Weekend Writing Warriors – Familiar Ugliness

Click the logo for the Weekend Writing Warriors blog

Click the logo for the Weekend Writing Warriors blog

Welcome friends old and new. I’m glad you came. Today, I’m sharing from my debut, TAKING CHANCES.

In Previous Weeks: Jake and Lydia entered the room where they’ll be working together. They’ve shared a few heated moments. LAST WEEK: Lydia reeled from her bold move. THIS WEEK: I’ve skipped just a little bit. Jake has gotten back to work. Let’s see how Lydia’s doing.

The moment dissipated like it had never been. His hand no longer reached for her. His look no longer promised unmentionable things. He ducked his chin to concentrate on something on the table. Then he was back into work like nothing happened. Disappointment dug in and left her feeling unwanted. She brushed her hair behind her shoulders and attempted to shake the familiar ugliness.

She followed his example, though, and dragged her attention back to simpler things, like lunch.

The moment dissipated, but it’s definitely not forgotten <~ You can <tweet that> if you want. So, do you think they’re back to all work and no more heat? Come back next week and find out OR find those buy links below and find out today. 🙂 

Click here to add TAKING CHANCES to your Goodreads TBR list

5 Star Review: “Taking Chances, is a must read for anyone who wants a great story, well written, smoking hot smexy scenes and an oh so hot hero.”

5 Star Review: ”Taking Chances is SJ Maylee’s debut novel and she does an excellent job of creating interesting characters searching for connection while providing enough kink and spice to heat things up.”

5 Star Review: “it’s well written, there’s no slw moments and it’s packed full of hot sexual tension”

BLURB:

Lydia’s father walked away from her when she was eight. She’s struggled to not let him affect her, but fears she wasn’t loveable enough to make him stay. Jake wants to takingchances1mlove one woman, but after scaring the last woman he met outside of the club, he doubts he has the right. She protects her heart by sticking with her fantasies, and he lives by a set of rules that excludes women who choose a vanilla lifestyle.

The two will be kept in a conference room working together until their special project is complete. If Lydia and Jake hold tight to their bland lives, they’ll always yearn for love that is out of reach. But together they can find common ground, passion, and a reason to take chances. Once they discover the grand possibilities of the love they desire, they find themselves in the very place they tried never to be again, facing unguaranteed love.

BUY LINKS:

Evernight | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

BookStrand | All Romance Ebooks | Kobo | iTunes

Thank you so much for visiting me, it means a lot to me that you took the time to visit my little place on the web. Don’t forget to check out the other Weekend Warriors, the Snippet Sunday Facebook Groupand Saturday Spankings too.

Weekend Writing Warriors – Endless Possibilities

>> Click here for my Evernight Birthday Bash Post <<

Click the logo for the Weekend Writing Warriors blog

Click the logo for the Weekend Writing Warriors blog

Welcome friends old and new. I’m glad you came. Today, I’m sharing from my debut, TAKING CHANCES.

Taking Chances is the first in a series of books I’m calling The Love Projects. Taking Chances is the story of Lydia and Jake. The blurb and cover are below. In Previous Weeks: Jake and Lydia entered the room where they’ll be working together. Jake’s already had to take a cold shower break. LAST WEEK: Jake’s finger removed a smudge of barbecue sauce from Lydia’s mouth and Lydia shocked them both by licking his finger clean. THIS WEEK: I’ve skipped nothing.

“I’m sorry, I just…” She stopped talking and turned her gaze to the table. “Thank you,” she said without looking at him. “I hate it when someone sees a way to help and they ignore it instead.”

Her mind reeled at the possible implications of his touch or her bold reaction. Maybe smudges of food bothered him. Maybe he was being considerate. The possibilities sounded right, but his eyes didn’t have the look of a gentleman.

<~ You can <tweet that> last line if you want. There are endless possibilities, but reality is staring her right in the face. Jake wants her. I know she can see it now, but does she believe it? Come back next week and find out what she does next OR find those buy links below and find out today. 🙂 

Click here to add TAKING CHANCES to your Goodreads TBR list

5 Star Review: “Taking Chances, is a must read for anyone who wants a great story, well written, smoking hot smexy scenes and an oh so hot hero.”

5 Star Review: ”Taking Chances is SJ Maylee’s debut novel and she does an excellent job of creating interesting characters searching for connection while providing enough kink and spice to heat things up.”

5 Star Review: “it’s well written, there’s no slw moments and it’s packed full of hot sexual tension”

BLURB:

Lydia’s father walked away from her when she was eight. She’s struggled to not let him affect her, but fears she wasn’t loveable enough to make him stay. Jake wants to takingchances1mlove one woman, but after scaring the last woman he met outside of the club, he doubts he has the right. She protects her heart by sticking with her fantasies, and he lives by a set of rules that excludes women who choose a vanilla lifestyle.

The two will be kept in a conference room working together until their special project is complete. If Lydia and Jake hold tight to their bland lives, they’ll always yearn for love that is out of reach. But together they can find common ground, passion, and a reason to take chances. Once they discover the grand possibilities of the love they desire, they find themselves in the very place they tried never to be again, facing unguaranteed love.

BUY LINKS:

Evernight | Amazon | Barnes & NobleBookStrand | All Romance Ebooks

Thank you so much for visiting me, it means a lot to me that you took the time to visit my little place on the web. Don’t forget to check out the other Weekend Warriors, the Snippet Sunday Facebook Groupand Saturday Spankings too.

Inside Look with Eve Meridian author of Sam’s Learning Curve

>> Click here for my Evernight Birthday Bash Post <<

Inside Look logo by SJI have a treat for you today. Eve Meridian is here with her new release from one of my favorite lines, Romance on the Go! Eve’s sharing all kinds of stuff with us and I got her to answer some questions too. Enjoy.

Thank you, Sidney, for having me on today! I’m excited about my newest release with Evernight, and I’m hard at work on my next project. I know that you’ve had a recent release as well, so you know how exciting it is to get your creations out into the world! Wishing you the best of luck with Taking Chances!

Aw! Thank you, Eve. I know you’ve shared the blurb and an excerpt below, but tell us a little bit about your new release.

My latest published piece is Sam’s Learning Curve. It is part of the multi-author Romance on the Go line offered by Evernight Publishing. It has a little bit of humor mixed in with some sexy scenes.

Yeap, this sounds like something I want to read. Okay, here we go, first question:  Picture your favorite place in the world. Now, can you tell us a little bit about the place you’ve pictured?

My favorite place is a sandy beach in the late afternoon. The sun is shining, my toes are in the sand, and the water rushes to cover them every few minutes with the upcoming tide. Oh, and I’m drinking a frothy adult beverage with an umbrella in it.

Nice! That sounds lovely. 🙂 Tell us about yourself: Who are you and why did you start writing?

I have always been an avid reader and have dabbled in writing for years. (Seriously, I started my first novel in the 3rd grade. I didn’t finish it, though.) I have a B.A. with an emphasis in Creative Writing and English Lit. A few years ago, my husband bought me a Kindle Fire for Christmas. I had no idea that the ebook industry was such an incredible market. After reading a number of books via my Kindle, I realized it was time for me to pursue my dream of being a published author. I didn’t set out to write romance, but I found that I really liked it.

The ereaders certainly do open us up to a whole new world. When you are not writing what are your favorite hobbies?

I’m a runner, currently in training for my first marathon. It’s a great way to stay in shape and decrease stress. I also like yoga. And drinking red wine. (Actually, I love red wine.)

