#SatSpanks - 2/28/15 - Past Interference - Breaking Rules #CorbinsBend #Spanking

For the Cold Nights, Hot Reads Bloghop, click HERE

Sometimes you have to break the rules to get what you need.

Reading this material at Work could get you spanked.

Welcome to the Saturday Spankings blog hop.  My stories are all M/f with the dominant male determined to protect the woman he cares for and loves, or grows to love, by doing whatever it takes to ensure her safety and continued health.  This includes administering a spanking when she needs one.  

My submission for this week is an excerpt from my new spanking novella in the Corbin's Bend series, Past Interference, the sequel to A Simple Misunderstanding. Past Interference is part of the Corbin's Bend Valentine's Day collection "Love in the Rockies," and is not being sold separately.

In this scene, which occurs in Chapter Five, Eleanor Benson (Elly) has made more than a few mistakes, one of which results in her throat being injured when she experiences another run in with her ex-husband.  Not permitted to talk until the doctor gives her permission, Elly is reduced to communicating with a white board.  With her wedding to Jerry scheduled to take place in three days, Elly refuses to spend one more night in the guest bedroom.  Knowing Jerry will do nothing to address their issues until after she's been cleared by their physician, she decides to confront the matter the only way she knows how.

The next morning Elly marched into the kitchen and said, “I’m sorry, all right?” Her voice was a low, raw croak, but it was loud enough for Jerry to whip around from his position at the stove to glower at her. “I didn’t mean to hurt you —”

“Not one more word out of you, young lady. Go fetch your board.”

“You go fetch it, if you want it so badly. I want to talk.”

His eyes first widened in shock, then narrowed in warning. “Board.”

Elly shook her head. “No.” He switched off the stove with a snap of his wrist, his every movement proclaiming his displeasure with her defiance. “I can’t talk to you —”

“Quiet,” he snapped, grabbing her by the arm. His hold was unbreakable, but not painful. He marched her over to the table where he pointed to her board. “Pick it up,” he ordered, his jaw tight.

 

Though Elly knows her disobedience will push Jerry into taking action, she hopes the spanking she's about to receive will help clear some of the very uncomfortable tension developing between them and allow them to begin repairing their broken relationship.

M/F Domestic Discipline in Colorado.

Blurb:

Valentine's Day in Corbin's Bend.  As Elly Benson readies herself for her second wedding, the doubts and misgivings of any new bride-to-be are exacerbated by the abuse she suffered during her first marriage.

Though she's lived with Jerry Douglas for four months now, and been subject to his discipline more than once, Elly's first husband had been kind and careful with her, too, until the day she vowed to love, honor and obey him.  The lessons she's learned from the past make her doubt she can ever find happiness in the future.

Love in the Rockies is available at the following locations.

Blushing Books

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

I also have a page on my web site where I am offering a sample of the first two chapters. If you're interested, visit either the Spanking Romance or Past Interference page in the Over 18 section of my website.

Thanks for visiting.  I hope you enjoyed this brief excerpt and want more. Please click on one of the author's names below, or visit The Saturday Spankings Blog to continue your journey.

Frisky Friday - 2/27/15 - Mortal Illusions - With the utmost restraint #Paranormal #Vampires

For the Cold Nights, Hot Reads Bloghop, click HERE

Sometimes a monster really is hiding under the bed.

Welcome to another offering for Frisky Friday, where we hope you're getting as excited about the weekend as we are.  This week, I'm sharing an excerpt from my 1st book, Mortal Illusions. A vampire romance published by New Concepts Publishing, Mortal Illusions is currently the first in a series of 3 books.  Its sequel, Fatal Desire, is currently under production.

