[Siren Classic: Erotic Contemporary Romantic Comedy]
When librarian Lesley Farmer meets builder Charlene McKinley, it's hot at first sight. Pheromones flood common sense despite the fact that each is so obviously not the other's type. He prefers women who are sophisticated, genteel, and ultra-feminine. She prefers men who are buff and don't wear bowties. But when hormones take over, the two ravished and bemused opposites are left to see what they can build together.
Through a series of assumptions and misconceptions, it seems as if the unlikely pair will never get together. Maybe all they really shared was a one-night stand after all. Yet neither can stop thinking about the other. When fate puts them together one more time, they say to hell with dating and head straight to bed.
But can home-and-hearth-seeking Lesley convince commitment-shy Charlie that building a life together is inevitable because they are made for each other?
A Siren Erotic Romance
5 HEARTS: "What an addictive story! To say that Lesley Farmer and Charlie McKinley were polar opposites would be like comparing the Grand Canyon to a hole! Dr. Lesley Farmer was a university Director of Library Services; Charlie McKinley was a building contractor with four brothers; she was the only one without a formal higher education, but the family knew she was actually the smartest member. Ms. Morgan Ashbury has written a phenomenal story with a unique plot which, I predict, will be an award winner. Her characters are strong: both Lesley and Charlie have strong foundational relationships with others; it is just commitment that is hard to accept! Ms. Ashbury has an extensive ability to bring their likenesses to light without rambling. There is so much substance in this novel that it would be very easy to bog down in wordiness; it would be simple to lose readers. However, after reading this book, I am delighted that she could share so much information in this superb manner. Seldom have I read a book I enjoyed more; that this is Ms. Ashbury's first book is amazing. I highly recommend this book to all who are interested in a beautiful love story which has a light comedic appeal!" -- Brenda Talley, The Romance Studio
5 BLUE RIBBONS: "Morgan Ashbury will have readers in stitches over this opposites attract storyline. Sparks fly from the very first page and I got a warped sense of amusement from the misunderstandings and misconceptions which would have been so avoidable if Leslie and Charlene had only gotten to know a little about each other before their first date. I really loved Charlene's temper and how she gets even when she thinks she's been wronged. Leslie's level-headed and has to plan things out which leads to some interesting problems but he's definitely a likeable character. Made for Each Other is a fun filled story that will keep readers interest throughout the storyline as they wonder if these two vastly different characters will ever discover just how right they are for each other." -- Chrissy Dionne, Romance Junkies
5 STARS/Hot: "Until I read this book, I never thought of people named Lesley and librarians to boot, as sexy or romantic. No doubt, it is sex first but their romance just gets to you afterwards. Charlene is a sassy, unconventional hoot. Once I got to know her better I was as enthralled by her as Lesley was. Both charmed me endlessly with their banter and all-gone-wrong dates. The way their relationship develops is awesome, it slowly matured them emotionally and I loved the pace at which it went. The sex was amazing too as they fumble with clothing here and there, feed their sexual appetite at every chance they get and goof around even in the most precarious positions. I laughed at their antics and still managed to feel the zings their escapades provided. The plot is straightforward without any deep-seated problems for the reader to solve. Megan and Percy were loyal friends indeed. They ruled as secondary characters as did Lesley's neighbor, Mrs. Crosby. I am still chuckling at some of the things they said and did. You just have to read the account of their bad dates to enjoy them thoroughly. As Ms. Ashbury kept on unfolding their characteristics, I was convinced that this very mismatched pair was indeed a one made in heaven. Ms. Ashbury finished off the story where I wanted to end. There was no hasty tying up of loose ends. Made For Each Other is a book that sparkles with lots of subtle wit and humor good for a number of giggles. Kudos to Ms. Ashbury for this one!" -- Mahaira Fatima, Just Erotic Romance Reviews
5 FLAGS: "Author Morgan Ashbury delivers sensual romance with a true touch of humor, which will have the reader laughing and gasping simultaneously. From the first sentences, we know we're in for a roller-coaster ride and it's difficult to catch our breath. Made For Each Other sets off with an intriguing premise-a reversal on the traditional stereotypes-and then never lets up. Few readers will not find themselves laughing, crying, and reaching for the ice bucket during this story-sometimes all three simultaneously." -- Annie, Euro-Reviews
