Sandra Bunino's Blog, page 31

ALL THINGS GIRL: Growing your author platform

Happy Monday! I experienced connection problems during a good part of yesterday and wasn’t able to post a new ALL THINGS GIRL so I’m rerunning a popular post from the past about getting your author-self seen…

Hey y’all! I have something a little different for you today. In the sea of ebooks (did you know that there are over one million books on Amazon?) how does an author stand out? Should you use the Field of Dreams theory of “If you build it, they will come”? After all, it took a damn long time to write that book, the least readers can do is buy and read it, right?  Selling books and gaining exposure as an author is not a passive activity, my friends. It takes work, creativity, perseverance and plenty of planning…and you thought writing books was just about writing books.

 

Here’s what I have learned over the past few months. I hope you find it helpful too.

 

Before I released my first book I began researching what it meant to have an author platform.

 

I’d heard the term. I followed many terrific authors. But what did “platform” mean exactly? Was it some kind of pie-in-the-sky marketing concept or something I should take seriously as an indie author? I have an MBA yet this whole concept was entirely new to me.

 

Here’s what I discovered:

 

Authors (no matter if you’re self-published or traditional) need to have an established presence prior to publishing their first book.

 

Okay, great. But wait, what? Prior to? Wouldn’t I be promoting my book? Isn’t that the whole point? Yes. And no. I learned that the most successful authors actually started their platform long before they released their book!

 

How do you go about developing this presence? That’s where I did more research, reading books, going online, learning what other successful authors I admired had done.

 

For the most part, there’s a basic formula: Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads to an extent, and blogging. All new to me, but surely not that difficult. I could do this, right? Well….

 

Not so fast. If you’ve dabbled in the world of social media, you’ll understand when I say that it’s a bit of a different culture. I didn’t quite get it at first. Many don’t. Twitter seemed kinda…weird (haha). I even called my younger brother and asked him what those hashtag thingys meant (he was absolutely no help!). Many people think Twitter is about what teenagers ate for lunch or a way to keep tabs on your favorite celebrity. But I found out that as an author, it’s far more than that if used as a marketing tool. What a powerful resource and best of all – it’s free!

 

I took a webinar, found a mentor and even hired a consultant to give me some pointers (she’s also a bestselling author so she knows what she’s talking about!). I was soon tweeting like a pro and gained over 2,000 followers in just five months. I’ve met an amazing network of authors and connected with many readers in a very short period of time – all thanks to Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads.

 

Here’s where I think some authors make their mistake: as adults we don’t want to admit what we won’t know or understand — so many times we give up, walk away. I’ve learned that in publishing, that’s just not an option. If you ever hope to be signed by a traditional publisher (even an indie publisher), they expect you to have an established fan base. And not just with a blog. People need to know how to find your blog! And this is where Twitter and Facebook, even LinkedIn come in.

 

SEO: this is a big topic I won’t even try to cover here but it goes to what I mentioned in the last paragraph. If you want to be found, anywhere, you need to know your branding. This is where marketing yourself comes in. I figured out quickly that I needed to have a theme: to my blog posts, my tweets, Facebook messages – everything needed to go along with my genre, erotic romance.

 

I pay special attention to my brand. Everything that I put my name on is branded with a consistent look and feel. There’s a sensual atmosphere to my brand and I use key focal points such as red roses and rose petals, sunsets and tropical settings on my blog, Twitter avatar and bio page, Facebook, and even my book covers.

 

 

What does this have to do with SEO (search engine optimization)? Keywords. Know what your message is, what you want to convey, and be sure those words are in everything you do so you and your book come up in the search engines. This is how your readers can more easily find you with the least amount of effort.

 

I hope this peek into developing my author platform has been helpful for you. There’s really so much more to it! But at least it’s a start for many people. I am by no means an expert on the subject but if you have any questions, thoughts, please comment below contact me directly.

Follow your dream, stay positive and don’t give up! Writing is about the journey not the destination. Enjoy the ride.

~S

  

Passion explodes in MAROONED WITH THE MILLIONAIRE #8Sunday

Looky what showed up in my inbox last week…

I love cover day!

Marooned with the Millionaire is a re-release of Marooned in Miami and Lusted in Las Vegas. The novellas were combined and enhanced for Evernight Publishing to be released on Tuesday, April 9th!

In this week’s WWW snippet, Jason and Stephanie reunite in Las Vegas. The couple finished dinner at a restaurant overlooking the fictional Castello Hotel & Casino (think the Bellagio) and are enjoying the restaurant’s viewing terrace. I think the cover depicts this scene perfectly.

A flash of light from the water below signaled a single long spray from the middle of the lake. It multiplied and set off a continuous line of water in the air that moved forward and back with the music. As the water danced in the air, the music’s volume increased. Stephanie placed both hands on the railing. He moved behind her and ran his fingers up the planes of her back and down both of her arms. Continuing his assault of warm kisses down her neck and between her shoulder blades, the tip of his tongue followed the trail back up her neck and stopped at her ear. Stephanie gasped and leaned into his body for support. His arms provided the stability she needed to remain standing.

