Pauline Allen's Blog, page 2

The World of Gilded Lily

Today my new release Gilded Lily hits the cyber shelves. I'm very proud of this book for very personal reasons. Lily's world was part fantasy for me and partly a grief process taking place that took me to my knees. I hope everyone enjoys this magical and sensual world of three people. One needs to find his journey. Something doesn't feel right and needs to get away. A woman who has found the courage to attempt pushing the envelope on the life she knows she deserves. Letting the past go is painful and leaping into the future is terrifying. And lastly, another man who is finding his peace in a dominance he is now given permission to embrace. Three people traveling on their own paths and coming together for an explosive sexual experience that leaves them breathless and amazed at far they've come.

GILDED LILY


Lily stood outside the funeral home with a cigarette clenched between two trembling fingers. The stale taste lingered against her lips as she blew the small billow of smoke into the warm afternoon breeze. It was only on rare occasions she needed to light up. The day her ex walked out. The reading of her grandmother’s will. When her mother called to state, matter-of-factly, that the lump in her breast wasn’t a caffeine deposit. This was another event to tag on to the growing list.

Cigarette teetering between her lips, she rifled through her purse for a mint. She should’ve pulled her hair up. Tony always knew what was best, she thought. Should’ve worn the flat sandals too, and definitely should’ve swiped on some extra deodorant. All the wishing in the world wasn’t going to bring Tony here. He didn’t care much for New York; besides, he was overrun at the office. But the patients could’ve waited. She’d been his submissive for three years, after all, and needed him more than ever.

Finally. She thumbed the tiny lid on the plastic container and shook the last green pellet into her palm. After grinding the fire-red end of the cigarette into the sand pit ashtray, she shoved the candy into her mouth. She stuffed the container into her purse and fished out the compact mirror. She checked her lipstick and hair. “Nicholas was right,” she said to herself, clipping the compact closed and dropping it back into her purse. “If there’s not a man marching with an umbrella and a band behind him, what’s the point of a funeral? Why else is the word fun in it?”

Two tall men stood by the frosted glass doors. Their gentle nods preceded their opening the doors for her to enter. Lily politely smiled and walked through into a hall lined with the other guests. Clutching her bag, she tightened her fingers together around the leather straps. The feel of leather was a reminder of comfort. The sensation of a supple belt snapping against her bare skin always led to the delicious heat of the sting.

The reel in her head played in repetition. It was Tony’s voice telling her she could do this. You can do this. Deep breaths… Follow the line.

God, Tony, I need you.

Deep breaths… Follow the line. You can do this.

Tony…

She slid the purse straps over her shoulder and tucked her hands to their familiar position behind her back. The silk blouse Tony had chosen for her to wear fluttered against her heated skin. Nicholas, God rest his soul, used to tell her she dressed like a schoolteacher and acted like a schoolgirl. Lily grinned, thinking about his handsome face, the way he’d pull his baseball cap down to shade his eyes from the bright sun. She stifled fresh tears and took a deep breath before stepping toward a small podium.

It was her turn at the guest book. She penned her name, then stared at the space next to her shaky handwriting. Affiliation. That’s all the title read. What should she write there? Friend… simply friend. That was as good a title as any, she guessed.

She moved aside to let the man behind her have access to the book. An older couple passed and she followed them through the archway. The line to the coffin was long. She decided it’d be best not to go up to see him yet. Seeing her friend lying in a box wasn’t something she was ready to face. Such a colorful man. Greenery and white roses? Lily gave a quiet snort. Anyone who really knew him would’ve brought hibiscus and daffodils. Choosing a folding chair in the rear of the large seating area, she inconspicuously sat down.

The overwhelming heaviness in her chest pushed her senses into a numb void as she scanned the room, watching people come and go through the wide set of French doors. Some stood at the coffin for what seemed like an eternity, wiping away tears as the person next to him or her held the weeper’s shaking shoulders. An older gentleman with distinguished salt-and-pepper hair stood at the head of the mahogany coffin. Nicholas’s father, she guessed. Nicholas had spoken of him often enough that Lily recognized the distinct features Nicholas had described. He’d say he got his father’s chiseled jawline and big hands, while his brother got his father’s brooding attitude and broad shoulders. The memory of long nights spent in two lawn chairs with a couple of bottles of red lingered after the summer had said good-bye. Lily was sure the last bottles they’d shared were still sitting on the stable-house porch.

Standing close to the gentleman’s side was another man, quite younger. The brooding brother. Both brothers shared striking features. Nicholas’s natural hair color was dark. He’d have Lily lighten it on occasion, but it was as chocolate brown as the man’s standing by the coffin. This man was a bit taller than Nicholas, with broader shoulders, but both had the same long legs and easy stance.

