Starla Kaye's Blog, page 20
March 4, 2015
Spotlight: Kelly Dawson and Bracken Ridge
My special guest today is Kelly Dawson, talking about her newest book from Blushing Books, BRACKEN RIDGE.
Before we get started with the specifics of BRACKEN RIDGE, I have some questions for Anna Fletcher, the heroine of the story.
Can you tell the readers a little about yourself?
I’m 24 years old with a Degree in Psychology, and Jeremy’s been my best friend forever. I’ve had a crush on him forever, too, but never thought it would go anywhere. Horses are in my blood. Riding them is as natural to me as walking, and when I’m training race horses, galloping along with the wind in my hair, it’s the best feeling in the world.
I can picture you doing that and it sounds wonderful.
What are a couple of random thoughts about yourself that will surprise the readers?
I love it when Jeremy spanks me. Well not at the time obviously, as it hurts like hell. But afterwards … I love what it, he, does to me. He’s so sexy when he’s stern, and getting told off by him is heaven. Being growled at is second only to making up afterwards. Don’t tell him I said that though!
It’s our secret.
What makes you blush?
Every time Jeremy spanks me and makes me feel like I’m a naughty child. Especially when he leaves his office door open! Once I’m back on the floor, trying to get on with my work pretending nothing has happened, I blush every time someone looks in my direction. It’s shameful.
I’m sure it is awkward.
What upset your ordinary world and brought you into contact with each other?
Coming home from University as a failure – destitute, homeless and jobless, thinking I could take over the family business, to find Jeremy there as Manager, filling the job that should be mine.
That sounds like instant conflict.
What was your immediate reaction to each other?
He smacked me with his riding crop for swearing, without even saying hello! I swore at him again, then hugged him enthusiastically – I couldn’t believe he was still around!
Uh-oh, tricky start.
What do each of the lead characters think about love and romance?
I’m a woman – I love romance. I love to be romanced. Jeremy doesn’t have a romantic bone in his body, although he insists he waited for me while I was away, so that’s pretty romantic I guess.
Typical man.
Who took the first step in heating things up between you?
Jeremy. It took a long time for things to heat up between us though, everyone thought we were a couple long before we actually were.
Hmmm, sounds interesting.
Would you rather be caught in a wild moment of passion or tied down and taken?
Wild moments. Definitely. Spontaneity is the key to pleasure.
I totally agree. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
And now for the specifics about BRACKEN RIDGE.
BLURB
When Anna Fletcher comes home from University back to Bracken Ridge, the equine centre where she grew up, she is stunned to find Jeremy McCrae working as the manager. They were children together and she has had a crush on him forever. The years she’s been away, Jeremy has only gotten cuter.
Anna has plans for Bracken Ridge, but before she can implement them, she needs to prove herself. The biggest obstacle in her path is her nemesis, the stable hand who thinks Jeremy is mighty fine. Once Anna gets past her, Jeremy is standing in her way – he’s now the boss, but she can’t work for him. He’s been her best mate forever, and to cede to his authority now is going against every grain of her nature. Being the daughter of the owner, Jeremy isn’t allowed to fire Anna, so when she gets rebellious and sassy he decides to spank her instead.
Can Jeremy tame Anna’s rebellious spirit before it is too late?
BUY LINKS: Blushing Books Amazon Barnes & Noble
EXCERPT
Jeremy gave her a grin when she walked past him in the stables the next morning. Dawn had barely broken, and the stables were a hive of activity. The three school-aged stable hands were hard at work, tying up horses, leading others outside to the day paddocks and mucking out stables. Anna gave him the fingers. The stable hands sniggered. They liked Jeremy for the most part, but they had each encountered his wrath at one time or another. He was a fair man, but firm. And the young stable hands thought he could be too bossy and had an occasional arrogant streak, so they loved it when someone gave him his come-uppance.
“Back to work,” Jeremy snapped at them. Then he looked directly at Anna and pointed towards the direction of his office. “My office. Now.”
“Ooooh, now you’re in trouble!” one of the stable hands murmured quietly, but Anna couldn’t tell which one it was. Jeremy smiled, shaking his head. Then he followed Anna into his office and shut the door. He indicated the chair on the side of the desk nearest the door, and he walked around the desk and sat in his big swivel chair.
“Your father’s advice was to haul you in here first thing this morning and give you a severe telling-off. I wasn’t going to, but it appears that he knows what he’s talking about. “
“Go on then, I’ll sit here and ogle you and listen. You’re sexy when you’re stern.” Anna leaned back casually in the chair and smiled, and she saw Jeremy stifle a grin.