Impressive. My dad was a track and cross country coach, but I never really ran, until last year actually. I prefer red to white wine. After spending some time in Italy many years ago, I enjoy a good glass of red. Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published?

So many challenges – such as making the time to write and committing to getting it done. Then there’s the questions to self-publish or submit it to a publisher who may or may not accept it. I decided to send my work to Evernight because I really liked their selection. They are also very easy to work with.

They are so easy to work with. We are very lucky, Eve. 🙂 Which one of your characters would you most like to meet in real life?

Hmmm…probably Ben, from Sam’s Learning Curve. I like a man with tattoos and a motorcycle with a head for business. There’s something sexy about that combination.

Yes, definitely sexy. What is your greatest fear?

There’s too many to list – just kidding. Skydiving used to be a big fear, but I conquered that by trying it. I’m still here, so it worked out okay. 😉 And although I love motorcycles, part of the adrenaline rush is from fear, so I took the motorcycle safety course and learned to actually ride one.

I don’t think I’ll ever have the guts to jump out of a plane. Yes, I’m very impressed. What is your greatest extravagance?

Hmm…I guess that would be my Frye boots.

Sweet! I’d love a pair. What is your favorite music (genre/artist/album/song)?

I like all types of music. My current favorite (especially while running) is “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke. I also love Cee-lo, The Dixie Chicks, Franz Ferdinand, Gwen Stefani, Me First and the Gimme Gimme’s, The Black Keys, Dropkick Murphys….I could go on, but I’ll stop.

My musical tastes are eclectic as well. Tell us a bit about the projects you are working on now?

I’m currently working on what I hope will be the first book in a series. It’s about a woman who finds her true calling after a divorce and a job loss. Of course, she also finds her true love. But the road to love is rarely easy….

That sounds like something I’d like to read too. Hurry up and finish it. 🙂 Okay. Give us a closer look at Sam’s Learning Curve.

Blurb:

Sam's Learning Curve cover - click to see on GoodreadsSam is perfectly fine being single. She has a job that she loves and the company she works for is promoting her after she finishes her M.B.A. She has great friends and a newly found love of running. Then she meets Ben, the sexy bike builder who just moved back into town and is unlike anyone she’s ever dated. Can she overcome her fear of getting hurt again and the fear of riding motorcycles so she doesn’t miss out on a great guy? Is it finally time for Sam to learn how to love again?

Excerpt:

“So how was your first ride? Did you like it?” he asked as he walked up and stood beside her.

She turned to him. “I loved it,” she said simply. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Ben was glad. It seemed important to him that she liked riding. He didn’t know why, but he found himself drawn to her.

“Seriously, I needed that. I guess I just didn’t know it.” She looked up at him with a smile playing on her luscious lips.

“Glad to be of service, ma’am,” he said as he turned towards her.

She closed the gap between them so that their bodies touched. Her chest was against his, and it felt like every point of contact between their two bodies was electrified. She had slid her sunglasses up on to her head, and he could see directly into her eyes.

He leaned down slightly, and the next thing he knew, their mouths were touching. Their kiss was tentative at first, but within seconds it grew. Her lips parted, and he slid his tongue into her mouth. She tasted sweet, and he leaned closer to her, wanting more. He felt her arms wrap around his neck and pull him in even closer. The next thing he knew, his hands were around her waist, grinding her body against his.

BUY LINKS:

http://www.evernightpublishing.com/sams-learning-curve-by-eve-meridian/

http://www.amazon.com/Sams-Learning-Curve-Romance-ebook/dp/B00F9Y9MJC/

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-sam039slearningcurve-1297345-149.html

About the author:

I live in a small Ohio town with my military husband, two daughters, a neurotic cat named Max and a Lab/Newfoundland mix named Freyja. I’m an avid runner. I love writing (and reading) contemporary romances. Coffee and red wine are my two favorite food groups.

Here’s where I can be found online:

http://www.facebook.com/evemeridian

goodreads

Amazon

Twitter @Eve_Meridian

http://www.evernightpublishing.com/eve-meridian/

Weekend Writing Warriors – Wicked Temptation

>> Click here for my Evernight Birthday Bash Post <<

Click the logo to go to the Weekend Writing Warriors blog

Click the logo to go to the Weekend Writing Warriors blog

Welcome friends old and new. I’m glad you came. Today, I’m sharing from my debut, TAKING CHANCES.

Taking Chances is the first in a series of books I’m calling The Love Projects. Taking Chances is the story of Lydia and Jake. The blurb and cover are below. In Previous Weeks: Jake and Lydia entered the room where they’ll be working together and both have been fighting their desire. LAST WEEK: Jake returned to the conference room after taking a cold shower to find Lydia licking her fingers. THIS WEEK:  I’ve skipped a few paragraphs of conversation. Jake’s been distracted by a smudge of barbecue sauce on the corner of Lydia’s mouth.

Before he could stop himself, he sat beside her, and his inquisitive finger reached out and rubbed the corner of her mouth. His finger hovered between them, an inch from her mouth. She licked her lips, and seconds ticked by. Nothing in the room captured his attention but her devilish mouth. Her tongue reached out and licked his finger. It took forever for his hand to return to his side. The air between them had become thick with heat. He couldn’t tear his sight from her beautiful eyes.

Wow, Lydia’s taking it up a notch with her wicked tongue. <~ You can <tweet that> Quiet Lydia seems to be coming out of her shell. I sure hope she doesn’t regret that decision. Will Jake encourage her or will these two get back to work?

Click here to add TAKING CHANCES to your Goodreads TBR list

5 Star Review: “Taking Chances, is a must read for anyone who wants a great story, well written, smoking hot smexy scenes and an oh so hot hero.”

5 Star Review: ”Taking Chances is SJ Maylee’s debut novel and she does an excellent job of creating interesting characters searching for connection while providing enough kink and spice to heat things up.”

5 Star Review: “it’s well written, there’s no slw moments and it’s packed full of hot sexual tension”

BLURB:

Lydia’s father walked away from her when she was eight. She’s struggled to not let him affect her, but fears she wasn’t loveable enough to make him stay. Jake wants to takingchances1mlove one woman, but after scaring the last woman he met outside of the club, he doubts he has the right. She protects her heart by sticking with her fantasies, and he lives by a set of rules that excludes women who choose a vanilla lifestyle.

The two will be kept in a conference room working together until their special project is complete. If Lydia and Jake hold tight to their bland lives, they’ll always yearn for love that is out of reach. But together they can find common ground, passion, and a reason to take chances. Once they discover the grand possibilities of the love they desire, they find themselves in the very place they tried never to be again, facing unguaranteed love.

BUY LINKS:

Evernight | Amazon | Barnes & NobleBookStrand | All Romance Ebooks

Thank you so much for visiting me, it means a lot to me that you took the time to visit my little place on the web. Don’t forget to check out the other Weekend Warriors, the Snippet Sunday Facebook Groupand Saturday Spankings too.

Cover Reveal: Bared by Stacey Kennedy

>> Click here for my Evernight Birthday Bash Post <<

Bared cover - click to see on GoodreadsBARED

Club Sin, Book Two

Stacey Kennedy

Publisher: Loveswept

(Random House Publishing Group)

ISBN: 9780804178884

Release date: February 2014

+ Add to goodreads

PRE-ORDER BUTTONS:

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Bared-Club-Sin-ebook/dp/B00EMXC022

B&N – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bared-stacey-kennedy/1116525826

Book Description:

In a novel that’s perfect for fans of Fifty Shades of Grey, Stacey Kennedy returns to Club Sin with another wicked and wild tale of submission, seduction, and love.
 