Lily adjusted in her seat and crossed her ankles. Immediately remembering Tony’s instructions, she unwrapped her ankles to gently press her knees together. Her dominant might be loving, but he was also insistent she obey him at all times. Even when he wasn’t present.

She lowered her gaze before anyone could see her admiring her friend’s brother. It’s a funeral, for Christ’s sake. Couldn’t she keep her thoughts clean long enough to mourn her dear friend? She snickered, realizing Nicholas wouldn’t have minded. He’d have done the same thing, along with commenting on the atrocious outfit his aunt was wearing or how the white roses looked silly in the little cherub vase.

The way he used to talk about his boyfriends was hilarious. If his dates wore the wrong color sweater or ate like a pig on safari, he shut them down. There always seemed to be some quirk that turned him off. Every man tried too hard, robbed too much of his time. Lily admired his independence, his ability to walk away and always find acceptance in the next man. She was learning, with the help of Tony, to discover the strength within her, a courage she’d longed to claim and embrace.

She could hear Nicholas’s sweet voice, “I’m a little devil, not a little angel.”

Lily looked up as the tall, dangerously handsome man came closer. Had Nicholas told his brother about their relationship? She knew while Nicholas had lived on her property, he’d kept up correspondence with his brother. A nauseating panic filled her stomach. Did he know who she was? What would she say? Did he know the nature of her friendship with Nicholas? God he’s sexy. The way his long legs moved with a smooth and easy stride spoke of confidence, an awareness he had no one to impress. This was a man who took his sweet time whenever he pleased. A man who made her mouth water and her nipples harden, and he was walking right toward her. He was almost within reach. Lily sat on her hands with her purse resting on her lap.

“Hello.” He extended his large hand. His voice was a deep baritone, much like Tony’s.

The way his emerald gaze skimmed her face made the funny feeling in her stomach ease. She couldn’t look away from the hint of melancholy shimmering in his eyes as his smile rose with his warm greeting. An ache seethed through her. Taken aback by his size and beauty, she had an overwhelming urge to touch him. Is he real?

“Hello,” she managed to say before reaching out to shake his hand. The warmth of his palm made her fingers tingle. Safe.

“May I?” He gestured to the empty seat next to her.

Lily nodded and tried to say, “Of course,” but wasn’t sure if that was what had actually come out of her nervous mouth. She repeated the words, in case she’d looked like the idiot she felt like. “Of course.”

“So, you must be the elusive flower,” he said and leaned back in the folding chair, which was obviously too small for his height.

Lily repositioned the purse on her lap. “I’m sorry?”

“Nick’s Lily Flower. That’s what he called you.” He rubbed his hand on the back of his neck. “It is you, isn’t it? Lily Desclose—famous writer, world-renowned educator of religious history? Oh, and subject of all my brother’s letters. I’m Adam Stark.”

She scooted farther back into her chair to get a better view of him. “Yes, I guess I am. I mean, I’m a writer and religious history professor—on leave at the moment. I didn’t know Nicholas wrote letters about me.”

“My brother had quite an imagination, a real eye for beauty.” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.

She looked over in time to see him peeking back at her from the corner of his intense eyes. “Yes, he did.”

He returned his attention to the guests standing by the coffin. “You’re very beautiful.”

“Like you said, Nicholas had a wonderful imagination,” she said, trying to shrug off the embarrassing compliment. “He was quite lively. I rather enjoyed that about him.”

“You came a long way for this. Where are you staying tonight?”

“I’ll be heading back after the ceremony,” she said. “I’ve already booked a flight.”

“To Baton Rouge?”

“Yes, home.” He unsettled her, made her crazy libido skip up into overdrive, making each word thick and difficult to say. Even breathing became a chore with him sitting so uncomfortably close.

   “Would you mind if I came next week to go through Nick’s things?” He cleared his throat, making the masculine column ripple. “I’d like to get things wrapped up as soon as possible.” He leaned back again, stretching his legs out under the chair in front of him.

“That would be fine. You can take all the time you need.” She took a breath. “Will your father be coming with you? I know Nicholas wished he could’ve seen him more than he was able to.”

“No, he won’t. I’ll be coming alone.”

“I see.” Lily stood up, needing to create a space between them; she stepped back and brushed the creases from her skirt. “Well, Mr. Stark, I’m glad to have finally met you. I’m truly sorry for your loss and will miss Nicholas terribly.”

“Adam,” he said.

“I beg your pardon?”

