Re/Bound by Michele Zurlo Blog Tour - Interview/Giveaway

Good Morning everyone.  Great character interview and don't forget to leave a comment with your email address for a chance at at $5 gift card from Michelle.  Good luck!

Losing her master ripped Darcy's world apart. Falling in love put it back together. Malcolm is an undercover agent, and she's his unwitting asset. Can a relationship built on lies survive the truth?

 Picking herself up after the devastating loss of her master is more difficult than Darcy anticipated. Just when she needs someone the most, a handsome Dom steps in and helps her out. Theo is thoughtful, dominant, and demanding -- everything she needs. He pushes her boundaries, tests her limits, and takes her to new heights. With him, she remembers what it is to feel joy and love and a firm hand on her ass.

Agent Malcolm Legato is after a corrupt businessman, and Darcy is his ticket into the upper echelon of Snyder Corp. As "Theo," he makes contact with her and cultivates her as an asset. Since she's also a suspect in her master's disappearance, he can't reveal himself to her, even when he realizes she's another of Snyder's victims. He falls hard for this feisty submissive, and he knows he'll break her heart the moment she finds out he's been lying to her all along.

When it all falls apart, will Darcy be able to find the strength to forgive Malcolm so they can build a life together and the courage to bring justice to the man she loved and lost?

Interview with Darcy

1. Your lost you first Master, your fiancé, tragically and unexpectedly. What made you decide it was time to move on with your life?

Darcy: That's not an easy question to answer. I don't think I made a conscious decision to move on. I agreed to present at that conference only because I wanted to honor Scott's memory. He was proud of me, of my success in building my grant writing business. He was my rock when things were tough and my cheerleader when I needed encouragement. I couldn't let what we'd built be destroyed because I was sick with grief. Then I met Malcolm, or Theo as he was calling himself then, and I took a chance. I won't lie and say it's been easy. I still struggle with guilt. I still miss him. I think I'll always miss him. It's a little easier now that I know definitively what happened. But I truly believe that Scott wanted me to move on, that he wanted me to find happiness again, and that he wanted me to be with Malcolm. I think he had a hand in sending Malcolm to me.

2. Malcolm really challenges you to redefine your boundaries and you seemed to take it pretty well. Why?

Darcy: I've never been satisfied with the status quo. I've always been driven to challenge myself, to take chances and see what new dimensions those chances add to my life. I'm not reckless or anything. I believe in calculated risk. I took a chance in starting my business, but I do have an MBA, so it's not like I lack the necessary background. I firmly believe a good Dom pushes his sub to become more than what she (or he) was before or is now. Everybody has the capacity for greatness, and it's so much easier to reach that potential when someone you love and trust is standing behind you, ready to prop you up when you think you're going to fall -- literally or figuratively. So really, I expect my Master to push my boundaries, and he needs to expect me to push his. I want us both to work at personal growth. I think I would lose respect for him if he didn't constantly challenge me.

3.  What first attracted you to Malcolm?

Darcy: If I say I was first attracted to him for his devastating good looks, would you think poorly of me? >smile< He's the epitome of a hot geek, and I've always found that dichotomy very knee-weakening. I also liked the fact that he didn't push me. I was in a very vulnerable place and he recognized that. He respected my feelings. He wanted to talk to me, get to know me. I know now that it was part of his cover, but I also know he wasn't faking his interest. A woman likes to know the man she's with appreciated her for her brains and her looks. That's hot.

4. What are Malcolm's best and worst quality?

Darcy: I like his strength of will and his extremely kissable lips. He has a depth to his eyes that almost defies description. A lot of Doms I know really work to be inscrutable, but I don't really think not being able to read someone equates to emotional strength. I think it points to somebody who is emotionally unavailable, and I don't find that attractive. Malcolm doesn't wear his heart on his sleeve, but he doesn't hide his emotions from me. He's also fiercely loyal, protective of those he loves, and a good cook. I cannot overstate the importance of a man who can cook.

Bad qualities? I can't think of any. He's arrogant, but I don't see that as a bad quality. I find it attractive.

5. How has being in a BDSM relationship affected your relationship with your family?

Darcy: That's another dicey topic. My parents don't know. They hated Scott because they thought he abused me. It didn't seem to matter how we explained it, whenever they saw a bruise or a welt or I ended up needing medical care (Scott and I weren't as safe as we should have been when we were first learning about BDSM) they forgot everything we said. Now that I'm with Mal, they've retired to Florida, so I'm just not telling them anything.

Malcolm has been really good for my relationship with my older sister, Amy. He took the time to get to know her, to educate her in a way she could understand. Well, I wouldn't say she understands, but she has a better handle on it. We've become quite close, which is a relief to me because we used to be close when we were teenagers. I missed having that with her.

