Monday News Roundup

We have a few covers and reviews today!




Christina reviewed Fortune's Return at Romance Junkies

Jamie Craig always seems to write heroes that I can’t resist and Teo is no exception. I instantly fell in love with him. He is a strong alpha male who isn’t afraid to let his gentler side show. The secondary characters are also very well drawn. Teo’s son Antonio is a lot of fun and Ryan’s interactions with him are very endearing. These two cowboys and their relationship feel very real to me. FORTUNE’S RETURN is definitely a keeper!

Teresa gave Commencement four angels at FAR

Ms. Craig has created a story about two very strong men who are willing to put everything on the line to reach for what they want most in life, a love to last a lifetime. Almost every student at one time or another has feelings for a teacher, but never get to live out their dreams. Levi is a man with strong beliefs in what is right and wrong. Andrew loves this about him even though those ideas made them wait to explore their feelings for one another for four years. Andrew appears to be a cocky young man, but underneath he knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to wait for it. Together they create a love that is poignant and very erotic. Thanks go to Ms. Craig for a fun read.

Commencement also got 3 stars from Rainbow Reviews.

Craig gives us a realistic portrait of two men who have held back for four years, so no wonder they go a little wild when the breaks come off. The sex is hot and those who like plenty of it will be well satisfied.

I was particularly grateful to see that the author has given these two more in common than just physical attraction. It makes me think they stand a good chance of making it long-term. I’m a sucker for happy-ever-after endings.

Valerie gave My Masked Mistress 3.5 hearts at Love Romances & More

This is a very hot story that will certainly leave lovers of the BDSM lifestyle panting for more. Jamie Craig graphically portrays the ways of a Dominatrix with her sub. Now, I don’t mind a bit of BDSM in my erotic stories. Some spanking, tying up and such, but when it comes to outright pain, which the characters enjoy, then for me this is going just a tad too far. But, having said that, I appreciate that there are many people who do live this lifestyle and will definately enjoy this story. The characters are charming, alive and believable, the plot is a page turner and the relationship between Dante and Noelle is hot! More than just the enjoyment of their BDSM sessions blooms between them and finally, Noelle has to come clean about why she approached him in the first place.

Sabella reviewed A Hidden Beauty for Joyfully Reviewed

A Hidden Beauty is a timeless romance that skillfully weaves the love of poetry through its pages until it becomes almost a language of its own between the characters. Jamie Craig wrote a spectacular and lyrical tale of love between two men who must battle their socially-ingrained repellence to the feelings they incite in each other. Micah is a young, naïve, and exuberant young man who has pursued his love of poetry against his family’s objections. When he unexpectedly finds a kindred soul in Jefferson, he is overjoyed, even if a little confused by his reaction to the man. Jefferson is a mature man who has been burned in the past for pursuing his desires, but he nonetheless is swept away by Micah’s charm. A Hidden Beauty is not a story for the casual, laidback reader. Its prose is very complex and deep, requiring the reader’s undivided attention to fully capture the characters' flavors and emotions. Also, there is a substantial build-up to the culmination of the relationship between Micah and Jefferson, which I felt was resolved rather quickly and simply, given the length of the book. A Hidden Beauty is not a light or short read, but it is well worth the time and attention for those readers who enjoy the emotional courtship aspect of romance!

Unclose Me got a 2nd, 5-Cupid review at Cupid's Library.

This is definitely a realistic story. The characters could be any one of a thousand couples facing these problems. The way in which Elliot tries to resolve the issues is typical male and the way Jude faces them is typical female, thusly in the beginning there is no resolution just further pain. In the end, this book is full of truths and communication between Jude and Elliot which every successful relationship needs and, well, a lot of very hot, sweaty sex. This is an excellent contemporary, erotic read that has a great message in it yet demonstrates it in a believable and unforgettable way with smoking' hot sex scenes.

Massive Review Post

Speak It's Name reviews A Hidden Beauty.

