roll family. 

The story behind Touched by Midas

When our editor first asked the four of us to write another SEALs series, I decided I wanted to bring in as much authenticity to my story as possible.  Aside from actually having dated a Navy SEAL (which I haven't - sigh...), I did marry a Navy man and we spent the first three years of our marriage stationed at Naval Station Rota, Spain.  What readers read in Touched by Midas comes straight from my memories of living in Rota, working on the base and being with my huge military family.

You can purchase Touched by Midas by clicking on one of the following providers.

The Wild Rose Press

Amazon: Touched By Midas (SEALs Going Hot Book 4)

All Romance e-Books

Barnes and Noble

Touched by Midas
By Brenna Zinn

Blurb:
As a Navy SEAL, Michael “Midas” Baudine trains countless hours to prepare for combat. But a man can’t train for luck, so preserving his “Midas touch” good fortune is something he takes seriously, and he'll go to extreme measures to get his team on-board with his pre-mission, luck-assuring routines. He accepts a challenge from his team—get the sexy but uptight teacher, who blocks his advances at every turn, to the rock concert a week from today, and they’ll comply.
With a crazy rock star dad and top supermodel mom, Angie Summers was once a wild child but, wanting more out of life, has done her best to live under the radar of fame. She’s even assumed a secret identity and found a job teaching at Naval Station Rota, Spain. Her attempt at a “normal” life is quickly turned on its ear when a hot-as-hell Navy SEAL sweet talks her into a date she’ll never forget and may eventually regret.
While spending time with the muscle-bound sailor unleashes Angie’s need to let the wild child out to play, which could threaten her anonymity, Midas finds himself on the precipice of breaking the first rule of luck—never fall for a woman.

Excerpt:

How did nice girls survive? How did they resist the sexual magnetism of guys like Midas long enough to find the kind of man they could have a real relationship with? The seductive SEAL with the charming smile could make even a nun think twice about her vows, let alone a world-weary bitch trying to redeem herself.

“Sorry,” Angie heard herself say before the last of her restraint gave way. She turned and started walking, avoiding any further tax to her self-control.

“You think I’m not good enough for you?”

His question halted her foot mid-step. Of all the things he could have said, he’d found the one she couldn’t ignore. The one that suggested she was still the unkind woman of her youth. The girl who used people as much as they used her.

Biting a lip, she released a long sigh and made an about face.

“No. I don’t think you’re not good enough for me.”

“That’s easy enough to say, but harder to prove. Go out with me. Show me that your words are worth something.”

So many thoughts swirled through her mind. Some snarky and downright mean. Others a complete abdication to the power that was Midas. But before she could decide which one to toss out, the sailor threw down the gauntlet.

“I’ve got tickets to see Stereo Arsenal next week,” he said, coming closer. “Go with me. Be my date to what will probably be the show of the year on base.”

The mention of her father’s band broke the hold Midas had on her. No way she’d go and be recognized by one of the band members, roadies or fans. She’d already made arrangements for a few hours of private time with her parents while they were in Rota. That visit alone could compromise her identity.

“Sorry, buddy. No can do. I’m really not a fan of rock-and-roll.”

“Not a fan of rock and roll?” His eyebrows rose in mock surprise. “How is that even possible? Don’t you know that Stereo Arsenal is one of the best bands from the 80s? These guys sold more albums and had more top-ten hits than anyone else in their genre. They’re classic. Just scoring tickets for the show was a major coup.”

She couldn’t help the pride swelling her chest. Her father might be the leader of the madhouse, but he and the band had worked hard to rise to the top. They deserved every accolade they received.

“I don’t want to go to the concert by myself,” he persisted, increasing the wattage to his dazzling smile. “Prove your words are more than just sounds coming from those pretty lips.”

“Please.” She rolled her eyes. “There are dozens of beautiful women in Rota who would love to be your date. Maybe you should ask one of them.”

“You’re the only person I’m interested in. You have been for a while.”

What people are saying about Touched by Midas:

"I thoroughly enjoyed Touched by Midas; the very interesting characters, fun plot, and simmering sexuality made it one fantastic little novella!”  Slick, Guilty Pleasures 

"Touched by Midas I have to say is now one of my favorite reads. All the components are there to tug at your heart for our military, for family and let’s not forget the hot scenes that you need a fan for."— Shey’s Book Cave

Here are some inspiration pictures, including personal snapshots, of Rota, Spain

http://www.pinterest.com/brennazinn/character-inspirations-for-touched-by-midas/

Title: Iron Rods

Author: Brenna Zinn

Series: Strip Club Book 1

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Blurb: 

There once was a place the women of Austin, Texas could mix fantasy with flesh and experience erotic temptations for the price of admission and a handful of dollars. Iron Rods. The strip club is now in disrepair though and Bennett Truitt, estranged son of the club’s aging and half-crazy owner, wants to replace the landmark with condos. He hires feisty Tatum Reynolds to manage the club, sure she will fail, but not before he has a chance to sample her skills in bed.

