Correction: Get Bound to be Mine for Free--Monday and Tuesday Only

I'm celebrating the re-release of Bound to Be Mine by offering the novella on Amazon for free this Monday (April 15) and Tuesday (April 16).

For those procrastinators like me, how about rewarding yourself with a steamy indulgence after you finish your taxes :) ?

You can find All three Stories on my Amazon Author Page or, you can go directly to the story's page by clicking on the covers in the column on the right.

Thanks for reading!

Trailers Updated!

I've updated my trailers to include my new covers & uploaded them to my Goodreads page and to my Amazon page. I'm close to fully updated--WOO HOO!

Although the stories remain essentially the same, I did make some changes. For example, in the final book, Bound to Ignite, I changed the spelling of the heroine's name from Gillian to Jillian. Why? I wrote the story 'hearing' her name as Jillian with a J sound. A friend pointed out to me that Gillian could be read with a g as in goat sound or a j as in jingle sound.  And, my Jillie definitely wanted me to clear up any confusion :)

Just to be certain the new versions weren't riddled with the typos my ADD self strews through my first drafts, I hired the lovely and professional Linda Style to copy edit the updated versions. I am so happy with her work and her professionalism. Thank you Linda!

And so, I'm almost there--fully live and fully available! Woot.

New Cover Reveals

So I've been struggling up the self-publishing learning curve trying to get my short novellas re-released. I know some basic HTML, but I haven't yet successfully formatted an ebook without the use of Smashwords' 'meatgrinder' or Amazon's converter.

The effort is young, however! I will prevail :)

On the other hand, I have come up with some covers I like. The images are slightly modified istock bigstock and RNC photos (ones I had purchased for my trailers) and the text was crafted with Inkscape.

What do you think?

Rerelease Day!! Bound to Be Mine is once again Available

Bound to be Mine will be available again through Amazon!

Interviewed! & Chatting over at Whipped Cream Today

Hi All!

I was interviewed yesterday at Whipped Cream! If you'd like to take a peek, it's at:
http://www.longandshortreviews.com/WC/interviews.htm

I'll also be chatting on their reader loop all day today: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/whippedcream2/

If you have a chance, stop by! First Question up: What's on your nightstand?

Release Day for Bound to Ignite!

Tis the season for....spankings?

Bound to Ignite, the third and final story in my South Jersey Heat wave series, is released today!

Watch the trailer (warning: NSFW!)

Gillian Daniels keeps a secret buried deep in her heart—she craves an erotic spanking. When a friend’s wedding reunites her with the man who first ignited her fantasies, she can no longer deny her desire. Though Gillie has been friends with Eric Kerr since high school, she knows he'll never settle down. She's certain, however, that for one night, he'd be willing to make her darkest desires come true.

Eric has wanted Gillian in his bed and in his life for longer than he cares to remember. But she throws him a hell of a curve ball—she wants him to spank her. The idea makes him hot and ready, but contrary to Gillie’s belief, he’s never been involved in the lifestyle before.

In the bright light of morning, will their bond be strong enough for Gillie to trust?

EXCERPT:

“You know, Eric, sometimes I find myself just a little bit curious. I wonder what it’d be like to play like Lisa and Ben play.” Her mouth dried and as she finished her sentence. Eric’s arm tensed under her hand. He glanced to the side and surveyed the mostly empty diner.

Gillie kept her gaze on him, knowing no one could hear them. She’d slipped a twenty to the hostess on the way in, just to make sure they wouldn’t be disturbed. She held her breath until Eric’s dilating eyes returned to hers. The soft flesh between her breasts quivered.

“I suppose every couple is different,” Eric replied, betraying nothing.

“My fantasies make me hot. And…and I was wondering if…” breathe, “…you might be interested in exploring with me?”

Eric blinked a few times before clearing his throat.

“Are you asking…if I would…if you and I could…?” His eyebrows were high and his voice sounded low and gravelly.

Gillian nodded, never breaking eye contact. She shivered from her spine down to her hips as Eric searched her face. She left herself open, tilting her chin. Emotions played on his features, thoughts Gillie couldn’t hope to read and, if she were honest, didn’t really want to understand.

Of course, it was complicated. Of course, it would change things. Those details didn’t concern her, not anymore. She would have him, even if it were just for one night.

“Gillian, I—” Eric looked away.

“Don’t.” She gripped his arm.

He stiffened. Panic jolted in her belly. She let go. Consent can’t be forced. She shoved her hands back under the table so she wouldn’t be tempted to touch him again.

