Category Archives: Cassandra Carr

Spotlight: Should’ve Known Better by Cassandra Carr

Should’ve Known Better
Cassandra Carr

Summary:

Sara Jenkins is a self-professed math geek and hockey fanatic. She’s thrilled when the Buffalo Sting of the NHL hire her as an advisor because she can marry her two loves into the perfect job.

Sebastian St. Amant is a young French-Canadian hockey player looking to make the jump from the minors to the big leagues. His lifelong dream is within reach, but he needs to convince the Sting’s management and coaches he’s ready for the NHL.

Sara and Sebastian meet, and sparks fly immediately. Both want to succeed at their jobs, but they can’t ignore the growing attraction between them. Of course, a relationship is out of the question since Sara works for the Sting and Sebastian is a player — and one fifteen years her junior. But the impossible becomes the necessary as Sara and Sebastian find they can’t fight their attraction any longer. Even if everything crashes around them, though, they’ll still win the ultimate prize – each other.

Purchase Links: All Romance eBooks * Amazon * Smashwords * Amazon UK


Excerpt:

Sarah Jenkins scooted to the edge of the seat in her SUV as she stared at the hulking building in front of her. The August sunshine was only partially to blame for the bead of sweat running down the side of her neck. She couldn’t afford to screw this up. After wiping her damp palms on her skirt, she slid out of the car and hit the alarm remote. Turning, she bounced off a hard object and stumbled backward from the force of the impact, letting out an involuntary grunt. The immoveable object was a man, and what a man he was. He had a body like granite, with chiseled features, and was casually attired in shorts and a T-shirt clinging for dear life to his arms and chest. The guy could’ve been a sculpture.

Yum.

“Are you all right?”

Her heart pounded in her ears due to the fight or flight reaction from their collision, paired with the pure, inexplicable rush of lust he evoked.

“I’m, um…” Sarah cleared her throat. Talk, you idiot. “I’m fine.”

Her cheeks flamed as she ducked her head. Was this what scientists meant when they said women were attracted to males they sensed had the strongest DNA? Between his killer body, light green eyes, and sexily tousled head of hair, he looked like he’d just jumped out a cologne ad in GQ. As far as she could see, his DNA was damn near perfect.

It was hard to miss the long, thorough once-over he gave her, leaving her hot and feverish—a reaction she couldn’t attribute purely to the blazing heat or her frazzled nerves.

Their gazes collided and he stared at her with a glimmer of male interest. She wasn’t sure why he’d be interested in her. He was gorgeous, and she was, well, a nerd, for want of a better word. Her eyes were drawn to full lips that would’ve looked feminine on other men, but there was nothing feminine or soft about him. Hard, sinewy muscles stretched over his arms, legs, and torso, but despite his size and musculature he managed to look lean rather than bulky. He reminded her of a panther readying to strike, and her breathing kicked up another notch. Sarah shook her head to clear it. She had a new job to focus on right now and that was the only thing that was important. It had to be. She couldn’t afford to screw this chance up.

“After you,” he said, moving back a step and motioning for her to pass. His voice had a hint of an accent. French-Canadian, perhaps? It rolled over her like a gentle breeze.

“Thank you. And I’m sorry about running into you.”

“I’m not.” He gave her a one-sided, incredibly hot smile.

She needed to get into the building before she did something stupid like offer herself to him as a human buffet.


Author Bio:

Cassandra Carr lives in Western New York with her husband, Inspiration, and her daughter, Too Cute for Words. When not writing she enjoys watching hockey and hanging out on Twitter. Her December 2011 release, Caught, was named Best BDSM Book 2011 by LoveRomancesCafe.

For more information about Cassandra, check out her website, Facebook fan page, or follow her on Twitter .

3 Comments

Filed under Blog Tour, Cassandra Carr, Should've Known Better

Friday Feature, Blog Tour Stop & Contest: Cassandra Carr’s Velocity

Title: Velocity by Cassandra Carr
Buckin’ Bull Riders Book Four
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Romance
Length: Novel

Summary:

Book four in the Buckin’ Bull Riders series.

