L.J. Harris's Blog, page 11

January 27, 2013

To Serve Is Divine: A Review

I'm very proud and excited to be a part of the blog tour for R. E. Hargrave's latest offering,  To Serve Is Divine. From the moment I began reading about the mysterious but confident, damaged but well-trained submissive, Catherine  (Erin) O’Chancey, I was immediately hooked.  

Jayden Masterson, who reluctantly visits an open night at the BDSM club he is a member of, cannot help but notice Catherine the moment he sees her standing alone outside its doors…

§§§§
Another chill wracked Erin’s petite body, causing her to question the intelligence of standing in the cold night air much longer. At least the movement gave her some relief when her breasts brushed against the satin lining of her coat. Ready to give up and go home, she reconsidered when the ladies in line around her began murmuring with excitement. A whiff of something intoxicating wafted up her nose, and she risked a shy glance up to see a retreating backside. A man of respectable height with thick, wavy, dark-brown hair, maybe black – it was hard to tell in the dim street lights – was walking to the front of the line. He stopped to talk with the bouncer, and she couldn’t resist hoping that he would turn around so she could get a gander at his face.
He chose that moment to look her way. A mere fifteen feet separated them, but it felt like everyone and everything disappeared. The man was either tanned or darker due to his genes, Greek heritage perhaps? She found herself caught in his piercing sienna stare and couldn’t breathe. A moment later she remembered her place and lowered her gaze, but not before Erin thought she saw an amused grin form on his ruggedly handsome face…

§§§§
If the moment they catch one another's eye is electric, nothing can prepare you for the moment they actually meet.  A Master who has another female and male sub to scratch his itch whenever he so pleases, Jayden has been searching for a third submissive...one who finds true pleasure in the pain he is capable of inflicting. 

The moment he lays eyes on Catherine, he knows she will be the one to fulfil that need.

After an extremely intense and erotic test scene, Jayden decides that although she clearly has demons to contend with, Catherine is the submissive he's been searching for...a perfect addition to his stable of submissives.

§§§§
Jayden’s eyes trailed her careful movements while she made her way to the edge of the dance floor with her wine in hand. The fuck-me heels she wore forced her into a slinky sway that couldn’t be ignored while she glided across the room, and Jayden’s cock punched at his jeans again.
The music changed to one of his favorite songs, and Catherine began dancing in place.
That was his undoing. Jayden had to have this woman – here, tonight.
He stepped in front of her and was surprised to find her eyes closed while her body moved pendulum-like to the music. Extending his arm, he took Catherine’s empty hand in his, raised it to his lips, and then grazed her knuckles with light kisses.
Her eyes flew open mesmerizing Jayden by their emerald color. Even in the dark of the room, he could tell how vibrant they were. He imagined that in full light they would be distracting in the extreme, in addition to making him question the usual desire he had to blindfold his subs.
Before she could drop her wine glass, he removed it and set it on the tray of a passing waiter. Her lips parted in a slight gasp when Jayden leaned in and whispered the first words that came to mind with his tone taking on an automatic controlling tenor.
He had to wait, but a moment later, he was rewarded with her breathy, “As you wish, Sir.”
Those first words from her mouth hit Jayden like a wrecking ball causing him to look her over with a closer eye. The accent, the skin tone complete with a light dusting of freckles across her nose and cheeks, even the stereotypical red hair and green eyes left no doubt in his mind that she bore an Irish heritage. This aroused and intrigued Jayden — so did the uncharacteristic way that he wanted to keep hold of her hand.
§§§§
And thus, their journey begins.
As the story progresses, it becomes apparent that Catherine’s feelings toward Jayden begin to change...and she finds herself thinking of possibilities which are well beyond the norm for a Dom/sub relationship. Though Jayden is essentially a man who requires nothing more of his Catherine than for her to be one of three submissives, the boundaries he himself has set, slowly begin to blur. It isn't long before Jayden discovers he has broken every one of his self-appointed rules.
Even coming from a traumatic past, Catherine continues to be the perfect submissive for her Master, but as her story unfolds, she finally begins to exorcise the demons that have continued to plague her.
What this story offers is more than a sensual portrayal of the first year of a relationship between a handsome Dom and his beautiful sub. Woven between the intense and thoroughly delicious encounters that she and Sir Jayden share, is a thoroughly engaging plot line…the story of a woman who has had to deal with a past that has left its indelible mark on her.
If you want to read a tale that not only hot as hell and gets your heart well and truly racing, but whose characters you can’t help but fall in love with, To Serve is Divine is the story for you.  

