Hi all! Happy Fourth of July! The countdown is coming closer for the release of Sweet Restraint. I wanted to do something a little different and special to highlight this heartfelt contemporary erotic romance for you, so this is what I came up with.
Have you every picked up a book you’ve never read and just opened the pages and read a couple paragraphs, skipped a couple chapters and did it again? Maybe you wouldn’t get much about the plot, but you’d get some flickers–the tone, author voice, perhaps even some character description.
Remember the pearls in Wicked Burn? Well through the plot of Sweet Restraint weaves a mysterious thread–actually a chain attached to a rare, heart-shaped emerald. For me, it’s the symbol of the endurance of Shane’s love for Laura. Here are a few hand-picked ’snapshots’ of Sweet Restraint that relate to this mysterious gem. Hopefully it will give you the cache of what I was striving for with this story: intense emotionality, sexual tension that’s practically palpable it’s so thick, and scenes of mild to moderate levels of BDSM sex that are raw and volatile, but also filled with purpose and extreme love.
He stalked silently further down the hallway to the entrance of the bathroom. She hadn’t closed the door all the way. He might have denied himself the opportunity to look at her art but he wouldn’t deny himself a glimpse of her body.
Why should he, God dammit? She owed him that…and a hell of a lot more.
He placed his fingertips on the door. It silently parted a few more inches. The shower was situated on the opposite wall from the door. Steam clung to the glass but he saw her nonetheless. She was turned in profile, her head back, eyes closed as water streamed down her face, neck, breasts and belly.
His body went rigid—a fixed flame.
A minute later he located the hidden jewelry box in her underwear drawer. The leather box hadn’t been stashed amidst her fine silk and satin lingerie. No, instead she’d hidden her jewelry amongst her everyday underwear—worn cotton briefs and exercise bras.
He smiled coldly at that fact. Perhaps she had some inkling about the true nature of the glittering pieces of paste Huey gave her as gifts.
The large emerald sparkled and winked at him as he held it up in the stream of his flashlight. He held up the facsimile next to it.
“Pretty little fake,” he whispered into the darkness.
He pocketed the glittering lump of paste and placed the exquisite gem with the trapped fires into her jewelry box.
Then he exited Laura’s life just as silently as he’d entered.
When he returned downstairs he found her in the kitchen leaning against the counter, the steam beginning to rise off a tea pot on the stove behind her. She studied him with those exotic, slightly slanted green eyes that still occasionally haunted his dreams… although with less and less frequency, thank God.
She’d removed her long wool coat and wore an ivory colored, soft-looking sweater and jeans beneath it. Her dark brown hair hung loose around her shoulders. He could just make out a chain on the side of her neck but the pendant hung beneath her loose sweater. Other than that glimpse of gold she wore no jewelry. She didn’t wear a trace of make-up.
Not that she required either.
“What did you mean by that? Do you really get into bondage?” she asked. Her tone was purposefully condescending, but she was curious about his response. She lay on her back on the bed, trying not to reveal her anxiety when he bent and leaned over her. Shane believed she had experience with being restrained on a regular basis, after all.
He didn’t make eye contact with her as he begun to unbutton her blouse in a brisk, matter-of-fact manner. Laura’s skin pebbled and her nipples grew erect against the material of her bra when she was exposed to the cool air. He opened his mouth, as though meant to answer her, but he went completely still instead.
She glanced down to here he stared so fixedly. The pendant on her necklace nestled in the valley of her breasts. A whimper rose in her throat when Shane touched the piece of cut glass with a long finger. The pendant was slightly larger than a quarter in diameter and approximately a half inch thick toward the top. It had been shaped to roughly resemble a heart.
“Do you wear this often?”
“I…yes,” Laura replied, confused by his intensity. “It…It’s not real, but I always thought it was pretty anyway.”
He looked up at her. “How do you know it’s not a real emerald?”
