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Showing posts with label excerpt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label excerpt. Show all posts

Friday, January 8, 2016

An Exclusive #Excerpt from No Promises! #NewAdult #preorder #99cents


Welcome friends! I'm jumpy and excited because my New Adult romance, No Promises is going live exactly one week from today! In honor of that, I'd like to share with you a special sneak-peek excerpt for your eyes only. I hope you enjoy!

A new adult romance by multi published author Nona Raines writing as N. Raines.

She never met a stray she didn't love…

In high school, Sam Pennywell had a massive crush on Rick Russo. But he was her cousin’s boyfriend and strictly off-limits. Meeting Rick again years later, she can hardly recognize the man he’s become.

As a paramedic, Rick’s career is all about helping others. But in the line of duty, he’s become one of the injured. He’s caught in a dark place he can’t escape on his own. He can't make Sam any promises of love. Promises are too easily broken.
 
Sam spends her life taking care of sick and homeless animals. She's never met a stray she didn't love, and Rick is the most important rescue she'll ever make.



Excerpt:

A small, frightened squeak greeted her as she entered the dark garage. Once again she'd forgotten her flashlight, but Sam followed the pitiful mewling sound to the Havahart. A tiny black-and-white kitten huddled inside the trap. It scrambled to the back of the cage and hunkered down when Sam bent to look at it.
"Take it easy," she murmured. "It's okay. We'll have you back with Mom and the rest of your family real soon."
Heavy footsteps neared her, then stopped. Rick gave a disgruntled huff. "Thought I told you to wait for me."
"I'm fine." She lifted the cage. "And looks like we got our last little guy here."
Rick peered at the kitten, who flattened its ears and hissed. Tiny though it was, it had a mighty heart.
Rick laughed. "Hey there, buddy. Chill out."
"Let's get him back to the truck."
Rick took the cage. "I'll carry him."
Sam led the way. She unlocked both doors and slid into the driver's seat. Rick opened the passenger door and deposited the Havahart onto the jump seat behind the front seats. But the cage was empty.
Sam's mouth fell open in dismay. "What happened? You didn't let him go!"
Rick climbed into the cab. "Nah." He gave her a sheepish grin. "I just borrowed him." A lump wiggled in the front pouch of his hoodie. A furry little head emerged from the opening.
Rick cradled the kitten in the crook of his arm, and surprisingly, it didn't put up a fight. "Poor little guy. Got no mom, no friends. The last lonely one of the litter."
Sam started the truck. "He'll see them soon enough. We'll get him all fixed up."
She hesitated as she watched the kitten snuggle against Rick. Such a contrast, the tiny ball of fluff and the large, muscular man. But Rick was gentle as could be, stroking the kitten's tiny head with one finger.
Aww. So cute. Sam put the truck in park, grabbed her phone, and took a picture.
"Hey!" He scowled.
"Oh, come on. It's nice." She showed him the shot she'd taken of the kitten snuggled in his arms.
His expression didn't change. "That's not going up on Instagram or something, is it?"
"Why, are you embarrassed?" She relented when she saw he wasn't amused. "No. I just thought…it was sweet."
"Sweet." He rolled his eyes.
When they'd been driving a few minutes, he asked, "Can we stop somewhere for a while? Get coffee or something?"
"We should get our friend to the vet," Sam answered, indicating the kitten.
"Just for a little while. Hit the drive-through at the doughnut place."
That was strange. He'd never asked to stop before. Then it hit her: he wanted to hold on to the kitten a little while longer.

"Sure. I guess we can spare the time."

****

No Promises available on preorder for only 99 cents at:




Tuesday, November 10, 2015

#Newrelease Blitz & #Giveaway: Her Kind of Man! #transgender #romance @loveunleashed

Good morning friends. I'm so happy to share the news that my latest romance Her Kind of Man  has released today. I am also sponsoring a Book Blitz through IndieSage PR and am giving away a $15 GC. To enter, please just check out the Rafflecopter at the end of this post.


I will also be sponsoring a review tour for the story in early December. If you would like a copy of Her Kind of Man in exchange for an honest review, please sign up here.

And to thank you for following the Divas of Desire blog, I have an exclusive excerpt from the book just for you.

Blurb:

During the day, Roy Girard works with truckers. It's a macho environment where a man is judged by how tough he is. And everyone knows Roy as one of the toughest.
On his own time Roy helps mentor young people who are LGBT, and cares about them as if they were his own. He's in love with Venetia, a trans woman.

He's careful to keep his nine-to-five completely separate from his private life. He knows his work buddies wouldn't understand. And he doesn't want Venetia exposed to their crude, narrow-minded views. It's his job to protect her.

