Category Archives: Cat Grant

January 18, 2013 · 3:59 am

Friday Feature: Blog Tour Stop, Excerpt & Contest Cat Grant’s Strictly Business

Hi! Thanks for joining me on my blog tour for Strictly Business, the second book in my rewritten, re-edited, self-published Courtland Chronicles series. Leave a comment for a chance to win your choice of books from my backlist!

Here’s a taste of one hot and steamy scene to whet your voracious appetites!

Excerpt:

Bran’s condo was as luxurious as the penthouse, with an absolutely breathtaking view of the north end of Manhattan. If Eric squinted, he could see a few faint distant lights near the cemetery where his mother was buried. Fortunately, Bran sidling up with a glass of Scotland’s finest single malt kept his thoughts from taking a morbid turn.

“So what’s this mysterious proposal of yours all about?” Eric asked, letting Bran steer him into the living room.

“It’s something I’ve been considering for a while. Yesterday made it imperative that I act on it.” Bran seated himself on the couch, Eric in the chair to the right of it. They placed their glasses on the heavy glass end table, their hands brushing as they did so. A frisson of scalding sensation snaked down Eric’s spine; he took another hasty sip of his drink to disguise his nervousness while he waited for Bran to continue. “We both know that Edward needs to be taken down. He’s torpedoed at least three deals of mine, one of them while he was still in jail. The corporate community won’t do anything to check him, and the law’s worse than useless. So I’m going to do it. I’m going to ruin him, no matter how long it takes. And I want you to help me.”

Eric felt a grin spreading across his face—a huge, Grinch-like grin, poison-apple sweet.

“I take it that’s a yes?” Bran prompted.

“You have to ask?”

“I thought you might say that.” They clinked glasses, and drank to it.

“What exactly did you have in mind?” Eric asked.

“A number of things. Buying up stock, working a few deals I’ve been keeping on the back burner. I’ve also gleaned some information on a few of his cronies that might prove useful. We may be able to turn at least a couple of them against him. In time, of course,” he added. “I want to wait until he thinks you’ve accepted your downfall and you’ll never be a threat to him again. I want him to think he’s won. Knowing Edward the way we both do, I think it’s safe to say that could take years. I need to know that if you’re in this with me, you’re in it for the long haul.”

Eric studied the depths of his drink, then nodded. “I’m in, for as long as it takes. What specific role did you have in mind for me?”

“I’d like you to come on board as my new VP of research and development. With David leaving, the division’s a mess, and I understand you’re in the market for a job right now.”

Eric’s mouth fell open. “I, I’m flattered, but are you sure? There must be better qualified candidates out there.”

“You’ve already run an entire company that’s twice the size of mine. Believe me, you’re qualified.” Bran got up and strode to the bar, pouring himself another drink. “You needn’t worry that this is suddenly going to turn into a temporary position. As far as I’m concerned, if you come aboard, you’re in for the duration.”

“There’s a rousing recruiting speech if ever I heard one.” Eric smirked, knocking back the last swallow of his Scotch as he stood up.

“I’m glad you find my proposal…inspirational.” Bran set down his glass and leaned back against the heavy mahogany bar. His gaze took a leisurely stroll up and down Eric’s body before settling on his lips; then he seized Eric’s fine wool slacks by the belt loops and dragged him in for a mouth-bruising kiss.

Title: Strictly Business by Cat Grant
Courtland Chronicles Book Two
Publisher: Cat Grant Books
Genre: Contemporary, M/M, Erotic, Romance, Slight BDSM
Length: 80 pages (estimated)

Summary:

Eric Courtland is hungry for revenge—at any cost—against the cold, unfeeling father who never loved him, and who drove his mother to an early grave. Tossed headfirst into the shark-tank world of big business, Eric soon learns it’s eat or be eaten, and has no choice but to throw in his lot with ruthless titan of industry Branford Crane.

Still reeling from his mother’s death—and the guilt of not being able to save her—Eric plunges into a dark spiral of self-destruction, rejecting his longtime partner Nick’s love and support in favor of the harsh tutelage Bran offers him, in and out of the bedroom.

