sexually explicit – Page 2 – Behind Closed Doors

Close Encounters of the Wicked Kind’s July Scavenger Hunt #eroticromance #excerpts

Welcome back to Behind Closed Doors! For today’s Friday Fantasy Free For All I’m participating in the month long scavenger hunt hosted by Close Encounters of the Wicked Kind. Each day this month, one of the Wicked Women have put up a post with an excerpt from one of their books and a question you need to answer in order to get entries in the Rafflecopter for the HUGE Grand Prize. If you’re just starting out with the hunt today, don’t you worry one bit. You still can go back to the previous posts done this month and get your answers. Before I go through with the rules. Here’s the list of the items up for grabs.

One autographed print copy of The Sunset Warrior by Leanore Elliot
Choice of 1 backlist e-copy book by Nikki Prince
An E-copy of The Remedy Maker by Sheri Fredricks
Choice of 1 backlist e-copy of Rosanna Leo
Choice of 2 backlist e-copies from Seraphina Donavan
A Bound gift pack which includes: Autographed Print copy of Bound, Necklace, and Book marks by Bonnie Bliss
A pdf copy of Touch of the Gods: The Wager by D.X. Luc
A copy of Dangerously Mine by AM Griffin
Autographed print copy of Immortal Love and an E-copy of PRimal Song by Danica Avet
An Autographed paperback from Cristal Ryder
E-copy of The Witching Pen Omnibus from Dianna Hardy
Swag Pack from A R Von
A T-shirt from Michel Prince
An Autographed copy of the promotional paperback Dreams of Ink by Kallysten
$5 Amazon card from Samantha Pleasent
$5 Amazon card from Ashlynne Laynne
Autographed copy of The Hunter Diaries in paperback by Serena Zane
Tammy Dennings Maggy: Swag: coffee mug, tote bag, pen, mouse pad, key chain
The Autographed Print Copy of the Satin Rose Experience by Sandra Bunino
E-book Copy of Blood Avenged by Gabrielle Bisset
E-book Choice of Blood’s Voice or Blood Bound by Aine Massie
Autographed Print Copy of Only Scandal Will Do by Jenna Jaxon
Autographed Print Copy of Dark Passion Rising by Shannon Albright
E-copy of The Heart of a Wolf Series by MaryLynn Bast
Autographed Print copy of For His Eyes Only by T.C. Archer
E-copy choice of backlist book from Katie Salidas
Autographed Print copy of My Highland Love
E-copy of Arresting Behavior by Morticia Knight and sexy swag pack!!
Winner’s choice of Backlist book by Naomi Bellina plus Swag pack!
Choice of 2 e-books: Croc and the Fox by Eve Langlais, Doms of Dark Haven anthology, The Vampire’s Boy by Theda Black, or Dex in Blue by Amy Lane, winner’s choice from: Sharing Links and Wisdom
Choice of e-book from Lea Barrymire
$5 dollar Amazon Card From Natasha Blackthorne

Now that list above is just for the GRAND prize. Each participant has to offer an individual prize as well. I’ve decided to give away to one lucky winner signed copies of The Courtship of the Vampyre, Follow Me: Poetry from the Heart and Soul, and The Island (Now and Forever 2). In addition to those, I will frame the poem “Encounters in the Dark” using the color scheme of the winners choice.

So what do you have to do to get the prizes? Follow the instructions carefully. For the Grand Prize you cannot put your answers in the comments section on the blogs. You must put them in the Rafflecopter in the spots for each individual blog. If you don’t follow this instruction, your comments will be deleted from each blog and you will lose that entry. This is the only way to keep the playing field completely fair for all. Each post will have a banner box with their individual question. Here’s mine

Excerpt from The Surrender of Julia (Now and Forever 3)

Thirteen Years Ago, the Island

Julia awakened to the sound of waves crashing on a beach. She opened her eyes to find she wasn’t on her couch but in a king sized four poster bed, covered in pale pink material that gently tossed in the breeze coming through the screen door in front of her. “Where the hell am I?” She sat up in the bed and continued to take in her surroundings. At the end of the bed Julia noted a white silk robe and matching slippers on the floor. The closet doors were open revealing several colorful dresses and matching sandals.

She tossed the covers aside to find she was completely naked. That in itself wasn’t unusual for her, but she distinctly remembered falling asleep on the couch in her condo, wrapped up in an afghan. She frantically searched through the comforter and sheets, terrified to be without the one thing that offered her comfort and security when she was alone. Julia breathed a sigh of relief when she noticed the blanket folded neatly on the dressing table next to the bed. “Hello? Is anyone here?”

She slipped into the robe and explored a bit further into what she assumed was a bungalow of some sort. Julia found a fully stocked kitchen and pantry, a living room with an entertainment center, and a huge bathroom with a glass enclosed two person shower and sunken spa tub. The one thing she didn’t find was a telephone. She smiled. If she couldn’t call out, then no one could call in.

Julia ran back to the bedroom, dropping the robe on the floor as she flipped through the sun dresses hanging in the closet. She picked out a red halter dress and decided to pass on the sandals. She wanted to walk barefoot on the beach, something she hadn’t done for far too long. If this all was just a dream, she wanted to enjoy every single minute of it before she had to wake up in the city again.

The only way to the beach was through the sliding doors on the other side of the bedroom. The sound of sea gulls reached her ears as she stepped out onto the deck. A bubbling hot tub was too her left and to her right was an outdoor kitchen, complete with a grill pit and cushioned deck chairs. Directly in front of her stretched the pale sandy beach. The waves called to her and she practically ran through the sand to get to the point where the water gently lapped against her calves. Julia wiggled her toes into the sand, loving the feel of it slipping and sliding between them. “This is sheer Heaven.”

Then it hit her. The whole confrontation with Jacob and Mario in the condo replayed on fast forward in her mind. She remembered drinking way too much whiskey and then swallowing some pain killers. “Oh my God! I just wanted to sleep. I didn’t want to die. This is why I’m here. I’m dead.” She sank to her knees in the surf and sobbed.

“Julia, you’re not dead.” A tall blond man stood before her on the beach. He was in his late twenties, covered in tattoos and had multiple piercings. His eyes were what drew her right in. They were the blue green color of the ocean she was kneeling in. It was his eyes that made her feel immediately at ease. He held out his hand to her. “Come on. We’ve a lot to talk about and I’m sure you’re full of questions for me too.”

“Where did you come from? I thought I was the only one here.” Julia took his hand and allowed him to help her get to her feet and out of the water. Goosebumps covered her body, but she wasn’t cold. “If I’m not dead, then how did I get here?”

The young man laughed. “I’ll answer all your questions but first you have to give me a chance to do it before you fire off more.” He wrapped a large beach towel around her shoulders as they made their way back up toward her bungalow. “I’ve been waiting for you to wake up. I’m the Guardian assigned to watch over you and help you find your way back to the destiny chosen for you by The Three.”

She sat down on one of the deck chairs and beckoned to him to sit next to her. “Guardian? As in guardian angel?”

He nodded. “My name’s Daniel. The Goddess Fate chose me to watch over you and several other people. One of them you know already, Jake Hartley.”

Julia’s eyes filled with tears. “I hurt him so badly. Is he okay? I mean he stormed out of our condo last night. I don’t know where he went.”

Daniel shook his head. “He was in a horrific accident on his bike. He slammed into the back of a semi—”

“No! He’s not dead. He can’t be.” Julia bolted out of her chair and barely reached the end of the deck before she threw up.