“Do you still want to work for me?”
Anna nodded. She did. Well actually, she didn’t. She didn’t much enjoy working for Jeremy at all. She wanted to be in charge. And she liked him much better when he wasn’t in charge. But right now, her options were to work for him, or not. So she chose the former.
“Good. You’d better get it into your mind to follow my orders then, and stop undermining me in front of the staff. It’s hard enough to keep kids of that age in line, without you giving them a bad example. Your father reckons I’m not allowed to fire you. However, I have his full support in doing whatever I want to gain your compliance, and he will not question my methods.”
“And what methods will they be?” Anna asked sweetly, looking up at him flirtatiously. As her father had told her the exact same thing last night she wasn’t surprised, although she was curious as to how Jeremy thought he would force her to obey him.
“Spanking.” Jeremy replied, a twinkle in his eye.
“Spanking? Are you serious?” It was all Anna could do not to laugh.
“Ah-ha. Spanking. I take it you’re familiar with the concept?” This time the smallest of smiles escaped Jeremy’s lips even though he fought to stop it – he’d grown up with Anna. He knew for a fact that she was very familiar with the concept of spankings.
“Crikey, that will just about be worth being naughty for!” She skipped out of his office lightly, and as she did, Jeremy reached out and slapped her butt.
“Ow you bastard! That hurt!” She shrieked at him, clutching the seat of her jeans in mock agony.
Jeremy grabbed her arm and pulled her in close to him so he could whisper in her ear. “That was just light. The next one will really hurt. And if you swear again, you will find out just how much it will hurt.” With a wicked grin and another hearty slap, he let her go. She walked away quickly, rubbing the sting out of her bottom as she went.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kelly Dawson loves anything to do with horses, rodeos and cowboys, and loves to get lost in a good book – preferably a rural romance where a strong woman falls in love with a ruggedly-handsome, tough but gentle cowboy, and these are the types of characters who feature in the stories she writes. Only in Kelly’s books, the cowboys are even better because they spank!
She lives literally at the bottom of the world in the South Island of New Zealand, with her husband, four kids, a dog and a cat.
AUTHOR LINKS
Google+ Facebook Twitter Authors Den
The post Spotlight: Kelly Dawson and Bracken Ridge appeared first on Starla Kaye.
March 2, 2015
Spotlight: Ann Raina – Kisses and Chains
Today I am talking with Ann Raina, author of KISSES AND CHAINS, her latest release.
Before we get into specifics about her book, KISSES AND CHAINS, I’ve got some questions for Ann.
What can you share with the readers about yourself?
I started writing when I was in school. My first push to writing stories came with Star Wars. I loved the story, but there were only three movies. So I created more…
What drew you to being a writer, other than loving Star Wars?
My teachers at school encouraged me to write more than the usual interpretations of classic works or essays as homework. Although my stories back then were truly not brilliant, I had a teacher who offered to proofread them. He told me much about writing, styles, and character creation. I owe him a lot.
Do you have a muse?
Oh, yes! My muse works with me on every novel, from the first idea to the last scenes. She is the one who checks for logical breaks or brings in funny moments. And she never shies away from any subject.
Your muse sounds very helpful . Do you do anything special to get in the mood to write?
I love to write in the morning when no one else is around. It’s easier during winter time when it’s dark and cold. Then a nice place at the PC with the view through the window is great. In summer, I want to be outdoors, even in the morning. That’s the time of year when I need a push to write at all.
I, too, have a difficult time writing when my draw is to be outside in nice weather. How do you come up with a story line?
An idea hits me and I play it around in my mind. If it’s worth a thought more, I speak with my muse about it. Sometimes a story develops, sometimes we drop the idea because the story line is too thin.
What are you currently working on for your next book?
In my current work, I’ve come to a scene where I need a really good turn in the story, a solution that must be surprising and elegant. Since such an idea has not yet shown up, the work rests. So I’m spending time proofreading the last finished work that has yet to be contracted.
I understand about getting temporarily stuck on a project. It helps to work on something else until you figure out the answer you needed.
What was the most challenging book that you’ve written?
I wrote a historical romance with five different story lines to follow. I needed a complete overview where the characters stayed and how much time they needed to ride from one town to the other. I worked with maps and read a lot about traveling on horseback. In the end, all the people had to meet in one place and, yes, that was a challenge!
I’ve written historical novels, too, and understand how difficult it can be getting certain elements in the story to work. Definitely challenging.
