Jan Bowles's Blog, page 14

Guest Blogger: Natalie St. Clair ~ Erotic Romance Author

My guest today is Natalie St. Clair . Natalie is a self-published erotic author who gives us some insights into making it in the world of publishing. Her book is available for sale from Amazon.



Q. As a self-published author can you tell us what the main obstacles are in the whole process?
A. Promoting. Promoting your book is the most difficult thing to do as a self-published author because it is something that most authors do not anticipate when they decide to go it alone and it can be quite time-consuming.

Q. How long did it take to get your first book published from start to finish?
A. It did not take long. I finished writing the manuscript after a month and it took me five days to have it published and distributed to all major retailers

Q. Where did you get the idea for, Pleasuring A Scandalous Marquess?

A. The idea just came to me really. I had been looking for an idea for a novel for days then as I was sitting in my living room watching Jane Eyre the idea of a Victorian governess turned naughty began to quickly form in my head.

Q. Tell us a bit about the hero and heroine in, Pleasuring A Scandalous Marquess.

A. Rhea, the heroine is an impoverished lady who is trying to make ends meet as a governess. She is strong, shy but adventurous at the same time and has always liked to experiment but society has kept all that bottled inside her. That all changes of course when she meets the hero, Nathaniel who is a rogue and a libertine, likes to have fun and enjoy life in the most decadent way possible. He is a bit of a ladies’ man and even though has quite a tainted reputation he is lovable and is welcomed by everyone.

Q. What are you working on right now and what can we expect from you next?
A. I am currently working on a contemporary erotic romance novel. I haven’t figured out what the title would be but it will be an office romance between a shy external auditor and her billionaire client.

Q. What has been the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome in your writing?
A. Ummm… if I have to think hard I would say writing the sex scenes. Those were difficult for me at first but as I progressed they became easier and easier.

Q. Did you always want to become a writer?
A. Yes. Ever since I read my first Goosebumps by R.L. Stine I’ve always wanted to write stories of my own. I started writing horror stories when I was thirteen but when I read my first harlequin I was converted to romance and haven’t looked back ever since.

Q. Where do you get the inspirations for your books?
A. Mostly from my experiences but also from the experiences of my friends and the old costume dramas that I love to watch.

Q. Do you listen to music while you are writing, and if so what music is it?
A. Yes I do. Music helps me clear my mind and focus on what I am currently doing as it tends to wander. I love all types of music but when I am writing I usually listen to new age classical. I love Philip Aaberg and Nakai, I consider those two to be the best in the field of new age classical. I also listen to the piano sonatas of Mozart and Chopin.

Q. How do we find out about you and your books?
A. I maintain a blog www.nataliestclair.blogspot.com where I share my thoughts and opinions on other books and what people say about my own.



The excerpt
This elicited a cry from Rhea who was now slowly writhing under him and exploring the chiseled chest inside the loosely tied robe he was wearing. Due to her actions, the robe untied itself and fell over rewarding Rhea with a huge rigid shaft

“You look amazing.”

“You think so?”

“Of course. Actually, amazing is the wrong word. You look...luscious” Nate said drawing Rhea into his arms and dropping a kiss on her lips that had been intended to be light but ended up being deep and passionate leaving both of them breathless .

God, she is sweet. Nate thought. She is sweet and sultry all rolled into one. Which was a rare combination to find in a woman and he loved it. He had seen it when he set eyes on her the very first day he saw her in his sister’s garden. After that, all he could think about was getting inside her. And he tried, but the wench would not give him the light of day, playing games of cat and mouse with him and his cock until he could not take it anymore, until his cock could not take anymore hardness without relief. So he yielded and made her his mistress, which was probably what she wanted after making him go through what he went through during his stay at Surrey Abbey.

But looking at her now, gorgeously presented to him in an almost transparent white negligee he had chosen earlier for her that amply displayed all her wondrous naked attributes, from her lush rose tipped breasts down to the sweet pot that was covered with raven curls. He was glad he had made her his mistress.

He bent down his head again and kissed her, gently this time but no less sensual. “I want to do to you what I had been aching to do ever since the day I met you.” He whispered softly.

“Mmm... and what is that?”

“Fuck every little orifice of yours until you scream the words no more. Do things that no other man has ever done to you.”...
Thank you for being my guest today, Natalie , and I hope you achieve much success with all your books.

Read the 1st Chapter of Seduced by Her Texas Billionaire Boss Free

SEDUCED BY HER TEXAS BILLIONAIRE BOSS

Guilty Pleasures 6
JAN BOWLESCopyright © 2012





Please not the prologue is not included in this free excerpt.
Chapter One
Frances Denning screwed the top on her fountain pen and placed it on the desk, then steepled her fingers together in contemplation. “So what other positive attributes do you think you could bring to Brannigan Enterprises, Tess?”

The head of human resources arched a curious brow as she looked across the desk that separated them. About fifty years old and impeccably dressed in a dark gray business suit, Frances Denning had proved a formidable interviewer, or should that be inquisitor? In quick succession, she’d fired hard-to-answer questions at her for the last half hour. However, Tess now sensed a subtle change in Frances’s approach, and followed her lead by relaxing back in her chair, allowing her hands to rest peacefully on her lap. 

“Well, Mrs. Denning, as I’m sure you already know, I have four years’ experience working in a similar position for the food giant Aeries. I headed their public relations department for two of those four years. During my time there, I developed a good working relationship with the media.”

Frances Denning muttered something under her breath, which she didn’t quite catch, but guessed wasn’t good. “With all due respect, Tess, Aeries makes candy bars. Heading the public relations department at Brannigan Enterprises will be entirely different. I’m sure you understand that an out-of-control oil fire is a far more urgent situation than someone complaining about the taste or size of their favorite confectionery. Think about this, with the pressure mounting, how would you cope with the media clamoring for more information?”


