Author Spotlight & Giveaway: K. Anne Raines

You all know how much I love Indie authors. Well here's another one I've been following.

Shattered Grace is K. Anne Raines debut novel. She writes Young Adult Paranormal with emotion and the right amount of steaminess. It has a suspenseful storyline that leaves you hooked from the beginning and left with wanting more.

Seventeen-year-old Grace grows up knowing she’s different, but she always attributed it to a mother who didn’t want her, a father who abandoned her, and a curse that sets her apart. Despite those struggles, her grandfather remained her rock and confidant. Her life irrevocably shatters the day her grandfather dies.

The day of his funeral sets off a chain of events, making Grace question everything she’s ever known to be true, and as a result, who she can truly trust. She inherits his house, part of his money, his Guardian, and something that ties them together. Just before Grace’s 18th birthday, she is thrust into a world she couldn’t fathom existed. She’s been destined for greatness, but at what cost? With eyes now open, she must decide to either be Chosen, or watch those around her suffer the consequences.

Torn between the man who’s come to protect her, and the one sent to destroy her, she teeters on the edge of contemplation…

What does it mean for those she loves….and the rest of mankind?

 Excerpt:

As they continued talking, electrically charged molecules cavorted between them, pulling their bodies closer together. Grace was hyperaware of the slight movement he made, and where his body touched hers with every word. Peeking at him from under her lashes, she licked her bottom lip and watched his hands as they moved absentmindedly on his knees, wondering what they’d feel like against her face, tangled in her hair. How would it feel to be wrapped in his arms, or to snuggle into the crook of his neck? How would his lips feel pressed against hers, or… Her head snapped down to peer in her cup. She wondered if something had been slipped into her drink. It looked empty, so she shook it for good measure. Yep, it was almost gone. Three down.

The phone in her pocket buzzed against both their legs. Her hands grabbed for it while she sent Darius an apologetic look. She felt like tossing the phone in the fire, but peeked at the backlit screen anyway.

Quentin: DON’T YOU THINK YOU’VE HAD ENOUGH?

With her iPhone cupped in both hands, she stared across the flames at the others sitting around, noticing Brian and Leah. No, she decided, shaking her head. She certainly didn’t think so.

Grace: Not at all! 

Irritated he was playing Guardian/father again, she continued.

Grace: I have a DD if I can’t drive. A GA if im in dnger & a ST sittin b-side me.

She giggled a little at the last part. Darius sat silently next to her, minding his own business. Her phone buzzed again seconds later.

Quentin: What’s an ST?

Grace: A sure thing.

Quentin: NOT FUNNY.

Grace: Who said im kidding?

Bio:

K Anne Raines is the author of Shattered Grace, the first novel in her Fallen from Grace series  She is a Washington State University graduate and the senior accountant at a local firm in her home town. K Anne is sought by business clients for her math skills, but readers pursue her imagination in the Fallen from Grace series.  Her husband suffers as a target of her quick wit, but loves her brains and beauty (he is responsible for all the glowing comments here).

Grace is brought to life in Shattered and encounters new challenges in books II and III.  K Anne’s impassioned but regular commitment to chocolate covered raisins and the occasional mint chocolate chip ice cream inspires creativity at home . . . wherever the raisins or ice cream are, there she is with a laptop.  A lover of great sushi and other fine food, K Anne prefers coffee in the morning, the right wine in the evening, and her fireplace at all times.

A Northwest native, K Anne Raines is the mother of three, cat lover, avid exerciser, and blanket hogger. Check in here for occasional bio updates.  Click the contact link to connect up!

Please leave a comment for K. Anne to be entered in the giveaway. Contest will run for one week. Thank you and good luck!!

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Author Spotlight & Giveaway: Eden Bradley

 One of my absolute favorite BDSM writers is Eden Bradley. Each story I read of hers puts me in a different state of mind. I can feel each words, each emotion, each character. I love it! I have read just about every book she's put out and enjoyed each one.