How did you come up with the title of your latest book?
KISSES AND CHAINS was very fitting because the main character lives through the ordeal of being a prisoner to become the heroine’s lover. They escape together, but that’s only the beginning of their problems.
What was your favorite scene in KISSES AND CHAINS?
My first idea was the escape of the main character, Shian, from his pursuer. I had the scene in my mind and I wrote it down one evening. It came out just the way I wanted and this was a great feeling!
I understand how wonderful a feeling it is too basically get lucky writing a particular scene.
Do you have a favorite character in KISSES AND CHAINS, and why?
It didn’t happen for the first time that a side character developed into a leading character. I’m not sure that I directed this development. The assistant of the local owner of all the workers, Draneiki, is at first very dedicated to his employer, but changes to a man with a different view on the events taking place around him. He becomes a critic, but still cannot deny who he is–not a hero, that’s for sure, but a man to be liked and respected.
Ann, thanks for sharing some thoughts about writing KISSES AND CHAINS with us. Now we can get into the specifics of the book.
KISSES AND CHAINS
By Ann Raina
Release date: 03/01/2015
Publisher: eXtasy Books
BUY LINK: Extasy Books
BLURB
On the run, Shian takes a spaceship to Radavé, not knowing that his life will be turned upside down. Culma Verde, a headhunter, is on his heels and known to never give up. Can his new love Keila help Shian out?
EXCERPT
Shian wanted to embrace her, but the chains did not allow it. He cursed without words. The restrictions reminded him every minute that he was nothing but a piece of Delion’s valuable collection.
Keila sighed. “So I sit here on the estate of my father, wait for the right man, and until that happens, I have not much to do.” She put away the glass and caressed Shian’s face. She smiled through sadness. “I should not bring this upon you. I’ve been bored and frustrated for a long time. You’ve brought some light back to my life. So you’d better forget what I said.”
“I guess I understand you better than you think. You sit in a cage, too, and don’t know how to escape. It’s just that you don’t wear the chains in the open.”
Keila kissed him tenderly, playing her tongue in his mouth. When he went along, she slipped from the couch to get closer and the kiss got wilder.
“I want you,” she whispered. “I wanted you from the first day. I haven’t felt so alive for a long time.”
“But I’m not allowed to—”
“I know, but I want you. Please, Shian, please.”
Shian had never been asked more nicely, but still her father’s threat rang in his ears. He should not try and get closer to any woman, especially not the most valuable firstborn daughter. Get your hands off her! That’s madness!
When he didn’t respond, Keila drew back.
“It’s not that I don’t want you,” he confessed quietly, looking down at the chains holding him. “But I’m not out for castration if your father finds us.”
“You are right.” She licked her lips and a mischievous smile played around the corners of her mouth. She was blushing and looked very lovely. “I have to make better preparations.”
“You will—”
She put a finger on his lips. “I will find a way.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ann Raina lives and works in Germany. Besides writing, riding is one of her favorite hobbies. She loves to be outdoors and enjoy the woods in her region. She’s also a gardener and a baker if time allows. With eXtasy Books, she has published eight novels so far, and a new erotic romance is a work in progress.
AUTHOR LINKS
The post Spotlight: Ann Raina – Kisses and Chains appeared first on Starla Kaye.
February 27, 2015
Spotlight: Playing Doctor by Jan Meredith
Jan Meredith is my special guest author today with her delicious sounding contemporary book, Playing Doctor.
Title: Playing Doctor
Genre:
Publisher: Entangled, Brazen
Release Date: November 25, 2013 (This may be a slightly older release, but it is still yummy! One reviewer said it had HOT scenes and developed characters.)
CONTEST: Leave a comment for a chance to be the lucky winner of a surprise, slightly naughty prize.
BLURB – Playing Doctor
One night with a sexy stranger is just what the doctor ordered…
When a fellow RN predicts Beth Roberts will meet a tall, ripped, and totally lick-o-licious stranger who will fulfill her deepest desires, she laughs it off. Given her tragic love life, Beth has no desire to become involved again. But who could have predicted the doctor with the mischievous smile she meets at a wedding, or the chemistry sparking between them that threatens to break through her defenses?
