Mari Carr's Blog, page 92
November 14, 2011
Quote & Contest
[image error]Today's quote:
"…a purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved"- Kurt Vonnegut, Cat's Cradle
AND how about a contest I like to call Shameless Begging? I feel like celebrating the release of White Knight and I'm asking for your help promoting it. White Knight is the second book in a little duo series called Scoundrels (Black Jack is the first). I loved writing these stories which take place in an L.A. nightclub called Scoundrels. The stories are "two books in one" as they alternate between a couple in a modern day sex club and their historical counterparts living in Regency England.
Recently I attended RAW in Flintstone, Maryland. This is a Reader Appreciation Weekend hosted by Lora Leigh. I came away from the conference with TONS of goodies. So…the prize for this contest will be a fun one. You will win a RAW totebag filled with t-shirts, promo and paperback books. I'll even throw in a signed copy of my latest print book, Wild Times.
What do you have to do? Help me spread the word about White Knight. Simply Facebook it, tweet it, blog about it or email/tell a friend about it. Then tell me in the comments section how you shared the news and your name will be thrown in the drawing. The contest will run from now until Monday, November 28.
Now…how about the White Knight deets. It releases at Ellora's Cave on Wednesday, however, it probably won't show up on the third party vendor sites (like Amazon and Barnes and Noble, etc.) until the week of Thanksgiving. This is the reason I'm stretching out the contest. If you're like me, you like the ease of one-click ebook shopping! Here's the blurb and a link to an excerpt:
Shea Landon knows this is a bad idea. But when you're broke, tired and homeless, you do crazy things. She decides to crash in her new place of employment, a fetish club, borrowing the big, comfy bed that's used as a stage prop. She doesn't realize she's not alone…
Travis Knight knows this is a bad idea. As he views his new waitress sneaking around the club after hours, he realizes he should fire her, call the police. Instead, captivated, he watches her on the same security monitors that separate him from the world. Until watching isn't nearly enough…
Two people—one desperate, one broken, both hopelessly alone. Two people assuaging their needs through spanking and sex games, bondage and taboo fantasy. It's enough. It has to be—when the biggest secret between them might be a tragedy neither can overcome.
Read an excerpt.
Thanks and Good Luck! 
November 13, 2011
Six Sentence Sunday
My next release, White Knight, comes out at Ellora's Cave this Wednesday. I thought I'd tease you with six sentences this fine Sunday.
Shea mumbled something incoherent and he grinned.
"You're going to be trouble, aren't you?" he whispered.
She sighed, but didn't stir.
Fuck it. He wasn't going to fire her. Where was the fun in that?
Want more sentences from more authors? Check it out here.
November 12, 2011
Saturday Snippet
Next Wednesday, November 16, the sequel to Black Jack, White Knight, releases. Today's theme is sexy and when I think of that word, the Scoundrels books instantly come to mind. Today I'm sharing a sexy snippet from Black Jack.
Black Jack snippet:
"Lay down, Em. On your back."
She narrowed her eyes and he knew she was irritated at being commanded to do anything. "This is pointless."
"Not at all." He walked to the bed and crawled on. He sensed Emma's surprise when he continued moving, pushing her until she was caged beneath him. Once he had her where he wanted her, he froze, giving himself time to take stock of her response to his close proximity. Her breathing accelerated slightly and he could see the tiny pulse at her neck racing. Her nipples made an appearance, poking against the material of her T-shirt.
"I've watched the fetish shows before," he said. "And you're right. The lighting and sound effects are deceptive. Always made me wonder how much was real and how much was make-believe."
She nodded and licked her lips. A nervous reaction? Or an invitation?
Jack decided he didn't give a shit. He'd waited a lifetime to kiss her. He bent down and placed his lips on hers.
For a split second, Emma remained motionless. Then she responded. Reaching up, she wrapped her arms around his neck, accepting his kisses and his tongue as he invaded her mouth. He lowered until his forearms supported his upper body on the mattress. The switch in position pressed his body closer to hers, her breasts crushed against his chest.
