Claire Thompson - Erotic Romance Author

Hot off the Press! Slave Academy

2012-01-06T19:54:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Slave Academy: leave your clothing and your inhibitions at the door.

Every dream is different… A powerful photo at an art exhibit ignites Ava Harlow’s secret longing for erotic submission. Jude Knight, a trainer at Slave Academy, might be the man to claim her for his own. Ashlyn Tate, used to wielding the whip, finds herself falling for Peter Rosen, another Dom. Peter must learn to break through the barriers of his own inhibitions regarding erotic pain if he is to become the Dom he longs to be. Sienna Rayne, entangled in an abusive relationship with a bully in Dom’s clothing ends up on the Academy's doorstep in the dead of night.

Against the backdrop of world class slave training facility, these stories weave together into an erotic, and sometimes dark and dangerous, exchange of power that will leave you breathless and begging for more.

CLICK HERE FOR BUY LINK & EXCERPTS

Terrific Review of Enslaved by JERR

2012-01-06T19:49:00.000-05:00

5 Stars from
Just Erotic Romance Reviews

Enslaved is sure to become another classic from Ms. Thompson...Sam and Rae's relationship is complicated and yet, it works. There is plenty of sex, BDSM scenes, growth, and love in this story that just makes it work. ...For the true fans of Ms. Thompson's older works, this story will bring back plenty of memories. The romantic nature ofEnslaved overshadows all of the BDSM elements... I loved Enslavedand can't wait to read more from Ms. Thompson.

Click Here to Read the Full Review

Hot New Quickie and a Contest!

2011-11-05T06:13:00.000-04:00

"What's to know? I work construction. I ride a Harley, I have tattoos, I keep a knife in my boot, and I don't take shit from nobody."

That's what Richard tells his new girlfriend, Amelia, but she's not buying it. She senses the sub boy hiding beneath the tough guy façade. With Dominatrix fantasies of her own, Amelia hopes to bring both their dreams of a BDSM love affair to life. Together they explore the power and intensity of submission, rope, whips and erotic pain. As hot and sexy as the BDSM games can be, in the end it's about trust. How far will Richard trust Amelia to go? And how deep is Amelia willing to take him?

(Only 99 cents! Buy Link)

Normally I reserve my contests for my newsletter subscribers, but I'm opening this one to anyone who wants to play! Here are the details:

Mini Scavenger Hunt

Answer This Question

from Tough Boy:

"Tonight," he said, "Kate will be our object. You, Richard, will be our subject."

WHO is speaking?

Winner picks either a free signed paperback from the Romance Unbound catalog or 2 free ebook downloads of their choice from my website!

Send your answer to my email and I'll enter you into the contest Winner announced in my next newsletter.

New Release! Enslaved - a dark, edgy BDSM romance

2011-10-09T15:55:00.000-04:00

I wanted to write something that was dark, edgy, a little dangerous, but still with some kind of connection. Not a typical non-consensual dark and dirty, but something with a potential for redemption, passion, even love. I wanted to write about real people - two flawed, confused, lonely people with a deep underlying attraction neither is willing to admit, each for his or her own reasons. This isn't a book for the faint of heart, but nor is it a sappy, pat paint-by-the-numbers romance, the kind where you know the ending after reading the first chapter.

I urge my readers of the sweet romances (though my romances always have an edge, I suppose) to give this darker, more intense work a chance. And those of you who favor the heart-pounding, gut wrenching non-cons, you might just find this fills the bill, along with a satisfying resolution that empowers both the characters and the reader.

Here is the blurb:

Caught red-handed with her fingers in the company cash, Rae Johansen must choose between near-certain jail time or a much shorter sentence locked away in a BDSM Dungeon. Acceptance means placing her free will, her body and possibly her soul in the hands of a dominant man who demands complete submission. Whips, chains, ropes, floggers and the sensual wrath of a spurned lover are just some of what await the hapless slave girl, should she accept the terms he offers.

Choose right, Rae, and choose wisely. This may be the last choice you ever make.

BUY LINK

What would you think of an audio book read by the author (me!)

2011-07-30T20:51:00.000-04:00

I've been mulling this around for a while now, and if I can find the time, I think I would enjoy taking one or more of my books to an audio downloadable MP3 through Audible.com. I'm curious what you, my blog readers, think of this idea. Would you buy something like that? It being sometimes rather explicit erotica, would it make you uncomfortable to listen to it read aloud?

I still in the pondering stage on this, but leaning toward having a go. What do you think? Take the poll and weigh in.

Thanks! Claire

Click on the link to see how kindlegraph works

2011-07-30T18:34:00.000-04:00

Kindlegraph lets authors send personalized inscriptions and signatures directly to the electronic reading devices of their fans! Click here to see how it works: To see it in action, check out the screencast.

Would You Like My Kindlegraph?

2011-07-30T17:16:00.000-04:00

This is so cool! It's a new feature on Kindle. You can get your ebook personalized by the author! Click on this Kindlegraph Link to see my books available for personalizing by me for you!

Alternative Treatment - Re-released through Romance Unbound

2011-07-23T08:31:00.000-04:00

You might have missed this one the first time around. Here it is with a sexy new cover and a great m/m erotic romance inside!

Nolan Daniel’s got these one hundred hours of community service nailed, just as soon as he nails the handsome Dr. Mark Harrison, who controls Nolan’s time served. His sizable ego takes a hit when Mark rejects his advances in no uncertain terms. What did Nolan expect from a man of privilege?

Mark’s the good boy who always plays by the rules, always does what’s expected of him…and secretly chafes at the restrictions of his strait-laced life. Now he’s faced with the leather-jacketed bad boy who arouses the closeted Mark more than he wants to admit. A man he can’t resist. A man who helps him realize other things about his not-so-perfect life.

It’s time to take a stand. Time to burst the protective bubble each has built around himself in his own way. Little do they realize that moving forward could also cause them to lose each other and the love they share.

Click here to read an excerpt and for BUY LINK

New Release! Fem Dom Short Story for 99 cents!

2011-07-23T08:22:00.000-04:00

Go ahead, give it a try, why not? It's a first for me, why not for you too?

“She won me in a card game."
That's the opener to this erotic short story. Michael gets more than he bargains for when he agrees to step in and cover his girlfriend's gambling debt. He finds himself at the home of a sexy Dominatrix for a night of complete obedience and submission. He’s never been into BDSM, but how tough could it be? And it’s only for one night, isn’t it?

BUY LINK

Check out this review for Switch!

2011-07-13T18:15:00.000-04:00

It got the highest possible accolades on the Just Erotic Romance Reviews site, a Gold Star Award.

I have to say, Nathan Levi is maybe my personal fave Dom. He's this unassuming, unprepossessing starving artist type who is just comfortable and content with who he is. No airs, no posturing or swagger. It was so fun to juxtapose him with Dane Bishop, more of a stereotypical Dom sort of dude, complete with the leather pants and the BDSM gear. The strange love story that evolves is one of my personal favorites.

Click here to check out review.

Heart Thief Now Available!

2011-07-08T05:30:00.000-04:00

A hot, sexy cowboy BDSM romance.

After a stint in the Army, Luke Malone finds himself far from his country roots, working casino security in Las Vegas. Just beginning to come to grips with his submissive side, he doesn’t stand a chance when powerful Houston millionaire Glenn Griffin sets his sights on the Texas cowboy.

After one hot night of instant connection, Glenn offers Luke a dream job and a lot more. However, all too soon Glenn tires of his latest boy toy. To clear the path for his next conquest, Glenn sends Luke on a business trip to an East Texas ranch in which he has an investment interest. There Luke meets Sawyer, a man with very different ideas about erotic submission and mixing pain with pleasure. In addition to bondage, suspension and whips, with Sawyer there is also tenderness, affirmation and a deep sensual bond like none Luke has ever experienced.

On his own path in search of meaning through spiritual D/s and erotic pain, Sawyer has had troubles of his own. With Luke, he embarks on a journey that opens both their worlds in ways neither had ever imagined. That is, until Glenn decides he wants his boy back. And what Glenn wants, Glenn gets.

BUY LINK
Read an Excerpt

Coming Soon in Paperback!

Come Explore the Dark Side...If You Dare!

2011-04-01T05:38:00.001-04:00

Hot off the (virtual) press, I give you Slave Island, an erotic thriller of abduction, forced submission and control. Slave Island will take you on a suspense-filled journey into a dark and dangerous world of sexual sadism. Follow Julianna as she finds hope in unexpected places and takes courage from the valiant spirit of those who whisper: never give up.

JP Bowie & Me!

2011-03-22T19:16:00.001-04:00

Click Here to Check Out This Unique Interview!

Got to Brag a Little!

2011-03-14T19:38:00.000-04:00

This just in:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR NLA-I WRITING AWARDS

(Columbus, OH) -- National Leather Association: International (NLA-I), a leading organization for activists in the pansexual SM/leather/fetish community, announced today the finalists for its annual writing awards. Named after activists and writers Geoff Mains, John Preston, Pauline Reage, Cynthia Slater, and the groundbreaking organization Samois, they are awarded annually to recognize excellence in writing and publishing about leather, SM, bondage and fetishes.

The finalists for the Pauline Reage Novel Award are:
Evangeline Anderson, Dangerous Cravings (Loose Id)

James Buchanan, All or Nothing (MLR Press)

Cherise Sinclair, The Dom’s Dungeon (Loose Id)

Claire Thompson, Cowboy Poet (Romance Unbound)

India Wilson, The Knot Artist (Lightning Strikes)

I'm in good company! I'll keep you posted if I win!

Two Doms but only one Master

2011-02-26T08:01:00.002-05:00

Switch

Re-released with Romance Unbound Publishing!

Dane Bishop is reigning king in the Austin BDSM underground scene. A chance meeting with a sexy local artist named Nathan Levi turns his world upside down. Nathan can see beyond Dane's swaggering persona to the untapped submissive streak beneath the leather and chain. As each struggles to gain and maintain control, the sexual sparks fly. It's only a matter of time before a spark catches and bursts into flame.

Click here for excerpt

Sacred Blood Re-released with Romance Unbound Publishing

2011-02-01T07:58:00.000-05:00

This vampire tale has just been re-released through Romance Unbound. It's a dark tale of blood and intrigue, set in 19 century Saudi Arabia and the present day.

The vampire Yasmine Hilal has been recruited in a deadly hunt for a rogue band of vampires who are killing their own kind. As she embarks on the adventure of a lifetime, Yasmine comes face to face with Englishman David Lawrence, her onetime savior centuries before when she was nothing but a slave girl.

