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About S.J. Maylee

S.J. Maylee fell in love with storytelling at a young age and with it came a deep-seated desire for everyone to find their happily ever after. She’s finding the happy endings for her characters one steamy story at a time. When she’s not reading or writing, you can find her caring for her garden, laughing with her two young sons, or dancing to her husband’s music. She’s a PMP (Project Management Professional), Nia instructor, and coffee addict. As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together

Flash Fiction #10

Thanks for stopping. Another picture…another 100 words.

“You will tell me where she is.”

“Never”

“Don’t be so sure. Not many are capable of withstanding my techniques.” She dragged the frozen cube along his throat inflaming the part of him that would never be human.

“You don’t know me anymore. You don’t know what Leah and I share. You sent me back here, you knew the risks.” When she didn’t reply he continued. “I love her.”

“Foolishness. Even if what you say is true, Leah wouldn’t love you.” She stepped back and watched his body flourish as he thought of her. “No, it can’t be.”

“It can.”

Hope you enjoyed my flash today!! Don’t forget to follow the link to get to the other FFF posts. Flasher Fiction Friday. Or click away on the links below.

Muffy Wilson: http://muffywilson.blogspot.com
Naomi Shaw: http://midnightfantasieswithnaomishaw.blogspot.com
Savannah Chase http://www.savannahchase.com/blog
Angelica Dawson http://angelicadawson.blogspot.com
Julez S Morbius: http://morbiussworld.blogspot.co.uk/
Davee Jones: http://finless.blogspot.com/
Venus Cahill: http://www.venusbookluvr.blogspot.com
CR Guiliano: http://crguiliano-author.blogspot.com/
Bonni Sansom: http://bonnisansom.blogspot.com/
Sherri Hayes: http://www.sherri-hayes.blogspot.com/
Yvonne Nicolas: http://yvonnenicolas.wordpress.com/
Kendel Davi: http://kendeldavi.wordpress.com
Cyril J. Michael: http://authorcyriljmichaels.blogspot.com

Spotlight: Sara’s Smile by Sandra Bunino ~ Q&A and Giveaway

Sara’s Smile by Sandra Bunino

Publisher: Bradley Publishing ~ 70 pages ~ Release date: May 18, 2012

Today I am honored to have Sandra Bunino in the Maylee ehouse. She’s in the middle of celebrating her second release, Sara’s Smile. I was introduced to Sandra’s writing six sentences at a time. That’s right, Six Sentence Sunday has introduced me to many writers and Sandra’s 6s were one of my very first favorites. So I leaped at the chance to have her here today. Below I have a few thoughts to share about Sara’s Smile, Sandra answers some questions (including the blurb, an excerpt, and what’s next for Sandra), and at the bottom are Sandra’s dets. Don’t forget to leave a comment. One lucky commenter is going to receive an ecopy of Sara’s Smile!

S . J.’s Review: I’ve read Sara’s Smile and I highly recommend that you do too. It’s most certainly a 5-star book. Sandra’s writing made my heart smile. Do you remember the first time you fell in love? This book brought back all those lovely feelings, transporting you to a magical time. I fell easily for Sara. Sandra certainly has the ability to write characters you understand and want to root for. It’s a short extremely enjoyable read, get your hands on it today and start your week off right.

Now, let’s ask Sandra a couple questions…

What inspired you to begin writing romance?

I wrote a cute Valentine’s Day inspired short story for a creative writing assignment in high school (my first romance story). It was about a girl who was crushing on a boy and hoped he would notice her on Valentine’s Day. The day went by without even a second glance from him. Dejected she opened her locker at the end of the day to find a long stem rose. She turned around to see him smiling at her and you guessed it – it ended with an HEA. My teacher suggested I submit the story to a writing contest. I didn’t take her advice, however her suggestion gave me the confidence to continue writing. Here’s a fun fact: Roses are written into every story I write!

How do you feel about being a romance writer?

I love writing romance but my pet-peeve misconception about romance writers, especially erotic romance writers, is that we are all consumed with sex. This is simply not true, I mean, I’m sure I speak for many of my peers out there when I say – yes, we like sex. You really cannot effectively write about it if you didn’t. But obsessed and fixated on it? No. My answer to those clueless people who give me the quizzical look when I try to explain is simply, “Do you think murder mystery writers are running around killing people, chopping up their bodies into little pieces and dumping the remains in the woods? Uh, no, I don’t think so.”

What has surprised you the most about writing and becoming a published author?