“I did. Why do you think you’re here?”

Tess was well aware that a woman like Frances Denning would have scrutinized her CV in minutest detail. That was why she’d been offered the interview in the first place, because of her impressive employment history. However, the older woman wasn’t finished with her interrogation quite yet. She brushed a hand through her silver coifed hair. “Then let me ask you another question, Tess. How do you think you’ll gel with Mr. Brannigan? He has a reputation for, how shall I put it…” Frances paused, carefully considering her choice of words. She then opened her hands wide, palms up. “I’ve known Kyle Brannigan for seven years, and let’s just say he’s unafraid to speak his mind. He certainly doesn’t suffer fools lightly, which brings me back to the reason why I’ve asked you to come in today. What Mr. Brannigan needs, or should I say demands, is someone who can put a calm, controlled buffer between the company and the media. How you deal with TV and press reflects on how the public perceives us. If Brannigan Enterprises comes across as uncaring or not environmental enough, then the share price suffers, and believe me, if this happens, Kyle Brannigan will kick your ass big-time, and mine for hiring you in the first place. Mr. Brannigan requires the very best person available. If I don’t give him exactly what he wants, I’ll be looking for a new job. Do I make myself clear?”

“Absolutely, Mrs. Denning, and let me assure you that I’m able and willing to rise to the challenge.”

Of course, Tess had heard all about Kyle Brannigan’s hot temper. After all it was well documented. He was a man who seemed to make his own rules. A man who took life as it came. He’d once physically ejected a reporter from a press conference when the guy made a cheap shot about his private life. Far from damaging Kyle Brannigan’s reputation, it had only served to enhance his devil-may-care persona. The man was notorious for his womanizing ways. According to popular myth and legend, women sizzled with sexual need whenever they were around him, so much so that they fell into his bed at the merest click of his fingers. Oh, yes, and she had a good idea what that man demanded in the bedroom, too—outright kinky stuff that fired her imagination should she think about it for too long. There’d been so many kiss-and-tell stories over the years that some of them must contain an element of truth. Albeit exaggerated.

Tess raised her chin and looked Frances straight in the eye. “If you give me the job, I don’t think I’ll disappoint my new boss.”

A smile briefly touched Frances’s lips. “So, Tess—”

A loud rap suddenly sounded on the office door, making her jolt with surprise. Almost immediately, and before Frances could even utter the words, “enter” or “I’m busy,” Kyle Brannigan strode purposefully into the room. Judging by the delicious aroma, he held a steaming cup of hot coffee. He looked thoroughly at ease with himself. Naturally, she’d seen him many times before on the TV, and she’d always made a point of tuning in whenever she heard that deep, seductive Texas drawl of his, but to actually see this powerful man in the flesh left her senses reeling. 

Get ahold of yourself, girl. He’s just a man, nothing more. You can’t trust any of them. 

Tieless and with his shirt collar undone, he was dressed in a light gray business suit. Standing about six three and weighing, she guessed, around two hundred pounds, Kyle Brannigan cut an impressive figure. His collar-length, dark brown hair fell disheveled around his manly features, creating an air of mystery and danger. He frightened her a little, but for some strange reason she kind of liked it. His face sported deep laughter lines that creased appealingly at the sides of his mouth, while telltale signs of stubble darkened his strong jaw, giving the impression that he enjoyed an adventurous life, but could also be ruthless if necessary. It was his vibrant blue eyes as they held hers that finally convinced her that all the stories about his sex life were true. The man could have any woman he wanted, or so he thought.

Like a drawbridge being raised up, Tess held her emotions in check. No man, however attractive and powerful, would use her, then make her feel worthless like Chad had. She wouldn’t allow it. 

Perhaps he sensed her frosty reception, because his lips spread into a sensuous smile as he held out his hand. “Kyle Brannigan. Good to meet you.”

“Tess Morgan, good to meet you, too, Mr. Brannigan.” His grip was powerful, yet possessed a surprising tenderness, too. She could still sense his warmth as he let go of her hand and sat on the chair next to Frances. She now had two powerful people sitting opposite her, scrutinizing her every word, checking for flaws and weaknesses in her character.

I can handle it. 

Tess watched mesmerized as he took a sip of steaming hot coffee. His vibrant blue eyes seemed to probe the very depths of her soul. He placed a hand on Frances’s arm. “Carry on, Frances. Just pretend I’m not here.”

Frances released a girlish giggle, and shook her head. “Kyle, now you know that’s hard to do at the best of times.” Although Frances Denning was a strong woman in her own right, she clearly wasn’t immune to the charms of Kyle Brannigan. Tess saw the effect he was having on her. She seemed all soft and submissive in his presence, and if she wasn’t mistaken, a slight pink blush tinged her cheeks.

Tess figured Kyle Brannigan wasn’t here by chance. His appearance in the office suggested he wanted to take an active part in the selection of his new personal assistant. She tried to calm the frisson of anticipation when she realized that he might actually offer her the job.

She looked him directly in the eye. Christ, he’s gorgeous. Aged around forty, he had about him an air of confidence and total assurance that was thoroughly intoxicating. How many men had the power and sheer presence to do that? There was something animalistic, almost primal in his actions. Just the way he placed the coffee cup on the desk made her feel sexy as hell. The masculine hairs on the back of his hand caught the light streaming through the window. He was definitely all male. 

Jesus Christ, I’m at an interview. Concentrate on the job at hand.

Seeming a little distracted, too, Frances absentmindedly picked up her fountain pen, her long, manicured nails glancing off the metal casing as she twisted it nervously in her fingers. “Kyle, I was just explaining to Tess the attributes required for the position of personal assistant. Your personal assistant.”