“Eric,” she made her voice even and sure, “I don’t want any promises, really, I don’t. I don’t want to talk about the past or the future—not even next week or next month. I just need one night. I need this. It’s all I can think about, and,” she took a deep breath, “I think you want it, too.”

She’d done it. No matter what he said, things would never be the same.

She looked out across the diner, trying to give Eric time and privacy to think. Gillie closed her eyes. If Eric walked out, she didn’t want to watch.

Her heart jerked as the diner bench creaked. He hadn’t left, however, he’d come round to her bench and settled in next to her. Rough heat radiated from his fingertips as he slid them, slowly and lightly, from her cheek to her chin. His knuckle touched the bottom of her chin and urged her face up.

When she opened her eyes, she found a lingering reserve reflected in his. Her gaze fell to the opening of his shirt. A few dark hairs peeked out and she imagined how he would look when naked. Light curls would spread across his chest, tapering off lower to a taut stomach and then…Oh God. She licked her lips. Closing her eyes again, she focused on the sensation of his finger on her chin.

“Tell me more about your needs.” His baritone broke her reverie.

Light as an eyelash-kiss, his knuckle retraced its path across her cheek. Gillian couldn’t call forth a single sound, though her breath returned in a rush. There was a vast gap between suggesting a fantasy and actually spelling one out. She edged toward the precipice.

“I…I…” Gillian peeked around him. The diner was empty except for a few old men reading papers at the far counter.

Eric wrapped one arm about her waist. She snuggled into his hard, athletic body and inhaled. His soothing scent filled her, dissolving the tension from her shoulders. He stroked her hair to a gentle rhythm and effervescent bubbling tingled in her chest like cold champagne.

“Better?” he asked, his lips muffled by her hair.

“Yes,” she sighed. His warmth eased through her and her heartbeat slowed until it matched his, steady and strong.

“Tell me what you want, Gillie. Tell me everything,” he whispered against her ear. His tone held just a hint of command. Gillian sucked in her bottom lip. She loved that tone.

Trailer for Bound to Ignite

Three weeks from today Bound to Ignite will "hit the stands"

Guest Blogging with Rachel Leigh

I'm guest blogging on fellow Wild Rose Press author Rachel Leigh's blog on 4 reasons to read erotic Romance!

Come check it out!

Release Day Confession & Contest

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Just for the fun of it...

I'm always looking for inspiration & one of my favorite inspiration is couples in love. A link to the add for the new Beckham fragrance (which, BTW is hot), led me to this collection of fan photos of the couple.

Quite honestly, I don't know much about them, but the joy and affection and sexual chemistry that is apparent in these photos is amazing.

Hope y'all enjoy....

Bound to Surrender's First Review

Gemstone Reviews gave Bound to Surrender 5 gems (its highest--an 'outstanding' rating). To quote the reviewer, "Tess Lamont has done an excellent job with this story. It is well written and holds your interest from page one. If you are looking for a quick read pick up this one. It's worth it. Great job."

Check it out: Gemstone Reviews

I'd like to say I've celebrated with a glass of red wine, but I was kind of already halfway through my pour when I read the review :)

Thanks Gemstone Reviews!!

Book Trailer: Bound to Surrender

I wasn't going to do a book trailer, but hey, it was fun last time! Here is the Trailer for Bound to Surrender

Release date for Bound to Surrender

I received the galley and release date for Bound to Surrender--Woot!

I comes out on 9/10/2010. I'm so excited about this one because, although it's the second in the trilogy, I actually wrote it last & it's the first story I ever wrote that developed completely "organically."

The genesis was a late night FB IM conversation: Is sex always about surrender?

From that one question sprang these characters, the sexual tension between them, and ultimately the resolution of their story.

The link is here: Bound to Surrender

I'm also excited because it features quotes from a writer/reader/reviewer I met through this blog, Gina Kincade. And because it's dedicated to two friends who've been incredibly supportive through this journey.

Excerpt: Bound to Surrender

I don't have a release date for Bound to Surrender, but since the cover is ready, I think we are getting close! To celebrate I thought I'd post a teaser. This is from an early scene. There is a heat wave in South Jersey, my heroine, sexy school librarian Christina, has just decided to get ice cream. Who should walk in behind her but the man she's just been fantasizing about, Bryce Walker. Bryce begins the scene:

“I hear the vanilla here is very good, but if I were you, I’d be a bit more adventurous.”