“Call me Adam.” The sullen expression on his face turned downright sad. “Mr. Stark sounds so impersonal.”

“Adam, I’ve taken you from your family long enough. I’m going to freshen up and let you get back to your guests.” This time she extended her hand, hoping he wouldn’t be able to see the slight tremble that shivered through it.

He peered up from his relaxed position. “And you’re also as elusive as he said.” He stood before her, revealing his full height. For a moment she wondered how it would feel to rest her cheek against the bulk of his chest, taking in the warmth of the dark lapels of his suit jacket. He took her hand into both of his. She fought the urge to rip her hand away. “If you’ll give me your number, I’ll give you a call next week and let you know when I’ll be coming.”

“That’d be fine.” He continued to cradle her hand between his palms. She could feel the subtle trembling in her fingers begin to ease. She let go and opened her wallet. “Here’s my card.”

Copyright © Pauline Allan

http://www.loose-id.com/gilded-lily.html

Let's Talk Cocktails...New Orleans Style

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"Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez!" Let the good times roll!

My second home is definitely in the southern tip of Louisiana, New Orleans. I first started my travels to the real "Sin City" four years ago. I instantly felt the easy pace of the city the moment I stepped off the plane. Every time I've gone back since has been the same sensation. I take a deep breath while walking under the sunny skies and thank my stars to be back in The Big Easy. The breeze moves slower. The rush of people pushing through their days just doesn't exist. Smiles are given simply by nature and courtesy is free of charge.

When I stay in the French Quarter my hotel is on the border of Jackson Square. The Place de Armes has been my destination on every visit. I'm close to the Seance Lounge upstairs and Muriel's and only seconds from walking over to the art work lining the wrought iron fence surrounding St. Louis Cathedral. The smell of beignets covered in powdered sugar makes my mouth water as I make my way to the French Market. 

New Orleans is famous for many things, but when I go I always order three cocktails. Whether I'm spending the afternoon enjoying the many shops or having the jazz brunch at The Court of Two Sisters, I always know which cocktails to enjoy. 

So...it's your turn to celebrate a little taste of Nawlin's at home. The three drinks I love most are the peach bellini from The Court of Two Sisters, the hurricane from Pat O'Brien's, and the panama jack also from Pat O's. 

Here are the delicious recipes for, in my opinion, the greatest drinks Nola has to offer.

The Peach Bellini:
6 oz champagne
1 pealed and pureed peach
pour peach puree into glass and slowly add champagne
stir gently, garnish with a peach slice
serve bellini in a champagne flute

The Panama Jack:
2oz coconut rum
1oz banana mix or 1/3 nectar
fill with 1/2 orange juice and 1/2 pineapple juice
ice rocks or blended frozen
add 2oz flavor mix of Schnapps to your liking

The Hurricane:
2oz dark rum
2oz passion fruit juice
1oz orange juice
juice of half a lime
1 tbsp simple syrup
1 tbsp grenadine
orange slice and cherry for garnish
squeeze juice from half a lime into cocktail shaker over ice
pour the remaining ingredients into the cocktail shaker and shake well
strain into a hurricane glass
garnish with a cherry and an orange slice

I hope you enjoy the start to your summer with one of Nawlin's finest cocktails! 



 

Heat Up the Night with Skylar Kade

Welcome, Skylar! I'm so excited you were able to stop by and chat with me today. Vegas, baby, Vegas! I can't wait to learn why you chose Sin City as the backdrop to your sultry new release.

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Can they find love without losing themselves…

Tovia Douglas has devoted her adult years to sheltering her mentally ill mother and ensuring her sister's independence. When Tovia turns 27, those lost years come into sharp, painful focus and she decides it's time to start enjoying life, starting with a little mental vacation through submission at her local kink club.

Keilor Branson grew up believing in love at first sight. He just figured his other half would feel it too. Instead, feisty new submissive Tovia runs from their emotional connection. Determined, Keilor must chip away at her walls and prove that love is worth the risk.

When family troubles lead to Tovia's change of heart, their roles are reversed. Now she must prove to her man, her Master, that while love isn't always perfect, they are perfect for each other.

Let's sit down and chat. Please tell us about your new release and give us a glimpse into your writing universe.

 

Please tell us about your latest book. Heat Up the Night introduces readers to Apogee, an elite BDSM club in Las Vegas. In Heat Up the Night Tovia—a casino cocktail waitress—finds the Dom of her dreams in Keilor, a high-profile celebrity chef—but only after I torture them a bit.