He went to his chest of drawers and withdrew the black leather cuffs she’d worn much of the time they’d been at the cabin. Once he’d fastened them to her wrists he stood back and inspected her with a hot stare.
“You know, I don’t know how you could possibly ever top this outfit. I’d be a happy man if all you ever wore were these leather cuffs,” he smiled when he saw her open her mouth, a protest undoubtedly forming on her tongue, “and my heart between your breasts,” he added softly.
I hope you’ll pick up a copy of Sweet Restraint. It’s available here for pre-order and will be in your local bookstore on Tuesday, July 7.
Leave a comment today about my post, Sweet Restraint, emeralds, etc. and you will qualify to win this sterling silver and genuine emerald necklace on Monday morning. No, it’s not as priceless as Laura’s, but if you read Sweet Restraint while wearing it, you might just feel some of Shane’s forceful, determined, sweet brand of love :)
Hi,
Love the necklace. Good contest and good book.
lorettaC
by lorettaC July 3rd, 2009 at 10:25 amJuly 7th cannot get here fast enough! I am so excited to read this book. Thanks for the contest!
amy m
by Amy M July 3rd, 2009 at 10:34 amatc218@aol.com
Leather cuffs, huh? I am so ciked about the release of this book! I preordered my copy today and I hope it comes soon because I will burst if it doesnt :)
by becky4444 July 3rd, 2009 at 10:34 amHi Beth!
I love the necklace and what an awesome contest.
Wicked Burn sounds like a great read!
by Terri W. July 3rd, 2009 at 10:41 amOh, I do that all the time on new to me authors, Beth. Just to see if I like the tone of the story, if it’s in 1st or 3rd person…..and I’ve definently been hooked on new to me authors this way.
by Melissa July 3rd, 2009 at 10:42 amLove the snippets!! And gorgeous necklace.
Have a happy 4th of July!!!
Beth – you are killing me with these excerpts. Does the necklace include Shane?
by Mary G July 3rd, 2009 at 10:53 amCan’t wait to read SR.
Guess what Beth? I just saw a copy of Sweet Restraint at Borders! I decided to hold off, just in cast I’m so lucky to win a copy. The necklace would just be a “sweet” bonus. Thanks!
by Tracy July 3rd, 2009 at 10:56 amI love the way you weave the necklace through the glimps you gave. It really does sound like a fantastic book and the more I read the more I want.
Beautiful necklace by the way.
by Larena Wirum July 3rd, 2009 at 11:01 amOkay, Beth;
You’ve got me all weepy here again this morning. Laura’s treasured necklace is a plot point that is woven into her and Shane’s romance throughout the book. IMHO you did an exceptional job of linking him to her through the necklace for a unique reason, which was a wonderful plot point in the book.
It was, special…. as was their story.
L
by Lea July 3rd, 2009 at 11:03 amCool about seeing Sweet Restraint out, Tracy! All the book giveaways I’m doing are over, though, at least for awhile–so if you want the book, grab it at the store! I still have the necklace giveaway on Monday and the HUGE Sweet Restraint contest giveaway Tuesday morning.
by Beth Kery July 3rd, 2009 at 11:04 am
It just keeps getting better.
by Pat Sager July 3rd, 2009 at 11:07 amI can hardly stand to wait until the seventh.
Good thing I haven’t seen it in the store, I’d have bought it already. I’m hoping to win a copy, if I won the necklace it would be awesome, but no matter what, I plan on having Sweet Restraint one way or another.
I guess I’ll have to buy it, whether I win one or not, because I’m not going to wait any longer to read it. LOL
Oh…I liked that excerpt. How titilating (sp?). Well, you know what I mean.
Now, I really want the book.
by Armenia July 3rd, 2009 at 11:12 amBeautiful necklace. I love the snapshots.
by Jane July 3rd, 2009 at 11:14 amSweet Restraint sounds like its going to be great.
by Donna S July 3rd, 2009 at 1:26 pmThat necklace is gorgeous, Beth–emeralds are so beautiful! I love the idea that the heart is a physical representation of Shane’s heart. And the excerpts were intense! And as others have said, must get Sweet Restraint one way or another! ;)
by Fedora July 3rd, 2009 at 1:35 pmBeautiful necklace!
by Estella July 3rd, 2009 at 1:52 pmThe excerpts are great.