David, never aware of her secret, pining love, is struck with the glamorous beauty and wit of this aloof, modern woman, unaware she is determined to remain impervious to his charms. Yasmine is reluctantly paired with the dashing David as they return to her Middle Eastern home to penetrate the harem of the evil vampire Prince Hasan. Posing as a dispossessed princess to penetrate his secret lair, Yasmine risks her life, trusting in the one man she ever loved to save her.

Buy Link

Interview at The Romance Studio plus FREE DRAWING!

2011-02-01T07:57:00.000-05:00

I've been interviewed at the Romance Studio. Check it out and enter the drawing for a signed copy of Dream Master.

Click here to check it out!

New Interview on Force Fantasy Blog

2011-01-22T16:46:00.000-05:00

Greetings,
For those of you who enjoy a bit of the darker side of erotic fantasy, check out this blog. As some of you know, I do write these dark and dirties from time to time. In fact, I'm working on one right now titled Slave Island. Charlotte Gatto was kind enough to interview me on her site about my writing and my life in general, and I held nothing back! Pop over and see what you think.

http://forcefantasy.com/2011/01/21/interview-with-claire-thompson/

HOT OFF THE PRESS! Dream Master-m/f BDSM paranormal

2011-01-14T04:42:00.000-05:00

Yes, you read that right. I know it's a departure for me to write something with magical elements, but this story was just too fun to resist. It's more a BDSM erotic romance than anything, but, as much of it takes place in shared dreams, there is certainly a paranormal element. The title is somewhat deceiving, in that you might think you know who the Dream Master is, but things take a dark twist in the dreams, even as romance blossoms in real life.

Click here for blurb, excerpt and buy link!
Love, Claire

What's in a Name?

2011-01-02T10:25:00.001-05:00

Well, a lot, actually! It's been a while since I checked in at my blog. I just finished Dream Master (releasing soon! I'll keep you posted), and already I'm thinking about my next novel - working title - Slave Island. One stumbling block for me at the beginning of each new project is getting the names right. Names matter!

Let me tell you what this one is about, and then, if you feel like it, please put in your two cents! It's been a long time since I penned something dark and dangerous - a suspense-filled abduction tale, not for the faint of heart. Slave Island will be such a story, but the slave traders intent on abducting and bending her to their will are in for a surprise when they nab ......! Our heroine is no wilting flower, but a kickass woman who doesn't know how to give up, even against extraordinary odds.

Lured to what she thinks is an all-expense paid dream vacation at an exclusive resort located on an island in the Caribbean, ...... finds herself imprisoned at a slave training camp, with cruel trainers intent on breaking her down into a compliant, docile slave girl, ready to serve the powerful men who would purchase her for their own.

The book will be a dark and probing exploration into the twisted minds of sadistic trainers out to exploit and control innocent young women. But I'll take it a step further, delving into the dynamics of mind control and forced sexual submission, as well as the tenacity of a determined spitfire of a girl who refuses to yield her dignity and spirit in the face of erotic torture and forced submission.

So here's where you come in! Fill in those blanks! What should we name this heroine? Something strong and sexy. I was thinking Lexi, Leanna, Lee (don't know why I'm going for L's...) Comment and let me have your ideas. If I choose a name you suggested, you will win a prize!

Thanks! Love, Claire

Look What We Came Up With! Thanks!

2010-11-13T13:22:00.002-05:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in the poll for the new cover for Unleashed Magic (formerly Cast a Lover's Spell). Here's what we're going to use - a combination of the bits folks like best in each. What do you think? Isn't it terrific! Thanks to my fabulous cover artist, Kelly Shorten!

Be the First on Your Block…!

2010-11-05T05:16:00.000-04:00

The Cowboy Poet is out and ready at last! Please pop over to the fancy new 1PlaceforRomance site and check out The Cowboy Poet! There’s a great contest there too, the details of which will be announced in the 1PFR newsletter later this morning! So if you aren’t signed up for that newsletter, hurry and do so at the 1PFR site, so you can get in on the $30, $20 and $10 gift code giveaways! (I’m also going to be featured in The Author’s Spotlight in their Friday newsletter, and revealing a few secrets, so don’t miss it!)

Here are the links to two great reviews as well!

Dark Diva Reviews

Michele N Jeff Blogspot

EPIC EBOOK AWARD FINALIST TIMES THREE!

2010-10-27T18:49:00.001-04:00

Click on the titles to check them out. I'm pretty excited! Fingers crossed, and we'll find out in March, 2011!

Wicked Hearts

Texas Surrender

Heart of Submission

Cowboy Poet is Done!

2010-10-16T08:38:00.001-04:00

Greetings,

I am delighted to report I penned the last word (okay, typed it) last night! Well, of the rough draft, that is. I'm sure it will go through a few more iterations before it's finally done, but I'm still on schedule for an early November release, and quite excited! I am going to post a few snippets here to give you a taste of the novel. It's about a guy named Tyler Sutton whose standard MO has been to run from things that scare him, like his deeply held masochistic and submissive yearnings, and the bully who twisted his trust for his own gain... Enter Clint Darrow, a confident but laid back cowboy with a dominant mindset and a heart of pure gold...

Here are a few excerpts for you!

from chapter one...

He shot a glance at Clint, whose direct gaze made Tyler’s heart skitter around like a loose pinball. “That’s one of the great things about poetry,” Clint said. “Each person gets something different out of it, maybe something the poet never intended, but it’s no less valid because of that. If anything, those added layers give the poetry more life and meaning. What was it, exactly, that you heard behind the words?” Clint’s voice was low and raspy, as if it were laced with whiskey, smoke and hard living. There was a kind of power to it that drew Tyler and distracted him, despite his best effort to wear his reporter’s hat.

Tyler licked his lips, unable to look away from Clint’s dark gaze, even if he had wanted to. “The reference to an exchange of power,” he finally breathed, his words coming out in a whisper. Clint knew he was gay too. He was sure of it now. The small tape player whirred on, but Tyler knew he wasn’t going to complete the interview just then. He could barely remember his own name, much less the questions he’d had planned.

His eyes on Tyler’s face, Clint dropped his hand to Tyler’s thigh, his touch radiating like heat directly to Tyler’s aching cock and balls. “Go on,” Clint said softly. “Tell me more about what you heard in the poem.” Tyler was aware suddenly of the silence in the courtyard. Other than a few stragglers smoking cigarettes along the fence, the place had emptied, folks going inside to hear the music, Tyler supposed, or going home now that the readings were over.

He closed his eyes, distracted by the rhythm of Clint’s breath, the pitch of his voice, the feel of his hand still pressing against Tyler’s denim-clad thigh, the fingers brushing carelessly close to his groin.

He opened his eyes and their gazes collided. When Tyler spoke, his voice came out gruff. He cleared his throat and tried again. “The image of submission, of the horse giving over its power to its master. I felt like maybe you were saying something more…” Tyler swallowed, unwilling to go on, afraid he’d already exposed too much of his closely held feelings.

“You’re very perceptive.” Clint tilted his head as he tightened his grip on Tyler’s thigh. “I could be wrong. Lord knows it wouldn’t be the first time. But I sense by your reaction that you identify with the wild stallion, the one who longs to be tamed by a real master.”

“Oh,” Tyler said, the word pulled from him. The night air was almost cool but Tyler felt a sweat break out on his upper lip and beneath his arms, as a shudder moved through his body in a snake of pure, raw lust.

“I take it that’s a yes?” Clint’s covered Tyler’s throbbing crotch with his large, strong hand.

Grateful for the semi-darkness that blanketed the courtyard, he thought about pulling away from Clint’s forward touch, but found himself rooted to the spot. He opened his mouth to answer, but no words came.

~*~

They stood in the parking lot, their mutual decision to leave the bar together tacit but clear. Tyler followed Clint to a pickup truck, unable to deny the magnetic, almost overpowering pull of his attraction to this man who had somehow honed right in on his most secret thoughts and desires.

Not since the mess with Wayne Hurley that had sent Tyler running had he even allowed himself to think along these lines. …tamed by a real master…Those fantasies, fueled by the quiet desperation of a lifetime of vague longing, had flared into a brief but powerful reality with Wayne. What they’d shared had been forbidden and, for Tyler, filled with shame, but charged with power just the same.

“I’m stayin’ at the Motel Six, just down the road,” Clint said. “I could use some company.”

Tyler didn’t reply. He felt like he was burning up, desires he thought he’d left behind at the ranch six months before fanned into flame by Clint’s compelling presence. Though he wasn’t sick, he could feel the flush moving over his skin like a fever. Clint stood loose and easy, as if he had all the time in the world. He waited a long beat before adding, “I knew it, before you even said a word. You’ve got that wild stallion inside you. But I can see it gives you no peace. You’ve been mishandled, I’d wager. You need gentlin’ by a firm, sure hand.”

Tyler tried to laugh but it came out hollow. “I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about.” He’d meant to add a sneer to his voice, but heard instead the defensive protest in his tone, which even to his own ears lacked conviction.

“Sure you do. No cause to deny it. Not with me.” Clint opened the passenger door to his truck and nodded an invitation toward the empty cabin. He walked around the front of the truck and climbed into the driver’s seat.

Tyler stood a moment, trying to tell himself he should bid this stranger who assumed way too much a good night, or at the very least tell him that he’d take his own car, thank you very much.

Clint started the engine, the barest hint of a smile moving over his face.

Tyler climbed in.

Snippet #2:

He fell back against the mattress, their sweat-slick bodies separating. Tyler at once curled into him, resting his head falling against Clint’s chest. Clint drifted a moment or was it longer…? When his heart had slowed enough to where he could catch his breath and regain the use of his muscles, Clint reached down, stroking the wet, matted hair from Tyler’s damp forehead.

Tyler opened his eyes, staring up at Clint with such naked adoration that, had Clint been the blushing kind, he would have colored to the tips of his ears. Leaning up slightly, Tyler kissed Clint’s chin and smiled the smile of a baby drunk on mother’s milk. A feeling of overwhelming tenderness swept through Clint, leaving him, for that brief moment, utterly defenseless.

“Thank you,” Tyler whispered, so softly Clint wondered if he’d only imagined it. He experienced a sudden sense of loss. It had been far too long since he’d felt that eager puppy spark, either in himself or from another. When had he traded in the promise of that kind of wild, powerful love for a life of satisfied, placid contentment?

Clint realized with a jolt that, if things had gone according to plan, he would be in the arms of his familiar, tried and true old friend and sometimes lover, as comfortable as an old quilt, and about as exciting. These poetry festivals and readings, away from the ranch and his usual life, were a good opportunity for a little stolen sweetness, but in the end, that’s all it was.

Was this time different? He knew it was crazy even to speculate. And yet the aching tenderness for the young man cradled in his arms still lingered. Something in Tyler called to him like a lone coyote’s howl, plaintive and filled with longing.

Would he be able to break through the walls Tyler had erected between himself and his desires?

