Cowboys and Em Petrova

Cowboys have their own style and attitude, which is exactly why I wanted to spend time writing them. Now I can officially say I’m a sucker for a cowboy hat and a rugged pair of Wranglers. Yep, ladies and gents, I’ve crossed over! Yeehaw!

While I was writing my latest ménage, Outlaws of Love, I spent some time researching all things cowboy and western. That means I watched some damn good movies. Here are some of the best of all time.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly—a total classic. Anyone who hasn’t seen this is missing out. Nothing beats the one-word answers or the bad-ass glares of Clint Eastwood!

The Outlaw Josey Wales—since we’re talking Clint Eastwood, this is a must-see.

Young Guns—What the story might be lacking, is made up for with a hunk cast of actors like Emilio Estevez, Kiefer Sutherland, Lou Diamond Phillips, Charlie Sheen, Dermot Mulroney, and Casey Siemaszko!

Tombstone—this movie packs a powerful punch. I’m not a huge fan of Kurt Russell, but who could ever be a better Wyatt Earp?

Hell on Wheels—this modern western sucked me right in. The brooding Cullen Bohannen is one hot leading man. I have to admit, I didn’t catch this series until the last two episodes of the season. By then, I’d already written Outlaws of Love, but I was thrilled to find new inspiration for more books in my Hollis Boys series.

Now I’ll leave you with a very hot excerpt of Outlaws of Love. Thanks for stopping by, and thank you to W Lynn for hosting me!

Blurb:

Upon traveling west to marry, Annabelle Stephens longed to leave her nickname of Sweetheart Annie and the strict rules of Boston society behind, but the taboo freedom she faces wasn’t exactly what she had in mind. When a sexy outlaw storms into her rented room and kidnaps her, she’s embroiled in a dangerous game with not one man, but two. 

Until now Xander Hollis wanted one thing—or maybe two—to stop the Southern Gorge Railroad from stealing the homesteaders’ land, and to act on his desires with his partner in crime James. Like Robin Hoods of the old west, he and James embark on a mission to rob from the rich and give to the poor. When he refuses to let go of the woman who could identify him, he finds he’s in true danger. Danger of losing his heart to the heiress of the very railroad corporation he struggles to bring down.

Adult Excerpt:

EXCERPT of OUTLAWS OF LOVE- RATED ADULT

James leaned in and drew a deep breath, his nose inches from her hair. She tensed in response, but her body throbbed. Her nipples tightened almost painfully. Xander gripped her waist and plucked her off her feet, settling her astride in the saddle. She tried not to wiggle to ease the ache between her thighs even as she avoided James’s steady gaze.

“What is your mother like?” She hoped to distract him from her need, though the spark was quickly growing to an inferno.

“You’re going to love everything about my ma,” Xander said, vaulting up behind her. He tucked her tight against his chest with his familiar arm locked around her waist. James crossed to his horse and loosened the rope keeping it from running away.

“His mother’s the best cook in the world.”

“Better than yours, James.”

“No lie.” The man hitched his foot into the stirrup with the barest of winces and seated himself atop Switchback.

Xander probed her ear with his tongue, and his cock jammed harder against her buttocks. “James’s mother burns everything.”

“I used to pretend to eat my meal and then ran like hell across the fields to get to the Hollis Ranch in time for supper.” He set his heels into his horse, and they took off.

Xander didn’t immediately follow but nuzzled her throat. “You’re so goddamned alluring, Annabelle. I need you.”

She twisted, threw her arms around his neck and drew him down for a kiss. The instant their lips brushed, a series of explosions detonated in her core. Her nerve endings pinged. Her breasts grew heavy with need. And her pussy pulsated, begging to be stroked. Stretched. Filled.

“Please, Xander. Touch me.”

“Mmm.” His chest rumbled against her side. Gliding a hand over her knee and up her inner thigh, he located the V of her legs. Through the fabric of her dress, he rubbed her heated folds.

Grasping her skirt, she hitched it up to expose her pussy to his fingers. She stole a glance at James’s back. He was still riding, either giving them a moment of privacy or oblivious to the fact they weren’t following.