“My self-control is giving out,” Jason whispered in her ear as his hand inched upward taking her dress hem along with it.

Oops! My recount uncovered nine sentences but Jason won’t let me remove the last one.

Click here to continue your Weekend Writing Warriors adventure.

xoxo

~S

DON’T MISS: Paloma Beck’s HOLD MY HAND Release Tour

The two-week Release Tour for Paloma Beck’s Hold My Hand includes a DAILY CONTEST to WIN a Hold My Hand ebook and the chance to name Aubrey’s new pet in book two. Enter to win each day by answering the QUESTION in the COMMENTS section of that day’s post.

April 2,  Celeste Jones  | April 3,  Natasha Knight  | April 4,  Renee Rose Romance  | April 5,  Eclectic Writer  | April 6,  Guilty Indulgence  | April 7,  Happily Ever After  | April 8,  Wicked Romance  | April 9,  Patricia Green  | April 10,  Excerpts with Emilia  | April 11,  Cassandra Dayne  | April 12,  Cara Bristol  | April 13,  Governing Ana  | April 14,  Keta’s Keep  | April 15,  Brewing Passion

Hold My Hand

Hold My Hand is an Erotic Contemporary BDSM-lite Romance about Aubrey, a young woman filled with hurt, and William, a man who couldn’t walk away. They’re navigating through a relationship that may have too many hurdles… or perhaps not, as long as she can hold his hand.

Author: Paloma Beck

Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance

Elements: BDSM-lite, Consensual Adult Spanking

Release Date: April 1, 2013

Editor: Perk It Up Editing

Cover Design: Erin Dameron-Hill Graphics

BUY LINKS: Smashwords   |  Amazon   |  Barnes&Noble  |  Kobo   |  CreateSpace

Book Blurb

Aubrey has been hurt in the past, discouraged and degraded by a heartless father. Still, William sees something in her that won’t allow him to walk away. Instantly drawn to her but intuitive enough to take it slowly, he courts her. Then he bargains, persuades and seduces until he ensnares Aubrey with his commanding nature. He’s everything she ever needed but never had the courage to want for. Despite the fight she puts up in accepting William’s lifestyle, the bonds he places on Aubrey give her a freedom she desperately needs. Together, they heal old wounds and find their perfect love.

 

Excerpt ©Hold My Hand, Paloma Beck, 2013

When he seated me on the edge of the chair nearest the fireplace and began to stoke the embers of the fire, I kept my eyes cast down. He made me nervous, those same nerves I felt once living under my father’s roof. No, I reminded myself again, not those nerves exactly. William told me I was beautiful so I know it’s not the same. He was nothing like my father though that tension –the tiny feeling of inadequacy I can’t quite shake- was so similar; I shied away from his gaze. Yet at the same time I craved William, his presence completely overwhelmed me.

He moved behind me, seated himself with his legs on either side of my body and pulled me down to him. My back to his front. My heat to his heat. My body to his body. I shivered, wanting nothing more than to be what he wanted me to be. I assured myself my desire to please was different this time. I was already pleasing William. He told me as much and I believed him. After all, I had to believe in something.

His fingers on my shoulders distracted me. “You’re so tense, sweet Aubrey. Won’t you just relax in my arms tonight?”

“I’ll try. I don’t relax often.”

“No, Aubrey. Your answer to me is yes, sir.”

“Yes, sir,” the whisper floated from my lips on a sigh. It was such a certain response, it left no room for me to fail or disappoint. I found comfort in the statement and relaxed into his body.

“Good. Well done.” His affirmation bolstered my confidence. I’ve not received many compliments that I can recall and it felt nice. I couldn’t help but smile while the pride at such a simple act made my chest feel tight.

William aligned his body against mine so that I could feel him as part of myself. Then I realized he could feel every inch of me against him. He could feel my imperfections. I tensed, wondering what he’d think of me when he got a closer look. I was no longer overweight but now I was slight and never held any real beauty. When he realized this, my time with him will most likely end.

He molded my shoulders and back with his strong fingers. “Relax into me and let me take care of you,” William tickled my neck with his words and a tiny shiver ran along my spine.

“I thought it would be the other way around.”

I felt his laugh against my neck. “You think too much. Time for thinking is over. Now simply trust in me to take care of you.”

His warmth enveloped me. I was caught in him, absolutely ensnared by all that he was.

About the Author

Paloma Beck is a Romance Author living a life of contradiction… she’s a happily married carpooling mom writing erotic romance. It’s almost naughty! Paloma writes in both the Contemporary and Paranormal realms, journaling the stories her characters tell her, and they are anything but PG. She dabbles in vampires, witches, ménage, spanking and bdsm – all in her books, of course. Paloma believes a daily dose of espresso and a good book make any day better.

Connect with Paloma

WEBSITE: http://palomabeck.weebly.com

TUMBLR: http://palomabeck.tumblr.com/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/PalomaBeck

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/PalomaBeckAuthor

PINTEREST: http://www.pinterest.com/PalomaBeck

GOODREADS: http://www.goodreads.com/PalomaBeck

BLOG: http://RomanceBeckons.blogspot.com

 

Paloma will be doing a full two-week release tour for Hold My Hand. You can find more information about her tour at her blog, Romance Beckons. She’ll be giving away a-book-a-day and the chance to name the pet William purchases for Aubrey in book two, Heal My Soul.

