Showing posts with label Free Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Free Books. Show all posts

Thursday, February 26, 2015

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

Amazon-USA

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

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Hot Days and Hotter Nights - #Bloghop #FreeExcerpt #Prizes



It's August, so if you live in the northern hemisphere you know it's hot.  But the heat we're talking about here has more to do with body temperature than the weather.  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 novel, A Simple Misunderstanding.


Jerry has just returned from the dog park after Elly returned his jacket.  He's even more certain now that her husband is mistreating her, so he's decided to call the man who serves as the head of Corbin's Bend housing committee as well as Jerry's friend and mentor.

After Jerry got Jack fed and settled, he called Brent’s office.
“Carmichael.” That was Brent. All business and direct when events required quick results.
“Brent, it’s Jerry.”
“Hi, Jerry.” Jerry imagined his mentor tilting back in his chair. “What can I do for you?”
“I’d like to talk to you about Mr. and Mrs. Benson. Mrs. Benson, actually.”
“What about her?”
“I’ve gotten her to loosen up a little, and though I don’t have any proof, I think her husband might be abusing her. Yesterday, she sported some serious bruises on her wrists, and today she had difficulty walking. I fear I’m responsible. I tried to keep her talking to me, which made her late, and since she appeared cold, I lent her my coat. I believe Mr. Benson took exception to both those unusual developments.”
“Did she say so?”
“Not directly, but she did admit she got punished for not dressing properly for the weather.”
“Jerry….”
“I know. I would have spanked her for going outside with only a sweater on, too, if she’d been mine to take care of, but I wouldn’t have made her so sore she couldn’t walk.”
Brent Carmichael paused, and Jerry suspected his friend was struggling to be tactful. Brent was naturally protective of the people in Corbin’s Bend. No doubt the thought of one of theirs being abused stuck in his craw as well. After a moment, he spoke. “I understand how you feel, but some husbands are stricter than others, and—”
“Brent, please, I don’t need the lecture. Okay? What I want is someone to follow up with her and Arthur to make sure he’s not harming her, even if it’s unintentional.”
The only sound Jerry heard was Brent’s breathing. Finally, the other man said, “All right. I’ll suggest Kelli broach the subject with her. As Elly’s mentor, I think she’s the best choice, but Jerry, you and I need to sit down and discuss the appropriateness of your fixation with Mrs. Benson. I realize you view Eleanor Benson as a wounded animal and want to shelter her under your protective wing. However, Mrs. Benson is neither yours to protect, nor care for, and I suspect your feelings may be interfering with your objectivity.”
“Fine, I’ll set up an appointment to talk with you next week, but let me say this. When I asked Mrs. Benson how her wrists came to be so bruised and swollen, she said it was just a simple misunderstanding between her and Arthur. And Brent, putting my feelings aside, what happened to that woman was neither a misunderstanding, nor simple.” At that, Jerry hung up. A part of him longed to tell his mentor off, but his rational mind knew the older man was right. If Elly wouldn’t speak up for herself, and admit she and Benson had a problem, they could do nothing to help her. And, though his growing feelings for Mrs. Benson might be inappropriate, they weren’t interfering with his objectivity. They had practically eclipsed it.


To be entered in my drawing, leave a comment with your name and e-mail address and tell me what it was specifically Jerry observed about Elly Benson that had him suspecting her husband abused her.

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!

A Kindle Fire or the gift card equivalent—donated by Blushing Books
A $100 GC to Amazon or B&N
A $50 GC
A $25 GC


Prize winners to be announced on or before August 20



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Twisted Tuesdays - 7/15/14 - A Simple Misunderstanding Sneak Peek - #SpankingRomance #CorbinsBend


NEWS FLASH!: My book was released a day early.  It's available at Blushing Books now.
http://www.blushingbooks.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=2914

Anyone who knows Maren Smith will realize this is an especially fitting location for her.  The lady can write some seriously twisted stuff in a way that leaves you begging for more.  Marcus Devon is the hero in her upcoming release Last Dance for Cadence, and he's a secondary character in my book, A Simple Misunderstanding. To celebrate her new release, Maren is offering a free copy of each Corbin's Bend book.  Today she's doing an excerpt from A Simple Misunderstanding that features Marcus.

She'll be selecting one commenter on her blog to receive a free copy of my book, and announcing the winner the moment the book is released on Wednesday, the 16th (hopefully around midnight).


So, if you want a chance to win a copy of A Simple Misunderstanding, hop over to Maren's Bad Girl's Corner Blog and leave a comment.  But before you go, I'll post a Sneak Peek featuring Marcus here as well.  I mean, it's only fair. Maren shouldn't have all the fun.