Daniel was immediately at her side, holding her hair out of the way until she stopped retching. “I’m not going to sugar coat it for you, Julia. Jake’s fighting for his life right now. But you need to believe me when I tell you he’s in good hands. His father’s my partner and right there with him and the rest of the family.”

“He wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t for me. I did this to him.” The sobs tore through her body. She’d never cried over anyone or anything before. This was more than she could take. “Please. Leave me here to die. Take care of him.”

The Guardian wrapped his well-muscled arms around her and held her tightly against his chest. “That’s not why you’re here. In fact, you’ve been allowed to come here in order for your heart and soul to mend. Then, you have to make a choice.”

Julia wiped the tears from her face and looked into Daniel’s eyes. “I don’t understand. What is this place?”

“We call it The Island. Basically it’s what humans would call limbo. It’s the realm between life and death. The ability to come here is a gift given to you by The Three. You have to choose to either stay here and wait until your next life cycle, or go back to face your demons and fight for your chance to be with your soul mate and your chosen destiny.”

“The only person that’s ever loved me like that, the only one who told me he loved me and wanted to spend the rest of his life with me, is fighting for his life in a hospital bed.” Julia managed to get back into the deck chair without having another wave of nausea hit. She curled up in the towel again and wondered if it was just best to stay there and not go back to all the pain she’d caused.

Daniel smiled. “The only one? Think hard. Who has been by your side through everything? Who has let you pursue all your desires and still loves you unconditionally?”

She smiled through her tears. “But Carmen can’t be my soul mate. It’s one thing to have an affair, but the love we have for each other will never be accepted, especially not in her world as a doctor and hospital administrator. The religious groups in L.A. would crucify her if our relationship was made public. The hospital Board wouldn’t want to have that kind of publicity. Carmen’s worked too hard to get where she’s at in her career. I won’t be responsible for ruining another person’s life.”

“I understand your fears about that, but you and all those groups have it completely wrong. The Three didn’t create us as just male or female. We are both. Soul mates are just that, mates of the soul. Being a male or female isn’t part of it. Souls have no gender. They are just pure life force.”

Julia shook her head. “That may very well be true, but after all I’ve done in my life I don’t deserve to have that kind of happiness. Jacob does. Carmen does. But not me.”

Daniel took her hands into his calloused ones. “Why not? If The Three feel you’re worthy, who are you or anyone to judge differently?”

“I’m scared, Daniel. What if I’ve gone too far in my life to turn things around? I don’t think I can face the ugliness in my past let alone ask Carmen to stand by my side when I do it. It’s not fair to her. It’s best I just stay away. I’ve made a mess out of enough lives.”

“I can’t force you to go back, but you have to understand this. If you choose to stay here, you will in fact die in the Earth Realm. Everything in that life will be gone and all you’ll know is right here on this island until you next life cycle begins. You won’t remember anything from the life you’ve lead up until now. Within hours of your choice to not go back, those memories will be locked away. All the happy times will be gone. Carmen’s life will never be the same after losing you. You can’t change what’s already happened, but you can choose to accept this second chance you’ve been given.”

“Can I take a day or two to think it over?” Julia’s mind raced. She needed some time to sort through everything before she made her decision. For once in her life she needed to not act on impulse.

The Guardian nodded. “The Goddess and I will come for your answer in a couple days. Until then, make yourself at home here in your bungalow. There are others on this island paradise, but you won’t be able to see them unless you decide to stay here.”

“Jacob’s here, isn’t he?”

Daniel nodded. He’s been given the same opportunity, but his choice is much harder to make.”

“Why? I would think he’d jump at the chance to find his soul mate.”

“He does find her here on the Island. They must choose to go back and find each other later in their lives, or stay here and wait for their next rebirth.”

“Hell, if he can be here with his heart and soul, why would he ever want to go back?” Julia thought that choice would be the easiest one to make. She could live here forever with Carmen. With no outside influences to come between them, their life together would actually be paradise.

“Too many other lives hang in the balance with those two, including yours. Their lives intersect with so many. If they stay here, the futures of the others would be forever altered in this lifetime. People have to continue to be reborn and live their lives over and over again until they learn all the lessons needed to achieve their chosen destinies.”

“So if I give up on this one, I’ll have to continue on to another life cycle again and again until I get it right? The painful parts could happen all over again?”

Daniel stared at her a moment before answering. “Yes. You may be born into a family that doesn’t abuse you, but a family friend or stranger may be the one. You may never have to go through that pain again, but I can’t guarantee that any more than I can tell you you’ll find Carmen right away in the next life. You’re given the chance for your happily ever after now as long as you’re willing to fight for it.”

Julia closed her eyes and bit her lower lip. “Okay. I’ll think it all over and have an answer for you when you return. If I have any other questions about anything, how do I contact you?”

He smiled as he stood in front of her. “All you have to do is call. I’ll be right here when you need me. I promise.” Daniel waved as he faded right in front of her eyes. “Listen to your heart, Julia. It will never steer you wrong.”

Did you find the answer? Go ahead and click on the link below to take you to the Rafflecopter for the Grand Prize, and then come right back here for your chance to win my prize.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now for my prize package you have to click on the following link a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now here’s the linky list for the rest of the participants. You’ll need this to help you complete all the steps to win the Grand Prize.

Good Luck and Have Fun!!!

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Author @TashaBlackstone And Her New #Eroticromance #fantasy #paranormal #vampires

Hello my friends! Welcome to another Saturday Spotlight here at Behind Closed Doors. I’m Tammy Dennings Maggy and your host. Our guest today is fellow Siren author Tasha Blackstone. She’s here to tell us a bit about herself and to give us a little taste of her new fantasy/paranormal erotic romance Echo in the Night. Today’s visit is only the first half of her interview. To get the next part, you’ll have to follow us over to Sassy Vixen Publishing day after tomorrow for Oh My! Monday. So enough teasing. Let’s get on with the first part of our interview.

What inspires you to write?

I’m an only child and because my mom worked numerous jobs when I was a kid to support us, I spent a lot of time at my grandparents. I loved my grandparents but they were definitely aged and loved to watch the nightly news, 60 minutes and episodes of Hee Haw. I found it extremely boring and living in a world that was at the early, early stages of technology, my entertainment had to be created. It was during this time that I found my love of writing. I made up countless stories and over the years have found that my peace of mind can only be fully achieved when I am writing.

Are you a plotter or panster or a little of both?
A little bit of both, but I have to be careful. If I over plot, I lose the creativity and if I under plot, my scatter brain ADD causes me to forget important details.

Do you listen to music while writing?
I have to. Lol I don’t have my dream writer’s cave yet and my house tends to be hectic with kids and husband and dogs running around 24/7. If I don’t plug in, I get nothing done.

What kinds of music work best for you? Do different types of music help you for different types of scenes?
I am fortunate enough to have a music hoarder for a husband so I have an endless library of music that I can transfer over to my laptop at any given time, so I can honestly say that I listen to just about everything. I have found that different types of music helps move a scene forward. (I listened to Enigma on repeat during the club scene and absolutely loved how it helped set the tone).

Tell us about the different types of characters you like to write about? Why are these types so appealing to you?
I really like to write about the broken heroine and the morally conflicted hero. The heroine needs to be strong enough to survive on her own, but I’m drawn to the shattered aspect because a perfectly normal character is a little boring to me. I also love the conflicted hero. A man with a dark past, or questionable character, who can find redemption in choosing good or sacrificing himself for love. I find these types of characters to be more enjoyable to write because in reality, most of us are a little broken and little bit dark.

