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Tuesday, November 29, 2011

FIVE Heart review for Alpha vs. Alpha!!!

I am soooooooooo excited! I received a 5 heart review for Alpha vs. Alpha from The Romance Studio!

My book will be up for the 5 Heart Sweetheart Vote beginning 12/5/11 (http://www.theromancestudio.com/5heart_form.php). The vote launches between 5 and 7 PM EST next Monday. So on the evening of December 5, 2011 please stop over at TRS and vote for Alpha vs. Alpha.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Thank you!


Thanks to all the Veterans who have served the United States -
men, women, straight, gay, all colors, all religions. 
I value your sacrifices.


And thanks to the animals (all species) who have served our country too.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Happy Dance Time - NOR Top Pick



Hi Everyone!
    I'm doing a happy dance today. Alpha vs. Alpha received a 4.5/Reviewer's Top Pick from Night Owl Reviews! Woot!

Stop over to Night Owl Reviews to check it out!

Monday, November 7, 2011

The First Annual Natalie Acres Boot Scootin’ Boogie Blog Tour!

Where to Begin
A woman’s life is hectic. Between family and career, it’s often difficult to juggle day-to-day activities much less squeeze in something extra. As a writer, I often find myself in a crunch for time. My muse pulls one way and readers guide me in another direction altogether. Lately, I’ve discovered my muse shouldn’t have a dog in the race. When readers ask for a certain book, the excitement and energy they have for a particular series is a great source of inspiration when I finally sit down to write a new book.


Cowboy Boots and Untamed Hearts kicked off the Cowboy Boots series in April of 2009. The book captured the #1 spot at Siren-Bookstrand and went on to become the #1 bestselling erotica and western title at Amazon. A bestselling title at All Romance Ebooks and Mobipocket, Cowboy Boots and Untamed Hearts was soon followed by Cowboy Boots and Unfinished Business which was also received well by readers who supported the series.

I’m thrilled and excited about the new Cowboy Boots release, but must admit Cowboy Boots and Unfinished Business remains my favorite book in the series due to the unusual bond formed between sisters as one woman courageously faces her death while asking another woman to take care of the men she’ll soon leave behind.

The reader support for the Cowboy Boots series is one I can’t describe. Readers write and ask about continuing the series and I can promise there’s more in store. While writing Cowboy Boots and Unsettled Debts, book three, the idea for the fourth installment materialized as well. Cowboy Boots and Undesirable Characters will soon be submitted for consideration.

In the meantime, more books are in the pipeline for the Cowboy Sex series. Sex Party was my first western ménage romance. If you enjoy family sagas, come on over to the ranch and meet the Cartwell family. While you’re there, stop by and say hello to the McKay brothers, too.

The Cowboy Sex books tend to write themselves. The stories unfold quicker than I can put them down on paper. The Cowboy Boots books were a little more difficult to write. Driven by the hot romance and fast action, the characters in the Cowboy Boots books tend to ‘get carried away’ with their toys and props.

With several series to complete and numerous manuscripts stored on my desktop, there’s the ever-present daily question—Where to begin?

As readers, we ask the same question. It’s not easy locating the order in which series books were written. Today, as we celebrate the release day of Cowboy Boots and Unsettled Debts, I invite you to check out the entire series.

Start with Cowboy Boots and Untamed Hearts and meet the Donovan brothers from Southwest Virginia. Then, meet the Remington men and the women they love in Cowboy Boots and Unfinished Business. As they cope with tremendous loss, they find strength and hope in the arms of a woman they never expected to love. Finally, I invite you to pick up your copy of Cowboy Boots and Unsettled Debts, on sale today at Siren-Bookstrand.  

 * * * * *
Blurb:
Seduction turns deadly when Abby Rose, an agent with the Underground Unit, decides to put a provocative spin on revenge. Her plan to sleep with a cartel leader backfires when fellow operatives refuse to let Abby face her enemy alone.
Abby’s fellow agents begin the fight of their lives. After discovering Abby will use her body to lure in the man who killed her father and their command leader, seven highly trained special operatives cope with high tensions as each man comes to terms with feelings they never acknowledged.
This team isn’t fighting for another cause or plotting the best way to take out their mark. The stakes are much higher. These men will take up arms and meet their greatest challenge as they work together to protect the woman they admire and love.
Excerpt:
Rated R for content and language
Ace snarled. “I will spank her when this is over.”
“Sure you will,” Casey said. “About like Porter plans to put a dildo in her pussy and paddle her twat.”
“I never said that,” Porter said, keeping a keen eye on Abby.
“Talk about that kiss and I’ll deck you,” Ace said.
“Damn, those lips were sweet,” Porter teased.
Ace faced him. “I wasn’t kidding.”
Porter took a deep breath. Sometimes Ace’s attitude was a real obstacle. He was a smart-ass SOB when he wanted to be. Standing about six foot four, Ace was nothing more than layers of muscle. The only soft spot the man possessed was the one Porter held in high regard, too—Abby Rose.
“I say we take him out right here,” Casey said, always ready to jump the gun.
Casey looked like a kid, and very often Porter reminded himself Casey wasn’t a child, hard to do since the guy looked like a surfer boy of about eighteen. Only a year separated them. Porter was twenty-nine. Casey followed only a year behind.
Still, Casey was a trained killer just like the lot of them. Under normal daily circumstances, he was such a klutz and a clown, but when he aimed his gun and pulled the trigger, no one had a more accurate shot.
Fowler folded his hands atop the table. “I’m ready for this to be over.”
“What’s wrong, Fowler,” Ace taunted him. “Afraid Juraz is gonna tap that?”
“He won’t be a-tappin’ that. I’ll promise ya.”
Porter and Ace exchanged a knowing stare. Porter shook his head in warning. It wasn’t worth the argument. They all recognized the possible scenarios. The best they could hope for was the most favorable. If Abby went to bed with Juraz, they wanted her to kill him before she was forced to fuck him.
Unfortunately, they needed information from Juraz before she pulled the trigger. And he probably wouldn’t open his mouth unless she first opened those long, shapely legs.
Copyright © 2011


