Hipster One Upmanship or My Veggies Are More Organic Than Yours
I confess, I am a fallen vegetarian. I have been one at various times in my life, and I do believe it would be better for a whole list of reasons, but I cook for a household of carnivores, am married to a man who considers veggies something specifically put on the planet for me to nag him to eat…and I actually like meat a lot. But I buy as much organic, non-antibiotic, grass fed beef as I can, try not to waste, and keep the junk food in the house to a minimun.
We also belong to a CSA, Community Sponsored Agrigulture. Once per week we receive a large box of locally grown fruits and veggies. Becuase we are in SoCal, this is year round. However, in winter it’s not what my family necessarily considers ‘food.’ Lots of dark greens and squash, and I have to admit on occasion stuff gets away from me and ends up composted. But we eat most of it, and I suspect we are healthier as a result. Watermelon is for summer,strawberries are for spring, and we eat oranges and apples all winter. Just like the olden days. In this area, anyway. The veggies are fresher, last longer, and really do taste better and we have the added satisfaction of reducing our carbon footprint. Okay…nobody else in the house knows what that is, but it works just the same.
But this morning, I was getting a latte at my favorite indie coffee house (which is also locally owned and an awesome commmunity gatheriing place). While waiting for my lovely drink, with its little foam star, a man and woman came in to get a coffee. She commented that if the milk in my coffee was raw, I would be getting a really healthy drink. She also told me that wheat contains an opiate-like substance which creates a desire to eat more like marijuana does. And so on. Well…my hippie side surged forth and we had a friendly, warm, smiling competition. While her companion, a very nice man from India, watched. I don’t think anyone won, and I am pretty sure she really does eat healthy nearly all the time and didn’t have a box of mac’n cheese cups from Costco out in her car like I did…but I do feel pretty dumb when this happens. Why do I have to be hipper than thou? When fact is…I know that I have all I can do to live according to my own way of thinking, in the best way I can. I don’t have to prove myself to total strangers. I suspect it was guilt, beacause I ate a lot of Doritos last night. Maybe I can blame it on the chemicals in the nacho cheese. Maybe they contain chemicals that drive me to buy more junk food. Maybe it’s not my fault!
I’m just glad I’m still welcome at the coffee house…because if we’d come to blows over broccoli, I’d really miss the place. And I will try harder to take good care of myself,and make enough healthy food that my family is going to get some vitamins no matter how hard they try to avoid them. Okay,I think I’ll just go write the final love scene in my current work in progress, Honey Does. Because I love that better than any junk food, and those dang Doritos are still out there in the kitchen calling my name.
Dungeon Time!
Dungeon Time is available here.
Anna Palladino dreams of independence from her over-protective but loving family. Her fantasies, gained from erotic novels, show her possibilities she doesn’t believe extend to real life. Her limited experience in the bedroom has confirmed her low expectations.
Edward Masters is ready to give up his own fantasy life if that’s what it takes to have the home and family of his dreams. He has set his sights on a sweet, innocent woman who works for his friend and client Randolph Marks. Marks has found the perfect combination of vixen and warm companion in his Mona, but is it too much to hope that Edward and Anna will be the next office romance at Marks and Company? Is the cute, curly haired receptionist ready to take on the desires of a Dom, or has Edward seen his last night of play in the dungeon?
Excerpt: Edward closed the door with a soft click and approached, Nikes squeaking on the wide oak boards. “I like my comforts.” He stood just behind her, his breath soft on her cheek. “Did you want to take a swim in the pool? The water is warm.”
She shivered, something about the way he said “warm,” implying so much more. “I don’t have a suit with me.”
“Perhaps another time.” He rested his hands on the sill, on either side of her, smooth muscled forearms with a light sprinkling of dark hairs drawing her complete attention, but then he pushed away and left her there, alone with the moonlight glinting off the dark ocean and the swimming pool. “I’ll call for pizza. Pepperoni okay?”
“Yes, fine.” What if he had suggested she swim without a suit? Would she have done it? Not usually, but on the day of her independence, with so many other extraordinary things happening, maybe.
While he ordered their dinner, she focused on the pool, imagining him in there, stroking back and forth with the moon shining on his skin, lighting his hair. Muscles low in her belly tightened and her panties dampened.
“Wine?” He reappeared at her side and handed her a heavy goblet. “I hope you like cabernet.”
Her cheeks heated “I’m surprised you trust me with it, after my behavior earlier.”
Edward rested a hand on her waist and turned her away from the window. “Oh, yes. Not a good policy, getting tipsy during the work day.” He took her arm and led her to one of the deep sofas, against the side wall. “You were a bad girl.”
Reckless with freedom, she giggled. “Yes, I was. Someone should take me in hand before I run completely amok.”