HOT NEW RELEASE: Emily Quinn’s A PLAYBOY’S LOVE AFFAIR

This week’s HOT NEW RELEASE is from hot new author, Emily Quinn. I’m diving into this book tonight and I can’t wait!

Blurb:

What a playboy wants, a playboy gets…

Alex St. Jones, black sheep of the famous St. Joneses, is the playboy of playboys whose only love affair is his freedom. He lives by one rule: Enchant them. Seduce them. Leave them. But that’s about to change when a midnight temptress stumbles upon him and demands he kiss her.

Carly Mitchell wants nothing to do with Alex St. Jones. She hates his good looks, his arrogance. Plus, he won’t leave her alone no matter what she does. Most importantly, she hates that she’s falling for him. But she’s determined not to go down without a fight and to teach him a lesson at that. Alex may have met the one woman he cannot tame, but he doesn’t plan on letting that stop him.

Will Carly withstand his charms? When two strong personalities collide, sparks are sure to fly.

~~~~~Published by The Wild Rose Press.

Now available at: Amazon

 

Excerpt:

Alex walked through a stunningly tall garden arbor, admiring the beautiful roses clambering up its sides. He came to a halt at its end, and closed his eyes as he slowly inhaled the tranquility mixed in the rose sweet smelling cool night air. Instinct told him he wasn’t alone, and was glad to see his gut feeling never failed him. His gaze followed a path leading up to a woman in a midnight blue gown, standing under a timeless giant tree a few steps away from him.

 

“Trying to get away?” the mysterious woman purred, coming out of the shadows with a cat-like walk.

 

He nodded. His gaze traveled the length of her body, and his hands itched to touch her long chocolate waves resting on her left shoulder.

 

“I don’t blame you.” She lifted her hand offering him the bottle of wine she’d been drinking from. “Alex St. Jones, is it?” Her moonlit cosmic green eyes met his caramel brown moss.

 

Alex was sure he’d never crossed paths with this woman before tonight. “And you are?” He puckered his brow in inquiry. He shouldn’t have been surprised to hear she knew who he was, but he was. Alex had yet to meet a woman who claimed she’d never heard of the St. Joneses. He didn’t know whether he owed a “thank you” to his wealthy-as-sin dad or not.

 

“Carly Mitchell… Are you going to have some wine or should I just do the deed myself?” Her upper lip curled showing straight pearl white teeth. “I certainly don’t mind.”

 

Alex grabbed the bottle of wine from her and took a long sip. “Who are you trying to get away from?”

 

“My ex.” Carly rolled her eyes.

 

“Your ex?” His gaze drifted around them.

~~~~~~

Emily Quinn writes sexy contemporary romances with irresistible bad boys, feisty heroines, a bit of conflict, humor and a dash of spice.

She loves books and falls in love with every hero she reads. She lives in sunny Southern California with her husband, two kids, and her dog.

Emily loves hearing from her readers. Feel free to drop her a line here or you can also find her on Twitter.

COVER REVEAL: Marooned with the Millionaire

Isn’t it beautiful??