It surprised me that bringing a book to market was such a meticulous and time consuming process. Writing was the easy part! There is a lot of back and forth correspondence with the publisher, editor and cover artist. Edits take a long time to clear. I usually clear my calendar and work non-stop for days on my first set of edits. After the book is in its final form, the promotion starts. Marketing and promotion also takes a lot of time, energy and scheduling. I have a great time doing it as I get to meet so many great authors, reviewers and readers.

Can you tell us a little about your new release, Sara’s Smile?

I’m such a romantic and have always been a sucker for a love lost/love found reunion story. My sensual romance, SARA’S SMILE is my second release but it’s actually my first story. I treat my books like my children and I just wasn’t ready to send this one out into the world as my first release. Instead I debuted my erotic romance, MAROONED IN MIAMI, to blaze the path for Sara. Now that warm weather is approaching, it’s the perfect time to introduce SARA’S SMILE as a sweet summer read.

There’s nothing like your first love, is there? Spanning five years, SARA’S SMILE will take you from young love found on the carefree beaches of Martha’s Vineyard to rekindled passion in the heart of New York City.

Blurb:

As an architect who specializes in restorations, Sara Wiley is a genius at returning neglected structures to their former glory. But when it comes to her own life, she has no idea how to reclaim the ruins, which are all that remain of her first true love.

When the biggest opportunity of her career and a sexy contractor comes her way, she’s thrilled…until she learns that the client is the long-ago boy who captured her heart and continues to invade her dreams. Is it a bittersweet coincidence or might there be a chance, after all, for Sara to revisit the mistakes of her past and build the future she has wanted for so long?

Excerpt:

Why am I doing this? she asked herself when she climbed into the cab, the next evening. Having dinner with him certainly isn’t going to help me get him out of my dreams.

As she got out, in front of O’Reilly’s, she was startled by her own reflection, and silently thanked Cat for assembling her outfit of dark skinny jeans, pink chiffon top with spaghetti straps and strappy silver sandals.  At Cat’s insistence, she had worn her hair long and loose. She had added her favorite dangling silver earrings and a matching chain and pendant just before she walked out the door. If clothing was armor, she was as well equipped as she could manage for the coming conversation.

She found Will at the crowded bar, where he kissed her on the cheek and gave her his seat.

“What are you drinking?” he asked.

“I’ll have whatever you’re having.”

He ordered two martinis, and they began talking about the Hanson House. From there, the conversation turned naturally to their jobs. As Sara had expected, Will explained that he traveled all over the world and spent only a few weeks out of the year at his apartment in Santa Monica.

While he spoke, she stared at his mouth, remembering how his kisses felt on her lips. A glance at his hands awoke her memory of the way they had encircled her waist as she made love to him.

Stop it, she ordered herself sternly, and shook her head.

“Are you okay?”

Oh shit. I didn’t say that out loud, did I? “Y-yeah, I’m fine,” she answered with a laugh.

“Now that we’ve made a dent in these martinis,” he said, looking down at his glass, “I have to tell you… You broke my heart, that last night we were together. I really loved you, Sara.”

Would you like to share what the reviewers are saying about your book?

I would love to! Here is an early review written by In Love with Romance:

5/5 Stars. Be prepared to fall under the spell of this fantastic story that will win you over with its charm.

Sandra Bunino delivers a heart-warming story about lost and found love. Not just any love, but first love.

In Sara’s Smile, she does an excellent job in bringing out the thrill of that first love. Through her amazing characters, she makes you revisit memory lane and relive what it felt like to fall deeply in love for the very first time. She reminds you of what it felt like to hold hands, to be held, that sweet first kiss, and how magical that first time was.

The decisions her characters face, and the emotions they go thru, make them come alive for you. It is not just about the thrill of that first love, and the thrill of doing everything for the very first time, it is deeper than that. It is about that unconditional, no questions asked, kind of love.

Sara’s Smile is such a moving story, don’t be surprised if it brings tears to your eyes, it will touch that soft spot in your heart, and it will take your breath away.

How many books have you written?

I’ve written two other novellas and two short contributing stories for anthologies.

Marooned in Miami (A Sensual Short Story), published by Bradley Publishing in January.

Lusted in Las Vegas (sequel to Marooned in Miami), releasing July 2nd from Bradley Publishing

The Satin Rose Experience (erotic romance/light BDSM), contributing story to the Keyboards and Kink Anthology by Evernight Publishing releasing June 8th.

The Fountain Pen, contributing story to the Felt Tips Anthology (all proceeds will go to charity) coordinated by author Tiffany Reisz. Felt Tips will be released on December 12th.

What’s next?

