Butler and I are anxious for the onset of Spring. It’s been a long Winter and we are so close to shaking off the long coats(even Butler) and embracing the sunshine.
Remember to set your clocks forward this weekend and hopefully brave the last of the snow we’ll see in 2022.
As for me, I’ll be sitting in a cozy chair, cuddling Butler, with a book in my hands while the snow falls. Hope you have something good to read. If not, please check out our previous authors.
Please accept out warmest Holiday Greeting from Eden Freed and her staff. Tonight we will suggest a Holiday Favorite cocktail: Puerto Rican Coquito! A thick and creamy coconut drink traditionally made for Christmas.
Ingredients:
2 cans (12 oz. each) Evaporated Milk
1 can (15 oz.) Coco Cream of Coconut
1 can(13.5 oz.) Coconut Milk
½ cup Sweetened Condensed Milk
½ cup white rum (optional)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
½ tsp. ground cinnamon, plus more for garnish, if desired
Cinnamon sticks (optional)
Directions
1. In bowl of blender, add evaporated milk, cream of coconut, coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, rum (if using), vanilla extract and ground cinnamon. Blend on high until mixture is well combined, 1-2 minutes.
2. Pour coconut mixture into glass bottles; cover. Transfer to refrigerator. Chill until cold.
3. To serve, stir or shake bottle well to combine. Pour coquito into small serving glasses. Garnish with ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks, if desired.
Now that we have this delicious drink for Holidays we can kick back, relaxing with our favorite author and their book. What? You didn’t get your favorite book yet?!
No worry, Eden Freed has plenty of suggestions from our guest authors. So if you are still looking for your last minute Holiday shopping all you need to do is Pick and Click your choice below.
Featured are all the wonderful authors who contributed to this blog in the course of 2016:
Author, poet and songwriter Kimberly N. Dean and her romance novel Guilty Condolence
Katie Lewington and her poetry collection: “Put Me Down, I’m Terrible.“
Allysa Hart and her new literary fiction novel Adopting Katie.
Paranormal suspense author Brian McKinley and his 2016 Horror Novel Contest Grand Prize Winner : Drawing Dead.
Christian fiction romance author Joshua J. Valentin and his Inspirational romance novel John’s LOVE.
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of paranormal romance Claudy Conn and her Awakening book series.
Dream consultant for People Magazine Paula Scardamalia and her book: Weaving a Woman’s Life: Spiritual Lessons from the Loom.
Eden Freed and her erotica BDSM novel Violet Blooms
Alice Orr and her romantic suspense novel A Villain For Vanessa,
Mystery and suspense author Lynn Marron and her book ORR: Fatal DNA (A Grace Farrington Mystery Book 2)
International Award winning Author, Lyricist, Poet and a Humorist: David Ellis and his book Life, Sex & Death.
Author and historian Steven C. Levi and his book The Cannabis Stampede.
Sci-fi romance author K.M. Fawcett and her book CAPTIVE (The Survival Race #1)
Christian YA author of inspirational, historical fiction and paranormal thriller/horror novels Aimée Marie Bejerano and her book Angelica: You Have Chosen Well.
Christie Adams, and her latest romance BDSM novel Passion’s Last Promise.
Erotica author Paige Matthews and her Rocker series: Double Cross. (Crossroads and Crossover).
Erotica writer and novelist Cecilia Tan with her newest book Wild Licks, from the series Secrets of a Rock Star,
Diana Strenka, historical fiction author of Blackbeard’s Daughter
C.P. Mandara, erotica and dark fantasy author of Good as Dead, book one of the Dying to Meet You series.
Haven Cage, author of an adult, dark urban fantasy novel Falter
Taisha Demay author of Love, Truth and Consequences
L. Weeks and her fantasy and horror Beauty’s Beast (Haunting Fairytales Collection Book 2)
New York Times bestselling author of ten books and an award-winning writing professor Susan Shapiro and her newest book: What’s Never Said.
Dark Erotica author Lisette Kristensen and her newest book: Facade’s Surrender
Alan W. Jankowski. And his new collection of poems “I Often Wonder: a collection of poetry and prose.”
Erotic Romance author Di Storm and her new release: Yes Sir! Available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble
Andrew Grey and his contemporary romance: “Fire and Snow”
Romance, Science Fiction and Fantasy author Jenn Nixon and her book “Lucky’s Charm.”