But one night, when Bran finally pushes Eric beyond any reasonable limit, Eric realizes how far he’s fallen—and how desperately he needs Nick to help pull him back from the edge.

Note: This title has been previously published. This edition has been revised and re-edited.

Purchase Links: Kindle * All Romance ebooks * Nook * Kobo

Read my review of Strictly Business HERE

Author Bio:

Cat Grant lives by the sea in beautiful Monterey, California with one persnickety feline and way too many books and DVDs. When she’s not writing, you can usually find her watching movies or TV (Supernatural and The Vampire Diaries are among her favorite shows), singing along to whatever’s on her iPod, or fantasizing about kinky sex with Michael Fassbender.

Here’s Cat’s various hideouts on the Internet:

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Amazon Author Page * Email

One lucky commenter will win the eBook of their choice from Ms. Grant’s backlist. To enter contests at Book Reviews & More by Kathy 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

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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.

It’s that easy! Ms. Grant will contact the lucky winner!

14 Comments

Filed under Cat Grant, Contest, Friday Feature

· 3:58 am

Review: Strictly Business by Cat Grant

Title: Strictly Business by Cat Grant
Courtland Chronicles Book Two
Publisher: Cat Grant Books
Genre: Contemporary, M/M, Erotic, Romance, Slight BDSM
Length: 80 pages (estimated)
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Author

Summary:

Eric Courtland is hungry for revenge—at any cost—against the cold, unfeeling father who never loved him, and who drove his mother to an early grave. Tossed headfirst into the shark-tank world of big business, Eric soon learns it’s eat or be eaten, and has no choice but to throw in his lot with ruthless titan of industry Branford Crane.

Still reeling from his mother’s death—and the guilt of not being able to save her—Eric plunges into a dark spiral of self-destruction, rejecting his longtime partner Nick’s love and support in favor of the harsh tutelage Bran offers him, in and out of the bedroom.

But one night, when Bran finally pushes Eric beyond any reasonable limit, Eric realizes how far he’s fallen—and how desperately he needs Nick to help pull him back from the edge.

Note: This title has been previously published. This edition has been revised and re-edited.

The Review:

Strictly Business, the second installment in Cat Grant’s Courtland Chronicles series, is a bit edgier than By Chance. It is full of emotions as Eric Courtland tries to exact revenge on his ruthless father. In the process, he pushes away his partner, Nick Thompson and enters into a punishing sexual relationship with Branford Crane.

The transition between Strictly Business and By Chance leaves a gap in time where both Eric and Nick have graduated from college and have begun their careers. It was a little disconcerting at first, but readers are caught up to speed pretty quickly.

Strictly Business is mainly Eric’s story and it deals with the aftermath of his mother’s death. There are a few scenes with Eric and Nick, but Eric quickly refuses the support that Nick offers him. Instead, Nick finds himself in a debasing sexual relationship with Branford Crane, a former one night stand. There are no emotions involved in their relationship; it is based purely on Bran’s sexual needs and desires. Nick is both repelled by and drawn to his sadistic lover and it takes a serious breach of trust for him to realize how big of a mistake he made getting involved with Bran.

Strictly Business is a darker novel as Eric gives into his self-destructive feelings. The sex scenes with Bran are intense and delve into BDSM. Eric’s self-loathing is the driving force in this unhealthy relationship but he does derive some sexual satisfaction from their encounters. It is heartbreaking watching Eric destroy what he and Nick have so carefully built and give in to someone who does not harbor any feelings toward him at all. Eric fully knows what he is getting into with Bran, but it is still difficult to watch him punish himself with this toxic relationship.

Despite the turmoil and gut-wrenching emotions, Strictly Business is a compelling read that ends with a happily ever after. Eric does achieve a measure of peace with his father and Eric and Nick do wind up back together.

I am anxious to see what Cat Grant plans for this couple in the future books in the Courtland Chronicles series. Somehow, I think we are in for a wild ride!

Read my review of By Chance HERE.