The slow and careful development of the relationship also allowed time for the forces of society to be amply ranged against the two men. I enjoyed – in a sort of masochistic way – the feeling that, slowly but surely, the jaws of intolerance were closing on the burgeoning love story. By the end I was on tenterhooks as to which force would come to the point of action first. The slow but sure build up of tension almost certainly contributed to the fact that the sex scenes in the book are some of the best I’ve read. By this time we know exactly how much they mean to both men, and some of that awe and wonder comes across, making these scenes truly intimate rather than merely voyeuristic.

Literary Nymphs gives A Hidden Beauty 4.5 stars!

A Hidden Beauty is beautifully written and the story is finely crafted. The language is “olde worlde” and is appropriate for the period in which the story appears to take place. I thought the pace of the love affair between the two characters was quite fitting given the era, but it seemed to me that Micah’s character was very juvenile and ordinary and maybe this was intentional on the part of the author. However, Jamie Craig does a good job on Jefferson in his role of seducer and experienced older lover.

Uniquely Pleasurable reviews A Hidden Beauty

There are some moments worthy of Wharton here, as when Jefferson is riveted by Micah removing his jacket in a warm room, then dismayed when he covers himself up again for a walk outside. Micah’s hero-worship of Jefferson is well-played, as is Jefferson’s reluctant yearning for the younger man. Their histories and personalities are well-developed, which makes their interest in each other convincing (and justifies the reader’s interest in them getting together and prevailing over convention and that pesky ghost. If their dialogue is a bit overwritten at times well, an eager student and a reclusive poet might well dress their language up a bit as a way to mask desire they fear may be unrequited (in Micah’s case) or disastrous (in Jefferson’s). An example: “The trick is to decide what is truly important. If I discover a pursuit worthy of my time, I’ll do what I must in order to accommodate it.” “I know you will.” Jefferson never took his gaze from Micah as he moved. “You probably aren’t accustomed to abandoning a worthy pursuit.” His inspection brought him closer and closer to where Jefferson sat. “That’s probably safe to surmise.” The passionate restraint of the two main characters is on better display in the charming epistolary romance they begin upon Micah’s return to Boston. When the two finally come together sexually, Craig gives us a consummation both satisfying and absorbing, with Micah’s inexperienced zeal a foil for Jefferson’s combined relief and fear.

FAR makes At the Advent of Dusk a Recommended Read and gives it five angels!

Jamie Craig delivers a fantastic tale in At the Advent of Dusk. The story was well balanced with the perfect blend of suspense, action and toe curling sex. Mary is strong in character and of mind. She is willing to do what is necessary to keep those she loves safe and out of harm’s way. Gideon has a will of steel, but found it bending to what would make Mary happy. I know some of his actions surprised not only Mary, but himself. Watching the two come to terms with a budding relationship was something to behold. Each knew that no matter how hard they tried to fight their attraction destiny would not be denied. This was my introduction to Jamie Craig and I’m elated with what I’ve discovered. I am looking forward to reading the sequel series to this incredible book.

Two Lips makes Out of the Storm a Recommended Read and gives it 5 lips!

Jamie Craig does it again, bringing drama, angst, and hot male sex, into one steamy, blow-your-socks-off novel. This story rocks! Actually, Jamie Craig is the collaborative efforts of two awesome writers: Pepper Espinoza and Vivian Dean. Together they write amazing stories. Nick is an outdoorsman that loves to be active. And Jay’s concern for Nick goes way beyond the call of duty. There are a lot of bedroom antics that you won’t want to miss! Out Of The Storm is a read that is sure to keep you very warm at night. This is part of the Calendar Boys series, but it can be read alone. I suggest getting them all for full enjoyment.

Literary Nymphs gives Out of the Storm 4.5 stars!

