Katalina Leon

Time to re-open a "Nice Package"

2011-12-06T07:51:00.000-08:00

Today I’m posting a little retro book promo for a book of mine that was released a bit late during last Christmas’ season, and didn’t get the attention it might have enjoyed with an earlier release date.

"Nice Package" came out last December 21st (?) and it's a story I remain very proud of.

It actually takes place the day after Christmas. Cora and Jim treat themselves to a little BDSM tinged adventure in a luxurious lodge, under mysterious circumstances... By the time they head home their lives have changed greatly for the better.

I included a little fetish of mine in this story-the prolonged tease, which includes intense arousal without release until it becomes an explosive mind-altering experience, using only your natural brain chemistry for an endorphin rush. Never tried it? Don't know what I'm talking about? Read the story and find out...lol

Blurb: Christmas chaos is over at the Emersons' house, but the real holiday fun is just beginning when Jim presents Cora with a big, beautiful gift box she's forbidden to open.

What's in the crimson mystery box?

Cora finds out, slowly, over a twenty-four-hour period. The box contains tantalizing toys, temptations, tricky games, and an invitation to an erotic adventure at a mountain lodge that will refresh their marriage and bond them as lovers. If Cora can endure one hellaciously prolonged tease, she's really going to enjoy getting a nice package.

Reader Advisory: Novel contains a scene that includes light f/f interaction.

Miz Loves Books rated "Nice Package" "Hot Stuff, #1 Top Pick and says, "The sexual tension breathes fire..." "It's like looking at the Sun."

You can read the complete review here:

http://www.mizlovelovesbooks.com/2011/01/nice-package-by-katalina-leon.html

Or better yet, buy “Nice Package” here:

http://www.jasminejade.com/p-8909-nice-package.aspx

Sizzling Reviews thought Sugar Roux Voodoo sizzled!

2011-10-09T10:10:00.000-07:00

Sizzling Reviews gave Sugar Roux Voodoo 5 Hearts!

Being a beneficent voodoo priestess with a gift of seeing the future doesn’t always guarantee happiness; but the love of a good man does!

New Orleans, 1834. Lark La Beau is a green-eyed beauty and respected beneficent voodoo priestess with the sometimes uncooperative gift of clairvoyance. Captain Valcour Curry is a debonair, larger-than-life buccaneer with ambition to burn and a taste for fine things. Following a whirlwind romance with Lark, he disappears at sea, leaving Lark with a riverboat and a child to rear—alone.

A guilty act of piracy causes Valcour to fall victim to a shapeshifting magician who practices the dark art of soul-swapping. For five years Valcour has been enslaved as an emotionless zombie with no memory of his loved ones or past. From dusk to dawn he is cursed to toil in the cane fields while the evil magician uses his soul to lure women and have his brutal way with them.

Lark will risk hell and journey to the oppressive Broken Oak Plantation to break the curse. It’s a terrifying place. Her only tools to call Valcour’s lost soul back to life are voodoo and the sensual power of love.

Lark La Beau was an orphaned white child who was taken in by a creole voodoo priestess and taught the ways of voodoo. She grew up with the love of Mathilde, her surrogate mother, and learned the teaching of harming no one. During a visit to help ill citizens of New Orleans, Lark meets Captain Valcour Curry and her life changes. She quickly falls in love with him and they begin to make plans for their future, but Valcour decides to take one last pirate adventure out of greed and disappears from Lark’s life, leaving behind a small child and a broken heart.

Sugar Roux Voodoo is a wonderful story about the power of love and forgiveness. Lark learns that it wasn’t by choice that Valcour is missing but his soul has been captured by an evil voodoo magician and is forced to seek out other souls to capture. Payne, the evil voodoo magician is able to exchange bodies and souls with his prisoners, using up their life force. Lark’s love for Valcour is what saves him and allows him and the rest of the prisoners’ freedom. But Valcour also has to learn to forgive himself for the bad choices that he made in his life in order to truly be free of the voodoo spell.

Sugar Roux Voodoo is a passionate love story about two characters who accept each other for who they are, even with their failings. It is a wonderful read filled with suspense and action. I really enjoyed how Katalina Leon shared the back story with the reader by weaving it into the current action. I would love to see more books where Mr. Payne tries again to capture the souls of others and how love conquers all.

Sugar Roux Voodoo will cast a spell on you and make you believe in happily ever after! Read it today!

POSTED BY MDOBSON AT 2:35 PM

LABELS: 5 HEARTS, ELLORA'S CAVE, EROTICA, HISTORICAL ROMANCE, MELISSA, NOVELLA, REVIEWS, ROMANCE

New Ellora's Cave Anthology coming soon!

2011-08-13T12:07:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to announce that one of my ancient world fantasy stories will be included in the upcoming Ellora's Cave anthology. I'm so excited to take part in this super fun project and have the opportunity to work with some terrific of authors and editors. I can't wait to share a few more details and I promise I will just as soon as I can.
(I already have the cover and it's smok'n hot!)
XXOO Kat

Whipped Cream Reviews got whipped up on "Sugar Roux Voodoo"

2011-07-20T15:35:00.000-07:00

"Sugar Roux Voodoo has love, with just a touch of voodoo-like flavoring and some heart-felt, sugar sweet lovemaking with a little New Orleans spice thrown in there for good measure. Sound like something you are looking for? Well, then read on.

Lark La Beau is portrayed as a strong, spiritual woman who cares deeply for those around her, especially her family. She’s training in the voodoo arts and beliefs, although it is a fictional type of voodoo dreamed up by the author for this story. Leon calls it “Beneficent voodoo”. Lark is in her mid-twenties and has been sheltered from men. The explanation for her innocence and unmarried state at such an advanced age for this time period was done in a believable way.

Captain Valcour Curry is charming, polite, and chivalrous. A patient and skilled lover, he's a perfect romance novel hero. He doesn’t come across in as much depth as Lark does but he’s still a likeable character. Something has a sinister hold over Valcour and it is this dark force and its influence on him that provides most of the conflict between him and Lark. Lark is determined to use every bit of power she has as well as the power of her love to win.

In the sex scenes the language is that of erotic romance and there’s a very erotic story told in dialogue between two characters, which is where the anal sex and forced seduction come into play. However, the action of the sex between hero and heroine is more sensual and warm, full of emotion. It’s more like spicy romance than erotic romance in those parts. That’s just an observation, not a complaint. I enjoyed these parts immensely.

Ms. Leon shines best in this story as a world-builder. It’s a very lush and visual and feeling-based world that I was able to get into very quickly. I liked the deep spiritual aspect to this story and the richness of the author’s unique take, it gave this story a difference that sparkles.

Sugar Roux Voodoo is a very original romance with lots of heated emotion and a vivid story world, which brings together a charming, cultured but troubled hero and a strong-willed, open-hearted heroine who is willing to fight for him. Don’t miss this one."

4 Cherries!

Amaryllis, Whipped Cream Reviews.

Coffee and Romance Reviews loved "Sugar Roux Voodoo"

2011-07-14T19:57:00.000-07:00

Susan at Coffee and Romance Reviews had this to say about "Sugar Roux Voodoo"
Review:
I have never read a book as uniquely different from the romance book formula as Sugar Roux Voodoo by Katalina Leon. Set in New Orleans in 1834, this historical novel takes us on the journey of Lark LaBeau as she faces black magic in order to release her beloved Valcour from its evil claws. Lark definitely is a strong woman who defies what the norms that society has set for her from her very first moments in the busy seaport city. She is wildly erotic, yet earthly sensuous, dark, and mysterious. This enchanting novel is told through visions, dreams, and memories as the practicing voodoo priestess refuses to take no for an answer, especially where her lover is concerned. Ms. Leon tastefully interwove powerful sex scenes through a secondary character that causes not only our witch’s blood to boil, but also the reader’s. Sugar Roux Voodoo is an erotic tale that will have you eagerly awaiting each page.

Danielle likes a little "Sugar Roux Voodoo" in her Coffee Time Romance!

2011-07-09T10:47:00.000-07:00

Danielle at Coffee Time Romance Reviews gave "Sugar Roux Voodoo" a beautifully written review! Here's a little sip:

I have never read a tale quite like this one. Katalina Leon takes the reader on a magical and powerful journey as we watch Lark struggle to save the man she has always loved. The way the storyline flashed between their present and past helped me understand the feelings and emotions each character experienced. The way Lark grew within the novel was amazing as her confidence built while trying to figure out how to save the man she loves against a magic she has never dealt with before. Valcour himself leaves quite the impression too. I would love nothing more than to have a pirate to call my own if he were molded after this sexy captain.

Caution: This tale contains scenes of a swashbuckling pirate that will seduce you right out of your pantaloons, a deadly adversary who can will you to do anything and a voodoo priestess determined to claim her man! Oh yeah…and do not forget the extremely steamy sex that leaves you craving a pirate’s touch of your own.

Danielle
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

(Thank you Danielle and Coffee Time Romance!)

Sugar Roux Voodoo book trailer

2011-07-03T09:54:00.000-07:00

"Romance Books R Us" Christmas in July Contest

2011-06-24T07:46:00.000-07:00

2nd Annual Christmas in July TWO Contests!
Dates: 1 July through midnight EST 31 July.
We only ship snail mail items to US and Canadian addresses.

CONTEST 1: (Open to readers/unpublished writers.industry reps - NOT published authors unless you're already a RBRU Yahoo group member)
Prizes: Amazon/Barnes & Noble $125 Gift Certificate, Christmas ornaments, decks of Ellora's Cave/Blush playing cards, RBRU hats, tee-shirts and tote bags. To enter:
1. Join RBRU yahoo group athttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/romancebooksrus
2. Visit http://romancebooksrus.blogspot.com. Click on each of the 20 Bloggers names left sidebar) to visit their sites. Find the name of one of their books along with the names of the hero and heroine. COLLECT THE 20 BLOGGER NAMES, BOOK NAMES, AND HERO AND HEROINE NAMES. (If a blogger has two pen names, only do one). In ONE email message, send all this information to:contests.rbrus@gmail.com

CONTEST 2: (Open to everyone, including published authors)
Prize: Amazon/Barnes & Noble $25 Gift Certificate.
To enter:
1. Join RBRU Chat group at:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rbruchat
2. Become a Follower at our blog:http://romancebooksrus.blogspot.com

Night Owl Reviews gave "Sugar Roux Voodoo" 5 Stars!

2011-06-14T22:06:00.000-07:00

NIGHT OWL REVIEWS BOOK REVIEW gave “Sugar Roux Voodoo” 5 Stars Top Pick!

Reviewer Stesha.

It’s 1834, New Orleans. The lovely Lark Le Beau spends her days aboard her riverboat, the Sugar Roux Voodoo Queen, performing acts of beneficent voodoo for her select clientele. Five years earlier, she was seemingly abandoned by her first and still only love, Captain Valcour Curry, a wealthy pirate. Valcour left her with not only the riverboat, but their unborn son as well.

When client Miss Marietta visits Lark for a reading, Lark’s gift of clairvoyance kicks in at full speed. She senses Valcour once again. Soon after Miss Marietta departs, a stranger named Leroy arrives and claims Valcour is alive—but he is now nothing more than a soulless zombie living an almost nonexistence, imprisoned at the hidden Broken Oak Plantation where a black magician named Braeme Payne has stolen his soul.

Lark knows immediately she must go with Leroy to the Broken Oak to save her love. She knows that she will need to risk her own life and use her own brand of magic and love to save the man she loves. But Valcour isn’t the same man any longer. Trapped by his own misdeeds of the past, and held by guilt and black magic, he no longer possesses his own soul or emotions.

Sugar Roux Voodoo is a lushly written sensual novel that will transport you back to nineteenth century New Orleans. The setting is so beautifully painted for you by the author you will imagine yourself aboard the riverboat watching the story unfold before you. Lark is a beautifully written character that the reader will identify with immediately. The love story is compelling and lustily written. Sugar Roux Voodoo is a definite must-read this summer.