“I think I’d like to see what you’re like, running amok.” Drawing her down at his side in the deep cushions, Edward took the glass from her hand and set it on a side table.
“Wait, I didn’t have any yet.”
“Before you do, I want to taste you. Then you may have your wine back.”
She tipped her head back and licked her lips. Taste me? Edward smoothed her hair from her face and cupped her chin. He held her gaze, his eyes alight with a gleam that sent a thrill of fright and arousal right to her core. I am so out of my depth with this man. Coherence fled when his lips descended on hers. No softness, no giving, only taking. His tongue parted her lips and plundered her mouth, circling, dancing, and retreating, stroking against her own; rough velvet that left no part of her sane.
A Visit to Manzanar War Relocation Camp and an Unlikely Love Story
Please meet Kimi and Art Ogami. They have been married over 60 years and met through a most unique set of circumstances. Valerie Mann and I were fortunate to meet them both at the 44th Annual Manzanar Pilgrimage .
Art was one of hundreds of thousands of Japanese Amaericans, citizens sent to ‘camps’ during WWII. He was a 20 year old American born man at the time, and the only thing he had to say about it was…”We did everything the government asked.”
After the war, he traveled to Japan where he renounced his American citizenship in order to work as a civilian military worker…in the American military hospital. There he was introduced to Kimi, a typist who worked with his sister.
Kimi told us the town they lived in was scheduled to be the place where our second atomic bomb was dropped, but due to a lot of moisture in the air, the military command feared the spread of radiation around the world, so sent the planes on to Nagasaki.
So, in the midst of war and injustice, they met. Many things happened since… They married. Art regained his citizenship and returned to America. Art and Kimi had three children, worked hard, and are so proud to have three houses, one to leave to each of their children. Actually we learned very little about his time in the camp. They spoke of the positive things, happiness, family, prosperity. They never said one bad thing about a government that let Arts’s family down so badly and nearly killed Kimi and everyone she knew. They were also very happy to share their love story, thrilling our romance writers’ hearts.
Their dignity and grace is nearly impossible to convey.
Art is 92 and Kimi must be close to that. They do not look their age, as you can see despite my poor photography. And they have based their life together on the good things. So many times it’s easy to dwell on the bad, but they reminded me it is possible to surpass injustice. To succeed and find happiness. To be married over 60 years and smie at inside jokes.
Manzanar and some of the other camps where Japanese Americans were imprisoned are still around, and if you have the opportunity to visit, I highly recommend you do so. They are reminders of a mistake we as Americans do not want to repeat. They also hold they spirit of a people who built basketball courts, wading pools, grew orchards and continued to live and love…even when the country they respected treated them so poorly. The ManazanarCommitte site has a great deal of informaton to offer.
A Wonderful Review for Two Men From Rainbow Book Reviews
Rainbow Book Reviews says: Like the other 1Night Stand stories, this one is short, hot, and is the consequence of just a touch of Madam Eve’s uncanny magical abilities in bringing couples together who either have no idea they really belong together, or want to have a partner but don’t know where to start. In this case, we have two men who are best friends, both think the other is straight, and both have developed a huge crush on the other. Neither wants to risk their friendship, so they do nothing.
The whole review can be seen here.
Finally we can reveal our exciting news
I am thrilled to be part of a f/f anthology to be released in early fall. Featuring Anastasia Vitsky, Cassandra Dayne, Lucy Felthouse and Patricia Green and me! Stop by often for updates on the project. We were all delighted to focus on the delicious possiblities of a second chance at romance.
LOVE’S REPRISE, OCTOBER 2ND FROM LAZYDAY PUBLISHING
Love gets a reprise in these five short stories by best-selling authors, Cassandre Dayne, Patricia Green, Lucy Felthouse, Kate Richards and Anastasia Vitsky. All about women’s relationships with women, the romance and erotica are deep and abiding, with musical interludes flowing throughout. Three stories include spanking, sometimes a little BDSM sneaks in, often the stories are erotic, and sometimes the relationship is about true friendship. A second chance for love between women is the over-arching theme. Anastasia Vitsky brings us a story about Leila and her best friend Carene. Leila is faced with the unhappy choice of staying in a small town with Carene, or reprising her musical career, something she wants very much. Music plays a part in Cassandre Dayne’s, “Broken Dreams,” a story about the lead singer of a rock band who finds love with her former friend, veterinarian Samantha Mason. Their deep, dark cravings are finally revealed. In Lucy Felthouse’s story, a ruse first used to push men away later becomes a part of this female couple’s lives as they explore the truth of their love for each other. In Patricia Green’s contribution, the torch singer known as “The Entrancing Emmaline Irmagard” is faced with breaking up with her long-time piano player or accepting her second chance spanking for previous bad behavior. Kate Richards tells the story of neonatal nurse Kim, who has withdrawn into herself due to the loss of the one she loves, but she finds herself teased out of herself when she meets Nora. The only problem is that she doesn’t know if she can take a chance on love again. Find the passion, the intimacy, and the desire among women in this anthology written entirely by women. Love’s Reprise will melt your heart on even the coolest days.
