-
Guest Post—REASONABLE DOUBTS—Cara Bristol
Today I have the lovely Cara Bristol visiting. Even her dominant alpha heroes would have to admit, Cara is definitely in charge when it comes to Domestic Discipline romance! Spanking and tenderness go hand-in-hand in Cara’s books. If you haven’t read her yet, I absolutely recommend you do!
REASONABLE DOUBTS, Book 5 in Cara’s highly popular Rod and Cane Society series released a few weeks ago.To celebrate, Cara is treating us to an excerpt from REASONABLE DOUBTS, along with her thoughts on something very important to any good story—chemisty.
Take it away, Cara…
The chemistry of relationships
By Cara Bristol
Some define chemistry as a “spark.” I think of it as “glue” that bonds two people together until they can get to know each other in a deeper way and discover if true compatibility exists. At least initially, chemistry is a temporary, albeit powerful attractant.
I didn’t marry until I was 33 years old. Between the ages of 18 and 33, I dated a lot, but most ended at the first date because of a lack of chemistry. With only one exception , all dates in which I had chemistry resulted in long term relationships—and one in marriage.
When you meet someone with who you have chemistry, there is physical awareness, of course, but also a rapport, comfort instead of awkwardness, and an ease of communication, all of which build and begin to solidify a relationship. Chemistry is usually instantaneous—although not always.
(When I first saw the man who would become my husband, my exact thoughts were, “that’s the kind of guy I could go for.” And then I talked to him, and the actual attraction to him grew quickly. Our first date was the most comfortable first date I’ve even been on.)
Chemistry can develop over time. People can begin as platonic friends, but then start “noticing” the other person. But for chemistry to work, i.e. bond two people, it must be mutual. It’s not always.
(I believe there is a chemistry to platonic friendships as well. We have many acquaintances, but far fewer friends. Some people we automatically “click” with and others we don’t. The one’s we click with become our friends while the others remain acquaintances).
Chemistry is so powerful, it can lead people to make bad decisions such as get involved with individuals who are wrong for them, remain in a bad relationships, or cheat on spouses, break up families, and destroy a good marriages. (There are other reasons for infidelity of course, but I think a common one is that chemistry may wane in a marriage, and then a spouse develops chemistry with someone else).
In Reasonable Doubts, widow Liz Davenport thinks she knows what she wants when she starts to date again. She wants a man like her late husband: an older, experienced disciplinarian. But chemistry draws her to Grant Davis. He’s not older. He’s no more experienced than she is, and he’s never spanked a woman in his life. Against her rational judgment, she gets involved with him.
How do you think chemistry affects a relationship?
Reasonable Doubts Blurb
Widow Liz Davenport assumes when she begins to date, her new man will be like her late husband–a member of the Rod and Cane Society and an experienced disciplinarian who can provide her with loving guidance she requires to feel grounded and secure. So why is she attracted to Grant Davis, an ex-Naval JAG officer who works for her nemesis and has never spanked a woman in his life?
Events in his recent past have forced Grant to take stock of his life and try some new things. But spank a woman? He’s never considered that before, but with Liz’s coaching he’s willing to try.
But when the past collides with the present, will he be able to step up and become the disciplinarian Liz needs?
Reasonable Doubts excerpt
“Let’s go.” Grant swatted her ass. A wave of longing rolled through her like thunder traveling across an open plain. She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment and swayed. More. Please more.
But there wouldn’t be more, because Grant wasn’t that way.
Why couldn’t he be a gentleman and a spanker? Was she foolish to start a relationship with a man who could give only half of what she needed? She’d never settled before. But at the idea of walking away from Grant, a little pang shot through her.
But maybe that ache afforded reason enough to call it quits—get out now before she became more attracted, more attached. She needed a man with the confidence to take her in hand and provide what she needed without her having to ask. A head of household who provided stability, structure, and discipline. A mother-may-I guy would not fit the bill.