But when his two worlds collide, he has to make a choice. In trying to protect the woman he loves, he asks for more than she can give.  In his need to keep her safe, he risks pushing her out of his life forever. 


Excerpt:

     “You know, I’ve been thinking…”
     “Always a dangerous activity,” Venetia quipped.
     “Ha-ha. Come here.” Roy grabbed her and pulled her down onto his lap. What a relief to have the workday over, to just chill with his lady at her place. “Seriously. I’ve been thinking about getting back into driving.”
     Venetia flicked a strand of hair behind her ear, surprise washing over her beautiful face. Shit, every time he looked at her, it struck him how lucky he was. “Really? What brought this about?” she asked.
     Discomfort made him squirm, but he covered by settling her more firmly on his thighs. What brought it about? The article from this morning’s newspaper, for one. Bill’s stupid comments. And his own worry and fear, growing stronger each day he remained in that community of macho assholes. The community he used to be part of, feel at home in. But he’d grown beyond it now, because of Travis and Venetia and SPECTRUM.
     He wouldn’t share his fears with her. It was his job to protect her. Let him do the worrying. “Well, it’d be more money, for one thing.”
     “Yes, but a lot more travel. I thought you left over the road driving so you could settle down.”
     “Yeah, sure, I’ve given it a try.” He shrugged. “But I’m getting kind of itchy, a little bored. Maybe it’s time for a change.”
     “Itchy?” Her beautiful brown eyes widened and seemed to darken with concern. “Is your job the only thing you’re bored with?”
     He blinked. “What do you mean?”
     She loosened his arms from her waist and stood, then sat in another chair, putting space between them. “I know it’s not easy, Roy. Being with me.”
     “What’re you talking about?” He closed the gap between them, perching on the arm of her chair. Never mind he was such a lug he’d probably tip them both onto the floor. “Being with you is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
     She lifted her head to gaze at him, her expression only growing sadder. “Is it the guys at work? Do they give you a hard time because of me?”
     He went still. He kept his work life and his private life totally separate. Bill and a couple of other coworkers had met Venetia, though Roy had never meant for their paths to cross. He and Vee had been bowling at the Lucky Lanes when they ran into the guys. None of them knew she was trans, and none of them knew about his involvement with SPECTRUM. And that was how he meant to keep it.
      She didn’t need to hear that, though. “Hell, baby. You think I care what any of those shitheads think?” He stood and tugged her to her feet, then swung her close to snatch a kiss. He liked that she was tall and he didn’t have to stoop to kiss her. He liked how her full breasts felt against his chest and how the curves of her ass filled his hands. He liked—no, loved—every damn thing about her. “Don’t ever think I’m tired of you, babe. I’m just scared you’ll get sick of my dumb ass.”

Purchase Her Kind of Man now at:


Kobo 

All Romance  

  
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, November 6, 2015

Her Kind of Man Coming November 10! @nonaraines #transgender #romance

Happy Friday, friends! I am so happy to share the news that my newest romance, Her Kind of Man, will be released next Tuesday. I'm very excited for this story as it is a continuation of the love affair of Roy and Venetia, who were introduced in His Kind of Woman. The publisher of both stories is Loose Id.



Blurb:
During the day, Roy Girard works with truckers. It's a macho environment where a man is judged by how tough he is. And everyone knows Roy as one of the toughest.
On his own time Roy helps mentor young people who are LGBT, and cares about them as if they were his own. He's in love with Venetia, a trans woman.
He's careful to keep his nine-to-five completely separate from his private life. He knows his work buddies wouldn't understand. And he doesn't want Venetia exposed to their crude, narrow-minded views. It's his job to protect her.

But when his two worlds collide, he has to make a choice. In trying to protect the woman he loves, he asks for more than she can give.  In his need to keep her safe, he risks pushing her out of his life forever. 


Pre-order from Loose Id


Excerpt:

    Upstairs, she collapsed on the divan, doubts writhing like a tangle of snakes in her brain. Had she been out of line to question him? Had she been too suspicious, even paranoid?
    Would he forgive her?
    She’d changed into on her nightclothes, the comfy cotton ones decorated with cats, and was just reaching for the Häagen Dazs in her freezer when her phone buzzed.
    Roy had texted her. I’m home.
    Her fears eased. He’d kept his promise, letting her know he was safe. He was a man of his word. Her kind of man.
    Good, she responded. Then, as of their own volition, her fingers tapped I miss you.
    She waited, holding her breath. At last an answer came.
    Miss u 2.
    A few moments later, the phone rang. Her hand trembled as she picked up. “Roy?”
    “For God’s sake, do you really think I’m the kind of man who’d pull a shitty play like that?”
    “You don’t know the stories I’ve heard. Things that have happened to friends of mine.”
    “Forget your friends. Forget the stories. This is me. The man who loves you. You’re the only woman in my life, the only one I want. And fuck! It pisses me off, you thinking I’m some lowdown scumbag who’d cheat on you.”
    She caught her breath. The man who loves you. Did he realize what he’d just said?
    “I was scared. I had to ask.” Why else would he have been so secretive? But she didn’t want to bring that up now and start the whole argument again.
    “So you believe me?”
    “Yes.”
    “And you trust me?”
    She gripped the phone, her heart thudding. “Yes, I trust you.”
    “So how come I’m here and you’re way the hell over there?” His voice lowered an octave, turned soft and intimate.
    Her girl parts tingled, reacting to his sexy rumble. “It’s a problem. I do remember asking you up, though.”
    “Huh. And like a real dumb-ass, I blew it, trying to make a point.”
    “Well, the invitation’s still good,” she responded in the most mellow, seductive tone she could summon.

    “I’m on my way.”

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

#Newrelease: Write to Me @nonaraines #contemporaryromance exclusive #excerpt

Good morning friends, and happy Wednesday! It's a happy day for me, because I'm proud to announce that my latest contemporary romance novella, Write to Me, is now available from The Wild Rose Press. To celebrate, I'd like to share an exclusive excerpt from the story with you.


Gloria Navarro met and married her soul mate. When he died, she felt she'd never know that kind of love again. But when she finds a love letter between the pages of a book and the man who wrote the missive, she starts to believe lightning might strike twice.


To Bryan Dunn, love is a four-letter word. He doesn't go in for cheap sentiment or hearts-and-flowers. But he wants Gloria, and to get her, he'll let her believe he wrote the silly letter. The longer he's with her, though, the more he cares. If she discovers the truth about him, it just might break the heart he never thought he had. 

Excerpt:

Gloria picked up her keys and her purse and was just about to walk her daughter out when someone tapped on the glass door. Both women started. Gloria gasped. Bryan stood on the step outside.
“We’re closed,” Desi said loudly, pointing to the clock on the wall behind the front desk.
“Let him in,” Gloria told her. “I know him.”
Desi gaped at her, then unlocked the door. “Hello?”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.” Bryan glanced from Desi to Gloria. “I meant to come earlier.”
“Come in, Bryan. This is my daughter, Desiree. Desi, this is Professor Dunn. He teaches…poetry at the college.”
He nodded at Desi. “English Literature and World Lit. How do you do?”
“Hello.” She gave her mother a wide-eyed stare as she stepped back and allowed Bryan into the salon. Her gaze travelled up and down his tall form. Behind Bryan’s back, she gave her mother a nod of approval and a thumb’s up. He’s hot, she mouthed.
Gloria tried to tamp down the excitement skittering up her spine but couldn’t control the way her pulse spiked as Bryan neared. She was afraid she’d have slipped his mind, but he hadn’t forgotten her. Just as she couldn’t forget him. “This is unexpected.”
He reached into his jacket pocket, the same jacket he wore earlier, and pulled out the letter. “I’m here because of this.”
Gloria’s glance bounced from her daughter back to Bryan.
“I still need your help.” His expression was so sincere, his tone so earnest. Did he really need her?
“I don’t know what I can do—”
“Help me write a letter to Courtney.”
His statement punctured her hopes, letting the air out of them. He wanted her to help him win back his lover. She wanted to smack herself for feeling disappointed.
Thinking about him all day had buoyed her mood. She’d told herself it was a chance meeting, a mild flirtation with a handsome stranger. Nothing would come of it. Had she been lying to herself, secretly hoping for more?




Purchase Write to Me from:







Friday, October 17, 2014

#Cover Reveal: Don't Let Go by @nonaraines #Contemporary #Romance #TWRP

Happy Friday, friends! I have some exciting news to share with you. My upcoming novella Don't Let Go (to release on November 5) has a cover and is available for pre-order!



Annalee wants a no-strings fling. Eric's all about the strings.

Twelve years ago, when Eric Sorenson's date dumped him right before the Senior Prom, his older sister’s best friend stepped in to save him from total humiliation. He never forgot Annalee or what she did for him that night…or the kiss they shared. He wants Annalee, and if he has his way, they'll take up where they left off. And this time, he won't let go.