In what ways are your characters like you? In what ways are your characters not like you?
I pass of my insecurities to my characters and have given them some of my own inner battles to struggle with because I know how to feel them, but as for differences, I can admit that I’m not nearly as independent as my characters are. I don’t like to be alone and I’m fairly non-confrontational. I definitely enjoy being able to channel that inner part of me though through my character’s voice.

What are your favorite fiction genres to read from?
It’s basically a tie between Fantasy/Paranormal and Mystery/Crime drama. I love Faeries and Witches, supernatural creatures, and mermaids, and of course Vampires of all makes and models, however, I am also a murder mystery, suspense thriller junky!

Who are some of your favorite authors and why do you think they appeal so much to you?
I have been a dedicated Stephen King fan since my early teen years. My grandma turned me on to his books and Carrie was the first book to give me nightmares and when she passed, she left her Stephen King library to me. I’m also a huge fan of Terry Goodkind and have read every one of the Sword of Truth books numerous times. I love both of these authors, and those like them, because they ignore boundaries. King is so open and honest and willing to write about subjects that most would shy away from and Goodkind created such a fantastical world and also pushed the boundaries to the point of being controversial.

What kinds of stories are your comfort reads when you are sick or feeling low?
In complete opposition to books like King or Goodkind write, when I’m sick or blue and just want ot o curl up with a good book, I turn to YA novels. Yes, I’ve read the Twilight saga. Three times. I was also introduced to PC Cast’s House of Night series and went on strike for a week to read my way through the series.

Want to know more about Tasha? You’ll have to join us on Monday for the rest of the interview and a smokin’ hot adult excerpt. Don’t worry. I do have the blurb and a story excerpt to share with you. Tasha and I don’t want to leave you hanging! 😉

Blurb

Can a Witch who was born to be a Vampire Hunter find true love with her mortal enemy?

It’s easy to live life on auto pilot and that’s just what Echo Abbott is doing. That is until everything shifts. As her house of cards begins to crumble, she meets Henry Knight. Obnoxious and gorgeous she can’t stop thinking about him and against her better judgment she wonders if he is the key to healing her broken heart.

In this dark, seductive tale set in the heart of Oregon, Echo is a Witch with remarkable powers whose gift is sought after by a power hungry Vampire, Corrine. Corrine’s brother, Henry, is a willing pawn in her fight for the ultimate power and has been tracking Echo for years. Seeking out Echo’s weakness he soon finds his desire for her is more than he can control. He wants Echo all to himself, but can he convince her that he isn’t the enemy before it’s too late or will her stubborn nature be her downfall?

Story Excerpt:

“Oh my God! I’m so sorry!” A large man with muscled arms and strong hands lifted her effortlessly from the glass battlefield. “I didn’t mean to scare you! Are you okay?”

Suddenly more pissed than scared, Echo wriggled and screamed in his embrace, trying with all of her might to break free from his hold. “Put me down!”

Gingerly and on command, he did, but as her foot found the deck, she pushed a shard of glass deeper into her heel and cried out again, “Pick me up! Pick me up! Take me inside!”

The stranger quickly swooped her up back into his arms and with rapid procession, carried her into the house and set her down onto the kitchen counter. Without a word he grabbed a towel from the oven bar, soaked it in warm water and tended to her foot, pulling out the largest shard of glass that had impaled her. She screamed and kicked at him as the pain pulsed through her and as he dropped the sharp triangle on the counter beside her, Echo could feel the familiar sensation of warm blood dripping down her foot. With an eerie swiftness, the man backed as far away from Echo as he could without stepping back outside.

“That’s–that’s a lot of blood.”

His face was ashen and there was a quiver to his voice that oddly enough set Echo at ease. He was tall and muscular with broad shoulders and a chiseled chest, easily defined even through the fabric of his gray button-up shirt. His hair was raven black and clean cut and he had the hint of a five o’clock shadow on his face. His thick eyebrows were arched in alert and his crystal-blue eyes had locked onto the droplets of blood that fell to the tiled floor. He was a beautiful mess.

“Who are you and what the fuck are you doing here?”

He did not pull his eyes from the blood when he answered. “I’m Henry. I’m here to buy your house.”

“You have got to be kidding me! Henry?” Rage pulsed through her. “As in Henry Knight the douche bag stalker who refuses to take no for answer and just leave me alone? That Henry Knight?”

He finally looked up into her eyes, a hint of a smile etched along his full lips.

“Well”—he laughed—“Most women don’t refer to me as a douche bag, but yes, I suppose I am that Henry.”

About the Author

New to publishing, but not new to writing, Tasha Blackstone has been spinning tales ever since she was a little girl with an overwhelming imagination. She has spent her life weaving stories, but found a love of romance back in high school when she filled her time writing fantasy love stories for friends and classmates. Though she only writes part time for now, she hopes to someday be able to write full time. When she isn’t pounding away at the keyboard, Tasha spends her time with her best friend/husband, her three teenaged kids, and her two drama queen dogs. Life is busy, overwhelming, and hectic at times, but it’s all worth it. During the late night hours, when all is quiet, you can find her working on her next work-in-progress or curled up with a good book and bottle of tequila. Yes tequila, she hates wine!

Where to Find Tasha

Sassy Vixen Publishing Oh My! Monday (July 1st)

#WildAndWicked Wednesday with @kendallmckenna, #tattoos, and Her Recon Diaries #LGBT #Marines #eroticromance

Welcome to hump day here at Behind Closed Doors. One of our favorite guests is back with us again today. Author Kendall McKenna has agreed to share a bit more about what makes her Marine heroes so HAWT. This time she’s chosen a specific body adornment that I love…tattoos! I’ll just turn over the blog and let her share some fabulous photos of her sinspirations. Enjoy! ~Tammy

You know Kendall McKenna has a new book coming out when she shows up here, bearing hot men! For those of you who haven’t encountered me before, I’m an author of M/M Erotic Romances.

Still with me?

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Tattoos. Not everyone likes tattoos, but I have certainly seen a distinct uptick in the number of us who do, over the last several decades. While I was growing, only bikers, criminals and military personnel had tattoos. They all tended to appear the same, heavy in the blacks, blues and reds.Excellent! Let’s get started.

I was twelve years old when my mother got her first tattoo. My father followed. My family is very conservative. My father is a retired cop, my mother a homemaker. Both of my siblings and I have tattoos. It really does seem as though more of my friends and co-workers have tattoos, than don’t. At least one.

I’ve always liked tattoos. I’m thrilled that the stigma surrounding tattoos has all but disappeared. Culturally, we’ve come to recognize tattoos in much the same way as the societies that originally developed them. They’re body art, they’re symbols of our individuality, outward symbols of our souls, they’re self-expression that we wear on our skin like shields, or like pages of our personal books.

My specialty is in writing realistic U.S. Marines in realistic military-related situations. As strange as it may seem, none of my Marines have tattoos. You would think that with my love of ink, and the fact that I write about Marines, that all of my characters would have tattoos. Up until now, some of my characters didn’t have anything they felt the need to wear on their skin. Others will be getting their tattoos in upcoming stories, for ritualistic reasons. But one character, who has been with me from the beginning and as finally gotten his own story, has always had tattoos.