I have a few WIPs in the works! First, I’m writing an erotic fairytale I hope to submit for consideration soon. Next up is a novella based on The Satin Rose Experience short. I’m also working on Michael’s story from Sara’s Smile. I decided he needs his own HEA! Lastly, there’s this little modern day pirate story set in the Caribbean rolling around in my head.

Bio:

Sandra Bunino began a love of romance stories while penning a creative writing assignment in high school. The story ended with the heroine receiving a long stem red rose in her locker on Valentine’s Day. Since then, all of her stories feature the hero presenting the heroine with roses. Sandra is constantly searching for different ways to achieve a heart-pumping, stomach-flipping, breath-catching reaction from her readers.

These days, Sandra lives on a wooded mountaintop not far from New York City with her family.

Connect with Sandra here: Email: sbunino (at) gmail (dot) com

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Linked in

Thank you so much, Sandra. It was a joy and honor to have you at my ehome today.

Now everyone don’t forget to comment!

Six Sentence Sunday #20

Happy Six Sunday. Thanks for visiting and I’d love to know what you think!! I’m continuing this week with another 6 from my Novella WIP. Last week: Jake started to roll out his plan. He scolded, stalked, & invaded her space and did any of it scare Lydia? Hell no, she asked if there was anything else. This week: we pick up with the very next 6.

And there it was again, his eyes darkened into deep erotic pools of promise. She wanted to watch his eyes for the rest of eternity. Heat rolled off his body, seeped into her, and pulled her closer. His hand, still under her chin, snaked around to cup her nape locking her in place. Her breasts pressed into his chest, there was no denying her need to be touched. He removed the last bit of space between them and pressed his hard length into her belly.

Thank you so much for stopping by today!! I’d like to know what you really think of my 6. I need the advice, I’m a newbie and have much to learn. Don’t forget to check out the other Six Sunday authors. Lots of good stuff at Six Sunday. Try to find a new favorite today. happy hunting!

ROW80 check-in #21

Since I joined ROW80 at the beginning of this year I’ve been working on my schedule or more succinctly, not getting distracted. There are so many distractions, some good, some necessary, and some should be warded against. I’m glad I’ve been working on this since my schedule is about to get frickin chaotic. The first thought: it will be impossible to do it all, there’s no way. But what would I cut from the schedule. There will be no more time spent going down that rabbit hole. Sometimes super busy can be a good thing. Since I don’t want to lose my mind, I will need to stay on point and keep distractions in their place. As soon as I started thinking: I can do this…the dark clouds broke up. But now I got to get busy putting my plans together or else these check-ins are going to get ugly.
It’s time to cut the fat and let priorities reign.

The Goals – week-9 results

  • Spend at least 1-hour a day with my characters- done
  • Write 2,000 words each week– not done, only 964 words were added, but countless words were cut. I was in editing hell this week. Plotting for the next two MS has begun, so no more excuses WEEK-10 PRIORITY
  • Spend time editing at least 2-times each week– done! I spent 5-days editing this week, but it’s still not ready to send to my friend. I want it sent by the end of next week. WEEK-10 PRIORITY
  • Finish reading current craft book and start another– spent more time here again this week, but I’m not done yet
  • Participate in Before You Hit Send Self-Editing Workshop in April– the workshop is over. I keep revisiting my notes though
  • Turn 2nd-draft chapters to my writer friend for her critique– The above says 5-days spent editing, but on each of those days I could have done more. Until yesterday, during each editing session I let ugly thoughts bog me down. How many stages of editing grief are there?
  • Workout a minimum of 200-minutes a week and round it out with plenty of water, sleep and my calorie limit I got just under 200-minutes this week and everything else was good…almost done.
  • Study one of the Nia 52-moves each week (the 52-moves is like the ballet bar for Nia lovers)Fast Clock.  Begin by marching in place in the center of an imaginary clock on the floor. Use the clock like a map. Step out to a number on the clock and immediately to a new number. For example: step in the center of your clock > step forward to 12:00 >step back to 6:00 > step to the side to either 3:00 or 9:00 > step back to the center. Gradually increase your speed and keep your shoulders and arms relaxed. Benefits: improves stamina, agility, coordination, and the ability to move and breathe faster
  • Finish the. Sanjana bars and start the Opal bars (i.e. studying the song/movement structure)– My mirror notes are looking good. It’s time to finish the bars for the last couple of songs in the routine.
  • Listen to the Nia sound track for the Sanjana routine each week and add Opal when I get to their bars– done
  • Plan out and start participating in the last of my needed continuing education credits for PMP certification– Two weeks ago I made big progress here and these last two weeks nothing. However, I’m going to sacrifice this task again this week in an attempt to make a final push on the WIP

In an effort to keep my spirits up, I’m including some pictures from my gardens. Hope they brighten your Sunday.