6. You're submissive, but you're not at all a pushover. How do you balance your insistence on getting what you want with your desire to please?

Darcy: I think that if you're with a Dom who loves you, then he naturally wants to make sure you're happy. A relationship isn't about one person. It's about two people, and there's a lot of give and take involved, and that negotiation isn't limited to sex. Some people are under the impression that being a submissive means you can't have wants or and you need to communicate them to your Master or Mistress. They aren't mind readers. They will appreciate your openness and honestly. If they don't, find someone who will.

7. What advice would you give someone who is looking to experiment with BDSM?

Darcy: Research. Read. Talk to people in the BDSM community. A lot of us are more than happy to be mentors and help you navigate your way through this sometimes strange world. We want you to be safe and develop a healthy practice. You can connect with people in your area. Lots of local events are posted on FetLife. It takes some courage to go to one by yourself or if you don't know anybody, but take that chance. It's worth it!

8. Anything else?

Darcy: Thanks for having me! If you're interested in getting the whole scoop on my relationship with Malcolm, we wrote a book. You can find information at www.michelezurlo.com/rebound.

Tour Schedule

8/12 - Guilty Pleasures Book Review
8/13 - Redheads Review It Better
8/14 - Mrs. Condit and Friends Read Books
8/15 - Harlie's Books
8/16 - Reader's Confession
8/17 - AJ's Reading Nook
8/20 - My Secret Romance
8/21 - Black Raven's Erotic Cafe

Cheek Blonde by Liz Crowe-Interview

Harlie is honored to have Liz Crowe on the blog today.  She is talking beer, beer and more beer.  Oh and she has a new book out from Decadent Publishing.  If you have never read Liz's books, you are totally missing out.  As an insider to the beer business, her beer books put you directly into that world and never let you go.

I have interviewed Liz on beer.  Sorry peeps but I couldn't do a "cutesy" interview with her.  :)  I love beer, Liz writes about beer and Cheeky Blonde is about beer.

Happy reading and I have included all of her links at the bottom.  If you would like to join her street team, the button to join is on the left hand side.

Liz Interview:

1.       Top three mass market breweries?

Anheuser-Busch Inc. (a) St. Louis MO

            MillerCoors (b) Chicago IL

Pabst Brewing Co. (c) Woodbridge IL

No Shiner Bock.  It is the state beer of Texas.  :)

2.  Top three microbrews (microbreweries)?

 Boston Beer Co. Boston MA

     Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Chico CA 

Hubs, my brother and dad love Sierra Nevada.

 New Belgium Brewing Co. Fort Collins CO

2.       Best import and why?

In my honest opinion, Tenants, Scottish Lager

3.       Best country for beer?

America

Interesting.  I figured a foreign country.  But hey, what do I know.

4.       Favorite style of beer?

Hoppy, bitter IPAs, although I love my own brewery’s IPL

My dad and brother love bitter IPA's, too.

5.       What goes into the decision making for producing a new beer?

Market research, market saturation of the product and cost to produce.

6.       What was your thought process when you decided to go into the beer business

They needed a marketing expert, I was tired of real estate, so I jumped of that particular cliff and landed well.

Yes you did.  Congratulations!

7.       Describe how long it takes to actually produce a keg of beer?

Depends. In my brewery we make lagers so the actual brewing process is about 3 hours for ten barrels (approximately 30 “kegs”) but the fermentation process is longer than for ales, up to 4 or 5 weeks in some cases. The word “lager” means “to store” in German—where lager beers were invented, and the “storing” process is a crucial part of it.

8.       Also, don’t hold back, what’s the main difference between mass market beers and microbrews?  What makes the microbrew that much better?

Macrobrews or mass market beers are made for that—for the masses. They have minimal taste, are cheap to produce and sell although their quality and consistency standards are very high for their own product.

Craft microbrews are by definition hand-crafted in small batches and meant for a more discerning

Drinker. A person looking for a brew to complement or contrast their food, or to savor, not just gulp down, on a hot day.

Personally, I like a microbrew.  I found one in Chicago that I liked alot and found it to buy in Texas.  Its from Goose Island Brewery.  I found out about it when I first visited relatives about 15 years ago.  Great beer. 

Of course, Shiner is my absolute favorite beer in the world.  Its like liquid candy for me.  I also like Newcastle (shoot me) and my brother, former bartender, makes the best Black & Tan ever.  No one can make it like he can. 

Thank you for the great interview Liz.