What are your favorite qualities about your hero and heroine? Tovia is completely dedicated to her family, which is a respectable quality. But what I love about her even more is she found the strength to put her foot down and tell them “no.” She chose to make herself a priority, and balance that with loving her. Keilor is a favorite hero of mine because he wasn’t running from love. Quite the opposite—he was running towards it so hard he needed to reign himself in, especially when he fell for relationship-phobic Tovia.

What inspired you to pick this particular location for your current project? After my first visit to Las Vegas, I was inspired to write a series set there. The decadence and excess of the city, juxtaposed with the people who live and work there, really intrigued me. It’s Sin City for tourists, but it gets old for the residents, so they have to find other ways to “sin” in Vegas.

Is your current book going to be in a series? Absolutely! The first novella, Heat Up the Night, introduces the reader to some of the characters and the exclusive BDSM club, Apogee. The next book, Raising the Stakes (out summer 2013), follows two of the secondary characters from Heat Up the Night. After that, I’ll be tackling the other founding members of Apogee!

Are you a plotter or pantser? Unrepentant plotter. I’ve tried pantsing, but I write so slowly and second-guess everything. I spend days, sometimes weeks, plotting out my book (mostly focusing on the character arcs—how the hero and heroine interact and change each other) before I sit down to write.

I know you are a wonderful supporter/mentor for me. Can you tell us about who has mentored and inspired you? Aww, thanks Pauline! The Nine Naughty Novelists have been such wonderful supporters and mentors. My local RWA chapters too, have introduced me to great writers—like Eden Bradley and KB Alan—who have become friends and mentors.

What advice can you give aspiring writers? Keep writing. I look back at the first book I finished and see how rough it is. If I let that stop me, I wouldn’t have learned from those flaws. Also, if you try to write the perfect book the first time, you might get stuck there. For some, writing and rewriting their book is part of the writing process; for others, it’s slowing them down. For me personally, I had to finish a book and move on to the next one to get enough perspective to learn from my first draft. Having it published, and reading critical reviews, was also eye-opening and helpful.

What rituals, if any, do you have when you write? I have to have music. I use 8tracks to find playlists that go with the theme of the scene I’m writing. This is a web-based music service where users create playlists and then give them emotional/informational tags: happy, sad, summer, sex, dubstep. If it’s hot and heavy, I might choose sex/dubstep; if it’s a sensual scene, love/slow. I get to wherever I’m going to write, set up my computer, plug in headphones, choose my playlist, and crank out the words.

Rapid Fire Quiz!

Name your favorite food. Bacon.

Name a place you've never visited, but would love to see. The Louvre. If I see a blue phone box while I’m in the area, all the better.

Do you write in the day or night? Anytime I have free time—at night during the week, in the morning on the weekends.

What is your favorite movie? Right now? I’m obsessed with Pitch Perfect.

What is your favorite genre to read? Romance! I usually gravitate toward the hotter books, but sometimes a sweet romance hits the spot.

Here's a hot excerpt from Heat Up the Night:

     His face hit her like a fist to the stomach. Even after seeing him in her dreams every night for a month, she was still awed by him. Dark brows framed laughing hazel eyes, now serious, which led to a nose that would have looked oversized on anyone else, with its reset-bone bump. It just gave him character. More laugh lines around his mouth, and the beginnings of a goatee. That was new. It was the only hair on his head.

     She’d never been attracted to bald men, but Keilor was so sexy that even his bare skull turned her on. She knew it was by choice. She’d worked a little Google-Fu after their first scene together and found recent pictures of him with a full head of thick, brown hair.

     Warning bells went off, but they were drowned out by his voice.

     “I’m sure Master Mike will be tickled to learn he has such a steadfast champion.”

Waves of subtle lemony air drifted over her, as they always did in his presence. Or they did during their one scene together. She hadn’t been able to serve a Lemontini since without her panties getting wet.

     Tovia sighed at his teasing even as the little hint of jealousy in his voice made her stomach jump. She shouldn’t react, but her body betrayed her so easily. “What do you think you’re doing here?”

     Laughter rumbled her bones at every point of contact with his body. “I’m an elite member. I’m here all the time.”

     “Not since we—” She bit off the rest of her sentence before she could dig herself in further and tried again to wriggle from his lap.

     “Silly girl.” His words gentled, soothed. One rough hand slid up and down her arm. Damnit, she should not like that. “I was in Greece. The owner of the Hellena sent me over there to sample food and wine vendors. I assumed you knew.”

     Now he’d think she was pining after him. Just because she hadn’t been able to stop thinking about him didn’t mean she missed him. Or wanted a repeat that lasted all night.

     No, because that would be ridiculous. Douglas women didn’t need men. It was practically the family motto.