He smiled, a truly beautiful smile, making the laughter lines deepen around his mouth and eyes. He then turned his attention from Frances to her. “Ms. Morgan, would you object if I called you by your Christian name?”

“Please do, Mr. Brannigan.” 

“Tess, the media seem as interested in my private life as they do Brannigan Enterprises. Quite frankly, their unrelenting attention seriously pisses me off. How the hell do these guys come up with so many dumb-ass questions? So, should I offer you the job, and should you accept, that’s where you’d fit in. I currently employ a team of twenty-five public relations personnel working around the globe. The majority have been ably picked by the lady sitting next to me.” He touched Frances’s arm again, and Tess noticed her smile and blush at the same time. “But occasionally, I like to be more involved with employment recruitment, especially when I’ll be working closely with the selected individual. What I need is someone to handle the media when I’m working in the field. I never was a desk jockey, Tess. Underneath I’m just a regular guy, and I’ve always enjoyed being hands-on. I need someone who can handle the media with a lot more diplomacy than I ever could. In a nutshell, I have a very low opinion of the press, and would like to have as little to do with them as possible.”

Sensing her opportunity, Tess put her point across. “Mr. Brannigan, sir, if you’ll give me a chance, I believe I won’t disappoint you. I know exactly what the media require, and I know exactly what you require of a personal assistant.”

“Which is?”

Now was the time to impress. “First of all, up-to-the-minute information is vital. I always ensure that I keep myself fully informed. I personally guarantee I will always be in control of events and able to convey clear, concise messages to press and TV. I always use simple, easy-to-understand language that cannot be misinterpreted by the media, something by their very nature they always endeavor to do. I also believe that positive yet relaxed body language is a must. The media pick up on everything. Believe me, Mr. Brannigan, and I hope you’ll excuse my choice of words, but even if the shit is about to hit the fan, I will project a feeling of absolute calm. You can count on it, sir. You can count on me.”

A sensuous smile played on his lips. “Very impressive. So tell me, Tess, what is the current share price of Brannigan Enterprises stock, or is that something you only actually research when you’re working for a company?” 

Thank God she’d had the foresight to look it up. “It closed last night at fifteen dollars ninety-nine cents, up three point four on the previous day.”

“Excellent.” Kyle Brannigan glanced in Frances Denning’s direction. “I think we’re done here, Frances.” He stood, and then shook Tess’s hand. “Good meeting you, Tess.” He walked to the doorway before pausing and turning to look at her. “You got any kids?”

“No.”

“Someone waiting for you at home?”

“Not anymore.”

“Then meet me back here at five this afternoon, with enough clothes for a week.”

“I’m sorry Mr. Brannigan, I don’t understand. I—”

“You’ve got the job, honey. We’re flying to Alaska this evening in my private jet.” He smiled that beautiful smile again. “Got a problem with that?”

Available from Bookstrand HERE

Guest Blogger: Clair de Lune - Erotic Romance Author (part 2)

Welcome Clair de Lune !  This is the second part of her open and frank interview. Clair  also has her latest release out today, it's called Master Eric's Virgin Sub , and can be bought from Bookstrand HERE

As a way of wetting your appetite, here's the blurb and cover for Clair's latest release, Master Eric's Virgin Sub

Master Eric Ballater, the Dom behind the bar at Prometheus in Chains, a BDSM club, meets Emma Browne, a beautiful blonde virgin waiting for her hero, at a Collaring Ceremony. Curious about the club, she returns for an exploratory visit—and likes what she sees.She is happy with her new life until someone steals her identity, sending abusive e-mails in her name and spending large amounts on her credit card. Why is it happening to Emma?Eric, determined to find out, sets a successful trap, snaring the stalker. Thinking all is over, she explores BDSM with Eric, and they fall in love. But Emma is torn between her love for him and the disapproval of her family if they find out about his involvement in BDSM. At the club's anniversary celebrations, the stalker returns and attacks Emma. Can Eric save her and win her heart completely?

Clair congratulations on your latest release.

Q. What has been the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome in your writing?
A. Self doubt. Can I do this? Will anyone want to read what I write? There’s a lot of me in Jane, my first heroine. A reviewer said that Jane’s age was never stated. That was deliberate. Jane is a grandmother. When you get to a certain age, with or without grey hair, you become invisible in shops and the like. You are not expected to have an interesting life, as for BDSM and a sex life? Perish the thought! I wanted to show that older women, not women of 50 or 60 or 70 but just older women have a life, can enjoy new experiences and have sex just as much as a 20 year old. Life will give you wrinkles, but only you can let those wrinkles rule your life. Jane’s in her early sixties in fact. She  has doubts, problems with her arthritis and her-self image. Master Angus, bless him, will have none of it. He sees past the ‘grandma’ to the person Jane has always been and always will be, whatever changes take place in her outward appearance. Just look at the attitude of the person who waxed her. Master Angus understands why she has these problems but he helps her face and overcome them.
Q. Where do you get the inspirations for your books? 
A. It might be an item on the news, like Fiona’s Two Masters, Book 3 in the Prometheus series.(Due to be released October 31st) Several women have been given prison sentences for withdrawing, under duress, complaints against violent partners. It can be something I experience in my own life, like Initiation. Sometimes a particular interest, like the Kinbaku in Catriona’s Golden Angel. I tend to start with some characters in my head and then the story comes.