Sunday, November 6, 2011

Cyber Launch Party at Author Island

Greetings everyone!

I've joined Author Island to help get the word out about my work and today, they are hosting a Cyber Launch Party on their blog! I'm super excited. One lucky commenter will win an electronic copy of my latest release, Alpha vs. Alpha!

Please stop by and pay me a visit!
http://cyberlaunchparty.blogspot.com/

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Another hour!

I'm over the moon ecstatic!   We get to "fall" back tonight as we end daylight savings time. I am soooo looking forward to an extra hour of sleep. Sigh of happiness...

Monday, October 24, 2011

It’s Amazing Where Writing Has Taken Me - Tina Donahue

I'm really pleased today to have a guest on my blog today, author Tina Donahue. Tina writes fantastic erotic romances and I'm really honored to have her visit. She's running a contest in concert with her blog tour so check out her post!

* * * * *

When I first began writing romances, I went with what I knew and liked – romantic comedies. Mercy, they came easily to me. I have an irreverent sense of humor – think Seinfeld – and I used it quite liberally in my early releases, all contemporary.

Next, I tried historicals just because I liked them, especially those by Kathleen Woodiwiss. Shanna is one of my all time favorites.

My editor then suggested I try erotic romances. I’ll admit, I have very vivid fantasies about sex, but putting them on paper was another thing entirely. I sweated through those first couple of stories wondering if it was too much, too little, too kinky. It was enough to drive any writer batty. However, from my fans and reviewers’ perspectives, I’d scored a home run.

And now, I’ve stretched myself a bit more. This month I’m delighted to have two releases from two different publishing houses. SiNN, a contemporary ménage (my first ménage) and Unending Desire, an erotic paranormal, Book One of my Outlawed Realm series (my first series BTW).

Here’s the cover art and blurbs to give you a taste of where my writing has now taken me. Enjoy!
 


SiNN – contemporary erotic romance (ménage) from Ellora’s cave – releasing October 14


She’s every man’s carnal fantasy…and the target of one’s revenge

At a Phoenix gentleman’s club, Lea dances as SiNN, her body bared and vulnerable to her male partner, her features hidden behind a feathered mask. To the men watching, she’s a sensual enigma, submissive and seductive with no face, name or history. Not even Lea knows her real origins.

A man from the past does and wants her dead.

Not on the watch of U.S. Marshals Jake Gabriel and Toby Quinn. Commanding and decisive, Jake not only wants Lea’s safety but to have her naked and yielding beneath him. To Toby, she’s all he should resist but cannot.

Protected by them at a secluded estate, Lea’s drawn to their potent masculinity and the raw male lust in their eyes. Inviting desire and an emotional connection, she submits to both at once, surrendering to their most shameless hunger along with her own wanton needs.

All while a killer edges closer…





 
UNENDING DESIRE – erotic paranormal romance from Samhain – coming October 18



His hunger for one woman will make him a traitor to his world…

Outlawed Realm, Book 1

From a portal in his lab on E2, one of the five dimensions of Earth, quantum physicist Nikoli Zorr gazes on everything forbidden to him. Passion. Desire. The exquisite pleasure of running his hands over the lush curves of a young woman he should have stopped watching weeks ago.

His duty is to close the portals that keep the monsters out of E2—and never interfere with the inevitable fate of those on the other side. Yet he can’t bring himself to abandon the woman who has captured his soul.

Psychologist Regina Page is trying to keep her mind on her client, and off the mysterious, unbearable sexual cravings that consume her when she’s alone in her bedroom. The next moment she’s attacked by vampires, then swept into another realm by a stranger whose touch awakens that same raw desire. Whose eyes are already filled with farewell.

Yet beneath their undeniable carnal lust, something else stirs. The beginnings of illicit love. The unexpected need to protect him. Even if it means risking body, blood and soul to defeat the merciless horde…for a future that was never meant to be. 

_______________________________________


Product Warnings

Contains a repressed scientist who likes to look, and the woman who delights in unleashing his inner caveman. And sex hot enough to burn a hole in all three dimensions…and maybe create a whole new one. 



Tina Donahue is an award-winning, bestselling novelist in erotic, paranormal, contemporary and historical romance for Ellora’s Cave, Samhain Publishing and Kensington. Booklist, Publisher’s Weekly, Romantic Times and numerous online sites have praised her work; she has reached finals and/or placed in numerous RWA–sponsored contests. Three of her erotic novels were named finalists in the 2011 EPIC competition. Sensual Stranger, her erotic romance, was chosen Book of the Year 2010 (erotic category) at the French review site, Blue Moon reviews. The Golden Nib Award at Miz Love Loves Books was created specifically for her erotic romance Lush Velvet Nights; and Deep, Dark, Delicious (erotic romance) recently received an Award of Merit in the RWA Holt Medallion competition (2011). She was the editor of an award–winning Midwestern newspaper and worked in Story Direction for a Hollywood production company.