I am so excited to have Eden stop by today and give us some fun facts about Breaking Skye!

 

Eight fun facts about BREAKING SKYE:

 

~1: Adam Dunne is loosely based on a combination of a real Dominant I met in San Francisco at a club and a guy I met in at a small resort in the mountains of Mexico…with a little flair added, of course. 

~2: I used to live in San Francisco, and Adam’s house actually exists there-it’s one I drove past on my way to work every day and fell in love with. 

~3: This book was written originally in 2005. I always knew there was more story to tell, but this was early in my career and I wrote in answer to a call for an anthology put out by an e-publisher, and there was a limit regarding length. When I got my rights to the story back a couple of years ago I was dying to dive back into it, but other contracted books kept putting this one on the back burner. Finally, I was able to get my hands in there! It was great to have the opportunity to dive deeper into who Adam and Skye are, deeper into their relationship, and deeper into their sensual kink. The story has nearly doubled in length, and I think it’s much better for it. 

~4: I came up with the title first, which has never happened since. The words came to me and I thought they were beautiful—then I figured out what to do with them.

 ~5: When I first sat down to write this book I intended to make it a much heavier dungeon-centered story, but the characters just led me in a different direction. They get so bossy sometimes! Especially Adam. *G* 

~6: I take my ‘research’ seriously, and have done everything in this book. ‘Nuff said. : )

~7: There will be a spin-off story as soon as I have time in my schedule to write it!

 ~8: The excerpt below is probably my favorite scene in the book—especially the way it ends. But you’ll have to read the book to see what happens…;)

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BREAKING SKYE is available now on Amazon, B&N, Smashwords & Kobo!

When power play becomes more than just a game…

BDSM. Submission. Spanking…These are the things Skye has always craved, the desires she has never allowed herself to explore. Until now. She thought she was looking for a single experience, something to purge these strange yearnings from her system. Instead she finds a man whose absolute authority and stunning good looks leave her breathless, willing to do anything he asks of her. But only for one night…

Adam has other ideas. Skye could be the perfect submissive once he’s done training her—for someone else. For him, that’s always the way it’s been. But Skye is different. Enticing. Intoxicating. Irresistible. Soon all he can think of is breaking Skye—and keeping her for himself.

 Includes tons of bonus content! Excerpts from five of Eden Bradley’s books, plus added excerpts from authors R.G. Alexander and Robin L. Rotham!

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EXCERPT:

When he took her hand and led her into the dining room she followed with her head bowed, her body absolutely on fire already.

The light in the dining room was dim, but she could still see the carved legs of the antique dining table. All of the chairs had been pulled away to ring the edge of the room. No artwork in this room, just enormous, ornately-framed mirrors on every wall. On a heavy, antique sideboard tall silver candelabra held ivory tapers, the flames making the shadows dance.

He turned to her. “Take your clothes off, Skye. And get on the table.”

“Wh—what?” Her legs went weak.

“Shh. Just do it.”

He reached out and slid his hand around the back of her neck, heating her skin instantly. Her body filled with the aching need to please him, the ache that had been left to build all week.

She began to remove her clothing, her hands shaking. Her mind was emptying out, allowing her to do this, to let go. And with the last shred of reason she realized it was Adam’s mere presence which was doing this to her head.

 Soon she was naked and he was smiling down at her, his smoky blue eyes glittering in the candlelight. He moved in closer, until she could feel the heat emanating from him, the faint, male scent of him making her dizzy. She closed her eyes for a moment, inhaled, trying to steady herself.

“Get up on the table now, Skye. Come, I’ll help you.”

He took her hand, steadied her while she climbed onto the cool, wood surface.

 “Lie on your back,” he told her, pushing her down just enough for her to understand completely that he was in control.

The table was hard against her back, hard and silky at the same time. And she felt as naked as she ever had in her life. Naked and strangely beautiful. Even more so when Adam began to run his hands over her body—her stomach, her thighs, her arms. They finally closed around her wrists, where he stroked the tender skin there for a few moments before he lifted one and locked it into a thick leather cuff.