Q. Do you prefer stand-alone books or series (As a reader or a writer) ? 

A. As a reader I don’t mind. If I like a set of characters, then I want to read more about them, for instance Desire, Bliss, Esoteria. I could go on, with a long list. My Kindle is full of them. Stand-alone is fine too. If a book engages my interest I will read it, and read it several times. Pride and Prejudice is my favourite and I read it on average once a year. I doubt it will be read this year as I have little time to read now.As a  writer I prefer series. There is always something at the end of a book that could have been added or needed to be said. A series allows characters to re-appear and develop as you put them into other situations with other people. How many books have you read where you wonder what happened to them afterwards? Did they have that baby? Did they live together happily ever after? If you write a series you can answer all those questions. I love Anne McCaffrey’s “Freedom” series. Sadly Anne is no longer with us so we will never ever now what happened to Kris and Zainal later on.
Q. If you could change places with one character from your book, who would it be and why?  
A. Jane, she gets her loving Dominant and a very fulfilling new life. She appears in almost all the Prometheus novels to some degree, with her new circle of friends. I know what those Gaelic words mean too!

Q. Do you listen to music while you are writing, and if so what music is it? 
A. No, I need quiet, when I’m at home. Strangely enough when I’m out, if I need to write something down, I just get on. I started a plot for one novel in the middle of Tullie House museum, with kids running all over and playing with the exhibits. I never heard a thing! Music does play a large part in my life. I love Heavy Metal. Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Nine Inch Nails. I also enjoy Bellowhead, an English folk band, Runrig ,a gaelic Rock group, Donnie Munro, their ex-front man, Queen, the Who. I am sure you get the picture by now. Cooking and cleaning are done to loud music.
Q. How do we find out about you and your books?
www.clairdelunebooks.co.uk

Q. How may readers contact you?

Clairdelune4542 (at) yahoo (dot) co (dot) uk

http://www.facebook.com/clair.delune.71653

I answer every email and Facebook contact. As a reader I know it is difficult to decide to get in contact. You think the author will be too busy to answer. Well that’s not so. It is good to hear what you have to say about the books and characters. Tell me what you really think !
Q. Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?
A. Yes, just keep trying. It's never too late. I'm still dazed and confused (Led Zep reference) by the way writing has now become central to my life and happiness, in such a short space of time. I have found nothing but advice and help from the staff at Siren and my fellow authors, several of whom have become friends. 
Thanks for another inspiring blog, Clair . You've given us all plenty to think about, and I know we'll be seeing a lot more of Clair's books in the future.

Release Day for Seduced by Her Texas Billionaire Boss

It's Release Day for............Seduced by Her Texas Billionaire Boss Available from Bookstrand HEREThe  Guilty Pleasures  series features hot billionaires and their even hotter love lives!
Warning:  Seduced by Her Texas Billionaire Boss  contains, light BDSM, bondage, role play and a sexy hero to die for. Will Kyle Brannigan give Tess Morgan the happy ever after she desires, or will their relationship simply crash and burn? 
[Siren Everlasting Classic: Erotic Cowboy Romance, consensual BDSM, role play, sex toys, HEA] Kyle Brannigan, the legendary forty-year-old well control expert, and boss of Brannigan Enterprises, lives life on the edge—it’s what gives him a buzz. There’s only one thing that compares to the adrenaline rush of his demanding job, and that’s the adrenaline rush he finds in the bedroom. When he hires beautiful twenty-eight-year-old Tess Morgan as his personal assistant, he decides to mix business with pleasure.Tess knows all about Kyle Brannigan’s womanizing ways, and though deeply attracted to him, vows never to become another of his sexual conquests. However, just watching her new boss in action, as he tames the dangerous environment he works in, causes her libido to run out of control.Can Tess resist Kyle Brannigan’s unique charm and Alpha male persona, or will she be seduced by her billionaire boss?A Siren Erotic Romance

My Secret Obsession

With my latest book Seduced by Her Texas Billionaire Boss , coming out tomorrow, I thought I would let you into my secret obsession ~ cover making.
You may not be aware that I have just started making my own cover art, and I have to confess that's it's become something of an obsession. It goes beyond deciding what the hero and heroine should look like, but encompasses some of the emotion in the story.

First I had to choose a hero

Kyle Brannigan in my latest book, is a wild, devil-may-care guy who has built an empire with his own bare hands. His expertise in well control is second to none, and I needed to choose him carefully. I think he really looks the part, don't you?

Next I had to find a heroine for my hero

 

Tess Morgan had to have sex appeal, and a vulnerability all rolled into one. She was more difficult to find, and I spent hours trawling the web for someone who I thought fit the bill. I think I found my perfect heroine, with just the right amount of sassiness to keep my hero on his toes. Yep, she really fits the part. I think she can handle a billionaire, don't you?

My next port of call was the background

Now I needed something befitting, and incredibly sexy, but it was here that I made the mistake. I chose a beautiful bedroom scene, but unfortunately I didn't take into account the bedposts, which had an uncanny knack of sprouting from the heads of my hero and heroine. In the end, I had to erase the posts using some computer software. 

After manipulating the images for what seemed hours, this is what I ended it up with. So, although it took me a long time to make this cover, I'm very pleased with the results. Let me know what you think?  

Here's the blurb:

 Kyle Brannigan, the legendary forty-year-old well control expert, and boss of Brannigan Enterprises, lives life on the edge—it’s what gives him a buzz. There’s only one thing that compares to the adrenaline rush of his demanding job, and that’s the adrenaline rush he finds in the bedroom. When he hires beautiful twenty-eight-year-old Tess Morgan as his personal assistant, he decides to mix business with pleasure.
Tess knows all about Kyle Brannigan’s womanizing ways, and though deeply attracted to him, vows never to become another of his sexual conquests. However, just watching her new boss in action, as he tames the dangerous environment he works in, causes her libido to run out of control.Can Tess resist Kyle Brannigan’s unique charm and Alpha male persona, or will she be seduced by her billionaire boss?You can purchase Seduced by Her Texas Billionaire Boss HERE

Guest Blogger: Lori King ~ Erotic Romance Author

Today we have guest blogger Lori King , a fellow Siren author who has written two erotic paranormal romances. Find out about her latest romance Reflections of the Wolf, which was only released yesterday!