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BROKEN DREAMS
Cassandre Dayne
As the lead singer of Driven Wild, the hottest alternative rock band in the States, Ginger Parsons seemed to have the dream life. A darling of the media and fans alike, the fact she was married to Draeven Montgomery, a movie star and recent recipient of the “Sexiest Man Alive”, allowed everyone to believe her life was perfect. Little did anyone know about the dark and ugly secrets she kept sequestered deep inside. Her marriage was nothing but lies. After one wretched event, she escaped to her hometown, determined to pick up the pieces.
Samantha Mason, Sammy to all who knew the tom girl, was everybody’s friend. A well respected veterinarian, she lived her life caring for animals – the only creatures she could trust. A chance meeting with her childhood friend, the very woman she’d given her heart to almost fifteen years before, was a reminder that love had no boundaries. A nasty argument and a difficult decision to live a vanilla life had pushed them apart. As a new friendship was formed, the fires that burned within were re-kindled and they explored the dark cravings they both hungered for. But a looming decision faced them both. Could she convince the gorgeous rock star that second chances really could exist?
Lucy Felthouse
A woman bumps into someone from her past. A someone who doesn’t like her very much. The reason being, many years ago the two of them were friends, and one night when they were out clubbing, they were approached by some men who wouldn’t leave them alone. The girls danced together very provocatively, giving the men the impression that they were lesbians, and together. It worked as the men left them alone, but woman number two then tried to kiss woman number one. Woman number one was horrified – hadn’t realised woman number two was that way inclined. They fall out and don’t speak again. In the present, though, woman number one has come to realise she is attracted to women, and it was mainly fear that spurred her reaction to the attempted kiss. She tries to build bridges with woman number two, who’s reluctant. They do eventually make friends, and then move into a relationship.
Obviously it will be much hotter and much more exciting than my brief, which is more like a short synopsis. Hope it’s okay for everyone, and perhaps we should make sure none of us use the same character names. I haven’t got any for mine, yet. I don’t normally figure those out until I start writing.
Patricia Green
The Entrancing Emmaline Irmagard
1948, Los Angeles/Hollywood
This is a F/F erotic spanking story about Emmaline Irmagard Winestein, torch singer. She’s dropped the Winestein and is known as “The Entrancing Emmaline Irmagard.” She’s quite famous and puts on great shows in Hollywood, Manhattan and around the world.
We open with her anticipating a spanking from her piano player, Theresa. Emmaline missed a show altogether, having gotten drunk after breaking up with her saxophone-playing boyfriend. She was distraught and left her phone off the hook. She’s often late, but when she didn’t show up, Theresa had to play a solo performance. The venue (a trendy nightclub in Hollywood) is very angry.
Theresa tells Emma that they’re through. She’s done with covering for Emma and with nagging her to do her job. Emma knows that Theresa is a big part of her act and doesn’t want them to break up. She respects Theresa and has a secret crush on her. She’s been intrigued by Theresa’s preference for women friends for several years. She doesn’t know how to bring it up.
Emma says she’d like to do better but she doesn’t know how to stop her self-destructive behavior. She begs for a second chance. Influenced by her crush, she asks for a punishment to show her sincerity. Theresa is hesitant at first, but Emma suggests a spanking. Theresa is surprised, but warms up to the idea.
Emma gets her spanking and it leads to something erotic.
Kate Richards
Kim’s life has always been on a rail. Good college, career as an RN, marriage to a doctor. Only one thing didn’t fit her parents’ ideas for her life. Her marriage partner is a woman. But they have one another and all is good until Cynthia is killed on a medical mercy mission. A trip Kim had planned to be on as well.
Assailed with guilt, she doubts herself and withdraws, emerging only to work in the neonatal unit of the local hospital and then retreating into her misery. She no longer participates in the overseas trips, terrified of another plane crash or kidnapping.
Her parents are pushing her to ‘try’ dating men, implying that her choice has led to her misery. And in her loneliness and depression, she begins to believe them. Still, she’s in no shape to date anyone until she meets Nora. Another dedicated healer, Nora works with severe birth defects and Kim admires her first for her compassion, then for her beauty. But when Nora’s special skills are called upon for a trip to a third world country, Kim has to decide whether she can put aside her fears and accept the love of the second wonderful woman in her life or retreat into her pain.
Anastasia Vitsky
Leila is a professional violinist debilitated by tendonitis, and she is living with her best friend from childhood, Carene, who is an orchestra teacher in a small town. Leila is temperamental, fiery, and undisciplined; Carene provides her with discipline.