After another rejection letter, Tatum realizes she’ll never be a professional dancer on or off Broadway. Down on her luck, she’s determined to make the run-down club successful no matter what, or who, it takes. But she never expected her new boss to be so enticing they’re breaking doors down to get to each other, get their clothes off, taste each delectable inch.

A Romantica® erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Buy Links:

Amazon: Iron Rods: 1 (Strip Club)

Barnes & Noble

Ellora's Cave

Kobo

Brenna has other amazing books out, so make sure to visit her website to get all the details!!!

I remember reading about Texas in an Illinois grade school and thinking I probably would never see the great state where real cowboys ride their horses to work every day and everyone wears western hats and boots. Then again, I never dreamed I would elope in Gibraltar with a Navy man who hailed from the Lone Star state. But here I am, smack dab in the middle of Texas, still married to the same wonderful man and boasting not only the greatest daughter on the planet, but three dogs that are as big as long horns.

In between grade school and now, my journey through life has taken me all over the United States, as well as many places throughout the world. Using my travel experience as a guide and peppering in interesting characters I’ve met along the way, I love nothing better than weaving tales of romance and leaving readers yearning for adventures of their own.

Follow Brenna!
Check out my website  http://www.brennazinn.com
Like my Facebook page   https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001156437143
Follow me on Twitter @BrennaZinn  https://twitter.com/BrennaZinn 
Follow me on Goodreads  https://www.goodreads.com/Brenna_Zinn
Check out my Pintrest boards http://www.pinterest.com/brennazinn/
Follow my blog  http://brennazinn.blogspot.com/

Thanks again Brenna for being here today! I hope everyone enjoyed learning about Touched by Midas and Iron Rods. 

Please stop by next Wednesday when my guest will be Holly J. Gill.

~~Iron Rods by Brenna Zinn~~

Hello and welcome to my blog. Today I'm featuring Brenna Zinn's Iron Rods!  Have you see the cover of this book? So drool-worthy!

Title: Iron Rods
Author: Brenna Zinn
Series: Strip Club Book 1
Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Blurb: 
There once was a place the women of Austin, Texas could mix fantasy with flesh and experience erotic temptations for the price of admission and a handful of dollars. Iron Rods. The strip club is now in disrepair though and Bennett Truitt, estranged son of the club’s aging and half-crazy owner, wants to replace the landmark with condos. He hires feisty Tatum Reynolds to manage the club, sure she will fail, but not before he has a chance to sample her skills in bed.

After another rejection letter, Tatum realizes she’ll never be a professional dancer on or off Broadway. Down on her luck, she’s determined to make the run-down club successful no matter what, or who, it takes. But she never expected her new boss to be so enticing they’re breaking doors down to get to each other, get their clothes off, taste each delectable inch.

A Romantica® erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Buy Links:
Amazon: Iron Rods: 1 (Strip Club)
Barnes & Noble
Ellora's Cave
Kobo



Excerpt: 
Watered-down drinks were the last straw. The wild concoction of emotions brewing within her bubbled over. The time for calm had passed. She needed action. Something to release the rage and hurt trapped inside. She’d had enough of being stomped on by life, and by God she would not sit still while this seedy little club stepped on her as well.

Tatum picked up both drinks and marched to the bar, fury feeding her temper. Something in her day was going to go right, and having a decent drink to dull her pain wasn’t too much to ask for. So what if Conan the bartender looked as though he could snap her in half. If he so much as blinked the wrong way, she’d jump over the counter and make him wish he’d never poured a drink in his life.

The bartender had his broad back to her and appeared deep in conversation at the end of the bar with another man she hadn’t noticed before. How she could have overlooked the stranger was a mystery.

The man looked up and made eye contact with Tatum. Out of nowhere, fire popped and sizzled through her, scorching senses that had been dulled by the oppressiveness of the club. For a mesmerizing moment, she stared at the stranger, unable to look anywhere else.

Black hair groomed to perfection, a handsome face with an honest-to-God square jaw and wearing the kind of slick suit and tie she’d only seen in magazine ads, he looked like a modern-day aristocrat. Some big shot who was completely out of place in a dive like Iron Rods. 

Why such a good-looking man was here to do anything beyond strip she didn’t know and didn’t give a flip, she reminded herself. Tonight she was on a mission to forget her troubles and find some kind of satisfaction. If the stranger couldn’t help her in either regard, then he was little more than eye candy.

She plunked down the cocktail glasses. A harsh thud sounded as they hit the wood counter. The bartender glanced over his shoulder. His face still appeared impassive, though his eyebrows now arched a bit higher on his forehead.

“Yes?” he asked.

Tatum steeled her resolve and straightened her spine, hoping all six feet of her looked formidable to a man who probably crushed boulders with his bare hands. “If these drinks have a shot of pure vodka in them, then I’m the governor of Texas.”