Dr. Gabriel North spent two years blaming himself for his wife’s death. Having finally battled through the guilt and overcome his demons, he’s ready to move on. When he meets a sexy nurse at his friend’s wedding, the attraction is swift and strong, and he wastes no time in pressing his advantage. One night with the woman who makes him feel alive again isn’t enough, but gaining Beth’s trust is going to take more than seduction…
EXCERPT – Playing Doctor
Taking advantage of the quiet moment and the opportunity to get off her feet, Beth chose a table under one of the huge white reception tents and took a seat, then immediately wished she had stopped at the bar for a bottle of water. She pulled the band from her ponytail and gave her hair a quick finger-comb as she glanced around, hoping to catch one of the wait staff. Instead, she saw Dr. North, his long legs quickly eating up the distance between them with a sexy, loose-hipped stride that made her mouth water and start up a whole different kind of thirst.
He had a drink in each hand and an expression of pure male determination on a face that was melt-your-thong handsome, and yes, a faint cleft bisected his chin, as if his maker had reached out and gently tapped him with a let him be a hottie finger.
He stopped at her table and grinned, the same sex-you-up grin he’d given her earlier that shifted her hormones into high gear all over again.
Beth bit back a groan. Ground, just open up and swallow me whole. What in the world had she been thinking, doing that eye flirty-thingy with him? It was just a game, payback for the sizzling once-over he’d given her earlier. He wasn’t supposed to follow up on it for crying out loud, and he definitely had a follow up on it look in his eye. There had been no time for embarrassment while working on Albert, but now here he stood, larger than life and twice as sexy.
Without waiting for an invitation, Gabe dropped onto the chair beside Beth and slid one of the tall, sweating glasses in front of her. “Now that we have Albert squared away and his family reassured, let’s say we start over? Hi, I’m Gabriel North.”
Gabriel, huh? Earlier, while working over Albert, it had been Gabe. Now it was Gabriel. Bet he used that on all the girls, and ten-to-one, it worked every time. Beth managed to tear her gaze away from the most gorgeous pair of brown eyes she’d ever seen and looked down at the hand he held out to her. She slid her palm over his, totally unprepared for the frisson of heat that moved over her skin when his fingers closed around hers.
“Beth Roberts,” she replied around what felt like a bale of cotton in her mouth. She pulled her hand from his and reached for her glass, the condensation a cool shock against fingers still sizzling from his touch.
Beneath the table, his thigh brushed hers and then lingered, igniting a shimmer of warmth under her skin. A flicker of apprehension coursed through her, then quickly faded and she relaxed. In the four years since being subjected to Jamie’s abuse, she’d gotten past shying away from men in general. She no longer flinched at a sudden move or expected to be shoved out of the way during times of unexpected close proximity. She didn’t know Gabriel, but felt oddly at ease with him, sensing nothing threatening or presumptuous in his actions. It was as though he simply…belonged. Working alongside someone, fighting to pull life back into another human formed a common bond between people—even if those people had been heavily eye-flirting only moments before, she thought grimly.
“Thank you for the drink.” She picked up the glass, took a cautious sip.
“Water and lemon. I didn’t know your preference, and it seemed the safest choice.”
Beth watched as he lifted his glass to his mouth and drank deeply. She swallowed as if the cool liquid was sluicing down her own suddenly parched throat and wondered how the simple act of water sliding past his lips could appear so erotic. And the way he licked it from his lips—not a regular old dart-and-swish, mind you, but a leisurely swipe of his tongue, and she could almost feel the rasp of it along the seam of her…
Heat, dark and rich, infused her sex. She shifted in her chair and tipped her hips down in attempt to relieve the ache building there, only to find it heightened the sensation.
“It’s not very comfortable, is it?”
Blinking, Beth watched Gabe’s mouth curl into a slight smile. When she looked up, a glint of amused hunger brightened his eyes.
He knows. He knows what he’s doing to me. How freaking embarrassing! And how incredibly hot.
She cleared her throat. “I’m sorry?” Was that her voice, all breathy and sultry?
He paused, studied her for a moment, and then said, “The chair…it’s not very comfortable.”
Relief washed over her, quickly followed by a touch of disappointment. Had she misread him? “No, no it isn’t.” To prove it, Beth shifted again and crossed her legs. She groaned inwardly when the change of position rubbed her thighs and the needy territory between them together, intensifying her little problem.
“Sometimes,” Gabe started thoughtfully, turning his glass in small half circles on the tabletop and drawing her attention there. His broad thumb streaked the condensation on the glass and then paused to slowly circle one small area. Beth scrunched down a little and squeezed her thighs together. “Sometimes, you have to find just the right…spot.”
Clench!