She gasped.

“It’s alright, Skye. Trust me. The binding will only free you more.”

By the time he’d cuffed both wrists and ankles and clipped the cuffs to long black ropes attached to the legs of the table her heart was racing. But the vee between her thighs was soaked and pulsing with need. She pulled on the cuffs, testing them. She couldn’t move, her arms and legs spread wide.

She shivered.

She groaned.

She loved it.

He stood over her, stroking her skin again, his touch lighting tiny fires of desire all over her. When he took her nipples between his fingers and rolled them, she sighed with pleasure. When he pinched them hard, she moaned in pain. But it all felt good. He kept at it, tugging, pinching. Sensation shot through her body, her sex. She wished he would use those clever fingers between her legs. 

Please…

He gathered her breasts in his hands, pushing them together.“Too damn perfect,” he muttered. Then he let her go and turned away.

She had one small moment of panic simply because he was no longer touching her. But soon he was back. He leaned in close to her face and told her, “Stay as still as you can, Skye. This is going to hurt.”

~~~~~~~~

CONTEST! Comment here and tell me a fun fact about you and be entered to win an e-copy of the first book in my San Francisco Doms series, SANCTUARY! I’ll be back to choose and announce the winner tomorrow evening!

...Meanwhile, I hope you'll all visit me on my website: EdenBradley.com and on my group blog Smutketeers.com !

Eden : )

Review: Breaking Skye by Eden Bradley

Breaking Skye is a lovely story about Skye and Adam. Skye has these urges, these submissive urges. She seeks out a Dom to help her purge herself of these urges. She feels like once she tries a little BDSM, she’ll no longer have these urges or desires. It’s all an experiment.

After placing an ad and meeting Adam, Skye heads over to Adam’s house for her session. Skye, of course, follows all safety protocols. She checked his background and let someone know where she was going.

The session between Skye and Adam was hot! I little spanking, a little (big) orgasm (or two or….) and some after care. No sex though, because Adam doesn’t have sex with those he’s training. Cardinal rule for him!

Even though this was a really short story, I got quite a bit out of it. The character development was not as deep as it is in longer books, but I got enough that I was able to connect with Skye and Adam.

Skye is a pretty normal girl. She’s adventurous and wants to explore. Adam is a conundrum. I don’t want to say too much as I don’t want to give it away. But it did leave me going “HUH?” He was not quite what I expected and it was a lovely surprise!

The scenes between Skye and Adam were hot and I loved them. Their connection was instant (almost insta-love) and intense. Eden Bradley managed to cover quite a bit of ground in this short story.

I really have a love/hate relationship with this story. I loved it. It was quick, it was hot, and very enjoyable. I hate it because it was so short. I wanted to explore Skye and Adam’s relationship. I wanted a bit more from them in terms of sessions and playing and sex and romance.

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Caleb by Emma Lang

If a few years back someone would have told me that I would learn a great deal about history, home remedies and ranch life just by reading a romance book, I would’ve laughed.

But sure enough, I did learn. And instead of laughing I loved this book so much I CRIED.

I had a wonderful and exciting trip to the very (old) Wild, Wild West through the pen of Mrs. Lang; and I must say It was a very heart melting one. “Caleb” is the third installment of the “Circle Eight” series. We learn the story of Ranger Caleb Graham who years before had left the Circle Eight in search of the thrill of becoming part of the high authority of the recently freed Republic of Texas.

I have a confession to make: I had NO idea Texas was ever a Republic state.

I know, I know, but please forgive my lack of knowledge of American History. My whole education was directed towards Latin American History, so this was absolutely marvelous for me since it kicked my curiosity and made me want to learn more about this fact. I’ve been reading and doing my own research on the topic ever since. I can say that those bits and pieces of history I read, only made me love this book even more.

Caleb is a fearless Texas Ranger, who joined the forces in search of his real purpose in life, after his parents had been murdered. While in service to the Republic he seldom stops by the Circle Eight to visit his family anymore, but manages to do so while on a mission for which  he must travel more than 200 miles north in search of a stubborn blacksmith who not only knows her way with steel, but also with Caleb’s temper.