Here are some links where you can find Liz this week:

Sweet & Sexy Diva's Blog

Romance for Real Life Group

ARe Newsletter Interview

Buy links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Cheeky-Blonde-ebook/dp/B008HIVJQG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342789305&sr=8-1&keywords=cheeky+blonde

ARe: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-cheekyblonde-861962-149.html

Smashwords:http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/179345

Decadent Publishing: http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=578&osCsid=2tdovom679e62uo97kvcd8m7j3

BIO:

Microbrewery owner, multi-published author, beer blogger and journalist, mom of three teenagers, and soccer fan, Liz lives in the great middle west, in a Major College Town. Years of experience in sales and fund raising, plus an eight-year stint as an ex-pat trailing spouse plus making her way in a world of men (i.e. the beer industry) has prepped her for life as erotic romance author. When she isn't sweating inventory and sales figures for the brewery, she can be found writing, editing or sweating promotional efforts for her latest publications.

Otherwise, look for her doing pounds of laundry for her athletic children, watching La Liga on the Fox Soccer Channel, or trying to figure out what to order in for dinner. Liz loves her Foo Fighters Pandora station, and watching reruns of Deadwood, when there isn't any decent sports on the telly (like during “golf season”). Her beer blog a2beerwench.com is nationally recognized for its insider yet outsider views on the craft beer industry. Her books are set in the not-so-common worlds of breweries, on the soccer pitch and in high powered real estate offices. Don’t ask her for anything “like” a Budweiser or risk painful injury.

www.lizcrowe.com

www.brewingpassion.com

www.a2beerwench.com

Countermeasure by Chris Almeida & Cecilia Aubrey-Character Interview/Giveaway

Harlie is sooo excited to have Chris and Cecilia on the blog today.  I will have my review up for the book next week, so watch for it.  Moving is no fun and I fell behind.  :( 

Also, don't forget to comment for a chance to win a $10 gift card AND fill out the Google doc on the bottom for a chance at the GRAND PRIZE: Signed copies (by both authors) of Countermeasure and To Russia with Love plus author swag!


Blurb

In the first novel of the COUNTERMEASURE SERIES, Trevor Bauer is haunted by the mystery surrounding his parents' disappearance. His dreams for his own life have been put on hold. While searching for clues about them, he crosses paths with Cassandra James, a tough ex-CIA agent who derails every one of his best laid plans to avoid a relationship until he can find the closure he desperately seeks.

Suspicious and determined never to fall into the love trap, security specialist Cassandra James takes on a chase to recover files stolen right out from under her nose. In an effort to prove to her father--also her boss--that she is a capable woman, she follows the digital trail--a trail that leads her directly into the arms of Trevor Bauer, an NSA analyst who appears to have more secrets than she has scars...

When he accepts her request for help in recovering the files she's hunting, they embark on an adventure that takes them across the ocean and into a world of intrigue and violence. As things between them begin to heat up, Trevor realizes that, if he is ever to win Cassandra's heart and the future he craves, he has no choice but to reveal all his secrets.

Interview with Trevor Bauer from Countermeasure

Why did you stop looking for your parents?

Trevor takes a deep breath and a frown creases his brow. “At the time, I just couldn’t handle dealing with the idea they were gone. I had to withdraw from everything that reminded me of them and the fact that I couldn’t see or talk to them ever again.” Trevor leans forward on his chair and locks eyes with the interviewer.

What changed to have you dive into their case again?

His eyes take a serious, sharper quality. “With time, I realized that the explanations and theories around their disappearance were flawed. I need more answers before I can close their case forever in my mind and know I’ve done everything I could.” He lowers his eyes to his clasped hands. “Everything.”

What is life like at the NSA?

His mouth curves in a smile and Trevor chuckles. “Crazy busy. We’ve been handling the most incredible cases. Since 9/11 things have escalated and we find ourselves monitoring more and more conversations. But it’s also a lonely and covert life. Aside from George who works with me and my parents”—he pauses to take a deep breath—”nobody else knows for what agency of the government I work.

Typically, it takes a little time to decide whether you like someone much less that you are in love, what was it about Cassandra that drew you to her so quickly?

A wider smile forms on his lips and he has a humorous glint in his eyes. “She is a determined, spitfire of a woman. Any man with fire in his veins and a good head can see she is amazing. I guess with us, physical attraction played a big part initially but, just like a good wine, it evolved into something more robust, a deeper knowledge that we were made for each other and that we could grow into something bigger together.”

What are your thoughts on Nathan Nelson? How do you feel about his relationship with Cassandra?