(Cane + Rope) x Erotic Pain = Peace? Really??

2010-07-30T07:06:00.000-04:00

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO 1ROMANCEEBOOKS.COM!

Thank you for visiting my stop on the 1RomanceEbooks.com one year anniversary blog tour! This is stop # 31. Your last stop should have been Delle Jacobs http://dellejacobs.blogspot.com/

Remember, to participate in the drawing for the 1RE Blog Tour, you have to register. Simply leaving comments on the blogs will not make you eligible to win! So make sure you register at http://1romanceebooks.com to you can get a participant number, which you should include with every comment.

My prize to be given away by 1RE: signed paperback of your choice from Romance Unbound catalog (http://romanceunbound.com) (continental U.S. only) or ebook download of their choice fromhttp://clairethompson.net . And remember! The more comments you leave on the tour, the better your chances of winning the grand prize-a Sony E-reader!

What is it about erotic pain that can so dramatically shift one's focus to a place of profound peace? How can it be that the cut of the cane against tender flesh can somehow segue into pure, white hot pleasure? Can a thorough body flogging really send a person to that height of ecstatic experience sometimes referred to as flying?

To those who have never felt the yearning for the rope that binds, or the tingle of skin longing for the kiss of leather, it must be hard to comprehend this lust for erotic pain. Stubbing a toe is not at all sexually satisfying or desirable, yet the pinch of clamps against erect nipples can send a sexual masochist into spasm of pleasure.

Clearly there are different types of pain. How and why can submitting to erotic pain bring such utter serenity?

Is it the intensity of experience that is the draw? And what of this concept of flying? What is it, exactly? How do you get there?

For me personally, getting there isn't always easy. In fact it's never easy. That's part of its power. It's sort of like the religious concept of Purgatory - you have to go down into the fires in order to ascend to that place of perfect peace. Each stroke of leather tresses, each biting kiss of the cane, takes me one step closer to that state of grace. It isn’t that the altered state into which one enters puts out the fire out, but rather softens its flame. Instead of enduring the pain, one encompasses it.

I’ve tried to capture it over and over in my writing, but I don’t think, alas, it is truly possible to put it into words. Not that that’s stopped me from trying. Here are a few examples below from my novels.

From Accidental Slave:
"It hurts, oh, Cole, it hurts. It’s too much. I can’t do it." Elizabeth danced on her toes, twisting in a frantic, futile effort to escape the stinging lash.

"You can. You are. I can sense you’re almost there. Breathe. Go with it. Stop fighting the pain. Become the pain. Become the whip. You’re strong. You’re brave. You’re almost there."

Almost where? Where am I going? Ah... Elizabeth let her head fall back. She didn’t have the strength to lift it again. The sting was still there, but somehow more bearable. Her skin, a moment ago on fire, began to cool.

Her head still hung back, eyes closed. Her lips parted and she drew a slow, shuddery breath.

Something shifted. He continued to whip her, if anything harder than before. She felt the sting but no longer defined it as pain, no longer processed it as suffering. Her fingers, which she hadn't realized had been clutching the chains, relaxed. Her hands went limp and she sagged against the thick cuffs at her wrists.

She was aware of Cole behind her, aware the whip was still biting into her flesh but she no longer felt it. She no longer heard the whistling warning of its trajectory. Her mind emptied, her breathing slowed...

Silence.

Serenity.

Euphoric peace.

Elizabeth opened her eyes, blinking against the bright light. On one level she’d been aware of Cole dropping the whip, Cole releasing her from the cuffs and lowering her to the ground, taking her head into his lap. But she had been too deeply nestled in the cocoon of a trance to respond or speak.

She had no idea how long she’d been lying there. She hadn't been sleeping-it was more like drifting, or flying. Flying over a vast expanse of clear sky, weightless. She looked now into Cole’s handsome face. He was smiling at her.

"You did it."

"What did I do?"

"You got there. You got to that place of utter peace, didn’t you? I could feel it happening. It was the most incredible thing to watch."

"It was like flying," she offered, trying to find the right words. "Like soaring. I could still feel the whip but I didn’t feel the pain, if that makes sense."

"Perfect sense. You gave of yourself, Elizabeth. You worked past the pain, you trusted me, you trusted yourself."

From Texas Surrender:
Avery was paying attention, and clearly made an effort to obey, staying still all the while under the barrage of stinging leather. JD was impressed with his ability and willingness to take the whipping, but he wanted more. He wanted to take Avery beyond mere endurance, to that place where pleasure and pain lost their meaning as separate concepts.

He kept up a steady, methodical cropping over Avery’s ass and thighs, watching Avery’s face and reading his body language all the while. After several minutes, he no longer needed to remind Avery to breathe or relax.

Avery was breathing deeply, his hands open and limp on the bale, his eyes closed. The muscles in his face had relaxed, almost as if he were sleeping, and a small half-smile played over his lips.

Avery, this newbie to erotic pain, was entering subspace. He was flying. Though JD had never flown himself, not being one of those Dom who felt it necessary to experience every sensation they provided for their subs, he’d seen it often enough to know it when he saw it. It never failed to thrill and astound him-the knowledge that he was the one responsible for the euphoric trancelike state induced by intense physical play.

Because Avery was so new to the sensation, JD had to be especially vigilant. He would ease Avery into the experience, keeping a careful watch on his reactions. The intense sensations of both pain and pleasure triggered a dumping of endorphins and other chemicals into the bloodstream that acted much like morphine-increasing the pain tolerance of the sub as the scene became more intense. Because of that, Avery might not be aware or even capable of telling JD to stop.

By the same token, if he stopped too soon, he’d jerk Avery from the trance, denying him the complete experience of flying-a sort of subspace interruptus that he’d learned from lovers in the past was the most frustrating of experiences.

"Avery," he whispered, his mouth close to Avery’s ear. "You okay? You don’t have to speak. Just nod." He ran his hand lightly over Avery’s ass. The skin was hot to the touch and flushed a dark red from the cropping.
If Avery didn’t respond, he would stop. But after a few seconds, Avery slowly nodded his head, his eyes still closed.

"Want me to keep going?"

Again Avery nodded. JD dropped the crop and stroked Avery’s heated flesh with his fingertips. Cupping his palm, he caught the bottom half of one round globe, hitting him hard enough to elicit a faint groan. He hit the other cheek just as hard, leaving a handprint on the darkened skin. Again Avery groaned, his eyebrows furrowing just slightly. Gauging Avery had had enough, JD eased off, finishing with a series of light smacks that he slowly changed to more of a massaging stroke.

He sat down on the bale beside Avery, lifting Avery’s head gently into his lap. The smile still hovered on Avery’s lips, and he gave a long, low sigh of contentment. JD smoothed back the hair from Avery’s soot-smudged cheek and tucked it behind his ear.

Avery opened his eyes and twisted his head to look up at JD. "Wow," he offered.

JD grinned. "Feeling better?"

"I feel..." Avery paused, seeming to ponder this. He lay his head back down on JD’s knee. "Amazin’. I don’t even know how to describe it. It’s like, better than sex. No, that’s not it. It’s like bein’ drunk, only without the sick woozy feel after. No, no, that’s wrong. It’s like..." He paused, gathering his thoughts. "It’s like this one time when I was a kid and my mom took me down to Galveston. I went swimmin’ in the water, and I got kind of far out. I was tired, so I just lay back and let the water buoy me. I was floatin’ beneath this clear blue sky and it seemed like everythin’ was right with the world."

And, you might ask, what does the Dom get out of all this? (S)he becomes an intrinsic part of the equation.

The love, concern and total connection necessary between the two is essential to create the right environment for a sub to fly. It’s one of the few acts of erotic lover that can’t be mimicked in any masturbatory or auto-erotic fashion. It takes two, which makes it that much more special, and more powerful.

From Heart of Submission:
She sat at the bottom of the bed, perched on the edge, a look of dreamy contentment on her face. "Gosh, Chase. That was amazing. I’ve never experienced anything like it. I guess that’s what they call flying, huh?"
Chase knelt on the rug in front of Kate and put his hands on her bare thighs. "Yeah. It’s really something to watch, to be a part of. There’s no greater high for a Dom than taking his sub there. It’s..." He paused, trying to come up with the right words to capture what was, essentially, indescribable. "...it’s a moment of intense connection. There is no other time, or place, or past or future. Everything is completely concentrated in that moment. It’s like a beam of light as focused as a laser, and as powerful." He laughed at himself. "I know I’m making absolutely no sense."

"No, no, you are. I mean, I experienced that too-the connectedness. Like the flogger was an extension of your arm, like you were," she paused and ducked her head, finishing shyly, "making love to me with it." She laughed. "Now who’s making no sense?"

"It makes perfect sense," Chase murmured, stroking her impossibly soft skin. "It’s about trust. I could feel your trust and that freed me to take you further on the journey. You give me the power, you see, when you give me that trust. That’s what I mean about an erotic exchange of power. When it happens, there’s nothing like it. I take that gift very seriously, Kate. And I would never abuse it."

"Thank you," Kate whispered.

"Thank you," he responded, "for your gift."

And thank you for reading this far! Remember, nothing presented in this article is written in stone. It’s just my own personal take on the experience, and my feeble efforts to give words to the feelings. I’d love your comments on this post, on flying, and on your personal experiences and ideas.

Respectfully submitted, Claire
The next stop on the anniversary tour is #32 Keta Diablo URL: http://thestuffofmythandmen.blogspot.com/
Have fun!

Take the Poll - Choose the Cover!

2010-07-27T21:15:00.000-04:00

Vote in the Poll on the right hand column. Which cover do you like better? Which one would be more like to make you NEED the buy that book?

Safe in His Arms - Hot Off the Press!

2010-07-24T07:42:00.000-04:00

I'm delighted to announce my newest release, Safe in His Arms. This story picks up where Wicked Hearts left off, but don't worry if you haven't had a chance to read that one yet. Safe in His Arms is a stand alone.

Hank Seeley is an obnoxious guy - arrogant and entitled and definitely on the way down. A lot of readers who read Wicked Hearts asked me if there was any hope of redemption for this cocky, cruel scoundrel. I thought about this a lot - is there hope, no matter who you are, no matter what you've done, to turn things around? You'll have to read the book yourself and let me know what you think!

Click Here for the Blurb
Click Here for the Excerpt
Buy Link

1RE Anniversay Blog Tour - Free Sony Ebook Reader!

2010-07-13T18:07:00.000-04:00

Amazing, but true! 1RE is 1 years old, and they are celebrating in style with an anniversary blog tour extraordinaire! I will be participating on July 30, with a blog entry about the powerful serenity achieved in letting go through erotic pain.

There are prizes all along the way, in addition to the grand prize of the ebook reader. The more comments you post, the better your odds of winning!

