Showing posts with label dominance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dominance. Show all posts

Friday, September 25, 2015

Cover Reveal Sin's Pleasure: Happily Never Happened #1


★★COVER REVEAL★★

Title: Sin's Pleasure
Series: Happily Never Happened #1
Author: LeTeisha Newton



What if Happily Ever Afters were from a place called Elsia? What if they kept that world going and intact? And what if the Fairy Godmother, young and naive, got it wrong?

Welcome to Happily Never Happened, where fairy tales are real, sexier than sin, and sweeter than deliverance. Where Fantasy Ave is a place to see your pleasures satisfied, and the stakes raised - for a price. And then meet the ladies of Fantasy Ave, hidden gems in our world, who come from the world of Elsia, escaping the hell of their Happily Ever Afters, and offered the chance, with one last wish, to find love again.

SIN married her Prince Charming, escaping into the palace and becoming one of the four queens that ruled Elsia. That glass slipper seemed to fit on the right foot - that was until Charming showed her that she meant nothing to him, and even less to others after her story was over. Sin recreated herself, tossing aside her tiara and ballgown, for stilettos and a whip - because she calls the shots now. Never again is she going to be someone's sub who doesn't know the meaning of Dominance, and never again is she going to let someone open her heart again.

And she's right. Someone can't do it. She needs two: Tobias, her trusted bodyguard, and Zuriah, a wolf of Rose's pack, to claim her, and show her just how much she's missing. Show her how much Charming didn't know about love, and that being broken only means that she can be fixed.

Now available from Evernight Publishing Naughty Fairy Tales, be ready to delve into a hot read of desire, love, and redemption.



Amazon


Evernight


All Romance



Bookstrand









Writing professionally since 2008, LeTeisha has spanned from Fantasy to Interracial Romance on her road to getting the jumping characters out of her head. Most days she’s pretty color blind, unless it’s a great shade of red (then she can’t ignore it). Other times she’s plotting her next twenty books and then remembering that the computer can’t read her thoughts and doesn’t type at lightning speed. Either way, she just can’t seem to get enough of quill to paper…or eh…keyboard strokes, apparently.












Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Reclaimed Surrender

Reclaimed Surrender (Trust in Me, #1)


Things take a sizzling turn when Rene Tanner finds himself neck-deep in marital unbliss. He’s fully prepared to do whatever it takes to reclaim his wife’s surrender. The way he sees it? He’s been putting her on a pedestal when all she really wanted—needed—was for Rene to put her on her knees.

Alexis Tanner has felt alone and unfulfilled for quite a while. So when her marriage counselor suggests a week of “As You Wish” therapy, she’s expecting to be wooed with chocolates and flowers. Instead she winds up in leather restraints and a silver collar. Now she must surrender to her darkest desires—or be forced to let Rene go forever.



From the first page, you really get a feeling of marital unease and the tension between Alexis and her husband. She is dissatisfied with her life and dreads being home. The writing here is amazing and the emotion just pours up from the page and sucks you in. Although you aren't sure at the onset of the book what exactly has happened, it is clear that some kind of breach of trust has occurred and the marriage has suffered almost an insurmountable hit. It is visceral and it tugged my guts out as I read. 

The sexual tension between Alex and Rene is scorching and I could not tear my eyes away. Think angry sex ramped up to The War of the Roses-but better. Ummmm. When Rene reads Alex's journals and turns the tables on her after she misses their anniversary dinner, things get really interesting. Spankable moments, some sexy scenes and a showdown at the end with someone else who wants a piece of Alex and isn't taking no for an answer.

4.5/5

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

His Latest Aquisition: The Review


Compelled by impulse, suspicion and obsession, Emily hacks into her husband's computer files discovering his secret life as a sexual master and member of a secret society of slave owners. Driven by insatiable need, Emily begs to become his newest slave. Though Justin agrees to her request, he feels betrayed. Her training becomes his revenge, as he rapidly forces her deep into submission, stripping away her life a piece at a time until there is nothing left but 'em', the perfect slave.