(Thank you Night Owl Reviews and Stesha!)

You Gotta Read Reviews Loved "Owned By Rome"

2011-06-06T16:02:00.000-07:00

Review:

Atellus has been in love with Columbia since the moment he met her when they were young. Now he is a Magistrate in Gaul and is ready to win his love away from his cousin Plutonius. Little does he know the adventure that awaits him at his cousins home.

Rutila is a proud and headstrong Celt. She is a princess among her people but to the Romans who have taken her in she is nothing but a slave. Her continued poor behavior has gotten her into a tangle and she is about to be served up as entertainment at the orgy her masters are hosting. That is until a young Roman claims her as his own.

Owned By Rome is a great story. The hero and heroine are endearing while the antagonists are nasty and mean. My favorite character was actually Atellus, his honor and strength just leapt out at the reader.

My only “disappointment” per say is the lack of any real physical conflict. What conflict there was is more internal with Rutila and her internal strife. I did actually enjoy the voyage of self discovery and growth that was well depicted by Ms. Leon.

Owned By Rome is a fantastic glimpse into the ancient world and it is definitely one you want to add to your To Read List.

Reviewed by Lupa for You Gotta Read Reviews.

Thank you Lupa!

"Sugar Roux Voodoo" got 5 Stars!

2011-05-05T17:38:00.000-07:00

Wanda at Romance Writers Reviewers gave "Sugar Roux Voodoo" a 5 Star review. Thank you Wanda!

Read the full review here: http://www.romancewritersreviews.com/index.php?option=com_sobi2&sobi2Task=sobi2Details&catid=3&sobi2Id=82&Itemid=30

"Sugar Roux Voodoo" is available today!!

2011-04-22T10:02:00.000-07:00

It's Good Friday, Earth Day and "Sugar Roux Voodoo" Release Day! Have a wonderful weekend everyone.

XXOO Kat

New Book Trailer for "Sugar Roux Voodoo"!

2011-04-20T12:35:00.000-07:00

Click on this link and see the beautiful new book trailer for "Sugar Roux Voodoo" that my husband made!
XXOO Kat

First Excerpt of "Sugar Roux Voodoo"

2011-04-19T23:35:00.000-07:00

“Sugar Roux Voodoo” will be available this Friday April 22nd from Ellora’s Cave Publishing. This is my first historical/ paranormal book and I’m getting very excited!

Excerpt “Sugar Roux Voodoo”

Chapter One

Mississippi River, New Orleans, October 1834

Lark reluctantly picked up the sad, little bundle of tattered fabric, human hair and tiny animal skulls and handed it back to her disappointed client. “I won’t do this and you’d regret it if I did.” She paused. “I know your heart’s broken, chere, but that sort of revenge is always wrong. I don’t do that kind of magic, so don’t ask.”

A bitter frown creased the woman’s face as she accepted the rejected juju bundle into her hand.

Lark allowed the disappointed woman a moment of silence to reflect.

The riverboat’s massive paddlewheel thunked loudly against the murky water of the Mississippi as it slowly steamed upriver.

The woman parted her lips to protest the returned bundle at the exact moment the shrill, double blast of the Sugar Roux Voodoo Queen’s steam whistle blew and drowned out her words before she could even release them into the riverboat’s elegant parlor.

Lark’s palm rose in the air, silently signaling the woman to hold her words until the whistle finished blasting. She reclined against the wingback chair, adorned with cypress armrests carved into the likeness of snarling lions’ heads. Her fingertips absently stroked against the lions’ polished heads as the whistles blew. She knew it was senseless to attempt to speak over them, so she waited.

Lark’s head casually tilted against the nappy, red-velvet upholstery as she silently studied the offensive little bundle in the woman’s hands. She drew a tense breath, knowing once again she had been misunderstood and placed in an uncomfortable situation.

The whistle grew silent, but the lingering echo continued to ring in her ears. She leaned forward and gently confronted the woman. “Who told you I would do such a thing?”

“N-no one.” The distraught woman stuttered. “Everyone knows your name. You’re the queen of the river. You’re reputation is legend. I know you could do what I’ve asked. You’ve helped many others. Why won’t you help me?” Fresh tears trickled down the woman’s cheeks. “I’ve been wronged!”

Lark rose slowly from the throne-like chair. Her aubergine satin dress and layers of crisp, horsehair crinoline crinkled softly as she stood. “I would never deliberately harm an innocent woman.”

The woman scoffed. “She’s not innocent. I can assure you of that. She’s a rouge- cheeked-help-yourself hussy!”

“I’m going to pour you a bourbon.” Lark spoke gently. “You’re going to drink it, and you and I are going to talk.”

She walked to an elegant, glass cabinet and removed a slender, cut-crystal decanter of amber liquid and poured a generous slosh into a crystal goblet that caught the flickering candlelight. A splintered burst of tiny rainbows cast against the lacquered walls of the parlor. She ceremoniously handed the bourbon to the anxious woman.

The woman eagerly accepted the goblet with narrowed eyes. “Did you cast a roux on this?” she asked hopefully. “Is the potion enchanted? Will this bring my man back?”

Lark sadly shook her head. “No roux. Its not enchanted potion, it’s just good bourbon.”

The woman looked painfully disappointed but took a sip anyway. Her lips tensed against the bourbon, as if it burned. “I can find a way to pay you more if that’s the problem?”

“It’s not the problem,” Lark spoke firmly. “I never charge anyone. The most I ask of others is that they do a kind service for someone else in need.”

A dismissive frown darkened the woman’s face. “I’m the one in need.” She gulped the bourbon in a single swallow.

(Lark does use Beneficent Voodoo to help this woman but the sexual situation and the Voodoo gets way more intense with the next client who walks into Lark’s riverboat parlor.)

“Sugar Roux Voodoo” is available Friday April 22^nd. It’s part of Ellora’s Cave Legend Line, but be warned there are paranormal elements, wicked soul-swappers, magic and zombies—and that’s a good thing!

XXOO Kat

Look what's new "Sugar Roux Voodoo"!

2011-04-11T17:01:00.000-07:00

Blurb:

New Orleans 1834. Lark La Beau is a green-eyed beauty and respected beneficent voodoo priestess with the sometimes uncooperative gift of clairvoyance. Captain Valcour Curry is a debonair, larger-than-life buccaneer with ambition to burn and a taste for fine things. Following a whirlwind romance with Lark, he disappears at sea, leaving Lark with a riverboat and a child to rear—alone.

Lark will risk hell and journey to the oppressive Broken Oak Plantation to break the curse. It’s a terrifying place. Her only tools to call Valcour’s lost soul back to life are beneficent voodoo and love.

New book contract!

2011-03-26T12:18:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy to announce I finally have a new paranormal book coming soon to Ellora's Cave! This book is the first of a series and I can't wait to get a book cover and more details to share.

I will say this book has a little bit of everything. The setting is New Orleans 1834, and there are rakish pirates, Voodoo priestesses, elegant riverboats, cursed sugar cane plantations, evil magicians and last but certainly not least, zombies! That's right zombies.

Did you ever wonder what happened to that terrific guy from your past who simply disappeared and never called back? Maybe he was captured by an evil magician and turned into a zombie? It could happen. lol

XXOO Kat

Bend over Madam and take delivery of a steaming hot Blog!

2011-02-24T14:06:00.000-08:00

Until I have some real news to share, I'll just re-post this. I want to post something fun and incredibly stupid. It was my intention to offer you the most pointless romance blog I’ve ever written.

(I’m so bored with myself I could cry!)

I deliberately wrote the worst, most offensive romance dialog and scenario I could think of at this moment. Poor grammar, offensive attitudes, typos and thoughtless dialog were done willfully.

This is NOT an excerpt! lol

Exhibit A: A Bluff Pirate’s Tale, Semen at Sea.

“Ha, ha, ha I don’t give a heck if yer ah virgin lassie, I’m going to peek in your porthole and force you to ride mi bucking lower deck whether ya like it or not!” Captain Muskysac the much dreaded handsome bastard pirate of the inky blue undulating ocean, lorded menacingly over his newest captive, conveniently kidnapped on the eve of her wedding, the wistful jewel of his heart since childhood, the beautifully, delicately innocent Miss Ashley Roseheather.

Captain Muskysac insolently puffed his broad chest forward thrusting his man-nipples three feet apart, kicked his boots astride and stood thusly with his fist firmly planted on his insinuating lean hips and barked. “On your knees lass I’m going to spoil you!”

“There’s been a slightly awkward miscommunication.” Ashley glanced upward and mumbled softly through rubied rosebud lips. “I’m not a virgin…”

Captain Muskysac frowned. His posture wilted. “What do mean yer not a virgin? I had a whole deflowerment routine of horribly protracted degradation painstakingly planned for you. I was going to win your heart by conquering your frail womanly form, and easily shocked sensibilities. I went to a great deal of effort. Manacles were polished, Neverwash Walter is eagerly waiting in the next cabin to shout rude, inappropriate comments and leer over the entire sordid event. I’ll be honest with you, this is quite a bitter little let down.”

“I’m so sorry, I’m not a virgin but there nothing to be done about it now. What about a sassy whiskey-voiced, salty-tongued, been abandoned by love but has a heart of gold, hip-swishing sea wench? Could you use one of those? I adore life-jarring forced seductions and humiliating degradation on the high seas.” Ashley’s limpid baby blue eyes bulgingly pleaded. “It’s not too late to have a good time, is it? I’ll just behave flustered and witless and we’ll put the whole embarrassing misunderstanding behind us. You’ll never notice I’m not a virgin. What do say my spicy pepperoni—is the party on?”

Captain Muskysac stared dejectedly at the toes of his tall boots. “I don’t know—It's not quite the same. I take pride in my arrogantly aberrant behavior. Menacing maidens is an art form. I’m not really prepared for an experienced woman. I don’t want to just walk through the act half-heartedly.”

“Oh what the hell, I’m starting without you.” Ashley shouted. “Nay, nay dark ruthless master don’t burst my preciously treasured carefully guarded and saved for sacred marriage maidenhead and ruin my chances for a peaceful, productive life and soak my virgin tight-as-a-kidskin-glove, pouting rosebud, woman’s secret cottage in the glen, quimmy with your steamy hot juices! Spare me lava hot love god. I beg of you!”

Captain Muskysac’s expression was appalled. “You do realize Neverwash and others can hear you in the next cabin?” He whispered a tense warning.

“I don’t care! Lash me to yer throbbing purple yardarm, Hop’n jack me, Whip the pony, butter the biscuits, take me if you must, grease me with deck-wax pin me flat and ravish me on your thick commanding masthead. Your mysteriously threatening knobby turgidness compels me to surrender!”

“My turgidness?”

“Yes, your stony rock hard as iron straight as a plank of wood, turgidness. Shove it in me, lord of my mattress! For you, my dewy quim is like a fragrant rose shyly opening it’s delicate silky pink petals to the first fair day of spring sunshine that we call love. My naughty lady slipper pouts, longs, desires, drools and oozes with love nectar waiting for you to take me again and again and again and again…

“All right already!” He announced as he tore at his laces and evacuated his threateningly turgid, inhumanly proportioned, mapped with veins, sweaty, salty manhood from his skintight period-correct breeches and let it thrust in all its twitching glory toward her startled face. “I’m going to slip you the sausage and mash the potatoes. Then I’m going to spill man-gravy all over your plate, and let it all soak in the sink until morning. I doubt you’ll walk upright for a week!”

“Nay, if I ever walk again!” She screamed ridiculously and ducked under the bedcovers. “You’re so massively, hugely big! The sheer girthy width of your tremendously engorged spit–red-hot-rivets-wang-hammer is enough to kill a girl. The impressive volume of your man-tool leaves me humbled, awed yet strangely drawn to the danger-tinged mystery of its wrinkled foreskin. Your balls are big too.” She sighed sweetly.