Leila works to make a comeback in the professional musician world, but she struggles with her decision because doing so will mean leaving Carene and her small-town life. She loves Carene and loves the discipline Carene gives her, but after being told she could never play professionally again she can’t bear to turn down a second chance at the career she loves. Will a second chance at this career cost her the woman she loves?
Can a Prepper be a Romance Hero?
Here is how the wonderful reviewer at You Gotta Read Reviews describes him” “Lukas is a prepper. Not only is he prepared for devastating earthquakes, he’s also one of the engineers who has invented technology and products to help others prepare for the worst. But, unless something drastic changes, he will be safe in his underground bunker all alone.”
I’m a big fan of romance heroes who are not only hunky (which he is) but smart as well, and I believe Lukas meets that mark. The reviewer goes on to say: “Virgin Under Ground is a fun short story with likable characters and an intriguing setting. I would love to have had more of Lukas and Jane’s story…”
I do plan to write more stories about members of the Nevada Area Preppers, but Easy Peasy by Stephanie J. Grace is coming soon to Decadent Publishing…and there are also members in good standing there as well as a heroine whose talents contributed to the comforts of Lukas’s bunker!
The full review is available at You Gotta Read Reviews.
Two Men – A new excerpt!
Just a little something to wake you up…
Paul flipped onto his stomach on the cushioned lounge. Music from the poolside bar filtered to where he sunned himself on the private terrace outside his room. Another hour remained before he was due at the end of the dock for transport to his 1Night Stand date. Arriving a day early had given him a chance to relax so he wouldn’t be exhausted, but the time had dragged.
Who would the famous matchmaker, Madame Eve, send him for his wonderful night? He’d indicated a preference for dark hair, dark eyes, and a muscular stature. His growing attraction for Rex made it impossible to deny he could find a man attractive. Fuck-worthy even.
He’d arranged a date with a Rex look-alike in hopes he could get him out of his system. See if he even liked being with a man. But the pressure around the house had grown until he needed to do something to blow off steam.
Even Andie, their other best friend from forever, didn’t hang around as often. She came over, cooked for them, and bailed. Which kind of sucked because he lusted after her, too. I’m a really fucked up friend. One day the two people he cared for most in the world would realize they should be together. Honorable, protective Rex would take care of Andie and they would be a family.
He would be the guy who came over for Thanksgiving. Uncle Paul to their kids. Hiding his feelings forever, behind his patented clowning. God. He pushed up on his forearms and sat on the edge of the lounge, head in his hands. Great pity party. But he knew he was right. So there he was, on the date of a lifetime.
About to have sex with some strange guy. The fact that the date had been set up on some offshore island, where they wouldn’t have any contact with the outside world for a full twenty-four hours, made it that much worse.
Would he even be able to get it up? The only man who’d ever made him hard was his best friend. Forcing back the despair that turned his limbs to lead, he headed for the shower. If he couldn’t expunge Rex from his system, he’d have to go home and admit his feelings. Then move. Far away. Maybe he could get a transfer to Alaska.
And leave the door open for Rex and Andie to finally get together. As it should be. As they would have by now if he wasn’t such a selfish bastard. Rex would never make a move as long as Paul hung around.
Break My Heart by Stephanie Beck
I’ve never been one of those girls who needs piles of angst to trigger strong emotion. Little things can get the waterworks going—a song, the perfect picture, a grumpy word at just the wrong moment—so when The Challenge Series call came at Decadent Publishing, I wasn’t sure how to jump.
I’m not a dramatic girl and though I value a good conflict, I prefer the ‘us against the world’ type plot. I feel conflict faced together makes a couple sooo much stronger, so I usually give them something to rock side by side.
The Challenge Series call asked for characters working through their own struggles, also finding love. Every character has its own personal challenges, but I don’t think I’ve ever set out to intentionally break a character, but with Jenn, I did.
Giving a deeply personal, universally frightening challenge was out of my usual ‘box’ but Jenn proved herself more than ready for the challenge and Dorian, her leading man, showed his worth in support and love.
This one makes me think that sometimes, the stronger the challenge, the sweeter the reward.
***How do you like characters challenged? Deep inner conflict or outside battles? One lucky visitor this week will win an eBook of Home to Hellas, so be sure to leave your name and email with your answers.***
Home to Hellas
The Challenge Series
Available NOW!!
Jenn’s love of basketball and travel lead her to Greece, but only one
man could keep her coming back. After sharing sexy summers with
distinguished businessman Dorian Logos, Jenn returns for a seventh
with more emotional baggage than she’d like, but her feelings for
Dorian push her out of her comfort zone.
Dorian has loved Jenn for years, the young American delivering spice
and sweetness during their weeks together. When she arrives in Hellas,
limping from an injury, he quickly sees more than her knee is hurting.