The frown returns to his brow. Trevor crosses his arms and leans back against the chair. “They didn’t have a relationship. Sex, yes. Relationship, no. We all make poor choices we regret later in life. Nathan is Cassie’s. I can’t judge her. She was free to do so back then. Does he rile me up? Yes. Do I wish he didn’t exist? Yes. But I can’t erase the past and removing him from her life would probably change how she felt about me when we met. She would not have had any comparisons to go by. She wouldn’t have seen clearly the difference between being loved for who she is and being loved by what he thought she could become.” He smiles again. “She’s mine now and that’s what matters to me the most. Of course I have a blast rubbing that on Nelson’s nose just for the fun of it. He turns green really easy. Quite a sight, I tell you. Almost as green as lime Jell-o.” He chuckles at his own words.

Do you think you will find your parents? If so, do you think you will find them alive?

A glimmer of hope flares deep in his eyes. “That is a tough question to answer. Finding them alive is a dream. Being the logical type of guy I am, I can see that the statistics are all against us. Almost 6 years have passed. The chances of them being alive are minute. Still, I hope to find at least a clue to what happened to them and why.”

I need to purchase a new computer. Do you recommend a laptop or desk top? What applications will I need? Speed?

Trevor straightens in his seat, excitement colors his voice and his mouth quirks at the corners. “I’m currently replacing Jack, too. Gotta say, he is tougher than I imagined. Being smashed on someone’s face and crashing onto the ground did a good number on him, though. I’m currently in search of Jack Junior so we can take him on our next adventure. Tell you what, I’ll send you the specs I have in mind for him and maybe you can get yourself something similar. It’s off the hook.”

Excerpts:

Excerpt #1 is here:  http://www.simplyali.com/2012/07/guest-post-countermeasure-by-chris.html
Excerpt #2 is here:  http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index.php/?p=5832
Excerpt #3 is here:  http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/2012/07/blog-tour-guest-post-giveaway.html
Excerpt #4 is here:  http://trustme2forget.blogspot.com/2012/07/countermeasure-blog-tour-prize-give.html

Here is the final excerpt:

PART 5 of the COUNTERMEASURE Excerpt 

Anger rippled under her skin again, knowing that he was spreading the news and belittling her to others—but that was so typical of how he rolled. Maybe the next time she saw him she would make that little fantasy of hers a reality and punch him. Shaking her head, she stood and put some distance between her and Bauer while she composed herself and he continued to explain.

“George and I reviewed the conversation in detail to rule out a link to terrorist activity so that we could remove the flag.”

Cassandra had counted on Bauer being the key to Allison’s trail, confident that she would be leaving the NSA complex with the information she needed to catch up with her. Instead, her current path resembled a slippery slope on which she slid further and further away from what she wanted most—to fix the mess. Cassandra was compelled to make it right even though she was no longer in charge of the project—her father had not raised a quitter.

She tried to wrap her mind around his explanation. It still didn’t make sense. His direct eye contact and facial expressions as he answered her questions told her he was giving it to her straight. He admitted he had infiltrated the system, but still, she sensed there was more to the story than what he was letting on, and it irked her. No one would go to such lengths to erase himself from the server unless he was up to no good.

Cassandra looked him straight in the eye and pressed, “Mr. Bauer, you have to give me a better reason for covertly accessing the system and covering your tracks the way you did. You know what I think? I think you got wind of the formula on your taps and wanted it for yourself.”

Trevor could almost feel his eyes roll to the back of his head. Frustration was setting in rapidly. Although easy on the eyes, this woman was sharp as a needle. She was wasting his time and keeping him from his job, not to mention getting too close to what he didn’t want to disclose. “Damn, Ms. James, you’re like a dog with a bone. What part of what I said don’t you understand? I don’t know how many times I have to tell you, I was there as an NSA Analyst.”

“I wouldn’t be here if I thought that was the only reason you were snooping around. I still want to know what you used to get in the server. I was positive we had sealed all doors.”

Her comment gave Trevor the excuse he needed to change the direction of their discussion and get her out of his hair. “I have to hand it to you. You’re as tenacious as a rabid dog. As much as I hate to admit it, you’re pretty damn good. It took me a while to find a way in. Very impressive. With your skills, you would have been an excellent asset to NSA—or CIA, for that matter. Ever thought about working for either of them? No? Well, either way, your parents must be very proud of you and your work.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, her face paled and pain slid across her eyes before her expression hardened again. Trevor knew right away that he had said something wrong. Puzzled, he recalled his words but could not find anything that would have been offensive. Holy crap, the woman is nuts. A few simple compliments and he was back to walking on eggshells around her. By the look on her face, his well-meant words appeared to have been taken out of context: she looked like she was about to finish the job Hulk had started earlier. Eyeing her, he knew they needed to finish up that conversation. She was a touchy one. Holding a conversation with her was like hopping on a wild amusement park ride. The kind you came off of never knowing which way was up.