     To keep things light, she teased him back, ignoring the way her skin heated beneath his touch. “Oooh, poor thing. That must have been such a hardship.” A smile even teased at the corner of her lips despite her efforts to remain unaffected by his presence. When was the last time she smiled at a man who wasn’t tipping her for drinks?

     Keilor stared down at her. “Actually, it was.”

     Oh boy. She wasn’t touching the wealth of subtleties in those words. Not going down that path.

     Keilor lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm. Butterflies hatched in her chest, then died when he said, “You look tired.”

She scowled. “Well if that isn’t what every woman wants to hear from an attractive—     Her jaw clunked shut around the foot in her mouth.

     He nipped her forefinger, zinging arousal to all her naughty bits, then stole her breath when he kissed her nose, her cheek. “Do you get a freckle every time you sass a Dom?”

     An indelicate snort escaped her. “Sure. The freckles are a little-known Dominant Warning System saying ‘steer clear of the angry redhead!’” Yes, she thought, hold dear to your sarcasm. It was her current chastity belt of choice, and that was swiftly crumbling at the edges.

     “Good. Less competition.” His lips drifted to her neck, where he pressed kisses to random patches of skin still exposed around the edges of the blanket.

     Oh shit. She clutched the soft brown cover around her, remembering what she wore beneath—absolutely nothing aside from her short shorts. Like flipping a switch, her nipples hardened and her pussy clenched. He could so easily expose her. Not that she hadn’t been naked in the club every weekend, but it was different now, with Keilor watching her.

     Dangerous.

     “What…what are you doing?” His exploratory kisses had turned into sizzling nips to her collarbone.

     “Counting your freckles.” He tugged at the blanket, playing momentary tug of war with her until he stopped fighting and simply went around the mountain. His hand slithered beneath her shield to scald her stomach, then higher. When the back of his hand brushed across her nipple, she moaned. “I need a baseline count. Scientific study and all of that.”

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Buy Link:  http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html

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http://skylarkade.wordpress.com/

And The Winners Are...

I want to thank everyone who stopped by during the Wet and Wild Blog Hop Tour. Every comment was insightful and fun. I look forward to hearing from all of you again.

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And the winners of the blog entry Yes Sir: The Secret Life of a Submissive are...

Suzanne Lewis is the winner of a free copy of See Me!  Meghan Mack is the winner of a $25 Amazon Gift card!

I had a great time reading everyone's comments! Thanks again to everyone for stopping by.

Welcome to Skye Warren's Wet and Wild Blog Hop!

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I'm so excited you had the chance to slip on over and get soaked and crazy with me. Don't forget to leave a comment with your name and email address to enter to win a $25 gift card to Amazon or a free ebook copy of See Me! I'll draw two winners on May 26th. Now...in celebration of my new release on June 11th titled Gilded Lily I want to get down to the whips and crops of things, so to speak. Want to know how Lily rides the fine line between pleasure and pain? Well, strap on your...well, strap-on's, and learn from a submissive about the secret underground world of dark pleasure.

                              YES SIR: THE SECRET LIFE OF A SUBMISSIVE

The July afternoon before my eighteenth birthday wasn't blistering hot. I recall rolling over on the plaid, scratchy blanket and squinting as I studied the strikingly blue sky and counted the three snow cone looking clouds floating overhead. The hard edge of the small white book resting next to my temple was a reminder that I was no longer alone. It had been a lot to absorb that afternoon. Hell, a lot to contemplate for the rest of my life. O had given every last piece of herself to Sir Stephen. I knew I wanted to give every last piece of myself to someone. To a man. To a Dominant. 

My journey since that summer day has been filled with colorful experiences. Submissives wearing collars have suggested to me that I need a Daddy. Dominants have made promises to discipline me into submission. I politely smile and thank them for their insightful wisdom. But, you and I are going to have a real conversation. Now, let's sit down with a cup of coffee. Come sit at my kitchen table and let's strip the clubs away, toss the crops under the bed, and open the bedside drawer. Don't get nervous. We're only going to use the blindfold for this conversation. I know. I know. Dominance and submission is all about whipping and binding, sex and control. Right?

Let me tell you a secret...

There is a concept in medicine. If one of the five senses is incapacitated then the other senses go into over drive to compensate. The blindfold is a Dominant's most valuable tool in the sensual arsenal for his submissive. Take away vision and the other four senses come on line ten fold. Every whisper becomes a breathless command, the touch of a fingertip becomes a full body massage, the light scent of crisp body wash becomes a lustful aphrodisiac, and the sweet taste of honey coats every taste bud. It's sensory deprivation for unbridled pleasure. When I speak with other people in the lifestyle I find the whole task of "scenes" to be daunting. One crop, one blindfold. It's that simple. 

