Tuesday, July 31, 2012

BITING COLD is a Twisty and Dangerous Page Turner
GIVEAWAY!!!!!!

AUGUST 7th! www.chloeneill.com
BITING COLD
Chicagoland Vampires #6
Chloe Neill
Reading level: Ages 18 and up
Paperback: 352 pages
KINDLE: 368 pages
Publisher: NAL Trade, a Penguin Imprint
(August 7, 2012)


NOTE THIS REVIEW HAS DRINK DEEP SPOILERS

Turned into a vampire against her will, twenty-eight-year-old Merit found her way into the dark circle of Chicago’s vampire underground, where she learned there was more to supernaturals than met the eye—and more supernaturals than the public ever imagined. And not all the secrets she learned were for sharing—among humans or inhumans.

Now Merit is on the hunt, charging across the stark American Midwest, tailing a rogue supernatural intent on stealing an ancient artifact that could unleash catastrophic evil on the world. But Merit is also the prey. An enemy of Chicagoland is hunting her, and he’ll stop at nothing to get the book for himself. No mercy allowed. No rules apply. No lives spared. The race is on. www.chloeneill.com

READ THE FIRST CHAPTER

CHLOE'S NON-Virtual Biting Cold Book Tour

Scroll down below my review for my giveaway, Chloe's Scavenger hunt and more!

BITING COLD Brings twists and turns that defy what we think we know about Chloe Neill's urban landscape. Friends are somehow possessed by dangerous needs, there's even an evil twin, a power struggle, and a weird and unconventional love triangle. But, it gets hot in more ways than one. Eventually. This may be the volume in which Merit is in the most danger. Enemies become allies, friends, well friends and friendships change. You can't step in the same river twice, right?

When a normally good person is possessed by selfish need, or pure evil, how far will you go to stop them, to protect your family and the public? Given Ethans's return in DRINK DEEP I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, for Merit to wake up from a dream at once awful and wonderful. Since Ethan's return was magic would it last?

Merit continues to grow into her Sentinel role. She has to as her previous life as a human continues to be pulled away from her.  Her family is already a non-entity as far as both sides are concerned.  Her best friend has become a sorceress with some issues that endangers not just Chicago, but humanity. Think Old Testament.

What do you do when a bureaucracy won't see the truth or chooses not to, or worse has an agenda more political than benevolent?  In a process begun in the last book, the Chicagoland Vampire World vampire ruling body is looking to dismantle Cadogan House, the lineage of vampire from which Merit descends.  The Undead have just as many and just as divisive politics as humans. But, herein, human politics play a part as well.

There's a lot for Merit and others to face in BITING COLD; the results are as shocking as the spine tingling thrills of DRINK DEEP and HARD BITTEN, but not as heart wrenching. I feel that Chloe has wrapped-up one major storyline.  

I agreed to comply with a strict NO SPOILER policy so I am limited in what exciting tidbits I can reveal here. You will be as frustrated as Merit for part of the book and then just as satisfied on the cusp new era in Chicagoland Vampirism. There's a lot of change in store for Chicago's Vampires.  No enormous cliffhanger, thank goodness—I don't think my heart could take it. But you'll be just as eager for the next book to find out how certain things pan out.


GIVEAWAYS and SCAVENGER HUNT!

First off, Thanks to the lovely people at Penguin and their New American Library Imprint I have an extra copy of BITING COLD I want to give away to one reader (18 and over, US Only, use Rafflecopter form to enter, all rules there). This  giveaway commences today and it ends at 11:59PM EST on August 7. Winner will be announced August 8 when this blog is the stop on the Official Chloe Neill, BITING COLD SCAVENGER HUNT which starts on July 30. Check at CHLOE's WEBSITE for all the details. That day I will also begin a giveaway of Chloe Neill Swag (Contents TBA).

SO ENTER HERE TODAY and then Come back on the 8th for Chloe's Scavenger Hunt and to enter to win some Swag!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



COME BACK ON August 8 WHEN Chloe's Scavenger Hunt stops here, and to enter to win swag!
Here AUGUST 8

Oh, look! here's the cover and description for Chloe's Next Book::

2/5/2013 ChloeNeill.com
In a city full of vampires, trouble never sleeps.
At the tender age of 27, Merit became a sword-wielding vampire. Since then, she’s become the protector of her House, watched Chicago nearly burn to the ground, and seen her Master fall and rise. Now she’ll see her mettle—and her metal—tested like never before.
It started with two . . . Two rogues vanishing without a trace. Someone is targeting Chicago’s vampires, and anyone could be next. With their house in peril, Merit and her Master, the centuries old Ethan Sullivan, must race to stop the disappearances. But as they untangle a web of secret alliances and ancient evils, they realize their foe is more familiar, and more powerful, than they could have ever imagined. www.chloeneill.com

PRE-ORDER HERE, PRETTY PLEASE!


















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Monday, July 30, 2012

Somebody That I Used to Know TRUE BLOOD EP 56



Series Episode 56
Season 5 Episode 8
Airdate 7/25/2012
Directed by Stephen Moyer

JUST SOMEBODY THAT I USED TO KNOW

By Storyline

Sam/Luna: Andy arrests the guy, Joe-Bob he sniffed at the hospital. He goes wit Andy and the perp to the station.  Luna freaks out. Somehow she turns into Sam and can't change back.  At the station Sam turns into a cobra and they get some answers out of Joe-Bob.  Chiefly, they learn the human supremicists have Jessica and where. Still looking like Sam and still fraking out. Luna arrives at the station.

Jessica "picks up" a bite offered to her at Fangtasia.  Turns out he's one of theshooters.  They get Jessica to the shack.  They try to make Hoyt shoot her. but he frees her.