“If you don’t mind, I have work to do and this little talk has taken a big chunk of my day. If you don’t have any new questions for me, I’m out of here.”

Now that the conversation was coming to a close, a strange sense of loss filled him at the thought that he would never see Cassandra James again. If they had met under different conditions, he might have taken the opportunity to ask her out. He was fairly sure their conversations over a nice dinner would have been an intriguing learning experience and he would have enjoyed exploring her view of the world, certain her interpretation of it was as unique as the woman herself. As it was, they would be like two ships passing in the night.

Cassandra had bet all her chips on Trevor Bauer and lost miserably. More than anything, she was pissed at herself. Bauer’s words and flippant dismissal made the bitter pill that much harder to swallow. There was no way in hell she was letting him have the last word, “You’ll still need to send me your report detailing how you got in so I can seal that rabbit hole, Mr. Bauer. Don’t want you falling in there again. I expect to have the report waiting for me by the time I get home tomorrow evening.

As she turned to leave he commented, “I just might, if I knew where to send it.”

Her smartass answer matched his own smart mouth: “Hey, you were able to find your way into the server, surely a simple business email can’t be that hard to find.”

Turning on her heel, she left him standing there as she exited the room. He could’ve sworn he heard “A amadáin!” echoing in her wake.
Thank you for following the Countermeasure Blog Tour! Hope you enjoyed the posts and excerpts.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

CHRIS ALMEIDA and CECILIA AUBREY

Chris Almeida began writing children’s stories at a very young age. While Cecilia Aubrey has dabbled in writing on and off over the years. It was in 2010, when Chris and Cecilia met and began role-playing online as a hobby, that writing placed itself front and center—this time, writing storylines for the role-playing group.

The ideas and plots created for the game awoke their inner writers, and, a few months later, together they began writing romantic erotica. Together, they write suspense-driven erotic romance with sexy, technologically inclined men and woman, filled with intrigue and enough twists and turns to make a rollercoaster seem tame.

Chris and Cecilia have several published short stories to their credit and their first novel, COUNTERMEASURE, was published in January 2012. They are currently working on the second and third books in the COUNTERMEASURE series. Through all the chaos and laughter, they still hold true to their roots, bringing their favorite role-play characters and stories to life.

You can find out more about them on their author and series websites:

http://caduobooks.com

http://countermeasureseries.com/

https://www.facebook.com/CountermeasureSeries

https://www.facebook.com/CAlmeida.CAubrey.Authors

Buy Links

Amazon Link

You Tube Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=wEXYou8sZSI

Information about Countermeasure
http://countermeasureseries.com/about/books/countermeasure

Nobody's Perfect by Kallypso Masters Blog Tour

I'm so sad that Kallypso's tour is coming to end today.  Don't forget to leave a comment and your email in the comments section for the daily prize.  No email, no prize.  Also, the form for the grand prize is at the bottom of the post.  Good luck!

Blurb:

Savannah Gentry, now Savi Baker, escaped the torture and degradation forced upon her by a sadistic father for eleven years and has made a safe life for herself and her daughter. When her father threatens her peace of mind—and her daughter's safety—Savi runs to Damián Orlando for protection. Their one day together eight years earlier changed both their lives and resulted in a secret she can no longer hide. But being with Damián reawakens feelings she wants buried—and stirs up an onslaught of disturbing flashbacks that leave her shaken to the core with little hope of ever being a sexual being again.

Damián has his own dragons to fight, but has never forgotten the one perfect day he spent with Savannah in a cave at the beach. He will go to the ends of the earth to protect Savi and her daughter, but can never be the whole man she deserves after a firefight in Iraq. Besides, the trauma of war and resulting PTSD has led him to find his place as the Masters at Arms Club's favorite sadist. Savi needs someone gentle and loving, not the broken man he has become. But he sees that the lifestyle he's come to embrace also can help Savi regain control of her life and sexuality. How can he not help redirect her negative thoughts and actions if she needs him?

Interview with a sub

(Kathy)

I first met Kathy when she contacted me after the Dec. 23 release of Nobody's Hero and offered to be a beta reader. She read the book during that week before the official Dec. 31 release of the book and gave me great insights into the mindset of a submissive—as well as being helpful to me with military information. Needless to say, she's been a big help with Nobody's Perfect, as well, including giving me insight into a breath-control play scene that I use in the book. She and her Dom also helped me with a scene for an upcoming book in which Marc will undergo an interrogation scene with Adam and possibly others as he faces that inner pain that has been hidden so deeply, I didn't think we'd EVER discover what it was.

Recently, I asked her to answer a view questions to give readers an insight into a real submissive's life, as opposed to the ones I write about who are composites of a number of people (plus my imagination).

How or when did you realize you were a submissive?