With a bolt of awareness, Christina recognized Bryce Walker’s throaty baritone. His voice sent chills up her legs. When she glanced sideways, the muscles behind her knees weakened further.

Eyes like his should be illegal.

Her reaction to him was the exact reason that she’d avoided the man for months. She could not control her body’s response to him, no matter how hard she tried. Damn hormones. Every time she got within ten feet of him, a shiver started somewhere behind her lower ribs and slithered down, pulsing in her sex and forcing her to seek release—either by self-distraction or, more frequently, in the privacy of her bedroom with the help of her vibrator.

Bryce was not a man to be trifled with, however, and she’d had her fill of overbearing males, thank-you-very-much.

His rakish smile stopped just beneath his sunglasses. I’d be more adventurous. Christina had no doubt of the double-entendre of his suggestion, but she couldn’t act offended. Her body drummed the truth. She wanted nothing more than to pick up what he was putting down.

“Hello, Mr. Walker,” she said, in her best librarian-voice. “Thanks for the advice, but I wasn’t considering the vanilla.” She lifted an eyebrow. Their eyes locked and the pulse in Christina’s sex began.

The bells clanged as another customer entered the shop. She turned back to the server.

“I’ll go with the maple walnut,” she said, correcting her posture and straightening her skirt.

“Cup or cone?” the teenage clerk droned.

Bryce stood way too close. His heat radiated through her blouse, contrasting with the cool sensation of the counter against her belly. Christina suppressed the urge to giggle.

“Cone, please,” she replied in clipped tones, but on impulse she added, “and you know what else I want? I want Jimmies.”

The clerk nodded, not bothering to glance up before preparing her order.

“Feeling reckless?” Bryce asked, cocking his deliciously masculine head to one side.

She shook her head no. “Indulgent, more like. It’s my birthday.” Why did I tell him that?

“In that case,” Bryce turned and spoke to the clerk, “I’ll pay for the lady, and add a single cone of vanilla to the order.”

The clerk nodded, handing Christina her cone. She thought of refusing Bryce’s offer, but decided against it. To tell the truth, his gesture made her feel ridiculously pleased, even giddy. She couldn’t remember the last time someone had bought her ice cream.

“Hey, I thought you said to try other flavors…” she laughed. “I wouldn’t have pegged you as a vanilla man.”

“Oh, I’ve tried other flavors,” he replied. “Once I know what I like, though, I stick with it.”

Christina swallowed. “Mr. Walker, you really don’t have to pay for me,” she forced herself to say.

“But I want to,” Bryce purred, taking his own cone and handing the clerk cash. “Besides, it’s your birthday.”

Bryce held out his arm toward one of the shop’s small tables. He placed a warm hand on the small of her back and guided her toward the table. Then, he slid in across from her and leaned forward.

“Happy birthday, Ms. Welch,” he said, his voice low. “Do you have a wish for me to grant?”

Bryce’s eyes held her, testing her and challenging her to respond. She swallowed a lick of ice cream. The cold sensation slid into her belly as she tried to remember the reasons why she’d held this man at bay. Bryce was strong, virile, and clearly interested. Why had it seemed so necessary to keep him at arm’s length?

Work. Michael. Oh yes, and the uncontrollable flame he stoked in her pussy.

Just as she was about to slow it down, her mind rebelled. Too much denial, it screamed, too much restraint. What harm could a little flirtation cause? She practically salivated with the need to take what he offered.

“A wish, Ms. Welch?” Bryce prompted.

“Mr. Walker,” she asked as her throat dried, “are you flirting with me?”

Covers for Bound to Surrender & Bound to Ignite

I just received the covers for my next two books in the "South Jersey Heat" series of 3. The upcoming releases are Bound to Surrender (Christina's Story) and Bound to Ignite (Gillian's Story).

These covers are soooo HOT, I could have used them for my "Photo Tuesday Tease"!

Like the first, they were desiged by my talented editor Angela Anderson, who captured the feel of both the story and the characters in each one. Yea! I feel so lucky.

What do you think?

Updates & Previews

I haven't posted for awhile, but I have been working!

Today I sent in the blurbs and excerpts for Bound to Surrender & Bound to Ignite.

Want a preview?

Bound to Surrender

Though single motherhood taught Christina Welch ruthless self-denial, in her heart she secretly craves a man who'll drive her wild in bed. Now that her son is spending the summer with his father, and she can't keep her mind off the one man who has haunted her dreams all year long: her son's baseball coach.