Here is the link to see how to get in on the action. It all starts Thursday, July 15th. So hurry over and sign up! You must register to be entered into the drawing.

1RE ANNIVERSARY BLOG TOUR! Click here

Love, Claire

Freak Parade - Check it out!

2010-07-13T17:21:00.000-04:00

Way back in 1996, when I had just penned my very first novel (Sarah's Awakening) and had basically no clue what I was doing, Marilyn Jaye Lewis somehow found me and asked if I'd like to be on her radio show in NYC. She did a wonderful interview, drawing me along with interesting questions and insightful observations that put me at ease. We've kept in touch over the years, and I've participated in a few anthologies for Ms. Lewis along the way. She is a distinguished, successful author of cerebral erotica, and this latest addition to her catalog is no exception. Click Here to check it out, or stop by Marilyn's website!

From Marilyn's site: "Dare to enter: Freak Parade is a no-holds barred, deliciously sensual, erotic novel with a social conscience."

The Author Who Made Me Love BDSM!

2010-07-08T17:39:00.000-04:00

Please pop over to International Heat today and read the terrific blog posting about why T now loves BDSM. There's a contest over there too! Click here to check it out!

Safe in His Arms - A Most Unusual Excerpt

2010-07-03T15:53:00.000-04:00

Nearly done with the rough draft. Some fine tuning left to do.

Here is an excerpt in which we see Russell the sex worker plying his trade. He doesn't view his work as just "turning tricks". He sees it almost as a calling - reaching out to men who are lonely and in need of affection. This is not your typical m/m erotic sex scene, but I thought you might enjoy a peek...

The house was small and located in a modest neighborhood, not at all the sort of place the Garden’s usual clientele resided. Briefly Russell wondered how the frail old man who opened the door could afford to pay the escort service’s steep fees for an hour’s pleasure.

“Hi,” he said, “I’m Russell. From the Garden. Are you Mr. James Smith?” The man squinted at him, pulled the screen door open and stepped back. “Come in,” he said in a quavering voice. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

Russell stepped into the small foyer and was assailed by the strong though not unpleasant scent of the man’s cologne. His sparse hair was white and neatly combed over a pink scalp. Bright blue eyes shone from a face heavily lined with wrinkles. Even so, but the fine bone structure beneath was still evident, with high cheekbones and a square jaw.

He wore a crisp white shirt with a blue tie and gray trousers with a military-sharp crease down each leg. He was smiling shyly at Russell, his hands twisting nervously at chest level. “I’ve made some coffee. Would you like a cup?”

Russell smiled. “No thanks, Mr. Smith. I’m good. But if you’d care to—”

“No, no,” the old man said. “None for me. Too late in the day. To tell you the truth, I’m a little nervous,” he added unnecessarily. “I’ve never done this before.” He produced an odd smile that looked more like a grimace.

“Never called an escort service?”

“Never been with a man.”

Russell kept his expression neutral and nodded, waiting for more of an explanation, though if none was forthcoming, he wouldn’t pry. James Smith wouldn’t be the first client he’d been with who had waited most of their life before getting up the nerve to explore homosexual feelings.

“Well, I hope the experience measures up to your expectations, Mr. Smith. I’m honored to be your first.”

Mr. Smith chuckled, though he continued to wring his hands. “Please, call me James. I feel old enough without the mister business.”

“James it is.” Russell reached for the man’s hands, covering them both briefly with his own much larger hand. “This is your hour. I want to make you comfortable and happy. There’s no written script or agenda. Whatever works for you is what we’ll do, okay?”

James’ smile was genuine this time. “Okay, that sounds good to me. I like you.” He glanced at his watch, adding, “Time’s a wasting. I guess if you don’t want coffee…” he trailed off uncertainly.

“Would you like to show me your bedroom?” Russell asked, glancing toward the stairs.

“Excellent idea,” James said with a small, nervous laugh. He led the way up narrow stairs to the first door at the top. “After you.” James waved Russell into a small but immaculate bedroom. It was clear the rug had just been vacuumed, and the scent of lemon oil hung in the air.

“I, uh, I don’t know what comes next,” James said. Anxiety was radiating off him in waves, and Russell’s heart went out to him, thinking what courage it must have taken to even make the call to the escort service.

“How about let’s get to know each other a little? Would you like a massage? It might help you relax.”

“Okay, yes. That sounds good to me,” James said, but he stood stock still, making no move to undress.

Russell waited a few beats and then suggested, “Maybe you want to take off your pants and shirt so they don’t get wrinkled?”

“Oh! I, uh, okay. Yes, okay.”

Russell knelt in front of James, who flushed slightly and said with a small laugh, “Oh, the royal treatment, huh?”

“Absolutely.” Russell untied the laces of James’ spit shiny black shoes and pulled them off, one by one, along with the black dress socks. Carefully he unbuckled his belt and opened the fly, drawing the zipper down. James shut his eyes tight as Russell drew his trousers down, but didn’t protest. He didn’t try to remove the man’s boxer shorts, not yet, but couldn’t quite suppress the smile when he noticed the price tag still affixed to the waistband.

James unbuttoned his shirt himself and removed it, revealing pale, hairless skin. “Lie down and relax,” Russell urged. “I’ll just sit here beside you.” James obeyed, draping himself face down on the bed.

Gently, Russell began to smooth and lightly knead what little muscle remained on the man’s bony back. After a few minutes, Russell could feel James begin to relax. “So,” Russell said, “tell me a little bit about yourself. Why did you wait so long to be with a man? If you don’t mind my asking, that is.”

“Oh, I don’t mind,” James replied, settling more comfortably into the mattress. “I was married for fifty-four years to a wonderful woman. Back when I was coming up, homosexuality wasn’t an option, it was a perversion.”

He twisted toward Russell. “I remember the priest at my Sunday school, warning us that those kind of sick feelings were an aspersion against God, a crime against nature. He took us boys into a room one day, while a nun was no doubt doing a similar number on the girls, and told us that, not only was masturbation, or self abuse, as he’d called it, a sin that would send us straight to hell, but if we even thought about another boy in sexual terms, just the thought would be sufficient reason for God to cast us forever into the fires of hell.”

Russell shook his head, thinking how many lives had been ruined by the misguided censoring and condemnation of natural feelings and desires. Wasn’t life hard enough without that kind of bullshit being thrown at you?

“I bought it, the whole kit and caboodle,” James said with a deep sigh. “Married the first girl that’d have me and spent my life keeping those impure thoughts at bay. Luckily she was a good woman—my best friend. She died a year ago last May, rest her soul.” He was quiet a moment, before adding, “I got to thinking I don’t have a whole helluva lot of time left myself. I decided if I’m going to burn in the hell fires of eternity, I might as well do it right.” He barked a laugh.

“Now you,” he continued, “you’re just what the doctor ordered. I picked you out of that catalog they sent me. You remind me of Timothy Dylan, the redhead I bunked with in boot camp before being shipped off to Korea in nineteen hundred and fifty. He was big and tall like you, and built like a tank. I’ve never admitted this to a soul, and I’ll deny it if you say it outside this bedroom, but he’s the one who’s always come to mind, right in the moment of passion, if you know what I mean.”

“I do,” Russell replied, grinning at the man’s quaint turn of phrase. They were quiet for a while, as Russell continued the massage.

James rolled over suddenly, fixing Russell with an intense gaze. “You’re my birthday present, did you know that?” he announced with a grin. “I decided to treat myself.”

“Well then, Mr. Smith,” Russell said with an answering grin. “We must unwrap your present.”

BINGO WINNERS!!!

2010-06-20T14:33:00.000-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS WINNERS!!

Diagonal: Jambrea Jo Jones

Down: Jamie Nare

Across: Debra Guyette

Double: Paige Purnell

Black Out: Leni Kaye

__._,_.___

2010-06-13T16:45:00.000-04:00

I wanted to give you an update on the latest novel, Safe in His Arms. I've been working very hard, and I am about to start the last chapter today! Though that is just the rough draft, meaning I will have finally got all the words on (virtual) paper, but there will still be a lot more work. I need to rework a couple of chapters that aren't quite right yet, but it's very exciting to get the whole story down, with the plot in place and the issues resolved and the characters fully fleshed out.

This is an intense novel, in terms of experience for our (anti)hero, Hank. Those of you who read Wicked Hearts know that Hank was not a likable man (to put it mildly). He could even be characterized, as the title implies, as wicked. Yet even for the wicked there is hope. It has been a wonderful challenge to move Hank through stages of anger and grief at the loss of the most important man in his life (Reese in Wicked Hearts ), to devastating loneliness, then the glimmer of a chance at love, which he blows, to rock bottom misery and despair, and then...slowly...a chance at something better, if he has the courage and the heart to seize it.

Hank is not your typical hero, and this is not your typical love story. It takes place against a BDSM backdrop, with Hank learning his submissive potential and the release and freedom he can find by letting go. His potential lover, Russell, isn't a typical hero either - he's a big 6'3" bear of a man, who happens to be a sex worker for a living, though the special brand of love for hire he provides is about a lot more than just turning tricks. He's had his share of heartbreak, and is very careful as a result.

Ok, I could go on all day about my boys. I know I'm in a good space with the novel, because I'm completely in love with them both. Time's a wasting (it's already 5:22 AM and I haven't even started yet! Behind schedule again!) so off I go to let my muse sing and my fingers fly.

READ EXCERPT

Love, Claire

Submission Times Two Wins NLA-I Writing Award for Excellence!

2010-05-03T19:54:00.000-04:00

I just got back from an amazing experience at the National Leather Alliance-International AGM Awards for Fiction. It was a huge honor to be awarded the prize for excellence in BDSM fiction for my novel, Submission Times Two. James Buchanan won honorable mention, with the novel, Hard Fall. The press release is posted as a separate blog entry.

I met a lot of really terrific people, including Dart, who writes an amazing blog chronicling his leather journey and sharing his experiences and insights. You can check out Dart’s Domain here!

Vince Andrews, president of the NLA-I, took me under his wing and made sure I had a table set up for my book signing event after the awards ceremony. I only brought about 25 books with me, which was all I could cram into my suitcase. I had no real idea what to expect, having never attended an NLA event before. The awards ceremonies came at the tail end of a weekend-long BDSM play and learning weekend called Tribal Fire, which was hosted by the Oklahoma chapter of the NLA-I.

The AGM (Annual General Meeting) was held in a small room filled with about 50 brothers and sisters in leather, who carried on a general meeting, discussed elective offices and committees and mundane matters dear to every organization’s heart (If I closed my eyes to the leather and chain, I could have been in a library foundation meeting or the local PTA—that is, until they started discussing the previous night’s play party.
Though I knew I’d been chosen as the recipient of the novel award, my heart was beating fast when the presenter and Awards Chairperson, Steve Vakesh, announced that Submission Times Two had won. I walked up to the podium and accepted the lovely plaque (which will hang above my writing desk and I know will inspire me in the days and years to come). I made a brief thank you speech, though I couldn’t really tell you now what I said. After gracious applause, I returned to sit behind my books at my little table, and once the meeting was concluded, folks came over to check out my books.