At Las Vegas’s exclusive Club Sin, Aidan Knight is the Master, unleashing the erotic yearnings of his submissive lovers. But his dominant façade conceals a devastating loss—something he instantly recognizes in his personally trained submissive Cora Adams. Sworn to unearth her secrets, Aidan uses his seductive skills to ignite her wildest desires until Cora yields to the pleasure she can find only with him.

Cora came to the BDSM club to act out her sub-and-dom fantasies without ever revealing the heartbreak that haunts her. But Aidan’s masterful touch is bringing her closer to the edge . . . and deeper into a world of control and surrender. He refuses to allow her to submit to any other man—nor does she want to. It’s a dangerous game they’re playing. For as they give in to passion, they must lay bare their souls for a love that could heal—and free—them both.

Bared is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.
 
Praise for Stacey Kennedy’s Claimed
 
Claimed sucked me in! Stacey Kennedy weaves together the intense BDSM lifestyle with the soft touch of a sweeter, more traditional love story in a novel with an engaging heroine at its heart.”—J. Kenner, New York Times bestselling author of Release Me

“Deliciously sexy, Claimed will captivate you at once, leading you on an erotic journey that you won’t want to end. A fabulous talent, Kennedy shines in this fast-paced and exciting novel.”New York Times bestselling author Cheyenne McCray

“Tender, emotional—and smoking hot!”—Savanna Fox, author of the Dirty Girls Book Club series

About the Author:

staceykennedy1Stacey Kennedy is an urban fantasy lover at heart, but she also enjoys losing herself in dark and sensual worlds. She lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, who gave her a happily-ever-after. Together, they have two small children who can always make her smile, and who will never be allowed to read Mommy’s books. If she’s not plugging away at a new story, you’ll find her camping, curling up with the latest flick, or obsessing over Sons of Anarchy and Game of Thrones.

Website – http://www.staceykennedy.com/

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/AuthorStaceyKennedy

Facebook Fan Page – www.facebook.com/StaceyKennedyFanPage

Twitter – https://twitter.com/#!/Stacey_Kennedy

Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3473046.Stacey_Kennedy

Loveswept websitehttp://www.readloveswept.com

CHECK OUT THE FIRST BOOK IN THE CLUB SIN SERIES:

Claimed sucked me in! Stacey Kennedy weaves together the intense BDSM lifestyle with the soft touch of a sweeter, more traditional love story in a novel with an engaging heroine at its heart.”—J. Kenner, New York Times bestselling author of Release Me

Final ClaimedA novel of erotic discovery and forbidden desire that goes beyond Fifty Shades of Grey.

Presley Flynn is ripe to experience her secret fantasies . . . and Dmitri Pratt wants nothing more than to fulfill them. Once inside the elite Club Sin in Las Vegas, Presley is nervous but excited—and determined to surrender to her every desire. Dmitri is her Master, and his touch is like fire. With each careful, calculated caress, he unleashes her wildest inhibitions, giving her unimagined pleasure.

Presley is different than the other submissives Dmitri has mastered. The BDSM lifestyle is new to her, and so are the games they play at Club Sin. From the start, Presley stirs emotions in Dmitri far beyond the raw purity between a dom and the perfect sub. For the ecstasy they share goes beyond the dungeon, igniting a passion that claims the very depths of the heart.

Claimed is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

BUY LINK – http://www.randomhouse.com/book/229124/claimed-by-stacey-kennedy

Happy Birthday Evernight Publishing! It’s a Birthday Bash Blog Hop

Celebrate like a ROCK STAR because Evernight Publishing is THREE!

Evernight 3rd bday blog hop button - click to go to EvernightPublishing.com

In three short years, Evernight has grown by leaps and bounds thanks to readers like you! Evernight is pulling out all the stops and throwing an extreme BIRTHDAY BASH BLOG HOP in your honor!

That’s right! It’s Evernight’s birthday but YOU get the presents…

Prizes include:

Samsung Galaxy Tab

Kindle Paperwhite

Kobo Touch

$100 Evernight and Amazon Gift Certificates

Mega Evernight Swag Pack

Plus, each author on the hop will offer his/her own special prize!

As an author, I’m thrilled to share my stories with you and Evernight helped to make my debut, TAKING CHANCES shine! Here’s why I love Evernight Publishing:

The experience from the start has been quite rewarding. The warm welcome started right away. The authors at this publishing home of mine are incredible. They’re a silly bunch and very helpful. You have a question, someone will have an answer.

I was so nervous to work with my editor. Goofy me. She was awesome, so supportive, and I’m incredibly proud of the final touches she helped me make. I can’t wait to work with her again. I mentioned her in my dedication too. 

Next stop was the cover art. Sour Cherry Designs is amazing. Right of the bat they gave me the cover I’d dreamed of. I love it.

Soon, I was ready for release day. I’ve been having such a good time. The fun and support just keeps going and going. I can not wait to do it all over again with Evernight Publishing.

It’s an incredible honor to be published through Evernight Publishing. They Rock!

For my part in this rock star party:

I’m giving away one $10 Evernight Gift Card

>>> a Rafflecopter giveaway <<<

TAKING CHANCES cover - click to see at Evernight Publishing5 Star Review: “Taking Chances, is a must read for anyone who wants a great story, well written, smoking hot smexy scenes and an oh so hot hero.”

5 Star Review: ”Taking Chances is SJ Maylee’s debut novel and she does an excellent job of creating interesting characters searching for connection while providing enough kink and spice to heat things up.”

5 Star Review: “it’s well written, there’s no slw moments and it’s packed full of hot sexual tension”

BLURB:

Lydia’s father walked away from her when she was eight. She’s struggled to not let him affect her, but fears she wasn’t loveable enough to make him stay. Jake wants to love one woman, but after scaring the last woman he met outside of the club, he doubts he has the right. She protects her heart by sticking with her fantasies, and he lives by a set of rules that excludes women who choose a vanilla lifestyle.

The two will be kept in a conference room working together until their special project is complete. If Lydia and Jake hold tight to their bland lives, they’ll always yearn for love that is out of reach. But together they can find common ground, passion, and a reason to take chances. Once they discover the grand possibilities of the love they desire, they find themselves in the very place they tried never to be again, facing unguaranteed love.

Excerpt:

“Come on in, Lydia. I want to talk about a few things before we get started today. We need to make it quick, since we need to report to Keller at ten this morning.” When she remained in her spot he added, “Lydia, come here.”

Not wanting Gina to take anything further from her, she lifted her head and walked to Jake. She stopped at his desk, but felt instantly unworthy. Gina was more Jake’s style. She fought the need to lower her chin.

“Look at me, Lydia.”

He pushed her. “Why?” She shifted her gaze and hit him with her direct stare.

“Thank you. I needed to see your eyes.” He reached out and swiped a lock of hair from her face. He tucked the strand behind her ear, and let his finger drag down her face to her shoulder. All the while his gaze captured hers, not letting go. “How are you this morning?”

“I’m okay.”

“Okay? Hmm, maybe I should do something to improve your mood? What would you say to that?”

“Here?” she gasped and quickly turned to look out the door.

He grabbed hold of her shoulders, lifting her slightly off the floor.

“Yes, here.” He brought their bodies together, claimed her lips and swept his tongue through her mouth, awakening her sexual hunger.