“So is your plump round bottom madam! I think I’ll take a brisk palm to task against those firm, proud peaches and paddle a happy tune on your pink drum skins before I lave my tongue between your warm, wet woman folds and send my manly fire truck to hose down the flames.”

He did and they lived happily ever after. The End.

The Salt Lake City Examiner Gave "Nice Package" 5 Stars!

2011-02-19T17:56:00.000-08:00

Good morning! I'd like to introduce a wonderful erotic romance author, Katalina Leon, whose hot, sensual books are growing in popularity with women of all ages (over 18 of course!). Katalina writes primarily for Ellora's Cave Publications, and has half a dozen digital, and one print book in publication.

Kat's books are deliciously sensual, and her voice is wonderful, leading the reader into a labyrinth of emotions and feelings with every page she (or he) turns. Why did I say "she"? Simply because the vast majority of erotic romance is read by women. Erotic romance is a way to get away from it all, enjoy your feminine cravings, and make your signigicant other happy as heck that you chose them to experiment on.

Of course, I know a few men who devour erotic romances. They say unashamedly that it teaches them how to make love to the woman in their life, and they claim that the rewards are astonishing. LOL!

Katalina's books show a true depth of warm love between the hero and heroine (seasoned well with the wine of sensuality, of course). You see, there is a vast difference between erotic romance and porn. In erotic romance, there must be a Happy Ever After love story. There must be a connection between the characters that is much more than slam-bam-thank-you-maam sex.

So let me introduce you to Kat's latest book, titled Nice Package.

Review:

Nice Package was a surprise package for this reader! Well written and engaging from opening words to final page, I had great difficulty putting it down. Ms. Leon has a writing style that captivates and keeps a body reading. Never a dull moment.

This sweet little package is about a man and wife who enjoy a bit of BDSM in their loveplay, and boy, did it ever deliver! Don't know what BDSM stands for? Well, let's just say that a bit of Bondage, Dominance and Submission make marriage hotter and more enjoyable for this truly loving couple.

As a woman who likes to be assertive and in control, I find most BDSM books a bit irritating, but Ms. Leon makes the reader understand that between people in love, this can really spice up your love life. It is a way of making love that requires total trust and total commitment, and I came away feeling titillated.

If you are a romance lover, and like to have your romance hot and sexy, definitely DO pick this one up.

Fran Lee.

Up All Night E-Books!

2011-02-08T15:37:00.000-08:00

Saturday February 19th, "Nice Package" and I are being featured at "Up All Night" E-Books. Please drop by.

Miz Vanilla Heat loved Nice Package!

2011-01-31T06:54:00.000-08:00

Wowser! If you’re looking for a rush of emotion and a way to kickstart your libido, stop right where you are. Tap those keys and zip straight over to Ellora’s Cave to pick up your copy of Nice Package by Katalina Leon. The sexual tension breathes fire and will smoke up your entire house. Trust me. This book sizzles, simmers, and boils over with everything you want in an erotic romance.

It’s like looking up at the sun! Put on those special protective glasses when reading.

Ms. Leon starts the heat on page one and keeps it coming. But don’t for one minute believe that this book lacks story or emotion. It’s well-written and sure to satisfy all your needs. This is one of those books you’ll want to take to bed and read to your husband. Yep, it’s that kind of book. I guarantee your dear, sweet man will come to attention in more ways than one!

Dishwashing liquid has never been so sexy.

1. “Where was a well-hung Viking warlord when really you needed one?” (But don’t worry. Our heroine was NOT disappointed.)

2. “Take it,” he spoke softly. “You earned it.” (You have only one guess on exactly what it was he wanted her to take. My lips are sealed, readers. Let your imagination have at it.)

3. “I’m going to ask for the panties now.” (Do you really need a commentary from me?)

I’m Miz Vanilla Heat and I like it that way, but I like it vanilla with fudge syrup and nuts, too. There’s nothing wrong with exploring new and oh-so-sexy ways to connect with your lover, and Ms. Leon has given me plenty of ideas. She cranks up the heat and proves that vanilla couples can enjoy other flavors as well. A rainbow of tastes is coming your way with Nice Package. Break out the toys! I’m looking forward to reading a lot more of Ms. Leon’s books. Hot Stuff. Top Pick. One of the Best. Rawwrrrrr!

Coffee Time Romance Presents Books and Coffee!

2011-01-02T13:38:00.000-08:00

What's new in January? Coffee Time Romance is hosting a huge Books and Coffee chat event. Lots of fun and a big give away too! The chat day for Ellora's Cave author's is January 27th, so put that day aside. I'll be on line chatting and so will a lot of other great Ellora's Cave authors. We always have fun! Check out Coffee Time's site for details

Second Excerpt from "Nice Package"

2011-01-02T13:27:00.000-08:00

This is another excerpt from “Nice Package”.

In this scene Jim and Cora Emerson are alone in a luxurious suite. Jim is seated in a large leather chair. Cora is lying on the edge of the bed. Jim asks Cora to stop asking nervous questions about what’s coming next and relax. The game they are playing is meant to be a tease, to turn each other on and see how long they can stay apart. Cora performs a flirty striptease and then tells Jim a story:

“Hush.” Jim smiled and held a silencing finger to his lips. “I’m enjoying watching you undress.” His knees splayed wider, exposing a profound bulge in his trousers. “And so is my cock.”

A broad smile lit her face as she looked directly into his eyes. “What would your cock like to see?”

“Surprise me. Put on a show. I want to see how long I can stay in this chair.”

She carefully slid a tapering fingertip beneath the black bra strap and delicately tugged the strap down her soft shoulder. She gazed sideways at him. “How about a story instead?”

He faintly nodded. “A story would be fine.” His throat tensed.

A flush of heat raced through her. She loved this game. She would tell a sexy story and turn her and Jim on in the process, but what story would she tell? She knew so many. It better be a good one. This was a special occasion. Her pussy was counting on her to get Jim out of that chair and between her thighs as soon as possible. She unzipped her wool skirt, wiggled it down her legs and casually tossed it on top of her boots. Her hands brushed the length of her bare legs, stopping at her black lace panties. Her fingers loitered longingly between her thighs and came to rest on the lace hem. She started to reach underneath the stretchy lace so she could stroke herself with her fingertip.

Jim slowly shook his head no. “Keep your hands where I can see them.”

“You’re a cruel man.” She huffed impatiently and rolled onto her belly. Her ankles crossed high above her. She dug her fingers into the raw silk duvet and stroked its slightly nubby texture. A glossy lock of hair fell across one eye and she deliberately left it there and peeked out from behind it. “Once upon a time, there were two beautiful harem slaves who shared a bed.”

Jim leaned back in the chair and drew a deep breath. “What were the slaves’ names?”

Her eyes caught the warm sparkle of amber crystals dangling from a wall sconce above the nightstand. “Amberlina.” She paused and looked toward the bookshelf and the windows, desperately hoping inspiration would strike for a second name. Her eyes wandered across the distant ski slope beyond the glass door. “And Snowy.” Her story was off to a silly start and she was terribly disappointed in herself.

“Snowy?” Jim’s palm slowly stroked the length of his thigh. “That’s an unusual name for a harem slave.”

“Snowy was an unusual girl. She was from the extreme north. Her hair was a palest shade of silvery white and her eyes were an icy blue-violet. She was tall, slender and aloof. From the day she arrived at the harem she never spoke a word.”

“What was Amberlina like?”

She idly circled her fingertip on the bed top. “Amberlina was joyful in temperament and always wore a warm smile. Her graceful body, with its sweeping curves, loved dancing. Her full hips made her a great favorite with the sultan, who loved to drape long strands of pearls around her waist and watch them shimmy as she moved. She was no caged bird. She was a sensualist and a performer at heart. It was her delight and good fortune to escape the poverty of her village for the comforts of the harem. Being a palace pleasure slave to a handsome sultan was no hardship to her.”

Jim interrupted. “What did she look like?”

“Amberlina had long wavy hair the color of jet that tumbled past her waist. Her figure was so curvaceous, when women saw her they thought of Allat, the desert goddess of love. When men looked on her, they thought purely of sex. When Amberlina was presented at court, the sultan felt instantly possessive of her beauty and kept her away from the edges of the harem compound for fear another man would casually look at her and lust. In fact, it was impossible to come close to Amberlina and not stare. She was so lovely. Her sweet smile and sparkling brown eyes that tipped up at the corners silently invited others to engage her.”

“It sounds as if Amberlina has eyes like yours.”

“Perhaps.” She smiled. She could tell Jim was ready to hear more. “There is one distinct difference between Amberlina and me.” Her fingertips lightly brushed the swell of her cleavage. “I crave your touch. I love the touch of a man. Amberlina enjoyed the touch of her sultan as well and even hoped to present him someday with a royal child, but deep at heart she craved the touch of a woman. That fact was well-known within the harem. Behind the ornate wrought iron screens that securely barred the windows, it was no secret to any of those who lived inside that Amberlina loved women.” She whispered so softly Jim was forced to lean forward in the chair to hear her.

“She loved their touch, their lush softness and their taste on her tongue. She loved the sweet sounds they made in their pleasure and she loved to fall asleep in a woman’s graceful arms with her face pressed against a soft bosom. Many of the harem women fought for the right to dance at Amberlina’s side and openly coaxed her to their beds, but not everyone in the harem behaved so lovingly or got along so well with others.”

Jim shifted uneasily in the chair. “What about Snowy?”

“Poor Snowy.” She rolled onto her side and gently stroked her hand along the curve of her hip. “She spoke a foreign dialect the others could not understand, so she refused to speak at all. The sultan accepted Snowy as a valued gift from a warlord in a distant land, and even though she was very beautiful, he installed her in his harem and forgot her. Her days were spent in lonely silence with only a pet rabbit for a companion. She would hide in a far corner of the courtyard, set the fluffy white rabbit in her lap and adoringly stroke the quiet creature for hours while she watched Amberlina dance.” She paused.

“There was a bully in the harem. A jealous woman named Cailinda…”

(I hope you enjoyed the excerpt. The story continues, Amberlina and Snowy become lovers and get into a lot of trouble. Jim and Cora’s real-time tease continues as well. During a twenty-four hour period, Jim gets to come all he likes but poor Cora is continually brought to the edge and teased until the bitter end, which isn’t bitter at all. It’s explosive. lol)

New in Print! The Succulent Anthology from Ellora's Cave.

2010-12-23T09:30:00.000-08:00

The first volume of the Succulent Anthology from Ellora's Cave is available now in print! Five juicy stories rolled in to one. This is a great way to enjoy something new and sample a talented author you may not be familiar with. I hope everyone will enjoy this!

Here's a little taste:

Georgia Peach by Lena Matthews

Dissatisfied with his life, Thayne Gerling takes a trip back toCalifornia to see his former lover Harris Dayan in hopes of picking up where they left off. Unfortunately for him, Harris has already moved on with Shay Ramneil, a sexy, voluptuous Southern belle from Georgia who he calls his Peach.

For Harris, the visit not only allows him to see his friend, but he also gets to finally bury their past. Even though Harris still craves Thayne’s touch, he refuses to open his heart up to the other man again. However, as far as Shay is concerned, two is company and three is a party. Just imagining the three of them making love is enough to get her pulse pounding.

Thayne wasn’t sure why his relationship with Harris hadn’t been quite right, but he now realizes Shay might be the missing ingredient to turn their duo into a trio. All he has to do now is convince Harris to let him take a bite out of his Georgia Peach.

Blue Apples by Katalina Leon

Gala is an elite Captain of Dianndra’s guard and a proud owner of a male harem. When she volunteers to go on a treacherous mission into enemy territory to steal aphrodisiac fruit and defy an ancient foe, she has no idea what this act of trespass will cost her.

Lord Veren and his lover, Markeen, are gorgeous swords for hire and warriors supreme. Like all Vertanians they are bigger, stronger, braver, and brighter, but they spawn only male children and face a culture in decline. They need female companions. How fortunate for them when they discover a beautiful lust-intoxicated Dianndran wandering in their orchard.