1 Comment

Filed under BDSM, Cat Grant, Cat Grant Books, Contemporary, Courtland Chronicles, Erotic, M/M, Rated B, Review, Romance, Strictly Business

December 14, 2012 · 3:58 am

Friday Feature: Interview with Cat Grant & Contest

Kathy: Ms. Grant, Welcome to Book Reviews & More by Kathy and thank you so much for taking time out of your schedule to answer a few nosy probing questions for us!

I always have to begin by asking what motivated you to become a writer? How long have you been writing, and was it a long process to become a published author?

Ms. Grant: I’ve been writing off and on ever since I could hold a pencil. I filled up entire notebooks with stories growing up. I wrote slash fan fiction for well over 20 years before I decided to try my hand at pro-fic, and it took me five or six years to get published after that. So when people ask, “How long did it take you to write that book?” (no matter which one), I usually say, “My whole life!”

Kathy: Is there a genre you won’t write? Why? Is there a genre you haven’t written but would like to give a try?

Ms. Grant: Paranormal’s hot right now, but as much as I enjoy reading it, I have no feel for writing it. Same thing with historicals. I gobble ‘em up like jelly beans, but all the research would kill me.

Kathy: You co-wrote two books for Riptide Publishing with Rachel Haimowitz. Did you write specific characters or scenes? Can you describe the co-writing process for us? Will you co-author novels in the future?

Ms. Grant: Rachel and I worked together mostly in chat, with our manuscript open in Google Docs. It’s really trippy, watching the cursor move across the page while the other person’s typing! We spent a good three months brainstorming the books before we started writing, which was a big help. We started out thinking it would be one (very long!) book, but halfway through drafting the first book, we realized it would have to be two. As for co-authoring in the future…we’ve kicked around an idea for another Power Play book, but it all depends on how Rachel’s and my schedules shake out. We’re both pretty busy right now.

Kathy: I have to confess that I am a huge fan of series and I am delighted that you have so many different ones to read. Do you always plan for the novels to become a series? What influences your decision to continue the series?

Ms. Grant: Most of my series have mushroomed on their own. All those pesky secondary characters wanting their own stories! But when they start nudging me, I have to obey, or they won’t leave me alone.

Kathy: Plotter, pantster or a combination of both?

Ms. Grant: I used to be a dyed in the wool pantser, but I’ve had to learn some plotting skills. Can’t keep up a steady output of words every day without it. I fall kind of in the middle of pantsing and plotting – I’d call myself a planner.

Kathy: Where do you find inspiration for your novels and characters? Real life events? Imagination? Or a combination?

Ms. Grant: Oh, there are ideas everywhere. I can get a dozen ideas just watching the news. The problem is finding the time to write them all.

Kathy: What is a typical day like as author Cat Grant? Do you write every day? How long does it typically take for you to complete a book?

Ms. Grant: I spend a lot of time thinking about the story and the characters before I start writing. I tend to write in a three-act structure, so once I have the first act mapped out in my head, I’m good to go. When I’m drafting, I write every day until I’m done. Then the editing starts.

Kathy: Can you tell us a little about By Chance?

Ms. Grant: By Chance is the first book in my Courtland Chronicles series, originally published from 2008-09. I didn’t intend for it to become a series—in fact, I’d intended The Arrangement (first book published, fourth in the series’ internal chronology) as a stand alone. I was completely unprepared for the prequel plot bunnies that swarmed over me, which is the reason why the original books were released out of order. When I got the rights back to the entire series last year, I jumped at the opportunity to fix all the things I got wrong – or that just plain bugged me – about the original books.

So now everyone can experience (or re-experience) how Eric and Nick met and back in college, and a twenty-year love affair began.

Kathy: Can you tell us a little about your latest release with Riptide, Fearless?

Ms. Grant: I’m really excited about Fearless. It’s my first Christmas story, which was a big challenge, since I was writing it in the middle of summer! I had to listen to the Glee Christmas album every day to get in the right mood.

It was a lot of fun revisiting my heroes Connor and Wes from Priceless and giving them the HEA they’d fought so hard for. Christmas. Wedding. In New York. What more do I need to say?