What would you do if you thought your husband was up to something? How far would you go to find out about his secret life? What would you do when you found out?

That is the ultimate question facing Emily as she makes a discovery that her marriage is nothing but a shell and her husband Justin is a Master in a Guild that trains and brokers slaves.  Emily is turned on  by the idea of becoming a slave and soon learns that some things there is no going back from. 

This book was a page turning journey of self discovery. A slave has nothing. No personal possessions, rights or anything else. Watching as Emily, now em walks down the  road to sexual submission, I found myself riveted by her ordeals and the freeing aspect of what and who she becomes. At times, the book gets very dark, but without the dark, there is no light. I could literally write about this book for hours. I had to put it down and pick it up again very shortly thereafter. Reading about the things Justin puts Emily through, I was torn about how I wanted the story to end. It leaves it open and I am hopeful that it will lead to another book. One word description: epic.

I have to say this is one of my favorite books in the dark erotica category and I will be checking out more of this author's work. It is electric and visceral. You feel what the main character is going through and you know that this author is well versed in the BDSM lifestyle and writes from the heart and soul of her experiences. To say I was moved was an understatement. This book is epic and needs to me on every BDSM reader's TBR list.

5/5 (If I could go higher, I would.)

Tags:

anal sex, slavery, Dominance, submission, Guild, Master, self discovery, awakening, freedom.

Many thanks to Pink Flamingo Publications for sending a review copy in exchange for an honest review.



Thursday, November 8, 2012

Stealing Serenity by Reese Gabriel



Book 4 in the Tall, Dark and Dominant series.

Career-obsessed Serenity is thrilled to discover that the fake date she’s procured for a big company dinner leads an alternative lifestyle. What better way to avoid any possibility of a time-consuming relationship? Unfortunately the ruggedly handsome, sexy Ross Lassiter isn’t gay, as she’d thought—he’s a sexual dominant.

Sparks fly as Serenity insists she could never be submissive, but Ross knows exactly how to tap into her deepest fantasies of whips and chains and a tall, dark Master. Ross seduces her gradually, sending her outrageous lingerie, engaging her in wicked phone games.

As her fantasies explode into reality, Serenity must balance two worlds. Ross is the one in control but what happens when his emotions come into play? Could Serenity be the one—his partner and bedmate for life? Serenity holds the key, assuming she can stay true to her name. But that will prove quite difficult while writhing in Ross’ embrace, her body bound by his will, her heart stolen by games too powerful to ignore.


 What do you do when the date you thought was gay suddenly turns out to be a little bit more than you bargained for?

When Serenity goes on a blind date, she is shocked to find out that Ross isn't gay, but something completely unknown in her vanilla world. A sexual Dominant, he exudes confidence that grates on her nerves and makes her squirm in her seat. What's a girl to do?

The interesting thing about this book was Serenity's complete irritation with Ross and the hot and cold hate/love thing that was going on. She was repulsed by the submissive status of women in the BDSM world that Ross introduces her to, not understanding until the very end what being submissive really means. I found myself a little frustrated with her character on a number of occasions, but I was also empathetic as well. If you are a complete vanilla, being introduced to BDSM can be a shock to many people. Lots of people just see the whips and chains and not the hidden language behind the scenes. 

Ross enters into the eternal question. How do you attain the status of being a Dom without being an overbearing jerk? He walked a fine line for awhile, but his humanity won through and I liked the reasoning behind his feelings in the end.  

As Serenity's fantasies include Ross more and more and she understands what the BDSM lifestyle can hold for her, the story opens up into a realm of possibilities that made for a good page turning tale. I am looking forward to reading more in this series to see what it has to offer.

3.5/5

Friday, September 21, 2012

Three Part Harmony: An Interview With Angel Payne




Dasha Moore commands the world’s stages as one of pop’s reigning stars, but finds her ultimate joy at the feet of David Pennington as his willing new submissive. In one night, her charismatic career manager becomes the Dominant of her body as well -- and the owner of her heart.

