PET PEEVE - J.J. Massa
New Concepts - www.newconceptspublishing.com
ISBN: 978-1-60394-141-9
May 2008
Erotic Paranormal Romance - Short Story
Sensuality Rating: Carnal

Louisiana, Connecticut and New York - Present Day

Five years ago, Renaud Brunet decided he was tired of the ballet and of all the women wanting sex from him. Oh, he obliged them, but he hated it. It's after one such altercation that Renaud turns and finds Cili Kozma -- his sister Lorelei's protégée -- watching him with wide, fearful eyes. The look in her eyes and her disgusted tone of voice aren't any match for how bad he feels himself. Already angry with himself, Renaud takes Cili in his arms and kisses the hell out of her. In the process he makes a shocking discovery -- this slip of a woman is his mate. She runs away and Renaud lets her go, knowing that one of these days, she'll be running *to* him. With that thought, Renaud heads home to Xavier Parish and a job with his uncle.

Naive. Stupid. Those are some of the words that Cili Kozma has called herself since the attack that resulted in her recent injuries. Roger Grainger didn't want to take no for an answer and very nearly raped her. The words her adoptive daddy, DW -- Dekon Warrick Martine -- saved her. "Baby girl, you hit him in the family jewels and he'll go down quicker than lightning." DW had been right. Warrick and Lorelei have asked Cili to return to Xavier Parish and become their children's nanny. Little knowing that Renaud, the man she's been in love with, is there or that the run-in she will have with him will change everything, Cili agrees. She still remembers the kiss he gave her after she watched him use a woman and then toss the woman aside like a used Kleenex. Cili vows that will never happen to her. Now if she can just get Renaud to stop kissing her with those luscious lips, she might be able to hold that thought.

Renaud and Cili do get together and the fireworks fly. Unfortunately, someone isn't all that happy about the lovers being together and plans to remedy the situation once and for all.

PET PEEVE is Renaud's story and what a doozy it is. Readers will remember Renaud from WEAK SPOT, which explains why his attitude towards sex is the way it is. He doesn't feel emotions like most do; instead, he only feels anger. Sex is nothing but a means to an end…until Cili. Cili and Renaud are two peas in a pod and are perfect for one another. Cili is a sweet young woman who had a terrible childhood. Her love for dance and someone seeing her at the right time is what saved her from following the path her mother had chosen. The sex between Cili and Renaud is beautifully choreographed, sweaty, and emotional. It’s endearing to watch Renaud become a sensitive, caring, sometimes jealous man. And the fact that Cili doesn't fall at his feet but gives him quite a run for his money...totally awesome!

Secondary characters include Warrick and Lorelei Martine (see WEAK SPOT); their children, Ivanna and Paul; Dr. Havel, the man who saved Cili from her old life; and Ziggy (also introduced in WEAK SPOT). Ziggy is a troublemaker with a Capital T, and he gets Renaud in some hot water a time or two, but if you're ever in trouble, Ziggy's got your back.

Ms. Massa writes a passionate and touching romance with PET PEEVE. Her multilayered characters, well-developed and well-written plot, and well-timed tender and heated moments, all combine to make this a story you'll never forget.

Sinclair Reid