In this scene, Elly is in the hospital after her husband's attack. Jerry has been spending all his time with her, so Marcus and Brent have come to spell him for an hour or so.

When Brent returned without Jerry, Elly’s stomach twisted. Her expression must have reflected her unease, for Brent promptly smiled and said, “Don’t worry. He only went downstairs for a cup of coffee. He’ll be right back.”
Though she gave a nod, Elly suspected Jerry’s unexpected absence wasn’t entirely due to sudden caffeine withdrawal. And that worried her.
Marcus Devon leaned forward to touch her hand. “Are you in pain, Elly?”
Smiling back at him, she shook her head. “No. I was just thinking about something. Sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. Your injuries were serious enough to be life-threatening, so you’re a very lucky lady to be sitting here chatting with us at all.”
Elly nodded, then frowned. “I can’t remember much of what happened. It’s all a blur to me now.”
“That’s not unusual, either. Your system has been through a serious shock. The doctors here will tell you what you can and cannot do, but your activities are going to be extremely limited for the next six weeks or so. Your body needs to heal, so no stairs, and no lifting anything above a couple pounds, which includes Muffin. Your dressing will need to be changed at least once a day, probably more often in the beginning. I’d say your temperature should be taken twice a day for a week; more often if you aren’t well. Your blood pressure should also be monitored on a frequent basis. These things are done every few hours in the hospital, and they shouldn’t suddenly stop just because you’re home. In other words, you’re going to need someone to watch you closely for the first week or so.”
“I hadn’t thought about that.”
“Perhaps it’s time you did, then. Given how well you’re doing now, you may be released as early as tomorrow afternoon, but I’d say Wednesday morning is more likely.”
When the room unexpectedly tilted, Elly shut her eyes and put a hand to her throbbing temple, fearing a migraine. Marcus didn’t hesitate to take charge.


Now head on over to Maren's blog and enter for a chance to win.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

#SciSpanks - Fatal Desire - 364 Days does not a Year Make #Vampires #Bloghop



Welcome to Sci Spanks 2014! Chances are you’ve gotten a few samplings of what we're doing on Ana's blog, so now you get to sample free stories from sixteen award-winning authors (and me). Please visit Governing Ana for the prize list, sign-up sheet, and free books. You can win from a prize pool valued at over $1,000, including a Kindle Fire or Nook HD! (Neat, huh?)

Many authors will also be offering a contest on their individual blogs (like me).  Your comment on their blogs automatically enters you in both the main contest and the individual contests!

What’s the catch?  Absolutely nothing!  We love writing for you and want to thank you for your readership.  Perhaps someone might get a spanking or two, but that’s a reward rather than a catch, right?

Here are the rules:
1.    Visit each blog between Wednesday, June 25 and Sunday, June 29 to read the posted stories and excerpts.
Note: Natasha Knight’s story takes place in a nonconsensual setting, meaning the heroine has not consented to getting spanked. If you are offended or alarmed, you may prefer not to read her story.  If that is the case, and you are working to read all the blogs, leave a comment for Ana on her blog http://governingana.wordpress.com to let her know you had to skip Natasha's post.
2.    Leave a comment answering the story question on each blog.  You will receive one entry per blog for the grand prize drawing.  You will also be automatically entered in that author’s individual contest, if she has one.
3.    If you have visited all of the blogs, visit Ana’s blog to sign up for FIVE bonus entries to the grand prize.
4.    Deadline is midnight EDT (UTC -5) on June 29!!
5.    If you successfully completed a previous challenge (Love Spanks 2014, Spank or Treat 2013, Spankee Doodle 2013, Love Spanks 2013, or Spank or Treat 2012), you may add "VIP" to your comments.  You will earn THREE bonus entries toward the grand prize.  (Yes, we will be doing this again.  Yes, if you successfully complete the Love Spanks 2014 challenge you can become a VIP for our next activity!)
6.    If you are an published writer/author, please add “W” to your comments. That way, your name will be entered in the special author prize drawings.
7.    Visit any of the participating blogs on Wednesday, July 2nd to find out the lucky winners.  Will it be you?

NEW THIS YEAR! Visit us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/scispanks) between June 25th and 29th to receive an invitation to an exclusive Sci Spanks party! Chat with your favorite authors, earn extra prize entries, and give feedback about the stories! Message Anastasia Vitsky on Facebook or contact Anne Ferrer Odom to receive an invitation.


For more spanking fun, visit Saturday Spankings for additional snippets.