After a messy divorce, Annalee's not looking forward to her high school reunion. She's shocked when Eric appears at her door ready to return the favor and play escort. Gone is the inexperienced boy with a severe stutter—he's a striking, confident man. The memory of the kiss they shared rekindles an attraction that never died, and she's been on her own for a year. Isn't she entitled to kick loose and have a let's-go-crazy night?


Excerpt:

    “You should see the killer dress I bought for tonight.”
    “Can’t wait. By the way, did I tell you my brother’s in town?” Dee changed the subject so quickly Annalee almost got whiplash.  
    “No, you didn’t, but we ran into each other earlier. When I was walking Bobo.” She didn’t mention that, thanks to Bobo, she nearly ran into a tree as well.  
    “Oh, really?” Eric’s sister drew out the last word—realllyyy.
    Annalee rolled her eyes. “Yes, and what’s that little tone of yours supposed to mean?”
    “Oh, nothing,” Dee replied airily. “I knew he went out this morning. I merely find it interesting that of all the people he might encounter, he bumps into you. Very interesting.”
    “Do you really, Inspector Clouseau?”
    “Yes, indeed. Given the fact he’s had a major crush on you all these years—”
    Annalee pulled at the collar of the sweater that now felt too tight around her throat. “A crush?”
    “A crush, the hots, whatever. Now you’re free, and he’s free—”
    “Wait a minute.” She gripped the handset to keep it from sliding from her slippery palm. “I thought he was seeing that girl, the brunette—”
    “Katie? No, they’re no longer an item. The stars have finally aligned for you. It’s…what’s the word…”
    Annalee was speechless, her thoughts a flurry.
    “Oh yeah, serendipity.”
    This call had to end. “Goodbye, Delayna. I’ll see you tonight.” Annalee hung up before her friend could say more.
    Okay, what just happened? Dee was encouraging her to get with Eric?
    A new image flashed before her—she and Eric, naked. Smoothing her hands down his bare chest, then trailing lower…
    She shook her head. Sexual deprivation was getting to her. How long had it been? Half a year since the divorce and even longer if she counted the last year of her marriage, which had been a war zone. A cold war of silence and contempt, which couldn’t even generate enough heat for hate sex.
    Not a moment too soon, the coffee maker gurgled. Annalee filled a cup, but no longer needed a hot drink to eliminate the chill.
    She was on fire.

Pre-order Don't Let Go at Amazon

Nona Raines

Hot Contemporary Romance
Edgy ~ Emotional ~ Erotic
www.nonaraines.com




Sunday, September 28, 2014

#Cover Reveal: Teach Me by Ella Sheridan #Romance @AuthorESheridan

Happy Sunday, friends. Nona here. I have a surprise guest today. Author friend Ella Sheridan is here to share the cover of her upcoming romance TEACH ME and share a few tidbits with us!




Teach Me (Southern Nights Book One)

A woman determined to heal…
Shy researcher Jess Kingston spent the last eight weeks recovering from her ex-boyfriend’s brutal attack. Body healed, she’s ready to put her life back together—except her ex isn’t ready to let go. She won’t cower in a corner while Brit tortures her, but she’s powerless to fight back.

A man determined to resist…
Ex-military security specialist Conlan James avoids commitment like the plague. His job, his Harley, and the occasional one-night stand are all he needs, until the day he rescues Jess from a tense situation and realizes he can’t get her off his mind. He can teach her to protect herself, but protecting his heart is another matter.

A madman determined to win…
As the deadly game of cat-and-mouse with Brit heats up, so does the hunger between Con and Jess. Safety might be found in numbers, but in bed, all bets are off—and the wrong move could lead to heartbreak. Or death.

Preorder Links:

Amazon

ARe       

Kobo  


Excerpt:

     What the hell are you doing here?
     This wasn’t the first time in the last five minutes that Conlan had asked himself the same question. Maybe if he had an answer, the revolving door in his brain would stop spinning, but that didn’t seem likely. Not anytime soon. Not with the beautiful brunette he’d come to see sitting close enough that, if he let himself look, he could detect the light dusting of freckles across her nose. But he wasn’t looking, and he shouldn’t be here, so how had he ended up standing in line behind the thirtysomething latte league? It sure as hell wasn’t for the coffee.
    Legs braced wide, he shifted from one hip to the other, the creak of his motorcycle chaps reminding him he could be enjoying a few extra minutes on the Harley before work instead of spending that precious time here, mooning over a woman. Doe Eyes. The first time he’d seen her all those months ago, he’d thought her eyes reminded him of sweet Georgia pecans and skittish does. The name stuck, as had the memory of her eyes—and a hundred other glimpses he shouldn’t have taken.
    Another name called, another latte dispensed, another shuffle forward.
    He hadn’t seen those eyes in eight weeks, and yet still he’d shown up every Monday, like clockwork, hoping for one more glimpse and calling himself an idiot. Wasn’t like he planned on asking her out. So why the hell did he torture himself with these weekly forays into enemy territory?
    Sex. Or sex appeal, at least.
    Another step closer to the counter. The move didn’t ease the constriction behind the zipper of his jeans. This was what she did to him, thinking about her. Especially now, after so long apart.
    The thought had a snort escaping. Ahead of him, Mr. Suit and Tie startled and glanced over a shoulder, but Conlan ignored the look. He was too busy figuring out when “this” had become enough like a relationship in his head that he would think things like “after so long apart.” Doe Eyes might appear prominently in his thoughts from time to time—especially certain times—but he’d never seen her outside of this coffee shop. And he wouldn’t. A quick roll in the hay was one thing, but Doe Eyes wasn’t the kind of woman who had one-night stands. He could tell that much just by looking at her. She was a relationship kind of woman, and he was a relationship-phobic kind of guy. Which meant he seriously needed to get a grip—and not on the part of him growing even harder at the idea.
    Idiot was right.
    He should be at work. Southern summer heat brought out the crazies almost as well as full moons did, and JCL Security was feeling the impact, juggling cases like they had eight arms, which they didn’t. Too many sleepless nights had been spent at his office, especially with the Bennett case coming up. Just a couple more weeks before Thea Bennett had her bastard of a husband before a judge and hopefully out of her life, but the paper- and prep work to get the high-profile bastard there had been a bitch. He seriously needed to—
    “Conlan, hey!”
    For a passing moment he was convinced the voice belonged to the woman filling his thoughts. But when the high, candied voice called again, he realized it was coming from the counter. The cashier. Tonya, Tammy? Tracy? He couldn’t remember. She was blonde with a deep tan he would’ve deemed impossible in a landlocked city like Atlanta, the shade a stark contrast to her white smile. Stepping up, he threw her a grin. “Hey.”
    She batted long lashes, almost hiding the way her glance slid down to the crotch of his jeans, framed in his leather chaps. “Long time, no see.”
    He winked automatically. “It’s a long wait between Mondays.”
    The girl giggled. “Your usual?”
    “That’s right. Thanks,” he said, passing over a ten-dollar bill.
    She made change, certain to caress his hand as she laid the money in his palm. Conlan was more interested in the dark Colombian roast another employee was walking toward them. High-octane all the way. The sight of the near-black brew had him salivating for something other than Doe Eyes for the first time that morning.
    He reached the condiment counter just as his phone buzzed in his back pocket. Probably Jack. Retrieving the cell confirmed his suspicion.
    Where the hell are you? his partner had texted.
    Piss off, Con replied, a grin tugging at his lips. The irony that he’d spent too much time asking himself the very same question didn’t escape him. In a half hour he’d be at the office and they could both stop wondering.
    With a little back-and-forth he managed to cram the phone back in his tight jeans. He glanced around absently, and his gaze snagged on a pair of amber-brown eyes that suddenly met his.
    He froze.
    Doe Eyes dropped her chin and shifted over the slightest bit, enough that her friend’s position blocked her from view, but not before he caught the blush coloring her creamy cheeks.
    His cock banged against his zipper as if begging to be let out. The bite of pain caught his breath in his throat. Jesus, what the hell was he—
    Don’t! Ask. Again. He knew what the hell he was doing here, and he needed to go; he really did. He needed to stop letting his dick run this show, grab his coffee, and get back to reality.
     He was restless, that was all. He was a man who needed action. Needed to be doing something, anything, not sitting behind a desk like he’d been for weeks while prepping Thea’s case. Usually he worked off his frustration in a way that involved cool silk sheets and bare skin and satisfaction on both sides, but there’d been no damn time. Just his hand and the additional chafing it provided, which wasn’t near as effective—or satisfying. That had to be the reason he couldn’t stop thinking about his mystery woman.
    Of course. That had to be it.
    Popping the lid off his cardboard cup released the rich aroma of ground coffee beans into the air. He lifted his cup and blew across the hot liquid, the sound almost a sigh of relief. He was already reaching for the packets of sugar when black squiggles caught his eye. There. On the part of the paper sleeve now facing him, he could see a name and number were clearly written: Tiffany. A 470 area-code phone number.
    So that was her name. Sounded like an eighties pop star. A glance over his shoulder found the cashier leaning across the bar where drinks were picked up, her mounded breasts shelved there, on display. Come back soon, she mouthed, her shoulders doing a little wiggle. On reflex, he threw her a grin, but her seemingly seductive move couldn’t pull his glance downward. His dick didn’t even twitch. Apparently only one thing could trigger his runaway libido this morning.
    He added the sugar, trying to ignore the panic in his gut and his one-track mind. The latter was impossible. He wanted to know Doe Eyes’ name, her phone number. Were her breasts as full as they looked beneath that starched white button-down? Was her hair as soft as he swore it would be when he fisted it between his fingers?
    He stirred a bit too vigorously, and coffee sloshed over the side of the cup.
    Don’t look. Don’t. He realized he’d closed his eyes. A sigh escaped as he rubbed a thumb and finger against them, but as soon as the lids popped open, he searched for her. Had to see her. Felt his heartbeat pick up knowing she might meet his eyes.
    He was so screwed—and smart enough to admit it. He let go, let the conflict and the churning in his gut and the tension cramping his muscles go. And then he looked toward her table.
    It was empty.
    “Well shit.”
    He stood for a moment, cursing himself, the coffee, and everything else he could think of. When another customer stepped up behind him and cleared his throat, wanting access to the counter, Con grabbed his cup and headed out the door. On his way, he chucked the coffee in the trash without a single sip.