“Yes, well,” Beth clamped her fingers around her glass. Her toes curled inside her shoes. She shifted slightly, dragging her gaze up from the motion of his thumb on the glass. Warm, observant eyes looked back at her, full of promise and possibilities. Well. Maybe she hadn’t misread him after all. “Fortunately, I won’t be sitting on it for long.”
“Fortunately,” he agreed solemnly.
Beth’s eyes narrowed. Were his lips twitching? Frowning, she willed her body to behave. Easier said than done, with that hard length of muscled thigh pressing against hers each time either of them moved. “You were saying?”
BUY LINKS – Playing Doctor
AUTHOR BIO
Jan Meredith has been a romance junkie since her teens. When she isn’t penning steamy stories about strong-willed, independent women and the sexy men who love them, she works as an ER nurse and in the Infusion Therapy Clinic. She lives near Mammoth Cave, KY with her husband (and former high school sweet heart) Tommy and their two dogs, Chevy and Nova. She has two sons, also nurses.
AUTHOR LINKS
Website Facebook Twitter TSU Facebook Author Page Jan’s Junkies Street Team
The post Spotlight: Playing Doctor by Jan Meredith appeared first on Starla Kaye.
February 26, 2015
Cowboys: Building a Western Story World
I write a lot of romances involving cowboys. One of my most recent releases includes a cowboy and ranching. FOR RUBY’S LOVE, from Decadent Publishing, also includes a cowgirl horse therapist.
Many elements are involved when writing a western story. I have previously done a number of posts about various cowboy items, such as jeans, boots, ropes, and hats.
This time I want to share some links to good places for doing research on the cowboy world.
Basic Horse Care – Horse behavior, feeding, hoof care, common health problems, psychology for riders
Horse Supplies- Country Supply– Dewormers, pest control, horsewear, supplements, medications, leg protection and hoof boots, fencing, stable supplies, halters and leads, grooming and bathing, riding apparel, Western tack, farrier tools, and more
Breeds of Livestock – Cattle, horses, goats, sheep, swine
Beef Cattle Terminology – The lingo of the trade
Pedigree Cattle Breeds – The CattleSite – Beef and dairy breeds, breeders, societies and associations
Cowboy Wear-Cavender’s – Cowboy hats, boots, jeans, shirts, and more
Cowboy Hat Guide – Hat selection and care, storage, size and fitting, wearing and handling, protecting and cleaning, cowboy hat etiquette
Cowboy Lingo – The people and land, personal gear, saddles and tack glossary, horse terms, cattle terms, cattle drives
Ranch Vacations – Dude ranch rates, selecting a ranch, list of dude ranches, international ranches, ranch categories
Saddles & Tack – Chick Saddlery – Saddles of all kinds, bridles and headstalls, breast straps, reins, saddle pads, blankets, bits, girths and cinches, saddle bags, stirrups, spurs, halters, leads, horse boots, leg wraps, snaps, buckets, horse grooming aids, chaps, and more
FOR RUBY’S LOVE
MINI BLURB
Rancher Calhoun Cordell and businessman Daniel Patterson have struggled for almost two years as a couple, with careers and goals often in conflict. A tragic fire, leading to a traumatized valuable breeding mare, has Calhoun sending for a well-known horse whisperer. Except the man is dead. His daughter, Ruby McMurtry, shows up for the job instead and complicates their lives even more.
BUY LINKS: Decadent Publishing Amazon Barnes & Noble iBooks Kobo
by Starla Kaye
The post Cowboys: Building a Western Story World appeared first on Starla Kaye.
February 12, 2015
Cowboys in Charge…oh my!
I am excited to announce that Cowboys in Charge, a short story collection originally released in 2011 has been revised and strengthened. The new version is now available in paperback and ebook format.
Cowboys in Charge includes seven stories of strong, loving cowboys and the women who try their patience. These are romantic stories with a touch of domestic discipline/spanking.
BLURBS
Snowed in with Her Cowboy
James wants Kelly to quit work and start a family, but she resists the idea. Will he give up the idea of a family or will he give up Kelly?
Too Much Red at Christmas Time
Lizzie has a bizarre addiction to Christmas shopping and she can’t help herself, even knowing she will face the wrath of her husband who believes in domestic discipline.
For the Love of His Cowgirl
Amber missed the fun little games she and Adam used to play. There never seemed to be time for steamy sex, or even the spankings he’d occasionally given her for various infractions of rules or for misbehavior. Could she entice him back, get the dwindling fires of their love going again?
Cowboys and Their Toys
Jennifer loved Jason and she’d trusted him as he led her into the BDSM lifestyle. But now he wanted to take things to a more intense level and she balked at it. Would she lose him if she didn’t agree to go 24/7?