Links of the week #21

My list is  a little short this week, but the links are prime grade A stuff. I’m changing things up this week as well and giving my hubs a break. Please let me know what kind of inspiration the video at the bottom gives you.

There is a theme this week and it’s hitting home with me. How are you sitting in your writing life? Do you need to be reminded of a few of these things too?

Aimee L. Salter at Seeking the Write life: Don’t Compare and Don’t Compete

Jenny Hansen: The Worry of the Artist: Am I Good Enough?

Kristen Lamb: Learning to Drop the Donkey–Is Perfectionism Killing Your Career?

Charlotte Carter was at Writers In The Storm this week: Determination

Ruth Harris at Anne R. Allen’s blog: How Writers Can Learn to Cope: 6 No-Fail Strategies for Achieving Mental Toughness

I’m rounding it out with Jami Gold’s post Are You in This for the Long Haul?

Writer’s Life

Janice Hardy at The Other Side of the Story: Leave Yourself Notes: Ways to be a More Productive Writer, Part 5

Editing

Lynnette Labelle provided a fab list:  The Editor’s Dozen: Common Mistakes Writers Make

Plotting/Pacing

Double link for Janice Hardy this week, is anyone surprised 🙂 The Joy of Discovery: Keeping Readers Hooked Through Story Revelations

Kara Lennox was back at Writers In The Storm this week Plot Fixer: Part 3 — A Lack of Goals

Story Telling through Movement

Jeff will be back next week with a new music pick. This week I wanted to celebrate the start of So You Think You Can Dance season 9.  It’s going to be another tremendous season, but I wanted to share one of my all time favorites from the show. Chelsie and Mark from season 4 performing NappyTabs “Bleeding Love,” this is their finale performance. Chelsie is now on Dancing with the Stars and Mark is the head dancer for Lady Gaga.

I love many things about dance, but the best part has got to be the story telling. The cross over link for me between my dancing and my writing is the story. NappyTab’s choreography here is superb, but it’s the way Chelsie and Mark feel the story through every cell in their body. The title is Bleeding Love and that’s exactly how I feel by the end.

I hope you enjoy their performance AND I hope it inspires you to write.

What you might have missed here:

Six Sentence Sunday #19

And a double pimp for Stacey Kennedy: Spotlight: Beg For It by Stacey Kennedy & Cover Reveal: Mystically Bound by Stacey Kennedy

Cover Reveal: Mystically Bound by Stacey Kennedy

COMING FALL 2012

Frostbite Book 3

Mystically Bound by Stacey Kennedy

Tess Jennings’ life is in chaos. Not only has her ghost lover, Kipp McGowen, crossed into the Netherworld, but she’s the newest member of a secret society. And they want her to start work immediately. Upon arriving at the Temple in New Orleans, she is presented with an offer she cannot refuse.

The Grand Master has been murdered and Tess must solve the crime by locating his ghost. The reward—a magical spell to save Kipp. But as Tess dives deeper into the case, the more danger surrounds her. Not everyone wants the murder solved, and she is caught in the crossfire.

Soon, Tess finds herself knee-deep in ancient magical rituals, a hunt for a spell, a race to locate a killer, and a journey to the beyond. Will Kipp finally take a living breath, or will Tess take her last?

CHECK OUT THE OTHER BOOKS IN THE FROSTBITE SERIES

~*~

Website | Blog | FacebookTwitter | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

 Stacey Kennedy’s novels are lighthearted fantasy with heart-squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and they even give you a good chuckle every now and again. But within the stories you’ll also find fast-paced action, life-threatening moments and a big bad villain who needs to be destroyed. Her urban fantasy/paranormal and erotic romance series have hit Amazon Kindle and All Romance eBooks bestseller lists.

Stacey welcomes comments from readers. You can find her at http://www.staceykennedy.com.

Spotlight: Beg For It by Stacey Kennedy


Beg For It

Pact of Seduction Book Two

BDSM Erotic Romance

Publisher: Loose Id

Length: Novella

Release date: May 29, 2012

BUY LINK

The Pact of Seduction has one rule—fulfill your ultimate fantasy. Bella’s problem, she can’t live up to her vow. But her failure spins events that lead her into unknown territory. Kole, a Dom at the sex club Castle Dolce Vita, wasn’t part of her fantasy, but he’s about to show her he should have been.