Author Bio:

Ella grew up in the Deep South, where books provided adventures, friends, and her first taste of romance. Now she writes her own romantic adventures, with plenty of hot alpha men and the women who love and challenge them. With a day job, a husband, two active teenagers, and two not so active cats, Ella is always busy, but getting the voices in her head down on paper is a top priority. Connect with Ella at www.ellasheridanauthor.com .

Author Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/IJkRf

Social Media Links:

Amazon Author Page                      https://www.amazon.com/author/ellasheridan
Facebook Author Page                   https://facebook.com/ellasheridanauthor
Twitter (@AuthorESheridan)         https://twitter.com/AuthorESheridan
Goodreads                                        https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7350508.Ella_Sheridan

Publishing History:

Secrets To Hide Series -


Dirty Little Secret (Book One)
Naughty Little Christmas (Book Two)
Just a Little More (Book Three)


Wednesday, June 11, 2014

#WIP it Wednesday with @RachellNichole

Welcome back to WIP it Wednesday!

It's been a while since I've posted about WIP it Wednesday because, well, I've been buried under WIPs! I've been writing, and rewriting, and rewriting some more! But today I'm back to blogging and I have some goodies to share with you! 


So I've been talking a bit on and off about my foray into the BDSM subgenre of erotic romance, and whoa! Has it ever been and exciting and wild ride! I'm here to share some of the fruits of my labor. 

To Sir will release in August, but all you lovely Diva lovers out there get a sneak peek! 

When Elizabeth Leigh Clark is plagued by the idea for a kinky novel she can’t shake, she has no choice but to plunge, head-first into a genre she vowed never to pursue. But when she realizes the seductive allure of submitting her will, her interest in the BDSM lifestyle because less academic, and downright personal. 

Dominant and club owner, Chase Masters, has no idea what to expect when his partner books a meeting with an author doing research on the BDSM scene, but he’s blown away with the woman who walks through the door. He’s sure at first that she must be a visiting Domme, not the author. Her manner is confident, brusque, and even a bit disapproving of his lifestyle, but when he switches from his easy-going club owner mindset into his Dom voice, she instantly backs off. Perhaps she’s more submissive than she let on.


Chase and his club are in the crosshairs of a local senator and the bank, and he fears he might lose everything. So when Liz grudgingly agrees to be his, if only for a few weeks, he’s elated. But what kind of long-term relationship can a broke, out of work, homeless Dom offer to a burgeoning submissive who won't submit outside of the bedroom?  

Here's a bit more about my hero, Chase Masters, and a picture to keep in mind (Channing Tatum, circa. Magic Mike) 
Chase isn't your typical Dom. His last steady submissives both wanted more from him than he could give. More domination, more time, more of himself than he was willing to give. He's determined to find a new submissive, one who will be the perfect fit, one who will challenge him, both inside and outside of the bedroom and playroom. He's a Capricorn, which makes him disciplined, patient, and careful. So when he comes up against Liz, a seemingly unmovable force of nature, he will have to use all of his skills and determination to win her over. But the precious K Club he's spent his entire adult life and every cent on is in some serious trouble from a local senator who wants to run the "filth" out of town. Not to mention the bank is about half a second away from foreclosing on his club, and the home he put up as collateral. 


And now for Liz who kind of resembles Kristen Kreuk, and has these two amazing tattoos. 