She felt wanted. She felt claimed. Images from the night before swam in her mind. Silly challenges from the office mean girl were all forgotten. He set her down and nipped at her lower lip.

“We have a lot to do today. Unfortunately we cannot go any further, now.” He stepped back behind his desk as casually as if he’d just greeted the mail man.

“But you would want to?” Still looking at the papers on his desk, she didn’t think he heard her. She took a step closer. “You would repeat last night?”

Her words stopped him. His gaze searched her face. Placing his hands on the desk he leaned forward and said, “Lydia, I fully intend to further explore your body and mind. After all, there are a few places I haven’t yet completely inspected.”

Her mind ran through what he had done to her last night, and there was only one place she could think of. Warmth fluttered through her face.

“Now, that is a beautiful sight.” He returned to his papers. “I’m going to have to keep thinking of ways to shock you simply to see you blush again.” With the papers properly sorted, his attention returned to her. “Is Gina a problem?”

Gina was a lot of things, but she’d never thought of her as a problem. “I don’t think so.”

“Don’t be afraid to put her in her place. She likes that more than she lets on. She’s the type to push so she can be pushed back.”

“I hadn’t thought of her that way. Interesting.”

“Let me know if she becomes a problem.” His gaze drilled into hers, not letting her escape.

“Okay.”

“Okay?” His posture remained controlled, but the smirk couldn’t be missed.

She added her own version of the devilish grin, which ignited another blush before she even spoke. “Okay, Sir.”

“Trouble.” He stalked towards her and ruthlessly swept his hand under the hem of her skirt to press firmly along her panties. His lips pressed to her ear. “Hot and damp.”

The palm of his hand pressed on her clit, and he bent his knuckles, sending the tips of his fingers past the edge of her panties to drag along her slit.

“Be careful what you say to me, sweetheart, or you’ll shatter my control.” With one last drag of his fingers, he pulled away and walked from the room.

She turned around and watched him go. Her heart pounded. All she could do was follow him, but she couldn’t move. The exchange with Jake left her bones unsettled, and the all too familiar ache tried to set-up shop in her chest. She hadn’t expected him to crave more from her, and now she couldn’t deny he did. Was she going to deny herself the pleasure of getting to know him?

BUY LINKS:

Evernight | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookStrand | All Romance Ebooks

Enter to win the EVERNIGHT PUBLISHING Grand Prizes using this Rafflecopter:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

It’s the perfect time to buy the Evernight titles on your TBR list, as well as new gems you find during the event, because Evernight’s entire backlist is on sale at evernightpublishing.com through October 14th!

Don’t forget to visit my rafflecopter for your chance to win

a $10 Evernight Gift Card.

Please consider following me and keep in touch.

Twitter | Facebook Page | Google+ | Goodreads | Pinterest | Amazon 

Keep the party going there’s 100 stops in this rock star hop.

Have a great time!

Inside Look with Nicola Cameron author of Grading the Curve

click to see all the Inside Looks posted here at SJMaylee.comI have Nicola Cameron in the ehouse today and she’s giving us the inside look into her new release, Grading the Curve. It has been released through one of my favorite Evernight Publishing lines, Romance on the Go. First up, I got Nicola to answers some questions and below you’ll find the cover, blurb, an excerpt, and all her links. Enjoy.

What turns you on creatively?

Something unusual that piques my curiosity. One time, I got stuck in downtown Dallas traffic and noticed the proliferation of pyramids that are used in architecture there. As I thought, “Gee, someone who could use pyramid power would love this place,” a plot bunny landed and I got a book out of it.

That’s fabulous. Plot bunnies really are everywhere, lol. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My mother would have said it was surviving past the age of 6 (I was a bit clumsy when I was young). I would have to say it’s my writing career — 2013 in particular has been an absolutely spectacular publishing year for me.

Ha! My sister-in-law is the same way, total klutz. I’d bet 2014 is going to be even better yet. What is your greatest fear?

Being forced to do work that I hate just to survive. I’ve had to do it before, and I really, really don’t ever want to go back to that place again.

I hear you. Evil day jobs are the worst.What are some of your favorite curse words?

As the daughter of a Marine, “fuck” and variations thereof are usually on my playlist.

Nice! That’s one of my favs too. J What is your favorite music (genre/artist/album/song)?

I like a wide variety of music from classical to rock. I like writing to instrumental soundtracks, and Sherlock Holmes, Pirates of the Caribbean, Stage Beauty, and The Fountain are some of my favorites.

Instrumentals can definitely be fabulous to write to. I don’t pick them enough. I’ll have to try these out. Thanks! When you’re not writing what are your favorite hobbies?

Do you have a couple of hours? When I’m not writing, I knit, quilt, crochet, make dollhouses, design jewelry, make dolls, and

Wow. Very interesting. What is your greatest extravagance?

Ebooks and crafting stash.

What quality do you most admire in a man?

Kindness. Too often, men these days are taught that it isn’t manly to be kind, and that’s just so damn wrong.

Truth! I saw several character trait lists today for various heroes and kindness definitely wasn’t listed that often. What is the one thing you do after finishing a story?

Enjoy the day-long writer’s high that comes with it. I don’t know what goes on in my brain when I finish something, but it’s better than Vicodin.

I know that feeling. It’s so very satisfying. Tell us a bit about the projects you are working on now?

I’m currently working on Breaker Zone (Book Two in the Olympic Cove series), a sci-fi caper romance called Two to Tango, and an MMF time-traveling adventure called Pharaoh’s Desire.

Grading the Curve cover - click to see on GoodreadsGRADING THE CURVE

by NICOLA CAMERON

BLURB:

Ellen Ragsdale is a scholarship student who just wants to get her college degree and start her life. Alexander Cord is a widowed English professor who hides his loneliness behind a sardonic facade. School rules have kept them at arm’s length all year long. But on the last night of Ellen’s college career, the two of them risk everything to find out if their mutual attraction is more than a classroom crush.

BUY LINKS:

EXCERPT

“Did you know that you always blush when you talk to me?” he said quietly. “It’s charming. You look like a medieval maiden receiving her first suitor.”

It felt like someone had painted fire across her skin. She ducked her head, staring dumbly at the hallway’s scarred paint. He couldn’t know. Nobody knew that about her. It wasn’t that obvious.

Was it?

“Interesting.” She could hear the smile in his voice. “I meant it as a compliment, but perhaps I struck closer to the truth than I’d intended.” He moved closer, and she could feel the heat from his whole body now, warming her like an invisible caress. “Are you?”

She swallowed hard. He couldn’t be asking what she thought he was asking. “A-am I—”

“A maiden. A virgin. I believe a popular term is ‘unicorn bait.’” His voice dropped, turning into a soft rumble. “I have to admit, I’m puzzled as to how someone as lovely and intelligent as you could still be virginal.”

Her entire face now felt like it was on fire. She’d gone on the occasional date, usually doubling with Keisha or Dianne, but once the guys found out what her schedule was like they didn’t bother calling again. “Too busy, I guess. Working, studying.”

To her surprise, cool fingers slid under her chin, gently turning her face up. “What a shame,” Cord said, his voice low and soft. “But if it’s of any consolation, men your age do tend to be rather slapdash and impatient when it comes to women. I assure you, you haven’t missed out on much by skipping the undergraduate sexual circus.” The façade of the academic disappeared. Underneath was a man she didn’t know, warm and standing so close to her. “That being said, I wonder … would you be willing to consider me?”

“What—” Her throat clicked, it was so dry. She swallowed and tried again. “What are you saying?”