David is blown away, in all the good ways, by discovering D’s submissive streak. He can’t wait to brand her deeper with his domination, but a lunatic fan has other, deadly plans for Dasha.

Consumed with keeping Dasha safe, David gives the FBI a full-access pass for their investigation, headed by Special Agent Kress Moridian, a guy with an unnerving protective streak. David’s initial instincts about Kress are accurate: the agent is another Dom, and his definition of “full-access” includes Dasha herself. Being shared with Kress is a new tune for Dasha, but she finds herself loving its rougher strains -- and she begs David for their three-part harmony again.

But while her Doms make her body sing, Dasha’s heart and soul are torn. And what will happen to their song when they finally find the madman who wants her dead? Worse: what happens if they don’t find him?




The Interview:


1. How did you first get involved in writing erotica?

I thoroughly point the finger at Shayla Black. We've been friends forever; we started writing historicals back in the 90's together. I dropped out of the industry for a while and she kept writing. When my fire for writing got lit up again, I first tried a YA novel--and it sucked. (I mean, it SUCKED.) I was distraught. Shayla kept nudging me to join her on the dark side, insisting my kinky side was always what made me a great historical writer. I wrote about 5 chapters of an erotica, and it placed really well in a bunch of contests. By then, I realized that Shayla was right!!

2. BDSM erotica is my absolute favorite. What draws you to write about it?

I am fascinated by the dynamic of Power Exchange. It's a spiritual, magical thing. To think of someone willingly giving up their control, but seeing that as the ultimate power in what you can give to a person...it's kind of amazing. It really turns BOTH partners into the one with the "control," bound by having to be completely present and aware and in tune with each other. Potent, powerful stuff. I am also lucky enough to be in the lifestyle with my amazing Master and husband. On our weekends away, it's a movie, dinner and play club time. *Smile*

3. Most people have limited exposure to BDSM erotica and often
misunderstand the balance of trust between the Dom/Domme and sub. Tell us a little about that, especially in your book, Three Part Harmony.

What a GREAT question. You're so right. Most people see this as an instrument of abuse. And don't get me wrong--Power Exchange in the wrong hands can BE abuse--but with awareness, we've seen the rise of good education that Doms and subs can get about being in tune with each other. YES, the responsibility rests on both sides, too! The sub is just as responsible for seeing to the needs of her (or his) Master following a scene and aftercare. But I'm digressing. I think the key point here is that D/s can be seen as the portal to amazing communication. When you break down walls, often by having that intense physical release of the dynamic, you can both move forward as people.

That's what I attempted to communicate in Three-Part Harmony. At the beginning of the story, Dasha is stuck. She won't move forward with her dad and she's miserable because of it. David uses his Dominance, and his love for her, to break her free from those walls. Of course, Kress's "helping hand" is also a nice incentive *snicker*. As the story progresses, David is inspired by Dasha's courage to move past his own personal sticking point: his estranged relationship with his brother.

Just like any other choice in life, D/s is something that has to be wanted and needed by both parties. For me, it's not just about great sex. It goes WAY beyond that--and I hope my writing keeps communicating that, too.

4. Supreme pizza or club salad?

As much as I'd love to say pizza, I do love me a good salad, too. And it's better for the ass; you know? *chuckle*. But since I live in So-Cal, we have an awesome chain here, Z Pizza, that makes a killer vegan pizza with soy cheese. If I have to indulge, I'm happy I have Z on the speed dial.

5. Beer or martini?

After a hard work out? Beer. After a hard play session with Master? Martini.

6. I loved the Brazilian waxing scene in Three Part Harmony. What a scorcher! The nipple piercing part was absolutely stellar. Where did that idea come from?