I do love the new cover for Marooned with the Millionaire. Jason and Stephanie are back with a new look! The novellas of Marooned in Miami and Lusted in Las Vegas have been combined and enhanced for the re-release with Evernight Publishing on April 9th.

~~~~~~~~

“The chemistry between Stephanie and Jason is electric, white hot, and sensual. This story definitely delivers on all counts of romance and erotica.” ~ Liz, Fictional Candy

Blurb:

A fierce Miami storm bring sexy strangers together at The Hotel Del Santos for a night of desire.

Stephanie, still reeling from a failed marriage, needs a break from the past. Shying away from the convention center crowds while on a business trip, she finds solace tucked away in a secluded hotel on South Beach.

Jason, a wealthy Seattle builder, has the worst luck with love. He swears he will never allow another woman to get under his skin, until the clicking of a pair of sexy stilettos across the hotel lobby floor attracts his attention.

Cut off from the outside world, the lives of these two strangers collide and burn with desire when a storm strands them together. Neither wants anything more than a glorious one-night stand.

Their chemistry is undeniable and propels them to second meeting in Sin City. However, Stephanie soon learns she has more reason to be wary of her mysterious lover than a broken heart.

     

Excerpt:

Las Vegas. Sin City. A place known for glitz, glamour, excitement and fantasy. it was a premier adult playground where one could pretend to be anything or anyone because “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”
Jason held her hand and gestured toward the lobby with his other. People stared as he escorted her through the hotel to the waiting limousine. By herself, she was exposed and vulnerable, but at Jason’s side she was strong and empowered. Yes. She was in Sin City and Stephanie was going to play the part and enjoy every minute.
“Where are we going?” she asked, sliding into the limo.
“One of my favorite restaurants and I have a surprise for you after dinner.”
“I love surprises, and I have one for you too.” Stephanie leaned over and brushed her lips against his. Her fingertips grazed his thigh and traveled slowly up his leg. A strong hand encircled her wrist at the same time a low growl emanated from his mouth. Her eyes popped open and locked on his darkened stare. The intensity took her breath away.
He leaned over and whispered in her ear. “It’s taking all of my self-control not to take you right here in the back of the limo.”
“What’s stopping you?” she whispered back.
“Damn, we are going to have a fun five days together,” he said in a husky voice, raising his eyebrow.
Stephanie giggled and shifted in her seat as Jason loosened his grip on her wrist and interlaced his fingers with hers. They sat in silence for the rest of the short ride. The limousine turned at the François Hotel and Casino and came to a stop at the private entrance to Le Cote Noir.
The tinkling of piano keys, flickering candlelight and the deep shades of red took over Stephanie’s senses like a soft warm blanket as they walked into the restaurant. “Mr. Royce, it’s so good to see you this evening. Right this way.”
The maître d swiftly escorted them to a secluded table next to floor to ceiling windows overlooking the spectacular view of The Strip.
“I know I said it before, but I’m glad you took me up on my offer and arrived early. We have a lot of time to make up.”
“Speaking of offers, Jason. The clothes, the jewelry, you know I can’t accept any of it.”
Jason reached across table and took her hand in his. “You think too much. Just allow me to take care of you for a few days. Relax and let go, we’ll figure out everything else later.”
Stephanie opened her mouth to speak, but then closed it. She knew it was a losing battle to spar with Jason about his gifts. At that moment the only thing that mattered was that she was with him. It was enough for her. Yes, we will figure the rest out later.
“Are you ready for surprise number one?” Jason asked as the server removed their dinner plates.
He rose and walked to her side of the table. She closed her eyes as a finger grazed the nape of her neck before he pulled her chair out and took her arm in his. She trembled in response to his sizzling touch on her bare back as he lead her through the doorway to the outside terrace. The maître d handed Jason and Stephanie each a glass of port as they walked onto an outdoor patio that jutted over the edge of the building. A cool breeze blew through her hair but she was instantly warmed by a sip of the rich liquid.
“It’s beautiful. I’ve seen the fountains at street level before but never this high up,” Stephanie said, walking up to the railing. She couldn’t actually hear the activity on the busy boulevard from their location high above The Strip, but the intensity in the air was evident. She gazed down at the famous fountains of The Castillo Hotel & Casino.
Jason took the port from her hand and placed the glasses on a nearby table. Stephanie instinctively leaned into the warmth of his palm on the bare small of her back. A sigh escaped her lips as his hand slipped inside the fabric of her dress and ventured lower until his fingertips brushed the top of her ass. The lights on the terrace dimmed and music began to play. A flash of light from the water below signaled a single long spray from the middle of the lake. It multiplied and set off a continuous line of water in the air that moved forward and back with the music. As the water danced in the air, the music’s volume increased. Stephanie placed both hands on the railing. He moved behind her and ran his fingers up the planes of her back and down both of her arms. Continuing his assault of warm kisses down her neck and between her shoulder blades, the tip of his tongue followed the trail back up her neck and stopped at her ear. Stephanie gasped and leaned into his body for support. His arms provided the stability she needed to remain standing.
“My self-control is giving out,” Jason whispered in her ear as his hand inched upward taking her dress hem along with it. Stephanie felt the evidence of his arousal pressing firmly against her back. She tilted her head up to meet his gaze.
“Let’s go,” she said with a coy smile.

 

Join me at Author Island on Thursday, April 11th for the Marooned with the Millionaire launch party! I’ll be giving away a $25 Amazon gift card to one lucky visitor!

xoxo

~S

 

ALL THINGS GIRL and Mommy Porn: Do you hate this phrase as much as I do?

“Mommy Porn”