There were people from all walks of life and all orientations, including straight, bi, pansexual and gay. I have to say the most fun to sell my wares to were the young gay men, who picked up the books and handled them with awe, laughing and giggling with delight as they exclaimed, “Oh, I just love cowboys!” or “Sign it for my boy, Patrick.” As far as I know, none of the guys there had ever heard of me, so it’s possible this may be the start of something new and wonderful – a new market of gay leather men! I sold out my inventory in fifteen minutes, and I was absolutely tickled pink.

This is the third annual competition. Next year the NLA hopes to raise money so they can award cash prizes. In order to raise money, authors are encouraged to donate their work for an auction that will be held later this year. I donated a number of books and plan to donate more. They would like them signed by the author, as that increases the value. I strongly encourage other authors of gay BDSM fiction to consider donating. It’s a great marketing opportunity.

I feel so honored and delighted to have been included in their wonderful event. The writing contest is open to
all BDSM fiction and nonfiction. There are several categories. Authors are encouraged to enter their own work. It’s wonderful exposure and doesn’t cost a dime. Email Steve Vakesh, awards chairperson for details.
Here are a few pictures from the event. As you can see, I just couldn’t stop smiling! I’ll have more pictures in a few days, as a lovely woman named Caroline was busy snapping away throughout the awards ceremony.

The handsome guy without the hat is Dart (see link above) and the dashing young man with the hat is Vince Andrews, president of NLA-I and the rest are all me, grinning like a banshee!

Thanks for sharing in my excitement!

Respectfully submitted,
Claire

It was a Dark and Stormy Night...

2010-04-28T06:28:00.000-04:00

When you’re writing a novel, you want that first line to grab the reader by the balls, er, the throat, and not let go. I thought it would be fun to collect a few of folks’ favorite first lines, either of their own or by authors they admire. Below is a collection of some pretty terrific opening lines. If you have a few of your own, feel free to post them in the comments.

I’ll open with two of mine:

“I’m bored. Whose life can we destroy today?”

Wicked Hearts by Claire Thompson

Buy Link: 1RomanceEBooks.com

Brendan stood like the perfect wet dream beneath the spray, his erect cock clutched in his hand.

Polar Reaction by Claire Thompson

Buy Link: 1RomanceEBooks.com

From Readers:

Contributed by Lloyd Meeker

"For numberless years a myna had astounded travelers to the caravansary
with its ability to spew indecencies in ten languages, and before the
fight broke out everyone assumed the old blue-tongued devil on its perch
by the fireplace was the one who maligned the giant African with such
foulness and verve."
Gentlemen of the Road by Michael Chabon

Contributed by Laura Flocker:

It began, as a lot of things do, in bed.

Dark Tides by Josh Lanyon

Contributed by Jean Paquin

(Note: The speaker is a parrot)

"Oooh, baby. Luscious Lips. Wanna gimme some head, sweetcheeks?"

Outback Meltdown by Alexis Fleming

Contributed by Alan H Chin:

Ennis Del Mar wakes before five, wind rocking the trailer, hissing in around the aluminum door and window frames. The shirts hanging on a nail shudder slightly in the draft.
Brokeback Mountain by Annie Proulx

From Authors – Their Own Personal Favorites

In the deserted men’s restroom at the back of Middleton Community College, Sam Keller knelt on the tile, braced his hands against Keith Jameson’s thighs, and broke his mother’s heart.

Special Delivery by Heidi Cullinan
Buy Link: http://www.heidicullinan.com/fiction

Dominic Mackenzie turned into the rest area parking lot, his dick hardening in sight of the squat brick building located directly off the interstate outside of his hometown. Other than the closet, there was no gay scene in Smithville.

Tempestuous Relations by Amanda Young
Buy Link: http://bit.ly/cs6voj

No one can hear the screams, the cries for mercy, and the shrieks of agony.
In the Blood by Rick Reed

Buy Link: http://tinyurl.com/y27e77p

A vampire walked into a bar.

Stefan's Salvation by NJ Walters

Buy Link: http://www.jasminejade.com/pm-4928-172-stefans-salvation.aspx

The night had turned cold while they were in the Brig, one of Chicago’s oldest and most infamous leather establishments.
Bashed by Rick Reed

Buy Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=BASHED01

Men suck.

Christina's Tapestry by NJ Walters

Buy Link: http://www.jasminejade.com/pm-6174-172-christinas-tapestry.aspx

It was the screams that woke him.

Craving Candy by NJ Walters

Buy Link: http://www.jasminejade.com/pm-4718-172-craving-candy.aspx

His brother had thought Hell a fiery abyss, but Nicolas Montfaucon knew better. It was wet, smelled like a sewer, and sounded like the rush of collective hopes draining toward the sea.

Seduced by Darkness by Delilah Devlin

Buy Link: http://www.delilahdevlin.com/books/seduced-by-darkness/

My cat started acting deranged, could it be cuz her diet I changed?

Men at Work by Robin Glasser
Buy Link: http://www.myspace.com/robinglasser

There is blood on my hands.

Face Without a Heart by Rick Reed
Buy Link: http://tinyurl.com/y4sxs8q

There’s no place like home. The police substation didn’t sit at the end of the rainbow or anywhere near Kansas, but for some reason that stupid phrase ran like a mantra through Sinead O’Rourke’s head as she drew a deep breath and pushed through the double-doors leading into the station house.

Sin’s Gift by Delilah Devlin

Buy Link: http://www.delilahdevlin.com/books/sins-gift/

Without money for a cab or the gonads to hitchhike, what should have been a fifteen-minute drive to the countryside took Declan Mayo almost two hours by foot.

Chicken Ranch: Hunger by Amanda Young
Buy Link: http://www.loose-id.com/Chicken-Ranch-Hunger.aspx

I just wanted a hot meal and hotter bathwater.

Tengo una Pistola (Cocked & Fully Loaded Anthology) by Bryl R. Tyne
Buy Link: https://www.nobleromance.com/BrowseListing.aspx?author=59

New York City and it's pouring, which means no taxis in New Yorkese.

My Life as a Concubine by Robin Glasser

Buy Link: http://www.myspace.com/robinglasser

I awoke one morning from uneasy dreams to find my penis had transformed itself into a vagina.
Man-Amorphosis by Rick Reed

Buy Link: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/Manamorphosis.html

Death didn't have to be easy, but couldn't it be a little cheaper?

Hacking Immortality by Maura Anderson

Buy Link: http://www.realmsoftheraven.com/free-stories/flash-fiction/#HackingImmortality

What are some of your favorites? Let us know in the comments!

Heart of Submission - FIVE STAR REVIEW!

2010-04-24T08:53:00.000-04:00

Click here to read Dark Divas Review!

Hot Off the Press! Heart of Submission Now Available

2010-04-24T06:52:00.000-04:00

Yahoo mountain dew!

It's out! My newest release, Heart of Submission, hit the 1RE bookstore this morning! I do hope you will stop over and check it out. It's my first M/F BDSM in a while, and, as promised, it'll fog up your glasses and make you squirm in your seat!

If you read it, please post here what you thought. We need to encourage our sisters who have left M/F erotic romance by the roadside to take a look at what they're missing. I will tell you this is my most personal novel to date, with a whole lot of Claire right in there in the pages. If you want to know what makes me tick and floats my boat, read this, my darlings!

BUY LINK

Remember Way Back When...

2010-04-20T19:06:00.001-04:00

...YOU used to read M/F erotic romance? It wasn't that long ago!

Remember how you shivered as the sexy alpha hero proved his merit at last, and left our heroine melting with longing? Could you almost feel his hands moving over your skin, taste his lips pressing against yours, as you let him claim you at last...?

Here are two little excerpts to give you a sense...

Excerpt 1

He had eyes the color of clear dark tea, sunny blond hair spilling carelessly over a high forehead, a half smile hovering on full, sensuous lips. His red tag read Master John, though she didn't need color coding or titles to ascertain his orientation. He exuded power. Kate could feel it like fingers moving over her skin. She realized she was staring at him. Swallowing, she turned away, hoping the heat in her face hadn't translated to a blush.

She felt his hand on her shoulder, gently but forcibly turning her back toward him. His smile was warm enough to melt butter. "I bet you're a wild one, in serious need of taming."

Kate realized her nipples had shot to attention without permission. Silently she cursed the flimsy fabric of her cream-colored silk tank top. As if reading her mind, Master John's eyes moved slowly downward from her face, sweeping over her breasts.

She tossed her hair. "I might be wild, but I've yet to meet the man who can tame me," she said with as much bravado as she could muster.

Shit! Where had that come from?

Master John laughed. "Is that a challenge, little girl?"

Returning to her senses, Kate stammered, "Uh, no. No, I'm just here to learn. To take it all in."

"Are you now," he replied, eyebrows arched.

Excerpt 2

They kissed again, and he felt the slow burn of desire curling through his body. Pulling back, he reached for her arms and lifted them, guiding her hands to the O ring hanging from the ceiling. Taking his cue, she gripped it, swaying slightly.

"Will it support my weight?" she asked, her voice tremulous.

"Oh, yes, absolutely," he assured her. His cock was aching, fully erect and pointing toward his left hip. He stepped behind her, reaching up to grasp her wrists. She didn't release her hold of the ring, but stood still, as if already bound. He leaned forward, pressing his body against hers, feeling the curve of her ass against his cock. She didn't pull away.

His mouth next to her ear, he murmured, "Would you like for me to give you a taste of sensual bondage?" He ran his fingers lightly down her arms, moving along the silky fabric that covered her torso, feeling the slight tremor in her body as he touched her.

"Yes, please," she said throatily.

When he moved to retrieve the proper rope, he realized his owns hands were trembling slightly, with both excitement and perhaps a bit of fear.

It had been so long.

He wasn't worried about his skill with the various intricate knots that he used or his ability with a flogger or cane, but was his touch still sure? Did he still have what it took to dominate a woman, to make her shudder and moan with desire, to make her surrender her body and her will?

He used a basic two column tie on her wrists, securing her with the soft rope. The room was relatively cool, compared with the summer heat outside, but Kate's skin was hot to the touch. His lips itched to kiss her again, but he forced himself to focus on his task.

"How's that?" he asked, stepping back to appraise his handiwork. He'd chosen the royal blue rope, which looked pretty against her pale, smooth skin and contrasted nicely with her coppery red hair. "Are you comfortable?" Kate's cheeks were flushed, making her eyes look even greener, a deep, clear emerald green with tiny flecks of gold around the pupils.

