BLOG TOUR: Willful Parties by Liz Ellyn (Excerpt & Giveaway)

Willful Parties
Liz Ellyn
Published by: The Wild Rose Press
Publication date: January 1st 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance

Seth is the vibrant bisexual marathoner who sparked the relationship with Kat and Dylan. He remains undeterred in pursuit of their perfect love, even when confronted with a devastating blow. Kat, their sharp-witted pixie, treasures good moments as gifts due to past experiences. She hesitates to wholeheartedly commit based on a deep-rooted fear of heartache and pressing her luck. Dylan exudes irresistible confidence and brilliance and is marked for an impressive political future. However, his internal struggle with identity and career decisions poses a significant hurdle in committing to their love affair.

They share a sizzling three-way passion but are destined to part ways after graduating from their Chicago law school. Legal battles, heart-wrenching losses, and mounting obligations challenge the prospect of reclaiming their love.

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EXCERPT

Kat sliced the lemons and limes into wedges and wheels. The scent of fresh citrus reminded her of lemon trees growing in California. Kat continued cutting, but then yanked her hand away. The sting hurt like a bitch. She checked her fingers for a nick. No blood, thank goodness. She washed off the acidic juices under cool water. Never before had she been bothered by the routine task, even during the cold Chicago winters, when her hands were dry and cracked. Something else must have caused her unusual sensitivity.

Kat recognized the laugh coming from the end of the bar. She needed a laugh, deciding to join her best friend. “What’s so funny?”

Still laughing, Alex caught her breath. “This hot guy tells me he’s your official Saturday night cock blocker. He’s here to fend off all of the men from hitting on you.”

Out of nowhere, Mr. Larson appeared and patted Seth firmly on the back. “Good job, Seth. Keep up the good work.”

Mr. Lawson turned to Alex. “Are you coming tomorrow for Father’s Day?”

“I wouldn’t miss it.”

“Great.” Mr. Lawson turned back to Seth. “Is there any chance I could steal you away for a few minutes? I have a question in my office.”

“Sure thing.” Seth finished off his beer, set the empty glass down, and pointed to Alex. “Hold my seat and don’t let any men approach Kat while I’m gone.” He winked.

“No problem.” Alex blushed.

“What can I get you to drink?” Kat asked Alex before needing to help another customer.

“White wine. Thanks.” Kat appreciated Alex’s simple order.

When Kat placed the glass in front of Alex, she turned her phone around to show Kat. “Did you see Dylan’s post? He looks damn fine. It must have been golden-hour when he took it. The leaves are gleaming with a yellow glow and highlight his face.”

Kat leaned in closer for a better view. “Yeah. You’re right.”

Alex leaned in across the bar and whispered, “I still haven’t gotten over the sight of Dylan and Seth kissing.”

A pain shot through Kat’s fingers again. She clenched her hand into a fist. “Yeah, I bet it was insanely hot.” Kat flushed.

“Speaking of hot, why is Seth slaying away all the good-looking guys like they are dragons? If he’s gay, why would he care?”

Kat chewed on her lip instead of correcting Alex’s incorrect assumption about Seth’s sexuality. However, the question intrigued Kat. They weren’t seeing each other. She had made it clear he was free to date anyone else. Why was he spending his Saturday nights at Lawson’s? She hadn’t seen him leave with somebody at closing time, neither man nor woman.

“It doesn’t matter. I don’t have the time or energy to hook up with a guy.” Kat rolled her eyes.

“I hear ya. My vibrator and I are quite close these days.” Alex sipped her wine.

Kat smiled wistfully. “Heh.” She leered at the bar’s office door.

“You okay Kat? It has to be tough studying, making nice with customers, and generally busting your ass.”

She deflected from the uncomfortable topic. “We all need a party when this test is done.”

“Definitely! With lots of available men. Maybe then we can both find ourselves a warm body to replace the electric devices.”

One of the waitresses handed Kat a piece of paper. She glanced at the order and looked toward Alex. “Fruity duty calls.” The waitresses overloaded Kat with drink orders until the bar closed. Most of the requests involved time-consuming mixed drinks, which didn’t leave room for chatting with Seth or Alex.

During the brief lull before Kat needed to kick out all the customers, she grabbed three tequila-filled shot glasses, slices of lime, and salt. She set the small tray in front of Seth and Alex. “Okay, time to shoot and scoot.”

While Alex poured the salt on her hand, Seth stared heatedly at Kat with a saucy smile on his face. Kat cast her gaze to the side and fought the instinct to flirt back with Seth.

She snuck a peek at Seth under her eyelashes as he licked the salt off his hand. She closed her eyes, but the memory of Seth bending her backward over the couch played like a movie in her thoughts. A twinge of pleasure struck between her legs. The burn of the tequila did not remove the image.

Those blue eyes almost made her cave and change her mind. Her will weakened. Giving in to her needs guaranteed a fun, erotic night, but risked a broken heart. Knowing Seth enjoyed the company of men and women didn’t bother Kat. It was hot! But sharing him with other men, other than Dylan, inflamed her Irish temper. Green was a great color on St. Patrick’s Day, not as an emotional state.

Kat looked away and grabbed the empty shot glasses. “And now it is time for you two to scoot on out of here.”

“Goodnight Kat. I’ll see you tomorrow. I hope your dad likes what I got him for Father’s Day.”

“I’m sure he’ll love it.”

Seth kissed Kat on the cheek. The kiss lasted longer than a peck. She debated turning her head and kissing Seth on the mouth. By the time she swiveled her head in Seth’s direction, the touch of his lips disappeared. Her stomach tightened. “Goodnight Kat.”

Author Bio:

INDULGE IN LIFE’S GUILTY PLEASURES!

Liz Ellyn nourishes people’s cravings for the irresistible. Like the decadent desserts she delivers, she creates alluring characters deserving of happy endings.

With degrees in both engineering and law, she argues that the positive energy gained by indulging in one’s guilty pleasure appropriately counterbalances the serious forces of daily life.

When she isn’t writing or devouring steamy romance books, she spoils her family, including her two dogs, Boomer and Tanner.

Bon Appetite and Happy Reading!

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