For more information, updates, and a list of participating authors, please visit:
Twitter hashtag: #SciSpanks


Now for my story.  I've chosen to use "Fatal Desire" again, because some of the characters in it are indeed "Out of this World."  "Fatal Desire" is my vampire romance sequel to "Mortal Illusions."  This scene happens fairly late in the second book.  Husband and wife for nine months, both the characters are vampires at this point, though Amanda is still in her first year as an immortal.  Any vampire less than one-year-old is considered an infant, and no vampire is permitted to take his/her blood until after the infant has passed its one-year mark to become a fledgling.  Unfortunately, Amanda wants Marcus badly, and she isn't above using some sneaky tactics to get him to nibble a little one day early.  Marcus is a former gladiator, and has the physique to match.  He is an honorable man who believes in living by strict rules that don't allow for much gray.  Let's see how Amanda fares in her efforts with her rigid, and dominant husband.



            Amanda slipped into a short, sexy nightgown with no panties and sought Marcus out in his private office.  He sat at his desk pouring over some designs for the haunted theme park he considered building.  Lost in concentration, he didn't glance up when she entered the room, which should have been a red flag.  Unfortunately, she was too horny to appreciate his more serious state of mind.
           Stepping behind his chair, she slid her fingers around the edges of his ears.  "Are you busy?" she asked in her sexiest voice.
           He spared her a look that questioned her intelligence, but said, "Yes, darling, I am.  Now go back upstairs and watch some TV or read while I finish this."
           "Then what?" she teased with a small pout.
           Putting down his papers, he gave her his full attention.  When he saw what she wore, he growled.  Literally.
           Taking the sound for the warning it was, Amanda raised her hands and backed up.  "It's only one day," she protested softly.  "We're on our honeymoon tomorrow.  Surely one day can't make that much difference."
           His face a stony mask, he said, "How long did I tell you we needed to wait?"
           "One year, but--"
           "Correct.  Is that year up today?"
           "No, but--"
           "Do you think I arbitrarily chose the time frame?"
           "No, but--"
           "Do you think you are the only one suffering?  No, you are not," he answered before she could. "And do you know why?  Because I have selflessly given you countless orgasms when you desired them, have I not?"
           "Yes, of course, but--"
           "But what?  I am denied the pleasure of finding my release in you as I wish.  I want nothing more than to sink my fangs in your sweet flesh, but I cannot.  Not until tomorrow night.  So, what is your purpose coming to me dressed as you are?  Do you wish to torture me?"
           Tears burned her eyes as she shook her head.
           "Then I suggest you go upstairs, before I demonstrate my current displeasure with you through more tangible means."
           "But, Marcus--"
           "No, Amanda!  And that is my final word on the subject.  Tempt me further tonight and you will be uncomfortable sitting on that plane tomorrow.  Do I make myself clear?"
           Despite the disappointment spearing through her, Amanda meekly answered, "Yes, Sir."
           "Then go."  The command was accompanied by his finger unnecessarily pointing the way to the door.
           Realizing he wouldn't relent, she turned and fled to their bedroom, then slammed the door.  Anger and frustration getting the best of her, she threw their wedding picture at the wall, but received no satisfaction when the glass shattered.  Less than a second later, he'd flashed to stand before her with his hands on his hips.  If he'd been angry before, he was livid now.
           "That tantrum, my love, has earned you five swats."  Sitting on the bed, he patted his knee.  "Take your position, please."
           "Go to Hell!" she shouted back, angry as well as scared he would carry out his threat, which was the exact opposite of what she'd wanted.
           "A simple no, would have earned you an extra swat," he advised, his tone and manner so frigid it gave her a chill.  "Swearing has earned you five more.  We're at ten now.  Care to go for fifteen?"
           She shook her head, struggling not to cry.  She didn't want a spanking; she wanted him to make love to her.  She swiped angrily at her tears, which fell despite her effort to hold them back, but his expression didn't change.
           "Take your position, please," he repeated firmly.
           "I'm sorry," she said in a near whisper.
           He regarded her for a moment, then shook his head. "Not good enough, I'm afraid."
           "Tomorrow is our anniversary and we're leaving for our honeymoon," she reminded him, clearly pointing out the obvious.
           "That is true, and you're undoubtedly going to be sore because of your childish actions."
           She winced.  "But I want us to have fun together, and I won't be able to if I'm hurting."
           "You should have considered that before you decided to tempt me beyond reason and throw a temper tantrum when I refused to cave in to your selfish whims."
           His tone sounded more disgruntled than angry, so she sidled closer to him.  When he showed no sign of reaching for her, she tentatively put her arm about his shoulders.  He didn't pull away, but his expression remained stern as he gazed up into her eyes.  Then she carefully lowered herself to sit on his lap.
           "Wrong way," he griped, but made no move to reposition her.
           Wrapping her arms about his neck, she leaned over to kiss his cheek.  "I love you," she said softly.
           His tone and expression softening, he said, "And I love you, but I am also very angry with you right now."
           "I know.  Can I do something else to make you less angry?  Something which won't be quite so painful for me?"
           "I'm hurting, too, Amanda.  More than you know.  I was willing to forgive your teasing, but I am not willing to overlook your infantile show of temper."
           "And if I refuse to comply?" she asked, more than a little afraid of his answer.
           "Then I hope you have fun in England alone, because I won't be going with you."