If you’ve read my books, you’ll know that Jonah and Kellan from Brothers In Arms and Fire For Effect, don’t have tattoos. Jonah, the career Marine, would be more likely to get one, than the Ivy League, WASP-y Kellan, but Jonah also isn’t going to just get the Corps logo or some other cliché. Noah & Lucas from Strength of the Pack will eventually get tattoos, because Noah can’t wear either a ring, or his dog tags, while in wolf form. He and Lucas getting matching tattoos will let him carry something of Lucas with him while he’s a wolf. That’ll be a short story when I get around to writing the anthology.

That brings me to Staff Sergeant Corey Yarwood. Corey first showed up in Brothers In Arms. He makes a quick appearance in Fire For Effect. But on July 4^th, Corey finally gets his very own story. The Final Line is the story of Corey’s battle with PTSD, while providing witness testimony in two criminal investigations. And, he gets to fall in love.

Giving himself a mental kick in the ass, Corey admitted he was going to show off what he had and hope Sean wanted to get a closer look. His jeans were faded to the perfect shade. They hugged his ass and rode low on his hips. The button front black shirt he selected had short sleeves that barely fit over his biceps, leaving the muscles of his arms on full display. Corey left several buttons open, revealing the skin of his chest and the edges of his dog tags.

Checking himself in the mirror, he saw the lower edge of his First Recon skull and crossbones tattoo on his right shoulder. The eagle, globe and anchor over his heart was partially visible, too. He hoped Sean liked tattoos.

Not to worry, Corey, Sean loves tattoos!

“You’re a cheap date,” he muttered before he could stop himself.

Sean snorted into his drink. “I’m easy, too.”

“Not for me, you’re not.” Corey couldn’t make himself look at Sean.

They were silent for several interminable moments before Sean leaned in and said quietly, “Do you even know how fucking hot you look, tonight? I’m getting hard just looking at you.”

Corey grinned, heat pooling in his belly and his cock pushing steadily against his fly. Finally, he met Sean’s eyes. “I clean up pretty good for a grunt, huh?”

“Are you good with your tongue?” Corey asked, blatantly staring at Sean’s pouty mouth. He wondered if they could skip the hand jobs and just have Sean wrap those sinful looking lips around his dick.“I knew last night you cleaned up well,” Sean replied. “But this is something else.” He traced a finger over the edge of the tattoo on Corey’s arm. “I want to take that shirt off of you and get a good look at your ink. I probably couldn’t stop, though, and I’d end up running my tongue over the one on your chest.” Sean stared blatantly at Corey’s chest where his shirt stood open to reveal part of the Marine Corps logo.

Sean gave a husky laugh, his eyes sparkling. “I really like this side of you.”

Corey has typical Marine Corps tattoos because he is making a statement of defiance to all those who disapprove of his life choices, and his orientation. By permanently marking himself with the symbols of his beloved Corps, he’s telling the world he is a Marine, down to his bones. He’s got a warrior’s soul. At the same time, his tattoos align him with his fellow warriors. He has chosen his family, and he wears their coat of arms – their sigil – on his skin.

Sean picks up on that quickly. He likes tattoos, sure, but he figures out early on what Corey’s ink means to him, and he accepts those symbols in the very same way he accepts all things about Corey.

Corey lifted his hand and reached blindly behind himself. He found Sean’s soft hair and wove his fingers through it, drawing his face down close.

Sean cooperated, nuzzling the sensitive spot behind Corey’s ear. His hand moved quickly on Corey’s cock, squeezing firmly. Corey moved his legs restlessly and Sean secured him by hooking his own leg over Corey’s. It felt so fucking good, Corey’s orgasm had already begun to build up inside of him.

“I’m not going to last,” he groaned, chest heaving as he breathed heavily through parted lips. “Christ, you’re gonna make me come quick.”

“Good,” Sean replied, sounding pleased with himself. He kissed his way down Corey’s neck. “Don’t try to hold back.”

Corey flexed the muscles in his thighs and Sean groaned against his shoulder, even as the thrusts of his hips became stronger and faster. Sean’s hard-on slid easily between Corey’s legs, gliding against his taint. The thick head bumped Corey’s balls, making them tingle and dragging his climax up faster.

Sean shifted again and Corey was forced to release the back of his head. He turned to watch Sean lick the point of his shoulder before dragging the flat of his tongue down Corey’s bicep. When he reached Corey’s tattoo, Sean firmed the tip of his tongue and used it to trace the edges of the ink.

He watched in fascination as Sean worshiped his tattoo while stroking his dick. Corey pushed his hips into Sean’s tight grip. His balls tightened. Heat spooled out from the base of his spine and flooded his pelvis. He was so fucking close.

“I love your tats,” Sean said against Corey’s ink, his soft lips and hot breath sending a shiver through Corey’s body. “What does this one stand for?”

Corey struggled to focus. He knew he needed to answer Sean but all he wanted to do was fuck Sean’s hand and come his brains out. “It’s the 1^st Recon logo,” he gasped.

“You’re proud of being Recon, aren’t you?” Sean traced the skull in Corey’s tattoo. “It’s a big deal, isn’t it?” At least Sean sounded breathless now, too, as he slid his cock between Corey’s clenched thighs.

“Yeah,” he gasped, just before his lower belly tightened and his dick pulsed in a few times. “Oh fuck, I’m gonna come.”

“Good, I wanna feel you,” Sean replied, panting through parted, red lips.

Corey stared at Sean’s mouth. He wanted those lips pressed to his own. It felt like Sean was miles away, as he mouthed at Corey’s arm. He wanted Sean closer. Corey tried to tell him. He wanted to ask Sean to kiss him. Hell, he’d fucking beg for it, if he could just form the words.

Sean’s shrewd hazel eyes flicked up to Corey’s and he must have seen something. He slid up Corey’s body, slightly, his brows furrowing slightly. “What, Corey, what do you need?”

“Kiss me.” Corey’s voice was much more desperate than he’d planned. He’d be embarrassed later. “Please kiss me.”

Corey likes to kiss. A lot. But to learn more, you’ll have to read the book when it’s release by MLR on July 4th.

If you’d like to learn more about me, or any of the stories I mentioned in my post, you can check out my website: www.kendallmckenna.com

Now is your chance to win free stuff! This is your chance to enter to win an e-book copy of any the three Recon Diaries titles!

Click on the Rafflecopter link below to enter to win. Good luck!

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@AlexAnthony80 Turns the Spotlight On Her Characters From #Ascend #eroticromance #vampires

Behind Closed Doors is being taken over by vampires once again. Josie and Stefan from Alexandra Anthony’s Vampire Destiny series have agreed to be interviewed by the author for today’s Saturday Spotlight. Sit back and relax and let Alexandra pull a few secrets out of the two love birds. They won’t give away anything too juicy, but what they do share will curl your toes! ~Tammy

It’s an honor to be back at Behind Closed Doors once again. During my visit during the Saturday Spotlight, I’ll be introducing my fourth book in The Vampire Destiny Series, Ascend.

It’s been some time since I sat down with Stefan and Josephine to see how they’re adjusting to life and all of the changes that have happened since the first book, Fated. In preparing for our spot here today, I opened up the floor to my readers and I’ll throw in a few of their questions today as well.

AA: Stefan and Josie, thanks for taking time to sit down and talk to me.

Stefan: *arches eyebrow* It is always a pleasure, Alexandra. It is the least I can do. I am your muse after all.

Josephine: Anytime. Even though I find it unfair that the story is told from my point of view and he’s your muse.

AA: I can see why that might be a little odd. So, tell me what’s happened since we last sat down and chatted. I think the last time was shortly after Illusion was released.