Not only does R. E. Hargrave possess a wonderful way of drawing the reader in from the get-go, she continues to keep said reader thoroughly enthralled throughout.
I’m very much looking forward to reading  the next part of the trilogy, and I give this wonderful story a rating of 5 stars!!


Author LinksFacebook * Author Website * Twitter * Goodreads * Amazon * Barnes & Noble
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Published on January 27, 2013 00:54

January 4, 2013

To Serve is Divine by R. E. Hargrave: Cover RevealIt's my...

To Serve is Divine by R. E. Hargrave: Cover Reveal

It's my pleasure to reveal that the first book cover of the Divine Trilogy by R. E. Hargrave has now been launched.  Book 1 of the series is due to be launched on 22nd January this year, and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy. Book 2, A Divine Life, will be available Summer 2013, and Book 3, Surreal, is slated for release in January 2014.

The Cover:


Summary:

Catherine O’Chancey is a reserved, demure, and graceful submissive. All traits she trained hard to enhance when she discovered the world of Dominance and submission in college. In an attempt to start fresh after the unexpected death of her last Dom, Catherine moves to Dallas, TX to escape the shroud of darkness he left behind in her life. She has tried to fight the need that resides deep within her to submit, but finally has to admit she can’t for it is not a choice, but part of who she truly is. After months of mental preparation, she ventures back into the lifestyle by attending a coveted open-night event at Dungeons and Dreams, an exclusive BDSM club.


Is it fate or coincidence that Catherine garners the attention of one of the club’s board members who happens to be on the hunt for the perfect sub – a partner who enjoys receiving pain and pleasure as much as he enjoys doling it out?
Jayden Masterson is many things: a firm Dom, a shrewd businessman, and a gentleman. What he isn’t, is someone who partakes in relationships outside of contractual ones with his multiple, uncollared, regular submissives. While he likes rough sex, he is not an animal, and can find pleasure only if it is consensual. What his harem is missing is a pain slut, could there be one in his future?
Upon meeting Catherine, Jayden feels an instantaneous spark inside him that has him wanting to know not just her body, but her mind. He wants to unravel her mysteries and discover her secrets. Through pain can they find the pleasure they seek? Can part-time pain lovers find full-time fulfillment when it’s not in their contract?
Author Information: 

R. E. Hargrave is a fledgling author who has always been a lover of books and now looks forward to the chance to give something back to the literary community. She lives on the outskirts of Dallas, TX with her husband and three children.Author LinksFacebook * Author Website* Twitter* Goodreads * Amazon* Barnes & Noble



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Published on January 04, 2013 10:09

December 6, 2012

The Many Facets of R E Hargrave

I have known R E Hargrave for several years now, and am so proud that she's finally going to be a published Author.  Let's take a  little peek into her first offering, Sugar and Spice, and find out a little more about my wonderful friend, R E Hargrave.


Lacey Harrison has been dealt an unexpected hand in life: being a single mom. With her father's help and that of the residents at Royal Hills Nursing Home, she thrives and goes on to become a successful baker. She is content with her life but knows that she and her daughter Candy are missing something. Will things change for the better when Trent Childress moves into town and adds some spice to her sugar?

Excerpt: 
She shrugged her shoulders. “Not sure, just know she wasn’t there today. Coach C was.” The smile was back.
“Yeah? What’s she like?”
He, Mom. ‘What’s he like?’” she corrected me with a dreamy look in her eye, and it clicked. She had a crush on her teacher. This could not be happening to me. I wasn’t ready for her to be noticing boys, let alone men.
“Oh?” I stalled, panic gripping at my chest. “Okay, what’s he like, then?”
“Um . . .” She licked a dab of frosting from her finger, stalling as well. “He’s got a great tan and these blue eyes that twinkle when he smiles. He is a little older, though.” She had my attention now. There weren’t any teachers at the school that fit that description, and Mr. Crouse, the history teacher I’d assumed she was first talking about who always covered in a pinch, without a doubt did not fit her description.
“Of course he’s older; he’s your teacher!” I rolled my eyes at her, and then I tried to proceed in a calm manner. “Does this coach have a last name?”
“Childress. But he told us to call him Coach C. Oh, and he let me be captain for basketball today!” she announced with glee, unconcerned that my face had pulled into a slight frown. Why did that name sound familiar?