Hi Jan! Thank you so much, for letting me borrow your blog for a day! I’m Lori King , a newly published author with Siren-Bookstrand, as well as a full-time mom of 3 boys, a wife, PTO secretary, and I work a full-time job in the financial industry.  I’m an everyday woman, with a lot of things to juggle, and I use my writing as a way of stepping out of my shoes for a little while.

I write stories about Dominant men with a teddybear middle. I want them tough on the outside maybe even a little bossy, and gooey like melted chocolate inside, when it comes to their women. I write about women who are softies when it comes to their men, but stand on their own two feet the majority of the time. No wishy-washy whiners for me. I like to say put on your big girl panties and deal!

As for why I write erotic romance, well that’s pretty easy for me. I write to bring fantasies to life for regular women like myself. I want them to read my stories, and escape reality long enough to enjoy a moment in their own private world. I like to think that each story helps readers to see their own relationships and sexuality in a new way. Whether that’s by turning them on, or just by giving the hope that true love does exist.

My second book Reflections of the Wolf, just released yesterday! It is the second in a series of Paranormal-Erotic Romance stories. The series follows the members of a werewolf pack, The Gray Pack, as they struggle to keep their true nature a secret, and find their predestined mates. Here’s a previously unreleased snippet of both books!

Fire of the Wolf (The Gray Pack Book 1): Available from Bookstrand

“How can you want me? You don’t even know me. And why are you so determined to protect me?” She sounded heartbreakingly confused, but Devin knew that now wasn’t the time for explanations. It would only succeed in making this situation harder.

He stood up and moved to her side, taking her hand and placing it on his chest, holding it against his heart firmly.

“I told you I can’t explain it all right now, but just know that I can feel my need for you deep inside of me.” As he said it he searched her eyes for some recognition of his soul. The mating bond was undeniable, and he could see her shiver at the unexpected intensity of his emotions. He knew this woman was meant for him, and he would not give her up, even if it meant sharing her with his brother. “Do you feel something when you look at me?”

“Sure, I’m attracted to you. I mean look at you. But I’m well past the age of letting lust rule my life, Devin. Sex doesn’t equal stability, and that’s what I want in my life. I need some logical answers and a plan for tomorrow.”

“I don’t mean lust, Caroline, but it’s good to know you want me as much as I want you.” He paused and watched the flush of heat rise in her cheeks and her breathing pick up. “I mean deep down, can you honestly tell me that you don’t feel a connection?”

Reflections of the Wolf (The Gray Pack 2): Available from Bookstrand

“Damn it, Tina. I wanted you, and I don’t regret making love to you. I regret not giving you more time. More time to get to know me and understand the process you are facing becoming my mate. Stop, Sweet Tina, please don’t cry.” His rambling calmed her sobs and soothed her bruised ego just a bit. Sniffling, she lifted her eyes to his.

“Stop saying that! I’m not going to become your mate, so get it out of your head!” she said gruffly. Even she could hear the petulant frustration in her statement.

“You already are my mate, sweetheart. I can’t change it any more than you can. All that’s left is the claiming. I will give you some time to get used to the idea and get to know me, but I won’t let you go. I want to protect you, and to do that I need to keep you close.” He rested his chin on top of her head. She could hear in his tone that he had resigned himself to being with her, whether he liked her or not. She wasn’t sure why, but that bothered her immensely.

You can find them both on my author’s page http://www.bookstrand.com/lori-king and stop by my blog www.lorikingbooks.wordpress.com to read character interviews, and tease’s from my current work in progress: Legacy of the Wolf (The Gray Pack 3).

Facebook me: https://www.facebook.com/Lori.King.Author

Twitter me: @LoriKingBooks

Thanks again Jan for having me! Don’t forget to Live, Laugh, and Love like today is your only chance! ~ Lori King

You're welcome, Lori , thanks for guesting today, and good luck with your latest release Reflections of the Wolf!

Seduced by her Texas Billionaire Boss now on pre-order

Seduced by Her Texas Billionaire Boss Now on pre-order at Bookstrand HEREThe  Guilty Pleasures  series features hot billionaires and their even hotter love lives!
Warning:  Seduced by Her Texas Billionaire Boss  contains, light BDSM, bondage, role play and a sexy hero to die for. Will Kyle Brannigan give Tess Morgan the happy ever after she desires, or will their relationship simply crash and burn? 
[Siren Everlasting Classic: Erotic Cowboy Romance, consensual BDSM, role play, sex toys, HEA]Kyle Brannigan, the legendary forty-year-old well control expert, and boss of Brannigan Enterprises, lives life on the edge—it’s what gives him a buzz. There’s only one thing that compares to the adrenaline rush of his demanding job, and that’s the adrenaline rush he finds in the bedroom. When he hires beautiful twenty-eight-year-old Tess Morgan as his personal assistant, he decides to mix business with pleasure.Tess knows all about Kyle Brannigan’s womanizing ways, and though deeply attracted to him, vows never to become another of his sexual conquests. However, just watching her new boss in action, as he tames the dangerous environment he works in, causes her libido to run out of control.Can Tess resist Kyle Brannigan’s unique charm and Alpha male persona, or will she be seduced by her billionaire boss?A Siren Erotic Romance
Jan Bowles is a Siren-exclusive author.