Website/blog: www.tinadonahue.com



  

*** CONTEST ***



To celebrate the release of SiNN and Unending Desire, I’m offering a contest. One lucky commenter on this blog will have her choice of one of my following ebooks**:



1.            Adored – RWA award-winning; EPIC 2011 Finalist; 4 Stars RT

2.            Deep, Dark, Delicious – EPIC 2011 Finalist; Holt Medallion Award of Merit

3.            Lush Velvet Nights – EPIC 2011 Finalist; Golden Nib Award

4.            In His Arms – SIX 5 Star Reviews; 4 Stars RT

5.            Sensual Stranger – 2010 Book of the Year (erotic); 4 Stars RT

6.            The Yearning – Top Ten Bestseller

7.            Take Me Away - #1 Pick, Miz Love Loves Books





** Winner chosen at random. Winner chosen October 27.




Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Alpha vs. Alpha releases TODAY! 10/12/2011

Boy, the date really snuck up on me!  But I'm so excited, because Alpha vs. Alpha (Serena and Damien's story) releases from Ellora's Cave TODAY - October 12, 2011.

When I originally wrote this story, the idea just popped into my head and the story almost wrote itself. I was thrilled when Rida Allen from Draumr Publishing liked it enough to publish it. When my rights came back to me, I looked forward to doing a bit of editing and revision of the story. I sent it to my editor Mary Moran at EC and she liked it! I was doing a major happy dance.

Even more thrilling was getting this gorgeous cover featuring Jimmy Thomas and designed by the fabulous Syneca. This cover is smokin' hot and it fits the story well, because Damien and Serena strike sparks off one another from the moment that they meet!

Check it out:

Alpha female Serena Goldwolf has spent a lifetime vowing never to be a submissive mate to any Alpha male. But all it takes is one surprisingly sexual meeting with Damien Blackwolf, a dissatisfied client of her shapeshifter dating site Predator-Match.com, and she’s down on all fours, wanting to be mounted by the hottest male on two legs—or four—whom she’s ever met.

Damien Blackwolf doesn’t understand why the voluptuous Serena won’t admit they’re True Mates. To convince her, he decides to bring out her baser desires by dragging her off to someplace private to get to know her…intimately. But how can he convince her of their destiny when she runs away from him? Guess he’ll just have to hunt her down and persuade her.

In a passionate battle of wills, there most definitely can be two winners.

By reading any further, you are stating that you are at least 18 years of age. If you are under the age of 18, it is necessary to exit this site.
An Excerpt From: ALPHA VS. ALPHA
Copyright © FRANCESCA HAWLEY, 2011
All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.

Chapter One

“What the hell kind of outfit is this?”

Serena Goldwolf’s head shot up at the irate shout coming from the outer office of her shapeshifter matchmaking business, Predator-Match.com. She brushed her bangs off her forehead with a sigh. Damn it, couldn’t anyone in this office take care of stuff without her intervention?

The male voice continued to roar out there, and she knew her secretary wouldn’t be able to handle him because Kara was such an omega even omega males dominated her. Serena sighed again, saved her database update and headed out to confront the wolf male jerk. Serena took in the male outrage with a shake of her head. Asshole. He shook his head as if he’d heard her. Yeah right. She wished.

“I’m sorry, sir. Really.” Kara huddled in her chair, her head dipped and her eyes on her desktop. Submission in her posture and her voice.

“You people set me up with some stalker bitch! I want to talk to one of the owners, now.” A tall black-haired man with dark-brown eyes leaned on the desk, his large hands flat on the wood.

Serena took him in, her body responding immediately. Damn it. She didn’t need this shit, but she couldn’t take her eyes off him. He wore a very expensive, black Italian suit, Italian black leather loafers, a crisp white shirt and red tie. The ultimate in power wear for the busy executive. And he was so good-looking he resembled an escapee from Fashion Week. She shook her head to remind herself that he wasn’t all that…he was just a wolf like any other.

Heads hung out of office doors, watching the confrontation with enjoyment, yet no one came to Kara’s rescue. Probably glad to be out of firing range themselves…that’s what she got for hiring betas. The females all wanted him and the males would jump to follow his orders.

Female musk clogged the air. Especially from Lea Redcat, one of her business partners. Predator-Match.com was damn successful. To the outside world, their site looked like a zoo animal match service. To the shapeshifter community, it was a way to find a lover or a life partner. Since Lea was allowing this thing to escalate, it looked like Serena to the rescue. Again.

“I’m really sorry, sir. We do our best to match our clients up with the best fit for them.” Kara cringed lower behind her desk and wouldn’t meet the man’s eyes. Typical omega posture. The male frowned.

“Are you saying you think I deserve a psycho bitch as my Mate?” His quiet voice seemed to scare Kara more than his shouting had because she backed up. It wouldn’t be long before she crawled under her desk.

“No s-s-sir,” Kara stammered.

Damn that bastard. He was done scaring Kara. Unable to suppress her temper, Serena growled. His gaze flashed to her and she felt it all the way to her womb. Damn but he was hot. Life was just not fair.

