Sara Brookes's Blog, page 12

Pretty much all of my November and December was consumed by a sooper sekrit project. After a frustration-laden start to this year, I’m pleased to say March has gone much better.

I am very, very excited to announce y’all will finally get to meet my Irish bikers in June/July thanks to Loose Id!!!

Title and series name aren’t finalized quite yet, so I’ll have news on those in the coming weeks. But this kicks off a new contemporary BDSM erotic romance series for me. I’m so excited to finally introduce y’all to Kane & Avery and all of Kane’s biker friends.

Please welcome to the lovely and very talented Kerry Adrienne who is here today to talk about where she came up with the idea of the core of her books! This is awesome stuff peeps!

~*~

My series with Ellora’s Cave centers around an artists’ guild in New York City and I thought it would be interesting to talk about where that idea came from. In medieval times, guilds were organizations of like-skilled men (mostly) that banded together both to help each other and to police their profession. Sort of like a union, and sort of like a club, you had to be recognized as a master of your profession to be accepted into the guild of that profession.

I wanted to take it a step further and have the modern guild be a place where all arts are recognized in one place. Yes, the artists who belong to the Guild are masters, but they have many young aspiring artists trying to work toward entry, just like medieval times would have had. I loved the idea of a more formal “artists’ commune” where members could have apartments—even if they don’t live in the city full-time, they have rooms or apartments in the adjoining brownstones.

The Guild itself is made up of four interconnected brownstones on the Upper West Side of the city. These brownstones are beautiful historic buildings that have been turned into part studio/part living space/part entertainment space (you should see the dance/bar in the basement).

The other thing that sets the Guild apart is that it is open to gay men only. The men aren’t against straight men, or women, they just want a safe haven where they can be themselves and take care of each other like brothers without reproach and without worry.

You’ll find sculptors, painters, musicians, metalworkers, glass-blowers—any kind of artist you can imagine in the Guild. The man behind the vision of the Guild is Kenon Alavi, one of the most famous portrait painters of modern day. He’s quite the character and has his own way of keeping the Guild running smoothly.

I’d love to belong to a guild of some sort. Author, seamstress, artist, heck—even crazy cat lady guild (as long as we had litter box attendants). I think it would be a great way to share a skill and commune with like-minded people. Sure, I think we do have some of that with writing groups and sewing circles and such—but not to the extent they had in the Middle Ages, or what the men have in the NYC Guild.

~*~

You can find Kerry on her website, Facebook and on Twitter

It’s that time of the week again. Time to crawl!

This week is a snippet from the third book of my Geek Kink series that just released, Break Me In (don’t worry, the books don’t need to be read in order, they stand alone very well). Break Me In is a bit of a switch up for the series as the Dominant is a female. The first one I’ve ever written in a leading role. And just because the submissive is male and strapped down with a set of chains, he still has alpha stamped all over him, as you’ll see in this excerpt. Once again, adult content and adult language – but you knew that already , didn’t you?

~*~

“Tell me what you’re thinking.”

He fought to keep his voice on an even pitch. “How much I want you to fuck me so I can feel your cunt hold me tightly while you finger yourself.”

“Tsk. Tsk. Such language from a man who doesn’t normally speak so abrasively. Has my fucking reduced you to a mad oaf who simply wants to mate? I think not. At least not quite yet. You’re close though. But I don’t believe for a second that’s what you’re thinking. I don’t care much for liars.”

Her fingers circled, her short nails brushing against the minute sliver of hard flesh of his shaft she hadn’t slipped into herself. He watched as her finger moved slowly, as though she had all the time in the world to get herself off while he suffered. Her thighs clenched and he stared as she slowly dragged her wet flesh against his cock as she began to ride him.

Each torturous inch she moved, exposing his dick, was filled with ecstasy and agony. Her fingers continued to circle as she rose, the sound of their slick flesh sliding together filling the air around them.

She stopped just short of pulling off him completely. The barest inch of his cock just inside her opening. He wanted to drive up into her. Wanted to hear her panting and screaming his name as he—

“Tell me.”

“I want to fuck you.” His forearms strained against the chains holding him down. Damn it, he needed to be free. He needed to have his hands on her like earlier. She added another finger, continuing to rub in slow circles as she held herself above him.

He shifted, sighing softly when the crown of his cock slipped into her. He growled in frustration when she immediately adjusted, denying him. “My fingers feel so good here. I think I’ll just keep going. What do you think?”

“Let me give you pleasure, Elena.”

“I can’t bring myself pleasure? Think I’m not doing a good enough job?” One of her eyebrows arched in challenge.