Stefan: Much has happened since Illusion. Josephine was almost murdered by

another vampire and I gained a new child. She also had moved to New York and agreed to live with me.

Josephine: There really was no choice since someone decided to permanently bond us. *fixes a pointed stare in Stefan’s direction*

AA: There was that issue. You seemed to handle it better than expected, Josie.

Josephine: I suppose finding the love of your life and learning that you’re a half vampire helps you put things in perspective.

Stefan: I think it my influence. I do like to keep her occupied.

AA: True. And Stefan, what is it like for you? Being single for almost 1,000 years must make settling down a bit…odd.

Stefan: *smiles crookedly and leans forward slightly* It would only be odd if it was not the ultimate goal. Josephine was much more…agreeable than I had anticipated.

Josephine: Agreeable?! *slaps Stefan lightly on the arm and snorts* I think Stefan had plenty of time to live as a bachelor. But we’ve agreed not to dwell on each other’s past.

AA: That’s right, Josie. We met one of your exes in Awakening. That didn’t go so well. How do you think you’d feel if you had to meet one of Stefan’s ex lovers?

Josephine: It didn’t go so well…at least for Aidan. And I can’t say I’d handle meeting one of Stefan’s exes well either. It’s bad enough knowing you’re with one of the most gorgeous men that every woman wants.

Stefan: Ah, but I only have eyes for you, vackra.

AA: Good save, Romeo. This is a question for both of you from one of my readers…do you ever wish you’d be able to have a child together?

Stefan: *glances at Josephine deviously* It is not wise to wish for something that can never be. And a child under foot would not give us the…freedom we have now.

Josephine: I never thought I’d be in the position to have a child, so it’s no loss. I’m not going to lie and say now that I’ve met my soul mate I wish there wasn’t a way to have a child that was as beautiful and strong as Stefan…and as stubborn as me. But as Stefan said, there is no reason to wish for something that can never be.

AA: In Awakening, a line in the sand was drawn with your father, Josie and Stefan nearly died in Book 3. Any idea how you’ll resolve the situation with Kian?

Josephine: This may sound trite, but I think we’re at the point where we’re both waiting for the other to make the first (or wrong) move. We’re sort of in standby mode. Regardless, no one will win in the end.

AA: Another reader question. Stefan, Josie is becoming much more powerful. Does it bother you that she might possibly be the stronger one at some point?

Stefan: Josephine is growing stronger with immortality…her mental powers will grow as well. It is logical and expected for her to be stronger as far as her abilities go. With my experience and physical strength and her mental abilities, we will be a force to be reckoned with. But to answer the question, it does not bother me. It is fitting that I have a mate that is powerful in her own right.

Josephine: So one of these days I’ll get to save the day?

Stefan: *shakes head and grins* As long as I am around to protect you, it is highly unlikely.

AA: And I have another reader question for each of you. Josie, what was it like to adjust to having a brother? And Stefan, can you put into words how it feels after such a long journey to have at last bonded with you soul mate?

Josie: I’ll go first. It’s been a big adjustment. I’m used to being a bit of a loner…and I meet Stefan and suddenly I’m surrounded by vampires. Meeting Nikolaus was wonderful. Even though we missed out on growing up together, we’re linked together and we have a great bond.

Stefan: Meeting Josephine after so many years was simply a relief. I suddenly felt complete, as if the missing part of myself was back in its rightful place.

AA: One final question since I know you won’t give any spoilers away for Ascend. Can you at least share a little about the book and what happens?

Josephine: We’re off to look for Garrett’s journal in my childhood home in this book. We’re also a little on edge after the explosion in Book 3. Ascend is all about self-discovery and reliving the past. And the journey has just begun for us…there are many surprises around the corner for us in the next few books.

Stefan: And our story has just begun. We have much to discover about our past…and our future.

Excerpt from Ascend (The Vampire Destiny Series Book 4)

His lips tickled my ear. “It will work itself out, Josephine. I will not let you fail. You are stronger than you think.”

He always knew what to say. Twisting in his arms, my fingers caressed the planes of his face. I was still amazed as I took him in, so much more beautiful than my human eyes had ever been able to perceive. His deep-set sea blue eyes twinkled brightly, his prominently arched cheekbones standing out sharply only to taper to his strong, chiseled jawline. Light sandy blond stubble darkened his face, tickling my fingertips.

He captured my hand in his and brought them to his lips. His warm breath was ragged against my skin as he kissed each finger softly.

I closed my eyes as his mouth ghosted over my skin. “Your strength is the only thing holding me together right now. I feel so much more than before. It’s…”

“Overwhelming? Frustrating? I have been there before. It will get easier. You are hours old.” Stefan finished reassuringly. “Come.”

He tugged at my hand and led me into the kitchen. As soon as I stepped away from the window, my throat was on fire. The most alluring smell filled my nose, my mouth almost watering as I inhaled the intoxicating elixir. My mind began to shut down, instinct threatening to take over.

Blood. It was all my mind could think about. I wanted it…I needed it. I began to pull at Stefan’s hand, struggling weakly against the much stronger vampire.

The one time I thought I might be able to match him in physical strength and I still came up short. Figures.

“Enough. Focus.” His mental voice was sharp and was like a much-needed slap across the face. I stood with my mouth gaping, wide-eyed and cautious. He pulled me to a sudden stop and his hands rested heavily on my shoulders. My eyes skittered to his face. His expression was soft, a contradiction to his harsh mental command.

“I know it is difficult, Josephine. Your mind is fragmented and it is difficult to concentrate on the smallest of things. You must focus. Learn how to control your urges. Direct it as you do your shield.”

Nodding quickly, I remembered my old trick of pretending to bring a curtain down over my mind, instead directing it to my sense of smell. Once shielded from the temptation, my mind cleared and my mood settled. I licked my dry lips anxiously. “It’s much better. I’m ready.”

His lips curled into a proud smile as we resumed our trip to the kitchen, his hand firmly holding mine. I swallowed roughly as I noticed the large glass sitting on the counter, my fingers tightening around his. My sense of smell was closed, but my mouth still watered as I imagined the soothing liquid rushing over my parched throat. When our eyes met, his eyes were pitch black and I’m sure mine was as dark as his.

“Fuck,” he suddenly hissed, his eyes squeezing shut as he rocked back on his heels. His golden hair fell forward as his lips brushed across my cheek. “I vowed to be strong for you and keep my desire in check until you were ready. But I find watching you like this makes me want you, Josephine…in ways I can’t even articulate. You must feed first.”

The carnal cadence to his voice made me want to fall to my knees. I knew that tone, and despite the fact that we were literally unbreakable as immortals, I had a feeling that walking the next day was going to be difficult.

“A goal I would love to achieve,” he teased, shifting me until I was between him and the counter. “Drink,” he purred against my shoulder as his nose traced along my skin and up to my ear at the same time, his hands guided me closer to the cup filled with warm blood.

Ascend is available on
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#WildAndWicked Author @Sheri_Fredricks Talks Dirty in Her New #Erotic #Fantasy

Welcome to Wild and Wicked Wednesdays at Behind Closed Doors! I’m thrilled to welcome back one of my “Wicked” friends and fellow erotic romance author Sheri Fredricks. Just a few days ago we helped celebrate the release of her new erotic fantasy Troll-y Yours by teasing you with the blurb and hot cover. Today, Sheri herself is here to talk a bit about a topic near and dear to my heart…talking dirty. Yep. You read that correctly. Ms. Fredricks gives us some pointers on using our voices to enhance our sexual encounters and what better way to demonstrate that then to share a SMOKING HAWT excerpt from her book?