Paolo D’Allesandro has been living in his older brother Marco’s shadow. But he’s getting older now and realizing he and Marco don’t want the same things. He’s not sure what his next step is, but knows he needs to quit riding to figure it out.

Savannah Harrington is a grad student working on a thesis about adrenaline junkies. She’s joined the bull riders’ tour to study the men and their motivations to willingly take part in a dangerous sport. Upon meeting Paolo, they both feel an instant connection. She can’t stay away from the sexy Italian and his mind-numbing skills in the bedroom, but knows the relationship can’t last.

Both wish their circumstances were different, but Paolo doesn’t think he has anything to offer Savannah, and Savannah doesn’t want to pressure Paolo into another life decision that will make someone else happy, but not fulfill him. As her time to go back to school draws closer, they need to figure out how to get their highest score yet—in the game of love.


Author Bio:

Cassandra Carr lives in Western New York with her husband, Inspiration, and her daughter, Too Cute for Words. When not writing she enjoys watching hockey and hanging out on Twitter. Her December 2011 release, Caught, was named Best BDSM Book 2011 by LoveRomancesCafe.

For more information about Cassandra, check out her website, Facebook fan page, or follow her on Twitter .


I am giving away one copy of Velocity to one lucky commenter. To enter today’s Friday Feature Contest:

You must Do TWO of the Following:

1. Sign up for e-mail updates (upper left corner). One email daily with the day’s posts.

OR:

2. Be or become a fan of Book Reviews & More by Kathy Facebook page

OR:

3. Follow me on Twitter (@BookReviewsMore)

OR:

4. Friend Book Reviews & More by Kathy on Goodreads

Make sure you have filled out the contest entry form:

5. To be eligible to enter contests on Book Reviews and More by Kathy you MUST fill out the contest entry form (found HERE). This form only needs to be filled out ONCE. Your privacy is important to me, and I will not share your information.

And don’t forget to:

6. Leave a comment on this post by 5 PM Mountain Time Sunday afternoon.

It’s that easy! The winner will be selected using random.org. I will e-mail one lucky winner the eBook of their choice in their preferred format. The winner will be posted HERE on Monday.

***The eBook in this giveaway have been purchased by Book Reviews & More by Kathy.***

13 Comments

Filed under Blog Tour, Cassandra Carr, Contest

Blog Tour Stop & Guest Post: Cassandra Carr’s See the Light

Why there’s a need for books like See the Light
by Cassandra Carr

A friend of mine forwarded an article about how Russia has legislation pending outlawing “homosexual propaganda”. Basically, that will mean any public display of pro-gay rights can and will be prosecuted. Why is this important? Well, for one thing, the next Olympics is slated to take place in Russia. If Russia has, for all intents and purposes, outlawed homosexuality, how will gay athletes be received and treated at the Olympics?

It’s funny (well, not ha-ha funny, but you get my drift) that my friend would send me this article. He actually didn’t know I was writing a book (See the Light) about a closeted gay hockey player who goes to the Olympics. Reading the article showed me there is, in fact, a need for people like me to write books about these situations. Some of you may think I’m overstating the case, but consider this: for the last couple of Olympics at the very least there has been a Pride House – a place where LGBT athletes could to for support and so they could be themselves. Russia is refusing to include a Pride House in the Olympic Village.

There are NO openly gay players in any of the four major professional sports – NFL, NBA, MLB, and the NHL. I’m hoping that will change soon, but until it does – until gay players are accepted just like those who are of a different race or background, I’ll keep writing books about the issue.

What’s your feeling on this? Do you agree with me that there’s a need for books for See the Light?


Title: See the Light by Cassandra Carr
Publisher: Loose Id, LLC
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Romance, M/M
Length: Novel

Summary:

Hockey player Jason Monroe lives a double life—star defenseman and soon-to-be Olympian on the ice and closeted gay man outside the rink. A serious relationship is out of the question, and Jason makes do with anonymous sex in barroom bathrooms, not willing to take the chance on coming out as gay in a decidedly macho sport.

Advisor to the US Olympic hockey team Patrick Parker knows a thing or two about being a professional hockey player who’s not out. He’s fifteen years older than Jason, and when he senses the sexy younger man is interested, he knows he shouldn’t give in to the attraction.