Xander’s hard lips commanded hers. At the first touch, she opened her mouth to him, and his tongue swept inside. He tasted the walls of her mouth, his tongue working deeper against hers. When he strummed the bundle of nerves between her thighs, she gasped.

Quivering with need, she writhed against him, seeking more of his maddening touch. The blaze of desire in her belly was uncontrollable. If she didn’t get release soon, she’d go insane.

She’d tossed out her inhibitions and admitted that she craved his touch. When he stroked her, she lost all sense of time and place, which couldn’t be a good thing. She was about to arrive at the Hollis family ranch, where people would surround them day and night. And James couldn’t be far away, could he?

Xander tore his mouth away. “How long will it take, baby doll?” How many times do I have to do this” -- he circled her clit once, twice -- “to make you come on my fingers?”

“Oooh.” Flashes of delight sparked behind her eyes, and her world narrowed to include only Xander’s leather-and-musk scent and the pressure of his callused fingers against her sensitive tissues.

Even when the hoofbeats of James’s horse sounded nearby, she couldn’t open her eyes and make Xander stop. He parted her thighs with one hand, exposing her completely to the air and surely to James’s gaze.

Xander’s words drowned out all cares. “That’s it, baby. Come for me. Feels good, doesn’t it? Your pussy is so pretty, all tight and wet. Your clit so swollen. You want to come for me, don’t you?”

In a blinding burst, she splintered. Wave after wave of blissful sensation washed over her. She clung to Xander, her gasps suddenly swallowed by his kiss. He ground her nubbin into her body, extending her release. Cream soaked his fingers.

James gave a soft moan.

And Annabelle’s eyes shot open. The man was mounted not five feet from them, his horse dancing slightly. James’s gaze was riveted between her thighs.

Xander lifted his head, looked right at James, and thrust his finger deep into her body.

A haze of rapture settled over her as another orgasm broke over her. The waves pounded her, the pinnacle sharper and more fulfilling than the last. Sensation ripped through her, and she stopped breathing for a minute. When she cried out, James’s gaze flashed to hers, caught and held. As her release pounded through her muscles, she couldn’t look away if she wanted. She was trapped again -- between Xander’s adept fingers and James’s stimulating stare.

Em Petrova

~where words mean so much more~

www.empetrova.com

BUY OUTLAWS OF LOVE http://www.loose-id.com/Outlaws-of-Love.aspx

Assumed Identity with Lila Munro

1-Tell the readers a little about yourself.

I’m a forty-something empty nester who’s married to her own real life hero in the form of a US Marine. Currently I live on the coast of North Carolina, although I’ve lived all over the place over the last fifteen years and in fact have moved nine times. I’ve held a driver’s license in four states and had an international driving permit at one time when I lived in Okinawa, Japan for three years. I have two pets, a Bernese Mountain dog named Rags and an overweight Sheltie named Lady, both of whom were rescue dogs and think they are tiny humans. I love research. Yep, that’s right. I love research. Not many people do and I’ve only found a smattering of writers these days that enjoy it, but I think it’s one of the most fabulous parts of penning, the hunt for the facts. And my research trips take me to some of the most unusual places, and I’ve met some of the most fascinating individuals that way. 

What do I write? Everything from sweet to heat. I started out writing pretty tame characters in vanilla worlds and gradually progressed to individuals that lived in much less vanilla worlds with lots of toys…and…stuff.  My first love though was military romance and later this year I’ll see a return to that sub-genre for a while.

2-As an author, do you take time to read? If so, what do you like to read and who is/are your favorite author/s?

Absolutely! Stephen King once said if you don’t have time to read, you don’t have time to write. I read almost every day. My Kindle is filled with Maya Banks, Kitty Thomas, Loralei James, Tymber Dalton and KA Mitchell currently. This list is much longer on the archived titles and I find new things I want all the time.

3-How do you stay motivated when the Muse is uncooperative?

Bubble baths…and decaf coffee. I’m not allowed caffeine anymore. Aside from that I write anything to get kick started. Blog posts, letters, character profiles…

4-If you could go anywhere in the world on a romantic getaway, what would you do and where would you go?