He want his love to be enough to heal all ails, but it’s hard to show
his love to a woman who can’t tolerate his touch. If he can help Jenn
get well, he might be able to make their usual summer last forever.
All the best,
Stephanie Beck
Two Men is an ARe bestseller!
I just received a notice that it has moved up to #30…and I am so thrilled! I hope you’ll have a chance to read Two Men and tell me what you think of the story. The AllRomance Ebooks buy link is here.
Excerpts anyone!
Paul lifted his duffel then stared at the pink sand beach before him. “So I just wade on in?”
“Yes,” the blonde said, sliding into the water and sloshing in their direction. When she arrived at their side, the water hit her lower thighs. At his height it wouldn’t even hit his knees. “If Donny beaches the taxi, it’s a lot harder to get going again than just letting you off here. Is that okay?” She reached for the hand the pilot offered and hopped onto the deck.
“Sure, no problem.” He kicked off his deck shoes, set his bag down, and dropped in, then grabbed his things and faced shore. “But where do I go when I get on land?”
“Just head straight up the beach to the path. You can’t miss it…there’s one building on the whole island.”
He returned their waves and started toward the date that would change his life. I can’t believe I’ve committed to having sex with a man. He would find out whether that was possible. Whether he could approach Rex when he got home rather than just hint. I’ve had a crush on you for years. Want to fool around? Couldn’t sound lamer. But if this one-night stand didn’t get him out of his system, he would do it. Rex would either be horrified and throw him out on his ass or assume he made another one of his jokes.
But he’d have to be clear as the sea around the island. Provided he could follow through. And since all his previous experiences were with women, he didn’t know for sure.
He had one reason to believe Rex might be interested, and it wasn’t much to go on. How long had he watched him jack off on the couch? Hopefully all the way to the end.
Before there were Two Men and a Virgin…
There were Two Men. My first M/M story, written upon reader request and because Rex and Paul, my incredibly sexy forest ranger and firefighter had a great story to tell. These two men embody all that is sexy and desirable to me in men. Strength, mascuuline beauty, kindness and a great capacity to love. Here’s a little bit about the guys:
Forest ranger Rex has never been with a man, but his overwhelming feelings toward his best friend are driving him to distraction. After catching Paul in an intimate moment, he flees, but determines to find a way to get his friend in his bed.
Paul is a ladies’ man from way back, always making jokes, never being serious about anything but his job as a fire fighter. But after many years of friendship, he is surprised to find himself watching Rex cross a room and imagining him naked, under him. But does he really want to make love to a man? Or will he make a fool of himself?
A 1Night Stand in the beautiful Caribbean may hold the answer to both their questions.
I hope you will love them as much as I do!
Rites of Spring Blog Hop
Welcome to Spring.
The Rites of Spring Bloghop is all about firsts, so I thought I’d list a few of mine.
My first published book, Finally, My Love, was released 6/18/2010. It was about the first time I met my husband. Loosely.
My first book in the 1Night Stand Series, The Virgin and the Playboy was released 3/18/2011. It was the first of five (so far) Virgin stories…all of them about firsts.
My first visits to Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Oregon and Washington have all been since then and all because of the stories I write and the readers who are kind enough to read them.
My first time teaching (despite the fact that I have had a teaching degree for a very long time) was a workshop last year. Also…because of my writing
Sometimes I wonder what I did before I wrote books, and whatever it was…it didn’t make me this happy! Happy Spring to my readers, my fellow authors, my publishers and everyone. Remember it’s never too late in life for firsts, and they are what keeps the sparkle in our eyes and the spring in our steps. I was fifty when I published that first book, BTW.
The many happy authors are giving away a Kindle Fire and $50.00 gift card and you may enter here. a Rafflecopter giveaway
I am offering a copy of your choice of the Virgin series…just leave a comment and I will have one of my minions draw a winner at random. Be sure to visit every one of the authors’ sites and see what goodies they have to give away. Happy Spring!
EPICON 2013
Today’s topic is: the universe knows best. Those of you who know me know that I never willingly take on public speaking engagements. You also know that the big one in the sky, God, Goddess, the Force, will push us until we learn what we need to, make the progress or get the heck over our crap. so tiwce in a row, I have been forced to stand up in front of a group of people and do workshops…without my friend Valerie Mann who has no problem whatsover doing these things.
I did not faint, die or drool. And since it’s a topic I am madly passionate about…I love it once I get started. And afterward I feel amazing. My reward is the reader ebook fair to take place this afternoon. There is nothing better than seeing the faces of those who read and love our work. Reminds us that while we sit in the cave for days on end, only emerging to feed our starving families…the books do go out there, real people read them, and yes…they like them. I don’t know how many people will come this afternoon, but I have all kinds of goodies, candy, and some surprises to thank the amazing readers who make it possible for me to have the very best job in the entire world!