Grant was a nice man. A good man. They had no commitments, but eventually she would meet someone who could provide everything she needed, and she would move on. It wasn’t right to use him to stave off the loneliness or to scratch an itch. He deserved better.
“Hey…are you okay?” Grant settled a gentle hand on her shoulder, and she realized a long moment had passed since she’d agreed to leave.
Dating did not get easier when you got older. If anything, it got more complicated. She took a deep breath and turned. She didn’t want to disappoint him, to hurt him. She liked him. Enjoyed his company, his conversation, his laugh.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I can’t do this.”
“If you’re not ready, we don’t have to. I understand,” he said.
He didn’t understand. She would not be ready, ever. Not with him. But the words to mark paid to their fledgling relationship refused to leave her lips. Why did he have to be so nice? Attractive. Sexy. Damn him!
“Why don’t we go have some tea and dessert?” he suggested.
“All right,” she agreed, because she couldn’t bring herself to ask him to take her home.
She slipped out of his sports coat and felt an instant loss of warmth. “Thank you.” She returned it, giving back more than his jacket.
“Are you sure? It’s still chilly in here.”
The only thing she was sure about was how confused she was. “I’m good. Thank you.”
Grant shrugged into his jacket, and they exited the gallery. Misery thickened Liz’s throat, but she held her head high as they strolled down the corridor. They avoided the crowded elevator for the empty stairwell. Liz started to descend the steps, but Grant stopped her on the landing. He lightly gripped her upper arms.
“Listen,” he said. “I’m attracted to you, and I want to sleep with you. But it has to be right. You were married a long time, and this is a big step. We’ll take it at your pace. I’m sorry if I came on too strong.”
He brushed his thumb over her face, and Liz realized she was crying. Her face heated with mortification.
“Hey….” He wrapped his arms around her in a hug, and she hid her face against his neck. He chuckled, a sound of such tenderness, Liz cried harder. “Sweetheart?” Grant rocked her. “Tell me why you’re so upset.”
Because she wanted to sleep with him, but she needed him to spank her. Because her emotions were stronger than she’d thought. She craved discipline, but she desired it from him. Grant had wrapped himself around her heart the way his arms fit so snuggly around her shoulders. “B-because…I don’t know. Because I’m crazy.”
“I like crazy women.”
“Nobody likes crazy women.”
“I like you.”
“Then you’re crazy.”
“See? We’re perfect for each other.”
She smiled through her tears. A measure of heartache receded, but confusion still reigned. “I’m a basket case.”
“I like baskets.”
Laughter snorted out her nose. She thumped his chest with her fist. “You’re too nice to me.” You don’t make it easy.
Or maybe she complicated the situation. She and Grant had connected. Perhaps she should get out of her own way and let nature run its course. Stop analyzing and go with the flow. Counselor, counsel thyself. Many friends had sought her advice, used her as a sounding board to work through relationship woes. She could read people and had an instinct for who would be good together. How many couples had she matched up over the years? Dozens, probably. But her life was a mess. A turmoil of conflicted emotion.
Fix me a spanking, won’t you, darling?
Some people drank to calm their nerves. Others exercised or meditated. She’d been spanked. So many times, after a grueling day at work, Otis had taken one glance at her and taken her in hand.
Spank me, Grant.
“Can I reconsider?” she asked.
“Reconsider?” he raised his eyebrows.
“I’d like to sleep with you. Tonight,” she said.
“You don’t have to do that. I can wait,” he said, but a lopsided, hopeful smile slid across his face.
She shook her head. “I don’t want to wait.”
As if he feared she might change her mind again, he hustled her down the stairs.
REASONABLE DOUBTS is available now:
Amazon • Amazon UK • Amazon AU • Amazon CA • B&N • All Romance
Connect with Cara Bristol online
Prizes, Prizes!