Kole is more than willing to introduce Bella to BDSM since he’s held an interest in her for some time. But the feisty woman isn’t easily tamed and her strong personality proves to be difficult. While she might be determined to keep him at a distance, Kole has other ideas. He won’t allow her to shut him out.

A pact between best friends brought them together, emotional barriers tear them apart. Kole skillfully reminds Bella through pleasure and punishment that she is now his submissive, and her place is under his command.

Publisher’s Note: This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find objectionable: BDSM theme and elements, including spanking.

Teaser:

Copyright © STACEY KENNEDY, 2012

All Rights Reserved, Loose Id

Only one thing would save Bella now—a stiff drink. Reed and Kole’s parties were always fun, and it was nice to see new friends she’d made over the past month. But her mood was right in the toilet. It’d been that way all day and had only gotten worse since she joined the party. She shouldn’t have come.

She cursed on a low breath. How in the hell was she going to get out of her current predicament? Originally, it’d been she who offered the idea of the pact of seduction, and she couldn’t even commit. Pathetic.

Marley’s giggle drew her attention, and Reed had pulled her onto his lap, nibbling at her neck. As horrible as it was, jealously surged. Maybe she had hoped that her fantasy would fill that empty void in her soul. Sure, it was meant as something sexually fun, but Bella craved something…

A part of her remained unfulfilled, even if she didn’t understand exactly what was missing. All she knew, her life at this moment was boring with a side of totally sucks.

She glanced over at Kyra, who laughed with Sadie, and nudged her arm. “I’ll be back. I need some air.”

“Sure.” Kyra’s green eyes were a little glassy. The wine clearly had gotten to her. “Want some company?”

“Nah.” She plastered on a fake smile. “I won’t be long.”

Kyra gave a nod, then turned her attention back at Sadie as the two chuckled about something Sadie had said. If only Bella had something to laugh about. She rose from the couch and made her way through the crowd.

As she passed, she noticed a man sitting on the ottoman and a woman knelt at his feet with her arms over his legs. The position appeared casual enough, but it also looked…different. As if the woman enjoyed being at his feet. Another spurt of jealously soared, and she gave her head a good hard shake. She was apparently envious of everyone who had a relationship. And since when had she been jealous of a BDSM relationship?

What’s gotten into you?

She made her way through the living room and stepped out onto the balcony. The cool air brushed against her skin, and she shivered. Winter still hung on in Baltimore, but what a strange winter it’d been—snow one day, mild the next. Tonight was brisk, but that only seemed to help cool off the annoyance burning her blood.

With her glass in her hands, she leaned on the railing and glanced over the city. Reed and Kole’s condo had an amazing view and the lights twinkled below.

She sipped at her drink and pondered her situation. How could she plan another fantasy when the only one she wanted she had yet to fully accept herself? And why was she acting like a bitter idiot?

After a long gulp that had her cringing from the aftertaste, a deep voice interrupted her useless thoughts. “I heard last night didn’t go well.”

She lowered the glass, licked the moisture on her lips, and looked next to her to find Kole. Like always in his presence, butterflies fluttered in her stomach, but she squashed them and kept her voice controlled. “That’s putting it lightly.”

His blond stylish hair framed a face worth a second look, and his dark blue eyes shone with a power that made her melt. He leaned against the railing beside her, cocked his head, and she felt the weight of his stare right down to her toes. “Tell me about it.”

She sipped her drink, mortified to her bones that she had to admit this to Kole. “It wasn’t Raven’s fault. I”—she drew in a deep breath and said quickly—“I always thought my fantasy was to be with a woman, but clearly it’s not.”

“Ah, I see.” He took a gulp of his beer before he lowered it. “You didn’t get off, I’m assuming?”

She snorted. “If laughing in her face means that I didn’t get off, then yes, I didn’t get off.”

He chuckled, the sound so seductive Bella quivered. In response to that odd reaction, she examined him and couldn’t stop from admiring the view.

He was dressed in a pair of dark jeans that no doubt hugged his fine ass, and a black T-shirt that was snug around the muscles beneath. Good God. She licked her lips for reasons that had nothing to do with her drink.

“You didn’t follow through with your part of the pact, then?”

Her gaze lifted to his face. The glint in his eyes declared he’d been quite aware of her admiring him. Hell, she’d lusted after him since the day they met. A strong sexual attraction existed between them that she hadn’t experienced before with any man, especially a Dom.

She blinked and focused away from the warmth that formed between her thighs. “That’s right. I bailed on the pact.”

His gaze became penetrating as his tone dipped lower. “Why don’t you arrange another night with someone else for your fantasy?”