Jack deepened the kiss, unwilling to break the spell. He'd never consciously let himself imagine kissing Emma, knowing he'd want it too bad. Now that his lips were on hers, he kicked himself for being a fool. Suddenly, all the years they'd spent floundering in mere friendship seemed like a huge waste of time.
Her tongue brushed his and he groaned. Lowering his waist, he ground his erection against Emma, letting her feel his arousal, his need.
Her response shook him to his core.
Reaching down, she lifted her skirt so she could raise her legs to wrap them around his waist. He pressed his cock against her panty-covered pussy, the heat he found there undeniable even through the denim of his jeans.
He shifted slightly, humping against her until she was panting. Jack wondered if he could bring her to orgasm with the simple motion and increased his speed. He wanted to see her come more than he wanted his next breath.
A slight shuffling sound from the landing above momentarily caught his attention but Jack blocked it out, not caring if Travis watched. The idea that his friend might be on the landing ramped up his efforts. He lifted his lips from Emma's and moved away slightly. Her face was flushed, her eyes hungry. She blinked rapidly, confused by his sudden departure.
"I want to watch you come."
She shook her head, no doubt trying to regain her wits. He refused to let her overanalyze his request.
"I need to know what it looks like."
Black Jack is available at Ellora's Cave, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Sony and All Romance Ebooks.
Let the sexy snippets continue…
November 8, 2011
Eastern Ambitions
Today marks the release of the third book in the Compass Brothers series, Eastern Ambitions. I'm over the moon. I'm thrilled. I'm ecstatic to see this book hit the virtual bookshelves. My writing partner, Jayne Rylon, took the lead in writing this story and she knocked it OUT of the park. I hope you'll go check it out.
He's lost everything. Can he win her heart?
Compass Brothers, Book 3
Sam Compton never liked getting his hands dirty, at least not on Compass Ranch. Armed with a business degree, he's about to become the youngest VP at an illustrious Wall Street investment firm. Until his partner in an office romance turns into an ultra-refined snake in the grass.
Staggering from the punch of betrayal, another blow threatens to level him. His father is dying. He races home to lend his brain to his brothers' backs at the ranch, and finds something he never expected. A sophisticated yet playful woman stimulates his mind…and parts below the belt.
Compass Ranch gave Cindi Middleton's wounded soul everything it needs: a home, acceptance, and respect—not to mention unlimited sex—from the ranch's sexy cowboys. Despite their instant and intense sparks, Sam's defection to the bright city lights she left behind is a big red flag. She's been there, done that, burned the T-shirt.
Yet the heat of their attraction brings them circling back to each other's arms…until a certain snake reappears, threatening to endanger the acquisition of the one thing Sam has realized is truly priceless.
Product Warnings
Tissue alert! The authors recommend you have a few on hand while reading this book. To make up for any sniffles, a host of cowboys with open arms await to console you, distract you or make your wildest dreams come true.
Excerpt:
Cindi shook her head as Seth helped his brother up the stairs. She didn't have to be introduced to recognize the man who'd ridden in with the southern charmer. Another one of the infamous Compass Brothers had returned.
Magnets from the four corners of the country, not to mention several places around the world, pinned pictures of Vicky's heartbreakers to the refrigerator in the main house. Even without the recent headshot of one of New York's top traders, she'd have had no trouble identifying JD's offspring.
Sam had inherited his father's build and the easy flow of his movements. Something about him called to her even more than the other potent Compton men. Maybe it'd been his sophisticated style, his understated yet quality clothing or his classic haircut, which highlighted his handsomeness more than his ruggedness.
In person, he blew away the photo she'd drooled over when putting up leftovers. Damn.
"Careful, sweetie." Jake approached from where he'd been tinkering with a piece of equipment. He wiped the grease off his hands onto his jeans before trailing his index finger down her neck. "You're looking like you might swallow that talented tongue of yours."
"Jealous?" She lifted a brow.
"Maybe." He shrugged. "Can't imagine a Compass Brother sharing his girl. That'd be a mighty big problem. For both of us I'd reckon."
"You do realize Silas has sex with both Colby and Lucy, right?" She adored the blush that enhanced his deep tan.