 

This snippet occurs at the beginning of Chapter 6.  Germaine St. Justine and Claire Daniels are both attending the opening night festivities of Germaine's newest musical "Dracula." Claire's mother died the day before, and Germaine dedicated their opening night performance to her.  Though Claire is grateful for Germaine's support, she has grown more and more convinced he is really a vampire and was once her mother's lover. So, when she begins making wild accusations Germaine is really a vampire, he suggests their backstage doctor sedate her enough to calm her down so she can complete her performance.  Claire is furious with him for avoiding her questions and overriding her wishes in the matter, but attends the party anyway, since she doesn't want to do anything that might ruin the night her mother had most wanted to see.  Claire's Broadway debut.
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         Claire smiled gratefully at the standing ovation she received, but continued to cling to Harry's arm.  Germaine didn't think that would bother him either, but it did.  However, when he saw Harry hand Claire her third glass of champagne, Germaine grew livid.  If the woman didn't have enough sense to realize she wasn't supposed to consume alcohol with the drug she'd been given, then the gentleman with her should at least take heed of the warning signs.

         He started over to have a word with Harry Collins when Harry abruptly made his excuses and headed straight toward him instead.

         Gesturing imperiously for Germaine to follow him, Harry strode toward an empty corner and turned on his heel.  He stood with his back to the wall and his arms crossed before him in a stance that was part belligerent and part defensive--his eyes daring Germaine to disregard him.

            Germaine slid his hands into his pockets.  With a single flick of his wrist he could send his puny mortal challenger flying across the room and out the bank of windows looking down on the Avenue of Americas.  Smiling inwardly at the notion, he strolled over to where Harry waited.

Though Germaine is concerned about Claire, he makes no effort to disguise his dislike of Harry Collins, but Harry remains unsuspecting of Germaine's true nature.

M/F, Contemporary vampire romance in a society based on D/s.

Read the first three chapters at: Mortal Illusions

Buy the book at NCP, Amazon, Barnes & Noble or ARe.

Thanks for visiting.  I hope you enjoyed this brief excerpt and wish you and yours a very Frisky Friday. 

Don't miss the Cold Nights, Hot Reads Bloghop #FreeExcerpts, #Prizes, #FreeBook

It's the first day of March, so if you live in the northern hemisphere, baby you know it's cold outside.  But the romance writers participating in this hop know how to heat things up. In this hop, we want you to get hot and bothered, and we aim to do everything we can to make you that way.  Why?  Because we write the spicy novels that leave you panting for more.  At least that's our intent.

For my part to help increase your body temperature, I'm offering a reader's choice from any one of my eBooks.

You can read blurbs, excerpts, reviews etc. for each book by visiting my website at: http://www.kathrynrblake.com and clicking on the banners listed on the home page.

And to help whet your appetite, I'll offer an excerpt from my latest story, Past Interference, currently available in the Corbin's Bend Valentine's Day anthology, Love in the Rockies.

Buy Links:

Blushing Books

http://www.blushingbooks.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=3210

Amazon-USA

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T0Y6X26

Barnes & Noble

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-in-the-rockies-constance-masters/1121141254

Elly and Jerry are due to be married in a couple of days and Elly is suffering from severe misgivings. Not about Jerry.  She loves him to pieces, but she loved her first husband, too, until he changed into a person she no longer recognized on their wedding night. Elly's first husband abused her terribly, but he took special delight in hurting her anally. Jerry has decided the best way to prove to Elly that he's not like her husband, is to show her.

The moment they stepped across the threshold, Jerry closed the bedroom door, to ensure no four-legged children would disturb them, and drew Elly close. “I love you.” He whispered the reminder against her lips as his hands soothed, rubbed and slowly undressed her. Tiny sounds of protest emerged from her throat, but she offered no resistance when his talented hands wove an erotic spell around and within her as they gently sought out her hidden valleys and crevices. No place on her body was denied attention, but he showed no preference to any specific area either. Instead, he encompassed her with his touch until she stood naked and trembling before him.

Releasing her mouth, he took a step back and let his eyes feast. “You’re beautiful, sexy and cute all at the same time, and I adore you.”

She attempted a tremulous smile.

“Good girl. I much prefer your smiles over your tears, so we’ll see if we can’t keep those luscious lips of yours upturned with pleasure. All right?”