“Because”—her muscles stiffened, and after a long sigh, she grimaced—“I have no idea what that fantasy is now.”

“Such a problem for a woman to have,” he mused.

She gulped at the way his voice seemed to carry into her soul; then she lowered her head to avoid eye contact with him. He raised his bottle to his mouth, and his arm brushed against hers. Tingles zinged through her, and she squeezed her thighs together to ease the throb of her clit.

How did he make her body do that? Every time he was near, she all but sizzled, and when he touched her, everything was amplified.

“I see that you need help, then, in finding what you’re looking for.”

It hadn’t sounded like a question, which she was glad for since her tight throat made it impossible to answer. He slid his finger along her arm, slowly and with clear intent to unravel her.

She bit her bottom lip. “W-what does that mean?”

He tucked his finger under her chin and lifted her head. “I think we both know what I mean.” Those eyes of his burned with the lust that he had obviously contained. “You enjoy my attention, and I’d enjoy you under my command.”

Then he pressed a finger on the back of her hand and danced his touch up her arm. His gaze followed his caresses every step of the way. And damn him if she didn’t close her eyes and shudder.

A scrape of his nail along her skin drew her eyes open, and he grinned with sin. “Look how beautifully you react to me.” He finally reached her shoulder, and she trembled under the softness of his touch that seemed to contradict that power oozing from him. He tucked his fingers back under her chin, drew her head up, and stared intently into her eyes.

Searching for what, she had no idea.

His hold tensed, a shift in his gaze appeared that made her stomach flip-flop, and her panties were now soaked. He leaned in, pressed his lips against hers, and the world froze. His luscious and damn well perfect mouth molded with hers as his silky tongue swept her away. When had anyone ever kissed her like this?

Oh, right—never.

He kissed her thoroughly, leaving no part of her mouth untouched; then he backed away but kept hold of her chin. “It’s time to stop ignoring what your body needs and accept that you want to be dominated.”

Hell, how right was he? Maybe BDSM wasn’t her fantasy when she made the pact of seduction with her friends, but after hearing about it from Marley, her interest had grown. She lifted a lazy shoulder to appear nonchalant. “I suppose if I set up a scene with you, that would be a solution to my problem.”

“Not good enough.” His gaze hardened. “Do you want me to take you into a scene, Bella?”

At his pause, she realized she needed to give a better answer, and she nodded. “I do.”

He examined her for a long moment before he finally said, “Now what are your interests in BDSM?”

She melted at the way he stared at her now. So intense. So wicked. Was this a hint of what he’d look like in a scene? Her body flushed, yet she held her focus and lifted her chin. She had always prided herself on staying strong around powerful men.

Her job as a stockbroker in Baltimore’s top lending investment firm meant she swam with the sharks. Most of her coworkers were authoritative men. If she’d showed weakness, she wouldn’t be where she was today, and she’d worked hard for her position.

“I’m interested in”—her throat went dry. All these fantasies she hadn’t admitted to anyone. Was she really going through with this? Her soaking panties declared it so—“ropes, sex toys, floggers, to be controlled, pleasure, and pain.” She raised her glass to her mouth and tried to ignore the way her hands shook.

Before the rim could reach her lips, Kole snatched the glass from her hands and set it on the ground next to him. “If we’re discussing this and you are serious, you will stop drinking.”

A flare of irritation rose up that he’d be so bold to take her drink right out of her hands, yet Marley had said that Castle Dolce Vita Doms never allowed submissives to drink alcohol in a scene to ensure they were clearheaded. And since they were discussing what would happen between them, she let it go. “Okay.”

He gave a short nod. “Now I want to make sure you’re well aware of what will happen and what I expect of you.” His gaze searched hers, seemingly looking right through her. “And I need to be sure that I’m the correct Dom for you.”

“I don’t want anyone else,” she blurted out before she could stop herself.

His eyebrows rose. “I don’t mind your answer, Bella.” A small grin turned up the corners of his mouth. “But do tell—have you put more thought into this than you’re letting on?”

Her cheeks had never burned so hot, but she wouldn’t be that woman who’d stumble around a man. She stuffed her nervousness away, clasped her hands, and demanded her voice to be strong. “Maybe once or twice.”

She’d been aware of the mutual attraction between them, so two could play his game. “Are you trying to deny you haven’t thought about it too?”

He winked. “Maybe once or twice.”

A flutter whipped around inside her, her palms grew clammy, and she squeezed her fingers. Why did he make her act so…knocked off her axis?