The two men can’t keep their hands off each other, though, and with each heated encounter it gets harder to hide their relationship. When their world blows up around them, forcing them into the limelight, though, will their love survive or be put on ice?


Excerpt:

Apparently Patrick didn’t know either, because his expression became alarmed. “What?”

I can’t stop.

“I need to do this.”

Not giving Patrick a chance to react to his words, Jason grabbed him, one hand palming the back of Patrick’s head as Jason’s other arm snaked around the man’s waist, pulling him into Patrick’s rock-hard body. It was obvious the man kept in shape, despite his playing days being over, and a tortured moan escaped before he could stop it. Jason dived into Patrick’s mouth as the passion flared, melting him from the inside out. He hadn’t kissed a man in years, and he realized how much he’d missed it as the kiss went on and on, neither man willing to let the other go.

He could feel Patrick’s cock as it lined up with his, and even through layers of clothing Jason felt the heat pouring off the other man. It made him want to submit to anything Patrick desired, which confused him. Honestly Jason couldn’t remember the last time he’d had a man’s dick in his mouth, but right now he’d give just about anything to suck Patrick off.

Patrick pushed them backward until they crashed into the wall, never letting their lips separate as he took control of the kiss. With a growl, the older man reached down and cupped Jason’s ass, pulling their cocks even closer and rubbing them together. Jason turned his head to the side with a gasp to break the
kiss before he passed out, but Patrick kept at him, scoring his teeth down Jason’s neck to his pulse point.

“So fucking hot.”

15 Comments

Filed under Blog Tour, Cassandra Carr, Guest Blog, See the Light

Spotlight: Unexpected Top by Cassandra Carr

Title: Unexpected Top by Cassandra Carr
Ball & Chain Series
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Romance, Taboo Line
Length: Novella

Summary:

Sometimes a wife has to go to extreme measures to save her marriage. Cissy Holden isn’t happy. Her husband Len doesn’t help out around the house and shows little respect for her. Even worse, their sex life leaves much to be desired. The chemistry they enjoyed when they first met has faded and Cissy is at her wit’s end.

She decides to take matters into her own hands—literally—and introduces her wayward husband to the concept of a Female-Led Relationship (FLR). At first he’s all for it since he’s getting sexual favors for doing chores, but as Cissy ratchets up the control, Len starts to wonder if he’s less of a man if he lets her. Even more confusing is that the sex, another area where Cissy has taken control, is through the roof. What does that say about him? Only time will tell if Len will jump on board, or if Cissy has made the biggest mistake of her life.


Excerpt:

When dinner was ready she put it on the table. Len ate quickly, not making conversation, and then went outside. She heard what sounded like the hedge trimmer start and smiled to herself. Trimming the bushes was on the list, and it appeared Len wasn’t so angry he refused to do a chore that would get him a reward. And she didn’t plan to refuse him. She’d made those additional stipulations with the idea it would take him a few days to clean up the bedroom. If he trimmed the bushes, he’d get his reward.

After he’d finished, he came into the house. “I assume you want to inspect?”

Cissy put down the dusting cloth and followed him outside. He’d done a good job, both with the trimming and with cleaning up afterward. She leaned in to give him a kiss and he didn’t pull away, which, after their earlier spat, she took as progress. Taking Len in hand was both one of the most difficult but most rewarding things Cissy had ever done. The fact it was improving their marriage only made her more sure this was the route to take.

“Come inside.”

Len cocked his head. “Why?”

“To get your reward.”

“But I thought—”

“I’m willing to give you a couple of days to get your clothes and stuff in order. Trimming the bushes was a big job and you deserve a reward for it.”

His face lit up. “Really?” Cissy nodded, doing her best to hide a smile. “Lemme take a quick shower and I’m all yours.” Several moments later, he exited the shower with a towel wrapped around his waist. Cissy looked up and started at his expression, which could best be described as calculating. “So…”

“Yes?”

“If I clean up some of these clothes can I upgrade my reward?”

Cissy barked out a laugh. “Upgrade?”

He grinned. “I don’t know what you were planning, but yeah.”

“Sure.”