Literally...my imagination! But thank you. I'm hoping Laurelle will be able to "guest star" in future books. I kind of like her. I think it might even be fun to see her as a submissive. I don't know if SHE'D agree with me, however. *Smirk*


Dasha

7. What are some of your favorite erotica authors?

Okay, get ready for a tome here! I tend to gravitate toward the people who write like me, with a crapload of emotion and drama. Without a doubt, Shayla Black. It's more than the fact that I'm friends with her. The work and the thought she puts into each character...their quirks and their weaknesses, their strengths and their characteristics...SO inspiring. I'm waiting on pins and needles for Xander's book next year! I'm a fresh fan girl of Eden Bradley. I'm alsmost done with "Fallen Angel"; it's wonderful. And her novella, "Sanctuary," was one of the best embodiments of D/s that I've ever read. I'm also passionate--PASSIONATE--about the worlds that Cherise Sinclair creates. Those Men of the Shadowlands...**MAJOR GIRL GROWL**! I have a lot of enthusiasm for many sisters of mine on the Loose Id imprint, too: Cari Silverwood is wonderful, as well as Doreen DeSalvo, Sindra van Ysell, Amber Lin and J.A. Rock. 

8. Tell us a little about what inspired you to write Three Part
Harmony and where you are going with your writing.

I worked in the music industry for quite a number of years. It's familiar ground for me. And I thought it might be fun to set an element of danger against this glitzy, glamorous world. (All right, all right, it gave me a chance to write a heroine with a terrific shoe wardrobe too, okay?)

I'm excited about where things are going! Though I don't see myself writing a series, I guess that's what a lot of people are calling it. It's more organic than that for me. I get fascinated by the direction or quirks of a character when I write them, then they just sort of sit up and demand that I write a book about them.

After Three-Part Harmony, I fully intended to write the book for Josh, David's brother. But Josh and his two co-stars just were NOT talking to me. The person who did speak up was Mark Moore, Dasha's dad. I loved how he had the courage to admit he was wrong, and to make amends with Dasha. And I seriously LOVED how he stood up to his psycho-bitch chief of staff at the end of Three-Part Harmony, too. He started to morph into my favorite kind of hero: scarred, tortured, lonely. At the beginning of his book, Permanent Marker, he's been mourning his wife for four years. He knows it's time to let go--but how? It's really wrenching! I can't wait for him to be happy--and I think I've given him a heroine who can do that.

The book following Mark's story is called Star Of Wonder. It's a fun holiday mash-up book that starts on Veterans Day and ends on Christmas Day. The star is Dante Tieri, Mark Moore's best friend. He is one tall, gorgeous drink of Italian alpha man goodness!

After THAT...I am hoping to write a three-book series of US Navy men! Once you read Star Of Wonder, you'll pretty much be able to pick them out.

9. What is one thing you want readers to get from your work?

I just hope that they're transported to a different place for a while. I have always loved romances, and love-love-love that feeling of "falling in love" all over again each time you read a new story. You could say I simply never outgrew being boy crazy. If I can create heroes that create that "swoon effect," then I'm happy.

10. What is the spiciest scene you have ever written?

It was a piece from Three-Part Harmony that we had to edit out. It involved Kress taking his new domination of Dasha to a pretty extreme level. As I looked at it in revisions, I realized...whoa, she'd never consent to this right NOW. Yes, I out-spiced myself!! LOL. (Teeny spoiler: I have a scene in mind for one of the military boys' books, in a cave in a foreign country, that's going to peel your toe polish off.)


 David and Kress

Other fun and optional questions... I LOVE THEM!!


11. If you were going to train a sub, what would you do first?

The key element between any Dom and sub is trust. There has to be some kind of period where you work up to a level of trust with a person that they'll be all right with you physically restraining them. This occurs in many forms. It can be simple blindfold scenes, or other instructions that take the subbie beyond their normal parameters of comfort. 