The writing team that makes up Jamie Craig has done it again with their light hearted, fun and sexy April offering in their ongoing Calendar Boys series, Out of the Storm. They have come up with another interesting meeting premise, witty dialogue that often had me chuckling, great characters and enough hot physical attraction to set the cabin on fire. Best of all it gave the men and their new relationship hope for the future. This well written and plotted gay romance is another of those books designated as a keeper to be re-read again in the future. Nothing about this series disappoints, so give it a try and enjoy!

JERR gives My Masked Mistress 5 stars and an O rating!

My Masked Mistress is a wonderful story of love and redemption. I didn’t like Noelle much at first. While I felt she was justified about being passed over for promotion, I couldn’t agree with how she went about venting her anger. Noelle knowingly prayed upon Dante’s sexual proclivities, becoming a dominatrix in order to make him fall madly in love with her. She was the perfect Domme for him because she used her erotic research, which is shown through carefully orchestrated scenes, giving them both maximum sexual fulfillment. Noelle teases and tantalizes Dante so well that I couldn’t help but envy him. I needed to take several toy breaks during their play because their interaction was so steamy! After some time with Dante, Noelle finds her elaborate scheme has backfired. What a man Dante was- waiting for many years, hiding his submissive tendencies, until the right Domme came along. Noelle made him happy until the truth comes out. In my estimation, it takes an extraordinary person to forgive such an egregious fault. My Masked Mistress hooked me from its opening word to its most satisfying conclusion. I enjoyed Noelle and Dante’s story and look forward to reading more from the wicked pen of Ms. Craig.

New Release: My Masked Mistress

In one sense, this book is not a departure for us at all. In the other sense, it is a huge departure. This is our first book (though hopefully not our last!) that features a BDSM relationship with a female dom and a male submissive. It is part of Amber Quill's Masquerade collection, and it begins at a literal masquerade party, but it's all about the masks we wear...

Nobody can hide their secret desires behind a mask for long...

Dante Frost is a very powerful man. The young CEO of Foster and Howe, he is forced to make several sacrifices in his public and private life. First and foremost, he can no longer frequent the BDSM club Switch, where he is a devoted and well-trained sub. Dante thinks that life is completely behind him. Until the night of the annual Halloween masquerade party, when he meets a most captivating Mistress.

Noelle Farinas is a very driven young woman. When she is passed up for a much-deserved promotion at Foster and Howe, she immediately begins looking for ways to prove to Dante Frost that he made a mistake when he overlooked her. Her research leads her to Switch, where she learns of Dante’s history at the club. She hatches a plan to lure Dante to her at the annual masquerade party, but she never counts on enjoying her session with him.

And she certainly doesn’t expect Dante Frost to ask for a more permanent arrangement between the two of them...

Genres: Contemporary / BDSM / Rubenesque
Heat Level: 3
Length: Extended Novella (34k words)

Here's an NC-17 excerpt. A little taste...

“Don’t you look pretty…” And he did. The natural pout of his lower lip glistened from where he’d licked it recently, and the bend of his shoulders delineated the sharp lines of his chest. Noelle stepped in front of him, savoring his warm breath fanning across her thighs, and let the whip trail over his thick erection. “It’s too bad we don’t have any of my toys. You’d look even prettier with one of my spiked cock rings on.”

His cock jerked against the whip, and she knew he was responding to the image she had planted in his brain. Now she wished she had other toys, as well. A weight for his balls, a collar to fit around his neck with a short leash, chains for his wrists and ankles. His gaze dropped from her face to the whip, and his lips parted, his body already tensing in anticipation.

“Oh, you like that, don’t you?” Lifting her leg, Noelle rested her foot on Dante’s
shoulder, her sharp heel digging into muscle above his nipple, and pushed him back so that his shoulders were braced against the edge of the bed. “When was the last time you had a whipping, boy?”

“Years, Mistress. Four years.”