Loved the excerpts. The necklace is lovely. Have a great day.
by Roberta Harwell July 3rd, 2009 at 2:01 pmSo….Restraints, emeralds, sexy book cover and teasing excerpts. You know how to get us intrigued, don’t you?
by Nicole Morgan July 3rd, 2009 at 2:08 pmGreat job Beth, I could feel the tension and importance of the necklace!
by Frana July 3rd, 2009 at 2:36 pmGreat giveaway! Can’t wait for the July 7
I’m getting more and more excited about reading Sweet Restraint! And a very beautiful necklace.
by Jeanette Juan July 3rd, 2009 at 2:48 pmOn occasion I have been known to pick up a random book and pick a spot, read a few paragraphs and then do it again a little further in. It has helped me pick out books from new authors when I wasn’t sure what I wanted but knew I wanted to try something new.
Thanks for sharing the tidbits from Sweet Restraint. If I hadn’t wanted it before, I would definitely want it after reading them.
The necklace is gorgeous. I’ve always been a little sad that my sister’s birthstone was the emerald and mine wasn’t since green is my favorite color.
by Karin July 3rd, 2009 at 3:03 pmI have Sweet Restraint pre-ordered and I can’t wait to read it.
by Greta July 3rd, 2009 at 3:38 pmI absolutely love the necklace – I’ve always thought emeralds were the prettiest gemstones.
I may have to track down one of my own.
Hi Loretta and Teri, thanks for stopping by!
Hi Amy and Becky! How are you guys doing? Hope you’re having a nice holiday. Are you as excited for the release of Sweet Restraint as me?
Hi Melissa–I agree, you can tell a lot about a writer’s style and the book just by sneak peeking at small portions! Glad you enjoyed.
Not trying to torture you, Mary! The book you won at the Fallen Angel Reviews chat is flying towards you in Canada. You know, that was one of the few Sweet Restraint’s I gave away this pre-release-season, besides for Lea’s fabulous contest that she ran.
Lea–oh, you are like Laura and me! You do tear up easily. Thanks for that really meaningful compliment!
Okay, Pat, my husband just came back from a long walk in the city. BOTH the Borders on Michigan Ave. and State Street were well stocked with Sweet Restraint. So yeah, some have them out early! Glad you like the necklace. Happy 4th!
Armenia, Estella, Donna, Roberta and Jane–thanks! I’m glad your interest was peeked!
Fedora–thanks so much! I love emeralds as well, as an Irish girl.
Yep, Nicole, I’m trying to get you intrigued. :) Thanks for stopping by!
Then my mission was accomplished, Frana. Have a nice holiday or weekend!
Thanks much Jeanette!
Karin, you don’t have to have emeralds as a birthstone to love emeralds (so I say. lol.) I’m glad you like.
Thanks for getting Sweet Restraint, Greta! I love emeralds, too. Have a great summer weekend!
by Beth Kery July 3rd, 2009 at 4:31 pmbeautiful necklace. great excerpt,I’ll be picking up a copy.Thanks for the great contests!
by Elaine G July 3rd, 2009 at 4:32 pmThat’s okay Beth. SR will be worth waiting for. These are just the appetizers before the real meal LOL!! Happy 4th of July.
by Mary G July 3rd, 2009 at 5:51 pmBeth,
Loved the excerpts for SR, I can’t wait to read it!