I’ve been asked this question several times this year and my answer is always the same. It might seem pretty boring to most people, but here goes. My husband is a Marine. He’s been deployed this time for a year and isn’t home yet. The most romantic thing would be our back yard and a bottle of wine right now. 

5-What is the hardest thing for you to write?

Well, it used to be hard for me to write “those” words…you know, (murmuring out of the side of my mouth) body part. ;) Not anymore. I tell new writers, stand in front of a mirror. Repeat difficult word or phrase until you no longer turn red. Write. They will now come much easier while writing since you have no trouble saying them. 

6-If you could live the life of one of your characters who would you be?

I can’t tell all my dirty secrets and desires…my goodness. ;) I do so love Jillian Stewart though from book two in my Identity series, True Identity. Steph Sachelles is just yummy!

7-The tag line on my blog is ‘Indulge Your Inner Romantic.’ What do you do to indulge?

Regular trips to Vicky’s Secret…the sales clerks at my store know me by name. ;)

Lila Munro currently resides on the coast of North Carolina with her husband and their two four-legged kids. She’s a military wife with an empty nest and takes much of her inspiration for her heroes from the marines she’s lived around for the past fifteen years. Coining the term realmantica, she strives to produce quality romance in a realistic setting. Her genre of choice is contemporary romance that spans everything from the sensual to BDSM and ménage. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading everything she can get her hands on, trips to the museum and aquarium, taking field research trips, and soaking up the sun on the nearby beaches. Her works include The Executive Officer’s Wife, Bound By Trust, Destiny’s Fire, Salvation, Three for Keeps, the Force Recon series, the Slower Lower series, and the Identity series. She’s a member in good standing of RWA and Passionate Ink. Currently she’s working on sequels to several series to be released throughout 2012. And has a brand new line scheduled for winter 2012-13. Ms. Munro also works as the VP of Business Affairs for Rebel Ink Press. She loves to hear from her readers and can be contacted via her website http://realmanticmoments.blogspot.com  or through Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Lila_Munro You can also contact her via email at lilasromance@gmail.com For more information about Rebel Ink Press please visit their website at www.rebelinkpress.com

Innocent childhood games of dress-up and pretend…

Julie Stevens is as straight as they come. Or so she tries to convince herself. But it isn’t easy believing that little white lie when she has the two most sexually eccentric best friends on the planet. One is a bi-sexual Domme who believes if it looks fun, try it. The other is a gay man in the role of slave to his very sexy Master whom Julie often wishes wasn’t gay. Dante’s commanding presence makes her want to do things that set her on fire with need and embarrassment. Given her boring vanilla life, how exactly does she fit into their world? Would they like to have a shinier third wheel?

Are a completely different animal for grownups…

After one wild evening and a bit too much liquid encouragement, Julie discovers a side of herself she’s always tried to ignore. The realization she’s a sub not only scares her, it excites her and she yearns for more. But the process of finding the right man to teach her becomes a real issue, until Mason comes along. He’s everything Julie imagines a Dom should be. Armed with her masque and Renaissance costume, Julie is thrown for a loop when the handsome Master draws more willingness out of her than she ever thought possible. Is it possible she’s more than a submissive? And will the assumptions he’s made about her identity end up tearing them apart?

“Are you wet, angel?” Mason asked, running one hand down the middle of her back. Her intake of breath told him she was and that she didn’t want to admit it. “Answer me. Now.”

“Yes,” she whispered over a whimper.

Covering her body with his, Mason leaned over her and gently took her by her hair. “Tell me what you need, angel.”

Silence. Sniffling. Muffled moans.

“Julie. Tell. Me. What. You. Need.”

“Sex.” Her voice was barely audible.

“No. That’s what you think I want. I know what I want. You’re to free your mind of thoughts concerning what you think I want.” Mason pushed back up and began moving one hand over her back in a soothing pattern. “Tell me what you need.”

“I need…I…Don’t make me…”

“Say it.”

“I need to come,” she whined.

“Good girl,” he praised. “Now tell me what you want.”

“I don’t understand…”

“Yes, you do. Tell me,” he growled.

“I want you to make me come,” she gushed, arching her back into his constant touch.