She challenged him—head up, shoulders back—inspecting him from top to bottom and allowing her gaze to linger, as if she were checking for fleas. His shoulders were broad and filled his Italian suit to perfection. His broad chest narrowed to athletic hips, and she would bet money that his belly sported a six-pack, and not of the beer variety. He had the kind of face that artists wanted to sculpt and women wanted to sit on. His eyes were the piece de resistance—large, dark brown and thick-lashed beneath perfectly arched brows.

In short, he was a god—or a male model. This was the kind of male who never looked twice at Serena because she wasn’t tall and thin, or tiny and doll-like. She had yet to meet a male wolf who wanted a woman with curves, but this kind of wolf was the worst. These wolves wanted trophy bitches.

Who are you?” His voice cut the air like a knife.

She lifted her chin when the bastard stared her down. How dare he try to intimidate her? She was an alpha female, damn it!

“I’m Serena Goldwolf and one of the co-owners of Predator-Match.com. Who are you?” No way would she back down from this one. The man needed to be taken down a peg.

He scowled at her and his eyes narrowed at her temerity in confronting him. The bastard was an Alpha from the tips of his perfect black hair to the bottom of his highly polished Italian loafers.

“Damien Blackwolf. A fucking unhappy customer.”

He straightened to face off against her, obviously waiting for his pronouncement to have some effect. He said it as if she were supposed to curtsey to him. Not only was he an alpha, but a Blackwolf Alpha. An alpha was a dominant male, but an Alpha was the heir of a clan, or the leader of one. This male had or definitely would found his own clan group one day.

“What seems to be your problem?”

On the whole, Serena was not fond of Blackwolf males—they were too arrogant by half, and this one seemed to think he was God’s gift. She had to admit he was a beautiful specimen who made her wet just to look at him, but she wasn’t about to admit that to him.

He smiled the smile of the male who knew a female was reacting to him. Shit. Her scent must be broadcasting. He licked his perfect full lips. Males were not supposed to have lips like that. Double shit.

“Your much-acclaimed psychology matching service paired me with the psycho bitch from hell!”

“Well, considering your obnoxious attitude with my secretary, it would seem our ‘much-acclaimed psychological matching service’ did just dandy,” Serena countered with a smile.

He growled and took a step toward her. She tensed but stayed where she was. The worst thing to do when a predator challenged was cringe or run, and this man was definitely a predator. If the bastard thought she was that easily intimated, he was in for a rude awakening.

She raised her brow and crossed her arms over her chest. He paused, dumbfounded, looking as perplexed as a pup trying to figure out why he tripped over his tail. Damn it, that made him adorable. Serena shook her head in disgust at herself. Alpha males were not adorable. They were royal pains, emphasis on both royal and pain.

She might be an alpha female, but she was damned if she was going to take an Alpha male like him as her Mate. When she did date, she dated betas because they were easier to manage. Serena blinked. Why was she using the permanent possessive with this one? A Mate was a partner for life, and a mate was good for a tumble. This male didn’t come close to fulfilling her needs for either role.

“Miss Goldwolf…”

“Ms.”

“What?”

Ms. Goldwolf. I’m not some untried adolescent, Mr. Blackwolf, and I would appreciate if you would acknowledge it.”

Ms. Goldwolf…” His sarcastic voice was deep and made her nipples harden. She pretended it didn’t affect her, but she knew he realized it did. Why did he show up here today? She didn’t need the aggravation.

“Yes?”

He glared down at her. “This is a business, Ms. Goldwolf, and I am a very dissatisfied customer. I have friends who I’ve told about this company who could very easily withdraw their business at my request. I suggest you moderate your tone.”

That was it. Serena saw red. She stalked over to him and poked him in the chest with her finger while she scowled up into his black eyes.

“Listen to me, you arrogant wolf! You come in here, guns blazing, and abuse my secretary then threaten me. Pull your business if you want. Tell your friends to take a hike too. I don’t give a flying fuck! I will not be treated this way by you or anyone!”

Serena felt as if she were outside herself, and she watched herself in horror. She was never like this, even when she was fully in heat. Oh, she snarled and clawed at males, but she’d never attacked anyone before. She sure wanted to attack this one though. He smiled grimly, and only then did Serena realize his last speech had been a deliberate taunt. Damn it to hell. Damn him to hell…

He grabbed her waist and lifted her easily. He took two strides to the nearest wall, pushing her against it while wrapping her thighs around his hips. He pressed his erection against her wet pussy. She moaned and her head dropped back. She heard him snarl and realized she’d closed her eyes—when she opened them she saw triumph in his.

“Oh fuck.”



Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Where have I been? Coming out of hiding...

"Where have you been, Francesca?"


Well you should ask! 2011 has been a "dealing with my health" year so far. In April, I was out sick for a week. I thought it was the flu, but it didn't get any better. I tried going back to work after a week and realized that I'd be far better off visiting a doctor. When I went to the doc, he told me I was having gallbladder issues. Apparently, I was as yellow as Tweety Bird. I've gotta tell ya, jaundice does nothing for my looks.

Because of complications, they had to do an open surgery to remove my gall bladder and clean out my common bile duct. Then after I started healing, I had a few other issues come up too. Overall, I was in and out of the hospital from April through most of July. I lost 40+ pounds, but this is NOT a weight loss method I would encourage anyone to embark on. Oh, no. No way!