“One thing that needs to be discussed is my expectations.” He glanced at her hands for a moment as if he took in her reaction before he looked back into her eyes. “From what I know of you as you are now, you’d struggle to meet them. And I want to make that clear so you know what you’re getting yourself into.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” she snapped. “Why would I struggle to meet your demands?”

He gave his head a slow shake. “I’m not saying it to insult you, but to give you a stern warning. I don’t play lightly.”

“Well, I…” Her entire face burned hot as if she had a high-grade fever. Marley had told her all about Kole. How he enjoyed pain play. How strict he was in how a submissive behaved. And all it’d done was increase the throb between her thighs. Solidified the fantasy. “I think I might like that.”

He gave a delicious smile. “I have no doubt you would.”

And then his lips were back on hers as he swept her away in another leg-wobbling kiss before those plush lips tore away from hers.

“You’ll arrive at the castle next Friday at seven o’clock. I’ll have a room reserved.” He dropped his head, his eyes in the direct line of hers. “When you arrive, remove your clothes, kneel in the center of the room, and wait for me. Clear?”

Heat spread across her body at the images playing in her head. Nude? Kneeling? Oh God! She quivered in anticipation.

At his expectant expression, she nodded instead of offering him a breathy response.

“Good.” He took her mouth again playfully, nibbled on the corners of her lips, and flicked her lips with his tongue. And when he had her body ramped up to a fever pitch, he backed away to trail his thumb over her lips. “Can you be honest and open with me?”

Drool, honest-to-God drool, formed in her mouth. Everyday Kole was sexy. Dom Kole was to die for. The sheer power that exuded from him, intensity in his features, it all captivated her. He’d asked her to be honest with him—how hard could that be? “I can do that.”

He nodded in approval, skimmed her mouth again with his thumb, while his gaze stayed focused there. The smile he gave, the possessiveness held in the depths of his eyes, liquefied her insides.

Something sparked through his touch, only increasing with his kiss, and even more so by the way he looked at her now. One of those duh moments. Had what she wanted—desired—been standing right in front of her this entire time?

In less than a week, she’d have the answer.

~*~

Website | Blog | Facebook |Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

 

Stacey Kennedy’s erotic romance novels are just that…erotic. There is nothing better than taking the dominant men she loves and watching them do wicked things to their women. But she just can’t write without a little humor added into the mix so that’s always a must have in her stories. And of course what’s a story without a big dose of emotional characters, too. Her urban fantasy/paranormal and erotic romance series have hit Amazon Kindle and All Romance eBooks bestseller lists.

Stacey welcomes comments from readers. You can find her at www.staceykennedy.com.

Six Sentence Sunday #19

Happy Six Sunday. Thanks for visiting and I’d love to know what you think!! I’m continuing this week with another 6 from my Novella WIP. Last week: Jake created his fool proof plan, or was it an excuse to touch Lydia again? Men, got to love ‘um. This week: as Lydia walks back into the room Jake is waiting for her and accuses her of holding out on the team. He tells her she can come to him with anything and he stalks towards her. She agrees to be honest next time.

“That’s all I’m asking for.” He stopped in front of her and tilted her chin up with his finger.

“Next time I’ll come to you.” She searched his eyes for they seemed to be saying more. She bit her lower lip and held her breath in an attempt to hold onto the shared moment. “Is there anything else, Jake?”

Thank you so much for stopping by today!! I’d like to know what you really think of my 6. I need the advice, I’m a newbie and have much to learn. Don’t forget to check out the other Six Sunday authors. Lots of good stuff at Six Sunday. Try to find a new favorite today. happy hunting!

ROW80 check-in #20

Tomorrow is Memorial Day. How and who will you be remembering? I have plans to spend some time honoring my grandparents that have passed away. I’ll be having some of their favorite meals and snacks, telling stories to my sons who never met them because they passed away too soon, and I also plan to pull out some old photo albums to gaze upon their sweet faces. What ever you have planned I hope you are able to take a moment and enjoy the day.

