Special Guest - Natalie Gayle

An Interview with Brayden James

Hi everyone, Natalie Gayle here.  Today I’m interviewing Brayden James, who you’re all getting to know as the very sexy lead from Finding Trust.  (Yes he just blushed I think,  and gave me that half smile wink thing he normally saves for Rihanna).  

I was so happy when they asked me to write their story a while back and I couldn’t believe it when he agreed to an interview for all of you out there in reader land.

Oh and I should add, where we’re doing this interview.  We’re sitting on Brayden and Rihanna’s back veranda over looking the Gold Coast, Australia – you know the one I mean!  I have to say I was surprised when Brayden asked me to do the interview here.  I know how much he cherishes his privacy.  (Must be Rihanna’s influence!).

NG:      Brayden thanks for taking the time out today to talk to me and answer all those sticky questions you know I’m going to ask.

BJ:       He grins

Do you’re worst Nat

At this I smile and I rub my hands together in glee. 

NG:      Anything off limits today?

BJ:       No  (he kind of cringes when he answers). 

NG:      I decide to go easy on him and work into it gently. 

So how’s Rihanna settling into life around here?

BJ:       Really well.  She loves it here just as much as I do.  She really seemed to fit in from her first night here.  She hasn’t even rearranged any of the furniture!  So I must have got something right when I decorated the place!

NG:      At this I laugh.  I do a quick scan around and I can report the house is GORGEOUS.   The whole place is to die for but the kitchen is a chef’s dream. 

So what Rihanna like as a cook?

BJ:       Not bad – in fact really good to be honest.  She’s still just getting the portion sizes right.  I’ve told her to cook for about eight people and that should do it.  I’ll eat whatever’s left tomorrow anyway. 

 

NG:      Horrified at this I ask the obvious questions.

What’s your grocery bill every month?

BJ:       Thousands – It’s why the Centre pays so well.  We couldn’t survive otherwise.  Remember an army marches on its stomach.  But don’t tell Rory I made a military reference – you know how touchy he gets about lumping us in the same basket as military.

NG:      Ah Brayden you don’t exactly seem to be hurting.  I smile and gesture at the whole surrounds. 

BJ:       I’ve got nothing to complain about in that department.  Steel certainly helps keep the coffers topped up.  The last tour and album went gangbusters.  Rihanna’s hardly a pauper either.  She only told me recently of her “Investments”.  Seems she’s squirrelled away just about everything she’s earned in the last ten years.  That girl is sure full of surprises.  I’m not sure I’ll ever get to the end of it.  And I have to say I love every new one she throws at me.

NG:      Wow – still waters run deep!  Not that surprising when you know Rihanna I guess. 

So are you working with the Centre or on music at the moment?

BJ:       I’m working a case with Rory and Quade at the moment, but you know I can’t talk about that so please don’t ask me.   (I nod my understanding).

As for Steel, well I’ve written three new songs for them over the last month.  I need to pull together another five or so plus the work Jace has done and we’ll have the new album sorted. 

NG:      Wow you’ve really been busy with your music! 

BJ:       I love it!  And let’s just say I’ve had lots of inspiration. 

He shoots me “the smile”.  Rihanna is soooo lucky. 

NG:      Gee, let me guess Rihanna? 

BJ:       Yeah, hard to believe a woman could make such a change to your life, hey?

NG:      I just shake my head at this (he is a man after all). 

So are we going to hear a change up from the heavy rock anthems you guys are so well known for?

BJ:       Mmmm, maybe a slight mellowing.    But our roots are our roots, and we only know one way.  Rock!

We both laugh at that. 

NG:      So what’s the best thing about being together with Rihanna? 

He looks away for a bit and I start to get a big feeling of uh-oh in my stomach.  Whoops think I just asked the wrong question!

BJ:       There is no one best thing.  The whole thing is amazing, awesome, better than I could ever have imagined.  I feel whole for the first time in my life. 

Oh wow! I can tell how much that just cost him to admit that to me.  I’m so privileged. 

NG:      That’s great.  I’m really pleased that everything is working out well for you guys.  How are things with Rory and Quade?

BJ:       At this he laughs. 

            Ah you know Quade – He’s as moody as ever with Jazz being brought in by the boss.  Rihanna keeps telling me that watching those two together is better than watching “The young and the restless,” and “Sex in the City” all rolled into one.  Rory is having a field day with all the material they’re giving him.  The boy’s in gag heaven.  So to answer your question life is not dull with Quade and Jazz around. 

            As for Rory, well he’s a bit busy at the moment.  He’s full on with an assignment involving a trucking company.  Between you and me I think he’s full on with the owner of the trucking company as well if you get my drift. 

I nod knowingly – It’ll be our little secret. 

NG:      Okay now to the serious, important stuff! 

A look of dread crosses his face. 