“Suuu-weet!” Pulling off the towel and folding it on the rack in the bathroom, which alone almost caused her to weep with joy, Len then ran around the room naked, picking up clothes and depositing them in piles, some in the hamper and others on the bed.

She eyed the pile on the bed. “What’s this one for?”

“Those aren’t dirty. I need to either hang them up or throw them in the dryer to get out some wrinkles.”

“And you’re going to do that right now, correct?”

“Slave driver.”

A little while later, Cissy cuffed Len again and spent a long time teasing him with her lips, tongue and teeth before finally swallowing his cock to the root. His back bowed and he bit his lip, most likely to hold in the swear word fighting to break free. He was trying, and she was proud of him. When he began to thrash again, she stopped, coming to a quick decision.

“I’m going to tie your legs down too.”

She didn’t need to see his eyes behind the blindfold to know they were wide as saucers. “What? Why?”

“Because if I hadn’t moved so quickly you would’ve just clocked me in the head.”

She grabbed two of her long scarves and tied each of his ankles to a corner of the bedframe. Her husband was now spread like her personal buffet, and she found herself licking her lips. Even though he’d initially reacted negatively to the idea of being completely tied down, the pre-cum leaking freely from the head of his cock told her he was enjoying the experience.

Leaning down, she sucked it into her mouth again and he threw his head back, rattling the cuffs and banging the headboard against the wall. His jaw was tight and she knew he must be trying hard to keep his mouth shut, afraid if he swore she’d stop. Cissy wasn’t that cruel, but he didn’t need to know that.

5 Comments

Filed under Cassandra Carr, Spotlight, Unexpected Top

Spotlight & Contest: Momentum by Cassandra Carr

Title: Momentum by Cassandra Carr
Buckin’ Bull Riders Book Three
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Erotic
Length: Novel

Summary:

Book three in the Buckin’ Bull Riders series.

Marco D’Allesandro has a destiny he wants no part of—running his family’s Italian olive oil empire. Against his family’s wishes, he moved to America to pursue his dream of becoming a professional bull rider and is at the pinnacle of his career, but his family wants him home. Things only get more complicated when he meets Natalie Webster, a blonde-haired, blue-eyed angel who’s got problems of her own.

Their chemistry is explosive from the beginning, and both find themselves in a situation they never thought they would—they’re falling in love. Natalie has had a rough time of it lately, and it’s tempting to let naturally protective Marco take care of her. Both in and out of bed. Marco discovers he relishes the role and wants to keep Natalie close. Really close.

A Romantica® erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave


Author Bio:

Cassandra Carr lives in Western New York with her husband, Inspiration, and her daughter, Too Cute for Words. When not writing she enjoys watching hockey and hanging out on Twitter. Her December 2011 release, Caught, was named Best BDSM Book 2011 by LoveRomancesCafe.

For more information about Cassandra, check out her website, Facebook fan page, or follow her on Twitter .


I am giving away a copy of Momentum to one lucky commenter. To enter today’s contest:

You must Do TWO of the Following:

1. Sign up for e-mail updates (upper left corner). One email daily with the day’s posts.

OR:

2. Be or become a fan of Book Reviews & More by Kathy Facebook page

OR:

3. Follow me on Twitter (@BookReviewsMore)

OR:

4. Friend Book Reviews & More by Kathy on Goodreads

Make sure you have filled out the contest entry form:

5. To be eligible to enter contests on Book Reviews and More by Kathy you MUST fill out the contest entry form (found HERE). This form only needs to be filled out ONCE. Your privacy is important to me, and I will not share your information.

And don’t forget to:

6. Leave a comment on this post by 5 PM Mountain Time Sunday afternoon.

It’s that easy! The winner will be selected using random.org. I will e-mail one lucky winner the eBook of their choice in their preferred format. The winner will be posted HERE on Monday.