Seduced by Her Texas Billionaire Boss now on pre-order at Bookstrand

Seduced by Her Texas Billionaire Boss now on pre-order at Bookstrand HEREThe  Guilty Pleasures  series features hot billionaires and their even hotter love lives!
Warning:  Seduced by Her Texas Billionaire Boss  contains, light BDSM, bondage, role play and a sexy hero to die for. Will Kyle Brannigan give Tess Morgan the happy ever after she desires, or will their relationship simply crash and burn? Find out inSeduced by Her Texas Billionaire Boss (MF)
Guilty Pleasures 6PRE-ORDER!
AVAILABLE: Friday, October 12th[Siren Everlasting Classic: Erotic Cowboy Romance, consensual BDSM, role play, sex toys, HEA]Kyle Brannigan, the legendary forty-year-old well control expert, and boss of Brannigan Enterprises, lives life on the edge—it’s what gives him a buzz. There’s only one thing that compares to the adrenaline rush of his demanding job, and that’s the adrenaline rush he finds in the bedroom. When he hires beautiful twenty-eight-year-old Tess Morgan as his personal assistant, he decides to mix business with pleasure.Tess knows all about Kyle Brannigan’s womanizing ways, and though deeply attracted to him, vows never to become another of his sexual conquests. However, just watching her new boss in action, as he tames the dangerous environment he works in, causes her libido to run out of control.Can Tess resist Kyle Brannigan’s unique charm and Alpha male persona, or will she be seduced by her billionaire boss?A Siren Erotic Romance
Jan Bowles is a Siren-exclusive author.  Seduced by Her Texas Billionaire Boss (MF)Available in: Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Reader, HTML, EPUB, MobipocketPrice: $5.50

Guest Blogger: Clair de Lune ~ Erotic Romance Author (part 1)

Welcome to fellow Siren author Clair de Lune !  Congratulations on your latest release, The Locket , which is out today!! Can you please tell us something about the book?


Q. Where did you get the idea for, The Locket?
Thank you for having me on your blog, Jan. I have always loved the Regency period of English History. I have lost count of the number of books I have read about it from novels to biographies. After I had started to write the “Prometheus in Chains” series I realised how much I enjoyed writing. I had a really old, gold locket that has been in the family for generations. I gave it to my daughter on her 21st birthday as my mother had given it to me. The title came from that. My daughter’s reaction to being told about this book was,  ”Well it was only a matter of time.” She knows me too well. It was really the idea of identical triplets that set me off, as usual it’s the characters that start the book.
   Q. Tell us a bit about the hero and heroine in The Locket.
The heroes are identical triplets, all with Mediterranean looks. Their father is of Spanish origin, having come over to England bringing horses, at the request of the Duke of Wellington. The de la Torre y Saavedra family breed Andalusian horses. The triplets are all involved in the family business. Rafael, the eldest, and the dominant brother, breeds the horses. Antonio runs the estate and Angel makes money and loves antique jewellery. Rafael’s mother wants them to marry and sends them to London to find a wife. They are not impressed by the giggling girls they find there, until they rescue Lady Alicia from a kidnapping attempt. She’s a widow. Her first marriage was unhappy and she is poor, at the moment. She struggles to accept that she can love and want three men. Needless to say they are only too happy to convince her. Singly and all at once.


Adult Excerpt from The Locket
She sat on one end on the chaise longue, removing her gloves and laying them on the table. He gave her a glass of wine and held out a strawberry. When she would have taken it in her hand, he dipped it into his wine and set it to her lips. She bit into the sweet fruit, savouring the taste of it combined with the wine. As some of the juice escaped from the corner of her mouth, he wiped her lips delicately with a snow-white linen napkin. He began to feed her more strawberries and then dipped a small bunch of grapes into his glass. allowing her to take them with her lips one after another from the bunch. She enjoyed his feeding her and found it aroused her, too.Abruptly he put down his glass and took hers from her by now nerveless fingers and, placing it beside his, he took both her hands in his and raised her to her feet. She looked into his eyes and was lost. His mouth descended on hers in a surprisingly tender kiss. In the split second before he kissed her she had thought he would be firm and forceful. She knew he was aroused, and his feeding her the fruit like that had left her in a parlous state. She wanted him, oh, how she wanted him, but she had made love to Rafael, who seemed to want her more and more, and now she was with his brother. She had to clear her mind and think, but then he kissed her tenderly and delicately, nibbling her lips and licking along the bottom one, and all power of coherent thought left her. He lifted one hand and pressed lightly on her chin to open her mouth and she offered no resistance. Oh, but she was wanton, she thought. This was not Rafael, but she could not stop kissing him.“I want you!” He growled, and at the words, moisture flooded her pussy and her nipples pebbled.He gathered her more tightly into his arms and settled to taste her, seemingly at his leisure. His tongue explored every inch of her mouth, and he tasted so good. The wine and fruit tastes mixed with his own essence, and she could not get enough of him. She pressed her swollen and aching breasts to his chest. Lifting one arm, she took the nape of his neck in her hand, held onto his lapel with the other, and kissed him back. He responded with ever-increasing ardour, pressing his thick erection into her soft body and tightening his hold on her. He rubbed her back in gentle circles with one hand and fisted the other in the curls that had escaped her fashionable top knot. He sat down upon the chaise longue and drew her onto his lap, all the while continuing the sinuous dance their tongues were engaged in. She felt his hand move to her breast and moaned into his mouth as his fingers lightly caressed her nipple then more firmly pressed and flicked it. She felt her bodice slowly open, revealing her chemise, which was easily lowered, and her breasts were exposed to the air and his questing hands. His fingers circled the nipples then brushed over them, and she arched her back, pressing the tips into his hands. She felt rather than heard his sigh of satisfaction. His hands began to play, moving from breast to breast and from gently brushing strokes to firm pinches, flicking first one then the other and at last squeezing until she cried out in pain, or was it pleasure? The one was so close to the other. He raised her to her feet and had her kneel on the chaise longue. She held tight to the back and tried to open her legs but found she could not. He stood straddling her thighs, pressing her knees together.“What is he about?How could he?” Her thoughts were in chaos. He stood behind her and, leaning over, took both her breasts in his hands and continued the sweet torment until she writhed and pressed her bottom into his groin in such a suggestive way that he chuckled.“Patience, my lady. It will be well worth the wait.”She did not want to be patient. She squirmed and wriggled her behind, feeling his hot, thick erection, wanting it inside her without delay. Finally, he took hold of her thick hair, which by now had come loose, fisted one hand into it, and held her. She found she enjoyed the bite of pain. With the other hand, he guided his cock in between her legs and teased her entrance with it, rubbing against her swollen labia and her clit and driving her wild.“Oh, please, please!” she cried, needing, wanting him inside her. She did not know how to ask or if she could ask.She had been taken in this position before, but never like this, never with her legs pressed together. She could not move. She was powerless and at his mercy. Then he pressed in, and she felt the hot length enter her inch by delicious inch and sighed with relief. “At last!” The sensation was very different with her legs together. He kept on pressing into her until she felt the crisp hairs at his groin against her folds and her bottom. He was long and thick, and she struggled to accommodate him. Then when she thought he was all the way in and expected he would begin to withdraw and pleasure her, he thrust his hips forward and his cock even further inside her, and she gasped.The Locket is available from Bookstrand HERE Q. What are you working on right now and what can we expect from you next?
I am finishing a Dragon shape-shifting story, set in the Cairngorms. I have always loved dragons and sci-fi so the combination of dragons, shape-shifting and thought communication has been enjoyable to write. Getting it all sorted out was a challenge. I shall know if I have succeeded when I get my edits.