I think I was around 6 years old. I remember how much I enjoyed helping other people because I wanted to see them happy. I have always made decisions based on the effect it will have on the people I love. When my husband was in the Navy everything I did, including clean the house, was to insure he was worry free, so he could concentrate on his job. It wasn't until I was in my early 40s that I learned to call myself submissive.

I am not a 'pure' submissive. In the outside world I am very dominant. I am not a switch. I have no desire to control my husband or anyone else, but I am a mother so I have to be in charge to teach and to control chaos. Sometimes how I in need to be for the outside world creates conflict with my inner submissive, that's when I need my Dominant the most because he centers me.

Describe what being submissive means to you.

Wow, that's a hard one. What submission means to me, hmm surrender. That is the best word to describe submission for me. I surrender to my desire to not be in charge. I surrender to my husband’s desires, needs, and wants. I give of myself completely and with joy for the happiness of my Dominant. Seeing him happy fills my heart. Submission is different for each sub. Submission is an abstract term so it is not easily defined. I find great peace from my submission.

How did you go about finding the practice? How do you and your husband approache a D/s relationship?

With all the craziness going on in our life, we keep it in the closet so to speak. We leave the formality of the D/s relationship in the bedroom now. Sounds unfulfilling, but really it is not. Every relationship goes through shifts to fit its needs.

My husband works long hours and I am a full-time student. We also have a son still at home, so to simplify our life we leave D/s for the bedroom and play parties. We are extremely informal compared to many and that's fine. The beauty of this lifestyle is that there is no wrong or right way to approach your relationship. There are many books out there that will give you ideas and examples. We explored a good number of them. For the time being, we have relegated D/s to the bedroom and when our son is not home. There are critics that would scream we are not D/s unless we are 24/7.To them I thumb my nose because being 24/7 is a lot of pressure for both sides. We are a lot like Marc and Angelina, sometimes I move over a line and he gently pulls me back other times I end up with a sore butt. I guess our relationship ebbs and flows with our needs and moods.

As you know, Damián in Kally's book is now a sadist and Savi is a masochist. What is your point of view on sadomasochism (SM)? Do you do anything with that level of pain or use any edge control practices with your Dom?

I have no issue with consensual SM. The level of play a person wants to initiate is completely at their discretion. I love edge play. I get an enormous rush from pain. My hubby says I am a pain slut, and I may be, but really I need a blend of pain and sensual touch to fall into subspace.

One type of play we do a lot of now is breath play. Most would think it is not edge play, but it can be very dangerous if you are not careful. In fact, it could kill you. Breath play can be very relaxing and gentle. We usually start with a kiss where my husband begin by draw my breath away and breathing his into me. It's quite intimate. The risk comes from the amount of CO2 you receive. You have to make sure your partner does not asphyxiate. Breath play also includes choking. Often when we have rough sex he puts his hand down on my neck and traps me to the bed. It is a combination of bondage and breath play.

I love knife play, with or without cutting. The best is the mindfuck—using something innocuous and making the sub believe it is something dangerous. I saw a Dom use ice and hold it to the sub's skin and she was convinced it what hot during the fireplay scene. For medical reasons, I cannot do as much impact play so we are working to find new outlets for our play.

Overall, I am a person who believes everyone should play at the level they are comfortable with. In BDSM we let people be themselves. We don't like when people tell us what we do is wrong because we don't do it their way. The beauty of the kink communities is we accept everyone. BDSM/Kink is fun and if you are deriving pleasure from it and it's safe, sane, and consensual, it's all right.

Now if what you are doing is being done in an unsafe manner a Dom may help you learn a safer way to do it or help you learn better techniques. Everyone had to start out learning how to swing a flogger, for example, so we embrace teaching safety. Doms mentor other Doms all the time, just as other subs will mentor subs when they first enter the community. We are like a family in many ways.

What is it like emotionally to be on the receiving end of a Dom's attentions?

During a scene, it's a total rush. My Dom and I do a lot of mental bondage. Mental bondage is when the Dom tells you what position he wants you in and often to be silent and you have to maintain that position. It requires a lot of concentration and discipline. It works very well for people that have a hard time staying in the moment. For example, say you are a worry wart and you have a hard time orgasming—using mental bondage occupies your mind and frees your body to respond to the stimulation without tension or stress getting in the way.

I don't believe in the notion that a sub feels any more or less cherished than a wife in a solid vanilla relationship. The major difference is we set aside fear of rejection because we trust our partner to listen without making it personal or having hurt feelings. We tend to be more rational about our wants and needs and open to what our partner wants without prejudices. I would never claim BDSM is a marital cure-all, because that is pure fantasy.