Do you hate this phrase as much as I do? The term has been in the news lately. Just last week, CBS’s Bill Geist interviewed erotic romance author Desiree Holt. For those of you who don’t know Desiree’s work, she’s a 76 year old grandmother who has written over one hundred erotic romance books. Not your usual erorom author. The CBS spot could have been fantastic had the interviewer asked the right questions. But, IMHO, CBS sent the wrong reporter. Bill Geist’s condescending attitude spotlighted the fact that he had no idea what he was talking about. However, Desiree held her own brilliantly, especially when explaining why many mainstream readers shun erotic romance. She goes on to say readers unfamiliar with erotic romance equate it to pornography – which it isn’t. Stories are based on love, romance and relationships are not porn. Bravo, Ms. Holt!

The term “Mommy Porn” became a popular descriptor of the Fifty Shades trilogy. True, mom’s are reading it! I can’t tell you how many conversations I overhear on youth sport field sidelines. It’s also the only reference many readers know when I tell them what I write. The question I’m usually asked is: “Oh, like Fifty Shades, right?” My response is: “Yes and No.” Yes, simply because it provides a frame of reference. No, because my books are nothing like Fifty Shades.

So, why do I hate the term so much?

Let’s start with the definition of pornography:

Pornography is the explicit portrayal of sexual subject matter for the purpose of sexual gratification. Pornography involves the depiction of acts in a sensational manner, with the entire focus on the physical act, so as to arouse quick intense reactions.

So then what is “Mommy Porn”? Watered down pornography? Are moms not allowed to enjoy regular porn but we’re okay with it as long as it’s the mommy version? Let’s call it what it is – erotic romance.

According to Wikipedia, erotic romance novels are stories written about the development of a romantic relationship through sexual interaction. The sex is an inherent part of the story, character growth, and relationship development, and couldn’t be removed without damaging the storyline.

I’m a proud erotic romance writer. I’m in a talented and intelligent group of supportive writers which include lawyers, nurses, business executives and yes, moms. Many of these authors started writing for the same reasons I did. They wanted to read stories about strong, empowered women and the men (and women) who love them. We weren’t satisfied with the fade-to-black, no-sex scenes because sex drives the relationship. It’s an important part of the story. We’re not afraid to write it and readers seem to enjoy it too.

We’ve come a long way, but we’re still pushing the boulder up the mountain. I’ll leave you with a win for ero rom. One of my favorite books of 2012, Melt Into You by Roni Loren, is a RITA finalist. It’s not only wonderful for the author, but for all erotic romance writers. This book happens to be an M/M/F with M/M interaction. The fact that ultra conservative RWA picked Melt Into You as a finalist speaks volumes to the staying power of erotic romance. Bravo to you, Ms. Loren!

xoxo

~S

Author Raven McAllan dishes about reclaiming her mojo…and dancing!

Please welcome special guest and author Raven McAllan. Raven is a fellow author at Evernight Publishing and one of my favorite Facebook friends. She has me chuckling every single day. Take it away, sweets…

This last two weeks I’ve had an awful chest infection (that’s a hint for virtual sympathy lol), and I’ve felt like doing nothing. I’ve had no energy, not wanted to write, read or cross-stitch. I didn’t go for my daily walk until yesterday, and generally felt like a wuss. And I hated it.

Not writing or reading was the strangest feeling. I mean I’m the person who has a Mac attached to her arm! So not to be tapping away, or reading felt wrong. I even felt guilty. Nothing was getting done, was I falling behind? Would I be able to pick it all up again? Worse of all was the panic…would I even want to? But the energy and impetus wasn’t there. Then to cap it all on Friday, Mac fell ill and I had to take it to the lap top hospital. Memo to self…Do not let the cats play with the cable.

Today, after a week of antibiotics, and a new lovely untouched cable for Mr. Mac, I feel marginally better.

I was flicking back through my recently opened docs, and wondering when I’d get more written. (I have visitors coming today for four days.) And I started to tot up the last couple of weeks words.

There are thousands. I hadn’t realized but even pootering about on the Mac when I was checking the social networks, and writing blogs, and the odd paragraph here and there, just how much I’d achieved. Yes, okay not up to what I’d normally do, but a fair bit. Even better it wasn’t all total rubbish! That was a relief. I’ve had two books out, and the usual enthusiasm and excitement fought a loosing battle with the racking cough, and aching limbs. Boy did it annoy me, I love publication days, and here I was underwhelmed. Grrr.

Several things helped though. I had a houseful of fellow writers over the weekend who pampered me, pimped me and high fived in all the right places. And now…I’m getting better! Woo HOOOOOOOOOOOOO. ( yes that is over long and in capitals on purpose)

But it made me wonder, and think…How do you get your mojo back when it disappears? Do you wait and see if it comes back on its own accord? Chase around and see if you can find it? Or entice it with tit bits, and catch its interest. Then grab it and force feed it until it says ‘enough’ lets get on with it…

I don’t know the answer to be honest. I’m just thankful I can see it loitering in the distance, and somehow know it’s ready to come home and get rocking again…

I’m also rocking. Will you Dance Miss Laurence? is number two on the Evernight Publishing Best Seller list for March. This is amazing, and I’m so, so chuffed. It’s such a great feeling to know people have spent their hard earned cash on it. And oh my, the cover… Well… I can say now, I went ‘all-a-quiver’ when I saw it. Talk about perfect! All I can do now is hope the story lives up to the cover.

 

See what I mean? Drool, swoon and desire…

Now let’s see if I can pull you in with the blurb…

Dancing lessons were supposed to be fun, but who ever heard of attending them without your knickers on?

Shibari Master Ryan is intrigued by Ava, so when his cousin asks a favor, he is only too happy to help Ava out of the rut she says she is in.

Will her past allow her to enjoy his bondage, or will true submission prove a step too much?

******

 

Have I grabbed you? I hope so. If not maybe the excerpt will…

 

The room was empty except for an exercise mat, a padded bench, and a weird contraption of ropes hanging from the ceiling and a length of some kind of cord in a neat coil next to the wall. What any of it was for, she couldn’t hazard a guess, but it didn’t seem that it was the sort of stuff that would be needed to cha-cha or samba across the waxed wooden planks.