She pulled against the rope. "Yes." She swallowed and took a deep, shuddery breath. She was fidgeting, moving her feet in a nervous little dance on the floor.

He stroked her cheek and spoke gently, caressing her the way one might gentle a wild horse. "Relax. You're safe. We're just experimenting right now. I'm going to take off your sandals. And then I'm going to raise the pulley, just a little, just enough to put you on tiptoe, but not high enough for full suspension, okay?"

Kate nodded, visibly swallowing again. He knelt and slipped the sandals from her pretty, slender feet. He noticed her toenails were painted a pale pink, like the inner part of a nautilus shell. Standing, he moved toward the wall, taking the long blue rope with him and threading it through the winch. He turned the handle slowly, watching as she was forced higher, rising on tiptoe, her arms stretched taut.

Returning to the bound girl, he lightly kissed her cheek. "Is this what you want, Kate? Is it what you need?" He ran his hands down her sides again, barely touching the swell of her breasts as his hands moved past them.

She nodded.

"Say it, Kate. Tell me what you need."

RELEASE DATE: SATURDAY, APRIL 24. I do hope you will check it out and fall in love again with M/F D/s Romance!

What’s the Difference Between D/s and BDSM? *

2010-03-28T13:40:00.000-04:00

*This is a completely unscientific and un-researched expose, drawn entirely from my own impressions and experience. It’s my personal take on the language. I purposely did not go to the Internet to check facts or references, drawing instead from my own twisted little brain. In other words, this is just my opinion. Not a statement of fact. I welcome your comments and interpretations.

BDSM.

Four little letters. So much power. Bondage. Discipline. Sado-masochism. It wasn’t all that long ago you didn’t find those four letters lumped together. There was B&D, and there was S&M. B&D focused more on just what it implies—bondage, and enforcing behaviors via discipline, correction or punishment. The intent is sexual, with the added overlay of rope and obedience.

S&M is the darker stuff, the stuff Marquis the Sade (whose name, of course, gives us the term sadism) wrote about, that makes you cringe even if at the same time it arouses some darker impulse of desire. No safewords in his writings, but plenty of blood and horrible suffering, mixed in with an (un)healthy dose of misogyny.

BDSM is a sort of conglomerate of it all, a hodgepodge of “the scene” with all that entails. Plenty of room for whips, chains, rope, submission, Dominance, power exchange, Master and slave. In its common usage, at least as I understand it, BDSM is more about the physical aspects of the scene. What happens, and who’s doing what to whom. It’s about the leather, about the gear, about the proper etiquette and behavior, both public and private.

Over the past few decades a new term has emerged. D/s. Dominance and submission, but a new, softer definition than that contained in BDSM. D/s has evolved to be more about the emotional connection. The spiritual connection, if you will, between Dom and sub. At least, that’s the way I interpret it, and how I use it in my writing. BDSM is black leather and single tail whips. It’s hardcore bondage and a need for safewords. D/s is about romance. It’s about the power of erotic submission. D/s captures the emotional bond between a Dom and his/her sub, a connection at once fierce and tender, soft as velvet but stronger than steel.

Yes, I admit it—I’m a hopeless romantic when it comes to D/s. How about you? What’s your take on the terms? BDSM vs D/s? Oh, and since you read this far, your comment will automatically enter you into a contest for a free ebook download from Romance Unbound. I’ll pick a winner this coming Friday, April 2.

You Know You Want to Hold It in Your Hand!

2010-03-16T20:20:00.000-04:00

The PAPERBACK! It's out in print - the first four books of The Solitary Knights of Pelham Bay are all together in one nice fat paperback just waiting for you.
Click Here to check it out. Oh! And leave a reader review if you're so inclined!
Thanks!

Jessewave Raves About Stardust!

2010-03-15T06:13:00.000-04:00

Click to see!

This Press Release Went Out Today from the NLA!

2010-03-14T14:37:00.000-04:00

FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR NLA-I WRITING AWARDS
(Columbus, OH) -- National Leather Association: International (NLA-I), a leading organization for activists in the pansexual SM/leather/fetish community, announced today the finalists for its recently created writing awards. Named after activists and writers Geoff Mains, John Preston, Pauline Reage, Cynthia Slater, and the organization Samois, they are awarded annually to recognize excellence in writing and publishing about leather, SM, bondage and fetishes.

The finalists for the Pauline Reage Novel Award are:
    Melinda Barron, Graceful Submission (Loose Id)

    James, Buchanan, Hard Fall (MLR Press)

    Alex Ironrod, Obsession (Nazca Plains)

    Claire Thompson, Submission Times Two (Romance Unbound)

This is a huge honor. I am so thrilled. If you haven't had a chance to check it out, here's the link:
Submission Times Two

Polar Reaction Reviewed at Moonlight to Twilight!

2010-03-11T18:11:00.000-05:00

Polar Reaction Review
Polar Reaction Buy Link

Switching Gears Reviewed at Erotic Horizons

2010-03-11T18:07:00.000-05:00

Switching Gears on Erotic Horizons
Switching Gears Buy Link

Stardust - Book 4 of The Solitary Knights of Pelham Bay - NOW AVAILABLE!

2010-03-01T12:39:00.000-05:00

It's up and available exclusively at 1RomanceEBooks.com! Please stop by and check out the 4th book in the series. Here's a mini blurb to give you an idea. You can read an excerpt at the site. Only $2.99! Be the first on your virtual block to get a copy.
Happy Reading!

Check Out My Interview at Jesse Fox's Blog

2010-02-28T01:48:00.000-05:00

I've been interviewed over at Jesse Fox's Blog. Pop on over and check it out!

Please Check out my SEXY new cover for A Princely Gift!

2010-02-07T15:49:00.000-05:00

Click here to see more!

Valentine's Scavenger Contest at 1RomanceEBooks.com! HUGE PRIZES!

2010-01-31T19:54:00.000-05:00

This one is BIG, Folks!

The Grand Prize is a gift bag containing print books, Ebooks, promotional items from 1RE authors and publishers, Romantic Evening items and a $25 code for Ebooks from 1RE(total retail value to be determined but no less than $100)
2nd prize is a code worth $100 in Ebooks from 1RomanceEbooks.com
3rd prize is a code worth $50 in Ebooks from 1RomanceEbooks.com
4th prize is a code worth $25 in Ebooks from 1RomanceEbooks.com

CLICK HERE to pop over and check out how to play. It's gonna be fun!

Switching Gears - Book 3 of the Solitary Knights of Pelham Bay - NOW AVAILABLE

2010-01-26T05:07:00.000-05:00

Switching Gears - Book 3 of The Solitary Knights of Pelham Bay is now available at 1RomanceEBooks for only $2.99!

Click here to read the blurb and excerpt!

MORE HEAT THAN SWEET - NEW Erotic Ebooks Site Opens Its Doors!

2010-01-10T09:42:00.000-05:00

When Jeff Hicks opened 1RomanceEBooks back in June, it gave a chance for Indie Authors like myself, as well as already-established publishers like MLR Press, Aspen Mountain Press and a host of others to list our work in a new, exciting venue!

He is continuing the new tradition, with the opening of 1EroticaEBooks, a sexy new site dedicated to erotica with more heat than sweet. You can still find romance here, but the focus is on harder core erotica, not necessarily happy ever after. I hope you'll check it out. I've listed some of my darker works that explore the dangerous fantasies of the non-consensual realm, including The Toy, Obsession-Girl Abducted, Frog, Golden Angel and more! So click here and check it out!

Pop over to Romance Lives Forever Blog and Comment - free ebook!

2010-01-05T06:25:00.000-05:00

Hi, I have a guest entry blog today at Romance Lives Forever. I'm going to be giving away several free ebooks this evening, to some of the commenters on the blog! It's a secret contest, known only to you who read my blog! So I hope you'll pop over there and leave a comment. I'd love to hear from you!

A Test of Love - Book 2 of the Solitary Knights Series - NOW AVAILABLE!

2009-12-31T06:20:00.000-05:00

A Test of Love is now available at 1RomanceEBooks! For only $2.99, get a healthy dose of manlove, suspense and romance!

When Ryan and Tom reconnect after fourteen years apart, the heat between them is instant. But their fledgling relationship is tested when both receive hate-filled notes, warning each man to stay away from the other. When the warnings turn to violence, can the relationship survive?

Note: Book 1: Finding Chandler, is available as a free download at 1RE. While each book stands alone, your reading enjoyment will be enhanced if you read the prior books in the series first! Enjoy!

The Unlikely Hero - Guest Blogging at Jessewave's Blog!

2009-12-21T07:22:00.000-05:00

Please stop by Jessewave's fun, sexy blog and see what you think of my article on the Unlike Hero in romance novels! I would LOVE your input, so please leave a comment!

CLICK HERE TO READ!

Love, Claire

Winter Solstice Contest - CLUE #6 - The Last Clue!

2009-12-20T05:23:00.000-05:00

What Claire Thompson novel does this quote come from? Find the answer in the excerpts at 1RomanceEBooks.com!

CLUE #6
I’m what you’d call a slow study. I had not one, but three different guys break my heart before I finally figured out if you don’t hold it out there, they can’t break the damn thing.

You can either email me each clue, or save them all up and email all the answers by December 21.
Good luck!

Winter Solstice Contest - CLUE #5

2009-12-19T06:34:00.000-05:00

What Claire Thompson novel does this quote come from? Find the answer in the excerpts at 1RomanceEBooks.com!

CLUE #5
The room was bathed in the rosy glow of a night light. She looked like an angel, her long lashes touching her cheeks, her dark hair spread over the pillow. The sheets had slid down to her waist.

You can either email me each clue, or save them all up and email all the answers by December 21.

Tomorrow is last day to play!

Winter Solstice Contest - CLUE #4

2009-12-18T06:19:00.000-05:00

What Claire Thompson novel does this quote come from? Find the answer in the excerpts at 1RomanceEBooks.com!

CLUE #4

I could feel myself falling, falling into something dangerous, something forbidden. My guilt was sharp as razor blades as the spirit of Randy slid up into my mind's eye, his face a mask of reproach. He'd always been a jealous lover and even in death he remained so.

You can either email me each clue, or save them all up and email all the answers by December 21.

Good luck!

Winter Solstice Contest - CLUE #3

2009-12-17T06:12:00.000-05:00

What Claire Thompson novel does this quote come from? Find the answer in the excerpts at 1RomanceEBooks.com!

CLUE #3
Dark and wide, the color something between brown and black, fathomless, mesmerizing, dangerous—Paul’s eyes could captivate any mortal he chose to seduce. For Paul Windsor was no ordinary man. Paul Windsor was a warlock—one of the most powerful warlocks in the secret magic circles that permeated mortal society.