Clair has six more books to be released later this year. They are as follows:

"Master Eric's Virgin Sub" Number two in the Prometheus in Chains series. Jessica is back with her sights on Jane's granddaughter. Release day - 17th October

"Fiona's Two Masters" Number three in the Prometheus in Chains" series. If you liked Master Angus, his twin nephews are in this book. They are younger versions of the man himself. Release day - 31st October

"Learning to Live with her Master" Number four in the Prometheus in Chains" series. Jane and Angus are learning to live together and it's not all plain sailing. Release day - 14th November

"Reconciliation" Llewellyn, with the dragon tattoo, left Gloria five years ago to repay a debt of honour. Will she have him back? Release day - 28th  November

"Catriona's Golden Angel"  Mistress Catriona has found the love of her life but will they be allowed to live together in peace. My Kinbaku fantasy in this one! Release day - 12th December.

“The Torquil Enigma”  Gemma can’t make up her mind about Master Torquil. He’s the scary Dom in the Dungeon, but he can make tender love to her. She is determined to find the real Master Torquil but will he cooperate? Release day - 26th December.

My, you've been very busy, Clair !

Q. Did you always want to become a writer? 
I never even thought of it. I had a career, worked full time and raised three children. I was always very busy. Then I was retired and living a boring routine life and getting depressed. My youngest son challenged me to write a book, but I didn’t do it at once. I have always read, devoured books is more like it. I got a Kindle, got on Amazon and started to read erotic novels. There are so many good writers in this genre. I started to find my favourite authors, here Cooper McKenzie has a lot to answer for. Her Club Esoteria was always my favourite. She has been generous with help and advice too. One day Jane and Angus were in my head. I sat down and began to write. I told no-one. When I had finished the book I had no idea what to do so Googled. What else? “Siren” and “submissions” came up so I sent “Initiation” off. I expected a polite “No, thank you“. When they said they wanted to publish the book I was speechless. When I told my husband and the family they could scarcely believe it. 

Q. How do we find out about you and your books?
www.clairdelunebooks.co.uk

Q. How may readers contact you?

Clairdelune4542 (at) yahoo (dot) co (dot) uk

http://www.facebook.com/clair.delune.71653

I answer every email and Facebook contact. As a reader I know it is difficult to decide to get in contact. You think the author will be too busy to answer. Well that’s not so. It is good to hear what you have to say about the books and characters. Tell me what you really think !
Find out more about Clair de Lune as she answers more of my questions in two weeks time. In the second part of her guest blog she explains how she overcame self doubt and where she gets her inspiration from!

Guest Blogger: Tonya Ramagos ~ Erotic Romance Author

Today we have Tonya Ramagos as my guest blogger. Tonya writes for Siren, Ellora's Cave, and she's also written for Total-E-Bound, and eXtasy Books, too. Tonya has over 30 books in her back catalog! Not so much a back catalog, but more a library! Tonya has supplied some links, so I've coloured them RED for your convenience. Now let's put some questions to my special guest.