Oh come on Brayden you did say I could ask. 

He nods resignedly.

How’s Rihanna coping with you being so much more than a man?

He smiles and laughs. 

BJ:       Umm she’s getting use to it.  Some things she thinks are very cool.  I don’t think I need to go into them – I think you get my drift.  She does like my endurance!

I giggle – wouldn’t we all girls!!

She does get pissy when I over hear conversations with Jazz, though.

NG:      So what’s Rihanna’s most annoying habit?

He thinks for a second.

BJ:       Well annoying is probably not the right word.  More like frustrating.  I get so frustrated when she really wants to know something about how I feel.  The emotional shit you know, not the do you like this colour for a new bed quilt type of stuff.   She’ll half ask, then change her mind.  Not really change her mind.  More like loose her nerve.  Then I have to drag it out of her.

It’s kind of satisfying to pull another layer off her but it can be a bit frustrating at the same time.  In fairness though she is getting much better. 

He paused for a moment, as if deciding whether he wanted to tell me what he was thinking. 

She’s a lot more relaxed around me and I don’t seem to make her blush anywhere near as much if you get my meaning.

NG:      I get your meaning Brayden – I wrote your book remember! 

BJ:       Oh yeah – I forget sometimes that people know so much about us. You know how I am about my privacy.   We’re just a couple from Oz.  I can’t believe she talked me into letting you write it.

NG:      Seriously Brayden you have got to be kidding me.  You guys are so much more.  There’s thousands of people out there right now hoping their happy ever after is going to happen.  Your story gives them hope. 

BJ:       Okay if you say so.  I think that’s a topic you’re better off discussing with Rihanna. 

He shifts in his chair uncomfortably. 

NG:      Okay big fella, I’ll let you off the hook on that one. 

BJ:       Thanks Nat.  Rory and Quade would never quit if I bought into that one. 

NG:      Can’t have that.  So can you give some of our readers hope out there?  What is the current relationship status with the guys from the Centre and Steel?

BG:      Do women really want to know that?

BG:      Ah derr Brayden – yes they really do.

BJ:       Well I have a feeling Rory’s off the market and Quade would say he’s very happily single but I don’t think that’s the case at all.  Angelo, Dylan and Aaron aren’t dating anyone that I know of.  As for the guys from Steel well Jace is footloose and fancy free, Cody is lusting after Jazz, Reece is happily married, Matt and Dean are playing the field so I guess there’s hope. 

NG:      So there you go ladies – there is hope of landing your own Centre or Steel hottie.

Thanks Brayden – Mind if I check back in soon.

BJ:       Wouldn’t matter if I did, would it?. 

NG:      Short answer – no.  See you soon Brayden, look after Rihanna for me. 

BJ:       Always

DESCRIPTION:

 Brayden and Rihanna He’s hot, sexy, and leads a double life. Sometimes in the limelight, mostly in the shadows. Brayden James holds fast to a secret that’s more than his to share. She’s a singularly focused veterinarian out for a rare night of fun with friends, at a New Year’s Eve rock concert. Going home with the lead guitarist was furthest thing from Rihanna Mason’s mind when the night began. When Rihanna inadvertently becomes the target of a deadly terrorist plot using the Hendra virus as a biological weapon, Brayden is forced to reveal his other life. His job is to keep her safe and together they must stop the terrorists before it’s too late. But what happens when she becomes more to him than just the assignment? Will the secret he cannot disclose ultimately prove too much for Rihanna’s fragile trust in relationships? Or will he finally break through the double brick walls around her heart, where every other man has failed?

Buy Finding Trust ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Trust-Centre-Games-ebook/dp/B00BMHKBDG/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1371316771&sr=8-1

Buy Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Trust-Centre-Games-Volume/dp/0987514202/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1371316771&sr=8-1

Natalie Gayle http://nataliegayle.com

Chatting with Amber Skyze

Sunday afternoon I had the pleasure of reading Amber Skyze’s newest offering from Ellora’s Cave “Submit With Me” and what a wild little ride I got! This is a fast paced “Quickie” and the pages just fly by. I must warn readers be prepared to be nervously concerned the first few pages but get in the elevator with Marc anyway and submit.
Blurb: “Submit With Me”.
Rena is on a quest to get laid and she’s willing to go to any length to fulfill her need.

Marc has a thirst for a submissive. He longs to find someone he can bring to the edge of ecstasy and rein back in before an orgasm. He wants to tie, tease and torture his submissive, pushing the limits of sexual awareness.

When he offers Rena five hundred dollars to be his sub for the night, he gets more than he bargained for. This spitfire is about to show him a thing or two about submitting.

Katalina Leon: Amber what specifically inspired you to write this story?

Amber Skyze: This started with a call-out for a series of Pretend. It was rejected for not being kinky enough at one publishing house. I let it sit for a while and when EC opened its doors to the “quicker” quickies, I cleaned it up and submitted it. The rest is history.