The bartender said something to the stranger then turned around and made his way to where Tatum stood. Her skin grew cold as she noticed the hint of a grin pull at the corners of his lips. How could a person look more intimidating with a smile on his face?

“You saying I watered down your drinks?”

Though the music in the club was loud enough to vibrate through the floor and up her calves, she easily heard his deep bass voice. A tremor of fright added to the quaking in her legs. Scared or not, she’d started this and she wouldn’t stop until she had two cocktails to her liking.

“I’m saying there’s no more alcohol in these glasses than there is in the Colorado River down the street.” Allowing the full impact of her feelings to give her strength, she took a step closer and pressed her stomach onto the padded vinyl that trimmed the bar. “My friend spent a lot of money for these drinks and I aim to make sure we get what we paid for. So how about you taking that unopened bottle of vodka there on the back shelf and trying one more time?”

The large bartender’s nose flared and the muscles in his thick neck and arms flexed. Before he had a chance to say a word, the man at the end of the bar spoke.

“It’s okay, T. Do as the lady asks.”

The big man shot her a look that could have frozen hell. “Fine. As the lady likes.” Without breaking his glare, he roughly grabbed two glasses and dropped them on the counter before reaching for the vodka.

And just like that, the polished stranger in the fancy suit single-handedly shut down her attempt at blowing the steam she’d built up.

In a perverse way, Tatum didn’t feel appeased. She might have gotten her way, but pumped-up energy still surged in her system. If only she could punch a wall or kick over a chair. She needed to do something, anything, to relieve her bottled-up tension and lock down the pheromones that unexpectedly decided to show up to the party. 

The good-looking man wasn’t making her struggle to calm down any easier. Over the stacks of papers littering the end of the bar, he stared at her, and not in a pleasing way. He appeared amused, almost smug, as though she had just provided his evening’s entertainment.

She pushed her attraction aside and allowed her irritation to hitch a half notch.

“Are you the manager here?” she asked, making her way down to the end of the bar.

He punched the end of the pen he held and tossed it onto an open file. “I guess you can say I am. Is there a problem?”

His tone sounded a little too bored for her liking. He might not be hard to look at, but he had pompous ass written all over him. “As a matter of fact there is. Have you taken a good look at this place lately? It’s a dump. The lighting sucks, the dancers aren’t good-looking and couldn’t dance to save their souls, and the bartender is serving lousy drinks.”

He tilted his head. “You don’t say.”

His prissy, holier-than-thou attitude provided just the spark she needed to stay ignited. “Yes, I do say. You should be ashamed of yourself and this place. It’s the worst club in Austin.”

“And yet you’re here.”

“I—” Tatum started, but faltered in the wake of his unexpected retort. She blinked several times, too flustered to speak. Weren’t managers supposed to be nice to their customers? Even rich, snobby managers?

The stranger stood and Tatum’s gaze continued up until her head tilted back. Powerfully built, he not only stood several inches taller than her, he dominated the space around her. Though he might not be as humongous as the bartender, he radiated a fierce but intelligent intensity that commanded her attention. Here was a man used to getting what he wanted.

“You think someone else can do better?” he asked.

Her mouth watered as she watched the play of muscles behind his snug shirtsleeves and listened to the deep voice that poured over her like warm molasses. Good Lord, the man was virile.

Not permitting herself to be influenced by intimidation or lust, she raised her chin and said the first thing that came to her mind. “I think a drunk monkey could do better.”

“You looking for a job?”

Her mouth fell open at his audacity. She might be fast on the uptake, but he was faster and better.

Perturbed, Tatum planted her fists on her hips. “You calling me a drunk monkey?”

I remember reading about Texas in an Illinois grade school and thinking I probably would never see the great state where real cowboys ride their horses to work every day and everyone wears western hats and boots. Then again, I never dreamed I would elope in Gibraltar with a Navy man who hailed from the Lone Star state. But here I am, smack dab in the middle of Texas, still married to the same wonderful man and boasting not only the greatest daughter on the planet, but three dogs that are as big as long horns.

In between grade school and now, my journey through life has taken me all over the United States, as well as many places throughout the world. Using my travel experience as a guide and peppering in interesting characters I’ve met along the way, I love nothing better than weaving tales of romance and leaving readers yearning for adventures of their own.

For more information about Iron Rods, the Strip Club Series, how to get a FREE Iron Rods koozie, as well as author Brenna Zinn, check out the Iron Rods website.  www.IronRods.NET

Contact Brenna: 
www.brennazinn.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001156437143
https://twitter.com/BrennaZinn
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4115113.Brenna_Zinn
http://www.pinterest.com/brennazinn/
Iron Rods website: www.IronRods.NET


Please stop by Brenna's website and check out all her great books and don't forget to grab your copy of Iron Rods!!!