           She surged up off his lap.  "You can't possibly be serious.  Are you saying you won't go on our honeymoon if I refuse to let you spank me?"
           "Yes.  I'd say that's about it," he answered, crossing his arms over his chest.
           In an unconscious mimicry of his stance, she wrapped her arms about herself.  "I think I hate you right now."
           "The evening is early, yet.  I shouldn't have any difficulty turning that into a definitive statement by midnight."
           "Fine!"  Arms slapped to her sides, she glowered at him.  "I'll go by myself," she threatened, storming into the bathroom and slamming the door.
           "Congratulations.  You just made it to fifteen, darling," he called back.
           She flung herself down on the toilet neither of them used and gave vent to her anger by stomping her feet and hitting her thighs with her fists while taking care not to make a sound.
           "Throwing a tantrum in there is not acceptable either.  You're now up to twenty."
           "Argh!" she yelled back, lifting her fist in a gesture, which was far from polite. "What?  Am I forbidden from displaying any form of anger now?"
           "At the moment, yes.  And for every minute you delay this reckoning, I'm going to add a swat."
           She marched back into the room with her hands on her hips and called, "Pink"
           "An improper use of your safe word given I haven't touched you.  Let's see, for that I think--"
           "No more.  Please," she begged, her shoulders drooping with defeat.  Her every step filled with regret, she returned to him with tears welling in her eyes.  "I'll do it.  Okay?"
           He set his hands back on the bed so they were out of her way.  With a swallow and a groan of deep reluctance, she lowered herself across his knees and tensed as his left hand settled between her shoulders.  Then his right hand stroked her buttocks.  He often did that to get her to relax, since he claimed the spanking would hurt less if she didn't tense.  The irony of the action was not lost on her.
           He continued to stroke her.  "Should I make you count," he asked almost conversationally, and she clamped her jaws.  "No, don't tense.  I'm not hurting you, so there is no cause for you to tighten yourself."
           "I think the point is you intend to hurt me, and this delay is making me nervous," she complained.
           He smacked her, then.  Enough to make her nerves tingle, but not hard enough to hurt.
           "One," he announced, stroking her again.  She loosened her grip on his leg a little and released her breath.  Perhaps he would take pity on her after all.  The second swat was a tiny bit harder and she jerked in reaction, but even that one hadn't hurt, and his stroking soothed her before she could react to it.
           "Two."
           Finding pleasure in his touch, despite her position, Amanda closed her eyes and relaxed by letting her head and arms drop in surrender.
           "Three," he said still stroking her, then his hand slipped between her legs and conducted a teasing exploration.  Despite her body no longer making the same the lubrication it had when she was mortal, blood still pooled in her genitals when she was aroused, making her swell with need.
           "Four," he said as she arched and moaned at the pleasure he drew out of her during his exquisite torture.  His finger circled and stroked all around the tiny nubbin that throbbed for his caress as he studiously avoided it.  This, no doubt, served as a more subtle punishment.  Reminding her, he ached and desired as well and yet was denied.  Impatient and hungry, she whimpered and wiggled her bottom to signal him of her growing need.
           "Did you wish to tell me something, darling?" he asked as his finger skated ever so slightly over her pulsing flesh.
           Amanda tried pushing back against his fingers, but he held her too firmly.
           "No moving," he reminded with a light pat on her backside before he removed his hand.
           "Marcus!" she cried out in protest.  "Please.... I need you to--"
           Her words were cut off the moment his finger located and stroked the nose of her gazelle.  Tiny tingles coursed through her, and she whined.  She was so close.  Despite guiltily enjoying the attention he paid her, Amanda wanted and needed more.  And though she refused to complain about this new punishment, she was desperate to come.  Now.  Another stroke and she instinctively parted her legs to give him better access.  His finger unerringly sought and caressed exactly where she needed it and she arched into his palm as her orgasm started to build when he drew his hand back and gave her another swat.  A painful one.
           "Ow!" she protested, turning to glare at him.
           "Five," he said, stroking her backside again.  Though he didn't appear angry, he did look resolved.
           He hadn't let her come, but the swat managed to squelch her need for the moment.  Worried he was about to get serious, she gripped his leg again and heard him chuckle softly.  Wanting to growl and bite him, she gritted her teeth.  He was enjoying this far too much for her peace of mind.
           "Since you feel it's time I put a little more sting into this punishment of yours, for the next five you have my permission to cry out, if you wish, but I do not want you to rise from my lap.  Understand?"
           At her nod, the five stinging swats were delivered so quickly, she almost couldn't tell them apart.  Those hurt enough to bring tears to her eyes, but she remained in place and kept her lips clamped.  She hissed out her discomfort when he went back to stroking, but he ignored her complaint.  Instead, with each caress that traveled from the small of her back to the fleshy tops of her thighs, he counted out the next five numbers, to fifteen.
           Relaxed again, she closed her eyes.  He'd never mixed pain and pleasure before, and she wasn't sure she liked the combination.  Her backside felt warm and tight, but the tingles weren't unpleasant, which surprised and confused her.  Though she still wanted to come, she let her body go completely limp as he tenderly stroked away any lingering discomfort
           "Five more to go, and your punishment will be complete," he announced, his hand rubbing with purpose now.
           She gave a small moan.