Kat: How much of your heroine Rena is in you?

AS: That smart-ass attitude is all me!

Kat: A few very interesting tools of submission are mentioned in the story, which is your favorite?

AS: The DH is always online researching and when he told me about a clit taser I just knew I had to incorporate it in a story. Can you imagine jolts of electricity zapping…oh my.

Kat: It sounds quite “shocking”! Which do you prefer a fruity rum drink or a glass of wine?

AS: I love fruity drinks, but liquor is not for me. So fruity wine ;)

Kat: A spanking or a slow tease?

AS: It depends on the mood, but a good ole spanking never hurts and it definitely warms things up.

Kat: If it’s done right a good old-fashioned spanking definitely hurts! lol Who’s your favorite bad boy?

AS: Colin Farrell

Kat: OMG! Colin is a pretty bad boy… I love Colin’s heavy black brows. He looks like a young Sean Connery. Can you imagine being spanked by him? Of course you can. Thank you Amber, I really enjoyed “Submit With Me”.

AS: I’m thrilled you enjoyed Submit With Me.

Kat: If you like a little kink in the spirit of exploration you’ll love “Submit With Me”
XXOO Kat

“Submit With Me” Ellora’s Cave Taboo Line available July 21st!

Mish Mash

I swear I feel like I’ve got the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease. I can’t remember anything anymore. I almost forgot to blog today.


Let’s see what’s going on in Amber’s life. I’m not sure what I’ve blogged about so here goes nothing. If you’ve heard this all before I’m truly sorry.


I’m busy putting the final touches on my cougar story, should have this in my editors hands by Friday.


I received another contract last week or the week before for book 2 in the Freedom Fantasies series – Spend The Night With Me. Book 3 – Play With Me is with my editor.


I have an editor interested in my work. One I’ve never written for. It’s a publishing house I’ve wanted to get my foot in the door though. I sent her a short blurb of the story I’m going to write for her and she seemed genuinely excited. It’s a M/M/F – tentatively titled Stranded. I’m really excited about writing this book and promised it to her by July 1st. Please keep me in your thoughts that I can finish this project and get it in her hands. I set the deadline so I didn’t procrastinate, like I’m very good at doing.


My editor at AMP is interested in reading my romantic comedy. So, I’m working on edits to submit that one to her. Oh and I have a new release coming Friday June 4th. I haven’t received my cover art yet and I’m growing nervous with only three days left. But I know Tuesday will do an awesome job. She always does.


The book Sliding Home is M/M. Here’s a R excerpt. Until next Tuesday.


Oh before I forget. Kaye Manro has graciously allowed me to interview her. I’ve posted the interview on both my blogs. Please drop by one or both and show her some love.
http://amberskyze.blogspot.com/
http://amberskyze.wordpress.com/

Blurb:

Alex loves baseball, so when the majors come calling he is thrilled. The only thing that would make his happiness complete is a partner to share it with. Although his best friend, Rick, knows Alex is gay, he doesn't know that Alex has been in love with him for years. And with his departure for the major leagues imminent, he's not sure now is the best time to tell him. But after an evening of celebration turns into a night of pleasure, Alex is confused. Does Rick want a relationship with him? Or, will he walk out of Rick's life forever, wondering what might have been?

Alex's career has hit a home run but his love for Rick is the ultimate victory. If he can figure out a way to slide into home plate, he'll do more than score.

Excerpt:

He thought he’d seen something earlier. A spark in Rick’s gray eyes. He couldn’t have imagined it, could he? Again, when he’d rubbed up against him while they were playing pool, he saw the look.
It was desire.
Then Rick had stormed off to the bar for another drink. Was he afraid of hanging around and letting Alex see his raging hard-on?
Too late.
Alex had noticed it and got hard instantaneously. He was so hard he’d thought about going into the bathroom and rubbing himself until he felt relieved. Somehow, he knew relief wouldn’t come from masturbation so he decided against it.
Besides how would he explain his long absence?
No. Alex had suffered through.
When he asked if he could crash at his friend’s house he’d had an ulterior motive. He wanted to see if things would be different when they were alone. He wanted to know if Rick would mention how his body reacted to Alex’s.
He didn’t. In fact, he’d never mentioned it once. Even when they entered Rick’s apartment, he never said a word. He retrieved the blanket and pillow for him, before heading to his room.
One thing was certain; Rick couldn’t get out of the living room quick enough.
It was like he was afraid of what would happen if he stayed too long. Could he be wrestling with the same feelings Alex was? He wasn’t sure, but he didn’t want to act on it just yet. If his friend did have feelings for him, he wanted to address it before he had to leave.
Knowing Rick was waiting for him would make his transition much easier.
Alex wondered if he should go into Rick’s room and see if he was still awake. If he was, they could talk about what had happened. Worry settled into the pit of his stomach. What if Rick did feel something, but refused to act on it? What if he rejected Alex?
Alex couldn’t handle being rejected by his best friend. He cared for him too much. He didn’t want to ruin the friendship they had by stepping over any lines. No, it was best for him to stay put on the couch. If Rick wanted him, he would have to be the one to make the first move. That way, Alex wouldn’t be treading into uncertain waters.
Disappointed, but satisfied with his decision, Alex closed his eyes and tried to concentrate on anything other than his aching balls.
An hour later he was still struggling with the tightness in his crotch. He thought about relieving himself numerous times but was afraid of Rick walking in on him or worse—overhearing his moans.
Unable to fight the urge, Alex jumped off the couch and headed toward Rick’s bedroom.
“Fuck it.” He had nothing to lose at this point— except his friendship with Rick.