"That's different." He shook his head. "You know what I'm talking about. Or if you've forgotten, maybe I could show you. Pretty sure Duke, Johnny and Levi are finishing up inside. We'll make you forget you ever saw that kid. City-slickers like him don't have anything on real men."
"Not tonight, Jake." For the first time, the idea of a romp in the hay with them didn't appeal. Usually an invitation to be embraced by their group inspired a shiver. Not today. "And don't talk like that, okay? It doesn't improve my opinion of you."
"Really, Cin?" He retreated a step or two as though she were one of her beloved barn cats, hissing and slashing at him with sharp claws. "Is that how it is? I always thought you didn't care about a man's standing as much as his open arms. We've made you part of our family, given you what you needed. The second you see some rich prick you're going to throw us over? Hell, you've never even talked to the guy."
"Don't you think you're getting ahead of yourself?" She chuckled. "All I'm doing is standing here, enjoying the evening air and the scenery."
"I've seen that look before." Jake came closer. He crowded her against the wall, but she didn't flinch. He'd never hurt her.
When he bent his head and stole a kiss, she added enough heat to the brief glide of her lips to reassure him.
"I like it better when it's aimed at me," he whispered in her ear. "Have your fun. I'll be ready to pick up the pieces."
"What do you have against Sam?" She tilted her head as she studied the tightness in Jake's jaw. He was one of the most relaxed, easygoing cowboys she'd ever met.
"It's hard to respect a kid who doesn't appreciate his good fortune." Jake shook his head. "I'd have killed for the kind of folks he has, the support he threw in the garbage. All of the Compass Brothers."
"Didn't they leave right after high school?" That's what ranch rumor had to say about it, anyway.
"Yeah. All of them lit out of here like their asses were on fire, the moment they turned eighteen. Silas… Of all of them, I get how that situation could screw with your head. Maybe." He kicked at a rock. "The rest, well, I don't understand."
"You can't judge what they did as teenagers, Jake." She snagged his hand and squeezed. "You're older. We both know how important these kinds of connections are. They were lucky. They didn't have a clue what it's like to be totally alone, like us. Never will probably."
"I hope you're right." The cheerful mask he typically wore drooped a fraction, and Cindi couldn't resist their bond. Jake had provided a safe haven for her when she needed it. Tonight seemed like a bad night for him. "Wouldn't wish that on anybody."
She leaned toward the open door, tugging on him gently. "Your offer still stand?"
"Why?" He peered from beneath the brim of his dark, dusty hat.
"I think I changed my mind." She walked backward, drawing him into the barn.
November 7, 2011
Quote of the Day
"The air was soft, the stars so fine, the promise of every cobbled alley so great, that I thought I was in a dream."
- Jack Kerouac, On the Road
Compass Contest
To celebrate the release of Eastern Ambitions, book three in the Compass Brothers series, Jayne and I thought we'd each hold a "See how it all begins" contest. The rules are easy. Simply take a peek at my Books page and tell me which series you've always wanted to read. One lucky winner will receive book one in the series they select. Jayne is holding a similar contest on her page, so don't forget to pop over there to check it out. I will choose my winner Monday at 5 p.m. EST and I'll announce it here. Thanks so much for visiting!
November 6, 2011
Six Sentence Sunday
The third Compass book, Eastern Ambitions, releases on Tuesday. I thought I'd give you a little sneak peek at Sam's story.
Sawyer squinted at the vanishing taillights of the ranch's pickup.
"Guess that's that." Sam angled toward the automatic doors leading to the terminal. His twin followed as though he were a reflection in a mirror instead of a separate human being. It was only right that they leave together even if they were heading in opposite directions.
All their lives, they'd been so much the same while ultimately completely different.
Want more sentences from more authors? Check it out here.
November 5, 2011
Saturday Snippet
This week, the third book in the Compass Brothers series, Eastern Ambitions, releases. I thought it seemed fitting to share a bit of the first book, Northern Exposure, and introduce you to the setting of these stories. There is an underlying theme of home throughout the books. I want to show you a bit of Compton Pass.
Northern Exposure snippet:
Prologue
Dry brush crackled under the hooves of Silas Compton's roan gelding. It hadn't rained in a while. He could tell it would be a long summer by the clouds of terra cotta dust rising in the wake of his brothers' galloping horses as they raced across the mountain ridge.