Eric becomes the voice of honor sanity and morality by opposing the sangunista's after Godric visited.  Bill rather likes it at the VAHQ. He stays.  The VAHQ tries to think how to crush mainstreamers.  Bill suggests that destroying the Trueblood factories. WHen Eric asks Bill what he's doing, Bill says he is evolving.

Sookie, the faeries and Jason decide to contact her mother's energy to figure our which vamp killed their parents.  Sookie can channel her mom, but then she turns onto the vampire's favorite meal.  Claudine appears at the scene , calls the vampire by name, and zaps out the perp. Sookie faints.  Claude freaks because they contacted a vampire.

Lafayette gets home where Holly and Arlene beg him to get him to act a medium he only agrees to lift the curse if terry kills Patric or the other way around.  Patrick jumps up and runs away.



SCENE BY SCENE

·          At the hospital:
Andy arrests the shooter dressed as an orderly that Sam found last week. Shooter says there are a hundred of him oput there, a thousand. Luna is nearly hysterical.  Tells Sam that their everywhere. She wants to go after the, "Moonshine drinking rednecks and pick them off one by one, see how they like it." Sam calms her and promises it will get better. She says okay and gets in bed.  "Listen, I'm on this, headed to the station right now."  Deputy Kevin wishes Sam a good night. 

The deputy is outside her door. She is hysterical, rips out her IV and gets up.  Grabs her side.  Goes to the mirror.  For some reason she picks up and empties her water jug, panicking. Beads of sweat form on her brow. She falls down and when she gets up she has shifted into Sam. Luna looks in the mirror, says fuck me then falls down. 

Still tending bar at Fangtasia, Tara get a difficult customer.  Pam steps in but later gives The difficult customer to Tara as a food whore. 

INTRO

·        VAMPIRE AUTHORITY HQ
The Vamps are returning to the Vampire Authority HQ (VAHQ) from their debauchery.  They are all still tripping. One defaces Roman’s portrait.  Eric is not tripping.  He comes out of the elevator last, looking lost. Asks Bill what the hell happened. As the scarred man drinks more blood his burns are healing.

Eric asks Bill what the hell just happened?  Bill says, “We saw her, she appeared to us, we saw Lilith.”
Eric says, “Yeah, I saw something.”
Bill says “We were in the presence of God.” Eric says, “We were high as fucking kites.  Bill sobers up a bit and looks around.

·         Sookie's Yard:
Continuing from the last episode:  Sookie is trying to short out her power, get out of me, get out. Come running over from Jessica’s and she hits him by mistake. He’s okay he says, you hit me in the head. She’s tired of being a freak. She’s not a freak. She says he doesn’t know what it’s like; she wants to be normal. They sit on a tree swing. Jason says, “The hell you do.  If you were normal you never would have met Bill,…,you loved him, real love, and that’s something not everyone gets, And talking to Gran on the other side, [he’s emotional; his voice cracking] hearing her voice one last time, that don’t happen to normal folk.”   She concedes.
Even if she does un-fae herself, her power may be the one thing that helps them find their parents’ killer.

·       Back at the hospital
Luna looks like Sam.  She doesn’t get why and cannot change back. Looks out past the deputy, who is surprised to see Sam again. She tells im to mind his own business.  He walks out past him bareassed to another bay and steals some clothes. He leaves.


·         Fangtasia
Jess  is dancing.  Hot guy comes up says I seen you.  They say my blood is like a milkshake and you don’t even need a straw. He starts dirty dancing with her.  They walk out together.

·          VAHQ
We witnessed a miracle. We saw God and she smiled on us. They all saw her and agree about it. Kibwe and Rosalynd are rhapsodizing cuddling on a sofa.  Russell says, “God has the most beautiful tits I have ever seen!” Praise Lilith, they are born again!  Nora says This was a sign that Roman’s death was sanctioned by God and we are one the right path.  Salome tells Steve Newlin to have the guards procure humans to give them strength for the work ahead.  The scarred guy says Lilith wants him to eat a baby. Salome okays it.

Saying he’s had enough fun, Eric wants to leave and asks Bill if he’s coming.  Bill stays.

·        Alcide’s or Rikki’s, or a hotel room; it’s not identified:
Alcide is going down on Rikki, the female were who supported him.  Then he takes her from behind, against the wall.  Throws her on the bed growling   Vicious sex, wolfy.  She says this doesn’t mean I’m your girlfriend.  He says he doesn’t remember asking. She rolls onto him, he stops, tenderly, looks at her and asks if she wants to be his girlfriend.  She coly relies, “Maybe.” They go on kissing and making love.

·        Salome’s room  Bill comes in. 
Salome has a woman restrained on the bed.  Ells Bill she thought he might like to join her for a late night snack.  Please don’t do this, I have a four-month old daughter. Who is he to refute God’s plan?  Did he think the  club was an anomally? He tells Salome that he won’t  be bullied.  He had children and won’t take this woman from hers. She asks if he loved his children so much why didn’t he turn them? Bill flashes back to his daughter, in her thirties perhaps?  She is obviously dying or at least very sick.   Father, she asks, recognizing him.  She asks how he’s so young.  He says how he has missed her.  But how she asks.  I have been shown how to live longer than thought possible.  She begs him to turn her.  Please, I want to live.  He refuses, saying immortality is a curse. 
Salome tells him they have this gift so they can look past human morality.  To refuse God’s gift is blasphemy.  Woman is crying.  Bill is torn but eventually bites her

·        Yahoos and Hoyt in a truck which stops at a shack:
Hoyt asks where they are it took a long time to get there.  It’s someone’s home.  They’ve kidnapped Jessica and have her chained up for Hoyt.  She is there so he can give her some payback.  The leader hands Hoyt a revolver with six bullets with wood and silver.  They are urging him to kill her saying stuff like,
Listen you need to do this brother, It will feel good, help you heal. They leave him and lock him in with her.