Lastly, what is your favorite part about being a sub in a long-term relationship?

It's like any other relationship. When it's great, it is the best thing in the world. We have our on days and our off days. We have periods of time we operate in the lifestyle more than others. We fit our life and our lifestyle together in a manner that works best for us. We work hard to accept one another and enjoy everything everyone else does. We have a rich full life that includes D/s.

My favorite is the way we communicate more clearly now. I don't assume he knows what I want and he feels safe asking for what he needs. We have more fun in bed and out of bed. NEITHER one of us lives in fear that we will weird the other one out.

Always A Marine, Books 1 & 2 by Heather Long-Reviews & Interview

Once Her Man, Always Her Man
Book 1, Always a Marine series

Blurb:

Fulfilling a favor and executing a business plan, Luke Dexter arrives at Dallas’ Sybarite Club for a one-night stand. He never imagined he’d come face to face with the woman he left behind a decade earlier.

Rebecca Rainier fell in love with Luke Dexter in high school and was crushed when he dumped her to join the Marines after 9/11. Set up on a 1Night Stand by her business partner, nothing could prepare Rebecca for who her date is.

Can Luke and Rebecca bridge the pain of a decade-long abandonment, in one cold Texas night?

 Review:

Once her Man, Always her Man is a short sweet novella under the umbrella of the 1Night Stand imprint by Decadent Publishing. It’s the first book in Heather Long’s new series Always a Marine and introduces us to sexy Marine Luke Dexter on the night he’s set up on a blind date with his high school sweetheart. Rebecca Rainier never stopped loving Luke even after he dumped her to join the Marines after 9/11. Rebecca and Luke have one night to figure out if their love is still hot enough to warm up even the coldest Texas night.

I’m going to admit I don’t usually pick up such short stories but since I love Heather Long’s backlist I decided to take the chance. I’m glad I did. Yes, it’s short but the way Ms. Long handles the story pulls you in instantly and doesn’t let go. It’s a hot sexy read with all the emotion I love to find in my romance stories.  Luke is everything Rebecca has ever wanted and she’s just what he needs. The scenes are steamy but even with such a short amount of time to tell the story; Ms. Long manages to put enough backstory that it doesn’t feel rushed. I highly recommend this story if you like your stories hot and emotional but want a fast read.

Reviewed by Sheri

4 Harlie's and a recommended read

Retreat Hell! She Just Got Here
Book 2, Always a Marine series

Blurb:

She’s one of the few…

Jazz has been one of the guys for over a decade, serving her country with distinction, but she longs to explore her femininity, to be desired as a woman, to flirt, cavort and fulfill every sexual desire. When her mother, of all people, signs her up for a 1Night Stand, she’s not sure whether to be exhilarated or pissed. She flew all the way to Las Vegas on the promise of a total escape, to be Jasmine for just one night, because tomorrow, she plans to re-up for another five years.

They’re two of the proud…

Logan Cavanaugh grew up across the street from his best friend and ‘brother’ Zach Evans. Inseparable, the two shared everything until a year before when an IED attack took out the Humvee they traveled in with Colonel Dexter. Zach suffered a concussion, but Logan’s injuries were far more extensive. After a year of physical therapy, he can walk, but he’ll never run or love a woman again, or so he fears. Logan seemed ready to accept his impotence until Zach came home. Now the ‘brothers’ are in Vegas to meet the perfect woman, the woman who can heal Logan’s confidence and masculinity.

They’re all Marines…

They’ve shared everything, but will one night be enough?

Review:

Retreat Hell! She Just Got Here is the second installment in Heather Long’s Always a Marine series. Jasmine “Jazz” Winters, has always been one of the guys, so she allows her mom to sign her up with 1Night Stand. She flies to Las Vegas for her date and her greatest fantasy of a night with two men, Logan Cavanaugh and Zach Evans are happy to fulfill her every fantasy in a night of passion. These two men are as close as brothers and served together as Marines, until an IED attack side lined Logan, leaving scars and making him feel like he’ll never love a woman physically again. Jazz is just the Marine to help with Logan’s problem and love Zach too.

I loved this book.  Something about the heroine being a strong Marine, who doesn’t see herself as feminine enough in her everyday life, makes this story just stand out for me. The tenderness and care she shows for Logan, just makes me love her more. I read a lot of ménage romance but this story has stuck with me and I can see it continuing to do so.  It’s another short novella like the other books in this series, but even in the short night they have together you can already feel them falling in love.  This story leaves off with the idea that this three will be getting together again soon, and I really hope there is a follow up story so I can enjoy these characters all over again.

Reviewed by Sheri

5 Harlie's and a recommended read

Quote from reviewer Sheri,  "They renewed my love of novellas."