Not that he'd know it where he was headed. Alaska would provide a total change of scenery. Exactly what he needed. Pain lanced his chest, causing him to tense in his heirloom saddle. Rainey's ears flicked up. Silas patted the loyal animal's neck, settling into the rhythm of their canter, and wondered how he would survive so far from the land that had been a part of him since he'd been born.
Somehow he would have to make it work.
He sure as hell couldn't stay.
Like the three-legged dog they'd had as kids, he would learn to cope without an integral part of himself. If only he and his puppy had reined in their curiosity and avoided those damn traps…
But they hadn't.
Lucy Silver, the veterinarian's sweet daughter—who'd been dancing through his dirty dreams since he'd been old enough to have them—had spotted Silas making out with her boyfriend in the barn. It'd been like the day he'd watched his puppy scramble toward the razor-sharp jaws lying concealed under a pile of straw all over again.
Removing himself from the equation seemed like the only way he could halt imminent disaster and protect the two people he cared about most outside of his family. He'd already destroyed enough of Lucy's innocence.
Christ, he couldn't explain what had driven him to kiss Colby in the first place.
Impulsive. Rash. Reckless.
Qualities Silas didn't value. The one time he gave in to the dark urges he wrestled, he paid a horrible price. But he'd caught Colby checking out his sweaty muscles as they'd worked together in the heat of the day. Desire had arced between them.
Irresistible. Delicious. Forbidden.
Until the agony on Lucy's face had slammed him back to reality. Silas vowed to leave the couple to mend their fences and live in peace, without the threat of his interference ripping them apart. Lucy and Colby devoured each other with desperate gazes when they thought no one paid attention. It didn't take a genius to figure out their love was the real deal.
He'd go, even if it meant giving up everything familiar and cherished, including his brothers and his two best friends. Because he sure as shit couldn't stay and keep his hands to himself. Not with a double helping of temptation running wild.
Amber rays from the setting sun ignited the prairie below. The glowing grasslands seared into his memory. He'd never lose track of his roots. He'd never forget his heritage, Compass Ranch, even if he couldn't accept his destiny as its head.
His brothers would pick up his slack.
Seth, a year younger than him, whooped then grinned over his shoulder as he spurred his mare faster. Wild as a mustang, he flew over the landscape to the spot they'd claimed as their own. The twins, Sam and Sawyer, followed suit.
They hadn't discussed their plans for the evening. As soon as Silas had made his announcement to the family, the boys had glanced around the dining table—where all important family business was conducted—and nodded. They hadn't objected to his desertion, but strain lined their faces, sorrow dimmed their eyes and the betrayal he feared flashed in the air a split second before they began planning how they'd support him.
Christ, their generosity had made him feel lower than the shit on the bottom of his muck boots because he hadn't had the guts to admit why he really planned to leave. None of them would have been dumb enough to mess with something that wasn't theirs. And if they had, they wouldn't have lied about it on top. Such strong souls would thrive with or without him. But could he cut out something so essential to his being and live so wounded? So lost?
Cut adrift, he might not make it.
Silas gripped the reins too tight. He forced himself to relax his fingers.
One night. He'd give himself these final hours with his brothers to say goodbye to all he treasured. Tomorrow, he'd ride out. Forever.
The driving hoof beats slowed as they approached their destination. By the time they ducked beneath the shelter of the mountain cypresses, the rocky terrain forced them to walk their mounts. None of the teenagers would jeopardize the safety of their animals or their brothers.
He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to contain the agony lassoing his heart as he realized he'd never be close to the men they'd grow into, their families or the children who'd take their places in the tight-knit community like so many generations before them.
The last damn thing he wanted was to bawl like a sissy.
If his family caught on to his pain, they might not let him go. Luckily, he'd learned from the toughest sons of bitches in the west how to be a real cowboy. If that was the only way he could honor his legacy, he'd man up and do it. Somehow.
They dismounted, reverting to familiar patterns. Seth and Sawyer tied the horses as Sam gathered kindling for their bonfire. Silas patched the pit left from prior visits then dug some supplies from his pack, including hot dogs despite the fact they'd eaten dinner before they left. These days, the four of them could shovel in enough to feed an army.