4 CUPS: "Made for Each Other is a powerhouse read. It was fun watching the mismatch duo tackle their feelings for the other. I love it when two people suddenly interact instantly, and their chemistry burns the pages. Charlie and Lesley are dynamite individuals with great personalities. Ms. Ashbury details a story that captivates and wins the heart of this reader. The way she instilled the desire for commitment into the storyline made the story even more enjoyable as the reader feels a part of the couple's relationship. This romantic story is an absolute delight." -- Cherokee, Coffee Time Romance
4 HEARTS: "Made for Each Other is light hearted, comical and sensual. This book reverses the stereotypical roles of men and women, Charlie is a female contractor who refused to go to college because she loved working with wood while Lesley is a man with two PhDs who works as a librarian and has no desire to work with hand tools. It is fun to watch Charlie and Lesley take turns in their insecurities with their fledgling relationship, and then take turns in deciding how scary being in love can really be. After listening in on the exchanges between Charlie and Lesley and their respective friends Megan and Percy, this reviewer could definitely see Ms. Ashbury following up with the tale of Megan and Percy." -- Mandie, Love Romances and More
A Joyfully Recommended Read: "Made for Each Other was an absolutely delicious read from beginning to end. The characters were well drawn and pulled me right into their world. I loved the combination of a woman construction worker and a male university librarian falling for each other. It was something new and refreshing. Morgan did a wonderful job with this one. And watch out for those steamy sex scenes! I had to keep the fan on and a glass of water nearby and really recommend it." -- Tera, Joyfully Reviewed
"What do a builder and a librarian have in common? Seemingly nothing, but Charlene McKinley and Lesley Farmer can't help but find each other simply irresistible in Morgan Asbury's Made For Each Other. Charlene and Lesley are unique, believable characters who are a treat to read. Their enjoyable, seductive story immediately draws the reader in. The secondary characters - Charlie and Lesley's best friends, family, and coworkers are also well drawn and not just background players. But it's Charlie and Lesley's passionate relationship with all of its ups and downs that is captivating. Ashbury is fabulous at telling a romantic, spicy story with easy-to-love characters. Look for more from this talented debut writer in the future." -- Amy Mendenhall, NewsandSentinel.com
"A tree brought them together, but the spark that ignites between Charlie and Lesley is in a class of its own. They truly are Made for Each Other, but first have to get past the misconceptions, assumptions, and miscommunications that result from starting a relationship the wrong way around. Author Morgan Ashbury capably takes readers from that first explosive meeting to the 'whoa, what have I gotten myself into', and eventually to a beautifully burgeoning romance. The couple has a few obstacles to overcome if they want to see happily ever after. A thoroughly enjoyable tale with enough scorching romance to entice the erotic junkie, check out Made for Each Other. You won't be disappointed." -- Phillipa Ann, RRT Erotic
STORY EXCERPT
He was hard, and it was all her fault.
The way Lesley Farmer saw it, he had two immediate problems. The first, and most urgent, hung six feet above his head in the master bedroom. Sporting dark brown limbs and lush green leaves, the Manitoba Maple had been upright and stalwart, shading his back yard, up until about two hours ago. Now it seemed intent on making a place for itself indoors. The second problem, less obvious, he hoped, hung between his legs. It was the fastest and strongest erection he’d ever sprouted and would appear to have been inspired solely by the presence of the woman standing next to him.
“That is one big piece of wood,” contractor Charlie McKinley said.
Lesley kept his eyes focused on the ‘break and enter’ tree, bit back the ‘thank-you’ that rolled from his throat to his tongue, and murmured his agreement. He was trying to figure out just what it was about this woman that set his sap to rising. She was definitely not his usual type. He liked petite, dainty women. ‘Dainty’ didn’t suit Ms. McKinley. She almost matched his six one height, and her blond hair was cut in a sleek, face-framing cap. Form fitting jeans and tee left no doubt of her femininity, though. She was very easy on the eyes, and there was no mistaking the affect she was having on his body. He just hoped that her attention would remain on the intrusive limb above their heads, and that she would not discover the one in his pants.