Nodding, she let him lead her over to the bed. The fact he chose to remain clothed while stripping her naked would have normally made Elly uneasy, but today she took a measure of comfort from his denim-clad body. She knew the impressive piece of man-flesh tenting his blue jeans was capable of bringing her great pleasure, and though she’d never consciously compared them, Jerry was much larger than Arthur, which made her a little uneasy given what he intended.

He lay down first, then draped her to lie over him. Elly tensed, even though she preferred the freedom of being on top.

“Relax, sweetie. We’re in no hurry and right now I simply want to bring you pleasure. All right?”

Pushing aside her doubts for the moment, she nodded and bent forward for another kiss. This time he lightly nibbled her lips before his tongue claimed the interior of her mouth. The coaxing fingers that skated along her sides shifted to an erotic scraping of neatly trimmed nails. He continued the tease until her soft moans grew in volume, at which point he rolled her onto her back without pausing in his sensuous assault.

Elly wrapped her arms around his neck and participated with eager willingness. After a moment, he raised his head. “I would like to give you a scented oil massage. It will help relax you.”

Though he was stating his intentions, rather than asking, she gave a nod of consent and received yet another kiss as her reward. Then, he shifted and drew a small bottle from the top drawer of the bedroom night table.

“Always prepared?” she asked with a feeble attempt at a grin.

“Ever hopeful,” he corrected, his smile gently reassuring as he poured a dollop of oil onto the palm of one hand. When he warmed the lubricant with the heat of his skin, the aromatic scent of caramel popcorn filled the air.

To be entered in my drawing, leave a comment with your name and e-mail address and tell me what it is Jerry did that would normally make Elly uneasy.

Once you've done that, go on and see what goodies the other authors are offering, but before you go, don't forget to fill out the Rafflecopter form to be entered for one of the main prizes.  Have fun!

•    1st Prize:  $125 Paypal Cash or Gift Card
•    2nd Prize: $50 Paypal Cash or Gift Card
•    3rd Prize:  $35 Paypal Cash or Gift Card
•    4th Prize   $20 Gift Certificate for Phaze Books

Prize winners to be announced on or before March 5

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#MFRWHooks - 2/25/15 - Deadly Enchantment - Attempting something a little different #Paranormal #Shapeshifters

Fair Warning: Wizards don't always play fair.

Welcome to MFRW Book Hooks, a regular Wednesday feature! Today, I'm sharing a snippet from my second book, Deadly Enchantment, a Victorian paranormal romance concerning the deadly rivalry between two shape-shifting wizard brothers.  The legitimate heir, Terrence, received his father's money and title, but his illegitimate half-brother, Dominic, received all their father's affection and love, earning all of Terrence's resentment.

Published by New Concepts Publishing, the story revolves around a young psychic woman unwittingly drawn into the brotherly conflict when she faces off with the dark wizard of Ravenscroft, whom she is convinced has brutally slaughtered her sister in a fit of jealous rage on their wedding night.

This segment introduces us to Terrence, who's at play in his dungeon.  He's bored, and a bored wizard trained in black magic is a very dangerous animal indeed.

            Although a peer of the realm, Terrence Nathaniel Moreland, Earl of Lynwood, cared not at all for the trappings and social amenities associated with being a member of the nobility.  The title offered him certain privileges, which he made use of as they suited him, but for the most part, he preferred to seclude himself in his laboratory where he could work his spells and potions undisturbed and unquestioned.

            And today he was attempting something a little different.  Something he’d never been entirely successful at before, but curiosity and a feeling of restlessness impelled him to try again.  That and the fact that the young woman seated near him had ruined his breakfast by overcooking his eggs.

He is not a man you would ever want to meet in a dark alleyway.

M/F, Shape shifting wizards in Victorian England.

Read the first three chapters at: Deadly Enchantment

Available at NCP, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

I hope you enjoyed this nibble. Your comments are encouraged. Thanks for stopping by.  Now go visit the other authors participating in Book Hooks. 