I can’t think of anything at the moment so how about I turn things over to Sheri and let’s all get a few points in using our “naughty talk.” 😉

Talk dirty to me.

Depending on your comfort level, a little dirty talk could be anything from asking for what you want —

— to coming right out and demanding it!

Talking sexy in bed enhances the sex, kicks it up for more provocative, enticing, and electrifying sex. Yes, it will turbo-charge your lovemaking.

I imagine the majority of us fall somewhere in between, and this level of comfort fluxuates as often as our mood changes. With the rise of BDSM in books, and participants are willing to learn and experiment, a little dirty talk could be taken to a whole new level.

For many, sex is as much a mental experience as it is physical. Imagine if you couldn’t make a sound. The sex just wouldn’t be as hot…as passionate…or as steamy as it could be. Sound is powerful erotic tool that can heighten pleasure, magnify feelings, and intensify orgasms.

That’s why the voice is so important to the quality of our experience.

I’ve heard it said that talking sexy is “sexy talk”: “I love the feel of your hair…the way you smell…I love everything about you.”

But some would think that’s a weak way to look at it. Rather, it’s better to think of it as “talking dirty” because the purpose is to dominantly lead your partner into sexual submission with your words:

“You like being fucked hard? I’m going to fuck you hard…take you and fuck you real hard against the wall, and then fuck you again.”

In my BBW Erotic Fantasy Romance Troll-y Yours, the heroine is too self-conscious to ask for what she wants. But her testosterone laden man knows just what she needs. Then again, she’s intuitive and knows what he needs as well.

ADULT EXCERPT

“Al.”

Alek squeezed his eyes shut. The breathy sound of his name on her delectable tongue would be his undoing. But he wanted his name, his full name, to pass between her lips before he tumbled them over the edge.

“My name is Aleksander. Say it.”

“Al…”

He hooked his arm around one of her knees, lifting her leg high. Pulling back, he drove into her hard.

“Oh, yes! Yes…Aleksander.”

“That’s my girl.” He added a playful slap to her ass. “Say it again.”

This time Ella’s voice strained. She arched and threw her head back. “Al…Aleksander!”

“Yes, Kalos?” He pounded her in earnest now, his scrotum tightening, pressure building. If he gritted his teeth any harder, he’d chip the points off. Strain of holding back was almost painful, and he closed his eyes tight.

Ella’s short nails sank into his skin where she gripped his forearms. “I’m—Holy Titans!”

Faint spasms gripped the head of his deeply buried cock. The milking sensation moved up his shaft with increasing strength and speed. Beneath him, Ella’s body bucked. She cried out, moaning long and low. Her small hands moved to cling to his back and if she drew blood, he could really give a shit.

This was ecstasy at its peak.

The best he’d ever had.

With a subtle shift, Ella reached down and grabbed a handful of his hardworking ass, pressed him into her and forced him to lag his frantic movements.

“Gods,” he moaned. “Please.”

The slide and drag was more than he could bear, his whole body felt the sensation. Tight, wet, hot, she enveloped him. She moved beneath him in a slow pumping rhythm.

He didn’t last long.

Explosions of white-hot rapture, and he was there. Aleksander stiffened his arm braced beside her shoulder, slapped his hips once more to hers, and let loose his climax.

Buried deep, liquid energy erupted from his body into hers, creating a shockwave that ripped him in two.

Time stopped. The forest fell away. All that remained was a perfect female Troll who gathered his depleted body close.

****

Troll-y Yours, Book 2 of the Centaur series is available:

Amazon

Smashwords

Barnes and Noble

About the Author

Always on the hunt for the uncommon things in life, author Sheri Fredricks thrives on creating adventures in her mythological kingdom for her readers.

A former engineering secretary, Sheri lives on the beautiful central coast of California. “I wanted to move away from inflexible right angles and create an unboxed world with no boundaries.” A voracious reader since her early years, Sheri found her brain crowded with stories and characters of her own. “Ultimately,” she says, “my husband encouraged me to write them all down.”

Sheri loves to spend time at home. A computer hutch keeps her focused on creating stories, but the panoramic view of life on a ranch will call her outside to play in the sun.

Visit Sheri Fredricks

Revealing A New Cover from Author R.L. Kirk

Welcome to Behind Closed Doors and another hot cover reveal! Another of my good friends is gearing up for the release of the first book in their paranormal romance series. I say “their” because R.L. Kirk is not just one person. It’s actually two: male and female. Together they can give us the best of both worlds and bring characters to life that will grab you the moment they appear on the page. Not sure? Well, take a look at the blurb from the first book in their Blackwood series.

Amidst a war of attrition and a struggle for power

Lily Blackwood is torn between two strong men…

One, Wallace is her perfect idea of a partner, loving, loyal and handsome. The second, Bryn, is her true mate, the man chosen for her by nature and her family. Denial and naivety for nature’s choice, sends her into a rage of independence against the laws of her own destiny, family and her own father.

Wallace Kirk is assigned to protect the beautiful Lily since her birth…

His loyalties are tearing him apart. His own mate, dead, taken from him, fills his thoughts as Lily begs for his attention. She needs him, but not as much as the wolf that prowls in her flesh.

Bryn Kemp’s nature and need fill his flesh…

Yet his true mate, the woman chosen for him, denies her destiny. His battle for her and his own pride must overcome her feisty rebellious streak.

Both men must fight for her in the throes of oncoming battle and she must make the right choice. A decision that will shape the war.

Wolves in a power struggle. Gorgeous heroes competing for the heart of a saucy heroine. Did I say wolves? Blackwood: Lily is going to knock our socks off. How do I know? Take a look at the cover below and tell me you won’t be bouncing in your seat every day until this one is available for purchase. Oh! Did I tell you the print version will be available at the end of June too? hehehe

New Release and #CoverReveal from @Sheri_Fredricks

Welcome to Behind Closed Doors! I’m excited to help my friend and fellow author Sheri Fredrick show off the cover of her new release Troll-y Yours (Book 2 The Centaurs). Another of our friends tipped off our little group of Wicked Women that Sheri was a bit busy with things in her “real” life and wasn’t able to get the word out herself about the book being available on Amazon. Well, not one to let a bud down, I had to promise space on all of my adult blogs for the cover.

If you read the first book of Sheri’s series, you will be happy to learn that this one is even hotter. Of course you have your sexy centaur hero, but in this one there’s a curvy female troll that has the centaur all hot and bothered…and the rest of us as well! Here’s the blurb and see for yourself.

SHE TAKES A CHANCE.

Determined to forge a better life, Ella launches her new business with high hopes—until a sexy Centaur bumps into her and throws her life off course forever. Voted “Most Eligible Bachelor in Boronda”, Aleksander shakes up her world and tilts her in more ways than one.

HE’S IN DANGEROUS TERRITORY.

Years of warfare and countless bedroom encounters have stolen Kempor Aleksander’s luster for life. He never expects to rediscover his zeal in the small, redheaded form of Ella the Troll, who fires his blood hotter than the deepest caverns in the forest.

But as trouble lingers in their midst—and edges ever closer—Alek and Ella spiral into troubled terrain. Turning to each other, the pair face down dangers that run impenetrably deep in their mythological world. But will the two lovers discover a passion that runs even deeper?

ooooooo! Come on. You know you want to read this one. Go ahead and click HERE to take you right to Amazon so you can download your own copy. Hurry hurry!