You can either email me each clue, or save them all up and email all the answers by December 21.

Have fun!

Winter Solstice Contest - CLUE #2

2009-12-16T06:13:00.000-05:00

What Claire Thompson novel does this quote come from? Find the answer in the excerpts at 1RomanceEBooks.

CLUE #2

“She sat there, mute, in awe of what she had just heard. Chains, whipped, submissive, strapped, paddle...the words were spinning in her head. All her dirty little dreams were being bandied about so casually by this woman at her table.”

You can either email me each clue, or save them all up and email all the answers by December 21.

Good Luck!

Winter Solstice Contest - CLUE #1

2009-12-15T05:23:00.000-05:00

What Claire Thompson novel does this quote come from? Find the answer in the excerpts at 1RomanceEBooks!

"He was burning out of control, his cock pressing like a steel rod in his jeans, jealousy dripping like an acid corroding his heart."

You can either email me each clue, or save them all up and email all the answers by December 21.

Third Prize - a $10 gift code at 1RomanceEBooks
Second Prize - a $20 gift code at 1RomanceEBooks
Grand Prize - FIVE signed paperbacks by Claire

Happy hunting!

FREE READ - The Solitary Knights of Pelham Bay - Book 1:Finding Chandler

2009-12-14T19:02:00.001-05:00

Just released, the first book of my series, The Solitary Knights of Pelham Bay, is now available for download at 1RomanceEBooks! This is my holiday gift to you!

Blurb:

It started as a joke. Several guys burned by love decided to create a club that they dubbed the Solitary Knights—promising each other they would have nothing to do with love, preferring to play the field and keep their hearts intact.

One night, Drew Kensington, owner of the pub where the guys meet, issues a challenge, “Why don’t you find that one guy—the one that got away, the one you’ve never quite let fade from your dreams? Track him down. Reconnect. Then come back here and tell us what you found out.”

And so it began, the tales of the Solitary Knights. What will they find on their adventures into the past? Stop by Pelham Bay Pub to hear their stories.

Book 1: Finding Chandler - Eric Moore seeks out the guy who had been his college lover, the one who had promised to wait forever for Eric to return, but Eric never did…until now. The man he discovers isn’t the boy he left behind so long ago… Will finding Chandler mean finding love at last?

Guest Blogging ALL THIS WEEK at NovelSpot.com

2009-11-23T10:00:00.000-05:00

I hope you will join me this week at Novel Spot Behind the Scenes! I will be posting seven entries, each one exploring different aspects of being a writer and publisher - from my first novel, to my first bad review! I do hope you'll stop by and check it out.

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH CLAIRE

Thanks!
Love, Claire

Check out 1RE's Sexy New NING Social Network!

2009-11-14T14:25:00.000-05:00

Pop over and see what's happening. Huge contest coming soon! Lots of networking, blogging, chatting, new books, latest fun, all that's exciting at 1RomanceEBooks.com!

CLICK TO JOIN!

Texas Surrender NOW AVAILABLE!

2009-11-10T04:00:00.000-05:00

Pop on over to 1RomanceEBooks and get you a copy before they fly off the virtual shelves! I'd love your comments after you read it! Let me know how I did with my cowboys.

Happy Reading! Claire

Claire Thompson Writes Cowboy Stories???

2009-11-03T07:10:00.000-05:00

Check out my post today at Rainbow Reviews and get a sneak peek at Texas Surrender!

Review of Cast a Lover's Spell - 4.5 Divas!

2009-10-20T06:37:00.000-04:00

Check out the review of Cast a Lover's Spell at Dark Divas! Click here to read the whole thing!

Claire Thompson pens another great tale in Cast a Lover’s Spell. I was swept into Paul’s world of magic and desire; however, this book has a more realistic feel to it than do most paranormals. The fantastical elements are woven seamlessly into the lives of these characters, making the reader feel a part of the action.

Cast a Lover's Spell - Now Available!

2009-10-20T06:28:00.001-04:00

Paul Windsor has a secret—he’s a warlock. Weaving his passion spells, he takes what pleasure he desires from mortal women, leaving them breathless and longing for more. Yet Anne, a young widow he meets by chance, seems impervious to his considerable charms. Something about Anne touches Paul’s heart, speaking to a secret part of him he didn’t know existed. In a turn of the tables, the warlock finds himself falling hopelessly, absurdly in love with a mortal woman! Desperate for the ethereal beauty, Paul will stop at nothing to possess not only her body, but her heart and soul as well. Anne, in the grip of a magic she doesn’t understand, must find the courage to love again. Passion, sensual surrender and magic weave together to create a fiery love story.

Drawn into his secret world, Anne learns a few simple spells, never dreaming her newfound magic will help to save her from a stalker intent on holding her hostage. Paul learns there is a price to be paid when magic masquerades as love. Together Anne and Paul learn that life without risk, and most especially without love, is no life at all.

Paperback coming soon! Buy the ebook here!

Rainbow Awards at Elisa Rolle's LiveJournal - VOTE!

2009-10-03T05:42:00.000-04:00

Handyman has made it through the first go round, and now it's time to vote again! Please go cast your vote for Handyman today!

How to vote: If you have a Live Journal account already, just log in and click on the boxes next to the novels you are voting for. Submit Poll and you are done!

If you don’t an account yet, click on log in, and you’ll see the “create account” button. Click it, fill in the blanks, confirm at your email address and voila! You are in! To be taken back to Elisa’s site to vote, just click again on the link: RAINBOW AWARDS

OUR MAN FRIDAY now out in print!

2009-10-01T05:41:00.000-04:00

If you like to hold a book in your hand, this m/m/f menage is ready for you! I post here the blurb and a new excerpt to tickle your fancy. PAPERBACK BUY LINK

What’s the old adage—sex ruins friendship? It happened to Cassidy and Ian. Ian pulls back. Cassidy, secretly in love, lets him. Enter Kye McClellan, the sexy Scotsman who heats things up to the boiling point. Cassidy turns her passion toward him. Ian, faced with losing the thing most precious to him, vows to reclaim her heart.

Kye, free-spirited and bisexual, turns his attentions to Ian. The passion gets so hot it burns the wander-lusting Kye, who makes a break and in the process breaks their hearts. Ian and Cassidy have to trust that love will find a way to bring him home.

EXCERPT:

She looked down at his large hand covering hers. Her arm tingled as she imagined him sliding those fingers along her skin, moving upward toward her shoulder. Her nipples were erect and probably showing through the thin material of her tank top. She pulled her hand from beneath his and crossed her arms over her chest.

She thought suddenly about the condition of the house, about the disarray in the huge living room they’d commandeered for Ian’s studio and her work area. They were both so focused on getting the business up and running, neither had the time nor the inclination to do much housekeeping. Despite their best intentions, though most of the boxes were unpacked, pictures had yet to be hung and there were no curtains on the windows.

Oh well. There were worse things than a messy house. Somehow she didn’t think Kye would mind too much. The spare bedroom was clean. It just needed sheets on the bed.

Though she hadn’t intended to pry, she found herself saying, “So it was an amiable split? No broken hearts?”
He looked so sad she wanted to lean over and hold him. Why were things always such a mess when it came to relationships? Inwardly she sighed, thinking of her own confusion and longing when it came to love. Aloud she said, “Was she American?”

“Actually it wasn’t a she,” Kye answered, his cheeks dimpling. “It was a guy.”

Gay? Had she misread his cues, comments and body language so completely? Cassidy’s stunned reaction must have shown on her face. “Not what you were expecting to hear, I’m guessing?”

“No, it’s not that, I mean, well, yes.” Cassidy struggled to recover. “I usually have a pretty good read on that sort of thing.”

Kye again put his hand over hers, his touch warm and firm. “Your read was quite accurate. It just so happens I’m attracted to men as well. That’s not so unusual, is it? You give me the impression of someone who’s open-minded about such things.”

“Yeah. I’m totally cool with it.” In fact she wasn’t sure what she was with it, at least in regard to him. What was her problem? Had she already planned to seduce the guy, when on the surface they had only bartered business advice for a bed?

Yeah, she admitted, she had. She could almost feel his hard, strong body covering hers, her nipples mashed beneath his chest, her sex soaked with desire as he eased himself into her heat…

Kye shook her out of her mini-fantasy. “Would you like another beer?”

Forcing the fantasy from her mind, Cassidy glanced at her watch. It was already after eight. “I hadn’t realized it was so late. Say, have you had dinner yet?” When he shook his head no, she continued. “I was going to stop and pick up some tamales. Then I could take you home and introduce you to Ian.”

“Sounds like a plan, though I have no idea what tamales are.”

Cassidy grinned. “Then you’re in for a treat. Do you want to follow me?”

“I’d have to run awfully fast, I’m afraid. I have no car.”

“No car in Houston? How do you get around?”

“I’ve only been here a few weeks. Until today I didn’t need one.”

Cassidy sensed the subject was a sore one. “No problem. You can come with me.”

As they left the bar, Cassidy could feel the eyes of some of the regulars on her. She waved toward some gay friends of hers, George and Paul, who waved back. George, who was always telling her what a great catch Ian was and how foolish she was not to ensnare him, lifted a thumb approvingly into the air. She fervently hoped Kye hadn’t seen the gesture.

Kye put his few possessions in the back of Cassidy’s car and climbed into the passenger seat beside her as she started the engine. She pulled out of the parking lot, wondering what the hell had gotten into her. Picking up a stranger, taking him in her car, bringing him home to Ian? Was she certifiably insane? Yet she didn’t feel panicked, nor did she really question the decision, though admittedly it wasn’t like her to bring someone she’d just met home. Instinctively she knew she could trust this man. There was something about him that put her at ease, once she got past his devastatingly good looks.

They picked up tamales, enchiladas and refritos, and a six-pack of beer to go with it, before heading home. Kye insisted on paying.

Cassidy pulled into the driveway of the old house, with its sagging wrap-around porch and small yard, the grass of which was in desperate need of cutting, bright yellow dandelions peeking here and there through the green. She was embarrassed at the place’s bedraggled appearance.

She turned to offer her excuses, but Kye beat her to it. “What a fantastic old house. I love all the turrets and towers. This must be one of the older houses in Houston. This is really yours?”

The admiration was evident in his voice, and Cassidy’s embarrassment was replaced, or at least mitigated, by pride. “Yeah. Well, the mortgage is ours.” She flashed a rueful grin. “It was a foreclosure and we got it for an incredible deal. It’s still a hefty monthly payment though. Sometimes I think we rushed into it.”

“This house will return its investment tenfold, you can count on it. You made the right decision. It’s a sound old place, I’m willing to bet. A few nails and a bit of paint will smarten it up nicely. Have you got a lawn mower?”

