Friday, March 29, 2013

Spanking Stories Book Club---March Madness Free For All

Hi Everyone,

There are five Fridays in March this year. There's some name for when this happens that's more fancy than "hey, there are 5 Fridays this month", but I don't feel like looking it up.

So, since there's an extra Friday I thought I'd use this post for a general discussion about books and what's coming up.

First, any final thoughts on To Love A Woman? I really enjoyed it. I've found that I read books pretty quickly in order to prepare for my posts but I'd like to go back and read all of them again.

Second, next week we'll start our discussion of Sue Lyndon's Rules of War.

Can her greatest fear become her sweetest desire?

Emma Conrad's worst nightmare is realized when a bomb strikes her building and she awakens to discover she's been taken captive by a Free Island enemy soldier. Tensions and passions rise as she rebels against the man who has claimed her as his wife, whisking her away to a settlement in the mountains. 


Unit Commander John Rousseau insists he's a good man Emma need not fear, but he does promise to spank her if she misbehaves...and he has lots of rules. Will she lose her heart to the stern stranger, or will a ghost from her past take away her last chance at happiness? 

I'm looking forward to this book and I hope you are too.

Third, in May we'll be reading Renee Rose's The Knight's Prisoner. 


Danewyn, a tavern prostitute, has always been cursed with the Sight--the ability to see into the unknown. It is a trait she has learned to keep hidden from others, but a moment of anger finds her blurting out a prediction about the Red Fox, the rightful king of Britain. Unfortunately, her prediction is overheard by one of the Red Fox's men, putting her in grave danger.

Captured and carried off for questioning, she finds herself prisoner to Sir Ferrum, an enormous knight who bears the scars of an old injury upon his face. She finds Sir Ferrum to be firm and unyielding, but his treatment of her also reveals a gentleness which she has difficulty reconciling with his harsh discipline. To her dismay, her feelings for him continue to grow, and Dani must decide whether to continue her plans for escape or accept her new role as Sir Ferrum's woman and Seer to the Red Fox.

Publisher's Note: The Knight's Prisoner is an erotic romance novel that includes both consensual and non-consensual spankings, anal play, exhibitionism, graphic sexual scenes, and more. If such material offends you, please don't buy this book.

Finally, let's talk a bit about the sorts of things that make a story appealing and the things that don't, particularly w/in the realm of spanking fiction. 

And, any suggestions for future reads? 

Thanks everyone. Wishing you all a blessed Easter and Happy Spring. 

Sunday, March 24, 2013

A Writer's Dilemma---What Do You Think?

I have a vanilla friend who has self-pubbed a couple books. She has no idea about my Celeste Jones world and books and I plan to keep it that way. 

Recently she asked me to read one of her books before she published it. Now, what I should have realized is that at this point in the process, she really just wanted me to proofread, but in addition to that, I also made a few comments about the content. 

To be honest, I hated the book, but I kept that to myself. You know how subtle I can be. 

She thanked me for my help and within a few hours had sent it off to someone else for the next step. This tells me that she probably used my proofreading/copy edit corrections but ignored by content suggestions. 

I've really struggled with this for a few days and that's why I'm raising it here and seeking thoughts/advice from all of you, especially other writers. 

First, I'm annoyed that she doesn't take my suggestions. I know it's her story and it's ultimately her choice about how it's written (especially since she's self-publishing), but when someone blows off all of my suggestions it makes me wonder why I bother. Frankly, it's insulting. 
           So, am I at fault for assuming she wanted my comments on the content? 
            Should I have clarified with her what she wanted me to do? 

Second, this was a long book and I spent a significant amount of time on it, though I only went through it once because I've been down this route with her before and knew that most of my concerns other than comma placement or spelling would be ignored. 
                Should I have known that I was wasting my time by doing more than proofreading? 


Third, should I have told her how I really felt about the book and why? Am I doing her a disservice by not saying, in a gentle way, "this book needs some work on these areas...."? Is it a violation of some sort of writer's code to let someone publish a book when you really think there are major problems? If she gets a horrible review and feels bad, will I feel guilty or (more likely) vindicated? 

Is the ultimate problem here the fact that we are friends and met outside of writing and that just adds a layer of complication to the relationship that isn't present when I read manuscripts for people that I've met within the context of being writers?

As you can see, I'm really spinning in circles about this, but I'd love to hear what you guys think. I need help!

Friday, March 22, 2013

Spanking Stories Book Club---More from To Love A Woman

Hi Everyone! I've been an absentee hostess the last couple of weeks and I apologize. But, I'm back and ready to chat so let's get to it.

We're on week four of our discussion of To Love A Woman by Jade Cary.

By now, I assume you've all finished the book. You have, haven't you? (Looking at you sternly over the top of my bifocals.)



Which scene was your favorite and why? Since I finished the book a couple weeks ago I'll have to go back and refresh my memory, but there are a couple that come to mind. What about for you? Which scenes stand out for you and what did you particularly like about them? 


Reminder: In April we'll be reading Sue Lyndon's Rules of War so be sure to get started so you'll be ready for our first discussion on Friday, April 5. 


Also: Jade Cary has a new book out. Bella Rose :

This is the city.

Murder and violence is all in a day’s work for Lieutenant Vincent Girardi. But there is something about this murder that doesn’t add up. When a piece of paper with an address written on it is found at the crime scene, Vince believes that perhaps this victim wasn’t the intended target.