Naughty, Naughty Cowgirl
Spankings had not solved all of their problems. Justin had known something was wrong with Nicci. He knew he should have tried to talk to her sooner, but he’d avoided that until she moved out and shattered him.
All I Want for Christmas (Biggest Prize Ever)
Krystal loved the bad-ass bull rider, but she wasn’t into sharing Ryan with all of the rodeo bunnies who lusted after him. She’d spent too many years living for his visits home. It was time to move on and find someone she could depend on to be there all of the time.
A Special Gift for Her Cowboy
Christina wanted time and attention from Joshua but he’d become sour, lost his sense of humor, rarely made love to her. He hadn’t even spanked her in months. She’s not willing to give up on her cowboy. Maybe a Christmas gift on the edgy side will help win him back.
BUY LINKS
By Starla Kaye
The post Cowboys in Charge…oh my! appeared first on Starla Kaye.
February 7, 2015
Cowboys in Charge
The post Cowboys in Charge appeared first on Starla Kaye.
Spotlight: Desiring Death by Christina Mandara
I am delighted to share a spotlight on DESIRING DEATH by C. P. Mandara.
Title: Desiring Death
Author: C.P. Mandara
Series: Evading Death (Book 1)
Genre: Paranormal/Vampire/Erotica
Publisher: Chimera Books UK
Release Date: 22 January 2015
Edition/Format Available In: eBook / Paperback
BLURB/SYNOPSIS
Violetta is an executioner… of vampires. Famed for her fiery beauty and mesmerizing personality, she has never failed an assignment.
Monsieur Martinet is no ordinary vampire, though. He is a master at his craft and can control humans with the merest flick of his eyelids. The vampire huntress with the porcelain skin and flaming red hair has killed all of his brethren, without exception. He now seeks the ultimate revenge: her submission in HIS bed.
If he’s allowed to stay alive long enough, that is.
EXCERPT
‘Drop that pretty little glass vial you’ve got hidden away in your right hand on the floor, now.’
That the voice and arm belonged to Martinet was not in question. He injected the words into her ear with such rancor that she wondered if he’d kill her there and then. A few seconds of terrorized silence passed. His grip tightened around her neck. Gurgling in protest, her hand stubbornly clutched the precious little bottle even more tightly because it might be the only lifeline she had left.
‘You’re a tenacious little chit, aren’t you?’ He growled as he shook her body forcibly. ‘Do you really want me to employ ‘other’ tactics?
She burbled insensibly as he began to cut off her air supply but she didn’t drop her precious cargo. If he was going to kill her, then it would be better if it were sooner rather than later.
‘You surprise me, Miss…’ He let the sentence hang in mid-air and Violetta felt him give her a push to answer it. She held on to the words that threatened to erupt from her lips, even though it was a hard won battle.
He frowned. ‘I’ll stamp that wilfulness out of your body, Violetta. Mark my words. All you are doing is waving a bright red banner saying ‘spank me’ in front of my face and the outcome for your arse, delectable though it may be, isn’t looking good.’ Sarcasm dripped off his tongue.
While Violetta did not respond to his words, she did stop struggling. The intelligent part of her brain said that the action was worthless, for his strength more than quadrupled hers. Feeling her hands shake around the smooth glass vial and a bead of sweat drip down her neck, she wondered why he didn’t just pluck the offending item from her fingers and smash it against the wall. He was more than capable of such a feat
‘Ah, but where would be the fun in that? It’s much more amusing to watch you do my dirty work for me and the more painful and unpalatable you find my ideas, the better.’ His arm softened around her neck, but she did not feel in the slightest bit relieved. ‘Last chance, Vi. Drop the bottle.’ Her spine stiffened at the use of her nickname, which had previously been reserved for friends, but her backbone did not waver. She would not drop her little present. He would have to take it from her. Smiling darkly at the thought, she imagined throwing the contents of the tiny tube all over his body and watching as his skin blistered and burned.
‘Oh, I think not, precious,’ he purred into her ear and with his free hand, he ran his fingers through the tempting, glossy red waves of her hair. Without warning his fist closed around a handful of her locks and yanked it tightly downwards. Her head flew back sharply and her eyes immediately connected with two bright blue orbs that had danger written all over them.
‘Your face looks so much better when it’s immersed in pain. Not quite so smug now, are we?’ His breath tickled her ear, as his hand purchased an even tighter grip on her hair. The ends that were buried into her scalp began protesting at the cruel treatment. ‘Drop it. Now.’