How would you like to become card-carrying member of the Rod and Cane Society? To receive a membership card, leave a comment for Cara about Reasonable Doubts or this blog AND your email address in the body of your comment. Cara will contact you to arrange to send you a membership card. This is not a drawing. Everyone who posts a comment with an email address can receive a card—as long as supplies last. In addition, by commenting on this blog and leaving an email address, you’ll be entered into a drawing for Rod and Cane coffee mug.
-
Update: Cherry on Top
This is one of those posts I hate writing, because I know it will disappoint people. But, I’d rather keep everybody informed than guessing, so here’s the update on CHERRY ON TOP…
Unfortunately, I must push back the release date, which was scheduled for March 19th, to later this year. Probably summer.
As much as I love Ben & Lindsay, their book has not been coming easily, and is nowhere near finished. I’m not one who can “force” words onto the page when they don’t feel natural or true to the story. Therefore, I’m removing a scheduled release date from this book. I promise that it is coming, I’m just not sure of the date.
To those of you who were excited to read Ben & Lindsay’s story this March… I’m sorry! Truly. I hope that when it is finished, you will think it was worth the wait.
Thanks to everybody for their encouragement, enthusiasm and support. It is always appreciated. ♥
~Karla
-
Sunday Snippet—GIFT WRAPPED—Good Girl
This week’s Sunday snippet is a continuation of the kitchen scene from GIFT WRAPPED. In the excerpt a couple of weeks ago, Davis told Brinn what he’d do to her (and the pudding they’re making) if she continued undressing him. Last week the clothes came off. And here’s eight sentences of what happens next…
“Are you really a good girl, Brinn—I need to know.”“Yes, I’m a good girl,” she said, her legs shaking and heart racing.
He leaned over her back, molding his body tightly to hers. “Do you like being a good girl?”
His warm breath on her neck made her shiver. Or maybe it was the question, so loaded with naughty promises.
“No,” she whispered, “I don’t like it.”
“Then I’m going to fuck the good girl right out of you tonight.”
Make sure to check out all the snippets from the Weekend Writing Warriors.
GIFT WRAPPED
After catching her boyfriend cheating two weeks before Christmas, Brinn is seriously lacking in holiday spirit. So when she looks into the eyes of a last-minute shopper after closing on Christmas Eve, she’s sarcastic rather than sympathetic. But Brinn is ever the good girl and her conscience wins out. She offers the handsome stranger ten minutes to select a gift and ends up with a present of her own—a date. On Christmas Eve.
Davis hates Christmas. Especially this year, since a neighborhood heist liberated him of his hard-earned belongings and the few gifts he’d purchased. But the robbery led him to a cute store manager with a sense of humor, smokin’ body and no plans for the evening. Mistletoe might be in order after all.
Their Christmas Eve date is like gift-wrapped, sexy satisfaction. But the best gifts keep on giving, and one naughty night may not be enough—for either of them.
Amazon • All Romance • iTunes • B&N • more
-
Sunday Snippet—GIFT WRAPPED—Gift Exchange
Thanks for stopping in to read the Sunday snippet, part of the Weekend Writing Warriors meme. This week’s morsel from GIFT WRAPPED follows hot (and I do mean hot) on the heels of last week’s offering.
A deep growl rumbled near her ear, then Davis’s hands were everywhere, stripping away her clothes with a combination of efficiency and impatience. “Jesus, you’re sexy.” His gaze moved over her naked body. “Merry Christmas to me.”“My turn to unwrap a present,” she said, reaching for the bottom of his shirt and tugging it upward.
He helped, peeling the fabric away and tossing it onto the growing pile of castoffs. His jeans followed—then boxers and socks, leaving him head-to-toe naked and hard all over.
“I’ve obviously been a very good girl this year, to get a present this size,” she said, taking his cock in hand.
Want more than a little bite of the hot chef? You can have all of him for just $2.99…
Amazon • iTunes • All Romance • B&N • Kobo • more
Blurb
After catching her boyfriend cheating two weeks before Christmas, Brinn is seriously lacking in holiday spirit. So when she looks into the eyes of a last-minute shopper after closing on Christmas Eve, she’s sarcastic rather than sympathetic. But Brinn is ever the good girl and her conscience wins out. She offers the handsome stranger ten minutes to select a gift and ends up with a present of her own—a date. On Christmas Eve.