12. Which one is your favorite? Flogger, cane or single tail whip?

Wow. Depends on where my emotional space is at. Canes are hard for me. I'll take them, but only in small doses. I LOVE anything involving a flogger. Master and I took a Florentine flogging class this Spring at a convention, and my love affair grew. They smell so good, and their impact factor is wonderful--the sound, the drama--for getting me to subspace. We have a pair that was custom-made, with the handles inserted with lead counter-weights to balance from the falls, so they are AMAZING to whirl around! Whips are also a favorite--but that's because my Master knows how to use one properly. Using a whip on a submissive, to further a D/s scene, is NOT like what you'd imagine. It's not Indiana Jones! It's a treatment that has to be dealt with subtlety, because the pain radiates. A little goes a LONG way.

13. Menage BDSM is so hot! What inspired the playroom scene?

Again, my fantasies! I just thought about how cool it would be to have this big ol' Antebellum mansion outfitted with a secret BDSM dungeon. I tossed in some Scarlett O'Hara sass, and mixed thoroughly. I also knew I had to create a place that pulled Dasha completely out of her comfort zone--into a fantasy world, so to speak--so she was forced to throw aside all of her inhibitions and let these men take her completely. In short, it's just kind of what I'd love to do if I had these two guys at my fingertips! Bwa ha ha!


Thanks so much for joining me on the blog today Angel! What a fun interview and I can't wait to read your next book!


What I Loved:

If you want a book to hook you in the first moments, you have to try Three Part Harmony. The glitz of the music world really radiates with Dasha as a performer and David as her manager. When things get way more personal and Dasha becomes involved with David as his sub, I couldn't put this book down. Especially when someone threatens Dasha and we meet the incredible agent Kress. Yummy.

Yes...I would actually plant myself for hours reading. Some days that is hard to do with 8 blogs (some under my real world name), a music review job (another reason I loved this book), writing projects of my own, a full time job, a family and well...life. Speed reading is a hobby, but this one I savored page by page and I just sat there hugging my e-reader when I was done. Ummmm.

The creativity and life experience really shines through in every BDSM scene and the voice of the book really works well.  

If you are looking for humor, a well crafted plot line, sex scenes that will curl your toes and keep you up nights, then you need to add this one to your TBR library.




Website: www.angelpayne.com
Twitter: @Angelpaynewrtr
Facebook: Facebook.com/Angelpaynewrites
Pinterest: Pinterest.com/angelwrites

Hi there! I'm Angel: weirdo, pop-culture geek, hopeless romantic, and totally OCD writer. I'm so glad you've found me, and I hope you like my stuff. It truly comes from my heart.

I've loved reading all my life, and have been writing nearly that long, too. I think it started when I penned an 80-page novel about a time-traveling family for a 5th-grade school project. You could say I was hooked. In middle school, I moved to the hardcore stuff: the paragraph-at-a-time "swap-stories" with all my besties. (C'mon...don't lie...you remember those too!) Needless to say, the stories featured lots of French kissing, mindless groping and angsty drama - but I knew I'd found a niche when I was invited to participate in several more swap-stories on campus.

Some years, various entertainment writing gigs and a half-dozen historical romances later, I discovered the world of erotica - and home. (Not to mention a great place for all that angst I never gave up.) I love this genre - change that to love this genre - and hope my stories speak to your heart as well as your blood pressure, as well as your courage to explore new things and express your truth in beautiful new ways.

And where do I do all this? Well, if you ask my hubz, he'd likely say "on another planet," especially if I'm in story-brewing mode! The rest of the time, I live in Southern California with him and our gorgeous child, where I'm abnormally interested in travel, coffee, wine, shoes, super heroes, fetish wear, ridiculous pop culture trends - but most of all, hearing from fellow readers and erotica lovers like you.


Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Naked: The Blackstone Affair Part One by Raine Miller



Brynne Bennett is living the good life. An American art student at the University of London and part-time photographic model, she’s putting her life back on track with school and lots of hard work. When ultra successful London businessman, Ethan Blackstone, buys her nude portrait, he isn’t taking ‘no’ for an answer. He wants Brynne in his bed and makes plans to keep her there no matter what. His dominant nature captivates and ensnares despite the demons she carries inside her. But there are secrets in this relationship. Huge ones. Can Ethan free Brynne from the past that has marked her? Will Brynne let him or will the specters tormenting her resurface to destroy them both…


Join us on Twitter from 12:00-4:00 on August 29th! Twitter Party! Join us on Facebook for the Naked Release Party!