I went back to work, but I haven't had the opportunity to do a lot of writing this year. I just didn't have the stamina for it. In fact, I wasn't even sure I'd make it to Romanticon this year. I am happy to say that I got to go to the best party anywhere again this year. I'll share more about Romanticon in an upcoming blog post.

 In the meantime, I am slowly getting back on target with my day job (as a librarian) and with my writing. I still often want to go and crawl in bed to sleep, but there are times my computer calls to me too. I'm working on a story featuring Andy Larson - Minnesota sugar beet farmer and hot Dom. He's the younger brother of Erika from Whirlwind Affair. I just have to tell you...Andy is a very interesting guy. Major understatement - picture a big grin here. I hope you enjoy him as much as I do once I finish his story and get it sent to my editor!

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Time to go buy some more Judy Mays books from EC...





I don't understand why people feel the need to target others and try to ostracize and/or shun them. Judy is awesome and the people who are attempting to sensationalize this are the ones who should be ashamed!

So if you'd like to support Judy visit her web site here and her author page at EC here.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Whips and Chains Excite Me

It used to be that women had to pretend not only that they didn't like sex, but that anything kinky was deviant. Well, times have changed (thank goodness). Rihanna recently released a highly sexy, fun, song called S&M with an accompanying video that managed to get her banned from airplay on MTV.




Rihanna is excellent company, because the ORIGINAL bad girl of music videos, Madonna faced her share of censorship too. Erotica, Justify My Love and Human Nature, just to name a few. I really love Madonna. Maybe because she's from my generation, so I get her. I love the way she broke barriers and basically thumbed her nose at the people who claimed she was too racy...too controversial. If not for Madonna, I don't think Rihanna would have had the opportunity to even record S&M (which is a super song). My favorite Madonna video is where she took on the critics directly and called them hypocrits. Enjoy Human Nature.




Friday, April 1, 2011

Roses and Chains release day!



No fooling!  The latest in the 1-800-DOM-help series releases today!

Congrats to Delphine Dryden for her new release, Roses and Chains. A super hot f/f/m menage BDSM contemporary erotic romance. This a great story. Funny, geeky...and did I say...HOT?  Yeah. Hot. Way hot. Super hot. Grin. I loved it.


Check out the blurb:

Take one adorable suburban couple just starting to realize their D/s relationship isn’t quite enough to satisfy. Add one cute and quirky sub who can’t seem to find a Dom to suit her tastes. Place them in a room full of sex toys and candlelight, roses and chains…

And after a few smoking-hot nights of pleasure and exploration, all three just might find what they’re looking for.


By reading any further, you are stating that you are at least 18 years of age. If you are under the age of 18, it is necessary to exit this site.

An Excerpt From: ROSES AND CHAINS

Copyright © DELPHINE DRYDEN, 2011
All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.


It hurt to come, and Mara screamed again as the flogger continued to drum against her. She craved the feel of fingers or a cock or something inside her, and the climax ramped higher and higher and felt almost spiteful because it wouldn’t let her go and it didn’t satisfy.

Then there was a second sharp peak, and after it ebbed she finally achieved a resolution of sorts, a release that wasn’t quite the relief she had sought. But Amie pulled her down from the cross and into her arms, letting Mara weep into her honeysuckle-scented curls.

And she didn’t say “I told you so”.

A few minutes later, Mara was seated on the floor next to Amie’s chair. As she dutifully finished off a bottle of water and plucked idly at one of Amie’s bootlaces, the Domme leaned down and pressed an unexpected kiss to the top of her former sub’s head. Then she handed her a business card. Mara took the card and stared at it for a moment before looking up at Amie.

“Mistress?”

“Somebody gave it to me. But I think you need it more than I do, sweetie. You’re just barely holding it together, aren’t you?”

Mara wanted to crumple the little white oblong into a ball and throw it back at Amie, but she knew her frustration wasn’t the Domme’s fault. It was her own. She looked at the card for another long moment before answering carefully.

“I’m sorry if I didn’t please you tonight, Mistress. It was very kind of you to—”

“Don’t. Don’t bullshit me. We were never like that.” Amie gave a sharp little sigh and pulled her ankle from Mara’s reach, then stood up and tucked a finger under Mara’s chin to force her eyes upward. Mara was too well-trained to jerk away, no matter how much she wanted to.

“Honey, we had a good time here in the club. It never worked outside, and we both knew that. But we gave it a good try, and I can respect that. What I cannot respect,” she said with a soft little faux slap against Mara’s cheek, “is a sub who plays passive-aggressive bullshit games, and won’t let herself get what she needs from the arrangement.”

Mara knew better than to apologize. She bit down on the automatic “I’m sorry” and nodded her head.

“I’m not sure what you need, Mara. And I don’t think you’re sure either. But there’s no reason to feel bad about that. It’s brave just to be out there trying. You don’t need to beat yourself up for not figuring it out faster.”

“I know. I know.”

“Especially not when there are so many people who would be thrilled to do that beating for you.”

She couldn’t help but smile, and Amie grinned back, the million-megawatt, slightly evil smile that attracted subs from miles away. The prom queen has decided she wants to whip your ass…you’ll take it and like it, so bend over. Mara had been one of the first in line, and would never regret the experience.

But Amie really had been a popular former prom queen, and Mara really had been a disaffected, Indie-rock-listening, former Goth girl. And though they’d tried to find some common ground outside their scenes, it had simply never gelled.
“Mistress, may I worship your boot?” A groveling young man in a studded black leather thong had knelt down near Mara at Amie’s feet. It happened all the time, and Mara knew to just wait. She didn’t blame him. She felt much the same about Amie, even though they were no longer together and she wasn’t a boot fetishist.