“Isn’t what I meant.”

“Then by all means please clarify.”

“I want to give you pleasure.” He bit back a strangled groan when she lowered onto him again. She saturated his system now. Her scent filling his nose, her taste still coating his tongue. He swallowed hard, struggling to maintain coherent thought as she started to rise and fall on his dick. “I can add to your pleasure if you let me make you come.”

Her warm heat surrounded him as her fingers quickened their pace. He gasped as the metal bit into straining muscles. Her hips positioned over him as her head fell back. Her husky voice echoed through the building, her pussy clamping down harder and harder with each thrust.

“I seem to be doing just fine on my own. Just another minute and I should be done.”

Alex’s breath clogged his throat as lust started to drive him mad. He wanted to break free, bend her over the tub and slam into her so good and hard she would scream for mercy. “If you let me fuck you it would take much, much longer than a paltry minute.”

She paused, her thighs trembling against his hips. Her breasts moved as her breath came in ragged pants. “Sometimes a girl just wants to get off.”

He smirked. “But why bother when you have a very capable, very aroused man ready to remind you just how good cock is?”

She stilled, leaning forward slowly. He moaned as she pressed her lips to his ear. “You’re very full of yourself, aren’t you?”

“And you’re very full of me, aren’t you?”

~*~

Dena Garson has stopped by today and she’s talking about soulmates! Be sure to enter her contest, which ends today.

~*~

Sara’s a gem for letting me drop by today.

The idea of soulmates has been around long before the first romance novel was printed on paper. Perhaps it’s the thought that someone could fit you like the missing half of a whole that is so appealing. A yen to our yang.

I do subscribe to the theory. I like the idea that there is someone out there who would complement me so well that we would be able to finish each other’s sentences or that he would be able to sense my moods without me telling him, or that we would both feel incomplete without the other. I’m not talking about being tied to someone at the hip and never getting more than three feet from each other. I’m referring to a feeling of “rightness” – a feeling that our lives are richer, more colorful, or just a lot more fun because that person is with us.

In Mystic’s Touch, I explore the idea at an even deeper level. The hero and heroine are able to share thoughts. It’s an idea that both fascinates and horrifies me. Can you imagine knowing exactly what your significant other was thinking about or what they needed at any given minute? And they would know as well.

Would you even want to know? Leave me a comment. Maybe you’ve already met your soulmate – if so, tell us about it!

When Prince Ceros returns home to take his place on the throne, he falls prey to a mysterious malady that leaves him unable to speak or move, though his thoughts and awareness remain intact. Danet, a talented healer, realizes the prince is alert inside his body. The two are able to share thoughts telepathically. Unfortunately her connection with Ceros may bring unwanted attention to her abilities and result in her banishment from the city.

Their unique bond grows as Danet races to find a remedy for the prince’s condition. Desire turns to love, which makes Danet fear for their future when he awakens. They seek out the villain attempting to take the throne and endeavor to find a way to stay together.

Inside Scoop: Ceros’ secret shifter status adds complication and intrigue to their budding romance.

A Blush® fantasy romance from Ellora’s Cave

Blush sensuality level: This is a sensual romance (may have explicit love scenes, but not erotic in frequency or type).

Buy Links:

Ellora’s Cave  /  Amazon  /  Barnes & Noble

Book Trailer Video:  http://youtu.be/4rcPumYSe5w

You can find Dena on the web at:

Dena’s Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Blog | Ellora’s Cave | Amazon Author Page

To celebrate the release of Mystic’s Touch, I’m giving away lots of goodies. There will be ebooks, a Dena Garson gift basket, a grab bag of author promo items, a Love: Defined necklace, Naughty/Nice earrings, and a swirl ring made by Designs By Jewelee. See her blog for more info. The drawings will be held at the end of my book tour on March 3rd.

You can enter more than once! Just link over to my Rafflecopter to get your name in the drawings.

It’s been a while since I’ve done a weekly blog crawl and I thought it was time to throw my hat back in the mix. When I saw a tweet go by in my stream advertising this one, I thought it would be fun to do.

To kick things off, I’m sharing an excerpt from the second book of my contemporary erotic romance, Rock Your Soul (more info about the book is here). Fair warning about adult language and adult content in the excerpt, but I figure you probably already know that.

~*~

“You make quite a picture tied in my ropes. So gorgeous and utterly at my mercy. You came alive when I bound you. There’s no denying you were meant to be under the hands of a skilled Dom.”

Her pussy clenched around his fingers. Such a hot, responsive woman.