He tilted his head to the side. “I want to take you to bed, Miss Ragsdale. I want to kiss that pink mouth of yours, undress you ever so slowly, play with those gorgeous breasts and suck your nipples before I caress every inch of your body. I want to bury my tongue between your legs and lap at your clit, and when you’re dripping wet I want to bury my cock in you. I want to see that sweet mouth of yours open and scream my name as I make you come over and over again.” Now she could smell his cologne, something masculine, woody, and underneath that, the musk of clean male. “Come home with me tonight, Miss Ragsdale. Let me make love to you. I promise you, you won’t regret it.”

BIO

Nicola Cameron is an expatriate Chicagoan who has lived in England, Canada, Holland, and Sweden, and keeps a confusing amalgamation of languages in her head as a result. Currently located in the clavicle of Texas, she has finally mastered the proper use of “y’all,” much to her Chicago family’s dismay.

Despite a healthy interest in sex since puberty, it wasn’t until 2012 that Nicola decided to try writing about it. As it turned out, the skills she picked up during her SF writing career transferred rather nicely to erotic romance. When not writing, she wrangles cats, smooches her husband, makes dolls of dubious and questionable identity, and thanks almighty Cthulhu that she doesn’t have to work for a major telecommunications company any more (because there’s BDSM, and then there’s just plain torture…).

Weekend Writing Warriors – A Not So Innocent Lunch

Click the logo to go to the Weekend Writing Warriors blog

Click the logo to go to the Weekend Writing Warriors blog

Welcome friends old and new. I’m glad you came. Today, I’m sharing from my debut, TAKING CHANCES.

Taking Chances is the first in a series of books I’m calling The Love Projects. Taking Chances is the story of Lydia and Jake. The blurb and cover are below. In Previous Weeks: Jake and Lydia entered the room where they’ll be working together and both have been fighting their desire. LAST WEEK: Jake took a cold shower in Keller’s office. Well, it started cold.  THIS WEEK: Jake returns to the conference room to find Lydia eating the lunch Keller ordered for them.

Barbecue.

Keller was trying to kill him.

Her tongue escaped her mouth to smother her finger in quick caresses. Wet fingers could do a lot of naughty things, and his mind wanted to think of them all. They had a lot of work to do this afternoon, and his thoughts needed to stay on the task in front of them. Why did she have to keep licking her fingers like that? He’d never been so envious of a finger. He crept closer to her and her wicked tongue.

Will Jake’s envy lead him to taking a chance with Lydia? <~ You can <tweet that> if you want. I can tell you it leads one of them to take a chance. Come back next week and you’ll find out.

Click here to add TAKING CHANCES to your Goodreads TBR list

5 Star Review: “Taking Chances, is a must read for anyone who wants a great story, well written, smoking hot smexy scenes and an oh so hot hero.”

5 Star Review: ”Taking Chances is SJ Maylee’s debut novel and she does an excellent job of creating interesting characters searching for connection while providing enough kink and spice to heat things up.”

5 Star Review: “it’s well written, there’s no slw moments and it’s packed full of hot sexual tension”

BLURB:

Lydia’s father walked away from her when she was eight. She’s struggled to not let him affect her, but fears she wasn’t loveable enough to make him stay. Jake wants to takingchances1mlove one woman, but after scaring the last woman he met outside of the club, he doubts he has the right. She protects her heart by sticking with her fantasies, and he lives by a set of rules that excludes women who choose a vanilla lifestyle.

The two will be kept in a conference room working together until their special project is complete. If Lydia and Jake hold tight to their bland lives, they’ll always yearn for love that is out of reach. But together they can find common ground, passion, and a reason to take chances. Once they discover the grand possibilities of the love they desire, they find themselves in the very place they tried never to be again, facing unguaranteed love.

I’m holding a GIVEAWAY through the end of September to celebrate my debut.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

BUY LINKS:

Evernight | Amazon | Barnes & NobleBookStrand | All Romance Ebooks

Thank you so much for visiting me, it means a lot to me that you took the time to visit my little place on the web. Don’t forget to check out the other Weekend Warriors, the Snippet Sunday Facebook Groupand Saturday Spankings too.

Spotlight: BET ON ECSTASY by Stacey Kennedy

click to see all books Spotlighted by SJPact of Seduction, Book 3 is here. I can’t wait to read BET ON ECSTASY. I’ve been loving this series. See the series on Goodreads here. Enjoy!

Bet on Ecstasy cover - click to see on Goodreads

BET ON ECSTASY

Pact of Seduction, Book 3

By Stacey Kennedy

Publisher: Loose Id

ISBN: 978-1-62300-462-0

Release date: September 24, 2013

BUY LINKS:

Author website – http://www.staceykennedy.com/bet-on-ecstasy/

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Bet-Ecstasy-Pact-Seduction-ebook/dp/B00FEIYY5K

Loose Id – http://www.loose-id.com/pact-of-seduction-3-bet-on-ecstasy.html

Book Description:

Business partners, Smith and Brock share their fortune, success, and they share their women. A healthy competitive streak built MDR Software into a multi-million-dollar enterprise, and their on-going bets continuously raise the stakes. The current proposition: an arranged ménage encounter through the sex club, Castle Dolce Vita. The prize: a sexy kitten, Kyra.

While the two wealthy, powerful men are enough to pique Kyra’s interests to fulfill the Pact of Seduction and live out her ultimate fantasy, a bet forged between the men comes with an intriguing promise. Her pleasure is now part of their wager.

Soon, Kyra fights against her desire for the men as she struggles through the complications of a ménage relationship. Of course, the men take their bets seriously and are determined to show Kyra that in this game of seduction no one loses.

About the Author:

StaceyKennedyStacey Kennedy is an urban fantasy lover at heart, but she also enjoys losing herself in dark and sensual worlds. She lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, who gave her a happily-ever-after. Together, they have two small children who can always make her smile, and who will never be allowed to read Mommy’s books. If she’s not plugging away at a new story, you’ll find her camping, curling up with the latest flick, or obsessing over Supernatural, True Blood, Lost Girl, and Sons of Anarchy.

Website – http://www.staceykennedy.com/

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/AuthorStaceyKennedy

Facebook Fan Page – www.facebook.com/StaceyKennedyFanPage

Twitter – https://twitter.com/#!/Stacey_Kennedy

Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3473046.Stacey_Kennedy

CHECK OUT THE OTHER BOOKS IN THE PACT OF SEDUCTION SERIES:Bind Mehttp://www.staceykennedy.com/bind-me/

SK_BegForIthttp://www.staceykennedy.com/beg-for-it/

EXCERPT:

“Prick.” Smith slammed the pool cue down on the table, cursing the game that had cost him a thousand dollars. The muscles in his neck ached, as did the throb in his head from concentrating on winning for the last twenty minutes.

His business partner, Brock, laughed. The black ball spun in the corner pocket, and the white ball swept up the table to hit one of Smith’s two remaining striped balls. “Pay up,” Brock stated.

Smith scowled at the glow in Brock’s blue-gray eyes. He mentally flipped Brock off for his satisfied smirk. With a snort, Smith grabbed his wallet from his back pocket, then tossed the money onto the pool table. “You got lucky.”

“Lucky!” Brock gave a booming laugh. “It’s all skill, buddy.”

He cursed again under his breath, dropping down into the leather seat in the corner of his office. Perhaps he shouldn’t have purchased the new pool table. Then he wouldn’t have had his ass handed to him.