Guest Post - Renee Rose - Mob Mistress - #Goomah in search of a Sugar Daddy #SpankingRomance @ReneeRoseAuthor

Renee Rose is my kind of girl.  She's a romantic, and she wants everyone to know it.  I asked her if she had to wear a t-shirt with one word on it for the rest of your life. Which word would she choose? Here's what she answered....

Love. It’s my word for 2015, but I’m silly enough to believe it’s the superpower that will heal the entire world. :)

Love is what makes the world go round.  Now on to Mob Mistress.

Excerpt:

In the following excerpt, Lexi, a hair-stylist in financial crisis, has just been introduced to mobster Bobby Manghini:

“I told her you’d make a good sugar daddy,” Gina said with a smirk.

She felt her cheeks grow warm.  Good God, now he would think she was a money-grubbing, desperate floozy.

The statement only seemed to interest Bobby, though. He turned his attention to her. “Is that so?”

She opened her lips to deny it, but found herself caught in his heated gaze, the appreciative assessment obvious. Forcing herself to exhale, she said, “No, she was only kidding.”

Bobby reached over and grasped the seat of her chair, pulling it forward until her knees came between his.

She gasped at the sudden movement and gave a nervous giggle. “What are you —?”

He made a show of looking her up and down. “Yes, I would definitely say you are sugar baby material.”

Dean and Gina laughed, egging him on.

She looked skyward again. “I feel like a horse at auction. Look, I never said —”

Bobby grinned and took hold of her jaw. “Right! Let’s see those teeth, little pony,” he said, pulling her face toward him. Instead of looking in her mouth, he lowered his face, sweeping his lips lightly across hers. Softer than she expected, they tasted faintly of whiskey. Though she ought to be turned off by being so manhandled, the moment he pulled away, she missed his touch, wanting more.

Her heart rate quickened. Was this actually happening?

Bobby grinned and sat back, releasing her from his scrutiny.

Recovered from her fluster, she gave herself a quick pep talk. What did she have to lose, really? A sugar daddy would solve all her problems, if this was for real. She gave him a seductive look. “Are you in the market for a sugar baby?”

He threw his head back and laughed, a deep, rich rumbling sound that for no known reason made her tingle. “As a matter of fact, I am. But when I take a goomah, I expect her to be at my beck and call, available any time I please.”

She swallowed, her panties dampening at the idea of being his sexual servant. “And what exactly would you offer in return?”

Bobby placed both his hands on her thighs and made little circles around her knees. “Living expenses and spending cash. How does that sound?”

Gina and Dean made enthusiastic murmurings as their eyes locked. Heat pooled in her center core, traveling up until her face grew warm. Her breath rose and fell in a rapid rhythm.

He leaned closer and spoke in a low, rumbling voice, “But you should know, I would use you however I wanted, whenever I wanted. And I would demand fidelity. No other men.”

“What about women?” she asked.

“Only if I get to watch.”

Blurb:

When hair stylist Lexi Tyler finds herself evicted from her apartment, her best friend sets her up with the mobster Bobby Manghini, knowing he likes to play sugar daddy. He offers her a luxury apartment overlooking the city and spending cash every time he sees her, but one thing is clear: he is the bossman.

Lexi soon discovers Bobby backs up his rules with firm, over the knee discipline, but he also takes responsibility for all her problems, giving her more support than she ever dreamed of having from a man

Mobster Bobby Manghini likes to be the man in control, particularly with women, which is why he prefers a mistress for sex, even though he’s no longer married. When he strikes a deal with Lexi to be at his beck and call, he finds in her the full package -- a hot, intelligent woman who is turned on by his dominance and willing to submit to his punishment. But when she finds out he doesn’t have a wife, she is hurt by the deception and severs all ties.

Can he prove to her their relationship meant more than a business arrangement? Or will he lose the one woman willing to give him everything he ever desired?

Publisher’s Note: This book contains spanking, anal sex and hot scenes that may keep you up late reading.