Davis hates Christmas. Especially this year, since a neighborhood heist liberated him of his hard-earned belongings and the few gifts he’d purchased. But the robbery led him to a cute store manager with a sense of humor, smokin’ body and no plans for the evening. Mistletoe might be in order after all.
Their Christmas Eve date is like gift-wrapped, sexy satisfaction. But the best gifts keep on giving, and one naughty night may not be enough—for either of them.
-
“Tell Me Your Favorite Scene” Giveaway
I have a fun little giveaway going on my Facebook page this week. Just pop over and comment on this post with your favorite scene from any of my books. I’ll put all the commentors’ names in a random drawing and choose one winner of a $5 Amazon gift card on January 31st. Easy peasy. 🙂
I can’t wait to read about everybody’s favorite scenes!
Click on the above image to be taken to the post.
-
Sunday Snippet—GIFT WRAPPED—Slippery
It’s time for another Sunday snippet from GIFT WRAPPED. You can catch up on previous snippets here. This week, I jumped ahead several pages. Davis has been attempting to teach Brinn how to make pudding from scratch in his kitchen, but I’m not so sure they’re ever going to get it finished…
He stopped her before she popped his button. “I want you. A hell of a lot. But you touch me now and I’m done with self-control. I’ll bend you over this counter and slide your sexy body through half-made pudding while I fuck you.” The scenario had come out of nowhere, but damn. Brinn blinked up at him—once, twice—then tugged his button open.
Things were about to get slippery.
Visit the Weekend Writing Warriors website for more participants in the eight-sentence snippet meme.
Get more of dirty-talking chef Davis here:
Amazon • All Romance • B&N • iTunes • Kobo • more
Blurb
After catching her boyfriend cheating two weeks before Christmas, Brinn is seriously lacking in holiday spirit. So when she looks into the eyes of a last-minute shopper after closing on Christmas Eve, she’s sarcastic rather than sympathetic. But Brinn is ever the good girl and her conscience wins out. She offers the handsome stranger ten minutes to select a gift and ends up with a present of her own—a date. On Christmas Eve.
Davis hates Christmas. Especially this year, since a neighborhood heist liberated him of his hard-earned belongings and the few gifts he’d purchased. But the robbery led him to a cute store manager with a sense of humor, smokin’ body and no plans for the evening. Mistletoe might be in order after all.
Their Christmas Eve date is like gift-wrapped, sexy satisfaction. But the best gifts keep on giving, and one naughty night may not be enough—for either of them.
-
Cover Reveal and a Giveaway—CHERRY ON TOP
It’s here! Cover reveal day for CHERRY ON TOP! I knew as soon as I saw this image, many months ago, that it was the one for this book. I love the romantic sexiness and the playful expressions on both their faces—it’s a perfect fit for Ben & Lindsay’s story.
Cherry on Top
Close to Home Series ~ Book 3
Lindsay could write the book on falling in love—with the wrong guy. From bad boys to a married man, she’s made one bad choice after another, gravitating toward men destined to hurt her. Except at her brother’s wedding. This time, she’s drawn to a good guy—the pastor. Ben is handsome, single, and definitely interested. But with her past mistakes, maybe Ben is too good…
After two tours in the Middle East, Ben returned home needing peace and purpose. He found it as pastor of a laid-back, small-town church. There’s just one thing missing from his life—love. In a community of a couple thousand, his options are limited. Until Lindsay comes to town for a wedding. Sparks fly between them, but she’s skittish. If Ben wants her to stay, he’ll have to convince her that he’s more than a man of God—he’s the right man for her.