Please don’t enter me in the contest for the necklace, I can’t wear sterling silver, bad skin reactions
by Booklover1335 July 3rd, 2009 at 7:01 pmGosh, I got goosebumps reading about how this heart-shaped emerald necklaces was part of the plot in Sweet Restraint. And that peek of Shane and all! Loved that Beth! I’ve never had anything real, like emeralds or diamonds, but the meaning of having the ring with a stone in it and knowing its from my hubby meant more in the symbol of it all. Just like it did with the heroine. Sometimes can’t have the real thing but those not real even mean so much more!
by Caffey July 3rd, 2009 at 8:28 pmloving the excerpts and that necklace is lovely.
by Pamk July 3rd, 2009 at 10:44 pmLove the necklace! And I’m excited about this book. Emeralds… I did a report on them in fourth grade, actually, and I think it was one of my first “formal” reports. I think I remember reading that the Spanish conquistadors smashed a bunch of them because they were checking to see if they were diamonds… oops.
by limecello July 3rd, 2009 at 10:44 pmAnother day is done…which means we’re a day closer to Sweet Restraint’s release!!
WOOHOO!!!!
Great necklace….my birthday is May 22nd and my birth stone in Emerald!
~Afshan
by Afshan N July 4th, 2009 at 1:23 amAfshan522@aol.com
Happy 4th of July beth and ty for the fun contest that necklace is beautiful and i have to agree i cant wait to read this book
by Beverly G July 4th, 2009 at 2:44 amThanks Beth so much for the glimpses into Sweet Restraint. July 7th can’t come fast enough. And I think Emeralds are a georgous gem.Congrats on this new release Beth.
by Carol L. July 4th, 2009 at 3:47 amCarol L.
I like how the emerald is in the shape of a heart and keeps appearing in the story.
by Maureen July 4th, 2009 at 4:26 amWell you certainly got the fireworks going early by posting that hot excerpt! July 7th can’t get here fast enough.
by Jody F. July 4th, 2009 at 9:47 amThat is one pretty necklace, too bad the guy isn’t coming with it ;)
by blodeuedd July 4th, 2009 at 9:52 amI love the association of the green Emerald with the story; if I had the necklace from the giveaway I’d definitely wear it whilst reading the book.
by RobynL July 4th, 2009 at 11:47 amWhat a gorgeous necklace. Loved the excerpts.
by CrystalGB July 4th, 2009 at 12:25 pmHi!
by chey July 4th, 2009 at 2:43 pmBeautiful necklace. Great Excerpts!
Enjoyed the excerpt and love the necklace!
by Teresa Warner July 4th, 2009 at 11:56 pmHi Beth~
Wow, another great contest. What a beautiful necklace and I am really looking forward to the release of Sweet Restraint.
I hope you had a safe and happy Fourth of July.
by Lori T July 5th, 2009 at 12:33 amWow, some choice snippets from the book and such a lovely pendant. Hope you had an awesome 4th of July.
by LadyVampire2u July 5th, 2009 at 5:45 amHow beautiful! That would look just perfect on me. lol Love the excerpt! Steamy and romantic.
by Kammie July 5th, 2009 at 11:21 amI have picked up a book before and read a few paragraphs and then picked another random spot and read again. With new authors, it has helped me decide to buy or not.
The necklace is beautiful. I love heart jewelry.
I enjoyed the excerpts from the book and it sounds like a very good read.
by PhyllisC July 5th, 2009 at 6:02 pmcongrats on the newest release! That was one heck of a release party you had last night! I’ve never read your books yet but wow was i impressed looking over your bookshelf! Those are some hot looking books!
BTW – my wedding ring has emeralds in it like little leaves around the diamond. My husband chose it to match my green eyes.
by Lynda July 5th, 2009 at 9:07 pmBig Congrats on your release and I would be so siked!! It is on my “the book store must have list!” :)
by Chris J. July 6th, 2009 at 12:55 amGreat snippets you chose and I love how the necklace was woven thoughout the story. I can not wait to read this one!
The pic was perfect and she evn has those beautiful eyes! The Necklace is gorgeous!
The whole contest leading up to release day has been fantastic, thank You so much for doing all this! It has been so much fun!
Have a Fabulous Week!