Q. Where did you get the idea for, Dangerous Kisses?
A. A great majority of the setting of Dangerous Kisses takes place in a public aquarium. I love aquariums! I find a lot of enjoyment walking along the halls and exhibitions and peering into tanks full of marine life I will never likely see otherwise, especially since I can't swim. Yep, you read that right. This girl who was born and raised on the Coastal beach of Biloxi, MS never learned how to swim. The rest of the idea for Dangerous Kisses came from playing the "what if" game I love to play. What if the owner of a public aquarium was attacked by a shark in his own facility? What if it was later discovered that attack was provoked? What if a former employee of that aquarium who is now a homicide detective gets hold of the case? Oh, and what if that homicide detective has the super hots for the one suspect believed to have instigated the attack? There were a lot more "what ifs", of course, but those got the fingers typing.
Q. Tell us a bit about the hero and heroine in, Dangerous Kisses.
A. Megan Pontius comes from a family of marine biologists. While she shares their love for marine life, she chose her own career path and became a homicide detective. She worked for the M.P. Colton Aquarium owned by a life-long family friend, Paul Colton. She's a head-strong female that loves to live on the edge of danger, but there's one cliff she's been too hesitant to topple over. She hungers for a darker side of sex than she's ever experienced and she knows Drake Allen is the man who can show it to her. However, her desires for Drake and his dominate alpha nature have kept her running scared...until now.
Drake Allen is an aquarist at the M.P. Colton Aquarium. He sees Megan as a smart, vivacious, ambitious, and independent female with a sexual passion he longs to control. He's waited for the right moment to move in but, when that moment presents itself, he finds himself the prime suspect in a murder investigation. Now he not only needs Megan in his bed, he needs her to clear his name. The problem is she may not believe in his innocence.
Q. What are you working on right now and what can we expect from you next?
A. I'm currently working on book 9 of The Heroes of Silver Springs, tentatively titled Going Under. This will be a M/M/M erotic romantic suspense story featuring DEA agent Adrien Bingham, FBI agent Cameron Stone, and firefighter Thaddeus Carter. I've gotten tons of requests for more of these hot hunks and their story from fans of the series and I'm having a blast finally bringing them together.
My next upcoming release is Hands on Justice, book 4 of The Service Club. Justice McCall has a bone-deep emptiness only Cade and Grant can fill. Trouble is what the two dominate, cowboy public defenders might uncover about her scares her to her toes. She knows what will happen if she succumbs to their touch, but will the dark pleasures they offer be too much for her to endure?Cade Leaver is tired of fooling around. He’s found Justice guilty of a submissive desire only he and Grant can administer. Control is not up for debate. But exposing how deep her vixen needs go while imprisoning her heart will prove his hardest trial yet.Grant Mason knows his case against Justice can be won in the bedroom. It will take some fancy litigation to get her there, but when the gavel comes down she’ll be sentenced to a lifetime of erotic passion found beneath the hands of himself, Cade, and the Service Club.
Hands on Justice will be available at Siren-BookStrand on October 22, 2012
Q. What has been the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome in your writing?
A. Learning to juggle being a mom, a girlfriend, a future wife, and a writer. I learned this lesson a long time ago when I had my two boys but, almost two years ago, I had to learn it again when my fiancee and his children moved in. Between the two of us, we have five children ranging in ages from two years old to eighteen. It's been difficult to find a balance that works, especially when all the kids are at home and craving my attention. Thankfully, all of them except the two year old understand the importance of a job and have learned to give me quiet time to write.
Q. Did you always want to become a writer? 
A. I've always loved to write, but I don't remember actually wanting to become a writer until I reached high school. I wrote my first book as a freshman in high school. At least, back then I thought it was a book. I still have it and, looking at it now, I have no idea where I was really headed with it or exactly what it was supposed to be. LOL But, that "book" started me on the writing track. I worked other jobs here and there through the years, always writing when I could squeeze in the time. I didn't truly get serious about my writing career until I signed on with Siren Publishing in 2005. In 2008, writing became my sole career.
Q. Where do you get the inspirations for your books?
A. Anywhere and everywhere! People I see, places I go, things I do, things I read, things I hear about...I never know what is going to spark an idea for a character or a plot. My android and kindle are full of notes and I've always got a notebook and pen close by for times when an idea gets a little too extensive for a quick message.
Q. Do you prefer stand-alone books or series (As a reader or a writer) ? 
A. I love writing series, though I try to write each book so it can stand on its own for those who pick up a series in the middle. Creating a cast of characters that draw readers into their lives and make readers keep coming back to find out what happens to them or their town is a thrilling thing for me. Every now and then I will have an idea for a stand-alone book and I write it but, most of the time, when an idea comes to me, it fits with a series I currently have going or it comes with a full cast of characters that are going to demand their own story at some point in the future.
Q. If you could change places with one character from your books, who would it be and why? 
A. Ooo, that's a tough one. Lets see...I think I would have to say Michael Cosmos from The Heroes of Silver Springs series. He was introduced into the series in book 3, Stormy Nights, but book 7, Taken By Surprise was devoted to his story. Yes, Michael is a guy. Hey, we're talking about changing places here. I would love to be a guy for a day. And to be a totally hunky, bad-ass DEA agent who goes against a Cambodian drug cartel and still manages to have a sensitive side for the woman he loves like Michael would be really cool!
Q. Do you listen to music while you are writing, and if so what music is it? 
A. Very rarely. Usually, I write to the sounds of nature, cars, and garbage trucks. LOL When weather permits, I write outside. I have a wonderful screened-in back deck with a comfortable outdoor table and chair where I do the majority of my writing. I go crazy when the winter weather forces me inside. On my back deck, I can escape the noise, clutter, and chatter of five kids and slip into my own little world.
Q. How do we find out about you and your books?
A. All my latest news and releases can be found on my website at http://www.tonyaramagos.comMore day-to-day thoughts and happenings can be found on my Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/tonya.ramagosMy books are available at Siren-BookStrand at http://www.bookstrand.com/tonya-ramagos and at Ellora's Cave at http://www.jasminejade.com/m-722-tonya-ramagos.aspx as well as Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other on-line retailers.
Q. How may readers contact you?
A. I can be reached via e-mail at tonyaramagos@aol.com or on my Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/tonya.ramagos
Q. Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?
A. Read, read, and read some more. Then write, write, write and don't stop! I've heard some authors say they don't have time to read because they are too busy writing. On the one hand, I can understand. However, how can you keep up with what readers are craving if you aren't taking the time to read what is on the market? Another thing I hear a lot is, "I want to write a book, but I don't have time." The time to write is not going to present itself. You have to make it! And, if you're truly serious about being a writer, you have to make that time everyday. Writing requires a huge amount of self-discipline and dedication, but the benefits in the end are more rewarding than anything imaginable.
Thanks so much Tonya , you've given us all plenty to think about, and some great advice, too! Hmm, I wouldn't mind being a bad ass DEA for a day either! Thanks for taking part, You've been an inspiration!