Bryce Walker lusts after the sexy librarian who never missed one of her son's home games. Respect and caution hold him back, but every time she peeks at him under her lashes, instinct tells him she needs what he has to offer.

When Bryce meets Christina by chance on her birthday, desire smolders hotter than the early summer heat wave. He buys her ice cream, but they both know only one thing will cool them down. As Bryce leads Christina into the a world of sensual pain and pleasure, she discovers heights of emotion she never knew existed. She learns to trust Bryce with her body, but can she trust him with her heart? Summer doesn't last forever, and Christina must decide...

Bound to Ignite

Gillian Daniels keeps a secret buried deep in her heart: she craves an erotic spanking. When a friend’s wedding reunites her with the man who first ignited her fantasies, she can no longer deny her desire. Though Gillie has been friends with Eric since high school. She knows he'll never settle down and she'd never be stupid enough to fall under his spell. She's certain, however, that for one night, he'd be willing to make her darkest desires come true.

Eric has wanted Gillian in his bed and in his life for longer than he cares to remember. But she throws him a hell of a curve ball: she wants him to spank her. The idea makes him hot and ready, but contrary to Gillie’s belief, he’s never been involved in that lifestyle before.

Through the night, Gillie and Eric sink deep into the “game”and the bond between them strengthens. Eric never intended for this to be a one-night stand, but as he experiences Gillie's willing submission, his “dom” instinct is roused and he's even less willing to let her go. In the bright light of morning, will their bond be strong enough for Gillie to trust?

And, just to refresh your memories, the story that started the trilogy (still available):

Bound to Be Mine

Stripping had not just been profitable for Lisa Emery; it had given her the power, the control, to be the woman she wanted to be. She’d had a stimulating job and the perfect man at home—her master. Together, they were exploring the darker side of passion, and both seemed to bloom with the knowledge. Why then had he suddenly disappeared just when things were going so well? And why now was he back?

Ben Johnson knew the “life” he and Lisa were living had been wrong...just knew it. Something that felt that good couldn’t be right. According to his therapist, “only by atoning for your wrongs could you really grow and change as a person.” Why then, after so many months apart, did he still need to dominate Lisa, to bend her to his will and give in to his baser instincts?

Reader Responses!

I'm having a great day! I received reader feedback from two readers today. (They could, for all I know, be the same person, however...hummm...)

Anyway, On Bound to be Mine's page on the Wild Rose Press site, Texas Lady wrote, "I loved the book, I started at 8 PM at night, and could not put it down, until I had read the very last word. I loved the characters Lisa and Ben and could understand where Ben was coming from. I look forward to more books by the author."

Woo Hoo! I've been hoping since February that someone would post a review. If I'm on the fence about a book, I always buy it if there is a few favorable reader review.

And on a forum I recently joined, a reader wrote and tole me she could not put down my story.

***Tess collapses into her cheapest-model Jennifer Convertible couch and sighs into the pen-ink stained pillows***

I so needed this.

I love, love, love to hear from readers. So if you have anything to say, or want to suggest a blog topic, or chat--please drop me a line!

Menagerie Authors: Author Interview ~ Tess Lamont

I've been interviewed by the lovely ladies at Menagerie Authors... Come check it out and learn about my embarrassing bondage tape experience...

Menagerie Authors: Author Interview ~ Tess Lamont

A New Review for Bound to be Mine

I'm so tickled that Bound to be Mine just got reviewed by "Got Erotic Romance"! Here's what reviewer Jillian Carroll had to say:

“One thing Bound to be Mine has is plenty of erotic sex…but more than that, it has lots of emotion. Well thought out by the author, I could feel Lisa and Ben’s fear, pain, love, respect and ultimately, hope. Whether vanilla or kinky, sex is only as satisfying as the partners make it. Lisa and Ben know exactly what satisfies them in the bedroom ~ and it is extrinsically linked to the love and adoration they have for each other everywhere else. If you like the kinkier side of romance as well as a good love story, read Bound to be Mine!”

Yea!

Photo Tuesday Tease: Just About to Kiss.

Serving up a pic that serves as the heart of my book trailer, a Big Stock photo I purchased that I like to think of as Just About to Kiss. There's something of the 80's/90's I'm-so-in-love montage-ness in this photo, and I think that's why I love it so much. I searched through hundreds of stock photos before choosing this one for Lisa and Ben. Part of the reason I love it lies in her zen-like submission to the moment, and his dominant-but-slightly-bewildered look.... Yummy. With my apologies for my lost Tuesday...