“Yes, though I guess you wouldn’t know it from the looks of the lawn. That’s Ian’s job but he’s been so busy…”

“That I can well understand. Perhaps in the morning I can give the yard a quick mow. I wouldn’t mind a bit. I like to be occupied.”

“Oh, I couldn’t ask you—”

“And nor did you. I offered.”

They climbed out of the car and walked to the front door. She opened the door, calling, “Hi, Ian. I’m back. I brought Mexican food and a new friend. Come out and meet him.” She held her breath, waiting for Ian to appear. What was she nervous about? Kye wasn’t her date, and anyway she didn’t need Ian’s permission to bring someone home.

After a moment Ian came into the large front hall, running his hands through his short blond hair so that it stood on end, making him look like he’d just woken up. It was a habit he had when he had been concentrating on something for a long time and was trying to return to the world, as he termed it. She had always found the gesture endearing, and her heart lurched at the sight of him.

“Ian. This is Kye McClellan. He’s visiting from Scotland.”

A flicker of a scowl crossed Ian’s face though it was quickly replaced by a pleasant smile. They moved toward one another and shook hands. She knew Ian was wondering if the term friend was code for lover.

5 Stars from Just Erotic Romance Reviews!

2009-09-22T18:49:00.000-04:00

Reviewer: Marcy Arbitman
Rating: 5 Stars
Heat Level: H

...Set in ancient Japan, A Princely Gift is told as delicately as the Japanese draw on rice paper. Descriptions of the characters were wonderful and I enjoyed them immensely...The plot moved beautifully through the lives of the two men, including Yukio's marriage and Kisho's move into the palace. The sexual encounters seemed so real to me even though Yukio was married....Ms. Thompson has done it again! Bravo!

OMG I'm Omnipotent!

2009-08-27T20:12:00.000-04:00

Okay, maybe not omnipotent, just in two places at once.

Check out my guest blog at Book Wenches! You can also read their review of Accidental Slave.

And at the same time, I'm the Featured Friday guest at Dark Divas! You can check out their review of Wicked Hearts while you're there!

Please stop by both spots and leave a comment! There's a contest at Dark Divas, make sure to enter!

Thanks! Love, Claire

MY FIRST BOOK TRAILER EVER!

2009-08-26T06:36:00.000-04:00

Trailers by Theresa has designed a super hot, terrific book trailer just for Wicked Hearts.

Go have a look! Tell your friends!

Wicked Hearts Trailer

Let me know what you think!

Thanks, Love, Claire

JP Bowie's Review of Wicked Hearts - 5 Stars!

2009-08-24T19:23:00.000-04:00

By	J. P. Bowie "J.P." (Las Vegas, Nevada)

New spin on a classic tale, August 24, 2009

Reese Armstrong and Hank Seeley have been friends and occasional sex partners since high school. Hank is immensely rich and likes to play games - games that generally involve Reese's ability to seduce just about anyone, then have the seduction video taped for Hank's voyeuristic enjoyment. The story is written along the lines of Dangerous Liaisons - two cold-hearted, spoiled jerks out to ruin the life of an innocent. The innocent in question is Jeff Hartman, the office geek, who is already in awe of Reese, and whom Reese thinks will be an easy conquest - and lay.
Jeff, however, is not stupid, and at first is not completely taken in by Reese's flattery, invitations to dinner and affectionate moves. Gradually, of course, he succumbs, not so much to Reese's good looks and charm, but to what he begins to see underneath the glamorous facade - a hurt and troubled man who gave up on love a long time ago.
When Reese finds himself falling in love with Jeff, and admits as much to Hank, his one time friend becomes his nemesis, bound and determined to destroy any chance Reese and Jeff may have for happiness. Pitting one man against the other by revealing the video tape to Jeff, Hank exults, convinced that now Reese will be his playmate again, and forget about love and similar nonsense.
The story has been told before in various forms, so it is a measure of Ms. Thompson's skill as a writer that one remains totally wrapped up in the plot as it unwinds to its inevitable conclusion. Highly recommended.

WICKED HEARTS Available in PRINT too!

2009-08-09T12:52:00.000-04:00

I am delighted to announce the release of Wicked Hearts! I post a blurb here to remind you what it's about: "Oh, what a tangled web we weave..."
Reese and Hank are used to taking what they want, just because they can. They set their sights on the office geek, a painfully shy whiz kid named Jeff. Hank bets Reese he can't get the guy in bed within a week - he makes the pot very sweet with an offer of $5,000, if Reese can do the job - on tape.

Reese, usually so cocky and sure, is completely disarmed by the quiet but intense Jeff. What begins as a cynical seduction rapidly heats into flames of dangerous desire. Reese finds himself falling, hard, but disentangling himself from Hank is even harder. Jealousy, lust and unraveling lies threaten to shatter more than one heart in this tale of love and betrayal.

CLICK HERE TO BUY THE EBOOK!
CLICK HERE TO BUY THE PAPERBACK!

Please stop by and post a reader review on amazon.com!

I have posted the ENTIRE FIRST CHAPTER on my yahoo chat group! If you're not a member and want to be, click here!

TwoLipsReviews Gives Accidental Slave FIVE LIPS!

2009-08-01T12:57:00.000-04:00

...When an author can weave kink into a well-written plot driven story, I know I’m in for a rare treat. Claire Thompson really shines as a premiere BDSM writer...Ms. Thompson unites two unlikely characters destined to be together in Accidental Slave. I was hooked from its first sentence and chortled with glee as justice finally comes...at this book’s wonderful end.

Click Here to Read Entire Review

Julian's Second Chance - Re-release of an oldie but goodie! FRIDAY, JULY 24!

2009-07-22T18:19:00.000-04:00

BUY LINK
You know how you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. But we all do, right? Well, the original cover and title to this book were just never quite right! It was released a while back with Aspen Mountain Press under the title Masks of Emotion. The publisher and I agreed a face lift and a new name were just what this sexy novella needed to grab readers' attention.

It's a m/m erotic romance that received excellent reviews when it first came out last year, including 5 stars at Rainbow Reviews and an A from Simply Romance Reviews. I do hope you'll check it out! I'd love any comments on the new cover.

I will give away a copy of the newly released version to one of the commenters, sometime this weekend. (I'll be in Kansas at Carol Lynne's weekend, but I'm sure I'll be able to check in!)

CHECK IT OUT HERE!

Alternate Treatment - Jessewaveblog Review

2009-07-20T21:38:00.000-04:00

Read the Entire Review

Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5
A Guest Review by Aunt Lynn

Alternative Treatment is the second book from Claire Thompson that I’ve read and enjoyed (Handyman, reviewed here, was the first). Well-written and plotted with fleshed-out characters, this is a tale of taking chances and making positive changes...I thought both protags to be sympathetic, believable, complex and well-developed…The conflict in the story is both internal and external, and while the external conflicts — mostly with Mark’s family — contribute to the whole, the majority of the drama is around Nolan and his personality issues, and Mark getting the courage to make some much desired career shifts. Around this, I liked watching the changes in the heroes. Though both men grow emotionally throughout the course of the story, Nolan’s is palpable. Learning to be happy, to trust someone else, and to not throw up his defenses nor blame others for problems he created himself all made for a satisfying journey as a reader…I recommend Alternative Treatment to anyone looking for a romantic tale of putting aside assumptions, taking chances and making changes for the better.

Coffee Time Romance Gives Submission Times Two FIVE CUPS!

2009-07-20T20:49:00.000-04:00

Wow, the reviews are coming in fast and furious. This one is stellar and I'm thrilled to pieces!

Click here to read full review!

Here is some of what they had to say:

I read the book in one sitting and simply found myself glued to my e-book reader just so I could find out the outcome of this unconventional relationship. The sex scenes in this story are hot enough to singe eyebrows, but they are also emotional and as the reader you get immediately that deep emotions are engaged even while BDSM play is going on. The scenes are not the cookie cutter scenes that you see in some erotic romances, this is real BDSM play, and I liked that because it was real. The conclusion is stunning, and beautiful, and made me very glad that I got to review this newest edition to Ms. Thompson’s book list. If you enjoy reading m/m romance, or BDSM love stories, this is one you do not want to miss!

Rainbow Reviews Gives Alternative Treatment 4 Stars

2009-07-20T18:52:00.000-04:00

To read the full review by British Bull Dog - Click Here!

Both Nolan and Mark have been given compelling, believable if unfulfilled pasts. Nolan had to work his way through life…Outwardly Mark has a much more cushy existence, but we’re allowed to look closer to see the boredom, the family pressure keeping him in a job he hates. In short we can sympathize with both men. …It’s how the author had her characters recover from [a sticky] situation that is where the true metal of this storyteller is revealed. Angst, despair and ultimate joy of forgiveness are all wonderfully explored.

I really like how each man gives the gift of a future to the other. Before Mark, Nolan went through life never falling in love, never seeing the need. Before Nolan, Mark didn’t have a reason to stand up to his family. But these things weren’t imposed on the plot, they slowly grew organically from it. Yes, at times I wanted to shout at the guys to tell them they were messing up, but they couldn’t change their long-observed behavior overnight. …Well done Ms. Thompson, you’ve written another winner.

Buy Link

FIRST CONTEST TO WELCOME YOU TO MY BLOG!

2009-07-18T19:06:00.000-04:00

Greetings!

Welcome to my blog. I'm excited about this new blog o' mine! To help celebrate, I want to have a contest. The winner of the contest will receive a signed paperback of their choice from my back list, including Submission Times Two, which should be out in print any day now!

Contest Rules: IF, by August 15, I have over 50 followers, THEN I will select a winner at random from those followers. Simple as that. So invite your friends to sign up too. The more the merrier!

Let the games begin. Leave me some comments. Let me know what we should blog about!

Happy Reading! Claire

Alternative Treatment - Review at Literary Nymphs!

2009-07-18T18:40:00.000-04:00

m/m erotic romance released with Amber Quill Press on July 5, 2009.

Buy Link: Alternative Treatment

Click Here to Read an Excerpt

The first review for Alternative Treatment is out! Here is the link for the full review: Literary Nymphs Reviews

I post a snippet here: "...Alternative Treatmentis a poignant and very enjoyable romance. Both men have some heavy emotional baggage they are dealing with in their life, yet they bring balance to each other’s lives and form a relationship of contentment in the love they share for each other as well as love for their similar occupational ambitions. Claire Thompson has created a well written, heartwarming story with realistic characters to which readers can relate."

Welcome to my blog!

2009-07-18T15:02:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Claire's blog! I am pleased to announce I am finally entering the 21st century, only a few years late! This is a work in progress and I look forward to learning all about it (with help from T, my guru!). I hope you'll follow my blog! This is gonna be fun! Love, Claire