Now for my prize!




My latest book, a Corbin's Bend novel, is due out from Blushing Books on July 16.  So, I will be offering an eBook copy of any one of my books, including an ARC of A Simple Misunderstanding, to the winner I select who can answer the following question(s):

Marcus slowly adds to the count he intends to give Amanda until she caves and accepts his punishment.  How high does the count get before Amanda agrees to let Marcus spank her, and do you think he's being too inflexible with Amanda?

Leave a comment below with the answer along with your e-mail address.  We'll be announcing the winners of the grand prizes as well as the winners of our own blogs on July 2nd.  Happy hunting!  I now return you to continue your visits by going back to Governing Ana.



Monday, February 10, 2014

A Writer's Naughty Thoughts on Valentine's Day with Hopping Good Prizes #Valentine'sDay #Romance


Welcome to the Valentine's Day Gift Hop as we celebrate love, sex, desire, need, and all things books! Our grand prize will be a Kindle Paperwhite and a digital new adult romance basket. Every comment on every blog in the hop will count as an entry toward either of the grand prizes.

Speaking of prizes, take a look at the picture below for all the swag Skye Warren has put together for this hop.


I'm exciting to be a part of this hop, and hope you'll have fun hopping around and reading all the entries.  So, you want to play, right?  Well each of us wants to tell you a little about the romantic moments in our books, when our two main characters have decided to step behind closed doors to do naughty things to each other. Right?  Problem is, we'd be here all day if we attempted to do that.  So, instead, I'll tell you why I write romance, then post the covers of my books and give you links to some excerpts and let you peruse as you wish.

Romance.  Love.  Happily Ever After.  They lift the spirit and make you believe anything is possible.  If tragically flawed characters are able to overcome insurmountable problems and end up living together in happy harmony at the end, there has to be hope for us poor, insignificant worker bees.  Right?  It may be fantasy, but it's also the stuff dreams are made of, and without dreams life would be miserable indeed.  So, I write romance to make you laugh, smile and cry a little, because tears make the laughter all the much sweeter.  Below are the books I currently have available for sale.



For excerpts to Mortal Illusions and Deadly Enchantment, please visit: http://www.kathrynrblake.com/booksreviews.html

For 18+ only excerpts to Arrested by Love, A Dom's Dilemma and Acting Lessons, please visit: http://www.kathrynrblake.com/spankingromance.html

Of course, I need to add to this cornucopia of gifts with my own prize.  I'm going to offer an eBook copy of one my novels (readers choice) to the reader who can tell me what they love (or hate) most about Valentine's Day  Enter a comment on my blog, and it counts as a comment toward the grand prize, too.  What more could you want for Valentine's Day?  (Rhetorical question.  Don't answer that!)

Once you're done playing here, visit some of the other authors' blogs to see what sort of trouble they're getting into this Valentine's Day.  It is a hop, after all.  Valentine's Day Gift Hop.


Friday, February 7, 2014

Love Spanks 2014 - Fatal Desire - where some vampires love to kill.... #LoveSpanks #Vampires #Spoiler













Welcome to Love Spanks 2014! Chances are you’ve tasted us and collected the recipes on Ana's blog, so now you get to sample free stories from thirteen top F/F authors (and me). Please visit Governing Ana for the prize list, sign-up sheet, and free books. You can win from a prize pool valued at over $1,000, including a Kindle Fire or Nook HD! (Neat, huh?)

Many authors will also be offer a contest on their individual blogs (like me).  Your comment on their blogs automatically enters you in both the main contest and the individual contests!

What’s the catch?  Absolutely nothing!  We love writing for you and want to thank you for your readership.  Perhaps someone might get a spanking or two, but that’s a reward rather than a catch, right?