Kathy: What projects are you currently working on? What can readers look forward to from you in the upcoming year?

Ms. Grant: I just finished drafting Flawless, where Connor’s best friend Steve finally gets his happy ending. The next two Courtland books, Strictly Business and Complications, will be out on January 1st and February 1st, respectively. I’m in the middle of revising the next two Courtland books, The Arrangement and Triad, for release next summer. And of course, I’ve got a few other projects simmering on the back burner. Stay tuned!

Kathy: I have thoroughly enjoyed chatting with you today. Is there anything else you would like to share with us before you go?

Ms. Grant: Thanks so much for having me! And to my readers – thanks for your love and support. I couldn’t do it without you.:)

Kathy: Ms. Grant, congratulations on your new releases and thank you so much for visiting with us today. Feel free to drop by anytime you happen to be in the neighborhood.

Title: By Chance by Cat Grant
Courtland Chronicles Book One
Publisher: Cat Grant Books, 2nd Edition
Genre: Contemporary, M/M, Erotic, Romance
Length: 38,000 words

Summary:

A life of wealth and privilege doesn’t equal happiness—just ask Eric Courtland. Growing up with a cold, unfeeling father and unstable mother has taught him exactly what he doesn’t want out of life or love. The troubled young man prefers a solitary life and is content to keep it that way until a campus emergency saddles him with an unwanted roommate.

Popular, wholesome, straight Nick Thompson is far more temptation than Eric’s prepared for, but Nick’s warm, easygoing manner gradually cracks through Eric’s prickly protective shell.

After Eric suffers a traumatic attack, their friendship gives way to an intense passion. Eric’s no stranger to casual sex, but what he feels for Nick is something deeper, and more fragile.

Independent Eric doesn’t know the first thing about being in a relationship, much less with a lover who can’t even admit he’s gay. But conservative Nick can’t seem to find his way out of his own personal closet.

Rock, meet hard place.

Note: This title has been previously published. This edition has been revised and re-edited.

Read my review HERE.

Title: Fearless by Cat Grant
Irresistible Attraction Series Book Three
Publisher: Riptide Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, M/M, Erotic, Romance
Length: 70 pages/Word Count: 16,400

Summary:

How can you plan for the future when escaping the past seems impossible?

After over a year together, Connor Morrison and Wes Martin decide to tie the knot. But an ethics complaint regarding their deeply non-traditional relationship threatens Connor’s job and Wes’s Ph.D. The fact that Connor tried to keep it from Wes—even with the best of intentions—makes the situation even worse and casts a pall over their plans for a Christmas wedding in New York.

It doesn’t help that Connor still treats Wes like glass, though Wes insists he’s recovered from the brutal assault he suffered a year and a half earlier. Wes may be okay, but Connor isn’t. Memories of taking a battered, terrified Wes to the emergency room that night still haunt him, and he can’t let go of the need to protect Wes from any and everything life might throw at him.

But Wes has had enough. Between the specter of the ethics complaint and Connor’s overprotectiveness, he’s already beginning to question their plans. Add in a family ashamed of and angered by his choices, and Wes might just leave Connor standing at the altar.

Publisher’s Note: This title is a sequel to Priceless. For maximum enjoyment, we highly recommend reading Priceless first.

Thanks for joining me on my double-duty blog tour! I’ve got two books coming out this month – By Chance, the first book in my rewritten, re-edited, self-published Courtland Chronicles series, and Fearless, Book Three in my Irresistible Attraction series from Riptide Publishing. Leave a comment for a chance to win your choice of ebooks from my backlist! I’ll also be giving away a brand new Kindle Fire HD to one lucky commenter drawn from all the tour stops, so follow along and party with me at each–you can earn an entry at every stop! Winners will be announced on December 31st.

Here are Cat’s various hideouts on the Internet: Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Amazon Author Page * Email

To enter contests on Book Reviews & More by Kathy, 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.

It’s that easy! Ms. Grant will contact winners on December 31st!