EPICON 2013
Hi from Vancouver, Washington. Yes…there is a Vancouver in the US no matter what you may have heard Despite the fact that we found tons of things to do in Vancouver WA that turned out to be in Vancouver, BC. A whole different country, people.
This Vancouver hugs the beautiful Columbia River,as does the hotel. I intended to go yesterday afternoon and wander the streets, look at the old brick buildings, maybe buy something, but once I hit the lobby I ran into a group of familiar faces and never left the building. The entire day.
There is nothing like a conference to give us a breath of fresh air (even lobby air) and remind us how wonderful our job is. I get up every morning, anxious to get to my desk and write a little, edit a little, or a lot. But coming here and seeing Desiree Holt, Virginia Nelson, Debi Sullivan and so many of the others is a pretty darn awesome benefit!
So, this is the sentimental blog, next gossip. Who wore their pajamas to breakfast…not that I’ve ever made it to breakfast at any conference, but maybe someone did. Okay, too much fun…later gators!
To the Dungeon with You or When Research Meets Real Life
Since I returned from the Naughty Sleepover, I have been doing two things 1. Trying to get over the nasty cold/flu/ghost plague I returned with as did several others I know of and 2. Processing the information gleaned from a suprise opportunity to visit a dungeon in the countryside outside San Antonio. I love writing BDSM, and take every chance to learn from those who live the lifestyle 24/7 but until now it has been mostly online or sitting chatting in hotel lounges, restaurants…heck even on airplanes. But for the first time, courtesy of Master Mike and his friends, I was able to observe what goes on in person.
I love to write relationships of all kinds, how people make things work between them in a world that is not always supportive of their choices. Menage, f/f, m/m….BDSM. None of this is new, people have always exercised their rights to care for one another in their own way. But often they must do it behind closed doors to avoid derision, persecution, even death. I usuallly think of BDSM in relationshiop terms, but I learned that night that sometimes flogging is just flogging. Or at least does not mean a long-term commitment. Several people took advantage of the opportunity to have leather straps laid across their backs or to have an electric massage. Because I am not any kind of exhibitionist, I prefer my experimentation in a more private environment than was afforded. No…I did not strip naked and fling myself across a spanking bench.
But a very kind Dom allowed me to go through his toy bag and ask questions. A sadist told me all about her favorite games with subs. I learned the difference between a pet and a slave. And I learned that all these things can take place in an old house in the country with a few pieces of dungeon furniture and a group of people who enjoy one another. While the visitors who chose to participate were welcomed, there was a big difference between their play and what I observed among the regulars. There, the affection shone through.
I am proud to live in a country where people can express their feelings and live their relationships in the ways they like. I know there are laws on the books in some states that make this lifestyle harder, but overall, I doubt there are many places in the world where people can be as open and free. Who knew a night in the dungeon would lead to a burst of patriotic spirits.
Saturday Spankings are so much fun!
Christmas Afternoon Delight was my first foray into writing BDSM and luckily has a nice bit of spanking! It’s Book 2 of the Carnivore Club series.
She was so fucking responsive to him. “You may answer. Do you agree that there should be punishment for your transgression, Lily?”
“Yes,”—a pause—“Yes, sir.”
“Ah, you learn,” he said, caressing her cheek below the black mask. “So perhaps we shall not have too many punishments. But for now, come, I’m sorry to have to begin this way, but you have to learn.” He took her arm in firm fingers and drew her with him to the couch. Sitting, he pulled her over his lap, facedown
Christas Afternoon Delight is available here
Saturday Spankings are available here
Erotic Menage Nominee – Two Men and a Virgin
I’m proud to announce Two Men and a Virgin has been nominated at Mary’s Naughty Whispers! I’d love your vote
Two Men and a Virgin is available here
Here’s a taste: “I need to ask you something first.”
His brow furrowed, but he shrugged. “Okay.”
“Does Madame Eve know the location of your secret place?” Out there in the dark, with the sprinkle of stars to light the black velvet night, the reality of proceeding blindfolded into the desert with a stranger, no matter how attractive, seemed dangerous. If the answer was no, she would ask him to turn the car around and hope she wasn’t already too late.
“Yes,” he said, in a low voice. “She insisted.” When she still clutched his arm, he smiled. “I understand caution, let me show you something.” Lukas reached over her to the center console. So close, his warmth and the clean scent of soap went to her head. Hang on, Jane. Even if he is the cutest guy you’ve ever met, and smells so good.
He retrieved his cell phone and clicked to a text message. “Look at this.”
I have confirmed the location of your date and we can schedule your evening. I hope you understand the safety of my clients is paramount, yours as well as Ms. Summers. Thank you for your cooperation. M.E.