·        Jason’s cop car in the fae field:
He and SOokie are in the Club.  Claude asks if she is absolutely sure she wants to go down this path. She says she didn’t even know this path existed until he told her. Does she have powers she’s never even dream d of or was that “bull hockey.” Jason says We just want to find the son of a bitch who killed our parents.  If my sister has has secret powers  that can help us y’all better speak up.”

Sookie, nearly shouting:  “Do you have any idea what it feels like to find out that your parents were murdered by a freaking vampire?”  The club goes quiet and Claude says they can’t can’t just go in there and use the  V word and just expect hm to help her.  “When our kind came to this plane we swore not to involve ourselves in such matters.” Claudette says she knows how they can help. He shushes her. Their families have a bond, they have a bond.  He doesn’t know who killed their parents but there may be a way they can find out.  Meet him at bridge were their parents were murdered at noon. 


·        On the road in the desert:
LaFayette is driving Jesus’ Volvo. He finds Jesus’s badge and a first aid kit.  His mouth is still bleeding.  Stopping on the side of the road, he finds some V, thanks Jesus and uses it to heal his wounds.
Jesus appears in the seat next to him. Lafayette says, “Thanks.”  Jesus replies “For what?” Lafayette asks “Are you fucking real.”  Jesus says “Does it matter?”  He holds his hand out and taking it, Lafayette drives on.

·         At the police station:
Andy is questioning the perp, Joe-Bob.  And says he knows there are others.  No just me, officer--One man doing his best to save America.” What from? From freaks.  Andy tells the guy he has been arresting him since High School.  But this time he’s going to go to prison until the rapture unless he talks; he wants names and addresses.  Threatens the guys balls with his taser.  The guy, Joe-Bob tella Andy, Fuck you, Shifter lover.  “Asshole,” says Sam. Andy tells him to shut up. Sam asks for a minute alone with his friend.  Andy says he’s going to go get a cup of coffee.  Joe Bob threatens Sam, saying it’s just a matter of time—Boom! Sam says he was thinking the same thing, he shifts into a cobra and hisses at Joe-Bob who recoils. 


·        In the public lobby of the station. 
Sam/Luna comes in.  S/he shouts Sheriff.  Andy chokes on his coffee.  She wants the son of a bitch who tried to kill her. She asks Andy if Sam’s there, “Have you seen me?” They head into the interrogation room.  Sam is telling Andy they have Jessica when Sam/Luna comes in.  She doesn’t know what happened,  She can’t shift back.  She’s going to die.  Andy says he hates this town.

·         The Claudes, Sookie, and Jason are walking through a field, which is odd since they were meeting at the bridge.  Claude tells her there is no guarantee that what they’re about to try will work.  They are explaining matter and energy; Physics, fairy-style. Einstein was half fairy too.   Someone connected to the person experiencing the memory can access that memory.  He and the sisters will amplify the energy .She has to become her mother’s memory.
She can smell her mother’s perfume, feel her—It’s incredible.  Switch to parent’s memory in the car.  It’s raining and they stop when there is someone ahead in the road. Vampire attacks, she has her mother’s memory, but when she dies, she is in the vampire’s head.  The vampire says it smells so good in the car.  He finds her bandaid. Claudine appears and fairy flashes the vampire, calling him by name and saying to leave Sookie alone. In the field, Sookie faints

·         Jessica and Hoyt. 
She’s crying, she asks him to please take the silver off.  Hoyt says his friend was right, she’s already dead.  She “fucked my best friend, sucked his dick, broke my goddamned heart and I fucking loved you.”  She says she knows, that she wanted to love him; prayed for it to come back.  She’s sorry. He points the gun at her head.   

Out in the living room, a shot is heard.  His friend, the one who caught Jessica runs in.  Hoyts hiding where the blood would be.  Jessica was behind the door.  She breaks his neck.  Jess says she can’t leave it’s day.  He says he has no phone and they’re in the middle of nowhere.  He says he’ll send help, but when she thanks him he just says, “Fuck you Jess.”

·         Lafayette pulls up in front of his house:
Arlene and Holly are there.  They want him to act the medium to convince Terry there is no curse.  Lafayette is speaking deep southern dialect, rudely says he won’t, but they finally convince him.  But he is tired of doing it for free and wants  $300.

·        The Shack with Jessica:
Sam, Andy, and Sam/Luna come in.  Jessica comes in. She is surprised Hoyt’s not with them.  Sam/Luna asks  if there was a woman. Jess tells her there wasn’t.  Sniffing Luna says there was one; a big woman, lousy diet, Cheetos, Mellow Yellow, smoker--menthols.  Sam/Luna crumples over in pain. 

·          At Sookie’s
Sookie is telling how she was seeing her mother’s POV but then she was the vampire.  Claude says it’s impossible; faeries cannot make contact with a vampire.  Sookie says she knows, she can’t even read their thoughts.  Claude is freaking out; he’s worried what the “elders” will think. Jason doesn’t care about the elders he just wants to find the vampire.  Claude says they will but urges cautions.  She saw Claudine who zapped the vampire. Jason starts to rant, but while he is Sookie remembers that Claudine called the vampire Worlo.

·          Fangtasia:
Tara is behind the bar.  Tracy, who owns the shop we saw a few episodes back, Tracy’s Togs or something like that, comes in.  She asks for a strawberry daiquiri.  Recognizes Tara from High School. They are not pals. Tracy tries to rile her.  Tara makes her a strawberry daiquiri.
Tracy says that isn’t the drink she ordered, she says she ordered a vodka tonlc   Accuses Tara of being lazy and uppity.  Pam shoots over apologizes to Tracy and comps her drink. Tracy leaves.  Pam tells Tara not to get uppity.