Katalina Leon is in the house!

Please give a warm welcome to my dear friend and fellow EC author Katalina Leon. She was kind enough to allow me to delve into her world for a bit. Enjoy her interview. :)

Q: Tell us about your favorite character from your books.

Katalina: I’m still having a love affair with my latest Hero “Atellus” from “Owned By Rome”. I was able to really get inside that character’s head and he’s lingering with me.

Q: Does travel play in the writing of your books?

Katalina: Does time travel and short excursions to other dimensions count? The WIPs I’m currently working on go all over the place! Lol

Q: Tell us about your current release.

Katalina: My latest release is “Owned By Rome” it’s part of Ellora’s Cave Legend Line. It takes place in Western Gaul 64 AD. I chose that time period because Rome had reached the height of its technical achievements but was beginning to loose its political grip on its empire. I chose one disillusioned Roman magistrate and one disenfranchised Celtic woman to represent two clashing forces that eventually learn to love and respect each other.

Q: Has someone been instrumental in inspiring you as a writer?

Katalina: I don’t mean this to sound spooky but several loved ones who have passed on have been very active in helping me find stories. They literally hand over the goods-especially abuela Katalina!

Q: Does your significant other read your stuff?

Katalina: Yes, but I don’t let my husband read anything until the story is completely finished. We do talk about work in progress and it’s always a big help to get a male point of view.

Q: Do you have critique partners or beta readers?

Katalina: The real question is how can a writer AVOID critique partners. Once friends and family know you write everyone becomes a critique partner whither you want the critique or not lol My sister is my beta reader-she’s pretty tough to please…

Q: Who are your books published with?

Katalina: I’m exclusively with Ellora’s Cave Publishing.

Q: Do you hear from your readers? Tell us about your favorite fan letter you’ve received?

Katalina: When my first ebook “Blue Apples” was published last spring a very sweet fan sent me a necklace with a tiny blue apple covered in crystals. I was so touched. It felt like the best good charm in the world. Other readers have sent personal video-messages through YouTube, which I treasure. “Noblesword” brought me some male fans that were convinced I had written about them in the bacchanal scene…Naughty boys. “Adult Education” brought me a wonderful video request for a sequel from a young lady dressed in a fuzzy college mascot costume! I absolutely love hearing from readers. I’m always surprised by what details catch a reader’s attention.

Q: What do you think makes a good story?

Katalina: Emotional involvement and a learning experience. We read and reach out to the world to learn something about ourselves.

Q: Plotter or Pantser? Why?

Katalina: I try so hard to plot! I really do have good intentions and I always start off with a structured plot line but as I write the wild horses run away with me and soon I’m lost and at the mercy of the muses…lol

Q: What do you do to unwind and relax?

Katalina: I take a long walk everyday-if possible with my husband, son and dog. It’s part of our family time together.
Amber: Very nice. My hubby and I do the same.

Q: Do you have any suggestions for beginning writers? If so, what are they?

Katalina: Yes, be tough with yourself, be loving toward yourself and invest the necessary time and effort in yourself-you’ll be glad you did.

Q: What would we find under your bed?

Katalina: Medieval looking fur-lined leather wrist-cuffs strapped to the headboard (They’re hidden from kid’s view, just knowing they’re there makes me happy!) and a beautiful old-fashioned leather suitcase covered in travel stamps and filled with toys and erotic goodies to play with.
Amber: Hmmm ;)

Q: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Katalina: Thank you for your love and support, I’m so grateful!

Thanks for being here today Kat! I had fun.

Busy, Busy, Busy!

Hey Everyone!

I'm busy editing book three in the Freedom Fantasies series to send off to my editor. She has book 2 in her hands. I'm also knee deep writing my cougar challenge book, so I'm going to keep this short today.

Whipped Cream has interviewed me. If you have a second in your busy days and wanted to pop in and leave a little comment that would be awesome.
http://www.longandshortreviews.com/WC/interviews.htm

See ya next Tuesday!