The snap of a supple crop to the lower back is an example of creating the fine line between pleasure and pain. The sear of the sting ebbs away to leave a wave of warmth in the mark created. If that same area is then licked or massaged during that heat it sends a wave of pleasure throughout the entire body. I always feel like I'm sinking into a hot bubble bath when the heat seeps through my muscles. When the sensation wanes and the coolness creeps back into my body I cry out for more. I want to feel that warmth again. The bond is created between a sub and her Dom with this cycle. She knows he is going to keep her safe enough to teeter her body on the edge to not harm, but keep the precious cycle of heat and cool going. The blindfold intensifies the sensations. See, a well-worn crop and blindfold is all that is needed to bring a sub into the darkness that comes with extreme pleasure. I respect that many people enjoy the use of nipple clamps, ropes, floggers, paddles, blades. There are many ways to bring both partners satisfaction, but I have found the simplest method is usually the most effective. Sometimes the concept of a "scene" is more for a circus show than for the emotional, intellectual, and spiritual bond that takes place between a Dom and his sub. Too many obstacles can mar the connection that needs to take place.

Submission does not equal sex. Dominance does not equal macho. As a sub my greatest desire is to know I'm pleasing my Dom. Whether it's by giving him my orgasm or resting beside his chair while he eats dinner, he is teaching me wisdom and patience. He knows what is best for my development as a vessel of desire and to be a better person in general. I rely on him for guidance when my life is out of control. His stern voice keeps me grounded and focused. That has nothing to do with sex. The fragile weave created between partners is delicate because it needs cultivated. The Dom has to get to know his sub. Again, it has nothing to do with sex. Once the Dom truly knows his sub, he'll be able to involve every aspect of her fears, excitement, joys, and pains to further her experience of pleasure in all areas of life.

I have attended multiple BDSM clubs over the years. I've met many wonderful people who love to wear leather and chains and some who prefer to go naked. Some are crawling on all fours next to their Master while others quietly sit next to their Protectors. The world of Dominance and submission is a very personal one. Trust is essential and the objective for both partners must be personal growth and joy. 

Sitting here now, I can still remember folding the cover closed on Story of O as I rested on that plaid blanket. I had found the book in an antique shop several days earlier and thought the cover looked interesting. The book opened my eyes. There were others out there having the same feelings. It was a life-changing afternoon. I'm smiling as I write this. I had called my boyfriend that evening and asked him if he would blindfold me. I couldn't tell who was more excited. Needless to say, he was a natural as well. That's how it happens. A sub unknowingly seeks her Dom and a Dom gravitates toward his sub.   

Behind the darkness of a blindfold I found trust and endless, intense desires. With the words of a loving Dom I found peace and control. As a submissive, I keep my secret desires close to my heart and cherish the pleasure I give as I kneel and rest my forehead on the hardwood floor.

I hope you enjoy your hopping this week. Stop back by at any time to leave a comment with your name and email address to enter to win! Remember to check the link below to continue getting wet on the hop and enter to win some great prizes! Have a great summer!!!

                                                          http://www.skyewarren.com/hop/

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http://www.skyewarren.com/hop/

Wet and Wild Blog Hop
 
I'm so excited to get Spring hopping! Come and join me on a wet and wild adventure with Skye Warren's Wet and Wild Blog Hop. Meet a host of other exciting and enticing authors. You want to be bitten by a sexy vamp? Carried off into the woods by a handsome wolf? No...how about being seduced by two naughty hunks? Choose your pleasure. You will find them all on this hop. Stop by my blog anytime between May 20th through the 25th and leave a comment along with your email address to win a $25 gift card to Amazon! I look forward to reading all your wet and wild comments. Let's get Spring rolling and welcome Summer in a fun splash of sexiness!

 

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Great Big Hop!

I just wanted to thank everyone for stopping by and leaving a comment! This was so much fun answering all the questions. I'll draw the winners tonight at midnight!!

Welcome To The Next Big Thing Blog Hop!

Welcome to The Next Big Thing Blog Hop! Thanks for stopping by to take advantage of this exciting news. The up and coming projects for the participating authors are hot off the presses, scorching romance guaranteed to heat you up on these cold winter nights At the helm of this hop is author Madeleine Ribbon. You can find her at http://www.madeleineribbon.com/blog. Check out her ice-melting titles along with interesting answers to some fun questions! So, buckle up for this sultry ride into the world of new up and coming Next Big Things!