Violetta’s head stung furiously as he forcibly tried to wrench several follicles out at once, but still she retained her tight grip on the bottle. ‘What’s to stop me from flicking the cork stopper out of this bottle and throwing the contents all over you?’ She asked the question in a saccharine-sweet voice, laced with irony. They both knew he would not take the bottle from her. It was far too risky.
Sighing, Martinet released her hair and the impressive grip he had maintained around her neck, before walking backwards a couple of steps. She waited for something to happen, but the whole world had gone silent and the only thing she could hear was the sound of her strained breathing and a heartbeat that felt like it had just witnessed a murder. On the plus side, she guessed that he had released his hold on her. Turning around slowly, she watched his steely gaze bearing down upon her. Her internal organs began to liquefy.
‘Afraid, Violetta? What’s stopping you?’ He took another casual step back and lifted his arms in the air, as if urging her to do her worst. If that was the way he wanted to play things, so be it. Her thumb flicked at the cork stopper that held the precious water inside. Whilst there was probably only twenty centilitres of water held inside the small tube’s confines, it would be enough. With a little hiss, the cork popped free and there she was, holding her escape ticket, just a few scant inches away from her prey. All she needed to do was throw it. A quick flick of the wrist and her nightmare of an evening would be over. She would watch him writhe and roll around the floor in the throes of agony and not feel the slightest bit of remorse knowing that she had delivered his last steps upon the planet earth. He was a monster that needed to be stopped. She was a trained huntress. She had been primed for this moment for the last ten years of her life. It was time to put that training to good use. She thrust the contents of the vial at him.
BOOK LINKS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Christina (C.P.) Mandara was born in the UK, but has spent most of her life travelling the world. She speaks three languages and has been chiefly employed in the fields of finance and travel. Her favourite city is Sydney and her favourite holiday destination is the south of France.
She loves keeping fit and enjoys running, cycling and water sports. No, not those kinds of water sports; think surfing or sailing. That doesn’t mean that she doesn’t enjoy BDSM in all of its glorious forms, be that pony girls, bondage, edge play, orgasm denial or a damn good spanking. Her favourite item in the toy closet (a box simply isn’t big enough) is her riding crop.
In her spare time she’s usually cuddled up with a good book, exploring the countryside or baking in the kitchen. In fact, she loves her kitchen so much she’s one of few woman who wouldn’t mind being tied to it! Her first and foremost love is writing, however, and more often than not you’ll find her on a laptop spinning tales of romance, erotica or dark, paranormal fantasies.
AUTHOR LINKS
Blog {Blissful Blog}
Twitter {@naughtynell101}
Twitter {@cpmandara}
Other Works by C.P. Mandara
Pony Tales Series
Hot to Trot (3)
(4)
A Rough Ride (5)
Evading Death Series
Dancing With Death: Ensnared and Enraptured (Prequel)
Desiring Death (1)
Rafflecopter Link for $20 Amazon Gift Card and 3 eBook copies of Desiring Death:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/shar...?
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Cowboys in Charge-collection
COWBOYS IN CHARGE includes seven stories of strong, loving cowboys and the women who try their patience. These are romantic stories with a touch of domestic discipline/spanking. NOTE: This is much revised and expanded version of the collection originally published in 2011.
Snowed in with Her Cowboy: James wants Kelly to quit work and start a family, but she resists the idea. Will he give up the idea of a family or will he give up Kelly?
Too Much Red at Christmas Time: Lizzie has a bizarre addiction to Christmas shopping and she can’t help herself, even knowing she will face the wrath of her husband who believes in domestic discipline.
For the Love of His Cowgirl: Amber missed the fun little games she and Adam used to play. There never seemed to be time for steamy sex, or even the spankings he’d occasionally given her for various infractions of rules or for misbehavior. Could she entice him back, get the dwindling fires of their love going again?
Cowboys and Their Toys: Jennifer loved Jason and she’d trusted him as he led her into the BDSM lifestyle. But now he wanted to take things to a more intense level and she balked at it. Would she lose him if she didn’t agree to go 24/7?
Naughty, Naughty Cowgirl: Spankings had not solved all of their problems. Justin had known something was wrong with Nicci. He knew he should have tried to talk to her sooner, but he’d avoided that until she moved out and shattered him.
All I Want for Christmas (Biggest Prize Ever): Krystal loved the bad-ass bull rider, but she wasn’t into sharing Ryan with all of the rodeo bunnies who lusted after him. She’d spent too many years living for his visits home. It was time to move on and find someone she could depend on to be there all of the time.