The Goals – week-8 results

  • Spend at least 1-hour a day with my characters- done
  • Write 2,000 words each week– not done, again, but much improved over last week 1406-words. WEEK-9 PRIORITY
  • Spend time editing at least 2-times each week– done. My WIP is now over the 25,000 word mark, yahoo, but I still have a couple more scenes to tweak before I give it one more read through and ship it over to my friend. WEEK-9 PRIORITY
  • Finish reading current craft book and start another– spent more time here than last week, but I’m not done yet
  • Participate in Before You Hit Send Self-Editing Workshop in April– the workshop is over. I think it’s time to revisit a couple of the workshop sections to make sure I’m still working some of the skills correctly WEEK-9 PRIORITY
  • Turn 2nd-draft chapters to my writer friend for her critique– I’m getting really close now, it is entirely possible that next week this will say done
  • Workout a minimum of 200-minutes a week and round it out with plenty of water, sleep and my calorie limit I got over 200-minutes this week and everything else was good…done.
  • Study one of the Nia 52-moves each week (the 52-moves is like the ballet bar for Nia lovers)Slow Clock.  Begin by marching in place in the center of an imaginary clock on the floor. Use the clock like a map. Step out to a number on the clock and return to center. Repeat to different numbers on the clock and alternate sides, but always return to center after each step out. Benefits: teaches you to sense moving from the center as a way to monitor relaxation in the body and adds precision and grace.
  • Finish the. Sanjana bars and start the Opal bars (i.e. studying the song/movement structure)– I’ve decided on another set of notes for my mirrors, even simpler this time around. Apparently I know more than I realize.
  • Listen to the Nia sound track for the Sanjana routine each week and add Opal when I get to their bars– done
  • Plan out and start participating in the last of my needed continuing education credits for PMP certification– Last week I made big progress here and this week nada. I’m going to sacrifice this task again this week in an attempt to make a big push on the WIP

Thanks for stopping by today. In a couple hours I’ll have my Six Sunday up, so I hope you will check that out too.

Happy Memorial Day.

Links of the week #20

Happy Saturday! What? It’s Memorial weekend? OMG, what am I doing inside. I have weeding to do, plants to put in the garden, roses to train, books to read, a MS to edit…and more blogs to read 🙂 I have a pretty collection for you today and don’t forget to listen to Jeff’s music selection today. You won’t regret this listen, it’s powerful.

Writer Business

Suzanne Rock at Romance on a Budget shares a tip Do you have Business Cards?

Plots

Darcy Pattison at Fiction Notes had some great reminders 5 Plot Fixes for Peace Makers

Alan Chin posted this week Writing Tip #36 Story Starter Questions. Very interesting collection of 12-questions. A quick test to see if your plot is missing something.

Janice Hardy at The Other Side of the Story had a brilliant line at the beginning of her post on plots this week: “The house is story. Decorating is plot.” Loved the rest of the post too Author, We Have a Problem: 4 Tips on Plotting Your Novel

Dialogue

Writers It The Storm had Tiffany Lawson Inman yesterday!! Dialogue is King

Editing

Janice Hardy is talking my kind of talk. She uses some simple math and cut and paste to help her in trimming her MS. Interesting read even if you don’t need to trim Break it Down: Trimming Words From a Too-Long Manuscript

Query & 1st Pages

Roni Loren answered What Will Make An Agent Gong Your Pages, tips from the DFW Writer’s Conference

Grammar

DIY MFA spelled out the different ways to punctuate dialog. It’s easy to see the differences in this post: Demystifying Dialogue: Perfect Your Punctuation and went on to the Nine NO’s of Dialogue

Pitch

Vickie Motter from Navigating the Slush Pile described the points of the pitch and how it’s different from your query: May Conferences: The Verbal Pitch. Don’t miss her next post either for help with the twitter pitch Speaking of pitching…

Social Media

Ashley Barron added another post in a series and this one includes hashtag strategy #helpful 🙂 Blogging: Twitter & The Hashtag

Roz Morris was over at Author’s Electric this week with some good reminders: How to get on well with Twitter – by Roz Morris

Music from Jeff

This is a tune called “Surely” from the group Black Dub. It’s Daniel Lanois’ passion project.  He’s a super famous producer (U2, Bob Dylan, the list goes on and on) known for his warm and unique sounds.  He’s also a great guitarist, songwriter, and singer.

He formed this group after he heard the singer, Trixie Whitley, during a recording session.  Her father was a famous singer/guitarist/songwriter named Chris Whitley who, sadly, passed away several years ago.  It’s clear that she has music in her blood – an incredible talent.

The drummer is one of my absolute faves, Brian Blade.  He became known as a jazz player but has since played with quite a vast array of artists (Seal, Joni Mitchell, etc…).  He has his own groups – a jazz group where he plays drums and a solo outfit where he sings, writes the tunes and plays guitar.  He’s an unbelievable musician!

So, you can see that with this sort of line up the music is going to be amazing, and it really is! With all of these unique voices they still have such a great group sound.  I think they record live together most of time which is very cool and a bit of a lost art.  I think it really comes through on the record – a live vibe, real musicians reacting and playing together in the moment.

Hope you enjoy it!

What you might have missed here:

Six Sunday #18

Flash Friday #9