Sharon BuchBinder and her Paranormal Jinni Hunter Series: Kiss of the Virgin Queen
Roz Lee. USA Today Best-selling Author of Contemporary Erotic Romance and her newest release: The Backdoor Billionaire’s Bride
Damon Suede, author of homoerotic romance and his latest book PENT UP.
D.S. Wrights author of a horror novel The Beast and Me:
Amber Lacie, author of The Shadows Series starting with Shadows, Book One and Light, Book Two – Shadows Series
Leonora Solomon author of Tie Me Up , A Binding Collection of Erotic Tales.
YA, Horror and Romance author Stacy McWilliams and her first release, Candlelight (An Ember Saga Novella).
That’s all for now folks, enjoy your Holidays.
Today we are featuring lite BDSM Erotica writer Eden Freed.
“First and foremost I would like to thank all the wonderful authors who have contributed to my blog so far. I know many of you are having a blast at the #RWA16, I wish you success and lots of fun. You are all amazing and I could not have done this without you. For those readers who missed their posts, I’ll make it easier for you to catch up, just use the links below.”
“This week instead of just one featured cocktail I went with two. Variations of both drinks often crisscross, so have a Hollywood Cocktail and a Raspberry Smash and think about our favorite starlet, Violet. A couple of these gets me in the mood to continue her second adventure in the Acting the Part Series.”
Ingredients for Hollywood cocktail:
Preparation:
Ingredients for Raspberry Smash (makes two):
Run 1 lime wedge around rims of 2 old-fashioned glasses. Dip rims in sugar. Place both lime wedges, raspberries, vodka, and 4 teaspoons 
sugar in cocktail shaker; using muddler or wooden spoon handle, smash fruit mixture. Add ice; shake 10 seconds. Divide between glasses (do not strain), top with Champagne, and serve.
“Can’t wait to release book two, but in the mean time, take a look at book one “Violet Blooms” and get ready for things to get shaken up.”
While we’re chatting, lots of our favorite characters will be back to shake things up in book two. Be ready for a virtual rollercoaster ride, as Violet perfects her art and gives the performance of a lifetime. Kick back and relax for a moment with these delicious beverages, and read up about Violet Blooms. (now also available on iTunes)
A young aspiring actress, majoring in Theater Arts in her last semester of school, must overcome mediocrity and learn to take direction in time to be discovered by a talent scout 
during her final performance. Her new acting coach decides to teach her direction through a non-conventional method: introduction to BDSM. Will Violet have what it takes to learn the art of role playing or will she end up on the “casting couch?”
Here is an excerpt from our book:
Excerpt:
Jericho Blythe sighed, “Chase was right. You are a handful. Let’s go back to rule number one.” He opened another file, Rules. “Rule one. Speak only when spoken to. I can train you better than any actress to anticipate and respond to direction. I give orders. You take orders. It will be like dancing.” He put an arm around my waist and I gasped. “I’ll lead and you’ll follow. If your timing is right, it will be beautiful and if something is off I will offer correction until you achieve perfection. Perfection is what a director will expect from you. He will not tolerate excuses.”
My eyes widened. Some part of my idle brain woke up and understood what he was talking about. I backed away from him. This was more than I bargained for. I shook my head no.
“Rule three,” Blythe said.
“No way. You thought I was, that I was…” I started laughing.
Blythe looked furious. His blue green eyes got squinty and the corners of his mouth turned down a little before I saw him reach behind the counter for something and walk toward the couch. 
Looking at his serious face made me laugh even harder. I grabbed my middle with one hand and covered my mouth with the other. My eyes began to tear from trying to hold the laugh in but it didn’t last long. The thought that I could be into that, whatever it was, kink, was more than my fragile mind could take. In a moment, I was near hysterical with laughter.
He sat down on the round red leather couch and pulled me over his knee. Slowly, Blythe explained that my actions required punishment. He asked for me to consent to punishment. I thought the better of shaking my head no and a little voice inside jumped out and agreed. Yes! Yes, please!
I felt him lift the back of my skirt up and tug my panties down. Crack! I felt a sharp but brief pain on my rear and then his firm hand rubbing the sore spot. It was electric. I was melting into the sensation, melting into his strong warm hand on my tender skin. I didn’t understand why, but instantly I loved it. You’re crazy. What are you doing, Violet? Wake up, stupid!