The Interview:



1. When did you first decide to write erotica?

  I started writing 3 years ago.  I was home on a medical leave with lots of free time and my husband and kids gone during the days.  Once I started writing it became an obsession and I could not stop.  My first book still remains unpublished but some day I hope to get it out there.

2. What was your inspiration for Naked?

  I was looking on Shutterstock for an image for a cover (for another book I was working on) and stumbled upon the image that's on the cover for Naked.  I thought it was beautiful.  I just got an idea of what it would be like for the model to meet the man who bought her picture.  ...And Naked was born.  I just started writing and got the first chapter done in a couple hours.  Then it was onward and forward with the story.  It sort of took on a life of its own.

3. What are some of your favorite erotica authors?

  Megan Hart is probably one of the first I read.  I love her and love her books.  JR Ward and Elizabeth Hoyt are other favorites of mine.  I admire their storytelling skills and love every book they write.  I know they are not considered erotica but their books have very sexy, erotic scenes that touch the heart.


4. In the book, your main character is an art student and nude model.
Have you ever ventured into the arts or modeling?

  I studied Art History in college, so yes I love the arts.  I have the painting/portrait theme running in most of my books.  Paintings always look like there is such an interesting story behind them.  I want to know, so writing a fictional account is the second best thing.

5. Martini or margarita?

  That's easy.  California girl, so MARGARITA.  Preferably with fruit, no salt.

6. Chef salad or cheeseburger?

  I love both but would probably go with the salad (then I can have ice-cream)

7. What was the hardest scene you ever had to write? Why?

  The hardest scene, by far, is one in my very first book.  The hero has to tell his grieving wife about the death of their premature twins, of how they were born alive and then just went to sleep as he held them.  She was not conscious during the birth and begs to be told.  He doesn't want to tell her because he knows how much it will hurt her, but she needs to know so she can move forward.  I cried gallons while writing that scene  (The book ends happy though).


8. The elements of D/s relationships are so electric! Tell us more about Ethan and Brynne.

  D/s is another thread I have woven in most of my writing.  I write Dominant males.  Period.  Ethan and Brynne just click for many reasons and the D/s element is a BIG part of why they do.  Brynne has suffered some trauma that involved a sexual assault where she was tricked and unaware of what went on until a video surfaced and just destroyed her.  Ethan is very blunt and direct.  He tells her from the beginning that he wants to be with her and tells Brynne exactly what he wants sexually.  She likes that a lot.  The direct truth is very comforting to Brynne.  She knows what will happen and can decide if she wants to do it or not.  She likes that Ethan is in charge because she has little confidence in this aspect of her life.  The sex with him is explosive and by giving herself over to his care she can finally enjoy something that had been traumatic for her in the past.  Ethan is obsessed with Brynne.  He cannot help his attraction, it just is. 

9. Do you have a playlist for the book?

  I do not.  That's something I should set up though.  I listen to anything and everything when I write.  From classic stuff like Jimi Hendrix to Imogene Heep.

10. What are you working on now?

  I am writing Part 2 of The Blackstone Affair.  It is entirely from Ethan's point of view.  The title is All In.  I've also outlined a spin-off series to follow this one.  Brynne's roommate, Gabrielle, will be the heroine in it.

Here are my links: 



Amazon Author Central  http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005RHN54E


Excerpt:


“It’s a very bad idea, Brynne. Don’t risk it. Let me give you a ride.”

I froze on the street. I knew who spoke to me without ever hearing his voice before. I turned slowly to face the same eyes that had burned me back at the gallery. “I don’t know you at all,” I told him.

He smiled, his lip turning up more on one side than the other of his goateed mouth. He pointed to his car at the curb, a sleek black Range Rover HSE. The kind that only Brits with money can ever afford. Not that he didn’t reek of money before, but he was way out of my league.