Four years. The lapse coincided with his promotion to CEO, the last time he’d visited Switch. In all that time since, he hadn’t taken another lover who’d satisfied his submissive streak. Probably out of fear of risking his new position. And yet, here he was, willingly offering himself to Noelle. It had even been his idea to invite her up to his suite, though she knew she had done everything she could to entice him. Part of her had always feared, though, that she wouldn’t be his type. The few women he’d been seen with since taking over Foster & Howe were all petite. With her generous size sixteen curves on her five-nine frame, petite was the last word that could ever be used to describe Noelle Farinas.

“Do you want to rectify that tonight?”

“Yes, Mistress.” The answer was immediate and measured. Despite the years, Dante hadn’t forgotten his training, it seemed. And she was a little surprised at how easy it was for him to slip back into this role. Four years was a long time, and he was a powerful man, but apparently, none of that mattered. “Please.”

“Wonderful…” she breathed. Tilting her head, she regarded the sculpture of his torso, the slim hips, the wet tip of his arousal. Her pussy clenched, and she wondered what it would feel like to sink down on its thick length. “I’d usually give out a harsher punishment for ogling me without permission, but considering how long it’s been for you, I won’t whip your cock. Yet.” Noelle dropped her foot and stepped back, giving him room to move again. “On your hands and knees. Head down, ass up.”

Dante dropped forward as soon as she finished speaking, bending until his brow touched the thick carpet. She dragged the tip of the whip up the slope of his back slowly, then down the crack of his ass until she reached his balls. He didn’t make a sound, but his body was tense, and she thought she saw a small tremor in his thighs.
Noelle swallowed. As excited as she was, this was the true test. She had been Mistress Rosalind’s apprentice for months now, and while she’d had several subs at Switch, it had always been under her Mistress’s watchful eye. The inexplicable desire to do this right—to do this well—surged inside her.

“I expect gratitude, boy. For each and every stroke.”

And with her final command, she swung the whip, electricity shooting up her arm as the leather made contact with the lower swell of his ass.

Dante cried out, his body jerking forward. The sound of the whip against his bare skin was almost as loud as his shout. “Yes, Mistress, thank you.” She pulled back and let the whip come down in the same spot. His skin was already turning pink, and a few more blows like that would make the skin red. “Thank you, Mistress.”

Never had the words been so intoxicating. It wasn’t just that they were testimony to what she was doing to him, how hard and hungry for this he was; it was that this was Dante Frost who was thanking her, getting off on her power for a change and not his.
Noelle struggled to keep her breathing under control as she let the whip fly again and again. She needed her strokes smooth and even, but just when his cries started to take on a raw edge of pain, she stopped.

“You look good enough to eat like this,” she purred. Bending over, she smoothed her palm over the enflamed skin, gasping at the fiery heat that jumped between them. His last shout faded into a moan, and he pushed back against her hand, encouraging her to continue. “Or maybe it would be better to fuck you.” Sliding her hand over, she scratched her long nails between the cheeks of his ass, stopping at the tight pucker. “Ever been ploughed by a strap-on, boy?”

Follow the link for more info!

News roundup

So let's see...what's happened in the past week?

Well, we got a new cover for our April release, My Masked Mistress:


Isn't it pretty? We really like this one.

We got some reviews, too. Signey E. Scott at JERR reviewed A Little Bit Bewitched, and gave it 4 stars:

A Little Bit Bewitched is a captivating love story between one woman and two men. At times, I thought the story was slowing down, but the next paragraph threw me right back into the thick of the action. There is a lot of sexual action in this book, including M/F/M ménage, M/M bisexuality, group sex, voyeurism, and exhibitionism. The sexual elements of the story interlocked perfectly with the plot. There wasn’t a tug-of-war between the three because each was the object of the other two characters’ desire. They meshed so well and that in turn made the story enjoyable and worth reading. Daniel is the beta male in the relationship and he seemed to be the one that the others had to walk on eggshells around. Lucy is the mediator of the three. She is their voice and their motivator. Charles is the alpha male. He is the voice of experience and the more dominate to the others’ submissiveness. This book is a story of people being open to other eye-opening experiences and I highly recommend reading.