The warriors capture Gala and carry her into their fortress for a night of shared lust that may change two ancient cultures forever.

Lion's Bower by Margaret L. Carter

Diera invades a mysterious sorcerer’s garden, searching for her brother. She plans to offer herself in exchange for her brother’s life and a healing potion to cure his sick child. When she meets the sorcerer, she is shocked to discover that he is half man, half beast and she expects him to kill her. Instead, he seduces her and demands that she become his mate.

Inflamed by the magical berries he uses to brew love potions and lulled by his sensual aura, Diera finds deep sexual pleasure and unexpected joy in her new life. But when she awakens from the trance of desire, doubt and fear creep in. She realizes that she must choose—her home and family, or the sexy beast.

Flesh and Shadows by Kim Knox

Flesh-fruit—priceless delicacy, forbidden fruit…

Rand has a secret. Bitten by one of the deadly shadow-snakes, he’s changed and will go to any length to see that he remains in charge of his planet—and the flesh-fruit harvest—including using his alien abilities to convince Agent Niamh Sullivan to lie to her superiors. His plan is simple, but what he doesn’t realize is that his venom is an aphrodisiac. With it, Rand has become irresistible.

Now Niamh must deny their overwhelming mutual attraction. But as their need for each other spirals out of control, the danger becomes apparent. Rand will take her humanity, take who and what she is. Niamh has to make the choice. Turn him in. Or succumb to his potent, forbidden temptation.

Papaya Paradise by Brigit Zahara

Hawaii has always been known as a hot spot but Kayla really starts to feel the heat when she and her two best friends Ty and Justin visit Papaya Paradise, a sprawling, oceanfront B&B property that the trio is hoping to purchase.

While a blind man could see that the estate’s owner is on fire for her, Kayla is bewildered then whipped into a sultry state when she discovers that Ty and Justin have been secretly burning for each other. And her.

It's out!

2010-12-17T09:23:00.000-08:00

Today's the day! "Nice Package" has been released by Ellora's Cave and it's ready to be unwrapped and enjoyed at your leisure-if there is any such thing as leisure at this time of year.
I wish everyone Happy Holidays and a beautiful New Year!
XXOO Kat

First Excerpt of "Nice Package"

2010-11-30T09:25:00.000-08:00

Cora knew if the bra she wore didn’t kill her she would have to kill the bra. She leaned over the sink full of warm soapy dishes and attempted to discreetly adjust the razor-thin satin straps from beneath her snug cashmere sweater. The racy new bra looked so pretty this morning. Its shades of scarlet trim made it the perfect festive choice for Christmas day, but at the end of many long happy hours it turned on her and showed its vicious side. The bra had a biting underwire and nasty little straps that cut into her shoulders. It was not her friend even though it was beautiful and its delicate lace cups had gleamed a lush crimson in the lingerie store and promised to be a pleasant holiday companion, but it wasn’t. Its true nature had been exposed. The bra had a cruel streak and it had to go.

She stopped washing crystal goblets and removed her rubber gloves so she could reach under her favorite pearl-embroidered red sweater without soaking it. Her damp hands ran the length of the pinching underwire, hoping to locate the exact trouble spot and free her tortured breasts.

“Let me help you.” A big, warm male body pressed against her back and wrapped his arms round her waist. His hands reached upward to gently cup her breasts. “I love how sexy you look wearing this tight sweater.” His warm breath tickled her ear. “Quite fuckable.”

She quickly turned to shush her husband. “Be careful, Jim,” she whispered. “We don’t want the kids hearing that.”

Jim leaned over her shoulder, mischief lit deep within his warm brown eyes. “There are no kids.” He paused. “They just left. My parents took them for the weekend. All the cousins are going to meet at the cabin tomorrow to go snow sledding. Everyone already drove away while you were tidying the kitchen.” He smiled. “We have Christmas night completely to ourselves.”

“Really?” She turned in Jim’s arms to face him, rose on tiptoes and kissed his lips. “Are we meeting the family at the cabin tomorrow?”

“No, we have other plans.”

Her brows dipped. Was everyone truly gone? “I didn’t even say goodnight to anyone or thank them for a lovely Christmas.” She impulsively dodged past Jim, hurried from the kitchen and stared with disbelief into a quiet living room filled with puddled cranberry candles and a sparkling Christmas tree. “They left so quietly, I didn’t even hear anyone leave.”

Jim’s grin crooked to the side the way it always did when he was plotting something silly or fun. His curved smile always gave his true intentions away. “That was part of the plan. We wanted to surprise you. You work so hard every year making the holidays a wonderful experience for all of us, I wanted to surprise you by doing something special just for you.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close to his heart, gently kissing the top of her head. “Let’s finish the dishes and I’ll let you in on a little of my plan.” He led her into the kitchen and gently maneuvered her in front of the sink.

She laughed softly. “I see your holiday plan includes me finishing the messy kitchen work no matter what.”

He pressed the length of his torso against her back and kissed the nape of her neck. “We can’t leave a sink full of dishes, we’re also going away.”

She twisted in Jim’s arms to look up at him. “Where are we going?”

“I can’t tell you. It’s a surprise.” His broad hands slid beneath her sweater and deftly unhooked her bra.

The snuggly fitted bra strap popped open. She instantly sighed with relief.

He pushed the bra upward, cupping her naked breasts and gently took hold of her nipples, giving each a gentle but firm tug. The rumpled sweater rose higher as his fingertips lovingly explored her rounded curves. His face nuzzled her hair and gently inhaled her perfume. “I like this scent. It’s crisp and clean. It suits you.” His lips brushed against the nape of her neck with a featherlight kiss, as his palms warmed her breasts. “Your skin is so soft.” He slowly rubbed his body longingly against her. “You feel so good,” he whispered. “I can’t stop touching you.” His hard cock pressed persistently against his trousers and firmly poked against her bottom. “Finish doing the dishes so I can take you into the living room and fuck you under the Christmas tree.”

“Are you joking?” She turned to face the sink and swished her fingers through the warm water searching for any stemware left behind. She picked up a goblet that still had a crimson lipstick stain on its rim.

“No, I’m not joking. I might as well tell you right now, part of your holiday surprise this weekend is that I get to have complete sexual control over you. You’ll do absolutely everything I say.”

She gasped in eager alarm and nearly dropped one of her favorite goblets into the sink. She’d been waiting a long time to hear those words, and now that the moment was finally here, she started wondering what would happen next. Her heart pounded with excitement. She loved it when Jim took charge of her and allowed her to be the pampered submissive. It was what she craved above all else, and it was thrilling to know he felt the same way.

She glanced over her shoulder and gazed into his eyes. A bright smile spread across her face. “We’ll see how well that works out for you. I have to warn you, I’ll only submit to the most clever and masterful hands.” She gently challenged him with her words and her eyes.

His eyes sparkled. “You’ve hinted more than once you were ready to play a few new games with me, and this is the time. We’re starting now.” His gaze fixed directly on hers. “I know you better than you might think. Give me credit for that. I know what you’ve dreamed about, hinted at and hoped for. I even know you enjoy a little anxiety and tension mixed together with your orgasms. Am I right?”

“What?” She wilted over the sink in mock shock. It was true. Her face grew warmer.

“I’ve watched you work yourself into a tense lather on many occasions just to get a bigger sexual thrill. I’ll tell you upfront, I might even spring a few shocking little surprises on you just for the pleasure of watching you writhe. I’ve also taken a good long look at those books you keep hidden on your side of the nightstand, and I know exactly what your fantasies are.”

“Do you?” She blushed furiously. Her gaze focused on the kitchen window above the sink. The window acted as a dark mirror, clearly reflecting her startled face and Jim’s confident expression. “I’m a reader. I’m open-minded. Erotic-romance is fun and exciting to read.” She nervously paused. “Jim they’re just books…”

He looked at their reflection in the window and caught her nervous gaze. “They’re very telling books. Very graphic books. To be honest, I’m as turned-on by them as you are, so there’s nothing to feel self-conscious about. Remember, I love you, Cora. You’re my fantasy girl, and I would never harm you or cross the line, but…” The warmth of his smiled faded and his expression became serious. “This weekend I will be completely in charge of you. Sexually you will be under my control. You will come or not at my discretion, and you will do my bidding.”

Her jaw dropped in disbelief at his words and tone. She glanced over her shoulder. “Merry Christmas, Jim. I hope you didn’t discuss this part of the holiday surprise with your parents.” Her face grew warmer. She was both embarrassed and thrilled to have her secret love-slave fantasies taken seriously and brought into the open.

“Finish the dishes,” he commanded. His lips compressed to a tight line that refused to allow even the slightest hint of a smile to warm them.

Her body twisted toward him. She leaned against the edge of the countertop as she studied Jim’s inscrutable expression. What exactly did he have planned? His suddenly firm but secretive demeanor intrigued her. The determined set of his jaw told her he was ready to play bed Master. Good for her. She loved that game and hoped he was ready to expand on that familiar and beloved role. This was a great opportunity. They both worked so hard, and the boys demanded so much of their time most evenings they didn’t have the privacy or the energy to play at all. On a good night, they simply shared lazy but satisfying sex, rolled over and immediately fell asleep. She was overjoyed Jim had planned a romantic and sexually adventurous weekend outing just for them. She had dreamed of this day, and quite frankly, it sounded too good to be true. Her naturally anxious tendencies kicked in. There had to be a catch? “What about the kids? Will they be all right? Does anyone even know where we’re going?”

“The kids will be fine, and don’t worry. Everyone knows where we’re going, but no one knows what we’ll be doing. This weekend is just for us.”

"Nice Package" has a new book trailer

2010-11-10T18:52:00.000-08:00

Click here to see my new book trailer for "Nice Package" on Youtube.

Its brief just over a minute, the animation is fun to watch and Korsakov's music is lovely.

Blurb: "Nice Package"

2010-11-09T07:29:00.000-08:00

Christmas chaos is over at the Emerson’s house, but the real holiday fun is just beginning. Jim presents Cora with a big beautiful gift box she is forbidden to open.

What’s in the crimson mystery box?

Cora finds out, slowly, over a twenty-four-hour period. The box contains tantalizing toys, temptation, tricky games and an invitation to an erotic adventure at a mountain lodge that will refresh their marriage and bond them as lovers. If Cora can endure one hellaciously prolonged tease, she’s really going to enjoy getting a nice package.

Reader Advisory: Novel contains a scene that includes light f/f interaction.

Loopers Wanted!

2010-11-07T14:31:00.001-08:00

This is the time to join Seven Sexy Scribes "Chat Loop" We want to hear from you because we have a few ebooks to give away and great chats planned.

Join today it's easy! Go to:

http://sevensexyscribes.blogspot.com/?zx=4c63310df32463bf

And join the Loop!

Nice Package coming soon!

2010-11-07T13:24:00.000-08:00

Nice Package will be available December 17th from Ellora's Cave Moderne Line. Just in time for the holidays. A little treat for naughty girls...

Two Books coming soon to print!

2010-11-07T13:21:00.000-08:00

"Blue Apples" will soon be available in print as part of Ellora's Cave "Succulent" Anthology Volume One.
The Succulent anthology will include the very talented Brigit Zahara, Kim Knox, Margaret L. Carter, Lena Mathews and me.
I'll post a date as soon as I have one.
Also, "Noblesword" will be available in print in 2011!
I'm delighted and I'll post a date as soon as I have one.

New Ellora's Cave Book Contract!

2010-09-22T15:28:00.000-07:00

I just got a book contract for a new holiday themed short novel. It's a fun, post Christmas romp for a burned out husband and wife who need a little time alone with each other and a big red box filled with erotic toys and temptations.
Here's the blurb for "Nice Package"

Christmas chaos is over for the Emersons but the real holiday fun is just beginning. Jim presents Cora with a big beautiful gift box she is forbidden to open. What’s in the crimson mystery box? Cora finds out, slowly and delightfully over a twenty-four hour period the box contains thrills, erotic toys and an amazing experience at a mountain lodge that will refresh their marriage and renew them as lovers. If Cora can endure one hellaciously prolonged tease, she’ll thoroughly enjoy getting a Nice Package.