His secretary had thought he’d lost his mind when he asked her to place the order. Smith figured it made total sense. A game in between the long hours he worked kept him sane, which made a thought rise. “Did you go through the last stack of résumés?”

Brock nodded. “Sure did, but no one stood out.”

Smith pointed. “You’re too damn picky.” He’d seen at least four résumés that fit exactly what they were looking for to hire new employees to ease up their workload.

Brock grinned. “Perhaps.” He hesitated, then gave a halfhearted shrug. “Why change something that works.”

Even if the month-long search grated on Smith’s last nerve, he also couldn’t deny the truth behind Brock’s statement.

MDR Software had been built upon years of hard work and sweat, not only from Smith, but from Brock too. When the company had celebrated its five-year anniversary, it had grown into a million-dollar venture in Chicago. After the takeover a year later of fellow software company HighDot, located in the heart of Baltimore, MDR’s worth tripled.

Brock leaned against the pool table, his gaze glowing. “New bet?”

“You emptied my wallet, who says I want another bet?”

While Smith did have money in the bank, he didn’t have any other cash on him. It had taken a good year to stop the memories of living paycheck to paycheck and pinching every penny. Though he’d grown more comfortable with money, he’d never forget when they first opened the company, he ate hotdogs for an entire month.

“Not interested in winning your cash back?” Brock asked, stretching his arms.

The sardonic look Brock delivered usually raised the stakes in their bets. A competitive streak had remained healthy between them, and not only in business. For the most part, Smith enjoyed betting on things, except when he lost. “Possibly.”

Smith laced his fingers behind his head, catching a glimpse of the Baltimore skyline out the large panoramic window. The dark night was typical. There wasn’t a day he, or Brock, didn’t put in a ten-hour shift.

Hard work made for a solid company. Yet the long hours had also been the reason why Smith had been pushing for new employees. He wanted a life, not more time in his damned office.

The telephone next to Smith rang once, and Brock’s grin became sinful. Smith’s irritation at the loss of the game morphed into a new type of heat, pooling low in his groin. He reached for the phone on the side table, then held it to his ear. “Smith.”

“Kyra Garner is here to see you,” the security man, Antonio, said. “I realize it’s late, but she said you were expecting her.”

“Send her up.” Smith placed the phone back on the base, spotting Brock’s expression shift in intensity. Smith also sensed the growing impulse to control and conquer. It’d been a long day waiting for Kyra to arrive, and now Brock’s question held a stronger appeal. “I take it she’s the bet?” At Brock’s nod, he added, “What’s the wager?”

Brock smirked. “Ecstasy.”

Smith had always understood why women flocked to Brock; his charisma, handsome features, matched with a lighthearted personality impressed the ladies. Smith witnessed the toughest businesswomen crack under the assault of that smile. “Bet on ecstasy, hmm?” He rubbed his jaw, considering the proposition. “I’m intrigued, but why that one?”

Brock lifted a lazy shoulder. “Any other bet would make us assholes.”

Smith nearly offered a bet on who Kyra would take an interest in, perhaps who she might want to date when the night concluded. It had happened before. Smith had attempted to date two of the women he’d met through ménage adventures with Brock. The last woman had become near obsessive, causing Smith to shut her down when she showed up at his office. The only thing that resulted from any relationship lately was money-hungry women who wanted a certain lifestyle he wouldn’t give them.

Even the women he dated who weren’t into ménage relationships ended up more interested in where he took them for dinner. The social circuit in Baltimore had been disappointing and hadn’t given him anything other than one-night stands.

After consideration, he dismissed the thought of his idea for the bet. Anything too emotional crossed a line neither him, nor Brock, would cross. He preferred no-strings-attached sex, but he wasn’t a coldhearted bastard. “Interesting bet. Indeed.”

Brock ran a hand through his sandy-colored messily styled hair, which amused Smith. No matter if they were surrounded by millionaires, at work, or watching Sunday-night football, his hair always remained disheveled. “Christ, she’ll reap the rewards anyway.”

From what Smith heard out in the hallway, Kyra was nearly at his office, her high heels clicking along the marble floor. “No one loses,” Smith agreed. “Well, except one of us, which will be you.”

“Dream on.” Brock jumped off the pool table as the sound of her heels against the floor drew closer. “You in?”

Smith nodded. “Double it up.”

The clicks of Kyra’s heels sounded right outside the door. One second passed of silence—far longer than he expected. He wondered if she searched for bravery. When she finally entered through the opened door, the sight of her stunned him, and his entire body came to life.

His cock hardened to steel, causing him to groan as raw primal need tensed his muscles. He experienced a pull to her that shocked the wind right out of his lungs—it was more than lust; it was raw chemistry. Kyra was beautiful.

Standing at the doorway, she offered a sweet smile that held a mysterious edge. Her green eyes were a stunning light color he’d never seen before. Her long black hair would drape beautifully over his thighs when her puffy lips pleasured him.

“Hello, Kyra,” he murmured.

She strode into the office with a confidence he favored in women, chin high, gaze fixated directly on him. Once in the center of the office, she licked those lovely glossy pink lips. “Smith.” Her gaze cut to the right. “Brock.”

“Pleasure to meet you.” Brock winked, a playful smile teasing the corners of his mouth. “I mean to say, in person, and not through e-mails and texts.”

Her laughter was as lovely as the women who owned it. “Yes, exactly.”

Smith stood from the chair in the corner, gesturing to the leather couch. “Please take a seat.”

Kyra approached the couch, and her scent carried to him. Smith inhaled the mix of flowers and spice that suited her. Sweet with a slice of fire. He reveled in that combination. “Would you like a glass of wine?”

Her smile was polite. “Yes, thank you.”

Smith chuckled under his breath, unable to stop himself. An outsider would think she arrived tonight for business. Kyra looked all too proper in her rose-colored blouse and black pencil skirt, but her killer legs were anything but appropriate.

The meeting tonight had nothing to do with discussing software.

Brock closed the office door and locked it before he dropped down into the couch across from her, while Smith retrieved her wine from the small bar in the corner.

“Do tell us, Kyra, about this pact of seduction you made with your friends,” Brock said. “I must admit, I found your ad at the Castle Dolce Vita…appealing.”

A personal ad Smith and Brock had stumbled upon late one night on the Web site’s forum. Castle Dolce Vita was located out of Bowleys Quarters, a half-hour drive from Baltimore. The castle catered to everything from ménage encounters to BDSM to just about anything the mind could conjure.

Smith poured her wine and corked the bottle. He turned to hear her reply in a strong voice, “It’s a silly pact between friends to live out our ultimate fantasies. Call it boredom, or maybe insanity, but that’s the gist of it. Two of my friends have already completed the pact, and so, here I am.”

Smith enjoyed the strength Kyra portrayed. Most women wouldn’t voice such thoughts so freely without a stumble in speech or mere hesitation. Impressed by her, he approached, eyeing her silky calf crossed over her knee, envisioning exactly where and how he planned to touch her.

Smith reached her, raised his attention to her face, and she bewitched him with her elegance. He offered her the wineglass. “You all joined the Castle Dolce Vita to fulfill this pact?”

She accepted the glass and as she did, he brushed his fingers over hers. Kyra’s eyes widened, breath hitched. “Yes, we all joined. It seemed like the best place to find others looking for similar ventures.”

The perfect place, Smith thought.

Though that interested him, he couldn’t take his eyes off her, more than pleased he wasn’t the only one affected by the clear heat between them. Tonight would be enjoyable for all, if her reactions were anything like she’d shown from the simple touch.

