Author Nichelle Gregory Joins Us Today!!

I've been in love with books and the written word for a long time. Writing songs, poetry, and stories came naturally to me but it took awhile to realize my love for writing was actually part of what I'm supposed to be doing on this planet. Boy, if only I'd understood this sooner, I would've paid more attention to dangling participles and semicolons in English class!

Finding out my first short story, The Enchanted Flute would be published by Noble Romance Publishing will forever be a turning point in my life. I could no longer listen to the doubts in my head or question what my soul was already saying . . . you are a writer. Being a newbie author has been a wonderful and scary experience. There is so much to learn and so many nuances within this business that it can be overwhelming. I really didn't know how to do any of the things I'm working on today from queries, blurbs, cover art requests and how can I forget the dread synopsis? Whew! I thought becoming published would silence those voices of doubt and insecurity but I think they've gotten louder. The important thing is to drown them out with the click clack of the keys on the keyboard and daily affirmation: I am a writer and therefore I must write.

Sharing your work with the world is awesome but you soon realize not everybody's going to feel the same way about what you've created. And that's OK. I love art but I prefer Renaissance over Contemporary artwork. Thank goodness, we all have our own tastes! Still, it's difficult as a new author and I imagine at any stage of your writing career to find out someone disliked something you've worked hard on. I've been told to take it all in stride. Keep striving towards becoming a better writer and above all else stay professional. I must say I'm thankful for many of the authors at Noble Romance for reaching out to explain and guide me through this strange new world. I'm quickly learning this is a profession constantly changing and growing in genres and technology and a good writer has to keep abreast of it all. It's not an easy task but I've always enjoyed a challenge! *smile*

Blurb:

Lost in the heart of Africa, Filipe is shocked to discover a beautiful maiden locked away in a stone tower prison. Taken with her innocent beauty and desperate plight, he vows to help Rapunzel but is soon trapped by his own unrelenting desire to have her. His fiery desire gives way to guilty pleasures, but Filipe can't accept Rapunzel's innocent declaration of love. Heartbroken, Rapunzel follows Filipe's plan for escape but nothing goes as predicted. Can Rapunzel convince Filipe her love is true and their destinies are intertwined?

Excerpt:

"You came back," Rapunzel said, as he stepped through the window.

Filipe saw her tear-streaked face and took her into his arms, a need to comfort and protect rising deep within in him. "I promised you, I would." He pulled away, his gaze dropping from her wide copper eyes to rest on her high cheek bones, and then lower to full, luscious lips quivering in a shaky smile. Without thinking, he leaned in capturing Rapunzel's mouth in a sweet searching kiss.

She smelled of wildflowers and rain, her lips soft as rose petals. He could feel her uncertainty as he gently caressed her mouth, hungrily tasting her tongue when she let him inside. When she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her small frame as close as she could, Filipe's body responded instantly, his cock hardening in seconds. With not but a breath between them, he was aware she could feel his erection and was not surprised when she pulled away.

"What is that?" Rapunzel asked with an innocent look, pointing to the bulge in his pants.

Filipe started to laugh and then stopped, realizing she was serious. He assumed she was a virgin, but he had never considered how much she would not know. He swallowed hard, trying to calm the savage beast in him, wanting to throw her to the ground and show her the answer to all her questions. "Surely, your godmother talked to you about what happens between a man and a woman?"

Rapunzel shook her head.

"No?" Filipe waited for her to say more, but she simply stared, her eyes moving from his face to his growing hardness. "When a man desires a woman, it is hard . . . um . . . how do I say . . . difficult, to hide the evidence." He struggled to find the words to explain.

"Does it hurt?" Rapunzel asked.

Filipe threw back his head and laughed, when she giggled.

"Not in the way you imagine." Filipe turned away from Rapunzel, removing the shoulder pack containing silk and other supplies. Taking in a deep breath, he willed his cock to behave. Rapunzel's naivety sparked wild lust in his loins, but he prided himself on being a gentleman.

"Can I touch it?"

Filipe stiffened, her soft words making his cock rock hard inside his pants. Hesitantly, he faced her and was again, struck with the depth of her innocence and the force of his desire to take her right then. He stalled, not wanting to hurt her by denying her request and yet, not quite sure he could endure her touch without losing hold of his gentlemanly restraint.

"Filipe?" Rapunzel asked, closing the gap between them.

"Let us look at the supplies I brought," Filipe said, exhaling roughly.

But Rapunzel smiled. "Kiss me again. I love how your lips feel on mine." She wound her arms back around his neck, her body, once again, pressed to his. "Please, kiss me again."

Filipe grabbed her fast with both hands at the base of her neck and kissed her hard, enjoying her moan of surprise and delight. She proved to be a quick learner, mating her tongue with his as she edged even closer. He groaned when he felt her hand cover his rock hard cock, gently cupping the rigid muscle through the soft material of his pants. Each tiny caress from Rapunzel's fingers sent shivers of desire roaring through him. With much effort, Filipe, broke the kiss.