This is the tattoo she has on her foot
Elizabeth Leigh Clark writes erotic romance under the name Elizabeth Leigh, and she's a spitfire. She's spent her whole adult life trying to break free of the tyrannical rule of her father. She started writing as a kid to escape her hellish household, and now that she's free, she uses that freedom to let her inhibitions go and create steamy books left and right. But she has a hard time convincing herself not to be embarrassed or ashamed about sex in the real world, and she's never considered herself one of those girls who might find the idea of a man bossing her around appealing. So why the hell can't she shake these thoughts and dreams about a seductive maestro with leather crops and dominion over her body? But she's a Scorpio: determined, forceful, obsessive, and rebellious, and she refuses to run away from these desires, no matter how much they terrify her. 
And this is the one on her back 











And here is just a little taste of Chase and Liz: 

An hour later, Chase was still buried under paperwork, scouring the consent contracts, the original ordinance he’d received from the city when they first opened five years ago, and some more paperwork the lawyer had faxed over yesterday. A loud knock sounded from downstairs, but he didn’t get up. Dusty was still down on the main floor and he’d been taking care of whomever came knocking for the past few days. The man was a Godsend. How had Chase ever gotten on before without Dusty to look after him?
He turned his attention back to his work. No doubt it was someone else coming to inquire about the club, when they’d be back open. Their members had been so lost when he’d announced the closing of the club, even though he’d assured everyone it would only be temporary. And he was damned sure going to make good on that promise. He would not fail. He glanced up at the bright light from the main door.
Shadowed in the doorway was a tall brunette. Hair pulled severely into a long ponytail, dark, elegantly-slanted eyes bordered in charcoal, a tight black top with lace over breasts and arms, combined with the long leather-clad legs told Chase this was a Domme. Her beautiful Asian face was not one he recognized, so he knew she must be new in town, or perhaps just visiting and wanting to check out the scene before hours. He and Dusty would usually extend an invitation to a visiting Domme, but since the club was under lock and key, that wouldn’t be happening. Apparently the protesters and closed signs outside meant nothing to her. And instead of sending her on her way, Dusty smiled, shook her hand and ushered her in out of the stifling Nevada heat.
What the hell?
Chase half-rose from his desk to peek through the tinted windows of his office into the Club beyond. His groin gave a little jolt as he caught sight of their visitor’s swaying hips in the skin-tight leather. That gave him another what the hell moment. It wasn’t like him to be attracted to other Dominants. Going three weeks with no outlet had started to take its toll.
Dusty began leading the woman around the club. Her face remained impassive and Chase shook his head. That damned author was late for their meeting, and he couldn’t help but be glad he was now free to go down and greet their visitor. He strode from his office and down the private back stairwell to the main area of the club.
“And this is where we have our shows,” Dusty was saying, leading her up on the stage.
Chase stayed in the shadow of the staircase, watching. The delicate bone structure of this woman was showcased beautifully by her dark coal-rimmed eyes, deep red lipstick, and a light blush that appeared completely natural. Her gaze was hot, determined, and he could almost see a flicker of flame from within. It instantly ignited an answering burn inside him, and he gulped in a few cool breaths. What the fuck was his problem today?
She looked up and their gazes locked. An image flashed through his head. Her, bound to the top of the canopied bed in his room, a white mask covering her eyes, head thrown back in ecstasy as he tortured her senses. He blinked reality back into focus, determined to shake this strange attraction. He knew from experience, some Tops could never bottom. And this woman obviously didn’t have a submissive bone in her entire lithe little body.