Siren Book Reviews gave "Owned By Rome" 5 Siren Stones!!

2010-09-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Katalina Leon, Owned By Rome

Title: Owned By Rome

Author: Katalina Leon

Rating: Five Siren Stones

Genre: Romance

Sub-Genre: Historical

Word Count: 74,727

ISBN E-Book: 978-1419927843

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Review:
Owned by Rome is a steamy story right from the start and manages to continue that pace through to the very end. I enjoyed every moment of the tale and read it though in one sitting. The story stayed with me in the back of my mind throughout the day. I am sure that this is a story to be reread and savoured again at a later date.
The cover is definitely

appealing and the characters are to be loved. This is a tale of initiation to the delicacies of bondage and as such was wonderfully done. Atellus is a heartbreakingly sweet man, for a Roman soldier, and his slave Rutilla, is no man’s slave. The irony that he sets one slave, Janni, free, who is complacent in her role as a slave and yet refuses to free Rutilla, who so wishes to be free was not lost on me.

The excesses of the Roman celebrations were so well depicted that I was both appalled and disgusted. Rutilla’s story is one of pain and suffering and to see her work through it until she reaches a new understanding and finally happiness, is enough to bring the reader to tears. I would definitely recommend Katalina Leon’s Owned by Rome and will remember it for some time. Wonderfully done Ms. Leon, I enjoyed it immensely.

Posted by Siren Book Reviews at 10:48 PM

Labels: 5 Siren Stones, Ellora's Cave, Historical, Katalina Leon, Rhonda Callum-King, Romance

Sharon at Romance Writers Reviews says:

2010-08-27T12:56:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed this book tremendously. It was well written, the characters flowed together as a good book should and there was lots of romance and sex. Although this story only last over a weekend, it makes you feel like Lily and David had known each other much longer. Lily fit into Davids life, and although she was only looking for a “good time” she ends up with much more. To know what they develop you’ll have to read the book. It’s a must read as David is indeed “A Beautiful Stranger”.

4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed by: Sharon

Owner: www.romancewritersreviews.com

Judith at Book Binge Loved "Owned By Rome"

2010-08-15T14:18:00.000-07:00

This is another Wow! book from Katalina Leon, and having read several of her other books, I am not surprised. It is a step back into a time and culture about which contemporary readers seldom have the background to understand. That is not to put down contemporary romance readers; it is just a awareness that in our democratic identity, most American readers struggle with the realities of slavery as it existed nearly 2,000 years ago. The heroine is a beautiful, well-endowed, strong, and bitter woman. She has become a part of the spoils of war and her identity as a human being is gone. She is now property. And yet, she still knows that she is a person, a woman of power and worth, too proud to acquiese to the demeaning life into which she has been forced, willing to accept death rather than become manageable and used.

Even Atellus is bound by his culture--no surprise here. Even though he is smitten with her he still sees her within the context of a slave/master relationship as an amatrix of love slave, given to him to satisfy his physical needs. There is no doubt that historically many Roman men formed very strong and powerful bonds with their love slaves, yet these women were still slaves and lived or died at the whim of their masters. Rutila (not her true name but the one given her by her Roman captors), the Celtic slave, was unwilling to be one. She was prepared to kill any Roman who placed her in such a relationship and thus it was decreed that her last earthly act was to be gang raped and then killed--all while she was drugged to prevent any negative response on her part. Nice people, those Romans!! Even after Atellus rescues her from the slave market, even though their first night spent together is during her drugged state, Rutila is determined to escape Rome's clutches, even if it meant killing Atellus. Ultimately she has to make some decisions about whether she will more highly value her bitterness and anger, or will she see in Atellus a man who is honorable and whose values are not those of Rome, a man who sees her with the eyes of love.

Yet we still see in Atellus a man of honor, who faced the reality that his brother and sister-in-law were not nice people, were driven by greed and political ambition, and were willing even to cheat him--a member of their family and a Roman magistrate-- and the Empire to gain their goals. He was a man that saw what Rome was becoming, and when it was all laid out before him, was supremely happy to be away from the centers of the Empire's notice and power. He was a man who began to value Rutila as a person, a woman of personal determination--not just stubbornness--and who may or may not ever return his love. He was a loving father and a person who saw worth even in the serfs who worked the land, these were worthy of his regard and care.

In the midst of a society where only the upper classes were deemed persons of worth, two people come together in anger and bitterness, but also in love. How they reach some sort of resolution is the gist of this story. There is pain, hurt, anger, violence, betrayal and personal disappointment galore in this tale. There are no Elysian Fields here. Yet in spite of this backdrop of human emotions and the worst that people can do to one another emerges values, feelings, and a relationship that warm and encourage the human heart.

Katalina Leon brings a proven track record of literary and writing expertise to the telling of this story. She has crafted a plot that comes right out of the history books, but she has given birth to characters that are genuine and believable, exhibiting both the worst and the best of humanity. She has written in such a way that there will be few readers who read this story and are not deeply touched by the emotions and feelings of these ancient persons. Yet their story, while not set in contemporary contexts, still calls to all of us. Today there are still people of prejudice and greed, motivated by political and personal ambition, who pick up and discard others for their own selfish ends. There are still people of honor who refuse to go along with the status quo and who are able to see and appreciate people of all social strata as persons of worth. There are people who must endure the bitterness of disappointment and possibly abuse, and others who reach out to them in love and trust.

I liked this story very much. I own up to a particular liking for ancient history and thus stories set in those times are of particular interest to me. But I liked best that even in the ancient Roman context, the nature of human relationship was explored, and while this is labeled as erotic romance, it has great worth purely as historical fiction and as a work that can and will bring readers face to face with the deeper issues of life and love.

I give this book a 4.25 out of 5.

Seriously Reviewed took "Owned By Rome" seriously!

2010-08-09T11:24:00.000-07:00

Story: 8

Presentation: 9

Total: 17

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Historical Erotic Romance

Review: Owned by Rome is an epic tale of lust, love betrayal, and forgiveness. There were so many facets of the story, that as it unfolded, I forgot that I was supposed to be reading a romance and simply enjoyed the historical detail. The author does such a brilliant job of weaving fact, fiction and hypothesis, that I was swept into the story and believed every word I read. Some of the things I loved most about the story were also aspects that some readers might not enjoy as much as I did. The romance is often overshadowed by the historical details. But the historical details are interesting.

The first third of the book reveals most about Atellus. There is a lot of telling of events that had already occurred. There was a build up of a certain aspect of the story that wasn’t at all what I expected to happen. So lots of twists and turns in the plot. The history of Atellus was also interesting, but Owned By Rome at times, read more like literature and was harder to lose myself in the story. There is an abundant use of Latin in the story, but the use is not confusing because Ms. Leon weaves words with clarity and context.

Once the story really picks up, after Rutila is introduced, the romance of the story is bittersweet. They are both damaged souls and need each other. But the wounds inflicted during turbulent times fester in Rutila. Atellus is gentle and patient, but also has darker needs. Rutila must forgive herself for living before she can open herself to accept Atellus’ love. And Atellus has to free the one woman who fires his soul. She won’t be owned by a Roman. But if he lets her go, he may never have her again.

Reading Owned by Rome will take you on an emotional journey and in the end you’ll be glad you read the story.

TwoLips gave "Beautiful Stranger" 5 Kisses!

2010-08-01T16:25:00.000-07:00

Title: Beautiful Stranger
Author: Katalina Leon
Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.
Genre: Contemporary
Publication date: May 22, 2010
ISBN: 9781419927287
Pages: 128
Series: N/A
Reviewer: LeAnn

Heat Level:	M/F - oral sex, masturbation, anal sex, light spanking

Rating:

Lily Fontaine is turning forty-three!  What is she wishing for? After being divorced and alone for the last three years, Lily is getting lonely.  Working nights at the local television station and sleeping all day has left her social life lacking.  The thing she misses most is sex.  She just wants someone to have sex with, with no attachments afterwards. Lily comes up with the ultimate plan for her birthday sexcapade.  She is going to hire an escort and play all weekend. When the weekend is over, she will be satisfied and unattached.
When Lily's best friend hears of her plans, she suggests a friend that she knows that lives in Lily’s home town of New Orleans.  Since Marion knows him and says he needs the money, Lily decides to return home and meet with David even though he is eleven years younger than her.
Lily got her start in television on the local New Orleans station years ago and David has always had a crush on her.  So when Marion gets in touch with him and lets him know Lily is coming to town and needs to talk to him about a future production, he hopes he can get more than a talk from the beautiful woman.
Marion has told them both different stories about why they are spending the weekend together, but they are both so attracted to each other they decide to go with it.  After a weekend of great, hot sex, will either be able to walk away?  Or will one weekend lead to a wonderful relationship?
Katalina Leon, the author, must be from Louisiana, with her descriptive writing, she managed to bring to mind memories of a visit to New Orleans. I also loved the characters in this book.  They seem to be so compatible and made for each other.  Beautiful Stranger flowed from one scene to the next very smoothly and the love scenes were wonderful.  Ms. Leon was able to bring the true essence of a romance to life, starting with the meeting, the getting to know each other and the feelings developing, even if over such a short weekend.  How will they both react to those feelings?  I suggest you read this story to find out.  You won’t be disappointed!

Happy Birthday "Noblesword"!

2010-07-15T10:01:00.000-07:00

This week I’m celebrating Noblesword’s first birthday. Noblesword was released July 10 2009 under Ellora’s Cave Exotika Line and remains my most widely popular book. I always enjoy hearing from female readers but with this book I actually hear from a few rare male readers as well.

I’m a bit obsessed with Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece “Vertigo”. It’s my favorite movie and after re-watching it one day I was inspired to write an obsessed character Gwen Bel Geddes and include elements of “Vertigo” in “Noblesword”. I wanted to create a fantasy realm where my characters could go for emotional healing, test their personal boundaries and flex their fantasies without judgment, guilt, harm to themselves or others and still survive the experience with their basic values intact. I wanted to put Gwen in emotional peril, bombard her with choices and see what happened. My operative thought was some of us need to be liberated from our self-inflicted limitations with a sledgehammer. Noblesword was Gwen’s sledgehammer. Not only does Gwen get a full-blown erotic experience, she also gets an education about what she really wants, does some deep self-reflection and restarts her life in a fresh direction. I won’t give away the surprises you’ll have to discover them for yourself.

As Mistress Chantal would say, “At Noblesword we know what you really want not what you say you want.”

And the only way to find out what you really want is to surrender yourself to Noblesword vineyards and be brave enough to take the ride.

Happy Birthday Noblesword!

XXOO Kat

The Pen And Muse Loved "Owned BY Rome"

2010-06-28T09:54:00.000-07:00

What I liked: First, I have to say how much I adore this cover. For me it simply sizzles from the screen and draws me in to learn more.

I don’t normally read a lot of historicals, but I am fascinated by ancient periods and especially the Romans. They were cruel, violent, deviant, loving, and among other things indulgent. And in Owned by Rome you see all of this. Atellus is a strong and noble hero that any woman would fall for and Rutila is the willful and strong type of heroine we’d all wish to be. In fact, all of the characters are richly drawn, from the disgusting cousin of Atellus to the slaves that wish to save Rutila from needless suffering when she faces death.

When I got to the end of this book I felt like I’d been on an epic journey. There were moments of highs and lows throughout that made it all very real. Atellus and Rutilla worked hard for their romance and I cheered them on the whole way. In the midst of fighting, hunger, and some emotional exhaustion there were some beautiful spicy moments. Some light bondage and domination elements are included as well.