Buy Links

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S7PC0IU

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00S7PC0IU

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-mobmistressbooktwointhebossmanseries-1723023-147.html

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mob-mistress-book-two-in-the-bossman-series-renee-rose/1121044858?ean=9781626011465

About the Author:

Renee Rose is a naughty author and kinkster who loves writing about hot alpha males, Dominance/submission and power exchanges. Named Eroticon USA's Next Top Erotic Author in 2013, her books are all centered around kink, namely: spanking. She also writes BDSM under the name Darling Adams.

She can be found on:

Blog

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

Pinterest

Amazon

Instagram

#SPeekSunday - 2/22/15 - Arrested by Love - Too deep to tell the truth #DD #Spanking

He caught her speeding in a school zone and decided she needed to learn even civil disobedience could have very painful consequences.

Welcome to Sneak Peek Sunday.  For this hop we get to share six paragraphs from a published work or a WIP (work in progress).

My submission for this week is from my 3rd book, Arrested by Love.  A handsome, but strict, police officer  decides a spoiled socialite needs a special lesson in obeying the law.

Tiffany Morgan has been in love with Kyle Sinclair since she was ten years old, when he'd turned her over his knee for attempting to swim in a raging white water river. Though she'd been furious with him at the time, Tiffany never told her family what Kyle did. Instead, she began trailing after him like an annoying younger sister as she tried to gain his attention.

Now, eleven years later, Kyle, a patrol officer, is finding it much more difficult to maintain his distance from the irresistible and vivacious redhead who continues to invent ingenious ways to attract his interest. Though he dismissed her initial attraction to him as infatuation, as she grew-up, his own feelings of desire and protectiveness deepened. So, despite his constant struggle to resist the spirited little minx's lures, Kyle finally has to admit that he is losing the battle--badly.

After Kyle makes it clear to Tiffany that speeding will earn her much more than a ticket from him, he gives into the inevitable and asks her out on a date.  He loves her, but isn't sure he's the right guy for her.  However, he no longer fights the attraction between them as he dates her exclusively, but Tiffany wants more, so she makes her stand, and Kyle makes it clear how her life will change if they get married.  And he persists by asking if she even thought she could live on a budget.  When she informs him she is not fiscally irresponsible, he tells her that if she can live for one month on the budget he sets for her, and show how she'd been able to save the rest of her salary, without going to her daddy for help, he will ask her to marry him.  But after two weeks in a row of going over, Tiffany seeks out her father in a tearful panic. He agrees to bail her out, but warns her that men can forgive a lot, but lying is something they find difficult to excuse. So, by lying to Kyle, Tiffany finds herself swiftly spiraling downward into a morass of guilt.

             However, this time when she lied about her week's activities, she felt even guiltier given the way Kyle effusively praised her.  She got so upset with herself over her deceit, she almost failed to come when he used his oh-so-talented tongue to bring her to orgasm.  She could tell by the way he carefully regarded her that he was suspicious something was up.  Usually Tiffany practically came when Kyle just crooked a finger at her, so for her not to go totally limp after he'd pleasured her was not only unusual.  It was unheard of.  So, seeing his frown, and wanting to avoid any questions, she brightened her smile and pretended all was right with the world.

            When, by the end of the fourth and final week she was short again, she was feeling thoroughly depressed and cried in her room for her failure.  Her overage wasn't very high this week, only $35.  But when added to her deficit, even that small amount put her $210 over for the month.  And that made Tiffany feel sick to her stomach.  Though she was able to make up the difference again with her private stash, her accomplishment felt hollow.  In a sense she'd failed Kyle, and had made things worse by actually lying to him.  Except she was in too deep now to tell him the truth.

            When she told him again that she'd met his requirement, he drew her into his arms.  "I'm so proud of you, Tiff.  I thought it would be much harder for you than it was, but I had every faith that you would try your best.  So much so, I got you this."

            Dropping down on one knee, he held up a small velvet box for her to open.            Tiffany winced.  Pretty sure she knew what she would find inside, she opened the box and looked down at the most gorgeous engagement ring she had ever seen, because he had bought it for her.  Feeling more miserable than ever, Tiffany handed the box back to him and promptly burst into tears.