“From my experience,” she continued, “I can tell you that it’s going to require expert handling.”
“You’re not qualified to take care of it yourself, then?”
“I’d need a crane to lift that sucker.”
She said sucker. Lesley had to use every ounce of his willpower to pull his mind away from sex and focus it on the situation at hand. He figured that if he didn’t, his mouth was going to get him into deep, serious trouble. So he gave the brown and green intruder one more detailed study, then boldly turned to face Ms. McKinley. His focus was entirely on her, his question direct, spoken as if he didn’t have a raging hard-on between his legs.
“Do you know anyone who has the expertise to handle it?”
“Yes, I know a guy who runs a tree service. His rates are the best in town. But the roof and interior ceiling repair, once the tree’s out, are things that I can do.”
Lesley nodded briskly, once, then turned his attention back to the tree. He’d caught the slight flicker of her eyes away from his face and knew that she’d seen his condition. Well, this is probably the most embarrassing moment of my life to date. He was a man. He was tough. He could take it…he hoped.
From his peripheral vision, he watched as Ms. McKinley brought her glazed eyes back into focus, licked her lips, swallowed, then fastened her attention overhead on the tree. Maybe not so embarrassing if she liked what she saw.
“I won’t be able to begin an estimate on the repairs until that woody…I mean tree…is out of that hole…off the roof.”
He swallowed his laughter as he realized he wasn’t the only one affected by raging hormones. That was a relief. Even as he considered the situation, his own eyes wandered, and caught the beading of her nipples, just discernable under the covering of her t-shirt. It occurred to him then that they had both been silent for a long time, staring at that damn tree as if it was the most fascinating sight either of them had ever seen. He was trying to figure out what to do next when the sound of the grandfather clock in the living room announcing the half hour snapped Lesley back to reality. Hell, he was going to be late.
“If you’d be so kind as to arrange for this tree to be removed, Ms. McKinley, I’d appreciate it. I’d also like an estimate on the repair. I don’t know if my insurance company will want additional quotes or not. I’ll have to get back to you on that.”
“Some do, some don’t,” she replied as she opened her clipboard. “If you’ll just give me a few moments and answer a couple of routine questions, I’ll fill out a work order for you to sign, sir.”
Her snooty tone caught him off guard. It certainly wasn’t his fault that they were both in this strange erogenous zone. Screw it, two can play that game. “My neighbor, Mrs. Crosby, will be over in a moment and will lock up after you’re done, Ms. McKinley. I have to get to the university library. Here’s my number, you can let me know when that estimate is ready.”
He held out the business card and raised one eyebrow, daring her to take it. Her frown told him he’d scored a bulls-eye with his response.
“You have to go to the library? Now?”
“Since I’m the Director of Library Services, I’d better.”
“I appreciate the business, Mr. Farmer. I’ll see if I can get Jake over immediately to get this tree out. Then I’ll cover the hole with a tarp. The forecast isn’t calling for rain, but it is spring in southern Ontario. You just never know.”
“Thank you, Ms. McKinley.” Considering her for a moment, he gave in to his inner imp. “I wouldn’t want to get…wet in my bed.”
“Well, if I have anything to say about it, Mr. Farmer, you’ll stay as dry and safe as a kitten.”
ADULT EXCERPT
He’s wearing a tweed jacket and a bowtie and I am toast. How could she ever have guessed that seeing the man dressed in such staid clothing would turn her on like this? She swallowed hard and couldn’t take her gaze away from his as he opened the screen door and came inside.
“You have something for me?”
The rasp of his voice sent shivers up and down her spine. Her eyes flicked to the front of his trousers, then back up again, and heat washed through her.