The only issue that ever pulled me out of the story was some of the latin. While appropriate for the story, a bit less might have been easier on me as a reader. Still, I loved this story and highly recommend it and plan to check out more of Ms. Leon’s work.

Reviewed by Eve Cassidy, The Pen And Muse, June 27 2010

Night Owl Reviews Gives "Owned By Rome" 5 Stars Recommended Read!

2010-06-18T10:01:00.000-07:00

Maria at Night Owl Romance says:

I really loved this story by Ms. Leon, it was a fantastic blend of spicy romance with a very interesting historical setting. She clearly did her research for the time period. There were even some very light elements of bondage and dominance in the story.

The main character of this story was Atellus Dolabella, a Roman citizen, who has been assigned the position of Magistrate for the area of Belgica in Gaul. He is a widower who is lonely and has been spending most of his adult life dreaming of his first love, Columba, whose hand in marriage he was denied. This story basically covers the events that take him to visit his cousin and the woman of his dreams and the realization that what he had dreamed of as a child is no longer relevant in his life and that he no longer feels any ties to his Roman heritage - his homeland has changed and not for the better. He is disillusioned with the Rome that he is being presented with and realizes that he has come to identify more with the people of his province than with the Roman nobility that he had been raised with.

The heroine of this story is Rutila, she is a Celt and a slave. Her life has been very hard for the last three years and has been filled with anger and hatred toward Rome and all of its citizens. She has rebelled against her slavery in so many ways that her owners, Atellus’ cousin Plutonius and his wife Columba, plan to offer her as a sexual sacrifice at a feast that they are throwing and at the end she will be killed for entertainment. Rutila is prepared for this event by other servants and it is while she is being taken to the feast that Atellus first sees her and is drawn to her beauty and her fierce spirit. It is love at first sight for him, however, Rutila is only looking for another avenue of possible escape. He is able to demand that she be given to him as a slave due to how much money his cousin owes him.

Atellus is determined to bring Rutila to his home and install her as his personal servant/concubine. Their journey to his home is a growing experience for both of them. Atellus realizes what he wants in a future mate and gives up on his childish ideals and looks forward to building a real relationship with a woman. Rutila realizes that she can’t judge a man based on what his national background is alone, that each person must be judged on their own merits. She is finally able to understand that to get forgiveness; one must also be able to extend forgiveness. She also realizes that she is capable of giving and receiving love.

I totally loved how this story ended and look forward to reading more work from Ms. Leon. I highly recommend this spicy historical.

Maria.

Night Owl Romance gave Beautiful Stranger 5 stars!

2010-06-14T09:43:00.000-07:00

Reviewed:
Jun 13, 2010

9781419927287
Publisher:
Ellora's Cave

Print:

eBook: $5.95

Published:
2010-04-21

Alternative Purchase Locations

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Author: Katalina Leon Website

Genre: Spicy Romance, Cougar - OW, YM

Read an Excerpt

Beautiful Stranger

by Katalina Leon is

what an erotic novel

should be. The writing

is tight, the plot well

thought out and the

story flows. I could

see the scenes and

the characters,

hear the music

and smell the bayou.

The heroine,

Lily, is someone

I'd like and get

along with.

She rang true

and not like the

usual heroine in

an older woman

younger man story.

The hero, David,

was everything a

hero in an erotic

novel should be,

hot, sexy,

and believable.

The sex scenes were

smooth,

not abrupt like a lot

of books, and both

the setting and

the characters had

a depth that pulled

me into the story.

My only complaint

is the story wasn't

long enough.

I definitely give

this one a 5 and

a recommended read.

Book Binge loved "Beautiful Stranger"

2010-06-09T11:33:00.000-07:00

Judith, at Book Binge Reviews did a meticulous reading of my book and wrote a beautiful review.
XXOO Kat

"Owned By Rome" excerpt

2010-06-04T09:41:00.000-07:00

“Owned By Rome” came out last Friday and I’ve already received lots of good and very constructive feedback. Yes, there are Latin words used in “Owned By Rome” but they are simple nouns and adjectives and once they are read in context the meaning is clear. The good news… I’ll never use this much Latin ever again! I promise! Lol So here’s another excerpt from “Owned By Rome”. In this scene Atellus has foolishly decided it would be romantic to camp alone in the forest and live out a few of his favorite boyhood fantasies with his newest acquisition the Celtic slave-girl, Rutila. He sadly discovers how very uncooperative she is with his plan. A “torques” is a bronze slave collar, which Atellus has proudly put on Rutila. She gets caught trying to remove the collar. Atellus is very much in love with Rutila and has been struggling to get her to speak openly to him all day. He plans to win her over with kindness, a bon-fire and ermine bed-furs but his evening of seduction goes awry.

….He saw how bothered she was. “Rutila.” His gaze burned possessively. “Be sensible. The torques is to prevent ownership disputes. You belong to me now and I will tolerate no claims from others.” He had heard of unethical venalicius reselling the same servus numerous times to multiple unwitting owners. He would have none of that. She was his to keep, forever. Her pettish irritation over having to wear the torques made no sense to him. “I want you to understand the torques is a sign of my esteem. I do not want to lose you.” He spoke firmly. “Eat.”

“No.” She snapped at him. Her eyes flitted about the castra. “I eat with a pugio.” She was clearly disappointed no sharp objects had emerged from the packs.

He slowly shook his head no. “You also fight with a pugio. I deliberately provided finger foods and that’s how we will eat until we know and trust each other better. Now please eat something.” He grew impatient with her stubbornness. “You have eaten almost nothing today.”

She glared at him, broke free of his grip and scrambled to her feet. She dashed toward the hobbled pack mules, taking long, fast strides.

He was on his feet in a flash and chasing after her.

Rutila’s long legs were incredibly fast. She almost out ran him.

He caught up to her and grabbed her seconds before she reached the pack mules. He threw his arms around her and dragged her back to the fire. “That was a mistake.” He panted as he struggled to hold on to her writhing, leaping body. “I’m not a monster.” He breathlessly lugged her resisting body back to the castra. “I just want you to eat something.” He thought she was so beautiful just the way she was. He could even imagine her a little plumper. He certainly did not intend to see his beautiful ancilla waste away on the journey.

He picked up a leather tether from one of the packs and deftly tied his wrist to hers, so she could not bolt away. “Sit!” he ordered her in a booming voice. “Eat.”

She sat only because he pulled her down, but she did not eat. She scowled resentfully at the tether that linked them and scooted as far away as the short length of braided leather would allow.

He smiled, feeling victorious. He was hungry, so he ate. He poured himself a cup of wine with his free hand and watched her carefully from the corner of his eye, thinking her to be a very unpleasant dining companion.

She continually glared at him or frowned resentfully at the tether. Every time he refilled his wine cup, she smirked as if she enjoyed some private amusement he was not aware of. He tore the dried venison into narrow strips and chewed it up with his square white teeth and washed the venison down with a generous amount of wine.

She looked disgusted as he grew a bit tipsy.

The tether connecting their wrists was short. If he raised his cup to his lips or reached for a fig, her hand was forced to follow his motions. She was strung to him as if she were a resentful puppet, yet she refused to move any closer to him to lengthen the slack on the tether. Her lips turned downward. Clearly she hated the situation she was in.

He patted the ground beside him. “You could move closer.” He chuckled at her self-imposed predicament. “Who here is starving and refuses to eat out of sheer stubbornness? Let’s see a show of hands.” He smiled at her and raised his arm high above his head.

Of course Rutila’s hand went up involuntarily, though she struggled to pull downward on the tether. Her limp hand hovered high in the air.

He grinned at the sight of her raised hand. “I see you’re ready to admit you’re hungry.” His eyes gleamed from wine. He tossed a dried fig in her lap. “Eat it.”

She stared hatefully at the wrinkled fig, refusing to touch it.

His eyes sparkled with amusement. “Who here has the mind of a mule?” Again he raised his arm and her hand went up too, but this time he had to actually lift her weight off the ground, she heartily fought his actions. He laughed at her dour expression. The wine made his speech a bit sloppy. “By Jupiter, Rutila, you’re humorless!” He wished her attitude would warm just a little. He so longed for some contact or connection with her. “Am I the most formosus and virilis dominor you could wish for? You know that I am.” He burst into laughter. “So let’s see a show of hands.”

This time she was prepared for what was coming. She wrapped her fingers tightly around the tether before he could fully raise his arm and swiftly yanked the tether downward.

He was caught off guard and lurched forward onto his face, spilling his cup of wine onto the ground. He landed chin first in a puddle of wine. He looked up at her with an expression of smoldering disappointment.

Rutila tensed, as if waiting for him to lash out at her, threaten or strike her with his fist, but he didn’t. As dominor he knew he had to be above such petty provocations even if she wasn’t. He had to set an example. He recovered himself from the ground, sat straight and silently wiped his chin on his sleeve, but his heart silently burned with the dread of betrayal.

She seemed worried about what he might be thinking and he wasn’t ready to put her at ease. He wanted her to reconsider her actions. They sat in silence for some time before he decided to pack the food away and add more wood to the fire…

(These two do end up on the ermine bed-furs and much is revealed.)

If you haven’t seen the gorgeous book trailer my husband made for me please drop by my website http://www.katalinaleon.com/ and click “Owned By Rome”

XXOO Kat “Owned By Rome” available now from Ellora’s Cave Legend Line.

First excerpt from "Owned By Rome"

2010-05-27T22:57:00.000-07:00

Today I’m sharing an excerpt from “Owned By Rome”, which takes place in ancient Gaul 64 AD. In this scene Atellus has just arrived at his cousin’s compound in Massilia and been ordered to clean up his “Celtic” appearance and not embarrass his cousin in front of a party of Roman dignitaries. Atellus is a widower who has been living on the western frontier for many years and has abandoned most Roman customs and now lives like a Celt. Upon his arrive in his compound he is offered the use of a beautiful “ancilla” or personal servant:

…Atellus was pampered that vesper. An herbed lamb was roasted in his honor and a pretty ancilla named Janni was sent to his cubiculum as a companion and tonstrix to groom him.

Janni had a gentle voice and pleasant attitude. She massaged his tense muscles with soft, patient hands and sweetly scented almond oil.

He luxuriated in the feeling. He had not enjoyed a woman’s pampering touch in a very long time and he was starved for it. It was a welcome distraction from his current tension and disappointment. If his woman-starved senses had not been so attuned to Janni’s soft curves and giving attitude, the massage might have lulled him to sleep. That couldn’t happen, not yet. As exhausted as he was, he knew sleep must wait. Janni had a task to complete and he had yet to bed her. There was no way he would allow himself to fall asleep before having that pleasure.

Janni cheerfully pursued her task. Her delicate hands expertly stroked a steel novacula against a cos until the sharp edge of the blade gleamed. She stood behind Atellus and tipped his chin upward. She carefully shaved his whiskery barba from his jaw. With every swipe of the razor, she stopped to inspect her handiwork. Her eyes widened at what she discovered. “Dominor.” She addressed him formally as her master, in a wispy voice. “You’re a very formosus man beneath this barba. I like your face very much. It is has a strong amius virilus. Why do you cover it with hair?” She ran her hands lovingly across his half-shaved jaw. Her voice dropped to a whisper. “Do not tell Dominor Plutonius I said this, but I would be pleased to be your ancilla and amatrix during your stay in Massilia.”

He smiled into Janni’s beautiful brown eyes. “I would be very pleased to have you as my amatrix.” His fingertips grazed the side of her soft arms. He had not had a lover in so long his body ached for one. “Are you one of a Plutonius’ favorites?”

Janni’s gaze dropped to the ground. Obviously she was.

“I’m sorry to hear that.” He reached upward and gently stroked the side of her face. “It must be awful.”

“It is.” Janni giggled but quickly gasped in alarm. “Please tell no one I said so.” She hurried to correct her admission.

He smiled and gently patted her shoulder. “Your secret’s safe. Tonight you are my favorite. I will enjoy having you as my amatrix very much.”