            Kyle immediately rose to his feet and drew Tiffany into his arms.  He was being so romantically sweet and understanding that she couldn't help sobbing out her misery against his chest.

            "Shh, Tiffany.  What is it that's upset you so badly, honey?  If you don't like the ring, we can exchange it, but don't cry so hard, sweetheart.  You'll make yourself sick.

Tiffany loves Kyle, and wants to prove to him she can will make a good wife, except she's never tried to keep to a budget before, and she quickly discovers it's much harder than she originally thought.  She knows going to her father is against the rules, but she can't face Kyle's disappointment for the second week in a row, so she breaks the rule, convincing herself she'll make it up in another way. However, when she falls short yet again, she begins to feel like a total failure.

M/F, DD and sexy spankings in rural Connecticut.

If you're 18 or older, you can read the first three chapters at Arrested by Love

Buy the book directly from Blushing Books, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ARE

Thanks for visiting.  I hope you enjoyed this brief excerpt and want more. Please click the link below to continue your hop Sneak Peek Sunday Wishing you a wonderful journey.

#SatSpanks - 2/21/15 - A Dom's Dilemma - Give me a little a squeeze #BDSM #Spanking

She needed his protection, except he insisted on her honest submission first.

Reading this material at Work could get you spanked.

Welcome to the Saturday Spankings blog hop.  My stories are all M/f with the dominant male determined to protect the woman he cares for and loves, or grows to love, by doing whatever it takes to ensure her safety and continued health.  This includes administering a spanking when she needs one.  

My submission for this week is from my first BDSM novel, A Dom's Dilemma, published by Blushing Books.  I'm picking up exactly where we left off last time.

In this scene, Jim, a former Texan who works as a police detective by day and lives and plays as a Dom by night, is in the Velvet Chains BDSM medical station working with his new submissive, Kelly Franklin.  When Kelly balks, Jim suspects fear, rather than brattiness, is responsible for her reaction.  After giving her repeated opportunities to tell him what's bothering her, he decides to continue with his original agenda.  However, when Kelly discovers he intends to give her an enema, her fear increases exponentially, which validates his suspicions, but doesn't address Kelly's lack of trust or stubborn refusal to obey.  So, after reminding his reluctant sub what BDSM is about, Jim gives her an ultimatum.  Say her safe word or submit to his will.  Kelly agrees to do what he wants, despite the persistent inner voice urging her to run away.  Though Jim's purpose is not to humiliate or punish Kelly, her previous experience with medical BDSM was both embarrassing and painful, so despite Jim's extra care and patience with her, she's dreading the procedure.

  

            Giving her an encouraging smile, George, who had served as her Master's assistant, patted her hand, then glanced back at Master Jim.

            "You're doing really well, Kelly.  Master Jim and I are going to change places for a bit.  All right?"

            "Yes, Sir," she replied as she heard Jim removing his examination gloves.

            Next her Dom crouched down, so his face was level with hers.  "How you doin', darlin'?  Any discomfort at all?" he asked, brushing aside a tear.

            She shook her head.  He sounded so concerned and solicitous about her comfort and well-being that it almost made her feel foolish for raising such a fuss.  Almost.  The ride wasn't fun, by any means, but hadn't been the horror trip she dreaded, either.

              "Good," he praised, insinuating the fingers of his left hand between those she still had tucked under her chin.  "You give me a little squeeze if anythin' bothers you at all.  In the meantime, I think I'll just slip this hand under these covers to see what it finds."

Kelly has a past she's not willing to share with anyone, and enemas are a hard limit for her. Unfortunately, she adamantly refuses to say why, so Jim considers the procedure a necessity to ensure his new sub isn't concealing something that could make anal play dangerous for her. Though Jim's been trained and knows what to look for, withholding valuable information from a Dom is never a wise course of action for a sub to take.

M/F, Kinky happenings in rural Connecticut.