Confidence. She had to keep that utmost in her mind. Liz forced herself not to react when he stepped out of the shadows. This man… he had the same build, the same badass dominating air about him as the man of her dreams. In, she corrected. The man in her dreams. He stared at her, making her feel naked beneath his gaze. Swallowing hard, she willed moisture to her mouth, but it was like her tongue was cemented in place with peanut butter.
Crap.
She extended a hand.
“Chase Masters,” he said, stepping closer to clasp her hand in his. Feathers tickled along her spine. Just like they had in her dream. In one second, Chase’s face superimposed itself over the foggy image in her head of every erotic dream she’d had in the past six weeks.
“This is Elizabeth Clark,” Dusty said from behind her. Thank God someone wasn’t rendered speechless in the presence of this Adonis. She snatched her hand back, closing her fingers into her palm, unsure if she was trying to wipe away the feel of his skin against hers, or trap it.
No recognition showed on Chase’s face, and Liz tried to pretend she wasn’t hurt. She’d called well in advance, and Sissy had assured her that Chase would be open and honest with his answers when Liz asked him any and all embarrassingly personal questions. Apparently, Chase had no freaking clue who she was or what she was doing here. She was just about to launch into an explanation when Dusty prompted, “The author I was telling you about?”
Was that disappointment on Chase’s face? She couldn’t tell for sure, because he quickly schooled his features, his face smoothing into a mask of politeness. She didn’t know what the hell to make of that.
“Okay, well, uh, would you like to continue to show her around?” the soft, unsure voice was so unlike the one she’d pictured coming from that harsh mouth of his. It was also the opposite of the tone he’d used when he introduced himself.
“I thought maybe you’d like to do the honors, boss.”
A half-smile quirked up Chase’s mouth, and he shook his head. “Not your boss.”
“Yeah, yeah, whatever.” Dusty turned and left her at Chase’s mercy. She pursed her lips, and cocked her head to the side, embodying her persona. She was Elizabeth Leigh, erotic romance author extraordinaire. And she wasn’t going to be intimidated by a little kink. Or a lot, she amended, glancing at the club around her. She’d worn her sexiest, most authoritative outfit and her Don’t Screw With Me boots, but as she stared off against six feet of heavily corded muscular Dom, she felt spineless. And maybe a little breathless.
“So, this way I guess.” Chase turned from her, and she followed him. Like a damned puppy. What in the world was wrong with her? She didn’t do this kind of crap. Women did not belong barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen, and she would be damned to the depths of hell if she was going to buy into that chauvinistic crap because of this guy when she’d lived her whole life fighting against her father’s brainwashing. She forced herself to stop a few feet behind him.
“This is the bar, and the main area of the club. Used for meet and greets, socialization, and a live show a couple times a week. Some people come just to be somewhere in public where they can be themselves.”
She heard the underlying defiance in his words, as if he was daring her to make a snide comment. “As I’m sure you could tell, we’ve been closed down temporarily.”
“I saw the hubbub outside,” she said lamely.
“Who the hell says ‘hubbub’ anymore?” Chase seared her with a look over his shoulder and she suppressed a shiver.
“I’m a writer. I have an extensive vocabulary,” she said defensively, crossing her arms over her chest, and daring him to contradict her. His whole personality screamed domineering.
“Your tone says it’s obviously nothing someone like me would understand.” He turned on her.
“That’s not what I meant.” Her voice was brusque. She was letting that arch stare and that increasingly deep voice ruffle her feathers. She knew better than to be baited like this. Anger management was a constant battle inside her, but it had been an easier one to win over the past few years. She wouldn’t let herself backslide because of this man, no matter what he said. He raised his eyebrows, then turned back.
“We don’t serve alcohol at the bar because you can’t have consent when people are under the influence. That’s an important detail several authors have gotten wrong over the years. Among other things.”
His icy voice made her shiver. “Like what?” She had a good memory, but she felt like this was going to be quite a list.
“Let’s see… for starters it’s not all about pain.”
She snorted. She couldn’t help it. “Of course it’s about pain.” And subjugation, and dominance, and treating people like they were less than humans, like they were property. She bit her tongue on that part, though. She was supposed to be here asking him for help, not pissing him off, much as the idea appealed to her.
“Not with me it isn’t. And not for a lot of people, either. It’s about control, and passion, and love, for yourself, the darkness inside, and sometimes for someone else. Pain gets mixed up with that sometimes. Okay, granted, for some people it’s about pain. Giving it, receiving it. For the rest of us, pain is part of the pleasure. Part of the rush, the edge of fantasy. You should know a bit about that. We’re in the same business. You sell fantasy on the page, I sell it in the flesh, so to speak.”
Another shiver coursed through her at his words. God, could just the sound of him describing this stuff make her hot? A lick of guilt shimmied through her, but she pushed it aside. She had to stop feeling guilty about sex of all kinds, but sometimes it was just so hard to keep the shame from decimating her.
She rubbed her right earlobe, trying to work toward a calm she didn’t feel.
“Look, why don’t you just ask me your questions so we can get this over with.”
“Excuse me?”
He turned on her. “It’s clear you’re uncomfortable. Your over-the-top outfit, the heels you can barely walk in, and the disdainful curl of your lip. You did ask to come here, did you not?”
She took a deep breath, and a step toward him. “Yes, I did. But I –” she stopped herself from picking a fight with him, but just barely. Damn. She’d thought she had better control over her impulsive bouts of rage.  “I’m… sorry.” She lowered her shoulders and made an effort to relax her aggressive stance. Just being here was making her skin crawl. And not in an entirely unpleasant way... 

Well, there you have it! I hope that was just enough to whet your appetite! Make sure to stop by for the next WIP It Wednesday and I'll post some more goodies for you! As we get closer to August, I will post cover art, book trailers, and much more! 

~ Rach

TRR

The Romance Reviews