Ava walked across the floor slowly, and ran her fingers over the circle of cord. It was smooth and left a faint tingle on her fingers. That subtle feeling made her wonder what she’d let herself in for. Damn Jane, if this is what I’ve a notion it is, I’ll get my own back. She chose to ignore the fact that the idea of something more than dancing might happen had her curls damp and her pulse racing.

“Hello Ava.” The dark velvet voice curled round her, and she spun on her heels. He’d come into the room without any noise, and was standing watching her.

“Are you ready for your first lesson?”

****

Ryan noted each expression as it crossed her face. He’d stood, unnoticed for several minutes, to judge what her reactions would be when she entered the room and saw what he’d left there. Jane had warned him she was clueless. “Interested, scared, but clueless as to what she wants,” she’d said after one intense evening of wax play demonstrations they’d both attended. Him to supervise; Jane to watch. “But she loves my books, and her eyes nearly popped out—in a good way—when I dragged her into Milo’s shop,” Jane told him. “The sight of a Shibari rope had her nipples trying to rip her blouse. She’s partnerless, has been since her husband died a couple of years ago, and said her sex life is as missing as a sunny summer in Scotland. So I’m relying on you, cousin dearest.”

So here he was watching and waiting for her to acknowledge him. Then the first lesson would begin. He supposed you could call it a dancing lesson … dancing to his demands.

Her eyes widened as she faced him and saw his tight-fitting trousers. Yeah, leather isn’t usual to rumba in. Rumble maybe. Okay Ava, let’s see what you’re made of.  He walked across the floor. The heels of his boots made a tiny tap as they met the wood underneath them. Once he reached Ava, he took her chin in his hand and lifted her face upwards. The tremor that reached him was faint, but there. Scared or Excited? Probably both he decided. That was good; he wanted her slightly off balance. It would make her more receptive to his demands.

“I expect you to answer me, Ava. You did it so beautifully when we last met. ‘Yes, Sir’ will be the proper response. So, I ask again, are you ready for your first lesson?” She swallowed and Ryan guessed she was wondering if she did indeed want what lesson he could teach her. He could almost read her mind, her face was so expressive.

“Um…” She blinked several times and rubbed her hands down her skirt. Damp palms perhaps? That’s good.

“Yes, I think so. Oh, er, Sir.” The last word tumbled out as if she was worried he would walk away without the title. Ryan chose to ignore her hesitation.

“Good, take off your dress.” He folded his arms, as he wondered how she would react to such a direct command.

“Eh?” A soft rosy glow suffused her cheeks.

“You heard. Take it off or walk away. Your choice. From now you do as I say.” He didn’t elaborate. He knew it would be no such scenario. Any person could negotiate a scene, and if they chose to, then walk away. His stark order might be cruel, but Ryan was intrigued just how Ava would react. He had a feeling that under her quiet demeanor was a hot, feisty woman just begging to be let free once more.

She blinked again.

Dammit, is this Morse code? Because it’s a helluva long while since I was a Boy Scout.

 

So if now you’re intrigued, and you want to read more…

The drum roll buy links

Evernight Publishing / Amazon UK / Amazon US / AllRomance eBooks / Bookstrand

 

and If you want a wee nosy about me…

 

http://www.ravenmcallan.com

http://www.ravenmcallan.blogspot.com

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Love R x

Bio…

Raven lives in Scotland, along with her husband and their two cats—their children having flown the nest—surrounded by beautiful scenery, which inspires a lot of the settings in her books.

She is used to sharing her life with the occasional deer, red squirrel, and lost tourist, to say nothing of the scourge of Scotland—the midge.

Her very understanding, and long-suffering DH, is used to his questions unanswered, the dust bunnies greeting him as he walks through the door, and rescuing burned offerings from the Aga. (And passing her a glass of wine as she types furiously.)

HOT NEW RELEASE: Sweetest Salvation by Kacey Hammell

Today’s HOT NEW RELEASE is Evernight author, Kacey Hammell’s SWEETEST SALVATION. I just love the cover. In fact, all of Kacey’s covers are gorgeous! This particular story is near and dear to the author’s heart. I’ll turn it over to Kacey so she can explain…

 

Emotional Writing…and when to just go with your gut…

When I first wrote Sweetest Salvation – which at the time had a different title and was a shorter piece – it was emotional for me, for reasons that many now know since it released, and I’ve discussed it, but in the beginning I hit a stumbling point I wasn’t sure I’d recover from.

A Critique Partner – highly recommended to always have one who will give you honest feedback and help you make your story shine – who was a seasoned author as well, told me it was too emotional of a story.  She went on to tell me that Andy’s journey wouldn’t sit well with readers, and it would be in my best interest to cut back on the emotion … a lot. (She used bold and red font even! *ouch*)

Umm…okay, this was very difficult for me to take.

A—it was (is) a very personal story for me to write to begin with.

B—Andy’s journey oozed emotion – obviously since she had lost her son and husband within months of each other (how was it NOT to be emotional)

And C)—there has to be emotion – IMO – period.

From grief, survivor’s guilt, to laughter, fun, romance, sex, shame – it’s all in the story and what it called for. So I took a few days, mulled over the author’s (CPs) words and then wrote her back. I thanked her for her wonderful advisement and did make a few changes, but not with any of the emotion.  After a few more days I asked another author and a reviewer I’ve known for year to take a look. I hate to admit it, but I was SUPER thrilled when they wrote back, calling me a B*tch and said I’d made them cry. Okay, that was mean of me, but hey, if I can get some emotion out of a reader/seasoned author with one of my stories then I’m pretty happy about that. Not only does a plot drive the story, as well as the characters but the emotion has to be there too. Neither of the 2nd/3rd readers had issues with the emotion, nor did my editor at EP, so I was happy with the end result. The real Andy that the story was written for went to hell and back, she had a tumultuous and agonizing time coming out of the darkness after losing her child and spouse…how was I really supposed to write a story without so much emotion when the story called for honesty and volatile ups and downs?

Sometimes I just have to rely on my gut instinct and let the story tell itself.