If you're 18 or older, you can read the first three chapters at A Dom's Dilemma 
Buy the book directly from Blushing Books, Amazon, ARE

Thanks for visiting.  I hope you enjoyed this brief excerpt and want more. Please click on one of the author's names below, or visit The Saturday Spankings Blog to continue your journey.

#FriskyFriday - 2/20/15 - Acting Lessons - Kate strolls down memory lane #DD #Spanking

Peter loved Kate with all his being, but that didn't mean he'd tolerate an ultimatum from her.

Welcome to another offering for Frisky Friday, where we hope you're getting as excited about the weekend as we are.

My submission for this week is from my 5th book, Acting Lessons.

 He was a strict and demanding college professor turned professional director who excelled at giving acting lessons.  She was his shy and uncertain former student who became a professional actress under his tutelage.  They fell in love, married, and won two Tony Awards before tragedy struck and a simple kiss ripped them apart.

After a six month separation, Peter Thorton decides to take matters into his own hands by making his famous wife, Kate, an offer she wouldn't refuse.  Plainly put, he wants her back and he intends to do whatever is necessary to achieve his goal, even if it means giving his stubborn, willful leading lady a daily reminder over his knee that she promised to obey him.

In this scene, which occurs at the beginning of Chapter Four, Peter Thorton is attempting to get his wife ready for a trip to a college camp ground in upper New York, where they will appear together in a summer stock production of "Kiss Me Kate." Kate has agreed to help Peter teach the drama students who have auditioned and been selected personally by him for the course he is teaching.    Kate isn't sure she can trust Peter with her heart again, since she believes he's been unfaithful to her, but she's never stopped loving him. And though Domestic Discipline originally played a part in their marriage, their last two years together had them living like polite strangers sharing the same house. Though things are far from perfect between them now, they are temporarily reconciled with one small problem.  After suffering two miscarriages, Kate is afraid to try again.  Afraid she'll fail.  Peter understands, but because they both want children, he doesn't want her using birth control, either.  Unfortunately, Kate doesn't agree.  However, hiding contraceptive sponges in her luggage isn't going to be as easy as she thought, especially when their motherly housekeeper Consuelo enters the room to check on her. Kate does her best to hide the evidence, but Consuelo pulls her aside to talk.

            "The year Mr. Peter hired us; you two were a loving couple." Consuelo smiled, but her expression contained a touch of sadness.  "Teasing, laughing, playing, and yes, Mr. Peter spanked you more than once when you ignored his advice and worked yourself too hard, or behaved foolishly to the point of injuring your knee."

            None of this was news to Kate, but she'd just turned twenty-one when they'd moved into this house over two years ago, and many things had changed since then.  However, she still blushed at hearing how their behavior appeared to William and Consuelo.

            Consuelo reached out to touch Kate's hand.  "You were crazy about each other, and it showed.  Your careers were taking off:  Mr. Peter won his second Tony in June, you won your first, and both of you glowed with pride.  You'd already signed to appear in your first serious drama when you learned you were pregnant, and though I could tell you were nervous, you looked happy, too.  And then you lost the baby.  After you came home from the hospital, everything changed.  You went on to win a Tony nomination for your play, but neither of you were happy.  No one laughed any more, although you did your share of crying."

            "You knew?"

            Consuelo nodded.  "I think we all knew you were depressed, which was why Mr. Peter did everything you asked, but what you asked for wasn't what you needed or wanted.  Was it?"

            Kate shrugged even as she wiped away tears with her fingers.

Though Kate harbors some guilt about using a contraceptive against Peter's wishes, especially one that he could possibly ingest, she feels he has no right to dictate whether or not she can prevent pregnancyl. However, attempting to keep a secret like that, from a husband who's determined to ensure you take good care of yourself, carries its own risks.  And risks incur casualties.

M/F, DD and a staged production of Kiss Me, Kate.

If you're 18 or older, you can read the first three chapters at Acting Lessons

Buy the book directly from Blushing Books

Thanks for visiting.  I hope you enjoyed this brief excerpt and wish you and yours a very Frisky Friday.