She smiled and continued with the task of shaving. She stood behind him as he sat. She provocatively pressed her full breasts against his back and tipped his chin upward to scrape his bushy black beard away. “Dominor,” she whispered in his ear. “You look ferocia but you speak kindly. I like that.” She bent down and brushed her lips gently across the top of his head. Her words were the softest whisper. “I was happy to be sent to you. I give myself to you willingly.”

A chill ran up his spine as she spoke. His chest tightened. True willingness amongst the servus was such a rarity. He knew Janni had no true choice. She had to submit and serve him. That she should offer this privilege meant so much. Willingness was a rare gift between dominor and servus and one he greatly preferred. Taking an unwilling ancilla was a misery for both parties. He knew some men preferred it but he did not. At this stage of his life, he refused to do it. He refused to take what was not offered. His thoughts wandered toward fantasies of thrusting his dolon between Janni’s willingly parted thighs. His pulse quickened. It was difficult to sit still. Great Jupiter, he couldn’t wait to be done with the grooming and move forward to the pleasure. A faint smile crossed his lips. “Janni, I turn myself over to you completely.” His head tipped back against the soft cushion of her breasts. He pressed against her bosom and gently rocked his head from side to side, luxuriating in the feeling. Her generous breasts felt wonderfully mollis and comforting. “Hurry.”

“Stop moving. I might cut you.” Janni lifted the steel novacula away from his throat. “You must sit still during the tondeo. Your barba is very thick and ferus.”

He couldn’t wait to see her naked. I’ve got something else to show you that’s thick and ferus. He grinned. He wished she would just hurry, but he allowed her to take her time and do a good job, knowing her handiwork would be judged carefully. Janni had been ordered by Columba to make him presentable to the dignitaries, and after spending eight years in Belgica, he knew she had a daunting task to perform. Janni was a well-trained and obedient ancilla. She performed her tasks perfectly. He was bathed, manicured and shaved. He did not have to correct her or ask for anything. She offered or acted before words even formed on his lips…

“Owned By Rome” by Katalina Leon, available from Ellora’s Cave Legend Line.

XXOO Kat

The Pen & Muse loved "Beautiful Stranger"

2010-05-18T08:31:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Stranger

by Katalina Leon

Genre: Short Erotic Romance (Younger Man/Older Woman)

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Release Date: April 2010

Price: $5.95

What I Liked:

I'm not quite the age yet where I should be thinking about older women and younger men. (Except perhaps Taylor Lautner... wait, no comment.) Yet there is something about this story that *really* appealed to me. I'm not sure if it was the freedom and the openness of Lilly's attitude, or the extreme hotness of David's character (and bod-ay). But I really enjoyed this book. It was well-written, it was well-plotted, it was well-executed. It was an all-around good time. The picture on the cover does not do justice for what I think this couple is described as... she's over forty, he's in his early thirties. But it was a very hot story, and the characters are memorable. I've not read Katalina Leon before, but I see that she has an Ellora's Cave release from ancient Rome. I'm looking forward to reading more of her stories. If this one was any evidence, I will be in for a treat!

Coffee Time gives "Beautiful Stranger" 5 hot steaming cups of coffee!

2010-05-14T14:41:00.000-07:00

BEAUTIFUL STRANGER
KATALINA LEON
ISBN#: 9781419927287
April 2010
Ellora’s Cave
www.jasminejade.com
eBook
$5.99
119 Pages
Sophisticate, older woman, younger man
Rating: 5 cups
Lily Fontaine just turned 43 and all she is thinking about is hot sweaty no-strings-attached sex with a strange man. She lets her friend talk her into meeting David instead.
David La Beau has had a crush on Lily for what seems like forever. Can he convince Lily they are worth more than a quick affair more along the line of a business deal?
Lily and David each have their own agenda for coming together, but fate in the name of their friend, has a different plan. Will they be able to combine business with pleasure and find a love of a lifetime or will they fail to see their true potential as a couple?
It was exciting to watch the slow progress of a relationship contrived from one plan that morphed into so much more. I was unable to put the book down because I had to know if Lily was willing to gamble on David and find a new life. David is a dream boat of a man, friend, and lover. The details of New Orleans were wonderful to read, and I could see the New Orleans that Lily and David saw. Katalina Leon has a magnetic writing style that encourages the reader to keep reading to see where it all ends. A Beautiful Stranger is a wonderful story that no one should miss.
Delane
Coffee Time Romance & More

Happy Birthday "Blue Apples"!

2010-05-12T06:57:00.000-07:00

Today is a special day for me. May 12^th marks the first anniversary of my first ebook “Blue Apples” release. In many ways it feels like it was a million years ago because the e-industry moves so fast and I move so slowly. lol

This year has been challenging and the learning curve steep but I’ve loved having goals and other motivated friends and fellow authors to share them with. I’ll never forget the elation of getting that first book contract and I’m so grateful I didn’t know at the time what lay ahead… Harsh edits, rushed revisions, e-pirates, putting your ego aside for reviews and the looming reality that if you don’t promote your own ebook no one else will do it for you. The single biggest surprise was I thought I would get to choose my own book covers. Not so… At best e-authors are allowed to make suggestions and cross our fingers for luck.

I soon learned the truth that when you become an e-author you take on three daunting jobs: You’re a writer, you’re a PR firm and you’re a manager and creative director of your “brand”… and in your “spare” time you can work another job, run a household and take care of others. The glamour never ends. lol

“Blue Apples” was part of Ellora’s Cave “Succulent” series, which was themed on fruit and juicy succulent things. I chose to write a Sci-fi ménage featuring a highly intoxicating, aphrodisiac fruit “Azurpomia” aka “Blue Apples”. The story takes place in another galaxy on a desert planet with mountainous sand dunes, underground rivers and also on a wet misty planet inhabited solely by males that’s reminiscent of Scotland. The heroine is a redheaded warrioress and the heroes are a platinum-haired aristocratic Dom and his younger black-haired lover. All characters are big beautiful swords for hire. Was any of that on my book cover? No. I got a wholesome looking guy lying in a grassy city park in his underwear with a pick-nick basket full of fruit stacked in front of him… Oh well.

Blurb for Blue Apples:

Gala is an elite Captain of Dianndra’s guard and proud owner of a male harem. When she volunteers to go on a treacherous mission into enemy territory to steal aphrodisiac fruit and defy an ancient foe, she has no idea what this act of trespass will cost her.

Fate is calling. Lord Veren and his lover, Markeen, are gorgeous swords for hire, and warriors supreme. Like all Vertanians they are bigger, stronger, braver, and brighter, but they spawn only male children, and face a culture in decline. They need female companions. How fortunate for them when they discover a beautiful lust-intoxicated Dianndra wandering in their orchard.

The warriors capture Gala and carry her into their fortress palace for a night of shared lust that may change two ancient cultures forever…

As many of you know by now I can’t resist a bad pun. I’ve got a Mac and I have a little blue apple icon on my computer screen-hence the story title. Gala is of course is one of my favorite varieties of apple and Gala sounded nice. I just couldn’t bring myself to name my heroine “Pink Lady”, “Fuji” or “Granny Smith”!

Happy Birthday Blue Apples, and thank you Ellora’s Cave!

XXOO Kat

4 Siren Stones for "Beautiful Stranger"!

2010-05-10T16:16:00.001-07:00

Review:

This was a great story. Lily and David have

an embarrassing, but very humorous first meeting

which makes the characters that much more likable.

The descriptions and imagery that the author uses

makes you feel like you are there walking the streets

of New Orleans with Lily and David. You can almost

see the glowing eyes in the bayou and hear the insects.

The sex scenes between Lily and David are hot

and evocative, as well as tender and loving.

As a reader, you find yourself hoping for the characters

even after the book is finished. Occasionally, the editing

was a bit distracting. Overall, it was a wonderful story of

romance, hope, and new beginnings. Based on this story, I

would check out other works by Katalina Leon.

Second excerpt from "Beautiful Stranger"

2010-05-01T09:03:00.000-07:00

(This is another excerpt from “Beautiful Stranger”. This scene takes place before dawn and I love it because making lazy love when you’re half-asleep is so wonderful. The day’s still early so jump back in bed with David and Lily. lol)

Excerpt “Beautiful Stranger”

He reached toward the nightstand and used his free hand to grab a condom. He tore the foil with his teeth and quickly sheathed himself.

“There’s no rush,” she whispered as she took hold of him and gently guided him inside her. She wanted this to last, but he seemed eager to be inside and unwilling to wait. Her breath caught from his first slow thrust.

His hands wrapped around her shoulders to brace himself. A slight whimper crossed his lips as he entered. He gently rubbed the side of his face against hers. “You feel so good.” His voice was husky whisper.

His morning beard stubble slightly rasped her skin but she welcomed the sharp sensation. The abrasion acted as a gentle reminder that even this slowly shared moment was painfully fleeting. She arched against him and focused on the lush feeling of his thickness stretching her and sliding easily inside. The breathtaking sensation was gorgeous. Her eyes shut and her head slowly rocked from side to side, luxuriating in the intense feeling. His hands slid up her arms and firmly gripped her wrists, pinning them to the mattress. The sensation of gentle compression on her wrists was soothing. It grounded her wilder, more-chaotic feelings and made it possible to simply be.

“This is so beautiful, Lily.” He moved slowly inside her.

The sweet tone of his softly murmured, ecstatic sounds nearly broke her heart.

He pushed deeper and held himself there, panting softly. His face brushed against her hair. He barely moved, daring only to take the tiniest strokes. His muscles felt like a coiled spring.

Her fingertips gently smoothed the waves of his hair. Her legs wrapped around his hips as he moved slowly inside her. She let him press deeper and occupy her. Her body gently caressed him with every restrained movement he made. The breath hissed out of him from struggling to hold back.

“This is good,” she whispered. He deserved encouragement and reward. She tilted her hips upward and stroked her body against him. He bumped against that tricky spot inside her that made her crazy. She bit down on her lower lip and concentrated on feeling only that as he slowly slid against her. The movement was so gentle and restrained, her heart pounded. Part of her wanted to unleash herself and frantically grind against him to feel the pleasure-pain of thrusting against his cock, but he pinned her beneath him and insisted on moving slowly and tenderly. It was his will the tension and sensations build slowly. He seemed to be exactly in the same place she was. He too was caught on the edge of abandonment. The feelings became so intense they had to be tempered. She felt light-headed and realized she was holding her breath.

XXOO Kat

“Beautiful Stranger” is available now from Ellora’s Cave Sophisticate Line.

First peek at "Beautiful Stranger"

2010-04-08T10:52:00.000-07:00

Here is an excerpt from "Beautiful Stranger"

David held her hand tightly. His fingers interlaced with hers. They laughed as they ran to the car.

She felt as if she were running away from her common sense and she didn’t care. The situation had gotten way beyond her control and she was ready to accept it for what it was. Where lust and attraction were concerned, there was no such thing as common sense. She should have known. She laughed. She knew now it was adventure and daring she needed all along and here it was. Spontaneity was what she had dreamed of for so long. All she had to do was give in and enjoy it. Why not turn up the volume and take the ride? This weekend was special. David was special. Whatever happened was meant to happen. Brave words.

The car was parked in a dark corner of the lot far from overhead lights and other people. As soon as they reached David’s sedan, she leaned against the warm hood of the car, pulled him against her and kissed him.

He pressed his body against her and eagerly returned her soft kiss.

Her hands gently stroked the sides of his face. “You’ll have to think for both of us. I’m officially turning my brain off and my body on.” She would be an idiot not to make love to this man as soon as possible.

He smiled. “Then we’re in trouble. I’m not thinking clearly.” His body pressed between her thighs as he kissed her.