Thank you, Sandra, for allowing me to talk to your readers today! Very much appreciated.

Sweetest Salvation

Contemporary Erotic Romance/Light Bondage

*An Editor’s Pick*

After the deaths of her husband and child, tragedies that she blames herself for, Andrea “Andy” Sheaver has shut herself off from the world. The only place she finds any relief from her shattered heart is Club Splendor, where she and her husband often frequented together.  There, Andy submits to pleasure and pain in situations so her grief is forgotten for a little while.

But Hunter Sullivan won’t stand idly by and watch Andy self-destruct. A friend of her husband, and the owner of Club Splendor, Hunter has kept his love for Andy hidden for years. He refuses to think of her at the club, cold and detached as she’s become, looking for an easy fix to take away the pain in her heart.  Hunter wants her to vibrant in life again and sets out to prove he is exactly who she needs.

Content Warning: Contains Voyeurism, Spanking, Multiple Partners

Excerpt © Kacey Hammell, 2013

Hunter sighed, which caught Andy’s attention. Her eyes met his briefly before lowering to her hands, which were clenched tight in her lap.

“Look, Andy,” he began.

“What do you want, Hunter?” Her forest-green-eyed gaze met his. Anger swirled in their depths.

“I’m tired of this. Dammit.” He snarled, rising, and crossed to the fireplace. He ran his fingers through his hair and leaned one arm on the mantel. He looked over at her, stomach churning with indigestion and pain. He’d loved Patrick and Peter too. Could she not understand that she wasn’t the only one suffering?

“Tired of what? I never asked you here.”

“This!” Hunter spread his arms wide. “You. I’m so tired of seeing you locked away in this house, never leaving and pictures gone.”

“Go to hell,” Andy spat and leapt to her feet. She moved behind the loveseat, obvious fury making her hands shake as she laid them on the back of it. “You don’t have any say in how I live. I never asked for your opinion. If you don’t like it, get the hell out of my house. And my life!”

Hunter breathed deep, nostrils flaring. He could no more walk away from her than he could from the Sheavers. She was as much a part of his life, and his heart, as they were.

But his love for her went far beyond sisterly.

He pushed that thought away, buried it deep within himself as he’d done for years. She was Patrick’s girl, his wife. He always honored that.

“Dammit, I don’t want to argue with you, Andy. But you really need to move on. Live life again and leave this house.”

“I leave the house. You don’t know what I do every day.”

“Oh yes, you go out. Like the other night? Why did you go to the club? I thought we agreed you were no longer a member,” Hunter demanded, curious about her answer.

“No. You decided I was no longer a member. Not me. I never said I wanted that. Who are you to make decisions for me?” Andy retorted, cheeks flushed, hands on her hips.

Hunter had to admit he was finally seeing a glimpse of the fiery, strong woman she’d been until this last year. He liked her eyes ablaze, jaw clenched and fury radiating off her body. He just needed to provoke her enough and challenge her to move beyond these walls and back to the things she loved to do.

“I don’t want to make decisions for you.” He took a calming breath. “Listen, the club is not the place for you any longer. Without Patrick… There’s no need for you to be there anymore.”

“Why do you think that?”

“He was the one who wanted to show it to you. He never really thought you’d come to enjoy it as much as you did. Neither of you interacted with others. What can you find there now without him?”

Andy smiled, cold and detached. He hated that smirk.

“Oh, come now. You know what happens in your club. Surely, I don’t have to spell it out for you.”

Goddamn her.

Yes, he knew what she’d done inside the room she’d once used with Patrick. Though he normally didn’t interfere in his members’ activities unless there was a problem, he did ask Paige and Nolan if Andy had simply watched. He’d been shocked, then livid, to learn a few details of what happened between the three of them.

Andy had always been a devoted wife to Patrick, faithful to the core. To know she’d been an active participant at the club for the first time had suddenly left him empty and alone.

But he couldn’t allow his feelings on the matter to distract him from pushing her back into life.

He shrugged. “No. You don’t have to spell it out for me. But is that what you truly want and need in your life?  Sex with strangers? Do you need to find comfort in people who don’t care about you?”

Andy glared at him. “That is none of your business.” Her voice rose as she continued. “What I do in my life is for me to decide. I never asked to have you in my life. Don’t expect me to want you there now.”

His heart clenched. Her words were like a punch to the gut.

Yes, he’d sort of come as a package deal when she’d married Patrick. But the Sheavers were the only family he had. And when Peter was born, oh, he’d played the dutiful uncle to the little boy. Though she’d never voiced her frustration at his being in attendance at nearly all family gatherings or taking up some of Patrick’s time once a week for a guys’ night out, he’d understood the stone-faced woman who left the words unsaid.

“I always promised Patrick I’d look after you if he couldn’t.”

“Fuck off, Hunter. Don’t give me that.” Her hands fisted at her sides. “Look, please just go. I don’t need you here. I have things to do.”

He wouldn’t be so easily dismissed.

“Things to do? Like what, plan your next adventure at the club? I don’t think so. Why? Explain to me why you felt the need to go there?”

Arms wide, she yelled, “I wanted to fuck somebody. Is that what you want to hear? That I wanted to have a cock inside me for the first time in almost two years? I wanted to have a man inside, pounding me—brutal and painful. What better place to do that than at the club where I know I’m safe?”

Hunter’s heartbeat accelerated. To know she needed someone that close to her was agonizing. It was a barren and desperate act of someone who had nothing to live for. Or didn’t think she was worth much.

“Why pain? You couldn’t have found satisfaction in that. No pleasure, Andy? You, of all people, found pleasure in that kind of sex? I don’t believe for a moment that you’re now into rough sex,” Hunter said, gruff. His mouth was dry, and confusion made his head hurt. Would he never understand this woman?

Andy crossed her arms over her chest. She looked out the window behind him. Her gaze was unfocused, filled with pain.

“Yes, pain. It’s what I deserve, isn’t it?” Her gaze captured his. Hunter felt his heart crack at her desolate look.

Buy Links:

Evernight Publishing / Amazon.com / Amazon.ca  / Amazon UK /  aRe / Bookstrand /