We also meet Aurora “Rory” Foster who works as a blacksmith, occupation she learned from her late father and that has kept her afloat after her husband Horatio died. In fact, her flawless work with a forge and anvil has made her famous in the region and it’s been through this art that she’s been able to survive after losing her husband. I believe Rory Foster has been one of the greatest female characters I have ever read about. Not only is she a strong and determined woman, but also stubborn and fearless, something that inevitably caught Ranger Graham’s attention.  Rory is that kind of woman capable of defying any and all obstacles to achieve her goals.

For example, smearing a urine poultice over Caleb’s would after making it in front of his brothers.

Yep, that’s Rory:

“What the hell?” Matt stepped back as if she was going to hurt him.

“I need to make a paste with the ash and piss. It’s a good way to stop the blood. My father taught me when I was a girl.” She forced herself to piss enough to make the paste the right consistency. After she’d yanked up her trousers, she mixed the ingredients together until it was ready.

The two Graham’s stared at her while the other two men stood behind with the horses. All of them were silent and motionless.

“Someone peel back the shirt so I can smear this on him.” Nobody moved.

“He’s going to bleed to death.”

Matt moved closer and put his hand on his pistol. Rory’s fury knew no bounds. She growled at him and removed the blood-soaked shirt herself. The sound of the pistol clearing leather was loud in the forest. “I won’t let you smear piss on my bleeding brother. Move away.”

I don’t really care what you say or do right now, Matt Graham. The only thing that matters is Caleb. I won’t let you stop me from saving him.”

She got to her feet and shook the bloody shirt. “He’s dying and you’re letting it happen.” She threw the shirt at him. “Now, are you going to help me stand there showing me your dick is bigger than mine?”

Rory was as fearless as any man of her time.

When Caleb and Rory meet it’s definitely not in the right circumstances or time, but nonetheless the attraction is felt since the minute they laid eyes on each other. After a quite bumpy nap on a tree, a very nasty cut and the urgent trip to the nearest doctor available, Caleb ends up taking Rory to the last place on earth he ever thought he would find the missing piece of his family’s puzzle: his brother Benjy.

Benjy’s character is remarkable. He is the greatest example of bravery in the worst situation possible. He captivated my heart and made me realize that you can be small, but extremely courageous. For those who have followed the series, you will remember what happened to Benjy; so imagine Caleb’s amazement and joy to have found him when he was least expecting it. And it is through Benjy’s courage and strength that Caleb finally agrees that it is time he must return to that one place he is more missed from: the Circle Eight.

As all three run for their lives and hide from the bad guys, we learn that this is a story of awakenings, an exciting adventure through a vast land, the pleasure of freedom, the unforgettable beauty of the Old West and the feeling of home and love only an amazing book like this can deliver. 

Bio: 

Beth Williamson, who also writes as Emma Lang, is an award-winning, bestselling author of both historical and contemporary romances. Her books range from sensual to scorching hot. She is a Career Achievement Award Nominee in Erotic Romance by Romantic Times Magazine, in both 2009 and 2010.

Beth has always been a dreamer, never able to escape her imagination. It led her to the craft of writing romance novels. She’s passionate about purple, books, and her family. She has a weakness for shoes and purses, as well as bookstores. Her path in life has taken several right turns, but she’s been with the man of her dreams for more than 20 years.

Beth works full-time and writes romance novels evening, weekends, early mornings and whenever there is a break in the madness. She is compassionate, funny, a bit reserved at times, tenacious and a little quirky. Her cowboys and western romances speak of a bygone era, bringing her readers to an age where men were honest, hard and packing heat. For a change of pace, she also dives into some smokin’ hot contemporaries, bringing you heat, romance and snappy dialogue.