I had so much fun answering these questions about my own Next Big Thing! Check out my answers and leave a comment to win a $10 Amazon gift card or a free copy of my debut novel See Me. Don't forget to leave your name and email address. I'll draw the names of the luck winners on the 14th.

1. What is the working title of your book?
    My current book is titled Surrendering Lily.

2. Where did the idea come from for the book?
    This is a loaded question I think as I sit here and smile. Lily was a character that came to mind while I was sitting in my office. I wondered what it would belike to have such a free spirit that anything was possible in the realm of erotica. I'd decided to do some research at a few "clubs" and discovered a lifestyle that I'd only read about in books. I love to be outdoors in the summer and thought it would be a great idea to put the two ideas together. All my books are set in the South adn this project was no different. I have a love for the beauty of plantations ad the profane history they hold. The majestic view of the old building is laden in the back drop of tragedy. Lily is the same. Tony is a character that I first dreamed of years ago. He is my muse. A strong, loving Dominant who cares enough for his submissive to let her find love without him. My idea for this book was drawn from personal experience and the desire to have the fantasy of this book a reality.

3. What is the genre for this book?
    Surrendering Lily is a contemporary erotic romance se in the backdrop of the BDSM/Domestic Discipline lifestyle. My heroine is a full-figured woman, so the book also falls into the Rubenesque category as well.

4. Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
    Waht a fun question! I have particular faces in mind for my muses. I'll start with Tony. I see Tony as Marco Dapper--stalky and tough, but quiet and loving. Lily I picture as Amanda Seyfriend, only with more curves. She's shy and beautiful, spunky and fun-loving. Adam is Channing Tatum--lean and muscular with a cat-like quality. Renee is intelligent and sexy like Halle Berry.

5. What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?
    What's a submissive to do when her reluctant Dominant is wanting to find her the love she deserves?

6. Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency/publisher?
    Surrendering Lily will be published by Loose-Id at http://www.loose-id.com.

7. How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
    The first draft of Lily was 138,000 word count that took three months to put onto paper. The final 
    draft ended up being 75,000 word count.

8. What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
    This book is definitly comparable to The Story of O by Pauline Reage. The BDSM components are similar in that there are lessons to be learned by the punishments and rewards. There is an emotional journey in both books. The other side of the emotional balance in the book reminds me of Addicted by Charlotte Featherstone.

9. Who or what inspired you to write this book?
    Two things inspired the writing of this book. Marco Dapper. I saw a picture of that man and developed a character around the expression on his face. The second inspiring muse was a song titled 9 Crimes by Damien Rice. The majestic melody and lyrics really touched my heart.

10. What else about your book might pique your readers interest?
    A particular scene was so enticing to write that it made me blush and giggle through the whole writing process. It's my Alice in Wonderland VooDoo ball scene. You see, I pictured Lily as Alice through the entire manuscript. She was on a journey to a place that she feared as much as inspired her. The scene in the book where she's searching for her rabbit, ie Renee, is against the sultry backdrop of the VooDoo ball that her and Tony hosts each year. I think readers will feel a tingle when they read those scenes and be fascinated how the evening unwinds.

Well, those are my answers to these fun and exciting questions. I hope you enjoyed reading them as much as I did answering them. I invite you to skip on along on the blog hop and check out these other awesome authors!

http://www.angelpayneswrites.blogspot.com/
http://www.azureboone.wordpress.com
http://wwwjiannecarlo.com

Erotic Summer Melody...I Love This Tune.

I want to thank all the wonderful people who have been leaving such great messages on my blog! I've enjoyed reading all the ways everyone is going to be spending their hot summer nights. It was also refreshing to find how many of you are open to the idea of a D/s lifestyle. I love the timidly curious subs who are willing to open their hearts to the culture. Today is the last day of the hop. I will be drawing the name for the $10 Amazon gift card tomorrow afteroon. I hope everyone has a wonderful summer and thank you again for participating in the Erotic Nights Summer Blog Hop!! Oh...my second book Surrendering Lily is an emotional tale about domestic discipline. For all of you interested in the D/s genre, please check back for updates on that book. And, Claiming Dane, which is the follow up to Surrendering Lily will really delve into the psychology behind the D/s relationship.

Hot Summer Hoppin' With Naughty Floggers!

    

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    Hey everybody! Welcome to your next stop on Skye Warren's Hot Summer Nights Blog Hop. I hope you're having a sweltering time hopping along, reading some scorching topics, and enjoying a chance to win some cool prizes. Don't forget to check out http://skyewarren.com/blog/. You can enter to win an Eden Fantasy gift card and/or a Digital Gift Basket! So...let's get down to the nitty gitty of my post. I mean let's talk about the sweaty heat of the matter...the hot-lava content...the burning lust consuming these humid summer nights. 
    