This one made the mistake, though, of making a move before he had received permission. He was already leaning in, mouth open, when Amie spoke.

“Move that tongue any closer to my boot, little worm, and you’ll be thrown out of this club for a month.”

Then she turned back to Mara, ignoring the man, who was smart enough to squirm away without another word. He did whimper, however. He had almost certainly enjoyed the rebuke on some level.

“Pushy asshole. Look, just call the number. I trust the person who gave it to me. And I wouldn’t give it to you if I didn’t think it would help. It’s worth a shot, anyway. So be brave, okay? And I’ll call you tomorrow to check up on you.”

With another little pat to Mara’s cheek, Amie was gone, strolling away across the main floor of the club like the Queen of the Dommes, off to review her subjects.

Leaving Mara alone to consider the merits of calling the number on the little white card.

She looked at it again and frowned.

“1-800-DOM-help? What the fuck?”












Friday, March 25, 2011

Amuse Bouche by Kelly Maher releases today!

My guest is my friend Kelly Maher. She's pleased to have her new release, Amuse Bouche, available from Ellora's Cave Publishing ...TODAY... March 25, 2011.

Amuse Bouche? What does the title mean? Good question. An amuse bouche is a tasty tidbit. A single bite hors d'oeuvre provided by a chef in a nice restaurant. The French phrase translates to "mouth amuser". And a tasty tidbit is exactly what this EC Quickie is.

Check out the blurb:

Two chefs who strike sparks off each other. A secluded retreat. A competition they must work together in order to win. It’s a recipe for hot times in the kitchen.

Liana Richardson had her eye on Tommy Howard back in culinary school, but since she was in a committed relationship, she never made a move. Tommy had his eye on her too, and now he’s seized his chance to show her the kitchen isn’t the only place where she sizzles.


Buy it here: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9233-amuse-bouche.aspx
 
By reading any further, you are stating that you are at least 18 years of age. If you are under the age of 18, it is necessary to exit this site.

An Excerpt From: AMUSE BOUCHE

Copyright © KELLY MAHER, 2011

All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.

Liana didn’t trust him. Perfect things between us. She hadn’t ruled out the possibility of something more than cooking happening between them this weekend. She knew damn well raw attraction simmered between them. The looks he’d shot her during the organizational meetings sizzled more than a Kobe beef steak on a hot grill. She’d woken in the middle of the night, her pussy grasping for a phantom cock. Tommy’s. God help her.

The door to the master suite swung open. Her mouth dropped open. Candles littered the room and the bed was covered in a sea of azure silk. Tommy was pulling out the big guns. Her muscles strained to turn and storm out the door.

Common sense reasserted itself. Tommy could tempt her as much as he wanted to, but she had the choice. Right now, her choice was to claim one of the other bedrooms for the time being. She chose the one connected to the hall bathroom. That it happened to also be the closest to the master suite didn’t matter to her.

Focus. She needed to focus. Her attraction to Tommy Howard had been a living presence since culinary school. His constant television presence didn’t help matters. Thanks to him, she had discovered an unknown passion for historical documentary shows. It was either those or watching people with more money than she’d ever see searching out second homes in foreign countries. Foreign countries she’d kill to at least visit. Masochism didn’t interest her, thank you very much.

Memories of culinary school flooded her. His quick smile over prep tables as their instructors bullied or coaxed the students to their best. Hanging out in the bar off campus with him and their group of friends. A new girl on his arm every few weeks. Back then, she’d fought down her attraction. And the jealousy of the girls. Those feelings had no place in her life. Especially since her boyfriend at the time, Kevin, was a year ahead of them at the school and hung out with their group.

Kevin had been the one to convince her to go to culinary school. They’d started dating around the time he’d begun his coursework. She’d been convinced they’d eventually marry. Those thoughts fizzled over the years until the relationship followed suit last year. She’d give Kevin credit. He’d never cheated on her and they were still friendly.

All the girls in the program had lined up to be next on Tommy’s dating list. Some didn’t even bother with the date. They only wanted a piece of his very fine ass. Since he’d become a bona fide television star, it was even worse. His fan group called themselves Tommy’s Tarts. Ostensibly, it honored his prowess with pastries, but she wondered how many of his former girlfriends and lovers were in the group.

She shook off the dangerous thoughts. This weekend needed to be about the competition. Tommy didn’t know she knew about the lobbying he’d done to have her as part of the new show. At first, she thought it had been due to knowing and being friendly with each other in culinary school. After the first meeting with him and the producers, he’d made it known he was taking the opportunity to make a play for her.

She’d been ready to walk when they’d been all out for drinks to celebrate the new venture and he’d started hitting on her. As soon as she’d made her intentions known, he apologized and backed off. His behavior had been thoroughly professional ever since, but she’d also caught the looks he’d sent her in the meetings since. Her bullshit detector never once went off.

With efficient movements, she had her clothes put away and her luggage stowed in the back of the closet. They were only here for the long weekend, but that didn’t mean she needed to live out of her suitcase.

Halfway down the stairs, she caught a whiff of aromatics. She drew the air in with a flare of her nostrils. Trinity. In butter. The only way.