21 Comments

Filed under Cat Grant, Contest, Friday Feature, Interview

June 11, 2012 · 3:58 am

Power Play: Awakening by Rachel Haimowitz & Cat Grant

Title: Power Play: Awakening by Rachel Haimowitz & Cat Grant
Power Play Series Book Two
Publisher: Riptide Publishing
Genre: M/M, Erotic, BDSM, Contemporary, Romance
Length: 292 pages/Word count: 95,000
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher

Summary:

Brandon McKinney is a man reborn. Newly awakened to the notion of consensual power exchange and the submissive urges inside him, he begs for a second chance from the man who opened his eyes to this world: Silicon Valley superstar Jonathan Watkins. But no birth is absent pain, and Brandon’s is no exception. He fears he’s not strong enough to see it through.

Jonathan knows better. He’s seen the iron core inside his new submissive, and the wounded heart inside him too. He means to teach Brandon to heal the one with the other. They have five months left on their contract, after all, and Jonathan has done more with less before.

It’s tough to stay objective, though, when you’re falling in love. Shame Brandon doesn’t feel the same. He’s only there for the three-million-dollar payout at contract’s end—a fact that Jonathan, nursing his own wounded heart, reminds himself of each day. For even as Brandon’s barriers break and his mind expands, even as he grows to love his place at Jonathan’s feet, he’ll never love life with a sadist—especially one who cannot escape the public eye.

This title is #2 of the Power Play series.

Reader discretion advised. This title contains the following sensitive themes: heavy kink.

The Review:

Power Play: Awakening by Rachel Haimowitz and Cat Grant is an intense read but it is not as physically and emotionally exhausting as the first book in the series, Power Play: Resistance. It is, as the title implies, a journey of self-awareness for Jonathan and Brandon as individuals and as a couple.

The tone of Power Play: Awakening is different from the very beginning. There is more give and take as Jonathan finally takes the time to get to know Brandon. He is much more patient and understanding, and he is a bit more forgiving of Brandon’s errors. Having said that, he is still, at the core, the same selfish sadist we saw in Power Play: Resistance. He continues to delight in torturing Brandon, counting out demerits and wielding his whip in punishment of Brandon’s infractions.

Brandon is initially the same man we met in Power Play: Awakening. While to all appearances he is more accepting of Jonathan’s expectations, his inner dialogue reveals he is still not as entirely compliant as he seems. Brandon still questions how living according to Jonathan’s rules are going to help him.

Without doubt, Brandon is emotionally crippled. His abusive past makes it impossible for him to connect with others. He cannot quell the inner voice that speaks to him using his father’s derisive and mocking tone. He is the perfect candidate for exploitation. It is little wonder that he will eventually do anything for any type of affection or praise.

The BDSM aspect of Power Play: Awakening is not as vicious or dehumanizing as it was in Power Play: Resistance. There is one intensely sadistic scene that is squirm inducing (not in a good way for me). It becomes the pivotal turning point in Brandon and Jonathan’s relationship. While I like where Brandon eventually ended up in terms of personal growth and self-awareness, I am not sure the ends justified the means.

Which brings me to the crux of Power Play: Awakening. Do Jonathan and Brandon have a genuine D/s relationship? The only thing I know for certain is Jonathan is a sadist not a Dom. Is Brandon a submissive? Or was he a victim of a sadistic, brutal man who isolated him and preyed on his insecurities and made him desperate for an emotional connection? Did Jonathan break Brandon? The answer to that question lies in whether or not you believe Brandon is a true submissive and their relationship is that of a D/s nature.

Without doubt, Power Play: Awakening is a powerful and compelling novel. Rachel Haimowitz and Cat Grant provide a fascinating and in-depth look into the world of BDSM and sadism. An incredible journey, Power Play: Awakening is a non-traditional romance that beautifully demonstrates there is no right or wrong way to love.

Read my review of Power Play: Resistance HERE.