Interview:

To get started can you tell us what you are working on or have coming out?

How much time do we have? 2012 has been a very exciting year for me with several releases coming out back to back.  Currently, I am awaiting the release of the next Always a Marine 1Night Stand tales: Proud to Serve Her and Her Marine. They are due out June 26^th and July 3^rd respectively.   Soon after that will be The Taming of the Thief in mid-July which is the second book in The Fortunate Buddha trilogy. 

So--lots of good stuff. 

As for what I am writing right now, I’m finishing up No Regrets, No Surrender, the novel follow up to Retreat Hell! She Just Got Here and then I get to go back and play with my superheroes for a book to follow up Yesterday’s Heroes, which releases in September from Carina Press.

What made you realize that writing was it for you? Do you write full time?

From the moment I realized that actual people wrote those books I loved, I knew I had to be one. I was an avid reader from a young age, literally devouring hundreds of dollars worth of books and never seeming to satisfy that craving. So writing really is like being a kid again, immersing myself in worlds with these characters and enjoying the ride.  I do write full time in the sense that I am at my keyboard working on stories or editing for well over forty hours a week. It’s not paying all the bills yet, but I’m pretty happy with my progress.

What is a typical day of writing like for you?

Get up, let my dogs out, feed my cats and where I used to make a cup of coffee, now I make a power shake. I’ve been on a diet for the last few weeks, so it’s modified a lot of my habits, but I’m really seeing success both on the writing and weight loss front.  Once the dogs are settled, I head out to the garage where I can work on my laptop away from the distractions of the Internet. That’s where a lot of the magic happens whether I have 1, 2, 3 hours or all day to write. New words are almost always reserved for the beginning of the day when I’m freshest while I tackle edits in the afternoon or evening.

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

Of course. What is life without them? But currently many of my favorite shows are on hiatus for the summer, so it’s power-writing time. However--eek,gasp--I gave up Starbuck’s which is not something I thought I would be able to do.

What is your favorite type of hero to write and why?

That’s a hard question. I love all my guys. I love them because whether their grumpy and curt (Cody, Brave Are the Lonely & Jacob, Jacob’s Trial) or charming and dashing (Max, The Love Thieves) or just stand up, truly honorable men (Sam, Marshal of Hel Dorado, Luke, Once Her Man, Always Her Man) - it’s how they love their women that makes them a hero to me.  These are the guys to go to in order to get something done.

If you were stranded on an island, what and who would you take with you?

Fresh water and Chris Hemsworth.  Yep. That’s what I’d take.

Which genre(s) do you write and is one of them your favorite?

I’m giggling here because I don’t have a favorite--it’s why I write in so many. My eclectic tastes in reading translated into what I write from Paranormal Western Romance, Paranormal Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Military Romance and now a Superhero Romance that is soon to be released.  I suppose you can say I have a thing for paranormal because it’s a more regular theme, but I love them all.

If someone hasn't read any of your work, what book would you recommend that they start with and why?

Hmm--if they enjoy more erotic reads, I’d send them to my 1Night Stand’s from Decadent. The Always a Marine series holds a very special place in my heart. They are sexy, saucy, and delicious to read.  If they enjoy something a little bit different with an epic feel, I’d send them to my Fevered Hearts series because those books are paranormal westerns--they have all the magic and powers you could want against the backdrop of the wild west with more than a few spicy scenes thrown in.  If they wanted romantic escape, then my Fortunate Buddha trilogy offers romance, adventure, and humor--which is one of my favorite combinations.

Speed round:

Beer, wine, liquor or none?

Beer.

PJ’s or lingerie?

PJs

Boxers, briefs, commando?

Boxers - I like unwrapping the package

Top 5 favorite books?

Killjoy by Julie Garwood

A Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh

Archangel’s Blade by Nalini Singh

River Marked by Patricia Briggs

Fair Game by Patricia Briggs

Go to author for a comfort read?

Patti Briggs - I adore her books.

Tell us something that most people don’t know about you? (That you would be willing to share)

I really wanted to be an attorney when I grew up. I thought it would be great to be a crusader for the little guy, fighting against corporate greed and making a real difference in the world. When I was five, I announced I would be the first female President of the United States…

Hmm. I still have time for that.

About the Author:

Heather Long lives in Texas with her family and their menagerie of animals. As a child, Heather skipped picture books and enjoyed the Harlequin romance novels by Penny Jordan and Nora Roberts that her grandmother read to her. Heather believes that laughter is as important to life as breathing and that the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and Santa Claus are very real. In the meanwhile, she is hard at work on her next novel.

http://www.heatherlong.net

Http://www.facebook.com/HeatherLongAuthor

http://www.twitter.com/HVLong