Her knives and other tools were still in her car. She didn’t bother to check on Tommy, but felt the weight of his gaze on her as she crossed from the stairs to the front door. Her nipples hardened and her pussy prepared itself for him as it had in her dreams. She gritted her teeth and focused on her car. Her leather case, almost as big as her smallest suitcase, sat on her back seat. She grabbed it, reveling in its weight as she did every time she picked up the sign of her trade.

Tommy’s head was stuck in the fridge when she re-entered the house. Yep, the man had one fine ass. Maybe if she acknowledged his good looks, they wouldn’t get her so hot.

She set her tool case on the island. He’d pulled the trinity off of the burner and set it to the side to cool. The other pots on the stove were tall enough she couldn’t quite tell what was in each, but she smelled both tomatoes and something else she couldn’t quite place. Familiar, but not. She looked back in time to catch Tommy as he closed the fridge door. He turned around and flinched when their eyes met.

Drawing her brows down at him, she opened her case and started unpacking. “What’s wrong?”

“Oh, nothing. Just wasn’t expecting you to be right there. Anyone ever tell you to make some noise when you move around?”

She hunched her shoulders. Kevin had often complained of the same thing. “I wasn’t trying to be quiet.”

“I’m sorry, Liana. I got lost in my thoughts. You’re fine.”

She nodded and looked back down at the case. Her knives lay in the bottom in a leather folder. She reached in and pulled it out. As an excuse not to watch Tommy, inspecting her knives was the most natural. “I saw you claimed the master bedroom.”

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him freeze for a moment before he turned back to the stove. “What makes you say that?”

“Silk comforter? Candles all about the bedroom?”

“Wait, I put the candles in the bath…that is, what makes you think it was me?”

Liana only raised an eyebrow in response. Red stained his cheeks. “Fine, the comforter was me. And the candles in the bathroom. The ones in the bedroom are probably from the homeowner. I didn’t notice them when I was getting things ready.”

“Why did you do it?”

This time his smile had a roguish edge to it. She shivered. “I live in hope. Always have since school.”

Wait, what? “Wait, what?”

“I’ve had a crush on you since culinary school.”

He said it so matter of factly. As if he hadn’t dropped a bomb in the middle of the room. The idea this man who could have had any woman he wanted, and frequently did according to the tabloids, had a crush on her made as much sense as pairing a Riesling with a twelve-ounce porterhouse steak.

“No.” It was all she could say. All she could comprehend. No way on Earth. Julia Fucking Child would have to rise from the dead before she believed this.

“Yes.” The look he threw her seared her and drove her to one step away from orgasm.

***

Kelly Maher is many things, and obsessed with cooking and baking is one of them. Her friends and family constantly ask her how she has time for everything she does. She just shrugs her shoulders and moves on to the next thing on her schedule. She'll be at the RT Booklovers Convention in Los Angeles under her day persona, so look for a tall
strawberry-blonde woman with cute red glasses.

Visit her web site at: http://www.kellymaher.com/

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Emerald Dungeon by Kathy Kulig releases TODAY!

My guest today is Kathy Kulig. Emerald Dungeon is the latest book in the 1-800-DOM-help series and it is available for purchase TODAY - March 23, 2001.

Check out the blurb:

When Dana, a harpist, gets a summer job in a medieval dinner show, she discovers a world of BDSM in the dungeon of the ancient Irish castle. Jack is a sexy Dominant who recognizes the submissive smoldering beneath the demure exterior. His skillful commands takes Dana beyond her darkest erotic fantasies. Secrets and strange events around the castle strain their relationship, and the appearance of a mysterious business card 1-800-DOM-help offers to guide them. Only with complete trust and surrender is ultimate pleasure and true love possible.


By reading any further, you are stating that you are at least 18 years of age. If you are under the age of 18, it is necessary to exit this site.

An Excerpt From: EMERALD DUNGEON
Copyright © KATHY KULIG, 2011
All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.


“Look at you. You can’t sleep on that. I’ll sleep there. You sleep in the bed,” Dana said.

“No. I’ll take the floor.”

“And freeze your ass off.” She took a breath and lowered her voice. “Jack, we’re not a couple of teenagers. I thought we were friends. We don’t have to have sex just because we’re in the same bed.”

He craved to hold her through the night, nuzzle his cheek against her breasts, curve his body against her round bottom, listen to her breathing while she slept. But to do so would be torture. To feel her close throughout the night without fucking her would drive him mad. If he had a D/s scene with her, he might be able to relax and get some sleep. He doubted he’d be getting much sleep.

He’d turned his back toward the bed, so he couldn’t watch her but she hadn’t crawled into bed yet. She walked across the room and at first he thought she was stirring the fire. Instead she came out of the closet with the flogger, straps and a rope.

She laid them out across the bed then walked over to him and knelt in front of the loveseat and bowed her head. “Please, Master. Show me. I want to learn. I want to understand why I was scared by watching Shannon and Damon and at the same time so turned on. I can’t bear the thought of leaving Ireland at the end of summer without understanding these feelings. Every time I think of them, I get horny.”

A knot formed in his chest. Oh, hell. She was a sub and didn’t even know yet. He’d have to take extra care with this one. It scared the hell out of him. She might realize this wasn’t for her and panic in the middle of a session. He didn’t want to do anything to hurt her. He’d never been with a sub who was so green.