His cock screamed to be shoved inside her wet heat, buried so deep he lost coherent thought. Too soon. This wouldn’t be a flash in the pan tie up session. He was in for the long haul.

His free hand wrapped around the back of her neck, tugging her mouth closer to his as he continued to thrust his fingers into her cunt. He purposefully kept their mouths close, just touching as a quiet chant began spilling from her lips. He swallowed those words, using them as fuel to drive them both higher.

Her body went rigid, her hands balling into tight fists. He contemplated the repercussions of severing contact with her completely to stand back and simply watch her orgasm. But he wanted to be there, holding her as she experienced the very first release he allowed. He wanted to experience the power of the moment with her as he drove her over the precipice.

“Show me why I should keep you as my submissive, California. Prove yourself worthy.”

She inhaled sharply moments before her body tightened around his fingers. He drove up into her with such force, she shifted forward onto her toes, her head falling forward onto his shoulder. Her keening wail percussed against his body, the sound of it awakening his instincts. He ignored the arousal unfurling inside him, knowing this moment was about her getting off.

His name whispered past those still swollen lips, a quiet pledge that caressed his skin and offered a sliver of promise of what was to come. She screamed as the orgasm fractured her. He didn’t stop moving, his fingers still thrusting frantically inside her as he clutched her tightly against him.

Her release sent tremors through her entire body, the shockwaves pouring into him and signaling there was something different about this woman. He would examine it later as right now all he wanted to do was revel in her glory.

He held her for a few minutes, her breathing fast and furious as her heart continued to race. After a few minutes, her body sagged against the ropes. He worked to untie them as quickly and as safely as possible.

When he finished, he pulled her into his lap as he sat in his overstuffed chair. She curled around him, her breathing regulating as she came down off her high.

Dear God, I’m going to enjoy the hell out of training this one.

~*~

Be sure to swing by the other participants sites!

From February 3rd to 14th, I’ll be visiting various blogs around the ‘net to celebrate the release of Break Me In! Be sure to stop by and enter the giveaway I’m running (you can enter once each day of the tour!) before time runs out.

2/3: Paid By The Weird

2/4: Illustrious Illusions

2/5: Lily Harlem

2/6: In The Pages of a Good Book

2/7: Vampirique Dezire

2/10: Jan Graham

2/11: Nightstand Novels

2/12: Book Reviews and More by Kathy

2/13: Words of Wisdom from the Scarf Princess

2/14: Adriana Kraft

a Rafflecopter giveaway

There is no surprise in the revelation when I say I enjoy (and sometimes prefer) both internal and external conflict in my romances (both erotic and non-erotic). Usually, the more layers, the better. I like real stories about real people. Flawed characters with flawed pasts and scars all over them to show they’ve LIVED. Very rarely is a character perfect. Sure things get pretty damn hot between the sheets for them, because I like that too. But just as I don’t shy away from things, I don’t shy away from the sex. There are no closed doors.

Sometimes the external conflict plays an important puzzle piece in the romance, sometimes it doesn’t. It varies, just as each book I write is different. The balance of conflict is just as varied as the characters themselves. Sometimes the characters know what is coming right at them that they are powerless to stop. Other times, they don’t have a clue. Sometimes the readers knows the danger and wants to reach through the pages to warn the characters in some fashion. Then, there are times when no one can see what is coming and is blindsided.

I love all these instances. All of them.

When I wrote Rock Your Soul, I knew someone from Beth’s past needed to be on her heels at every step. Breathing down her neck and essentially stalking her. This person was obsessed, through and through. I simply didn’t know WHO that person from her past was even though I found myself writing scenes from that person’s POV. There was an assortment of possibilities available as more and more pieces of her past were reveal–especially after the very emotional breakdown she has at one point in the book. The very moment the reveal is made to readers, is the very same time it was revealed to me. Sure, I could then go back and then layer in a bit more now that I knew without giving anything away, but that was quite the moment.

Then enters Break Me In. Another book I knew where a character’s past would be at the forefront, but in a different way. From the first book of the series, Alex has been broken. I received notes from readers saying they wanted to simply hug him because of everything he’d been through. At the beginning of the book, Alex is an alcoholic. And he doesn’t make any kind of apologies for it. He openly drinks to excess without batting an eyelash. Alex is that shattered by the direction his life has taken. This doesn’t mean he’s weak or somehow less of a man – and I so very much wanted to show this. I wanted to give him his redemption. And so enter the part I talked about above by the reader (and author) being blindsided…

Even with his alcoholism, there are many, many happy times. Woven into the story is a wedding (Patrick and Allison – FINALLY!) and babies (whose?? – you’re gonna have to read to find out)! But, and I will not candycoat this in any way, shape or form: There is a death in Break Me In. Killing something that has been with you for a long time is a very, very hard thing to do – don’t let authors fool you. I don’t think of my books or characters as my kids, but they are my fictional characters and stories. Things I have created from nothing – so, yes, it does hurt when you have to take the story in a direction you never saw it going. I knew before I started writing Break Me In this event was going to happen. I knew it way deep down inside me, yet I cried like a freakin’ baby when it came time to write the chapter.