Pam S. at My Book Cravings reviewed two of our titles.

Brindisi Bedfellows received 5 flowers:

...rough around the edges Tripp had an insecure and uncertain interior that I wasn’t expecting, and his fear almost vibrates off the page. I loved watching Christian grow and become surer of himself under the encouragement and attention of Tripp. When these two men get together, watch out for fiery passion and heat equal to the Italian sun.

I can’t say enough good things about this well written and plotted gem. Between the likable characters, exciting locale, witty dialogue and a villain in Andrew that you love to hate, there isn’t anything about this story that I didn’t like.

Seduction in Black and White received 4 flowers:

Seduction in Black and White takes up where the last book in this interesting and intriguing series, Mosaic Moon, left off. Like others in this dark fantasy series, the sexual encounters between Gideon and Jesse are filled with intense and often painful scenes from their BDSM lifestyle. Yet even amongst the pain and blood, it’s very clear that these two men love and depend on each other like no other, and adding Emma to the mix just gives another layer of depth of tenderness and love to their ongoing relationship.

This author, Jamie Craig, composed of Pepper Espinoza and Vivien Dean, uses rich and vivid details when describing not only the BDSM scenes of our threesome, but the kidnapping and torture of Jesse. You can almost feel the pain and suffering he experiences as he waits for his lover to rescue him, all the while never giving up hope. If this type of material bothers you in any way, then this might not be the book for you, but if you like dark cutting-edge fantasy, then this new keeper will definitely find a home with you. This reader is looking for to the next book in this series, Chaos and Communion.

And an oldie, but a goodie...Unclose Me got 3 cupids from Cupid's Library Reviews:

Jude and Elliot work through the realistic issues revolving around demanding careers and past failed attempts at love to establish a future with each other. Although Jude is an accomplished modern day woman, she still has insecurity issues that she must confront and overcome if she is to find happiness with Elliot. I like the fact that Elliot was willing to commit to fighting for Jude's love and not give up on her. The couple's struggles are very contemporary and the problems they face are believable. The story is very fast moving within a very sweet romantic plot. The characters are likable and written well. The romance and sex in the story are sensual and at times very erotic. Actually, some of the sex in the book are very intense and can be considered unique.

Pepper and I finished and submitted the June installment of the Calendar Boys last night, which means today we're starting a short het novella about a rocker and a folk singer for release in July. Then we've got a gay fantasy we're excited about starting. Full-length novel on that one. You'll probably have to put up with us talking about that one a lot later on.

Have a great Monday!

Website Updated & Oodles of Extras

I have gone and updated the website with tons of new stuff.

First of all, it's got the information up for our newest release, Seduction in Black and White, Book IV of The Master Chronicles. This one's packed with drama and angst for our threesome, and it took writing book 5 and a prequel for us to recover. We'll be starting the writing on book 6 after the New Year, and it looks like there are going to be 9 books total, plus the prequel.

With the new releases, we also have loads of extras!!! There are wallpapers for Seduction and Chasing Silver, as well as a brand new section for us. We're now starting to do iMixes of our books. You'll find the soundtrack listings on our website, with a link to its slot at iTunes if you're curious about checking out the songs. Some of them are a real mixture, since Pepper and I have very different tastes in music most of the time, lol.

Another new freebie is the second part of our free story, Jesse's Punishment.

And, to top it all off, I've gone and added two new novellas to our Coming Soon section - Kiss Me, a gay romance that asks if a porn star can have a normal relationship, comes out in February, and My Masked Mistress, a BDSM romance about a worker finding a new relationship with her boss, comes out in April. There's tons more coming, but we'll keep you updated on those as we add them to the site.

So, something for everybody to go take a look at! Have fun!