“I’m going to do just that, angel,” he spoke harshly, leaning back over her and taking a handful of hair, raising her head enough he could nip her earlobe. “Tell me you understand.”

“I understand.”

“When’s the last time you had an orgasm?” She started to answer and he cut her off. “With a man?”

“I can’t remember.”

“Shame on them,” Mason told her. 

He stood and while keeping one hand on her lower back letting her know he was still present, he unbuttoned his jeans then unzipped them slowly, adding to her agony by being forced to listen to the click of each tine popping open. Scooting his pants down his legs along with his boxers, he stepped out of them and when his hand left her so he could sheath himself, Julie grunted in frustration.

“Get on your back on the bed,” he said as he finished rolling the condom down. She needed the visual contact even if she couldn’t see anything but shadows and reflections.

She hesitated, looked behind her as if trying to determine if he was baiting her or not, then turned and backed across the mattress before lying down with her legs spread and her arms at her sides, her eyes tightly squeezed shut. So clinical, as if she expected to be used as a vessel. Who the hell had she been with before and what the hell had they done to her to make her think sex was about lying like a dead fish while the man got what he wanted? Then he remembered what she’d been like at the party, after he’d caught her in the chase.

She was carefree and happy, not at all a dead fish beneath him. As he’d lain on her in the garden, she was vital and eager. Mason believed she’d have done anything he asked of her she was so pliable…She’d been Hayden. Not Julie. She’d not just been dressed for the party. She was literally hiding behind her masque.

A bit of anger and sorrow wound around Mason’s state of arousal and squeezed him as he realized she had to assume an identity to feel. Then he was almost ashamed at the bit of happiness that crept in at the realization that she was not only fresh and new to his world but actually, she was like putty in his hands. She was ready to be molded into the person she was perfectly capable of being. He could be the one to show Julie how good it really could be, not just physically, but emotionally as well. For tonight though, she needed a safe haven, a place where she could turn her fears into dancing.

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=lila+munro&searchBy=author&qString=lila+munro

An Interview with Sinful Urges

I’m very pleased to have Maria, Juan, and their priest, Father Delgado at Decadent Decisions today. Let me say how much I enjoyed the story. I appreciate the way you shared some of your most intimate moments.

Father Delgado, if I may, I’d like to start with you. My heart goes out to you and well, I was very moved at how you felt listening to this couple. My first question is 

Have you recovered from their confessions?

Has this incident shaken or renewed your faith in God? I ask because at one point it seemed as if you’d totally given up.

Thank you for your concern, my daughter. My faith in God has never wavered, however. My faith in myself, as a priest capable of guiding my flock is what is in question, I fear. I am not deserving of my position in the church. I am seeking God for guidance on a daily basis as I try to decide what to do. Who is really worthy to spread the word of God? I am but a mere man…not worthy at all, and I have the urges and imperfections of a man. 

Vaya con Dios.

For Maria. I must say I was blown away by your directness. Just a couple of questions, Were you happy in your marriage before and what really changed for you?

Why did you feel it necessary to seduce Juan?

I wanted him. I always get what I want. There was nothing wrong with my marriage…but a little variety is a good thing, si? Is fun…and oh, Juan is muy bonito. Something about him just—what do you say in America?—floated my boat. Si, he floated my boat…and I invited him into my home to sink it. (husky laugh)

For Juan, wow. I know you struggled greatly with your feelings for Maria. First question, were you happy in your marriage before?

Overjoyed? No. Comfortable, yes? When we had our little one, my wife began to focus on him. Isn't that normal with marriage and children? I saw Maria and that look in her eyes… I wanted to capture that again, the moment of intense desire, lust, and build up. My wife and I haven't had that in a long time. It's all about our little son. She's a good mother though. I would never say otherwise. 

In light of the decisions you’ve made, would you do anything differently?

I think I acted a bit rashly…for what I did, I did to have Maria, but now I can't have her anyway. I don't dare show my face…

Oh, two more questions, Did you plan to confess at the same time? It seemed once one entered the church, the other would follow.

Maria: We confessed at the same time? Aye Dios Mio! That's crazy talk. I simply went to the only Catholic church in the vicinity.