·          At the barn with the wolf pack.  The challenge.  They introduce the challengers for pack leader. 

First challenge is to hunt a human. Martha looks shocked.  Alcide is incensed, “…You’re going to kill an innocent kid just to prove that you can run faster than a track star while you’re on V? He drops out of the challenge.  JD says he is going to hunt him anyway. Alcide pushes him and says he’s a drug addict and a disgrace.  JD sucker punches Alcide in the throat.  They shift. Alcide goes after JD.

·          VAHQ, Blood Sanctuary
Nora is praying.  Eric comes in, Nora is thrilled and runs to embrace him.  He says,  “This isn’t you Nora, it’s insane.”
Insane? She questions. Eric goes on saying, “I have loved you for nearly 600 years.” She replies, “And, I’ve loved you.” 
“But this place, all of this,” He points into the sanctuary and then out into the HQ, continuing, “And this, it’s clouded your mind.” 
She isn’t taking him seriously, she is effervescing, “Eric, Lilith blesses this place.” 
“Lilith. Doesn’t. Exist.” Eric tells her, “Salome chose this path for you.”  “Eric, Lilith does exist,” she says as if she needs to explain it, “You saw it you were there.”
“Yes I was, and so was Godric. And it sickened him.” 
“Godric?” she says, pulling away. 
Eric goes on, “The night he turned you, the night he made us a family, I swore to him that I would always protect you. And tonight he reminded me of that promise.”  Nora is sucking on her lower lip.  She walks away, towards the vial of Lilith’s blood, sighing, “Eric, we both loved Godric. He gave us the most magnificent gift. And, when he made us he was as pure a vampire as I’ve ever known. Salome’s strength and vision would have delighted him.” She turns back toward Eric.
Eric tells her, “It doesn’t. It sickens him.”
Nora, “It’s not Salome who’s sick.  You remember Godric at the end, when he’d lost his way. The Godric you say you saw last night was a perversion.”
Eric is disbelieving, “How can you say that?”
Nora, “ Because it’s true: In his final days Godric was a blasphemer; a weak, disgusting apologist. Whom Lilith herself would have been overjoyed to stake.”
Angry now Eric growls, “What’s happening to you?”
“Fuck Godric!”
When Nora says this, a seething Eric rushes forward and pushes her down with his hand on her throat. Nora sputters, but I didn’t sense that she was afraid really. He releases her, and stepping back, gathers himself. She brings her hands to her mouth, then she presses them to her neck, then strokes Eric’s face, “Lilith will show you the way,” she says quietly.  She steps away from Eric and he looks into the distance.

·        Luna’s House, I think.
Sam with Luna/Sam  She feels like she’s dying.  He tells her that he and Emma need her.  “You hate me,…You called me psycho.” He repliesthat he did but she deserved it.  She agrees.  They apologize to each other for whatever misunderstandings they have had ansd say how they love each other.  He kisses her and she turns back to herself and then convulses and pukes.

·        Fangtasia:
Pam pulls Tara off the bar saying they need to talk about her attitude.  Takes her to the dungeon where she has strung Tracy up.  “This is yours, after the shit she was slinging she owes you.”
Tara says, “I thought you were mad.”
“You don’t know me that well; my mad face and my happy face are the same.” Pam walks over to Tracy mesmerizing her, “You are worthless. Your only purpose is to serve Tara Thornton. You will worship Tara; everything about her is a revelation. You exist only for Tara’s nourishment.  It is a privilege to let your racist, peckerwood blood shoot into her gorgeous cocoa mouth. You are an unpaid food whore, a slave and Tara is your master.”  Tara has come closer to Pam and Tracy and her eyes are just about popping out of her head in disbelief.  Pam looks at Tara and says, “Have fun.”
Tracy goes all sycophant and begs Tara to take her blood. Looking up at Pam, Tara says “Fuckin’ A.” And bites.  Smiling, Pam walks off. 

·         In the woods where the wolves run:
The human kid is running from JD who catches him.  Alcide knocks JD down they fight.  The kid runs off.  JD knocks Alcide down. V-powered he beats Alcide to a pulp.  JD grabs a rock and says he is done with him. JD asks how can she stand up for Alcide. He gets ready to smash his head in with a rock.   Martha stops him. Martha says she is standing up for all of them including JD. “You are better than this,” she says, “At least you used to be.”
Rikki, kneeling by Alcide, begs, “Please JD.”  He tells Alcide to find new pack.  Rikki stays with Alcide, Martha kneels down next to him too.

·        Bellefleur house:
Arlene and Holly have gotten Terry and Patrick there by saying it’s a fire.  They rush in. With Patrick as the medium they are going to do a séance. Arlene empathizes.  We all know how it started.  Lafayette is going to make contact to get woman to call off the Ifrit. He does a fake possession, He’s doing  Whoopie in Ghost. But then, she is really here. Her name is Zafira, she is pissed; she doesn’t want to forgive. The candles ignite and they try to put them out but the flames shoot higher. Holly confirms that the scent of ozone confirms she is really there. Zafira goes beyond speaking through Lafayette to possessing him.  She says she will only call off the   Lift the curse if She possesses him.  Speaking Iraqui Zafira/Lafayetteyells at Patrick and Terry,  Leaves Lafayette.  Tells Terry has to kill Patrick or or Vice versa.  Terry says, “One of us has got to die.”  Patrick jumps and runs.

·          Hoyt walking on a country road. 
Truck stops Hoyt goes to it relieved, “A friendly face, I’ve been so fucking lost.” Whoever is driving pulls a gun.

·          Sookie is getting ready for bed. In the mirror she sees a cloudy disturbance over her right shoulder.  It’s the vampire who killed her parents. He looks a bit like Freddy Kruger. Menacingly he says he is coming for her, she is his.