How do you play?
1.    Visit each blog between Friday, February 7 and Sunday, February 9 to read the posted stories and excerpts.
2.    Leave a comment answering the story question on each blog.  You will receive one entry per blog for the grand prize drawing.  You will also be automatically entered in that author’s individual contest, if she has one. (And I have one.)
3.    If you have visited all of the blogs, visit Ana’s blog (URL for Governing Ana below) to sign up for FIVE bonus entries to the grand prize.
4.    Deadline is midnight EST (UTC -5) on February 9!!
5.    If you successfully completed a previous challenge (Spank or Treat 2013, Spankee Doodle 2013, Love Spanks 2013, or Spank or Treat 2012), you may add “VIP” to your comments.  You will earn THREE bonus entries toward the grand prize.  (Yes, we will be doing this again.  Yes, if you successfully complete the Love Spanks 2014 challenge you can become a VIP for our next activity!)
6.    If you are a F/F author or thinking of becoming one, please add “FF” to your comments. That way, your name will be entered in the special F/F author prize drawings.
7.    Visit any of the participating blogs on Friday, February 14 to find out the lucky winners.  Will it be you?

For more information, updates, and a list of participating authors, please visit Anastasia Vitsky’s blog.

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For more spanking fun, visit Saturday Spankings for additional snippets.


Now for my story.  First of all, I want to put the record straight (no pun intended).  I write M/f romance.  However, I also support gay rights and marriage equality, so I often have gay characters in my books, especially those with plots that revolve around the theater.  I do realize that's a bit of a stereotype, but it's also true to life.  The following excerpt is from Part One of Fatal Desire, my vampire romance sequel to Mortal Illusions.  It's a pivotal scene that I'd classify as a spoiler. I'm not sure this book will ever be published, since it's sitting on the back burner in a different state right now, so I decided to post this scene because it's in keeping with this year's Love Spanks F/F theme.  I also removed a lot of the history from the excerpt in order to make the Love Spanks word count, but the characters and their motivations all remain the same.  That said, if you like vampire romances and think you might like to read the book one day, I'll give you a question you can answer without reading this excerpt.  Setup: A group of strangers are locked away in an English Castle for a "haunted weekend" and one of the guests has been found dead in her room under very suspicious circumstances. My SPOILER excerpt follows between the red dividers.