~Tammy

#FantasyFreeForAll: @dxluc Shows Off Touch of the Gods: The Wager

Hello my peeps! This is the first time Fantasy Free For All is a feature here on Behind Closed Doors and what better way to kick that off then with a fabulous giveaway! My friend author D.X. Luc is offering a signed print copy of her wickedly hot erotic romance Touch of the Gods: The Wager. Let’s take a peek at this one…

BLURB

When love and war make a little wager, what could possibly go wrong?

I am Hephaestus. God of inventions, blacksmiths, and volcanoes. Sounds like I’m awesome right? Well, I’m not. In fact, I’m the loser of Olympus and a new bachelor to boot. Living the single life is great until a decade passed. Honestly if my divorce from the Goddess of Love wasn’t bad enough, I am still being rejected by the other women of my home.

Because of an incessant need to make me a pawn in his game, my brother, Ares convinces Eros to make a little bet. A wager that puts my lack of love life to the test. Sent to Earth, I’m skeptical, when suddenly I lose myself in the sensual scent and beauty of the full bodied Vanessa. She is my everything, my perfection.

Sadly, from a single caress upon her silky flesh, I sent our lives into a downward spiral of hell. To save her, I must get beyond my demons of the past. And to save me, she will have to decide if I’m worth giving up everything for.

Oh! Doesn’t that just grab you? Rumor has it that The Vixen is due to review this one shortly. I’ll let you know what that goes up. I love stories about the gods and goddesses—even before I found my calling as a Wiccan. It’s books such as this one that have helped me pursue the idea of having the supernatural beings in my work too. It’s fun to imagine these beings in all too human situations! hehehe

So what is it like for an author to think up these scenes they write about? D.X. explains:

“I like to play with myself”

Have you ever wondered what happens in the mind of an author when they write their steamy sex scenes? Well, I don’t know about others, but for me, I like to act them out.

Touch of the Gods: The Wager has some pretty hot sections that will leave windows fogged and glasses misty. But they didn’t come easy. In fact, one had me questioning if the logistics would work out or if I’d make a true anatomical mistake.

See? That just won’t do.

So I work very hard in making sure I write everything perfectly. Even if that means laying on my bed and pushing my knees up to my head. I try to envision each position, every hand on parts of the body. I do it all. And I look absolutely ridiculous when doing it. But that’s okay, I do it for you, my reader, my fan. For all of you.

And we are glad you do, D.X!

Here’s another taste of Touch of the Gods for you…

“I’m Vanessa. I should uh, thank you, I guess.” My body was in full horn dog mode while flush against his and I knew that if I didn’t keep the conversation going, we’d end up on my bed.

Heph had left me in a very bad state of mind and this handsome savior of mine, might end up a victim of my sexual insanity. Of course, from the look on his face, he would gladly take the hit. Maybe….”No! I can’t do this.”

“Do what? We’re just standing.”

“No, no we weren’t. I can’t fall for this again, I won’t be used again!” The pain of why I’d tried to kill myself came crashing back to my soul like a freight train. I felt Heph’s touch, his kiss.
I saw him with Willa. He lied to me, they were together–I just knew it. All the men wanted her, not me. Never me.

My body convulsed and if the Ares guy hadn’t caught me, I would have jumped out of the window. I struggled against the bonds that were his arms, and dug in my heels to the floor hopelessly, as he pushed me back to the bed. We fell together, his weight crushing into me.

For a moment, his eyes looked like they were overflowing with the blood of lost soldiers, red and vibrant, flowing through the streets of mayhem.

As if the fierce look in his eyes had transferred to me, emotions unadulterated and violent filled my veins with lust, rage and need. “Fuck me! I need it, now!”

“As you wish, séxi sklávos.”

How our clothes disappeared as fast as they had, I’m not sure and honestly? I didn’t care.

What I was certain of, was the searing heat of his hardness as it rammed into me with such ferocity that my headboard left a crack in the wall. I clawed at his back, knowing I drew blood, but as the scent of the tangy liquid and the hard sex assailed me, my mind shattered.

Still not convinced? Take a look at the video trailer. 😉

Gotcha now, don’t I? LOL You really have to get this book for yourself. It’s available in both ebook and print from Amazon. If you want a chance to win a free signed print copy of this book, make sure you leave a comment or two below for D. X. She’ll be picking a winner within a few days. Also look for her and her work on her blog The Island of Sinful Restraints.

About the Author

A Little about me, D. X. Luc

An avid reader since I was a child, I never found a book I disliked. Mostly, you could find me lost in Shakespeare, Edgar Allen Poe, or Ernest Hemingway, and my most favorite, Ancient Greek literature. Taking my love of books, I started writing poetry, short stories, and even helped with screen writes for my drama club.

By the time I was in my teens, my older sister introduced me to my first romance novel, The Hawk and the Dove by Virginia Henley. The moment I fell into the world of love, I was hooked, and my addiction for more grew until I found myself delving deeper into the erotic.

After being convinced that I had the skills to try my hand at writing, I went to work on my first story Down the Yellow Brick Road: Finding Home. And since being published, I’ve not looked back.

Now, as a busy mom of three, that home schools, drives to activities, and manages to find time to just take a breath, I have to say, I love being naughty when I get the chance. It’s freeing and I wouldn’t want it any other way!

OhMy! #Rubenesque Heroines and #AlphaMales All Around!

Welcome to the first revamped Oh My! Monday here at Behind Closed Doors. This week we have an extra special treat. My friend and fellow author Natasha Blackthorne stops in again to share another of her fabulous Regency erotic romances. Not only does she write about those Dominant Alpha Males, Natasha has them fall for the curvy girl. Since I can relate to that sort of heroine, I’m immediately drawn to Natasha’s stories. Long or short, I want to read them all! This time, she’s here to share a bit from A Measured Risk. Sit back, relax, and let Natasha tell her tale.

A MEASURED RISK features a shy, intellectual, strong-willed widow with real life curves (Rubenesque/BBW) and a protective, possessive Dominant, alpha male hero. This is a story of Dominance and submission with light BDSM, emotional healing, trust and love.

* * *

A Measured Risk is an Erotic Historical Romance. This means it contains graphic sexual language. It also means that there is a greater focus on the development of the romance through eroticism than in Mainstream/Traditional Steamy or Spicy Romance.

Blurb

He is her most dangerous temptation and now he is demanding her submission. Dare she take the risk?

Emotionally scarred in the horrific accident that took her husband’s life, Lady Cranfield is imprisoned by her lingering terror of horses and carriages. She longed to be closer to the fascinating Earl of Ruel. She sensed intuitively that he could teach her how to overcome the terrors that held her in bondage.

And now she’s willing to risk almost anything-her reputation, even her virtue-to find out. But what he proposes startles her.

When the shy, studious and socially awkward young widow approached him, Ruel instantly sensed she would be the sweetest, most submissive experience of a lifetime-if only he can gain her total and complete trust. He makes her a non-negotiable offer. His help in return for her submission and obedience.

But Lady Cranfield grew up neglected by her ducal parents, raised by servants and then later ignored by her handsome, charming husband. She’s learnt to protect her heart at all costs and she trusts no one but herself.

How can the jaded Earl of Ruel break through her self-protective defenses and show her how to love when he has spent his lifetime avoiding that tender trap?

Adult Excerpt

“Why did you run away?” His deep voice settled in her belly, rich and warm, like crème brûlée on a cold winter’s night.

“Because I wanted you to follow.” She tried to sound sophisticated and seductive, but her voice choked off on the last word.