She let out a huff, spun on her heels and marched over to the bed. She picked up the leather cuffs and started strapping them around her wrists. “Dana, don’t.”

She gave him a pained look. After unhooking the cuffs, she yanked her sweatshirt over her head. The firelight made her smooth skin glow and he noticed her nipples were hard. Her breasts were beautiful. Not huge, but perfectly shaped. Struggling with the wrist restraints, she managed to secure them to her wrists with the short length of chain dangling between the cuffs. Picking up the flogger, she walked over to Jack and knelt before him again, head bowed and raised the flogger to him. “Please, Sir, I need to know.”

His breath caught as he gazed at her naked from the waist up, wearing his baggy sweatpants that barely hung on her hips. Far from the exotic fetish wear he would see women in at the club Unfettered, but so sexy. He stood and took the flogger from her. “You need to know what, slave?” It took a conscious effort to keep his voice firm and in control.

She let out a long breath. “I need to know if pain gives me pleasure.”

He closed his eyes and took a breath. Oh, hell. She’s definitely a sub. His cock twitched in response and rose to attention. Willing himself to remain in control, he pointed to the chair. “Get into your original position.”

“Yes, Master.”




BIO: Kathy Kulig is the multi-published author of sexy romances. Her recent works include Damned and Desired, a 2011 EPIC Award finalist, Secret Soiree and Dragon Witch. Her stories enter both paranormal and contemporary worlds. Critics have described her writing as “very raw and hot”, “wonderfully unique” and “entertaining and captivating”. Kathy has taught workshops or participated on panels at Romantic Times Convention, NJ Romance Writers Conference, Romanticon and for other writers groups. Visit her online at www.kathykulig.com

Friday, March 18, 2011

Drip...drop...

Interested in wax play? Check out my post today on the 1-800-DOM-help blog. Would you like to feel the burn?

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Visiting the TRS Blue blog Today!

Hey all,
   I'm a guest blogger on the TRS Blue blog today and I'm discussing my rope bondage research for a hot love scene at the end of Controlling Interest. Stop by and check it out!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Mistress Mine by Samantha Cayto - OUT TODAY!

Samantha Cayto's release, Mistress Mine, is the latest release in the 1-800-DOM-help series!


FBI agent and ex-military man Trey Boudreau likes to be in control and issue orders. But the bedroom is not a battlefield. His secret desire is to submit his body to a strong, older woman. He discovers a card that promises him the right one to bring him to his knees.


Juliette Coyne is a Domme determined to overcome a past experience that left her questioning her ability in the lifestyle. She is challenged by Trey, a strong, younger man in need of a good lesson or two. Old habits die hard, however, and the past continues to haunt them. Trey and Juliette grapple with each other and themselves for control, trust and a future together.

Click here for excerpt!

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Fettered Love by Michelle Polaris


Check out Fettered Love, the new release by Michelle Polaris!

Kirk, Master to his long-time lover Evan, decides it’s time to place his permanent collar around Evan’s sexy cock. But when he proposes, he faces a surprise. Evan wants a child. So where will they find a kinky woman to help?


A mysterious card with the 1-800-DOM-help number advertises assistance for unusual problems in the BDSM community. When Evan calls, he recognizes the voice of Sarah—Kirk’s best friend from childhood, Evan’s Mistress of several years in college. They both loved her and suffered betrayal when she walked out of their lives.

Now she proposes to be the mother of their child. No strings, just a chance to have the men she respects and loves back in her life. Evan embraces the idea while Kirk rages with mistrust.

At Evan’s request, they share one night of passion, Kirk and Sarah working together to dominate Evan in the scene of his erotic fantasies, hoping it will be enough to rekindle trust and make all their dreams come true.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Controlling Interest out TODAY!!!


My latest release, Controlling Interest, is available for sale today! This story is part of the 1-800-DOM-help series and it's been great fun to work with such a great group of fellow EC authors.


Mozelle “Mouse” Vincent inherits money, a club and her boss’ son as a business partner when society leader Regine Stuart dies. Torin Stuart knows what his late mother’s wishes were for his exclusive BDSM club, Erotically Bound, but he’s pissed that he’s forced to trust Mouse—especially when her inherently submissive nature arouses the sexual Dominant in him.

After baring all in a heated, intense scene, Mouse realizes they still have to work together, but now Tor challenges any business suggestion she makes. When she wants to offer education classes, Tor dares her to organize the class and participate—as a submissive.

To his chagrin, Mouse agrees, but he can’t stand the thought of any other Dom touching her. Suddenly there’s far more at stake than the controlling interest in their club…because love is the ultimate prize in their power exchange.


I've been really busy doing promo this week:

I have posts up at the following places today - January 28:

Interview with Cara Bristol -
     http://carabristol.com/2011/01/francesca-hawley-takes-a-controlling-interest-in-romance/
Commentary about Romantic dominants -
     http://1800domhelp.blogspot.com/
Interview with Miz Love Loves Books (review site) -
      http://mizlovelovesbooks.blogspot.com/

Upcoming promo - next week:
1/31 Romance Books R Us blog - http://romancebooksrus.blogspot.com/


Past promo (this week) at:

Promo info about book - http://trsblue.blogspot.com/
Interview with Paris Brandon - http://sixsexysirens.blogspot.com/
Character Tarot reading - http://tarotbyarwen.com/blog/?p=2816



Pleeeeeeaaaaase, stop by to say "hi" at any or all. I'd really appreciate it.