           Juliette gazed warmly at Amanda.  "You are a true friend to help me in this way."  Stepping closer, she held out her arms.  "We are best friends, yes?"
           With a small nod, Amanda clasped the other woman's hands and received a tender smile before Juliette drew her in close for a hug.  When Amanda tentatively returned the embrace, Juliette grasped Amanda's face between her palms.  Her eyes aglow with passionate longing, the Frenchwoman leaned forward and kissed Amanda lightly on the lips.
           Amanda had heard Europeans were more 'touchy-feely' than Americans, but something about Juliette's kiss made her want to back away.  However, when she tried to disengage from the clench, Juliette curled her fingers in Amanda's hair.  "You are so young and innocent.  It has been so long for me that I can no longer recall ever being as you are."
           Despite her unease, Amanda gave a small laugh.  "I may be naive, Juliette, but I believe I'm several years older than you.  How old are you?  Twenty?  Twenty-two?"
           Juliette's laughter pealed forth with amusement.  "Ahh, you are most delightful, ma cherie.  I suspect you and I could be better than best friends.  Perhaps lovers, if you will allow."
           Her stomach lurching into her throat like the floor had suddenly given way beneath her; Amanda shook her head and stepped back.  "I'm sorry, Juliette, but the invitation to share my room was nothing more than an offer of friendship.  If I led you to believe otherwise, I apologize.  You may be an amiable, caring young woman and a devoted lover, but I prefer men."
           Juliette closed the distance between them.  "How can you deny the pleasures of Venus if you have yet to experience what she offers, eh?  You think you know all about passion and desire now that a man has thrust himself between your legs?  Bah!  Men have only the crudest understanding of sex, while a woman understands what another will find pleasurable."  Juliette stroked a slender finger along the curve of Amanda's cheek.  "Men make love like brutish, rutting beasts compared to the tender touches a woman uses to tease delicate, female flesh."
           Shuddering, Amanda retreated another step.  "I believe all individuals have the right to choose their course in life.  If you prefer women to men, I wish you much success and happiness, but I do not swing that way.  I'm sorry."
           Except rather than step back, Juliette moved closer and put her hands on Amanda's arms.  "Ahh, but you need not do anything, ma petite, except close your eyes and let me show you how beautiful we can be together."
           Amanda drew back, but Juliette pursued and pressed cool lips against Amanda's firmly clamped ones.  A subtle shift of air accompanied Marcus's flash into the room as Amanda pushed Juliette away and wiped her mouth on her sleeve.
           "Back off, Juliette.  I said no, and I meant it."
           Juliette appeared crestfallen.  Then with unexpected speed, she yanked Amanda close and wrapped an arm around her neck, pressing Amanda's spine to her front.  Though Amanda detested being held that way by anyone, her small cry of surprise quickly morphed into a gasp of fear when a sharp, thin knife pressed against her throat.
           "Your stubbornness is most unfortunate, ma chere, for if you will not join me, you shall have to join the others--in death.  Though perhaps not right away."
           Amanda was struggling to understand what Juliette meant when Marcus spoke.  "Let her go, du Marchand.  She is not the one you want.  Hurt her, and I will not hesitate to rip you apart."
           "Ahh," Juliette murmured, pressing a light kiss to Amanda's ear.  "The hero charges to the rescue.  However, you are wrong, monsieur.  I do want Amanda, and I intend to take her--willing or otherwise."
           "That would be your second mistake."
           "And what, if I may ask, would you consider my first?"
           "Coming here in the first place."  He regarded her evenly.  "You are not my child.  I would have sensed it if you were.  So, who made you?"
           Amanda struggled to wrap her mind around this surreal conversation.  Juliette was a lesbian vampire?  Why had no one discovered that fact about her before now?
           Juliette's hold tightened.  Not so much to choke as to remind Amanda who was in charge.  "Tell me, ma petite," she whispered in Amanda's ear.  "Did your lover happen to mention he was once married?"
           Her throat compressed, Amanda gave a slight cough.  Juliette loosened her grip, but kept the knife pressed to Amanda's neck.  Then the arm, which had so recently restrained Amanda in a choke-hold, drifted lower to rest in the curve below her breasts.  When Amanda didn't reply, Juliette's fingers cupped Amanda's left breast, while her thumb dragged back and forth across its nipple.  Amanda stiffened, but Juliette's caresses persisted.  "My question was not idle, cherie.  I await your answer."
           "Yes," Amanda finally managed to squeak.  "He told me."
           "Good," Juliette murmured, lowering her thumb.
           Due to their blood connection, Marcus's rage burned through Amanda like liquid fire.  Realizing her lover's thinning restraint was close to snapping, Amanda sought to mask her own reactions to prevent him from pouncing prematurely.  Her life depended on it.
           "Did he also confess what he did to her?" Juliette inquired, her tone far more casual than her embrace.
           "No," Amanda answered truthfully.
           "I see," Juliette purred.  "Did you think Amanda might not understand, Aularius?  Is that why you kept your deed a secret from her?"
           Though Marcus's demeanor remained impassive, Juliette had clearly touched a sore point with him.  "We had other more pressing matters to discuss, but I fail to comprehend how my relationship with Josette might possibly matter to you."
           "Do you?" she asked silkily.  "We were lovers, Aularius.  Your wife preferred women to men, and me to you.  Did you not realize that?  She would often tell me how you made her feel defiled and afraid, while I made her feel worshiped and safe.  She loved me."
           "Josette was renowned for loving a different person each week, du Marchand.  So, what makes you think you were anything special?"
           Juliette hissed, and the knife at Amanda's throat pressed in a little deeper as Juliette's nails dug into the flesh below Amanda's breast.  Amanda stiffened and drew in a quick breath at the sharp, stinging pain, but gave no other reaction.  Marcus arched one eyebrow to indicate he wasn't fooled, though he understood her message, and the heat of his anger eased a fraction.  She had made the right call.