I swallowed hard in my throat. Those eyes of his were blue, very clear and deep. “Yet you call me by name and—and expect me to get in a car with you? Are you crazy?”

He walked toward me and extended his hand. “Ethan Blackstone.”

I stared at his hand, so finely elegant with the white cuff framing the grey sleeve of his designer jacket. “How do you even know my name?”

“I just bought a work entitled Brynne’s Repose from the Andersen Gallery for a nice sum not fifteen minutes ago. And I’m fairly sure I’m not mentally impaired. Sounds more PC than crazy don’t you think?” He kept his hand out.

I met his hand and he took mine. Oh did he ever. Or maybe I’d lost my mind shaking hands with the stranger who’d just purchased a huge canvas of my naked body. Ethan possessed a firm grip. And hot too. Had I imagined he pulled me a little closer toward him? Or maybe I was the crazy one, because my feet hadn’t moved an inch. Those blue eyes were nearer to me than they were a moment ago though, and I could smell his cologne. Something so gawd awfully delicious it was sinful to smell that good and be human.

“Brynne Bennett,” I said.

He let go of my hand. “And now we know each other,” he said, pointing first at me and then to himself, “Brynne, Ethan.” He motioned with his head toward his Rover. “Now will you let me take you home?”

I swallowed again. “Why do you care so much?”

“Because I don’t want anything to happen to you? Because those heels look lovely at the end of your legs but will be hell to walk in? Because it’s dangerous for a woman alone at night in the city?” His eyes flicked over me. “Especially one as beautiful as you.” That mouth of his turned up just slightly on the one side again. “So many reasons, Miss Bennett.”

“What if you’re not safe?” He raised an eyebrow at me. “I still don’t know you or anything about you, or if Ethan Blackstone is your real name.” Did he just give me a look?

“You have a point in that. And it’s one I can rectify easily.” He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a drivers license with the name, Ethan James Blackstone clearly printed. He handed me a business card with the same name and Blackstone Security International, Ltd. engraved on the cream cardstock. “You may keep that.” He grinned again. “I’m very busy at my job, Miss Bennett. I have absolutely no time for a hobby as a serial killer, I promise you.”

I laughed. “Good one, Mr. Blackstone.” I put his card in my purse. “All right. You can give me a ride.” His brow shot up again, and I got the sideways grin again too.

I winced inwardly at the double entendre for ‘ride’ and tried to focus on how uncomfortable my shoes really would be for walking to the Tube station and that it was a good idea to let him drive me.

He pressed his hand to the bottom of my back and led me to the curb. “In you go.” Ethan got me settled and then walked around to the street side and slid behind the wheel, smooth as a panther. He looked at me and tilted his head. “And where does Miss Bennett live?”

“Nelson Square in Southwark.”

He frowned but then turned his face away and pulled out into traffic. “You are American.”

What, he didn’t like Americans? “I am here on scholarship at the University of London. Graduate program,” I tacked on, wondering why I felt the need to tell him anything at all about myself.

“And the modeling?”

The second he asked the question the sexual tension thickened. I paused before answering. I knew exactly what he was doing—imagining me in my picture. Naked. And as weird as it felt, I opened my mouth and told him. “Um, I—I posed for my friend, the photographer, Benny Clarkson. He asked and it helps pay the bills, you know?”

“Not really, but I love the portrait of you, Miss Bennett.” He kept his eyes on the road.

I felt myself stiffen at his comment. Who in the hell was he to judge what I do to support myself?

“Well, my own personal international corporation never came through like yours did,
Mr. Blackstone. I resorted to modeling. I like sleeping in a bed as opposed to a park bench. And heat. The winters here suck!” Even I could hear the snark in my voice.

“In my experience I’ve found many things here that suck.” He turned and gave me an expert blue-eyed stare.


Want to win a free copy of the e-book and a swag tote? Leave a comment for Raine and tell her why you would love to read her book. US only for tote giveaway. Giveaway will be open from 8/29-9/3.