Ruel placed his hand on the shelf above her head and blocked her path to the door. His tall, solidly muscled body leaned over her, surrounding her with the sumptuous, sinful scents of tobacco, Scotch whisky and something masculine and undeniably dangerous. A slow, sensual smile stretched his hard mouth.

He appeared different. Softer. More approachable.

At the change, her insides seemed to flip over.

“Well, sweeting, getting us off alone was a very inspired idea.” He touched one of her fallen ringlets. “I am bored to distraction with endless hunting and fencing.”

As he slowly wrapped the curl around two fingers, he brushed her collarbone. Fiery sparks tingled down her spine, so intense that she shivered and her nipples beaded, pressing against her stays. By some instinct she hadn’t even known she possessed, she arched her back, presenting herself for his assessment.

His eyes shone so vividly blue against his bronzed face that they resembled cornflowers. She swallowed tightly and wished for a long drink of claret. This more personal side of him suddenly seemed far more hazardous than his usually fierce exterior.

Well, no matter. There was nothing to fear. She would allow only as much contact as need be to get to know him a little. Since being torn from her lonely yet secure life in Ireland and thrust into society at age sixteen, she’d spent her time allowing people only as near as was comfortable. She was an expert at emotional evasion.

It should be easy to regain her control.

But now, as late afternoon sun rays played over his pale hair, turning it to the colour of winter wheat, all her carefully rehearsed words flew away.

Say something—anything—else he will think you’re a bird-wit.

An intimate smile, one that invited her to play, tugged at his mouth.

“In a situation like this, alone with a gentleman, it’s perfectly normal for a lady to feel some apprehension.” His hushed voice, barely audible above the piano and boisterous singing from down the corridor, accentuated their isolation. He brushed his fingertips over her cheek and his gaze became so piercing that she had to lower her eyes. “She will invariably ask herself if he will try to kiss her.”

She jerked her eyes back to his face. God, he couldn’t mean to—Not yet, surely… Peculiar, heated chills swept over her. She tried to take a step back, but found her arse flush against the bookshelf.

He leaned closer; so close that his Scotch-scented breath tickled her face. “And just in case you are wondering, Lady Cranfield—the answer is most assuredly yes.”

She should demand that he put his arm down so she could pass by and leave. She really should. But she couldn’t stop looking at his hard mouth and wondering what it would feel like upon hers. He was so close to her, his breath blew on her lips. If she moved but a fraction, she’d be kissing him.

Kissing him.

Dear God. Her breath began to come very fast and short. Her throat went tight with a suppressed moan.

His eyes burnt as brightly as aquamarines. He looked so fierce. If he kissed her, if he dared… Oh God, it would be so harsh. That cruel-looking mouth could express itself no other way.

Excitement rushed through her, sending tingles to every point of her body, even her toes.

But no, he wouldn’t. Not yet.

He kept leaning closer. He didn’t close his eyes. Instead, he seemed to focus all the harder upon her.

Heart pounding and unable to move away, she braced herself for his assault.

His lips brushed hers, barely. A gossamer caress.

He lifted his head.

It was done.

Ended.

And it hadn’t even begun.

He held her chin, appearing so cool, so unaffected. His kiss had seemed to sear her. An urge to put her fingers to her lips arose in her. She resisted it, for it would give away too much of how she was affected.

Never show your feelings.

He traced his thumb along her lower lip, slowly, deliberately, as he studied her with eyes that now glittered with something powerful and predatory. Heat pooled in her pelvis, low and spreading even lower.

She went weak all over, as if she’d lain in a sunny window seat for too long. Her knees almost buckled. She forced them to lock. To be strong.

It should not have affected her so profoundly. It had just been a peck—not a true kiss at all. William had poured out all of his skill upon her and hadn’t garnered even a tenth of the reaction in her that this man’s peck had.

Ruel traced her jaw line with his fingertips. Unthinkingly, she leaned in to his touch.

“Of course, once he has kissed her, then it’s his turn to wonder…” His voice sounded unnaturally loud to her ears. “How will she respond? Will she withdraw, or can he ignite some hidden fire?”

She sensed that he was toying with her. She’d didn’t understand flirtation—why had she imagined she could carry this ruse off? Was he making advances in order to have a laugh with Francesca and her simpering friends later? Hurt blossomed in her chest. She resented him for that. She ought to feel indignant, superior, uncaring—anything but hurt.

“Please don’t make sport of me.”

She cringed. Was that quavering, pleading voice really hers?

An infinitesimal pause. “Now, why on earth would I do such a thing?” His voice was as smooth as velvet.

“To please your vanity,” she replied, trying to regain her wits.

“Here.” He placed her hand to his chest. The contours of his muscles were hard, powerfully developed. Even more so than she’d expected. His body heat radiated through the satin and, beneath her hand, his heart beat was rapid and strong.

“Is that vanity?” He put a finger under her chin, giving her no choice but to face him. “Is it?” He gentled his grip.

The warmth in his voice settled over her like luscious hot chocolate. Melting her insides to quivering burgoo, rendering her speechless, unable to move.

“My dear, lovely Lady Cranfield, I am going kiss you again.”

Then he touched his mouth to hers, more firmly this time.

Delicious, steady pressure. Her lips trembled and she clutched his lapels. He lifted his head. At the loss, a throaty, pleading moan sounded in her ears. Had it really come from her?

Clearly, now was the time for her to reassert some control over her reactions. To put him at a more comfortable distance.

“Kiss me back.” At the commanding edge in his voice, hot, sweet honey pooled in her belly.

No. Focus.

What had she wanted to ask him? Focus? Dear God, what rubbish. She could scarcely remember her own name, much less anything else. What madness had made her think she could maintain control over him?

He traced her mouth with his tongue. Deliberately; lingeringly. This time she couldn’t hold back a moan. She had grown to dislike it when William kissed her opened mouthed. It had always seemed such an overheated, messy thing. But where was her coldness now? She was burning to know what it would feel like to know Ruel’s full kiss. She had to know—just once—or she would surely die.

Just once. Certainly once wouldn’t hurt.

Tentatively, tremulously, she opened her mouth…

* * *

Wasn’t that fabulous? Do you want to read more? Here’s the links to get your very own copy of this book.

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@PalomaBeck Celebrates the Release of #HoldMyHand #eroticromance

Welcome to Behind Closed Doors. This week’s Oh My! Monday spot has been reserved for a very special friend and fellow author Paloma Beck. Today she is celebrating the release of her very first self-published novel Hold My Hand. Paloma has been a guest on my blogs before with books she’s done the “traditional” way…with a publisher. This time, she took the plunge and did one on her own. This is what I hope to be the first of many release party blitz posts we do with Paloma. Congratulations, my friend! Now I’ll just turn things over to her and let her enjoy the party. 🙂

It’s Release Day for Hold My Hand!

Hold My Hand is an Erotic Contemporary BDSM 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.

To celebrate, thirteen blogs will be giving Hold My Hand a shout out today. Readers can go to each one for an additional entry into a drawing for a $20 Starbucks gift card. It’s only fitting since Aubrey and William meet at the coffee shop where she works. There are many ways to enter but only ONE LUCKY READER will WIN. Increase your chances by visiting each blog listed below…

Title: Hold My 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

Website: Hold My Hand

ISBN: 9781301768714

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.

BUY LINKS

Smashwords

Amazon

Excerpt

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 took 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 was 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

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.

Don’t forget to enter today’s contest. ENTER NOW!

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