A Special Gift for Her Cowboy: Christina wanted time and attention from Joshua but he’d become sour, lost his sense of humor, rarely made love to her. He hadn’t even spanked her in months. She’s not willing to give up on her cowboy. Maybe a Christmas gift on the edgy side will help win him back.
Amazon Reader Reviews: 5 Stars
“Loved the stories – a great value. Seven fairly quick reads but put all together and this is one to enjoy multiple times. No one does spanking cowboys like Starla Kaye!” (BB Bell)
“Cowboys in Charge is a collection of “snapshots” depicting couples in various phases of relationship, enduring the stresses of ranch life, family, personal choices and the holiday season. Each short story starts at nearly the same place in time, and takes you through another set of eyes as you see how the same timeline resets itself for another couple. It’s as if you are living in a rural community and looking out at the other homesteads and downloading that couple’s story.” (Linda Marie)
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February 3, 2015
Cowboys: Rope, Lasso, Lariat, and More
Cowboys: Rope, Lasso, Lariat and More
Did you know that the word “lasso” refers to the act of throwing the looped noose at the end of a “lariat”? Lassoing is the actual synonym for roping a cow or a horse.
Some Useful Definitions:
Hoolihan: A particular style of loop used when throwing a rope. The loop is thrown over the head for roping horses. The rope is not swung round and round before it is released, to keep from exciting the animal.
Lariat: A long rope made of braided rawhide, hemp or polyester or nylon. It has a running noose at one end, which is used for catching horses and cattle. The noose (ring) can be tightened by pulling the other end.
Pigging String: A short piece of rope carried on the saddle. Used for tying the back legs and one front leg of an animal so they can’t get up.
Rope Strap: A strap made mainly from leather, with a buckle. It is attached to the pommel of a saddle to attach a rope.
References: Articles on Roping
How to Tie a Quick Release Cattle Rope Knot: http://bit.ly/1F1WIzw
Throwing a Lasso: http://bit.ly/1D9n1EL
How to Tie a Honda Knot in a Lasso or Lariat: http://bit.ly/1KnR5g7
Ropes from Scruggs Farm: http://www.scruggsfarm.com/Ropes.html
Cowboy Personal Gear: http://bit.ly/1u1JgKQ
References: Videos on Roping
Pasture roping: http://yhoo.it/1BYRrry
Sundance roping in pasture scene: http://yhoo.it/16eVQeU
Ranch roping: http://yhoo.it/1ECXANz
How to rope cattle with a lasso: http://bit.ly/1u1wgoC
By Starla Kaye
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January 27, 2015
A Cowboy and His Jeans
A Cowboy and His Jeans
Did you know that the first jeans were made in 1873 by Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis? Jeans by definition are trousers made from denim or dungaree cloth. Originally they were designed for cowboys and miners, but in the 1950s they became popular with teenagers.
Levi’s Jeans are considered comparable, but the inside seam can rub against the leg in the saddle. Levi’s were a traditional favorite in the West. Many cowboys preferred Levi’s 557s that are specifically designed for riding. They have slightly fuller thighs, legs that fit well over boots, a high rise in the back, and high set pockets. The 557s are no longer produced.
Wrangler Jeans in the straight-leg style are a favorite of many cowboys. They like the heavy fabric weight and the outside “rolled” seam. Wrangler has been the “Official Jeans of the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association” since 1974.
CUTS OF JEANS:
LOW-RISE: Fit low on the waist, to show a slender waist.
MID-RISE: Fit closer to the waist, good for most body types.
HIGH-RISE: Fit above the waist to the base of the ribcage.
BOOT-CUT: Fit slim through the hips and thighs, flare away from the calf to fit over boots.
FLARE LEG: Fit similar to boot-cut jeans, but the leg openings give a bell shape.
STRAIGHT-LEG: Fit more relaxed in the hips and thighs, the legs go straight down.
WASHES OF JEANS:
STONEWASHED: These jeans are light in color and have a softer feel. They are made to look this way by tumbling the jeans with a pumice stone to soften them.
DARK: These jeans are deep indigo in color, often feeling thicker and stiffer.
CLASSIC: These jeans are a moderately dark shade of blue, crisp and clean.
ACID: These jeans look faded with flecks of a darker shade, most popular in the 1980s.
REFERENCES:
In connection with the release of For Ruby’s Love from Decadent Publishing, available from Decadent Publishing, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, and Kobo.
By Starla Kaye
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