Life might be chaotic, as life usually is, but Beth always keeps a smile on her face, a song in her heart, and a cowboy on her mind. ;)

Website  

Email Beth HERE  

One winner will win an ebook copy and two winners will win book marks and romance trading cards!!

Please leave a comment and your email address so a winner can be contacted. Thank you and good luck!!

ARC Review: One Night with a Cowboy by Cat Johnson

What’s hotter than a cowboy? A cowboy who’s a soldier! Mmmmm….. Men in Uniform are my weakness. Cowboy butts in Wranglers are yet another. Put them together and OMG! I just died went to heaven! *swoon* Now, for the cherry on top, Tucker is a bull rider, oh yeah…..

BRING. IT. ON.

Meet Tucker 

Hottie Cowboy

Bull Rider

Soldier

Cat Johnson has written a beautiful story about a Cowboy/Soldier and his “one night stand” with a NYC City Girl. This one was fun and it was hot!

Dr. Becca Hart has had a rough day. She lost her job as a university professor at Vassar due to “cutbacks” and when she gets home, she finds her boyfriend of 2 years secretly moving out. Weeks later she finds herself at a job interview at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK. A far cry from Vassar and NYC.

While there for her interview, Becca and her sister head out to the rodeo to absorb some local culture. While there Becca meets Tucker Jenkins and her sister meets his friend. I was really hoping for a romance between Becca’s sister and Tucker’s friend, and apparently there is, just not the friend I thought! There’s more coming in this series and OMG! I can’t wait!  Squee!!!

Becca and Tucker set out to have a one-night stand. And OMG! They have a make-out session in the cab of Tucker’s truck that will make you wish for Inspiration Point and a HOT cowboy.

Of course, things are never what they seem. Before long Tucker and Becca find out they are both working for OSU. Sparks fly and so do their tempers. It was awesome to watch and hotter than hell!

This was a great story and I LOVED it! We have showers, honey, a kitchen counter, the library, the cab of a truck, and the list goes on. Not only is the sex burning up the sheets between them, the romance is sweet. Tucker is the kind of guy every girl wants to find. He’s a gentleman, he’s hot, he great in bed, and above all else, he puts the girl first.

Remember ladies...

Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy!!

Review: Ruining Me by Nicole Reed

Ruining Me brought out a multitude of emotions in me. At times it left me feeling downright bi-polar. I was happy, sad, outraged, and heartbroken all at the turn of a page. My stomach was in such turmoil knowing something was coming. What that something was turned out to be more than I anticipated.

A vile, repulsive, disgusting, nightmare clings darkly to Jay’s life. She’s kept it hidden for so long; cutting herself off from everyone. But one slips through and cracks the protective shell she has built. Soon her fortress is tumbling down. Her long harbored secrets are spilled for all to see. The shame and humiliation aren’t enough though. Fate can be a low-down dirty bitch and she’s not done with Jay yet. Things have been set in motion. Her pain is not her own. The rippling effects rock those around her. Broken and despaired, how much further can she sink?

My heart wept for Jay. The secrets she kept buried were consuming her. For two years she withdrew herself from everyone around her that ever mattered. She was damaged and alone; suffering in silence, believing it was for the best. She jumped from bed to bed, only allowing no strings attached, one-night stands as a means of control over her life. Out of the blue, Kane enters the picture. The intensity of the attraction she feels for him gives him the capability of breaking her down and making her want a future again. Kane feels it too and doesn’t give up when she tries to push away. JT, her longtime sweetheart, never stopped yearning for the girl who owned his heart. Unaware of her reasons for retreating, he feels enough time has passed and is determined to get his girl back. Torn between her past, present and tightly guarded secrets, Jay must decide on her future. Just when she’s decided to finally move forward her life is ripped to shreds all over again.

In the final moments, I saw the end coming. While tightly gripping my eReader, I silently prayed that Ms. Reed wouldn’t take us there, but she did. She took us there and so much further. I was too much in shock to cry at this point; my heart and mind had disengaged. I was left speechless. Of course the only remedy for me was to quickly shut this book and open the sequel.