That said, Break Me In does end with a HEA – because I truly believe in those and Alex deserved one. Really and truly deserved one after everything he’d been through. The landscape of the Geek Kink series, and the town of Gatlin Falls, has been altered by events in Break Me In, but there is one more story to tell!

The conflict in Glad You Came is much more internal between the three people (yes, three!) involved, though the elements I love about external conflict are present as well. Which brings me to…who do you think is the triad in Glad You Came? I’ve been dropping blatant hints from the beginning in Taking Over Me, but now I want to know what you think!

Wheee! The third book in the Geek Kink series has finally released! It has been quite some time since I last had a release. May 2013 to be exact! But that only means there is a lot of goodness on its way to readers soon. I’m kicking off 2014 with the release of the next Geek Kink book, Break Me In. For readers familiar with the Geek Kink series, Break Me In is Alex Conners’ book. Yes! He’s finally getting his HEA!

Buy Links (more links will be added as they become available):

Ellora’s Cave: http://www.ellorascave.com/break-me-in.html

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I3H1MEU

Alex has had a tough road, but as readers will find out right from the start of Break Me In, the difficult times aren’t over for him quite yet. He’ll need to hit rock bottom before he can rise from the ashes. Luckily he has family and friends who care and love him. And they’re determined to help him throughout all his struggles.

Alex’s journey is a wonderful, yet, sometimes heart wrenching, story that I hope will make you fall in love with this cast of characters from Gatlin Falls all over again.

To celebrate, for the next three days, a few wonderful friends are helping me spread the word with a Release Blitz. And then, from February 3rd – 14th is the Break Me In Book Tour. Don’t miss your chance to win a $25.00 Think Geek gift certificate and learn some really great things about how Break Me In came to be.(I reference HOW many movies in the book?)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

In related upcoming news, if you’re a subscriber to my announcement list, I offered up a special sneak peek at the next (and last book of the Geek Kink series) Glad You Came, will release late Spring/early Summer of this year. Sign up for this occasional list (for new release announcements only) and get some behind the scenes tidbits with every release! http://eepurl.com/mbG31

As it turns out, Facebook is being an asshat and severely limiting pages (ya know, that page you get to see when you hit LIKE? Which means you WANT to see something a page is offering…) by charging the owner if they want to get their post seen. Business is business and all, but that also means I can take my business elsewhere. Such as back here to my webpage – where I already pay a fee (to my website host). That said, I did miss blogging…so, I’m back. *waves*

Release day for Break Me In (Geek Kink #3) is quickly approaching (1/29/14 – next Wednesday!!) and I’ll be sharing quotes from the books at various places around the web (Twitter, FB, Tumblr, G+…) every day between now and then. Be sure to check them all out!

I’m busy working away on edits for Edge of Need (Body Masters #2) which are due in early February and (at my editor’s request) sprinkling in a few more tidbits on a few of the secondary characters to solidify future stories for them even more that I already have. I’m still undecided on who should get the next book: Ward, Smith, Diane or Ben. Y’all will have to let me know who you think!

I’m also busy working on Glad You Came, the last of the Geek Kink series, which is due to my editor in March. While this makes me sad (the last book!) it is also fun to write because I’ve been wanting to tell Dade’s story for a really, really long time. And it marks the first time in quite some time that I’ve written a m/m/f story. Plus, I’m getting to update readers on what the other couples have been up to (weddings! babies!). So, I’m excited about this one for many reasons.

And for something on the new front, I have the first book in a contemporary erotic romance (w/ BDSM elements) series out on submission currently and am a few weeks (3 to be exact) into the “sit and wait” process (which can take from one day to six months). So, hopefully I will find a place for it and I’ll be able to bring some uber sexy, Irish, tattooed, motorcycle riding men to readers! In the meantime, if you hear some grumbling from the corner – that would be me.

I’m going to be posting/sharing/chatting on my Facebook author page for little while than here on the blog, so come on over and join the madness! As always, the site will remain up to date with current and upcoming releases.

 https://www.facebook.com/authorsarabrookes