He and Brock had both been members of Castle Dolce Vita since they relocated to Baltimore. Of course, they also had visited many sex clubs around the country who catered to sexual exploration. He’d reveled in the freedom. No emotions. No needy women. He could have fun, then walk away.

While both of them had numerous relationships throughout the years, some lasting longer than others, all failed miserably. Their tastes included an active sexual appetite. Smith had never met a woman who fulfilled him enough, and none of their ménage relationships had ever worked out. The women they’d been with had thought they could handle two men, but it always turned out two was just a little too much.

“Why are you members?” Kyra asked.

Simple question. Simple answer.

Together, they weren’t only solid partners in business and excelled at their work, but with a woman between them, they shone. They’d shared their fortune, success, and enjoyed sharing their women.

Smith watched as Kyra took a sip of her wine and her eyes fluttered closed, indicating she enjoyed the taste of the wine. At six hundred dollars a bottle, Smith wasn’t surprised. He sat down in the leather chair to her left, gazing over the long lines of her shapely, silky legs.

Images of them wrapped around his waist while he drove into her could be his undoing. He forced his gaze onto her face again, which was currently turning a lovely rose color under his examination.

Smith liked the effect he had on her.

He fought to remember her question and cleared his throat. “Our business is our top priority. This tends to mean our time is limited. The castle has provided a means for us to enjoy sex without involving relationships. Also, it has the highest form of privacy.” Even he heard the cold distance in his voice and saw her eyebrows rise.

Every person who joined the castle signed a waiver swearing to keep things private and not share identities to nonmembers, and everyone went through STD and AIDS testing. Smith preferred knowing his sexual partners were clean rather than having casual sex with strangers from a nightclub, and the privacy of the castle offered a sense of freedom.

Kyra took another mouthful of her wine, then with a twinkle in her eyes, tipped the glass at him. “Understandable. Privacy is something I can appreciate too.”

Woman, you are to be appreciated, and then some.

Brock chuckled at Smith, clearly reading his thoughts. He turned to Kyra. “Tell us a little something of yourself. More than the basic details in the profile we saw when we discovered you, kitten.”

The side of her mouth arched at the nickname indicating she didn’t mind, and why would she? Smith had no doubt Brock lowered his voice to inflict a straight attack on her hormones.

“I’d prefer if we kept the small talk to minimum,” she said.

Smith leaned back in his seat. He’d never met a woman who didn’t want some type of intimate connection before they had sex. Not in any of the encounters that had been arranged through the castle, or relationships out of the castle for that matter.

He lifted his chin. “All business, then?”

She drank a larger sip of her wine before she lowered the glass. “We’re not here to get to know one another, are we? We’re here to fulfill my ménage fantasy.” Her eyebrows rose higher. “That is what we agreed to, yes?”

“All action. No talking.” Brock’s grin widened as he rubbed his jawline. “Damn, kitten, you’re my type of woman.”

While Brock seemed eager and accepting of her response, Smith wasn’t so easily swayed. Women, even if they came in different colors and shapes, were still women rich with emotions. Right now, Kyra acted more like a man, void of any emotional connection. “Are you comfortable with that arrangement, Kyra?”

Her deep swallow displayed her nerves, but she sipped her wine in haste controlling the reaction. “I prefer it.”

Smith grinned at her while she shifted uneasily in her seat. He enjoyed that he unnerved her, since her presence gave him a hefty erection. Plus, she made him far more interested than he’d ever been in any woman.

While he believed she had, in fact, lied to him with her answer, he wouldn’t speculate as to why. He also wouldn’t argue it out with her either. Her emotions belonged to her. “Fair enough.”

He paused while she drank her wine again. Once he had her fixated on him, he leaned forward, resting his arms on his elbows. “It’s important you’re aware of what’s ahead of you tonight. Before you arrived, Brock and I decided to make a bet on you, if you’re agreeable.”

Suspicion darkened her eyes as she lowered her glass onto her lap. “What sort of bet?”

“Your orgasms,” Brock declared.

A blush crept over her face, yet her expression didn’t hold any wrath at such a bet, which Smith would’ve expected. She blinked. “E-excuse me?”

Brock added, “The wager is simple: orgasms for points. Whoever gains the most points from your pleasure by the end of the night wins the money.”

Her pupils dilated, and her lips arched up into a sexy smile. “Might I ask what the value of this bet is?”

“Two thousand dollars,” Smith stated.

All the heated reaction vanished in a millisecond replaced by wide eyes, and her mouth fell open. She glanced around the office as she must’ve realized their wealth. Maybe only now she realized they didn’t just work at MDR Software, but they owned the company.

Smith had seen the reaction many times—fancy things impressed women, sparkly things even more. What he hadn’t ever seen before, once the surprise faded from her eyes, she didn’t seem at all interested in that. “Seriously, a two-thousand-dollar bet on my orgasms?”

“Yes, kitten, we’re quite serious.” Brock grinned. “Are you willing?”

Christ, Smith could only grip the armrests to stop himself from going to her, tossing her legs over his shoulders, and having himself a snack. No woman had ever made him this damn hard.

In a slow, seductive slide of her finger she traced the rim of her glass as she regarded them. “I’m agreeable to join the bet.” Her cheeks flushed a color that wreaked havoc on Smith’s cock, making it ache in need. “But I’m afraid there’s a problem.”

Smith forced his attention away from her slender finger that he hoped would make a similar move on his dick. He also ignored her pinkish cheeks that he prayed burned deeper while she writhed beneath him. “Which is?”

She hesitated, then said on a quick breath, “I don’t orgasm easily.”

Smith smiled. As if that would be a problem. But it was glaringly obvious she pretended to be a sex kitten who was, in fact, more or less, in way over her beautiful head.

He could see himself respecting a woman like Kyra.

He exchanged a look with Brock, who gave him a firm nod, indicating their thoughts ran on the same line. Smith turned to Kyra again, and he noticed how she squirmed in her seat.

Exactly how he wanted her.

Smith appreciated a confident woman who fought to be brave, and he respected the trait, yet without a certain vulnerability to her, the appeal would fade. He loved pink cheeks and a stunned speechless woman under his touch. More to the point, enjoyed when a woman unraveled in his presence. To hold such heady power fed a greedy part in his soul.

In the minutes Kyra had been in his office, she’d given him all these things.

He tilted his head, regarding the treat awaiting him on the couch. “Quite the dilemma, isn’t it?” He stood from his seat and approached her. It delighted him how she sucked in a deep breath, and how ragged it sounded from her parted lips.

Once in front of her, he took the wineglass from her hands. The stunning clarity in her eyes mesmerized him. “Sit on the desk. Do not cross your legs.”

Her eyes blazed with reservations, even as she licked her lips. “Why?”

Smith scanned over her long, beautiful neck, her silky skin stretching over her hammering pulse. “We take our bets seriously and need to know what we’re up against. It’s a lot of money to wager if it’s bound to fail.” He leaned down into her face, his cock pressed against the zipper in his slacks. “Get on the desk, Kyra.”

Inside Look with Sandra Bunino author of Tie Me Free

Inside Look logo by SJSquee! Sandra Bunino is here today with her latest release, TIE ME FREE. I love Sandra’s books. I gobble them right up. I’ve read TIE ME FREE and I loved it. You can read about my experience here. Sandra’s going to start us off by introducing us to her new book. Take it away, Sandra. 🙂

Thank you for having me on to share Tie Me Free with your readers! Tie Me Free is the fourth book of my Satin Rose Experience series. However, no worries if readers haven’t read the other three books, because as with the other books in the series, it can be enjoyed as a stand alone story. That said, readers of the series will be reunited with old friends! Of course Asher and Mia make an appearance as the heads of SRE, New York’s exclusive BDSM club. Jackson Reid is also back as he demonstrates his knowledge of sensual rope tying.