Juan: Maria, do you go to Father Delgado too? Oh, something else we have in common, mi amor… 

Maria: Juan, there is no hope for us…I can barely stand to be in your presence..

What’s in store for you now?

Juan: For obvious reasons, I am fleeing to Mexico. I hope Maria goes with me. 

Maria: (shrug)  I don't think so, Juan. I don't know… it wouldn't be right. Me? I think I shall seek a new lover after a decent period of time, of course.

Father Delgado: I'm debating whether or not being a priest is the right vocation for me. Am I worthy enough to care for God's children? Perhaps, he will send me a sign…

Well thank you so much for allowing me to interview you today. I know you're eager to leave, but help yourself to the buffet and bar.

 

And for those that would like to know why Juan is considering fleeing the country, here is the buy link:
http://www.breathlesspress.com/sinful-urges 

To learn more about Sonia Hightower and her alter ego Tara Chevrestt

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Follow the confessions of Juan and Maria as they fall prey to lust at first sight. Can they stop themselves before it's too late, or will they become victims of their own sinful urges?

A new neighbor sends Juan running to confession to rid himself of the lustful thoughts he experiences. Each confession becomes more erotic, more sinful than the last. Can Juan stop himself, or will he give in to the desire that threatens his very faith?

The man across the street causes Maria to question her own morals. When she seeks out a priest for confession, she weaves a tale of exotic kisses and stolen moments. How can Maria find sanctuary in her prayers when her body demands she finds solace in her neighbor's arms?

I sauntered outside, tossing my black mane, relishing in the feel of the setting sun brandishing my skin, wishing I could replace it with hot hands. I grabbed the hose from where it was connected in front of the house and, watching from the corner of my eye, I began running water over my car. Not even five minutes passed and I felt his eyes on me. It took every ounce of willpower I had not to turn and meet his stare.

It only took ten minutes for him to come outside under the pretense of playing catch with his little boy. By this point, I was soaked and knew my nipples were visible through my top. The smack of a ball repeatedly hitting a glove was the only background noise I heard as I grabbed a sponge from the soap bucket and scrubbed the roof of my car. I allowed my shorts to climb higher up my buttocks as my hips swayed with my scrubbing movement. I had a very dirty roof. It required me to reach further and further and my breasts squashed against the car windows. I felt my nipples harden under the cold water, but the rest of me, the lower part of me was burning up.

Still, I refused to turn, refused to allow Juan to see my front.

Thump went the ball into a glove.

I maneuvered around my vehicle at a crawling pace, keeping my back to the street. I bent over my trunk, reaching for a spot I had missed in the first scrubbing, the sponge clutched so tightly in my hand that it ached, much like the rest of my body.

Thump went the ball into a glove.

I finished with that spot and finally turned around, allowing my wet hair to swish and slap my cheek as I braced myself against the trunk, pretending to need my balance on the wet driveway. My eyes were closed, and I tilted my head back to catch the last of the sun's rays on my face, the front end of me dripping wet. The inside of my shorts were even wetter.

Crash went the ball into a car window.

I smiled as I realized I had obtained my goal. Juan was mine...

Meet Josee Renard

What is the hardest thing for you to write?

I tend to get stuck in the same place every single time because of the way I write. I'm a complete fogwalker. I start with a sentence or a phrase and no idea of where the story is going. I take each day on faith. But when I get to the place where the story MUST turn to the end, that paragraph that will inevitably take me to a specific ending, I get stuck. Early on in my career, I used to get stuck for weeks and weeks at the exact same place because I didn't know WHY I was getting stuck there, but I've figured out how to get past it now. I just keep rewriting that one paragraph until it's right and I'm comfortable enough to move on. I might be stuck for a day, occasionally two, but that's way better than weeks and weeks :)

Where do you get your story ideas?

Story ideas are everywhere for me. Mostly it starts with a phrase or a sentence. I might overhear it on the bus, see it on a billboard, hear it on the radio or TV or spot it on some graffiti. They show up in my mind when I'm walking - I'll come up with a line (no relation to anything in particular) and I'll refine it as I walk until it's perfect. Those times are harder. I'm like one of those artists who use found materials - my found materials or sentences or phrases.