·         VAHQ Chancellors’ Chamber:
Salome asks Bill and Eric to join them.  Planning to crush mainstreamers. First locally but then in Britain and Russia where they have friends in high places.  On the aside, a the end of the table, Russell and Newlin are flirting which ticks Salome off.  Kibwe suggests bankrolling vigilantes willing to kill mainstreamers.   Salome insists they discuss the US.   
True Blood, Bill says.  Fuck politics, concentrate on the True Blood.  Nora asks what about it?
Bill says to bomb the TB factories.  There are only five. Destroy them publicly and you’ll force mainstreamers to feed on humans, as they were meant to. As everyone proclaims Bill’s brilliance, Eric quietly, Eric asks Bill what he’s doing. Lifting a glass of blood to his lips, Bill replies, “Evolving.”



Sunday, July 29, 2012

BIND ME and BEG FOR IT
Trying to Understand Submission


BIND ME
Pact of Seduction Book One
by Stacey Kennedy
BDSM Erotic Romance
Loose Id
Length: Novella

Four best friends embrace their fantasies and make a pact of seduction to live out their deepest and darkest desires. The women place their lives in the hands of fate and one short straw declares Marley will be the first to awaken her secret wishes.

Reed, a Dom at sex club Castle Dolce Vita, has lived the BDSM lifestyle for awhile, but has yet to find a submissive that suits him. That is until he meets Marley, a woman seeking to indulge her fantasies.

As Reed guides her through a night of pleasure, Marley brings more to him than a perfect submissive–she stirs emotions in him long ago lost. By binding Marley, he runs up against his own limits, and now he has to choose between his self-protective barriers or surrendering to the wildfire Marley has reignited in his heart.

Publisher’s Note: This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find objectionable: BDSM theme and elements, including spanking.  www.staceykennedy.com


BEG FOR IT
Pact of Seduction Book 2
by Stacey Kennedy
BDSM Erotic Romance
Publisher: Loose Id
Level: Sizzling
Release date: May 29, 2012

The Pact of Seduction has one rule—fulfill your ultimate fantasy. Bella’s problem, she can’t live up to her vow. But her failure spins events that lead her into unknown territory. Kole, a Dom at the sex club Castle Dolce Vita, wasn’t part of her fantasy, but he’s about to show her he should have been.

Kole is more than willing to introduce Bella to BDSM since he’s held an interest in her for some time. But the feisty woman isn’t easily tamed and her strong personality proves to be difficult. While she might be determined to keep him at a distance, Kole has other ideas. He won’t allow her to shut him out.

A pact between best friends brought them together, emotional barriers tear them apart. Kole skillfully reminds Bella through pleasure and punishment that she is now his submissive, and her place is under his command.

Publisher’s Note: This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find objectionable: anal play/intercourse, BDSM theme and elements.  www.staceykennedy.com

I am not into BDSM, and yet I enjoy reading erotica about it. Hmmm, Does that point to some repressed fantasy? Am I a secret submissive.  I don't think so. 

Each of these linked stories is about self-knowing and having at least one place you can express yourself. In this case it's an exclusive club and at home. 

Now, I also totally don't get submission. But that's me.  From what I have read, Submissives get pleasure from being submissive; they trust their dom to know what is best for them. "I don't get it" means it would not work for me.  There are a lot of people out there for whom it does work.

These stories are enjoyable.  It's a rush to read about someone realizing the heights of pleasure as written by Ms. Kennedy.

They are too short for much in the way of character development and due to the short format the relationships feel rushed. There must be some rule about the length of erotica because this is a common issue.  

In the first story, Marley is seeking to give up the type of constant control and decision making she works with every day.  Her friends and their pact gives her (and the other women) each the permission and support to live that fantasy most people die repressing. In the second story we find that the fantasy we think we have we really don't. Some fantasy is better in one's head than it is in reality.

In both books, good attention is paid to safe sex -- something I find in most erotica.

How accurate is the representation of the relationship and the sex here? I can't say.  If there are readers out there who have read these and can speak to the accuracy please share.  I'm pretty sure Ms. Kennedy did research but I don't know what type (there's everything from being in the lifestyle to looking at a blog).  There are a lot of people  in this lifestyle who offer classes and there are books.  The stories strike me as fantasies of what this lifestyle is like in the same way we idealize anything in a fantasy. Ms. Kennedy is writing a hot fantasy at many levels: some sexual and some playing into a luxury fetish most of us can appreciate. 

The relationships here are also pretty respectful; regardless of lifestyle choices, humiliation doesn't work for me, nor does reading it. 

In both these stories the reason's each of the women is submissive is clear. Both have to do with being the strong, tough person or the one making decisions all day.  For their sexuality to be realized they want to have a break form that requirement of their vanilla lives.  I suspect, again, that the short format mandates the simplicity of that reasoning and that in actuality, like most things human, it is more complex.

So, I was compelled to read these both in short order, one after the other.  They're both hot.  They both have characters who, while not well-developed due to format, are still interesting.   Looking for a hot BDSM fantasy that many of you will find exciting but not scary?  These books may be just the ticket for you.

You can order them through these links:





Disclosure: Books received as part of a tour for Bewitching Book Tours. No remuneration was exchanged and except as noted all opinions herein are my own.



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Saturday, July 28, 2012

Backstage Pass (Have You Ever Been "With" the Band?)

Backstage Pass
Sinners on Tour
Reading Level: ADULT!
Paperback: 384 pages and e-book
Disclosure: Blogger purchase: no collusion occurred, nor was remuneration exchanged. All opinions in my reviews are my own unless otherwise noted.

Human Sexuality Professor, Myrna Evans, wants nothing but a weekend of hot, no-strings-attached sex with Sinners' sensual lead guitarist, but Brian Sinclair is looking for something more permanent than a one-night stand. Unable to compose music for months, when Brian makes love to uninhibited Myrna, he hears exquisite guitar riffs and finger-burning solos. In Myrna, he's found his muse.