           "I suppose you say such things to lessen your feelings of betrayal by the woman you married," Juliette murmured, soothing Amanda's chest with the tips of her fingers.  "You may have been her sire, Aularius, but you were never her favorite."
           Marcus shrugged.  "So, who made you?"
           Juliette's fingertips traced an idle pattern along Amanda's rib cage, rubbing the silk of her peach blouse. "You do not know her.  She, too, died during the revolution, though not at your hand."
           What did that mean?  Amanda scowled at Marcus, but he didn't meet her gaze.
           "Were you mortal or already transformed when you made Josette's acquaintance?" he inquired, his tone a model of casual conversation.
           "Ahh.  I was vampire when we met."  Juliette's hand shifted back to Amanda's breast, which she stroked again with her thumb.  "We were two of a kind, although I never understood how she could stand being with you."
           "No.  I am sure you could not."
           "So," she whispered in Amanda's ear, "your brave, handsome lover did not tell you how he callously took his wife's life, did he?"
           Unsure if Juliette was lying, Amanda gazed at Marcus, but his focus remained fixed on their adversary.
           Annoyed by Amanda's silence, Juliette gave her nipple a pinch.  "Did he?" she asked more sharply.
           Amanda jerked and hissed, then forced herself to relax again.  "No," she answered, trying to keep her tone and expression even.  "He did not."
           "This man you claim to love decided his wife was unfit to live, and since he made her, he determined he would be the instrument of her destruction."  Juliette began tracing small circles around the edge of Amanda's sore breast as she spoke.  "I can remember it as if it were yesterday.  Paris was hot and humid in July of 1793.  Uncomfortable for the undead, but almost unbearable for mortals."  Juliette's fingers clamped down on Amanda's nipple; hard enough to make her draw a sharp breath, then she lightly raked her nails across the tender area until it peaked. "Lovely," she murmured with an approving smile before she placed a kiss at Amanda's temple.  "Most responsive."
           Amanda wanted nothing more than to be free of the other woman, but her body responded, despite her mind's rejection.  She closed her eyes and tried not to move when Juliette's hand slipped inside her pants to rest above Amanda's pubic bone.  Amanda cast a surreptitious glance at Marcus, and if looks could kill, Juliette would have been staked to the ground.  Convinced any protest on her part would only spur the gladiator into reacting, Amanda held her breath.  But that wasn't what Juliette wanted.
           "Part your legs for me, ma petite, so I may pet you properly while we talk."  Amanda separated her feet a few inches.  "More," Juliette whispered in a silken command.  "Wide enough for my hand to fit between your lovely thighs, yes?"
           Swallowing, Amanda complied, then closed her eyes again to hide her revulsion from Marcus.   "I will make you wet for me, cherie," Juliette purred.  "You may not think you want this, but your body says otherwise.  Ahh, there is your little bud of desire," she murmured when Amanda jerked and gasped in reaction to her touch.  "I think I shall play with her for a bit while I finish my story, and you will let me because you know I can bring you pleasure.  Yes?"
           "Yes," Amanda replied, fighting back tears of humiliation.
           "Perfect, my little flower.  I shall show you the true meaning of ecstasy, and you will come for me as your lover looks on."  When Amanda made no reply, Juliette's fingers gripped Amanda's sensitive flesh and twisted while the knife at Amanda's throat pressed even deeper.  Amanda bit back a cry of pain.  "Your response, ma petite, should be, 'Yes, Mistress. I will do whatever pleases you.'"
           Amanda swallowed down her nausea.  "Yes, Mistress.  I will do whatever pleases you," she echoed in a weak voice, hoping more than anything she lied.
           "Excellent.  I shall continue.  The King was dead and the Queen was imprisoned in the Temple Tower in the Marais.  A few weeks earlier, her eight-year-old son had been taken away to be turned into a proper little revolutionary soldier."  As she spoke, Juliette's fingers soothed the spot they had so cruelly pinched, and began stroking Amanda with a firm rhythm.  To her horror, Amanda's body tensed with need.  She didn't want to respond, but she was growing moist and in a moment, she would begin grinding her pelvis in time with Juliette's knowing caresses.  Juliette continued talking as if she remained unaware of Amanda's internal struggle, however, the increased pressure of her fingers told Amanda the Frenchwoman knew exactly what effect her stroking produced.  "Tell me, m'sieur, did you release the blade that decapitated your wife, or did someone else perform that bloodthirsty deed for you?"
           Her brain fogged by a haze of undesired pleasure, Amanda opened her eyes to find Marcus staring at Juliette without answering her.  Unable to help herself, Amanda groaned and pushed back against Juliette's shoulder as her body betrayed her, then with a small cry of release she gave the other woman the response she sought as a burning, red haze pervaded Amanda's mind.  Marcus.  Her livid lover took a step forward, but she raised a hand to stop him.  If he interfered now, Juliette would kill her--literally.


Yes, I know I cheated by ending there, but I was only allowed 2000 words.  So, for my prize, I'm offering one eBook copy of any one of my five books.  Rather than detail them here (since you already have enough reading to do) I'll provide you with links where you can read about them at your leisure.


For excerpts to Mortal Illusions and Deadly Enchantment, please visit: http://www.kathrynrblake.com/booksreviews.html

For 18+ only excerpts to Arrested by Love, A Dom's Dilemma and Acting Lessons, please visit:
http://www.kathrynrblake.com/spankingromance.html

To enter, just leave a comment here telling me what sort of romance you enjoy and why.  Doesn't have to be complicated, just write in your comment saying whether you enjoy hot steamy historical romances because they get your juices flowing, or sweet, romantic contemporaries because they make your heart lighter.  In as many words as you want, tell me what your favorite type of love story is and why.  Don't worry.  I won't tell anyone you secretly enjoy purple alien BDSM breeder stories. Honest. (P.S. Don't forget to leave your e-mail address so I can contact you.)

Thanks for dropping by, and I hope you enjoy the Love Spanks experience.  Now click on the Love Spanks badge in my sidebar to visit the other authors and see what goodies they're offering.  Go on.  Shoo!