Dr. Rowan Delaney is biding her time. In less than a week she will give testimony that will rid her of a painful past once and for all, and grant her and her two children the freedom she has been seeking for years. When Lieutenant Vincent Girardi and his partner show up at her door to question her about the murdered woman across the street, and then suggest that she may have been the intended target, she refuses all help or protection, intending to fulfill her obligation in front of the Grand Jury without interference from anyone—including the handsome cop darkening her doorstep.

But the Lieutenant has other plans. He is convinced the pretty doctor was the intended victim, and he is determined to find out why, starting with Rowan’s absentee husband, head of a notorious drug cartel. Vince is determined to see the woman and her children safe; Rowan is determined to start her life over—after her testimony. 

Can Vince protect her without his feelings for her getting in the way? And can Rowan accept his care, along with a heavy dose of hubris and alpha dominance, without losing herself in the process?

And will their growing love be enough to save them from the evil that will not take no for an answer?


** THIS BOOK IS A ROMANCE/SUSPENSE THAT CONTAINS VIOLENCE, EXPLICIT SEXUAL CONTENT WITHIN A LOVING RELATIONSHIP, INCLUDING DOMINATION AND THE NON-CONSENSUAL SPANKING OF AN ADULT FEMALE **



So many good books, so little time. 

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Coming To Terms Cover Reveal

Hello Everyone! 

It's a big day. The cover reveal for Coming to Terms, the spanking fiction anthology which will be available from Lazy Day Publishing in May, 2013. 

Coming To Terms is a collection of seven spanking stories written by six fabulous spanking fiction writers...and I have one in there too. 

My story is called Reconnecting. 

In Reconnecting, we will revisit Daisy and Reece from Underwear Probation, but this time instead of going without underwear, Daisy must go without access to the internet after it becomes apparent that she cannot manage her time online. Sometimes you have to disconnect in order to re-connect. 

Please visit all the other contributors today because they'll be sharing about their stories as well. 

And mark your calendars for May 15, 2013 so you can be sure to get your copy of Coming To Terms before all your friends and neighbors get theirs. 

Isn't the cover fabulous? It's sophisticated and sexy, like all the ladies whose stories are included. 





Friday, March 15, 2013

Spanking Stories Book Club---To Love A Woman, Part 3

Hello everyone! I am on vacation and the hotel's internet connection doesn't seem to reach my room and it appears that the more I call, the less service I get. However, I have resolved the issue because currently I am sitting beneath a palm tree wearing an awesome hat and sunglasses and gearing up for a fantastic discussion of To Love A Woman.

However--I will be away from my computer most of Friday and Saturday so I might not jump into the discussion as much as usual. My apologies, particularly to Jade Carey since this I certainly feel like I am being a bit rude to her and her lovely book.

So, enough about me. Let's talk about Marissa and Keaton. And spanking.

1. What did you think about Marissa's reaction to being spanked by Keaton? And his threats to take her over his knee?

2. What are your thoughts on the spanking Marissa receives for swimming alone? Was it too harsh? Did Keaton over-react? If he did over-react, was his explanation enough to excuse it? Or was this punishment deserved because of the risk to Marissa's safety?

Can't wait to hear what you all have to say.

Friday, March 8, 2013

Spanking Stories Book Club: To Love A Woman




Welcome back everyone (and an extra warm welcome to newcomers). Last week we talked in general about the dynamics of an older woman/younger man relationship.

This week, let's talk about the hero, Keaton. He's 30 years old, knows what he wants and isn't afraid to go after it.

What do you think of him? What about him appeals to you? Is there anything that doesn't appeal? What makes a good hero?

What about his relationship with Marissa's son? Does that add an extra complication? What do you think of how he handles that friendship?



A couple of announcements:

In April we'll be reading Sue Lyndon's Rules of War, so get your copy and get reading!

Also, I'll be away from my computer most of the day today so I won't be responding right away to your comments, but I'll be checking in when I can. I'm sure you guys can carry on without me.

Friday, March 1, 2013

Spanking Stories Book Club: To Love A Woman


It's March and that means it's time to move on to our next book selection, To Love A Woman by Jade Cary. 

Here's the blurb: Marissa Harrison is a beautiful 52-year old widow, writer and mother of two grown children. At a surprise party for her daughter she is introduced to Keaton Ross, an attorney at her son’s firm. Believing that her son intends Keaton for his sister, Marissa is shocked to learn that Keaton has eyes for only one woman—Marissa.

As Keaton and Marissa grow closer, Marissa can only see the damage this relationship will have on their families—a relationship with a man 22 years her junior. But Keaton Ross is a man who is not easily denied, and Marissa finds that, regardless of the repercussions, she, too, cannot be denied. Keaton Ross is a dominant man who does not take no for an answer, and he pursues Marissa with a vengeance. He brings out a sexual side to her she never knew existed, and she thrives on his dominance—craves it, in fact. As their relationship grows more intense, Marissa begins to believe that they can have a future--until one indiscreet moment threatens to destroy everything.

Can this December-May relationship survive, or will Marissa’s fear of judgment and repercussions keep her from the happiness she seeks?


Since we're just getting started, let's talk about some preliminary matters, so to speak. 

First, what are your thoughts on the age difference between the characters? 

In general what do you think of older woman/younger man romances? Is there an age that is too old or too young? 

Is this a cougar story? To me, I think of a cougar as an older woman who is the aggressor in the relationship but here it sounds like Marissa is hesitant. What do you think? 

Looking forward to digging into this book and to hearing your thoughts on it.