Or so their mom said.
"Si, you're bleeding." Count on Sawyer to notice.
"It's nothing." Silas faced the youngest, by twenty-two minutes, of his brothers. The kid's twin had already picked up on the vibe. Damn their weird-ass mental connection.
"It's something." Sam sidled up behind him to take a peek. "It's too uniform to be a cut."
"Did you do it?" Damn if Seth didn't tip his hat and glare from beneath his dark brows. When Silas didn't answer, Seth stomped over. "Holy shit. You did. You got a freaking tattoo. Without me? Without us? You asshole!"
Silas dodged his brother's half-hearted punch toward the sore spot between his shoulder blades. The disappointment radiating from the guy in waves did more damage than his fist would have. After Silas's sudden declaration of independence, this looked bad, but he couldn't come clean and admit the craving he'd had to brand himself with some symbol of home before he took off. Not if he had any hope of escaping.
"I had a hard enough time convincing Snake to ink me. If I'd brought you guys with me, he never would have caved. He only did it because I'm eighteen now."
If Silas had told Seth, they wouldn't have been able to stop Sam and Sawyer from tagging along too.
"Well, I suppose that's true. Plus he's probably afraid JD will kill him if he finds out." Sawyer let Silas off easy, as usual.
"Yeah, that's why I took the bandages off. Didn't want him to notice."
Pride for their badass father glowed from the kid. Silas agreed. As head of Compass Ranch—the center of Compton Pass, Wyoming—JD Compton wielded vast financial clout but his personality made him larger than life and, most important, earned him respect by the acre.
"But you gotta let us see it at least," Sawyer insisted.
"Sure." Silas dropped a wedge of firewood on the crackling flame Sam had started, and then stood. All three of his brothers lined up behind him—Seth in the middle, the twins on either side—when he tugged his gray T-shirt over his head, wincing a little at the sting of his sweat in the open wound. The three usually raucous kids didn't make a single peep when he revealed the artwork. "It's swollen and stuff—"
"Whoa." Seth broke the silence.
"It's awesome." Sam laid his palm to the right of the emblem, careful not to touch the raw skin.
"Sweet," Sawyer agreed then added his hand on the left side of Silas's back.
"Does it hurt?" Seth completed their connection, touching the area below the design.
"So bad," Silas gasped, struggling not to drop to his knees.
"I'm still doing it. Next year. The minute I turn eighteen," Seth whispered into the gathering twilight. "Exactly like this."
"Me too," Sam chimed in. "The compass design is fucking great. And the ranch brand is perfect. It matches the one we use."
"I didn't know Snake had this kind of shit in him. The shading is so cool. It looks 3-D." Sawyer's hand shook on Silas's back. "I want one now. Like yours. But without the fancy N."
"You're only fifteen," Silas barked. "Wait a while and make sure it's what you really want."
"I know what I want."
"Things don't always happen like you expect, Sawyer." Silas felt the pressure of his brothers' hands bracing him as he heaved a giant sigh.
"Is that why you're leaving?" The high pitch of Sam's question reminded Silas that even though his youngest brothers had started fooling around with girls in their class, and he'd busted them splitting a six pack they'd swiped from the bunkhouse, they still had more boy than man in them.
"Yeah." He couldn't give them more of the truth than that. It embarrassed him. Angered him. And threatened to drown him in despair.
"Well, some people might flip flop around. Not me. Not going to change my mind." Sawyer stuck to his guns. He'd always been the most determined to prove himself despite being the baby of the group. Maybe because of it. "I'm joining the Coast Guard. Gonna see the world."
"What?" Silas pivoted to stare at the kid, severing the connection with his brothers. He regretted it instantly, but he had to search Sawyer's eyes for the truth. "You've been watching too many freaking commercials. Your place is here, on the ranch."
"No, it isn't," the teenager whispered.
When the other two nodded in agreement, Silas staggered backward.
"You're not planning to stay?" His forehead crumpled as he tried to understand. "None of you?"