“I do?” Charlie was having trouble concentrating. She wondered how he knew what she wanted to give him. His condition was right out there, but there was no way he could see through her Capris to know…he meant the quote. Didn’t he? She picked up the envelope that had slipped onto her desk from nerveless fingers. She noted that it was shaking in her hand and wondered why that was. Her nipples tightened painfully. She saw that Lesley had his gaze fastened on her hand as well. She would have thought, all things considered, that his line of sight would have been drawn higher by a few degrees. But it seemed as if he was working very hard to keep his eyes off her chest. That should have been calming. It shouldn’t have been erotic and arousing, but it was.
“Do you have any idea what the hell is going on between us?” Lesley asked, his voice harsh, his breathing shallow.
“No. No idea. This has never happened to me before.” Charlie dropped the envelope again and took two steps out to the side, away from her desk.
“Not to me, either. We’re both mature, rational adults.” Lesley took one step closer to her, a step that was forward and a little left of where he’d been standing.
“Right. Just because we’re aware of a little chemistry,” Make that a bubbling cauldron of caustic chemicals, she thought. Her lips were dry and she moistened them with her tongue.
“Doesn’t mean we have to act on it,” Lesley said.
She watched as he took one last step forward. She moved too, until mere inches separated them.
“Of course not. We’re certainly in control of our own actions.”
“Certainly.”
Who took that last step Charlie couldn’t say. The reality was that her body fused to his in a grasping embrace, her lips and tongue devouring his in a kiss that was hot, wild, and totally carnal. Moans and groans and gasps were interspersed with the action of her shirt being grabbed, removed, and dropped. Charlie shuddered and sighed. Her own hands stilled when her naked breasts were cupped in shaking male hands. Ah, much better than my fantasy, she thought. She melted as his deft fingers stroked and plucked and her nipples responded as if this was the touch they’d craved forever. Then, with renewed vigor, she continued the adventure of opening his shirt.
His chest was dusted with brown hair her hands were drawn to explore. Her lips slid into a Cheshire-cat grin as he cursed softly, his concentration broken. With definite devilry on her mind, she set her mouth on him, licking, nipping, and sucking.
“Minx. Give me your mouth,” he whispered.
She fused her mouth on his again. Surprisingly strong arms lifted her up. She wrapped her arms around him and their lips locked, their tongues tasted and delved. One hand peeled the Capris from her body. There was no thought of resistance on her part, only of completion. She was being carried and she didn’t care where. She heard the drag of a zipper, knew she was being lowered and wrapped her legs around his waist. The leather of the weightlifting bench was under her. He pulled her closer and still her mouth clung to his.
“Let me, baby, please let me,” he whispered against her lips.
Reason fled, and all she cared about, all she wanted, was to feel this man, hot and hard, deep inside her. She breathed her agreement then shivered as the hot flesh of his cock nudged aside the crotch of her panties. In response to that heat, to the plea, her hips undulated forward.
“Shit. Fuck. Damn. Condom,” he gasped.
“On the pill. I’m clean. Please!”
“Okay. Me, too. But still,” one hand left her back and she felt him maneuvering. She caught sight of a wallet, then heard the crinkle of plastic.
“Don’t leave home without it,” he quipped between clenched teeth as he deftly rolled the protection on.
“Better than a credit card,” she replied, torn between twin urges to laugh and scream.
Then she sighed as with one bold stroke he was buried in her to the hilt.
It didn’t matter that they were sitting facing each other straddling an exercise bench. Only the contact between them mattered. Forehead to forehead, eyes locked, they rocked together and apart as the primal rhythm seized them both.
“Yeah, like that, deeper.” Charlie’s cries were in tune with the driving of his flesh into hers. Nothing was important except that she get as much of this magnificent thrusting as she could. His penis was big and she was stretched more than she’d ever been stretched before, but there was no discomfort, only a keen craving for more and still more.
“You’re so hot and wet and tight around me.”
His words enflamed her. Charlie whimpered, as she couldn’t seem to get close enough to him. The rub of his trousers on her sensitive flesh, just below where they were joined was both an irritant and a stimulant. She was nearly overcome with the urge to lie back and surrender completely. When she moaned again, she felt his fingers seeking, and finding, her clitoris.
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