§§§§
    Let’s get to know R E a little bit, shall we? Were you an avid reader as a child?      That would have to be an emphatic yes. I come from a family of readers. According to my mom I used to memorize stories by hearing them before I could actually read so that I could later sit and read them to myself. Once I could really read I constantly had my nose in a book.
    Wow, you sure got an early start! So, what was your favourite book growing up?     I was a big a Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary fan in grade school. Tolkien was an early favorite as was Jane Eyre. In middle school I went through a Robin Cook phase which transformed into Stephen King and Clive Barker in high school. Anne Rice came next followed by Stephenie Meyer, Diana Gabaldon, Laurell K. Hamilton and J.R. Ward.
Guess I kind of got off track there!  Short answer? I think I'm still growing up and I rarely meet a book I don't like.
    That’s wonderful. Do you have a favourite genre and if so, what is it?     I would have to say paranormal. I've always enjoyed a good supernatural tale – especially if it has vampires.
    Oh me too.  When was it that you were first inspired to write, and do you remember what was it you wrote about?    How far back do you want me to go? I can remember dabbling in poetry when I was younger. In middle school my best friend and I attempted to write a collaboration about a dragon named Rufus. However, my first real stab at writing came with a YA supernatural piece I started about six years ago.  It's sitting there as a partial rough-draft and I hope to someday go back to it – when I have a free moment.
    What inspired you to write your story, Sugar and Spice?    At first I wasn't sure if I was going to take the challenge of churning out a novella in just one month (I wrote it in three weeks). However, the more I thought about it the more I resigned myself to the positives of completing the task. My next piece will not be for young readers, but this one is which means my first ever published story is something that my kids can read – and have. My nine-year-old daughter – who was the inspiration for Candace Harrison – was a fantastic cheerleader and pre-reader for me. She even drew a cover for me! I'll add here also that a very close friend of mine was the inspiration for my main character Lacey – sounds like Lisa doesn't it –  Harris on.
      You based your main character on someone you know? That’s so great! It’s amazing how those around us can inspire. Hey, wait a minute! *cue cogs turning in head, then profuse blush, followed by a cheesy grin* Thank you so much, darlin’! Now, let’s get back to the subject of your journey to have this story published. Please continue...
    *Giggles* sure. It did take me a couple of days of thinking on the theme Renaissance Romance Publishing was looking for. It was pretty vague meaning the possibilities were wide open – romance and a winter holiday needed to be included. Traditions, family, small-town – all of these were ideas that kept sticking in the front of my mind and once I committed to using a setting that was part of my childhood, the story unfolded from there.
    It’s wonderful when you can draw from your own experiences to add truth and dimension to a fictional world. Can you tell me a bit about what you have planned next?    *Rubs hands together* As I mentioned above, my next project will not be for young readers. It will be released under Renaissance Romance Publishing's Sensual Awakenings line – for adults only.
     I am currently working on a three-book series which I've dubbed The Divine Trilogy. Yes, in full disclosure I am not hiding the fact that parts of the books will be rewrites of the first fanfiction story I wrote – To Serve Is Divine.
     I love the fanfic title so I am keeping it and reusing it.  The difference is that it is being used in book 1 which is all brand-new material with the exception of about five chapters which are revamped material. To Serve Is Divine will introduce readers to Jayden Masterson and Catherine O'Chancey as they get to know each other and test the boundaries of their relationship and themselves. It is slated for a January 22, 2013 release and will be available in paperback, multiple e book formats, and audio book.  The two remaining books in the trilogy, A Divine Life and Surreal will follow in approximate six month increments.
I have had the honour and privilege of reading the original story, and reading it is, in fact, how I met my friend, the wonderful R E Hargrave.  I’m very much looking forward to checking out the new and expanded version of To Serve is Divine, and the next two books in the series, as well as getting my teeth into the upcoming first published work Sugar and Spice. Thank you so much my dear friend for joining me today.
The Anthology is due for release on 11th December 2012, just in time for Christmas.  Here are some details of where to find R E and also where to go grab yourself a copy of the Sugar Plum Dreams Anthology:
Website: www.rehargrave.com Twitter: @REHargrave FB page: www.facebook.com/REHargrave
Goodreads:http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6579501.R_E_Hargrave    Where to obtain purchase details: RenRom Website:  http://www.renaissanceromancepublishing.com/