"Don't look at us like that." Seth waved his hands in front of his chest. "I figured you'd understand. I need to get the hell out of here. Find my own place. Same as you. Not Alaska though, I hate winter. You're crazy to take on all that snow. Somewhere warm. Maybe I'll head down south. Yeah, that's what I'll do. A fancy S instead of an N on my compass, bro."
"What? No!" Silas couldn't explain. "It's not like that. I mean—"
"We understand, Si." Sam smiled then nodded. "I'd like to go to college. Earn a degree, find a real job. Something where I don't have to dirty my hands to rake in cash. I'll have fancy clothes, a slick apartment and a kickass car. I'll party every night with the hottest girls in the city."
The relief washing over his brothers filled Silas with anxiety and left him reeling. Who would help their father with the ranch? Who would continue their family traditions? Who if not him? Or Seth? Or Sam?
"Oh, no." Sawyer shook his head as he kicked a rock. "Don't give me that look. I told you, I'm not getting stuck here. Fuck that. You think someone should hang around, then stay put. It ain't too late to cancel your plane ticket."
"I-I can't."
"And neither can we." Seth slugged his shoulder. "Come on, start the dogs. I'm starving. Jake slipped me a couple Playboys for doing his chores last weekend so he could bang Misty Trelane."
"Nice! Me first." Sam managed a head start for their brother's backpack as Sawyer launched himself after his twin.
Silas watched them wrestle, laugh and call each other names as though his entire world hadn't been ripped apart. Then he pivoted and stared out to the horizon as the sun set on his childhood.
Northern Exposure is available at Samhain, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Sony, Fictionwise, Kobo and All Romance Ebooks.
Want more settings? Check out these snippets!
November 1, 2011
Two Great books!
Now y'all know I love me some Jess Dee and Jambrea Jo Jones. They both have new releases out this week.
For Jess, it's See You in my Dreams–and a new series, Speed–coming out at Samhain today. Check it out!!!
Every girl's fantasy…one woman's dream.
Speed, Book 1
Sophie Butler is sure she's about to lose her much-needed cleaning job. She's not only walked in on a guest—a violation of her employer's cardinal rule—but she can't seem to tear her gaze away from his gorgeous, naked-as-the-day-he-was-born body.
If all that isn't bad enough, her usually sensible judgment and behavior are clouded by a nagging sense of familiarity. She knows the man from somewhere, she just can't quite place him.
Nathan Pace is certain he's just lost his jealously guarded anonymity. But hold on…if she's just another fan looking for a piece of his alter ego, rock star Jamie Speed, why is she blushing six shades of scarlet? And why is he instantly aroused? When he catches a glimpse of her eyes, he knows. She's the woman who for ten years has haunted his dreams.
The attraction that flares between them is undeniable—and unstoppable. But getting close means risking Nathan's secret identity. Just this once, he'd like a woman to fall for the real man, not the press's version of a celebrity superstar.
Product Warnings
This may be an erotic contemporary romance, but it does contain a hint of fantasy. And when that fantasy involves erotic dreams about a gorgeous rock star, you know you're gonna want the fantasy to become reality…
For Jambrea, the story is an awesome one called Rayne's Wild Ride! Check out the main character's name!
It gets better.
Rayne Carr was riding his bike, minding his own business when his life was forever changed. Driving over State Boulevard Bridge he sees a woman about to jump and intervenes. Appearances can be deceiving.
Charles Sylvester Piper, III wants to end it all. No one understands him. His father is abusive and his mother hides in a bottle. When his younger brother finds Piper in his favourite dress he is kicked out of his basement apartment. With nowhere to turn he leaves his life to fates hands. When a big scary biker asks for a kiss on the worst night of his life, who is he to refuse.
Is love really all you need?
Reader Advisory: This book contains cross dressing.
October 31, 2011
Quote of the Day
Happy Halloween! And in the spirit of the day…
From A Nightmare on Elm Street). This movie freaked me the hell out in the 80′s!
"1 – 2 – Freddy's coming for you, 3 – 4 – Better lock your door, 5 – 6 – Grab your crucifix, 7 – 8 – Better stay up late, 9 – 10 – Never sleep again…"