Tie Me Free was an absolute joy to write because it touches on so many aspects of art. You see, I’m a modern art buff and like my heroine, Kate Angel, I love to get lost in a museum for an afternoon. In Tie Me Free, Kate is introduced to another type of art called Shibari, an ancient Japanese form of rope art. Instead of paint on canvas, beauty is created with rope on skin. Kate harbors body issues. Her insecurities multiply because the person dying to tie her up is a much younger Dom with an oh-so-sexy Irish accent! 

Anyway, I better stop here so I don’t give too much away. If you like hot Irish Doms, a little bit o’ kink and a whole lotta sexy, please consider downloading Tie Me Free. 

TiemefreeTie Me Free

(The Satin Rose Experience)

by Sandra Bunino

Release date: September 12, 2013

From Evernight Publishing

Blurb: 

She’s forty and vanilla…he’s twenty-eight and…not. 

Score one for Kate Angel. She’s just signed the hottest erotica author to her start up publishing house, Angel Books, but she needs a crash course in kink to appease her demanding client. Creating a Domsublife.com profile seems like an innocent way to do her homework and satisfy her curiosity. 

Mason Myers has lived a lifetime in his twenty-eight years. The product of an Irish orphanage, he grew up fast to overcome his lonely, humble beginnings to become the successful businessman he is today. He’s also an experienced Dom at the Satin Rose Experience, an elite BDSM club in New York City. 

A mutual appreciation for modern art establishes their online connection. Mason convinces Kate to meet him at the Guggenheim museum’s erotica exhibit where she reveals her fascination in the art of rope bondage, known as Shibari. Introducing her to the ancient art within the safety of the club, Mason helps Kate surrender her deep-seated hang-ups about her age and body image.

As the physical and emotional ties that bind her into the submissive of his fantasies tighten, can Kate learn to break the emotional tethers ruling her life and embrace the freedoms they bestow?

Tie Me Free can be found here:

Amazon US / Amazon UK / AllRomance eBooks

BookStrand / Evernight Publishing

Excerpt:

Kate stared at the platform as the click of the door sounded over the mesmerizing music. Looking over her shoulder, she found Mason watching her from his spot next to the door. She turned to the only other piece of furniture, a large armoire with a double door. “May I?” She glanced back to Mason.

            He extended his hand toward the cabinet. “Of course. Please.”

            Kate’s heels clicked on the wood floor as she approached the cabinet and swung open the door. Assorted colors of rope lengths lined the shelves. Kate fingered the cords and pulled out a loop of red silk rope. “I didn’t realize the ropes were so soft.”

            Mason pushed off from the wall and walked to her. “The ropes are an extension of the person performing the tying. An extension of their arms and fingers. They’re meant to caress and comfort. The ropes are symbolic of the connection between the individuals involved in the scene as you saw outside.” Mason stood just a whisper from her face. His thumb brushed her fingers holding the silk cord as their gazes locked. “How about a little roleplay, Kate?”

            She cocked her head. “Roleplay?”

            “Do you want to know how it feels to be dominated? To be tied?”

            Kate held her breath and her heartbeat hammered in her chest.

            “Kneel on the platform and put your hands behind your back.”

            “What?”

            “Your safe word is moon. Use it now or anytime during the session.”

            “Session? We never talked about a session tonight.” Kate pulled her hand away but Mason held it firm in his grasp. “I’m not playing games with you, Mason.” She wriggled her wrist free and walked toward the painting.

            Soft footfalls approached and his breath tickled at the back of her head. “You’re looking for something more in your life, Kate. It’s why you took on Blaze as a client, it’s why you joined Domsublife, it’s why you met me at the Guggenheim and it’s why you’re here in this suite. I’d kept tabs on your reaction and body cues as you watched the demonstration. You’re craving to be bound, I can taste it. And I assure you, this is no game. If you don’t like it or it makes you feel uncomfortable to the point you want to stop, say the safe word and I’ll stop and untie you. No questions asked.”

            He was right. Somehow he’d always been right on the mark when it came to her and what she was feeling. The music ceased for a moment between songs. Kate spun around to meet his stare, heartbeat pounding in her chest as her breathing became shallow but she refused to break their stare.

            Kate considered his words and studied his face. “Are the cameras on? Are they watching?”

            Mason nodded. “Yes. Surveillance is on. I gave Mia and Asher the heads up that you might want to experiment. They have your safe word.”

            Kate turned back to face the painting and leaned into his chest. “You scare me,” she whispered.

            His fingertips trailed a path up and down her arms. “Why?”

            “Because you seem to know what I’m thinking before I do.” Because you’re so right for me but so wrong. Because you’re like a gooey, delicious ice cream sundae I’ll never allow myself to taste.

            Mason chuckled. “Is that a bad thing?” His voice poured through her body. Closing her eyes, she pulled away from him. Her glance moved from the door to the platform. She’d never have another chance like this to experience it. Kate squared her shoulders. “Okay. But I’m not getting naked,” she said, holding an index finger up. She moved to the platform and kneeled. Even though the surface was hard, a calmness came over her as she moved to the middle of the table and gazed over the painting in front of her.

            “I’m fine with that limit, for now, except for your feet.” Mason slipped off her shoes and rubbed tight circles his thumbs into the arch of her foot.

            Kate let out a throaty moan. “How do you know how to do that?”

            “Reflexology. It’s part of the study of shibari. I also learned where the body’s pressure points are.” His thumbs traveled to the balls of her feet and let up on the pressure. “How’s that feel?”

            Kate groaned. “Heavenly.” Her muscles loosened instantly.

            “Good. Now just relax, spread your knees apart and sit on your heels. This will be the most comfortable position for you as we do this.”

            Kate complied as his fingers traveled up her back to her shoulders. “You have knots in your shoulders. Under stress?”

            “That’s an understatement,” she snorted.

            “Close your eyes and get lost in the music. Don’t think of anything outside of this room. It’s just you and me.”

            Kate smiled. “There is no you and me, Mason.”

            Mason shushed her and applied pressure to the knot in her shoulder, making her wince. “That hurt like a bitch and felt amazing at the same time. How the hell do you do that?”

            “Shh. Don’t make me gag you, Angel.”

            The words rolled off his tongue as Kate’s mind flashed to the model in the first picture they’d seen at the bondage exhibit. Warmth spread through her body at the thought. Her breath hitched as she imagined the assortment of gags and blindfolds in the drawers of the cabinet. The warmth of Mason’s body radiated through her shirt, his face against the back of her head. “The thought of being gagged turns you on, doesn’t it?”

            “Shit,” she whispered. Did it turn her on? What. The. Hell?

Author Bio:

Sandra Bunino is a numbers crunching business professional by day who stays up past her bedtime thanks to her oh-so-sexy imagination. Who needs sleep, anyway? 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. She always looks forward to hearing from her readers and she may be contacted at sbunino@gmail.com. As a social media junkie in need of a ten-step program, you can also follow her on Facebook and Twitter (@sandrabunino). 

Remember, following is sexy!

Contact Sandra:

Website / Email / Facebook / Goodreads

Amazon Author Page / Twitter @sandrabunino