~~~

Canadian author, Kacey Hammell is a multi-published erotic romance author who writes mainly in the Contemporary Erotic/Romantic Suspense genres.  She is a true romantic at heart.

 

Where to find Kacey…

Website / Facebook / Facebook Author Page / Twitter / Amazon / Goodreads / Pinterest

 

 

THE SUBMISSION OF A MAFIA PRINCESS is a Night Owl Reviews TOP PICK! #SRE

WOO-HOO!! *throws confetti*

THE SUBMISSION OF A MAFIA PRINCESS is a Night Owl Reviews TOP PICK!

 

Duty, Respect, and Honor thy Family…

As the only child of notorious mob boss, Tony “The Chief” Azzari, Antonietta lives her life by this mantra. Toni never questions the world where decisions are made for her, until she meets Harley-Davidson riding bad boy, Braxton Malone. Ever since their fiery first kiss all those years ago, she can’t deny the desire to submit to his control.

Brax always knew he’d be walking a dangerous tightrope if he fell for Toni, but like a moth to a flame, he couldn’t stay away. Barely surviving the wrath of the mob within an inch of his life, a scorned Brax has vowed never again to allow a woman under his skin.

Three years later, Brax is a top Dom at The Satin Rose Experience, New York’s posh BDSM club. When Toni shows up to fulfill her fantasy of submission before being forced into a loveless marriage, that vow is in just as much jeopardy as his life. Can they overcome the crimes of passion from their past and change Toni’s fate forever?

Be Warned: BDSM, sex toys, public exhibition

ALL THINGS GIRL: Five Fab Things Women Can Do That Men Can’t

It’s ALL THINGS GIRL day and we’re talking brilliant things girls can do that boys can’t (and don’t worry, getting a period is not one of them).

1. Women Can Proudly Own Sex Toys. That’s right. Vibes of every size shape and color are advertised online, at in home Tupperware-type parties, and they’re even sold at Brookstone under the guise of “personal massagers” of course. Sex toys for men? Well, that’s just creepy.

2. Women Can Wear Make-up. Can I get a “Hallelujah!”? I thank god for my makeup bag of magic. Stay up too late? Under-eye concealer (aka my best friend). Not enough sun? Bronzer. Too much sun? Foundation. Thin eyelashes? Mascara. The list goes on and on. Make up on men? Well, unless you’re a punk rocker or an anchorman. No.

3. Women Can Openly Experiment with Homosexuality. This reminds me of Katy Perry’s song, “I kissed a girl and I liked it / I kissed a girl just to try it”. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with homosexuality with either sex. But if a woman admits to going through an experimental phase, she’s still considered straight. Not so with men.

4. Women Have A Gazillion Birth Control Options. I won’t even go onto them because if you’re female, you already know. Men have the condom. Bummer for them.

5. Women Can Tell Each Other They Look Attractive. Women love to  compliment other women on their clothes, shoes, hairstyles, etc. Have you ever heard a straight man tell another, “Hey dude, your ass looks great in those pants.” Nope.

Disclaimer: Of course both sexes can do most of these things although today’s social mores make it more acceptable for women. Sorry guys.

xoxo

~S