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Published on December 06, 2012 04:00

November 29, 2012

M B Feeney: Getting to Know the Woman Behind the Words

I've known M B Feeney for several years now, and am proud as punch that she's about to become a published author.

I thought I'd post a few Q&A's as well as the details for the upcoming release of her story, Right Click, Love, which is her contribution to Renaissance Romance Publishing's Sugar Plum Dreams anthology.


Disheartened about not being able to find "Mr Right" on the London dating scene, best friends Jodie Lynch and Louise Hewson create a blog to not only document their disastrous dates with the numerous "Mr. Wrongs" and "Mr. Okay-for-nows" but also to help those going through the same experiences and to see where they're going wrong.  How will they deal with everything the dating scene has to throw at them - planned or otherwise?
Here's a little teaser:
"Conversation One:Phil: “Hi, I’m Phil.” *points to sticker*Me: “Hi, I’m Jodie.” *nervous grin*Phil: *cuts to the chase* “Is your underwear a matching set?”Me: “What?” *very confused and expression of slight shock* “What the hell does that have to do with anything?”Phil: “I’m kind of conducting research into women on the pull. It fascinates me, the amount of effort that's put into ensnaring a mate.” *smarmy grin*Me: “Make you feel a bit redundant does it? No longer cock of the walk because women have taken the initiative away from the men? Have you even considered the fact that one reason women make an effort could be because it makes THEM feel good, rather than because they are trying to ensnare some unsuspecting, defenceless man?”At this point, I was ready to ring the bloody bell myself just so he would piss off away from me before I knocked his shiny veneers down his throat. I was thankful that I didn’t need to, as time had already run out. I was in so much shock from Phil’s comments that the next fella had to snap his fingers in front of my face to get my attention."§§§§


Let’s get to know M B Feeney a little, shall we?
Were you an avid reader as a child? I learnt to read at about 18 months of age and my parents remember me spelling out words at train stations. When I discovered real, actual books, I read constantly…at home, walking along the street, everywhere. I always have a book with me.
Wow! I’m impressed that you began at such a young age. So, what was your favourite book growing up? Wow, where to start? I LOVED The Hobbit, and Goodnight Mr Tom, to name a few. It's hard for me to pin any one book down as a favourite, as I read so many and I don't stick to one genre.
I’m pretty much the same.  Do you have a favourite genre you read more than others? I don't like to pigeonhole myself into a genre.  I literally will read anything.
When were you first inspired to write, and do you remember what was it you wrote about? I just wanted to tell stories. The first ever story I wrote was written in crayon about "Sally Goes to a Party" (I was 8). 
I think it’s wonderful that you always knew you wanted to write.  So, what inspired you to write your story, Right Click, Love? I grew up (kind of, it's a long story) in London and wasn't very successful when it came to dating. I wondered what it would be like if I had stayed there instead of moving to where I am now, and was trying to find "the One", especially in times of the internet and social media.
It’s a great premise for certain, and with the other work I’ve read of yours, I just know it will be a slam dunk.  Any other stories you’ve got in the pipeline? I've got another novella on hold whilst I attempt to plod through NaNo on a book I have no idea where it is going. Both are fundamentally romance stories, but with a touch of humour (I hope it's humorous to people other than me) and British cynicism. 
Well, you’ve certainly been keeping yourself busy. I wish you every success with completing your upcoming works, and all the best with the launch of Right Click, Love.  Thank you so much for popping by!   §§§§
So folks, go get yourself a copy of  the Sugar Plum Dreams Anthology, a collection of stories about  love and friendship that have some wonderfully endearing characters.  The Anthology is due for release on 11th December 2012.  Here are some details of where to find M B and also where to go grab yourself a copy:

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6578767.M_B_Feeney Blog: http://mbfeeney.blogspot.co.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/M-B-Feeney/267437833290943 Twitter: https://twitter.com/mbfeeneyauthor Where to obtain purchase details: RenRom Website: http://www.renaissanceromancepublishing.com/












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Published on November 29, 2012 03:26

October 24, 2012

Stand up 4 Katalina



Some of you in the fandom would be aware that one of our own, Katalina, has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.  And so, the fandom has come together to create a fabulous compilation of stories...from prompts given by Katalina herself.My contribution is an NC17 version of Edward's thoughts leading up to when he kissed Bella.Beta: HollettLADonations: http://katalina.fandomcause.info/donate/ Banner Maker: Christag Banners: http://christagbanners.blogspot.com.auHere's a teaser:
"Exhilarating isn't it?" I asked, excited beyond words by Alice’s vision, my shallow, panting breaths having nothing to do with exertion from running. I waited for Bella to disentangle herself from my body, but to my surprise, she did not move a muscle.

"Bella?" I asked, confused, my smile fading quickly.  Though I scented her arousal, I immediately sensed something was wrong…her uneven breathing and racing heart along with her tightened muscles attesting to that fact."I think I need to lie down," she gasped.That’d be fine by me!

"Oh, sorry," I apologized, mentally berating myself for my lack of sensitivity.

"I think I need help," she added in a weak voice.I laughed nervously as I gently loosened her hold around my neck, and in one swift movement, I pulled her off my back before cradling her in my arms. It was then, as I noticed that all the color had drained from her face, I realized that I had more pressing matters to attend to other than my own selfish desires.As I carefully placed her down on the soft cushion of the ferns beneath, I asked, "How do you feel?""Dizzy, I think," she replied, her eyes barely open."Put your head between your knees," I suggested.Or perhaps I could do that for you?I was, indeed, thoroughly depraved...
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Published on October 24, 2012 18:53

August 31, 2012

Second Chances Anthology Now Launched!http://www.bottomdr...

Second Chances Anthology Now Launched!


http://www.bottomdrawerpublications.net/#!book-detail-pages/vstc4=second-chances

The Second Chances Anthology is now officially released!  My contribution is the second story listed, Heart of Glass.  Here are the summaries for all the stories:

Non-Negotiable by T. D. Green
Jacob Kerns is due a promotion, but his ambitions are at risk when he learns his next contract will be handled by Alexander Corey, his ex. Jake tries to put personal feelings aside to do his job, but Alex won't let him. Will they find love again or is the whole thing non-negotiable?

Heart of Glass by L. J. Harris
When Zack Doherty comes to Australia on a working holiday, he is uncharacteristically forward in pushing Heath Connors, a man he barely knows, for a date. Heath, who has only recently begun to live life his way, wonders if Zack will be the one to mend his heart of glass.

Better Together by DaNay Smith
Greyson Welles followed Dominic Nash to Baltimore for his dream job, putting his own on hold. Dominic can see that Greyson's unhappy, but never expects him to turn down his proposal and return to New York. Will Greyson be gone forever or will he decide they're better together?

Dirty Martini by Bette Browne
When Daniel Fletcher runs into his ex with the man he caught him in bed with, vodka seems like the answer. Nathan Smith is used to men drowning their sorrows at the bar he tends, so the connection he feels to one is unusual.  Will a means to forget turn into something more?

Notice to Appear by C. C. Lorenz
Josh Campbell is handed a notice to appear in court for a traffic offence, but his humiliation is complete when he comes face to face with his schoolboy crush, Carter Sullivan, in the court room. Could this be the start of something with Carter now that age is not an issue.

I've enjoyed writing the characters, and Heath especially owns a special place in my heart. 

Grab yourself a copy and check it out, and remember...if the Mustang's a-rockin', don't come knockin'!





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Published on August 31, 2012 07:35