The shock of what I was feeling had me up to my feet, pulling up my panties, and heading out the door. What WAS I doing? I wanted to stay and I wanted to run. My body followed the latter suggestion. Blythe didn’t shadow me even though I wanted him to. I walked quickly past people clueless to what had happened only a moment ago. Their eyes seemed focused and restrained, but I felt as wild and reckless as the night. I was down the block at the crosswalk before I decided to turn around. My feet carried me back to the shop as though I no longer had a will of my own. My owns thoughts 
frightened me and I felt my heart beat in a quick rhythm trying to get oxygen to the brain that was clearly working against me, against the very nature of my being. How could I want more?
Blythe was typing on the keyboard, when I opened the door. He picked up his head long enough to smile at me. I bit my lower lip, wondering what was next. My heart was still racing and my cheeks felt warm. I needed reassurance. Mentally, I was torturing myself for my excitement over something I had been told countless times was wrong.
My own mother, Barbara, never even raised a hand to me. Any time I made a mistake or irritated her, I spent some ‘quality time’ in the corner while she sat there chatting on the computer with her latest internet flame. Come to think of it, I spent an awful lot of time in the corner, maybe too much time. As I stood there pondering the misgivings of my childhood, Blythe looked up and spoke.
“Remind me to shackle you next time before you are punished. Fight or flight response is normal but I want you to be as safe as possible. Feeling any better?”
“Yes,” I said but my mind was racing.
“Yes, Master Blythe,” he said.
“Yes, Master Blythe,” I repeated, slowly, almost vacantly. He handed the iPad back to me.
“Read through the rules. We’ll talk shop later. Make sure you understand the rules first,” he said but what did any of it really mean? How could I even know? There was a part of myself that I was just waking up to, a part I didn’t even know was there hiding under my skin like a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Blythe was patient and waited for me to collect my thoughts. He stood there without any condescending looks or giggles. I chewed on my lower lip confused and excited at the prospect of this new me I had found.
If you are interested you can get your copy from Amazon Kindle or download with iBooks on your Mac or iOS device, and with iTunes on your computer.
To learn more about the author Eden Freed, Just click here.
This week we are featuring M/M Contemporary Romance author Andrew Grey. Lets hear from him directly about his favorite cocktail:
I have to admit that I’m not much of a drinker. My favorite drink is a Cosmopolitan. I love the tanginess of the lime and the slight sweetness from the cranberry juice.
The ladies from Dreamspinner introduced me to them when we were in New York a number of years ago for Book Expo America. There’s a French restaurant on restaurant row that we always went to each year and they make the very best Cosmos.
Ingredients:
Add all ingredients into cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and double strain into large cocktail glass. Garnish with lime wheel.
Now that we heard from the author, lest grab a glass of this delicious sounding Cosmopolitan, kick back and relax while learning about Andrew’s new release, available today!
Title: Fire and Snow
Author: Andrew Grey
Series: Carlisle Cops #4
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: May 20 2016
Edition/Formats Available In: eBook & Print
Blurb/Synopsis:
Fisher Moreland has been cast out of his family because they can no longer deal with his issues. Fisher is bipolar and living day to day, trying to manage his condition, but he hasn’t always had much control over his life and self-medicated with whatever he could find.
JD Burnside has been cut off from his family because of a scandal back home. He moved to Carlisle, but brought his Southern charm and warmth along with him. When he sees Fisher on a park bench on a winter’s night, he invites Fisher and his friends for a late-night meal.
At first Fisher doesn’t know what to make of JD, but he slowly comes out of his shell. And when Fisher’s job is threatened because of a fire, JD’s support and care is more than Fisher ever thought he could expect. But when people from Fisher’s past turn up in town at the center of a resurgent drug epidemic, Fisher knows they could very well sabotage his budding relationship with JD.
Book Links: Amazon, Dreamspinner Press.
Excerpt:
Fisher knew it was probably best if he walked back home. It was only going to get colder, but he wanted to sit a little while longer. He knew he was being dumb, but this was the place where he’d met JD, and he was hoping JD might want to talk again or something. He didn’t have his number. He knew he was a police officer, but that was all. They’d met here in the square, so he wanted to see if JD would walk by again.
Another police car passed the square. This one slowed, made the turn at the square, and then the turn behind the square toward the Gingerbread Man bar. Fisher followed it with his eyes, and when the car pulled to a stop, he waited to see if the officer got out. Of course, when he did it wasn’t JD, but Fisher did recognize Red. He figured this was his chance. So he got up and wandered over.
“Fisher?” Red asked as he approached.
“Hi, Red.” He flashed a smile.
“We got a report of someone soliciting. Have you seen anything?” Red asked.