I’m giving away 4 ebooks & a $10 Amazon gift card to celebrate! Just click over to Rafflecopter and enter the draw!
alternate link to the entry form: rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5c261ed532/
About CHERRY ON TOP…
CHERRY ON TOP is Book 3 in the Close to Home series, but it can be read as a standalone story. If you’d like to meet Ben and Lindsay before their book releases, you’ll find them both in Book 2, ICING ON THE CAKE.
CHERRY ON TOP is a hot contemporary romance. The release date is March 19, 2015.
Sign up here to participate in the release week events!
So, what do you think of the cover?
-
Guest Post—TEMPTATION RETURNS by Lisa Carlisle
I’m happy to share the lovely Lisa Carlisle‘s newest release, TEMPTATION RETURNS, with you today. Isn’t that a hot cover?
Temptation Returns
Lisa Carlisle
Antonio returns from the Marine Corps to begin a new life as a civilian. While visiting Cape Cod, he meets a strange woman who reads his Tarot cards. He doesn’t believe in such nonsense; after all, he’s a Marine. When he returns to Boston, he receives a ticket to a rock club where he runs into the one woman he never forgot.
Lina can’t believe Antonio is back in town, right before her wedding. Being around him again resurrects long-buried feelings. Will she be able to resist temptation in the form of a dark-haired Italian Marine, the same man who once broke her heart?
Available now from:
Amazon • B&N • Kobo • All Romance
Excerpt
“These guys are awesome,” Krystal shouted over the music. “Impossible not to have a good time at their shows.”
“Glad I brought you,” Lina replied. “I doubt this would be Brett’s scene.”
They danced and sang along for several songs until the singer announced, “We’re going to take a break. Get a drink, take a piss, and get ready for the second part of the show, which will blow away the first.”
Lina and Krystal were among the first to get to the women’s room. By the time they came out, a line was forming out the door.
“Drink?” Krystal suggested.
“Yeah, let me think. What do I want?” She glanced up at the bar. “Oh, my God.” She turned away and looked up to the ceiling, which had dozens of rubber bats hanging from the rafters. “Oh, God. Oh, God.”
Krystal turned to her, perplexed. “What?”
“My ex is here.”
Krystal scanned the room. “Who? Where?”
“The tall one at the bar. Black hair, black shirt. Tattooed arms.”
“The guy standing so straight like he has a rod up his back?”
“Yes. He can’t help it. He’s a Marine.”
Krystal’s mouth became a perfect O. “Holy shit. The one you were crazy about?”
Lina couldn’t respond so she nodded, unable to tear her eyes from him. Three years had passed, but he appeared as young and as vibrant as when he was a teenager. His black hair was shorter than when they’d first started dating, but not as close cut as while enlisted in the Marines.
His eyes still conveyed a sense of amusement and burned with an intensity that could render women speechless, including her when they’d first met at a club like this one. His body was leaner than when she’d last seen him; he’d lost some weight that further defined his muscles. He resembled a boxer more than a bodybuilder. The whole package was one she’d never been able to resist. A sucker for dark, brooding Italian boys, he captured it so well he should have been on tourist brochures. It would get her on the first flight to Italy.
Krystal brought her back to earth. “Are you going to say hi to him?”
Lina’s mind scrambled. “I don’t know what to do.”
He must have felt her eyes staring as he turned her way and caught her eye. She froze, unable to break the stare.
“Looks like he knows you’re here now.”
“Uh, ah, um…”
Krystal nudged her arm. “Snap out of it, Lina. No matter what happened between you, he’s still just a guy. It was a long time ago, and you’ve moved on. You’re a strong, confident woman. Don’t let that hot shit with a poker up his ass undermine that.”
Lina faced Krystal. “You’re right. It’s—unexpected. Last I heard he was over in Afghanistan.”
“And now he’s coming your way.”