    Why does a submissive really need a skilled Dominant anyways? Geeze, anyone can slap a flogger against a post. So, why is the delicate dance between a submissive and his/her Dominant so important? Let me tell you a bit about my background. I know, I know. Why is that important to the story? But, like all good tales, the backstory really supplies the gravy for the potatoes. I was eighteen when I first read The Story of O. It was a very simple hard cover book with it's white cover and black letters. It changed my life. Then, I found The Beauty Series by A.N. Roquelaure (Anne Rice). Then I moved on to Exit To Eden and Belinda. These books fascinated me and blossomed a language that I could speak because there was finally a name for what I was feeling. I was in college at the time studying, well...everything. I spend ten years as a full time student and took every psychology class I could cram into my growing list of majors. I learned a few valuable things in those exploratory years. First, there was a name for my dark desires. Second, there was a reason why I had these needs.

    Dominate and submission is a sizzling topic on the blogs and news programs. Heck, I even have people calling me at home wanting to hash out why she should or should not read the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy. Not that the series is unnoteworthy, but I steer my friends who are having their "ah ha" moment toward the books that inspired and resurrected (so to speak) me. They tend to shoot my suggestions down and opt for the popular series. That's okay I tell them. At least it's bringing awareness to the lifestyle and opening men and women to the exciting possiblities of the culture.

    So, why does a "s" need a "D"? I have found in my studies and in my personal life that "s" 's are people who have a great deal of stressors and responsiblities in their perfessional and personal lives. We are always the "fixer" or the "problem-solver" in chaotic situations. A "s" tends to want to be in control and demands perfection of him/herself when the situation is most difficult to acheive it. The "s" believes no matter what life throws at his/her feet, it's manageable and attainable. Now, let's examine the "D". A true "D" is a person who is naturally in control in his/her personal and professional lives. It is an organic process for him/her to lead and be an efficiant risk calculator. He/she takes leaps and is engrained with the confidence in the ability to land on his/her feet every time. "D" is a nuturer and planner. "D" avoids chaotic situations by looking ahead and with his/her careful planning, is able to ward-off complicated senerios.

    Knowing the psychology behind the natural characteristics of the "s" and "D", it makes perfect sense why the two personality types fit together so well. In a domestic discipline situation the submissive not only desires, but requires the firm hand of a Dominant. While the "s" lives in a life of chaotic control many times, the "D" is a lighthouse, a safe point that the "s" can grab onto and stabalize the rough waters of life. The "D", and I only speak of true Doms, knows what the "s" needs. They anticipate the desires, the emotional demands, the deep rooted need to feel safe. A Dom provides the sub with all the discipline and sexual requirements for the relationship. So, what does the "D" get in return? The "s" is getting all the stability and "pampering" (and yes, we love to be pampered like a luxurious pet). 

    The Dominant feeds the desire to be worthy. He/She is nourishing the natural need to keep everything in orderly balance. When his/her "s" becomes unbalanced, they relish the opportunity to set things to right. And...that's where the loving flogger comes in. A "D" may use all types of teaching techniques to educate his "s" on how to keep his/her life in harmony. The whip may not be an effective tool for one submissive, but might make another feel safe and in control. Let me tell you, standing in a corner can teach a "s" a great deal about controlling self-anger. 

    So, the Dominant/submissive lifestyle has been sifted throught the sexual microscope for years, but one thing is for certain. The initimate relationship between a Dom and his/her sub is usually never about sex. It's about love, self-control, self-acceptance, and loyalty. It's about commitment and trust, release and friendship. It has no boundaries and is only confinded by the couple who set the laws. It's a rewarding and fun experience, at times gut-wrenching emotional, moving and draining, but always loving. 

    50 Shades of Grey may dust off the dungeon doors for many of the "vanilla" masses out there willing to brave an erotic romance novel, but my hopes is that their reading experience will lead them to more emotionally charged books that really explore the lifestyle for the psychological and sexual fullfillment that it provides for its practitioners. 

    Well, ladies and gentlemen, I hope you enjoyed my journey down the whips and chains road! I'm ever grateful that you joined me on this Hot Summer Nights Blog Hop! Don't forget to check out http://skyewarren.com/blog/ for great chances to win some awesome prizes! The hop will be moving along until June 24th. Leave a comment here and enter to enter to win a $10 Amazon gift card!! Let me know all about how you're spending your sweltering naughty nights! Have a great hop!!