6 Comments

Filed under BDSM, Cat Grant, Contemporary, M/M, Power Play Awakening, Rachel Haimowitz, Rated B, Riptide Publishing, Romance

April 25, 2012 · 3:56 am

Power Play: Resistance by Rachel Haimowitz & Cat Grant

Title: Resistance: Power Play by Rachel Haimowitz & Cat Grant
Power Play Series Book One
Publisher: Riptide Publishing
Genre: M/M, BDSM, Erotic
Length: 267 pages/Word Count: 91,500
Book Rating: B+

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher

Summary:

Give me six months, and I’ll give you the world.

Brandon McKinney has scraped and sacrificed for what little in life he’s ever had. Though it’s been fifteen years since he escaped his father’s abuse, the damage remains. Trust seems as far out of reach as his dream of becoming an architect, and though he’s come to accept being gay, he can’t deny the shame and confusion he feels at other urges—the deeply-repressed desire to submit.

Jonathan Watkins is a self-made Silicon Valley billionaire whose ex-wife took half his money and even more of his faith. Comfortable as a Dominant but wary of being hurt again, he resorts to anonymous pickups and occasional six-month contracts with subs seeking only a master, not a lover.

When a sizzling back-alley encounter cues Jonathan in to Brandon’s deep-seated submissive side, he makes the man an offer: Give me six months of your life, and I’ll open your eyes to a whole new world. Brandon doesn’t care about that; all he wants is the three million dollars Jonathan’s offering so he can buy the construction company he works for. But he soon learns that six months on his knees is no easy feat, and shame and pride may keep him from all he ever wanted—and all he never dreamed he had any right to have.

Reader discretion advised. This title contains the following sensitive themes: heavy kink. While consent is clearly established and frequently reaffirmed, some moments in Power Play push hard against the outer edges of consent.

The Review:

Power Play: Resistance by Rachel Haimowitz and Cat Grant is a very intense, emotionally and physically exhausting read that breaks all the rules in BDSM. With heavy sadism and sometimes barely consensual sex, it is not for the sexually faint of heart. It is a powerful novel that is so strongly compelling and riveting that it is impossible to put down.

Bran McKinney is tough, macho and very much in control of himself and his life. He is a self-made man who has put his painful abusive past behind him. He is actively pursuing his goal of owning his own business but he is frustrated by his inability to secure a business loan. Bran leads a solitary life and his sexual encounters are brief with no emotional ties.

Jonathan Watkins is a charming billionaire who denies himself nothing. He is a Dom and sadist that avoids relationships by engaging in emotionless hookups and the occasional contract with submissives. He is so confident in his perception that Bran is submissive, Jonathan offers him a deal that Bran finds impossible to refuse. Bran will receive three million dollars if he will become Jonathan’s sub for six months.

Their D/s relationship is an unmitigated disaster of epic proportions. Bran has NO idea what is he agreeing to, and Jonathan fails miserably in giving Bran the guidance he needs. Jonathan is determined to break Bran and he will stop at nothing in his attempt to strip him of his pride and inherent strong will. While there are some aspects of submission that appeal to Bran, he is not a true submissive and Jonathan is unable (or unwilling) to accept this very important distinction.

The struggle between Jonathan and Bran is raw and gritty. The punishments that Jonathan metes out are harsh and quite sadistic and so incredibly painful it is sometimes difficult to continue reading. But it is impossible not to want to know where Ms. Haimowitz and Ms. Grant are going to take Bran and Jonathan next. Will Jonathan break Bran’s spirit? Will Bran concede power and control? Is there any possible way to salvage the fragile relationship the two men shared before entering into their contract?

Power Play: Resistance by Rachel Haimowitz and Cat Grant is a commanding novel that will stretch your boundaries as much as it does Bran’s and to some extent, Jonathan’s. Their D/s relationship is not all bad; both men gain valuable insight and information about themselves from their experiences. They both grow as individuals and as partners. While I would not classify this as a romance, there are some romantic elements to their relationship. The ending is the perfect beginning for Power Play: Awakening the next installment of this provocative yet extraordinary series.

5 Comments

Filed under BDSM, Cat Grant, Erotica, M/M, Power Play Resistance, Rachel Haimowitz, Rated B+, Riptide Publishing