There's something for every heterosexual flavor of sexuality with a little bisexuality in there for good measure: BDSM, Double Penetration, Voyeurism, Groupies. Well written, scorching and toe curling sex scenes are motivated by the story.  There's a lot of sex; more than is probably humanly possible. Poor actual, flesh and blood males, how can they ever live up to the rock gods in this book? Ladies, once you've read this you'll have to give your partners a break.

Like most erotica that is where the suspension of disbelief comes in: frequency, spontaneity, promiscuity.  

Through her association with the band the psychology professor in Myrna becomes interested in groupie psychology. It's certainly a field worth thinking about. There are so many groupies out there, and every kind of public figure from politicians to pop-princes have been caught with their pants down. It rarely works out for the groupie except as a memory (or not), so why do they do it? 

Now, I've never been back stage (or to a real rock concert) but I know some of you all have. Were you ever a groupie? What is really going on back stage? 

Because in this story there's a lot going on; pretty much everywhere, in the hotel, bus, next to the bus, in the shower, with other people in the room, and just with other people.

My only issues with the book are. 1. Myrna has a problem with her sexuality because of a former relationship. Since she is a psychology professor specializing in sexuality, she would know that her feelings were harmful to her,  I kept wondering why she wasn't in counseling. 2. The ending is rushed and throws off the tenor of the book.  But this is a common issue, I have found, with Erotica. 

I liked the characters. The male love interest, Brian, in particular, is such a nice guy you can understand why Myrna would be so drawn to him. Myrna is really into rock and roll. The characters are actually developed not a given in erotica! And, there's a real plot. I would actually suspect the author is very familiar with the life of an academic. Oh yeah, the band, THE SINNERS has its very own website, showing the depths of Olivia CUnning's Rock and Roll obsession!

If you fantasize about rock stars, or enjoy no-holds-barred, unbridled, passionate erotica then I would recommend this story.  Book third, ROCK HARD is also available and the Third is scheduled to release  November 1 (just in time for my birthday!).

Available                  Available                Pre-order
 

A Short with a different band













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Friday, July 27, 2012

NO PEACE FOR THE DAMNED: Compelling



qwillery.blogspot.com
Debut Author Challenge
NO PEACE FOR THE DAMNED
7/10/2012
Book obtained at BEA. No remuneration was exchanged and, except as noted all opinions herein are my own.


Magnolia Kelch is no stranger to pain. Beautiful and powerful, she’s spent her entire life at the mercy of her sadistic father and the rest of the Kelch clan, who have tortured her and tested the limits of her powers. After one particularly heinous night that leaves Magnolia nearly dead, she finally sees her chance for escape…
But this first taste of freedom is short-lived when she collides with Thirteen, head of the Network—a secret organization dedicated to fighting supernatural criminals—who recruits her into the group. Even as she’s coming to grips with this new life and the horrific memories that still haunt her, she’s conflicted by her growing attraction to fellow team member Theo and the emergence of new, untested abilities. After months of grueling training, her loyalty to the team is tested when she learns her target is the Network’s most wanted: the Kelch family.
Revenge may course through her veins, but so does the blood of the Kelches. And opposing her family may cost her the thing she treasures most. After all, Magnolia is still a Kelch. And the Kelch are damned. meganpowellbooks.com



This recently released novel is compelling and in many respects is well-written. I found myself identifying, to a point, with Magnolia, who has never fit in. To a point. But, the lack of detail detracted from the story.  Magnolia is a survivor, the ultimate survivor. But she really doesn't seem to have much of a personality and, maybe she wouldn't after what she went through.  Why is her family powerful and evil? How did they get these powers.  The story jumps around revealing dribs and drabs of mysteries, only to launch further mysteries along the vein of  the plot of LOST.

I think there's a mystical component to Magnolia's family's power, but I am not sure. Why are the Kelches the way they are?  What is the source of their misogynistic behavior? Is their goal world denomination?  The story is told from Magnolia's point of view, speaking to the reader like confidants. But it's as if we should understand already, as if her past, and her family's was some kind of inside story and we were on the inside.

The story is filled with suspense and action. I'm never sure from where Network evolved.  How did Magnolia learn to fight? To train others to fight? If she was stronger why hadn't she escaped before? Why do people become devoted to her immediately? And, what is the connection she feels to another agent?  I feel like there was a book before this one that needed to be read. 

Basically, I am saying it was an enjoyable book and I wanted to see how the immediate situation resolved, but there was too much mystery and not enough world building. Maybe future books in the series will have more explanatory information.  This is a story about evil, inexplicable evil and how something decent can survive in it. I want to know the rest of Magnolia's story, but  I want to understand her world as well. 


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Thursday, July 26, 2012

BEG FOR IT by Stacey Kennedy Promotional Tour Stop & GIVEAWAY




Beg for It
Pact of Seduction, Book Two
By Stacey Kennedy

Genre: BDSM erotic romance
Publisher: Loose Id
Date of Publication: May 29, 2012

ISBN: 978-1-61118-685-7
ASIN: B008AX0LQ2

Number of pages: 90
Word Count: 25, 066










Book Description:

The Pact of Seduction has one rule: fulfill your ultimate fantasy. Bella’s problem, she can’t live up to her vow. But her failure spins events that lead her into unknown territory. Kole, a Dom at the sex club Castle Dolce Vita, wasn’t part of her fantasy, but he’s about to show her he should have been.

Kole is more than willing to introduce Bella to BDSM since he’s held an interest in her for some time. But the feisty woman isn’t easily tamed and her strong personality proves to be difficult. While she might be determined to keep him at a distance, Kole has other ideas. He won’t allow her to shut him out.