***The eBook in this giveaway has been purchased by Book Reviews & More by Kathy.***

9 Comments

Filed under Blog Tour, Cassandra Carr, Contest, Momentum

Friday’s Feature: Blog Tour Stop & Guest Blog Post by Cassandra Carr & Master Class Review

Five Reasons NOT to Make New Years Resolutions
by Cassandra Carr

It’s the time of year when you hear all over the media about making your New Years resolutions. I don’t think I’ve EVER made a New Years resolution, and yet here I am. And I have good reasons for not making them. Let’s see if you agree with mine:

1. They put undue pressure on yourself, especially if you make a huge resolution like “will join a gym and go four times a week”.
2. Do you really need to make a “resolution” to make a change in your life?
3. When you don’t make it, you feel really bad/depressed/whatever. If you don’t make an actual resolution but are still able to make a change to something, you can feel good about your accomplishment and not worry if you don’t do it as quickly or as well as you wanted to.
4. People make resolutions that are too abstract. Things like “I’ll be nicer to people” or “I’ll be too patient” are impossible to keep up all the time and again, as I mentioned above, you start feeling bad about yourself.
5. Goals usually work better when broken down into small, manageable chunks. A New Year’s resolution is just that – ONE resolution. So unless you’re going to make a dozen related resolutions, you’re setting yourself up for failure.

Feel free to argue with me in the comments. I know resolutions work for some people. I’d love to hear from you about how yours work and why you make them. Conversely, if you’re like me and don’t make resolutions, why not? For the same reasons as me? Additional reasons?


Title: Master Class by Cassandra Carr
Publisher: Lose Id
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Romance, BDSM
Length: Novel/162 pdf pages
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Author

Summary:
Ryan Tomasi feels like a failure. His marriage is officially over; the ink dried on the divorce decree. His friend Jack introduces him to BDSM and he agrees to attend a Halloween party at a club. A submissive approaches him, offering herself, and how can he refuse the kneeling beauty? They do a whirlwind scene and Ryan is addicted—both to dominance and to her.

Lisette Rinaldo is returning to the BDSM club for the first time since ending a bad relationship with her former master. She spots Ryan and is taken by the combination of self-assurance and nervousness the man displays as he takes in his surroundings. And after he gives her an incredible re-introduction to the lifestyle, she knows she needs to see the man again.

Ryan and Lisette explore each other and the lifestyle, but what started out as playtime quickly evolves into something more. The problem? Ryan isn’t ready to get serious again and Lisette doesn’t want to fall in love with a guy who can’t give all of himself to her. Both of them are going to have to break out of the bonds holding them back from happiness to pass this Master Class.

The Review:

Cassandra Carr’s Master Class is a delightfully unique and sinfully sexy romance with a whole lot of kink. New to the BDSM scene, Ryan Tomasi is a Dom who is spreading his sexual wings. He is instantly intrigued by Lisette Rinaldo, an experienced sub who is returning to the lifestyle following a bad experience with another Dom.

Ryan is definitely an Alpha male, but his newness to the BDSM world gives him a wonderful naiveté that is a refreshing change in this genre. He knows what he wants, but his uncertainty about how to proceed gives the relationship a bit more equality than most D/s relationships. Ryan takes great care in making sure that Lisette is comfortable with their explorations and his emotions are quickly engaged. His divorce has left him with some trust issues that might just derail their budding romance.

Lisette might have submissive tendencies in the bedroom, but she is pretty take charge in every other area of her life. She cautiously agrees to participate in BDSM scenes with Ryan and she is the perfect woman to guide him in his sexual journey. Lisette’s feelings for Ryan rapidly evolve from desire to love but she is reluctant to risk her heart on someone who might not be ready for than an sexual relationship.

I really liked the fact that part of the story takes place out of the BDSM club. Lisette and Ryan go out on dates and they take the time to get to know one another. A work crisis also provides them the opportunity to interact on a whole different level and it also brings them closer together.

The sex scenes between Lisette and Ryan are quite erotic and there are plenty of them. Master Class is the perfect introduction to someone who is curious about the BDSM genre. The scenes are not too hardcore and the level of caring between Lisette and Ryan adds emotional depth to the story.

Master Class is a wonderful blend of sexy and sweet. Cassandra Carr has an engaging writing style and her character development is superb. The storyline is quite original and fast paced.

Fans of contemporary erotic romances are sure to enjoy wonderfully appealing story.

9 Comments

Filed under BDSM, Blog Tour, Cassandra Carr, Contemporary, Erotic, Loose Id, Master Class, Rated B, Review, Romance