“A guy came through, black kid, asked if I wanted something to make me happy. When I said I didn’t, he moved on.” Fisher spoke softly. “He was missing a front tooth but looked all right otherwise.” Fisher took a step back at Red’s stormy look. “I don’t do none of that anymore,” spilled out of his mouth before he could stop it. “Not that I did a lot, but I was pretty messed up. I told him no, and he walked over toward the side street beside the church.”
“He isn’t going to find any business there,” Red said, then made a call in a police code of some sort. Just as he did, the guy raced out of the alley, tails of his coat flying, with JD on his heels. JD ran like the wind, strides long and fluid. Fisher couldn’t take his eyes off him even as Red got back in the car and drove away, sirens blaring. The noise bounced off the facades of the buildings, echoing from all directions and overlapping until it felt like a drill in Fisher’s head, but he didn’t look away until JD tackled the man to the ground. That was the last he saw because Red’s car pulled up, blocking the view.
Fisher waited and watched the activity in the surrounding area, wondering if he could go over under the guise of seeing what was going on and maybe catch JD’s eye, but he was working, and Fisher wasn’t really interested in the drug dealer seeing him speaking with the police. No use asking for trouble. So he went back to his bench and sat down, the cold instantly seeping through his clothes. Maybe it would be best if he went home, he thought again. He could be alone in his own apartment just as well as he could here, and it was warmer too.
But Fisher stayed where he was anyway and watched the officers as they loaded the man into the back of the police car, which Red drove away. Fisher expected JD to go as well, but he saw him still standing on the sidewalk. JD looked from side to side, then crossed the street at a jog.
“Hi, Fisher,” JD said as he approached.
“Officer,” Fisher said formally, wondering what kind of stop this was. He liked JD; he was a nice guy. But he still wasn’t sure what the deal was, and he’d already learned the hard way that hope could be a dangerous thing.
“What are you doing out here?” JD asked gently. “It’s too cold to be sitting on a bench. You’ll get sick, and then where will you be?”
“I needed to get out of the house.” It sounded lame even to his ears, but he wasn’t going to say he’d been sitting out there hoping to see JD. “I saw you running after that guy. You’re fast.” JD began walking toward the street, and as if JD had a string tied to him, Fisher followed right along. “Isn’t it too cold for you to be out too? Don’t they give you a car or something?”
“Yeah, they do, but I had to catch the suspect, and Red said you could identify him. Said he tried to sell to you.”
Fisher shook his head. “He approached me, but in that way they have that can be denied. Nothing solid, just the usual wink and nudge.”
JD nodded. “He had stuff on him, so we got him for possession.”
“There’s been a lot of activity recently,” Fisher said. He sat on his bench often enough and knew what to look for, so he saw plenty of guys approaching folks, leading them away to make deals, stuff like that. “How late do you work?”
“Late,” JD said, and Fisher nodded, lowering his gaze as they headed along the sidewalk. It took him about two minutes to realize that JD was walking him home.
“You know, I’ll be okay on my own. I’m not anyone that these guys are going to bother with.” He shoved his hands deep into his pockets and positioned them against his body for warmth.
“Why do you say that like that?” JD asked.
Fisher stopped and shrugged. “It’s just the way it is. I’m one of those guys who sits on a bench in the square because he has nothing better to do. People walk by all day. We watch them sometimes, but they don’t see us. Not really. We’re like part of the bench itself. It’s like that to the druggies too. I’m surprised that guy you took down stopped by me today. I’ve seen him before, with his expensive leather coat and gap-toothed grin. He strides through the square like he owns it and never sees anyone. I’m sure you’ve done it too.” Fisher hazarded a glance at JD. “Not that you’ve done anything wrong. It’s not like I’m the most memorable person.”
“I saw you yesterday, twice. So I don’t think I fall into that category.” JD sounded miffed.
“Okay.” He didn’t want to argue, but Fisher knew he was right. He was forgettable and easy to write off and put away. Don’t look at Fisher and he’ll just go away. And that’s what had happened with his family and the people who had once been in his life. They’d stopped looking, and he’d in effect gone away.
Author Information:
Andrew grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and 
traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation.
Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing) He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful, historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Author Links
Facebook Group All the Way with Andrew Grey
For Other Works by Andrew Grey
(Please Be Sure To Stop by His Website to See All of His Works)
The ones listed below are for the Carlisle Cops Only
Fire and Water (1)
Fire and Ice (2)
Fire and Rain (3)
Fire and Snow (4)
edenfreed.com 