A pact between best friends brought them together, emotional barriers tear them apart. Kole skillfully reminds Bella through pleasure and punishment that she is now his submissive, and her place is under his command.

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find objectionable: anal play/intercourse, BDSM theme and elements.


About the Author

Stacey Kennedy’s novels are lighthearted fantasy with heart-squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and they even give you a good chuckle every now and again. But within the stories you’ll also find fast-paced action, life-threatening moments and a big bad villain who needs to be destroyed. Her urban fantasy/paranormal and erotic romance series have hit Amazon Kindle and All Romance eBooks bestseller lists.

Stacey welcomes comments from readers. You can find her at www.staceykennedy.com




Purchase Links:

To buy this you can use my AMAZON link in the box below.









Or the Tour Company , Bewitching BOok TOurs offers a variety of links.

Enter to win an E-Copy of The First book in this blistering series:

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Short Excerpt:

Copyright © STACEY KENNEDY, 2012
All Rights Reserved, Loose Id
Only one thing would save Bella now—a stiff drink. Reed and Kole’s parties were always fun, and it was nice to see new friends she’d made over the past month. But her mood was right in the toilet. It’d been that way all day and had only gotten worse since she joined the party. She shouldn’t have come.

She cursed on a low breath. How in the hell was she going to get out of her current predicament? Originally, it’d been she who offered the idea of the pact of seduction, and she couldn’t even commit. Pathetic.
Marley’s giggle drew her attention, and Reed had pulled her onto his lap, nibbling at her neck. As horrible as it was, jealously surged. Maybe she had hoped that her fantasy would fill that empty void in her soul. Sure, it was meant as something sexually fun, but Bella craved something…

A part of her remained unfulfilled, even if she didn’t understand exactly what was missing. All she knew, her life at this moment was boring with a side of totally sucks.

She glanced over at Kyra, who laughed with Sadie, and nudged her arm. “I’ll be back. I need some air.”

“Sure.” Kyra’s green eyes were a little glassy. The wine clearly had gotten to her. “Want some company?”

“Nah.” She plastered on a fake smile. “I won’t be long.”

Kyra gave a nod, then turned her attention back at Sadie as the two chuckled about something Sadie had said. If only Bella had something to laugh about. She rose from the couch and made her way through the crowd.

As she passed, she noticed a man sitting on the ottoman and a woman knelt at his feet with her arms over his legs. The position appeared casual enough, but it also looked…different. As if the woman enjoyed being at his feet. Another spurt of jealously soared, and she gave her head a good hard shake. She was apparently envious of everyone who had a relationship. And since when had she been jealous of a BDSM relationship?

What’s gotten into you?


She made her way through the living room and stepped out onto the balcony. The cool air brushed against her skin, and she shivered. Winter still hung on in Baltimore, but what a strange winter it’d been—snow one day, mild the next. Tonight was brisk, but that only seemed to help cool off the annoyance burning her blood.

With her glass in her hands, she leaned on the railing and glanced over the city. Reed and Kole’s condo had an amazing view and the lights twinkled below.

She sipped at her drink and pondered her situation. How could she plan another fantasy when the only one she wanted she had yet to fully accept herself? And why was she acting like a bitter idiot?

After a long gulp that had her cringing from the aftertaste, a deep voice interrupted her useless thoughts. “I heard last night didn’t go well.”

She lowered the glass, licked the moisture on her lips, and looked next to her to find Kole. Like always in his presence, butterflies fluttered in her stomach, but she squashed them and kept her voice controlled. “That’s putting it lightly.”

His blond stylish hair framed a face worth a second look, and his dark blue eyes shone with a power that made her melt. He leaned against the railing beside her, cocked his head, and she felt the weight of his stare right down to her toes. “Tell me about it.”

She sipped her drink, mortified to her bones that she had to admit this to Kole. “It wasn’t Raven’s fault. I”—she drew in a deep breath and said quickly—“I always thought my fantasy was to be with a woman, but clearly it’s not.”

“Ah, I see.” He took a gulp of his beer before he lowered it. “You didn’t get off, I’m assuming?”
She snorted. “If laughing in her face means that I didn’t get off, then yes, I didn’t get off.”
He chuckled, the sound so seductive Bella quivered. In response to that odd reaction, she examined him and couldn’t stop from admiring the view.

He was dressed in a pair of dark jeans that no doubt hugged his fine ass, and a black T-shirt that was snug around the muscles beneath. Good God. She licked her lips for reasons that had nothing to do with her drink.

“You didn’t follow through with your part of the pact, then?”

Her gaze lifted to his face. The glint in his eyes declared he’d been quite aware of her admiring him. Hell, she’d lusted after him since the day they met. A strong sexual attraction existed between them that she hadn’t experienced before with any man, especially a Dom.

She blinked and focused away from the warmth that formed between her thighs. “That’s right. I bailed on the pact.”

His gaze became penetrating as his tone dipped lower. “Why don’t you arrange another night with someone else for your fantasy?”

“Because”—her muscles stiffened, and after a long sigh, she grimaced—“I have no idea what that fantasy is now.”

“Such a problem for a woman to have,” he mused.

She gulped at the way his voice seemed to carry into her soul; then she lowered her head to avoid eye contact with him. He raised his bottle to his mouth, and his arm brushed against hers. Tingles zinged through her, and she squeezed her thighs together to ease the throb of her clit.

How did he make her body do that? Every time he was near, she all but sizzled, and when he touched her, everything was amplified.

“I see that you need help, then, in finding what you’re looking for.”

It hadn’t sounded like a question, which she was glad for since her tight throat made it impossible to answer. He slid his finger along her arm, slowly and with clear intent to unravel her.

She bit her bottom lip. “W-what does that mean?”