Reassured, Jane faced away from him. “Do it, then.” She closed her eyes and tried not to flinch as the soft cloth covered her face. It tightened and then his hands dropped to her shoulders.
“Okay?” His fingers rested on her collarbones, inches from her breasts. Her eyes strained, but the several folds prevented the least bit of starlight from entering.
“I can’t see a thing.” But she could still feel his touch moving down her arms, past her short sleeves, and onto bare skin. The desert wind soughed; her heart thumped in her ears. Hyperaware of the man behind her, she waited to see what he would do next.
Saturday Spankings Bloghop!
Spanking Ms. Whitman is available here
Crack! Searing pain rushed through her limbs and tears flooded her vision. She squeezed her eyes closed and choked out, “One.”
Mona clenched her ass cheeks but the second slap hurt much worse, like fire on her upper thigh. I thought all the spanks were on the ass. “Oh, two!”
“Good. Now we begin for real.”
“W-what? Those weren’t real?”
His hand rested with casual familiarity on her upper leg, so close, if he’d move an inch higher…
Find all the other Saturday Spankings here
Spanking Ms. Kate
Yesterday I was racing through a few errands. Post office to mail off a couple of contest winner goodies, bank, grocery store…panicked to get home and try to whip through the impossible to complete list of tasks realated to my awesome and wonderful dream job.
I wanted to be a writer since at least 7th grade. And I’ve been reading and loving books since I was 4. All of a sudden at the grand old age of 53 I am almost two years into the best job I could imaagine…and almost three years published. I roll out of bed and land at work with a cup of fresh-brewed Sumatra and my slipper-clad feet up on the desk. I never ever dreamed I would be able to do this…at least before official retirement age. Yet…I have managed to add as much stress to this career as I did to the one I gladly left behind.
Why? It’s not because I am desperate for money. Although I don’t make as much as I did, my husband has a good job and is completely supportive of my endeavor. We aren’t rich but we certainly have enough for our needs. I was told never to expect to make a living in the book world of editing and writing…well, that person was a pessimist. I think it’s because I spent over 30 years on the hamster wheel and only thought I allowed myself off. That is a heck of a lot of training. Hi, I’m Kate and (no shock to those of you who know me) I am a workaholic. I took 2 days off in 2 years.I suspect with a little less nuttiness and a little more down time I will get more done anyway!
We shall see…I suspect it’s more of an attitude adjustment than anything and a little prioritizing. After all, I love writing better than chocolate but I think I’ve been approaching my new fun life like a rat fresh from the rat race and as Diane Keaton says in my favorite movie ever, Baby Boom…I think the rat race is going to have to do with one less rat. It’s not my job that’s the problem, it’s my attitude! And Mr. Marks in Spanking Ms. Whitman would know just what to do about this.
This week’s culinary triumph…The Winter Savory Tart
I’m having a super busy week. I have Spanking Ms. Whitman free on Amazon through today and Virgin Under Ground my latest 1Night Stand story has just been released at Decadent Publishing. So what’s a busy author to do with all that nervous energy? Cook something!
Here at the Richards homestead, we belong to a CSA… A Community Sponsored Agriculture group which basically means we own part of a local farm’s harvest, and get a box weekly of whatever they are harvesting. Because we are in SoCal…we get these year round! But even here that does not mean lettuce and tomatoes. In winter, we receive the tougher things. Chard, collards, radicchio and other things my family stares at, convinced they are from another planet and suitable only for the denizens of that world. So…to avoid waste and eat ‘local and in season’ I have to get creative. These foods are full of vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidents and are very very good for people…of this world. So, the other day I made this dish based on what I had in the fridge. Here’s the recipe, I hope you will give it a try because everyone ate it and my picky husband, who had to be urged to try it, had a second piece!
Buter Pie crust: Take 1 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 tsp salt, cut in with pastry cutter or two forks 1 stick chilled butter cut into cubes just until butter pieces resemble peas throughout the mixture. Add ice water a tablespoon at a time and mix until mixture comes together then wrap in plastic wrap or parchment paper and refrigerate for at least a half hour.
While the crust is chilling, take one bunch Swiss chard and cut the leaves off and set aside. Cut the stems into 1/2″ pieces and chop one small or 1/2 large onion. Drizzle a couple of tablespoos of olive oil into large skillet and add 5 garlic cloves. Stir cloves until browned then remove, you’re just flavoring the oil. Drop stems and onion in and saute for about five minutes until onion is soft and fragrant. Cut chard leaves coarsely and add to pan, stirring frequently until they wilt into the mixture. Remove from heat and add 2 cups Ricotta, 1/2 cup grated parmesan, two eggs, a spinkle of chili flakes and salt and pepper to taste.