How do you stay motivated when the Muse is uncooperative?

I just keep writing. I treat myself to a new pair of shoes or I go for a walk or I re-read one of my favorite books. But because I generally have deadlines, I have to wrestle my muse - female, but named Prospero - into submission and, over the years, she's become more cooperative. Or maybe it's that I've figured out what she likes. Writing every day really helps. Being consistent (very difficult for me because of my schedule) helps. I can't always (often) do this but when I can, I feel her joy almost immediately.

Who is your ideal hero?

Almost any one of Suzanne Brockmann's Navy SEALS, though I'd say right now I'm leaning toward Crash Hawken from Hawken's Heart. Or Keanu Reeves' character in The Lake House. Or Aragorn (as played by Viggo Mortenson) in The Lord of the Rings.

What do you like to write about the most? The least?

I LOVE to write about characters, about relationships - it doesn't have to be a romantic relationship, I often (in my Kate Austin writing life) write about women who are good friends. I'm not much of a suspense writer because I'm not a plotter. So that is probably the toughest thing for me to write.

Tell the readers a little about yourself.

I'm two people (at least I often feel that way) because I write women's fiction under my real name - Kate Austin - and erotica as Josee Renard. It's an awkward relationship because I often forget who I am :) But both of us live in Vancouver, a block from the beach, which is a necessity for me because I love the ocean and spend a lot of time on the beach or walking on the Seawall. I'm a shopper - shoes, clothes, household things, groceries - and I'll shop for anything, anywhere, anytime. I love traveling, though as I get older, I want to go to one place and stay there for a while. My favorite places? Cities that you can walk and which have great art galleries - Paris, Amsterdam, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Toronto, Florence. There are many more, but it'd be a very long list. I have, and treasure, my women friends. They have saved my sanity more times than can be counted.

As an author, do you take time to read? If so, what do you like to read and who is/are your favorite author/s?

I absolutely do take time to read. I'm an addict and read somewhere between 350-400 books a year. I actually take time to read to the detriment of a whole bunch of things - cleaning, writing, exercise. I'd rather read than almost anything.

I read (and re-read) almost anything - you have to when you read as much as I do. As you could tell from above, Suzanne Brockmann is at the top of my list. I love Nora Roberts' romantic suspense. I read a lot of literary fiction - Michael Ondaatje, Margaret Atwood, Raymond Carver. I try to read a little bit of poetry almost every day. I've just become delighted with a new author - Kylie Chan - who is writing a series called Dark Heavens. I've read the first two books and am waiting impatiently for the final book in the trilogy. I love Marjorie Liu, Jayne Ann Krentz. I read non-fiction, but for me that's more scattered. If it doesn't tell a good story, I tend to give up on it.

If you could live the life of one of your characters who would you be?

Hmmm, this is a tough one but I think I'd be Mercedes Jones - one of the three Gossip Queens in the series of three novels I wrote set on the Sunshine Coast (PS, these are Kate's books). I love her guts, I love the way she's so honest and open, and I love the fact that she finds the most unusual, and best, love at the end of the third book. It's a complete surprise and it's perfect.

The tag line on my blog is ‘Indulge Your Inner Romantic.’ What do you do to indulge?

Read, she says grinning. Shop. Travel. Go out to dinner or for a walk on the beach with my man. Buy beautiful lingerie and expensive perfume. Get my nails done or a manicure.

Blurb for Knocks Me Off My Feet available from Cobblestone Press on November 5th.

Jules has been drooling over Shea, the barista at the coffee shop around the corner, for months. But it’s way worse now that Shea has been away for six weeks. Even a weekend in Las Vegas and his incredibly detailed fantasies about their first naked encounter don’t help. What he doesn’t realize is that Shea has been crushing on him for just as long and when he gets back from Australia, he’s got plans for the two of them—naked, sexy, hot plans. 

Where I can be found:

Website: http://www.joseerenard.com/

Blogsite:  http://joseerenard.wordpress.com/

Email: joseerenard@yahoo.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Josee-Renard/163055307086304

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/Josee_Renard

Where to buy: http://www.cobblestone-press.com/catalog/author/joseerenard.htm