He tucked his finger under her chin and lifted her head. “I think we both know what I mean.” Those eyes of his burned with the lust that he had obviously contained. “You enjoy my attention, and I’d enjoy you under my command.”

Then he pressed a finger on the back of her hand and danced his touch up her arm. His gaze followed his caresses every step of the way. And damn him if she didn’t close her eyes and shudder.

A scrape of his nail along her skin drew her eyes open, and he grinned with sin. “Look how beautifully you react to me.” He finally reached her shoulder, and she trembled under the softness of his touch that seemed to contradict that power oozing from him. He tucked his fingers back under her chin, drew her head up, and stared intently into her eyes.

Searching for what, she had no idea.

His hold tensed, a shift in his gaze appeared that made her stomach flip-flop, and her panties were now soaked. He leaned in, pressed his lips against hers, and the world froze. His luscious and damn well perfect mouth molded with hers as his silky tongue swept her away. When had anyone ever kissed her like this?

Oh, right—never.

He kissed her thoroughly, leaving no part of her mouth untouched; then he backed away but kept hold of her chin. “It’s time to stop ignoring what your body needs and accept that you want to be dominated.”

Hell, how right was he? Maybe BDSM wasn’t her fantasy when she made the pact of seduction with her friends, but after hearing about it from Marley, her interest had grown. She lifted a lazy shoulder to appear nonchalant. “I suppose if I set up a scene with you, that would be a solution to my problem.”

“Not good enough.” His gaze hardened. “Do you want me to take you into a scene, Bella?”

At his pause, she realized she needed to give a better answer, and she nodded. “I do.”

He examined her for a long moment before he finally said, “Now what are your interests in BDSM?”

She melted at the way he stared at her now. So intense. So wicked. Was this a hint of what he’d look like in a scene? Her body flushed, yet she held her focus and lifted her chin. She had always prided herself on staying strong around powerful men.

Her job as a stockbroker in Baltimore’s top lending investment firm meant she swam with the sharks. Most of her coworkers were authoritative men. If she’d showed weakness, she wouldn’t be where she was today, and she’d worked hard for her position.

“I’m interested in”—her throat went dry. All these fantasies she hadn’t admitted to anyone. Was she really going through with this? Her soaking panties declared it so—“ropes, sex toys, floggers, to be controlled, pleasure, and pain.” She raised her glass to her mouth and tried to ignore the way her hands shook.

Before the rim could reach her lips, Kole snatched the glass from her hands and set it on the ground next to him. “If we’re discussing this and you are serious, you will stop drinking.”

A flare of irritation rose up that he’d be so bold to take her drink right out of her hands, yet Marley had said that Castle Dolce Vita Doms never allowed submissives to drink alcohol in a scene to ensure they were clearheaded. And since they were discussing what would happen between them, she let it go. “Okay.”

He gave a short nod. “Now I want to make sure you’re well aware of what will happen and what I expect of you.” His gaze searched hers, seemingly looking right through her. “And I need to be sure that I’m the correct Dom for you.”
“I don’t want anyone else,” she blurted out before she could stop herself.

His eyebrows rose. “I don’t mind your answer, Bella.” A small grin turned up the corners of his mouth. “But do tell—have you put more thought into this than you’re letting on?”
Her cheeks had never burned so hot, but she wouldn’t be that woman who’d stumble around a man. She stuffed her nervousness away, clasped her hands, and demanded her voice to be strong. “Maybe once or twice.”

She’d been aware of the mutual attraction between them, so two could play his game. “Are you trying to deny you haven’t thought about it too?”

He winked. “Maybe once or twice.”

A flutter whipped around inside her, her palms grew clammy, and she squeezed her fingers. Why did he make her act so…knocked off her axis?

“One thing that needs to be discussed is my expectations.” He glanced at her hands for a moment as if he took in her reaction before he looked back into her eyes. “From what I know of you as you are now, you’d struggle to meet them. And I want to make that clear so you know what you’re getting yourself into.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” she snapped. “Why would I struggle to meet your demands?”
He gave his head a slow shake. “I’m not saying it to insult you, but to give you a stern warning. I don’t play lightly.”

“Well, I…” Her entire face burned hot as if she had a high-grade fever. Marley had told her all about Kole. How he enjoyed pain play. How strict he was in how a submissive behaved. And all it’d done was increase the throb between her thighs. Solidified the fantasy. “I think I might like that.”

He gave a delicious smile. “I have no doubt you would.”
And then his lips were back on hers as he swept her away in another leg-wobbling kiss before those plush lips tore away from hers.

“You’ll arrive at the castle next Friday at seven o’clock. I’ll have a room reserved.” He dropped his head, his eyes in the direct line of hers. “When you arrive, remove your clothes, kneel in the center of the room, and wait for me. Clear?”

Heat spread across her body at the images playing in her head. Nude? Kneeling? Oh God! She quivered in anticipation.

At his expectant expression, she nodded instead of offering him a breathy response.

“Good.” He took her mouth again playfully, nibbled on the corners of her lips, and flicked her lips with his tongue. And when he had her body ramped up to a fever pitch, he backed away to trail his thumb over her lips. “Can you be honest and open with me?”

Drool, honest-to-God drool, formed in her mouth. Everyday Kole was sexy. Dom Kole was to die for. The sheer power that exuded from him, intensity in his features, it all captivated her. He’d asked her to be honest with him—how hard could that be? “I can do that.”

He nodded in approval, skimmed her mouth again with his thumb, while his gaze stayed focused there. The smile he gave, the possessiveness held in the depths of his eyes, liquefied her insides.

Something sparked through his touch, only increasing with his kiss, and even more so by the way he looked at her now. One of those duh moments. Had what she wanted—desired—been standing right in front of her this entire time?

In less than a week, she’d have the answer.







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