Preheat the oven to 375 and remove pie dough from the refrigerator. Roll out and place in 9″ pie pan, fill with yummy filling and bake until a knife stuck in the middle comes out clean. I think mine was about 40 min, but watch and see. I didn’t prebake the crust because this particular crust always comes out flaky and delicious even if I don’t!
Spanking Ms. Whitman…Play At Work
Mona Whitman is in for it. Her boss has promised severe punishment the very next time she arrives late for work and the hour she spent fantasizing about him has put her job in jeopardy. If only she could come up with an alternative to firing…a punishment they might both enjoy…
Randolph Marks, business tycoon by day, dungeon Dom by night, is in a quandary. His favorite employee is late for work again and he must go through with his threat of retribution. But how to go about it without crossing a line and violating good business practices? He couldn’t possibly get away with spanking Miss Mona.
Excerpt
Mona squirmed in dismay as the elevator crawled upward. Seven, eight, nine…. By the time she arrived at her office on the fiftieth floor it would be ten o’clock.
Mr. Marks had hinted at unpleasant consequences for her next late arrival. She shivered. His threat had helped fuel the morning’s fantasy—making her late again. Twisted, but true. Every attempt to point out her faults led to another session with her B.O.B.—her battery operated boyfriend. A poor substitute for the BOSS in her bed. Not that he’d shown the slightest inclination to join her there. Still, she couldn’t let it go, her fascination, her fantasies, her crush.
But what if she pushed her boss too far?
When the doors opened, she rushed through the lobby. Maybe she could slip into her chair, click her screen on, and pretend she’d been there since nine.
If anyone asked, she’d been there since five ’til. Sitting serenely at her desk, preparing for a busy day of reviewing insurance claims. Not bringing herself to earth shattering orgasms with fantasies of their sexy if ever so proper employer. If anyone asked.
Past Angie in reception—had she looked nervous?—through the Employees Only doorway behind her and ducking down the hall. Closed doors on either side, her office coming up on the right. Almost there…a few more feet and…. Oh, no!
The high double doors at the end of the corridor opened and a tall silhouette filled the space, light from the huge windows in his corner office haloing around him. “Ms. Whitman, you are late.”
She froze, bubbles of panic fizzing through her veins. What could she salvage? She’d take any dressing down he cared to give, as long as she could keep her job. And maintain the slight hope he might one day notice her as more than an efficient—if late arriving—manager.
Spanking Ms. Whitman is available here.
Mistletoe Madness Blog Hop AND Christmas Giveaway!
The Mistletoe Madness Blog hop is about to start! There are fun stops and prizes prizes prizes to brighten your holidays at all these stops.
You can also come here and visit the Hop Central!
Leave a comment to win a copy of Two Men and a Virgin, my new 1Night Stand from Decadent Publishing and an Amazon gift card!
Merry Christmas and good luck!
On December 21st only, you can also enter the Big Christmas Giveaway! Leave a comment about why you’d like to win a copy of Two Men and a Virgin and you may be the lucky one there too! Just mark your comment Mistletoe Madness or Big Christmas Giveaway…or comment twice! The winners of the Christmas Giveaway will be announced on http://thiswriterslife.com/ on the 22nd. Lots of prizes to give away this year!
Not the Naughty List!
Santa May be putting me on the Naughty List this year! Come visit at the Daily Dose of Decadence and see if you can help me get him or Mrs. Claus to review my book…Two Men and a Virgin!
Two Men and a Virgin…Release Day
Two Men and a Virgin
Excerpt:Rex stumbled until the armchair hit the back of his knees and he dropped into it. “Andie?”
Paul scrambled to his feet. “How did you get here? Are you here for the holidays, too? Do you—oh no, you didn’t win a date, too, did you?”
She looked back and forth between them, tension in her jaw he’d never seen before. “No, I didn’t.” Tucking her legs up onto the ledge, she wrapped her arms around them and rested her chin on her knees. She muttered something.
“What?” Paul loomed over her like an interrogator. “I couldn’t hear you.”
“I said—” She dropped her stockinged feet to the floor and rose to her full height of five foot two. “I am your date. Both of yours.” Her helpful clarification sent Rex’s heart into the pit of his stomach in shock.
He moved closer. “What are you talking about? Do your folks know where you are?”
“I’m not a child, Rex, of course they don’t know where I am. But I did tell them I had plans for the holidays.” She brought her gaze up to his, and he fought not to smile at her set jaw or her hands fisted on her hips.
“This is impossible…a mistake.”
“I’m sorry you feel that way.” Her defiant stare belied the tremor in her voice, and he longed to comfort her, but was too stunned to behave like a normal person. “I thought we could spend a nice Christmas Eve together, the three of us, but I guess I can see if they have a room in the lodge available.” She reached for her boots.
“Don’t be silly.” His mind raced, trying to assimilate her presence and determine the right way to respond. “You just surprised us.”