About Lisa CarlisleLisa Carlisle is a USA Today Bestselling author of romance and suspense. She loves stories with dark, brooding heroes and independent, caring heroines. Her romances have been named Top Picks at Night Owl Reviews and All Romance Ebooks. When she was younger, she worked at a variety of jobs in various countries. She backpacked alone through Europe and lived in Paris before returning to the U.S. and draws on her travels for inspiration for settings. Lisa also owned a bookstore for a few years as she loves to read. She’s now married with two kids, has a cat and many fish.
Connect with Lisa:
Newsletter • Website • Blog • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads • Amazon
-
Sunday Snippet – GIFT WRAPPED – Cooking Lesson
Welcome back for another Sunday snippet from GIFT WRAPPED. This little morsel follows very close after last week’s bite. Brinn and Davis are on their spontaneous first date—they’re in his kitchen, where Davis is attempting to teach Brinn how to make homemade pudding. Enjoy!
(Then head over to the Weekend Writing Warriors site for the full list of this week’s participants.)“Measuring cups and spoons are in the drawer beside the fridge; so’s the big whisk, a wooden spoon and a rubber spatula.”“Is the wooden spoon for stirring, or for punishment when I screw up your fancy pudding?”
And he’d just mentally added another item to his do-to-Brinn list. He delivered a firm smack to her sexy ass as an interim measure. “Now I’m half tempted to lead you astray during your lesson.”
“Only half?”
He groaned when she snuck her hand down the front of his jeans and curled her fingers around his cock. “Sixty percent—and rapidly rising.”
Want more of the sexy chef?
Amazon • All Romance • B&N • Kobo • iTunes • more
After catching her boyfriend cheating two weeks before Christmas, Brinn is seriously lacking in holiday spirit. So when she looks into the eyes of a last-minute shopper after closing on Christmas Eve, she’s sarcastic rather than sympathetic. But Brinn is ever the good girl and her conscience wins out. She offers the handsome stranger ten minutes to select a gift and ends up with a present of her own—a date. On Christmas Eve.
Davis hates Christmas. Especially this year, since a neighborhood heist liberated him of his hard-earned belongings and the few gifts he’d purchased. But the robbery led him to a cute store manager with a sense of humor, smokin’ body and no plans for the evening. Mistletoe might be in order after all.
Their Christmas Eve date is like gift-wrapped, sexy satisfaction. But the best gifts keep on giving, and one naughty night may not be enough—for either of them.
-
Sunday Snippet – GIFT WRAPPED – Timing and Execution
Welcome, it’s Sunday snippet time, part of the Weekend Writing Warriors meme. We’re still with Davis and Brinn on their spontaneous date, following their initial meeting after hours at the mall where Brinn works. They’ve just finished the delicious meal Davis (a professional chef) cooked, after which Brinn admits to a chronic lack of luck in the food-preparation department.
“Ah,” he winked, “you burn stuff.”“I don’t burn anything, I just haven’t met the oven of my dreams yet.”
Dimples, he had them. Not a feature she usually cared for on a man—too boyish. On Davis, they didn’t look the least bit juvenile—in fact, they were panty-melting hot.
He leaned forward and curled his hand over her leg, very high on her thigh. “Cooking is like sex. You don’t have to have the best equipment to get great results—it’s all about timing and execution.”
GIFT WRAPPED
Amazon • iTunes • All Romance • more retailers
Blurb
After catching her boyfriend cheating two weeks before Christmas, Brinn is seriously lacking in holiday spirit. So when she looks into the eyes of a last-minute shopper after closing on Christmas Eve, she’s sarcastic rather than sympathetic. But Brinn is ever the good girl and her conscience wins out. She offers the handsome stranger ten minutes to select a gift and ends up with a present of her own—a date. On Christmas Eve.
Davis hates Christmas. Especially this year, since a neighborhood heist liberated him of his hard-earned belongings and the few gifts he’d purchased. But the robbery led him to a cute store manager with a sense of humor, smokin’ body and no plans for the evening. Mistletoe might be in order after all.
Their Christmas Eve date is like gift-wrapped, sexy satisfaction. But the best gifts keep on giving, and one naughty night may not be enough—for either of them.