Her lips parted for him. The tip of her tongue teased his. Their warm breath mingled. Her hands slid into his back pockets and cupped his muscular butt. Her fingertips did a little exploring through the cloth. She was pleased to discover he had the exact type of solid, sculpted butt she loved. She pressed her hips against him to savor his solidness. His hardness brushed against her thigh. Her breath caught as she felt an instant rush of heat at the thought of thick, slick penetration. She couldn’t wait to feel him moving inside her. “How far away is your ‘someplace private’?” she whispered.

“It’s a bit of a drive deep into bayou country,” he answered breathlessly.

Her heart sank. That was bad news. She wanted him right now. Her eyes skimmed across the backseat of the old sedan. “What do you think?”

His eyes flashed. “You want to get caught, don’t you?”

“Maybe.” She felt daring. This part of the parking lot was secluded, so why not take advantage? The thought of making love to him in the backseat was irresistible. Her heart pounded.

He pressed his body against her and kissed her while struggling to unlock the car door with one hand. His hand fumbled to insert the key without looking but he finally got the door open.

She slipped into the back of the sedan and pulled him beside her. Her fingers sank into the luxurious leather. She leaned across the seats and inhaled the crisp scent of upholstery crème. Her eyes fell to half-mast. There was such a strong sensuality associated with this scent. Roomy, bench seats upholstered in buttery leather practically beg lovers to take advantage of them. Her hand patted the polished leather approvingly. “Nice ride, David.”

“Thanks. I rebuilt a man’s roof and he reupholstered my car. I’m glad you didn’t see it before.” He laughed as he slid across the seat and pulled her onto his lap.

She hiked her skirt up and straddled his lap, facing him, being careful not to crush the impressive bulge rising in his trousers. Her hands cupped the sides of his face.

He tipped his face upward to gaze at her. His eyes glistened. “Sit down, girl. That’s exactly where I want you. I do wish we were somewhere private. I want to take my time with you.”

“This is perfect.” She gently rubbed the very tip of her nose against his while breathing in the clean scent of his skin.

His fingertips gently brushed a fallen strand of hair from her brow. An enraptured expression lit his face. “I used to dream about you,” he whispered. “I can’t believe you’re really here.”

She couldn’t believe it either. She was in the backseat of a beautiful old car parked beside a bowling alley, and she was in heaven. It was an unexpected but wonderful turn of events. She smiled. This was where the new Lily would begin. The neon-pink Rock’n Roll Bowl sign cast a faint rosy glow into the car. Her fingertips glided across his jaw. “I’m really enjoying my visit to New Orleans.”

A mischievous look shone in his eyes. “Are you enjoying anything in particular?” his weight shifted beneath her as his hips tilted upward. The fabric of his trousers strained.

She gently ran her thumb across his full bottom lip. She kissed his softly cushioned lips and traced her fingertips across his chest. “I always enjoy the food,” her voice fell to a faint murmur.

“Reason enough,” he unsnapped the top of his trousers, “to move back.”

“David, I have to go home on Monday,” she whispered.

His gaze locked on to hers. He looked directly into her eyes as he stroked her hips and pushed his hardness against her. “Then promise to stay with me ’til Monday.”

“I can only promise tonight.” Just saying it made her heart ache for more. Her thighs parted as she slid deeper onto his lap. Her weight gently settled downward. She felt his body brushing against her silk panties. Her pulse quickened. She glanced at his face. He was as turned-on as she was. He had such a candid face. Every emotion was clearly displayed. It was hard for her to believe she had not known his handsome face until this evening. He already seemed so familiar, as if she had always known him. The moment was so perfect she was afraid it might vanish. “David, did you bring a condom?” Her fingers reached for his zipper.

(I think you can see where this is going. I love back seats… lol)

XXOO Katalina Leon

Beautiful Strangers are coming!

2010-03-26T21:31:00.000-07:00

"Beautiful Stranger" will be released April 21 2010, by Ellora's Cave Publishing.

Beautiful Stranger

2010-03-19T06:57:00.000-07:00

I just finished edits on "Beautiful Stranger" and I am awaiting it's release date. As soon as I have it I will post it here. Until then here is a Blurb to give you a little taste:

Lily Fontaine is a former beauty queen and media personality but those roles don’t suit her anymore. She’s healing from a hurtful divorce and ready to make big changes in her life, but first she needs her sexual confidence back.

She wants a lover without the risk of heartbreak and considers hiring a male escort as a special treat. Her best friend offers a provocative solution to her request. On her birthday, Lily returns to New Orleans, the place of her birth to meet a special man. She plans to fly in and fly out for a three-day weekend of cool music, great food and hot sex with no emotional attachment and no further contact with the man. She wants to pay to play and hopes to stay in control -what can go wrong?

David is perfect, the man of her dreams. He’s gorgeous, intelligent and knows how to take charge. The attraction is instant. With just the clothes on her back Lily sheds her old life and follows a beautiful stranger into bayou country for the adventure of a lifetime.

Two New books coming this spring from Ellora's Cave!

2010-03-10T06:23:00.000-08:00

It's been a few months since my last book release but I've been busy! One book is a contemporary love story between an older woman and a younger man, set in New Orleans and Bayou country. The other story is a historical "Owned By Rome" set in Ancient Rome and Western Gaul. It's a culture-clash love story between a Roman magistrate and his newly acquired female slave. I'll have excerpts and release dates soon. I'm looking forward to sharing more with all of you!

XXOO Kat

Two Lips Reviews loved "Noblesword"

2009-11-18T06:46:00.000-08:00

Title: Noblesword
Author: Katalina Leon
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Genre: BDSM
Publication date: July 10, 2009
ISBN: 9781419921414
Pages: 187
Series: N/A
Reviewer: Victoria

Heat Level:	BDSM, anal sex, f/f interaction, menage, bondage

Rating:

Gwen Bel Geddes is at a crossroads in life. On the brink of divorcing her lifelong love, she wonders why she keeps finding mail and assorted things from Noblesword Vineyards around their house. Too curious to think these are mere coincidences, Gwen decides to investigate what her husband has been up to. Discovering Noblesword Vineyards is not a winery, Gwen is dismayed to find out her husband has been a client of an exclusive pleasure resort. Wanting to know what Noblesword is all about, Gwen decides to become one of its women. Will she be shocked by what she sees or revel in her new-found sexuality?

From the moment Gwen greets Miss Chantal in the Noblesword cellar, she will never be the same again. Katalina Leon’s Noblesword isn’t for every reader, but if you love erotic journeys full of kink, be sure to pick up this title! Deep down Gwen wonders what she did and said during her marriage to Jeff that drove him to Noblesword Vineyards. Looking at first for ‘dirt’ on her husband to use against him in their impending divorce, she never imagined all the things she’d have to do while a courtesan within its walls.

Her first assignment as a novitiate is to be blindfolded and presented to a roomful of men, which frightens Gwen all the way to her toes! Approached by a mysterious man, Gwen is given a night of love that would melt the most frigid soul. In the morning, still reeling from the shock of the night, Gwen is thrust into more situations that test the way in which she looks at not only herself but her marriage and life as a whole. While at Noblesword, Gwen continues to experience and participate in sexual trysts she could never have imagined, including one red hot ménage with another female and male pair intent on breaking through her boundaries.

Ms. Leon’s Noblesword is a place of many secrets, which are revealed like a flower opening up its petals towards the sun. I enjoyed all the multi-dimensional characters in Noblesword, and would welcome a sequel set in these decadent vineyards. Savor the way Gwen opens herself up to all kinds of erotic possibilities, reassessing all she wants out of life.

The Romance Studio reviews loved Adult Education!

2009-10-20T11:17:00.000-07:00

Adult Education

Katalina Leon
BDSM
Available from Ellora's Cave
ISBN: 9781419923784
August 2009

Miranda and Stefan were once student and teacher. She had always fantasized about him; yet, because of his honor, he would not touch her then. Yet, this is now. Will things change? I'll let you, the soon-to-be reader, discover what happens when they are reunited.

This was the first time that I had read any of Ms. Leon's work. I loved the way the story was written, and the way the she made it flow along. I also loved the conflicting emotions that came from Miranda, the way her heart wanted one thing, but her head was telling her another; the dialogue between her and Stefan, and the way she wrote both of them. The situation which brought Miranda and Stefan back into contact, while straight out of fantasy, was one which (in my oh-so-humble-opinon) could have actually happened. I can promise you that I loved "Adult Education" far more than I thought I would, and I will most asuredly be recommending it to everyone that I know that loves some dominance included in thier romace; and "Adult Education" will be permanently placed within the mountain of books that is labeled "to be read". If you are looking for a BDSM romance that you feel as though everything in it could actually happen to you, please, by all means, read this particular book.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Very sensual

Reviewer: Alyna Couture
October 19, 2009

Seriously Reviewed Loved "Adult Education"

2009-09-25T08:30:00.000-07:00

Thank you Seriously Reviewed For reviewing my Ellora's Cave Quickie "Adult Education" I'm so happy you loved it! Thank you so much.

XXOO Kat

http://seriouslyreviewed.blogspot.com/

Seven Sexy Scribes

2009-09-05T09:36:00.000-07:00

We've added a "Sexy Scribe" and changed our name. We're now Seven Sexy Scribes. Come join us at http://sevensexyscribes.blogspot.com/

Night Owl Romance 4.5 hearts

2009-09-01T10:14:00.000-07:00

Noblesword

Street Date: 2009-07-10
Author(s):
Katalina Leon Website
Genre(s):
Erotic Romance
Review Date: Aug 23, 2009
ISBN: 9781419921414
Print Book Price:
E-Book Price: $6.99
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Score: (4.5 out of 5)

Noblesword by Katalina Leon follows Gwen Bel Geddes along her journey of rediscovery as she recovers from the disillusionment of having her marriage dissolve after her daughter leaves home for college. Gwen feels betrayed by her husband Jeff who has apparently abandoned their relationship in search of a partner or partners who are more adventurous in their sexual experimentation. Gwen initially applies to be admitted to the select coterie of participants at Noblesword in order to learn who or what has attracted her ex-husband so strongly but discovers that she herself wants to experience the excitement and spice of participating as a submissive. She is accepted on a trial basis and undergoes several rituals designed to introduce a novitiate to the sexual boutique that is Noblesword. Shackled and blindfolded, Gwen becomes her alter-ego Shiraz, discovers a heightened sense of sensuality and finds that by giving up responsibility to an anonymous faceless lover, she can rediscover her own sexuality. The varied sexual experiences that the weekend provides allow Gwen to rediscover her artistic and hedonistic sides and change her life forever.

Noblesword a sizzling erotic tale that follows one woman’s introduction to the world of bondage and discipline while demonstrating the breadth of personalities that are attracted to the B&D lifestyle. Gwen is forced to explore her sexuality by observing and participating both passively and actively in heterosexual and homosexual encounters and she tests her borders in an experience that seems tailor-made for her. A very hot read, keep the fan handy!

Adult Education Available now!

2009-08-29T09:58:00.000-07:00

"Adult Education" is available now! From Ellora's Cave/Jasmine Jade Enterprises.

New Ellora's Cave/Jasmine Jade URL address

2009-08-19T09:47:00.000-07:00

Please use the new URL address when looking for Ellora's Cave books. http://www.jasminejade.com/showsection.aspx?SectionID=50&SEName=coming-soon&pagenum=2

New Blog! Six Sexy Scribes.

2009-08-17T09:31:00.000-07:00

Hello, I'm joining a co-op blog with five other fabulous authors. Please visit me at "Six Sexy Scribes"

I'll be blogging every Wednesday at Six Sexy Scribes and posting some of those blogs here. Join the fun. Come over and leave a comment.

http://sixsexyscribes.blogspot.com/

Adult Education Blurb

2009-08-12T19:32:00.000-07:00

Adult Education

Katalina Leon

Miranda has always had a thing for leather and a burning desire for her favorite professor and ideal man, Stefan Hewson. The sumptuous temptations of leather strike hard when she finds herself on a dreary job assignment at her old college, locked in a coat closet with a man’s luscious leather coat. Her fantasies run even hotter when the sexy owner shows up and catches her fondling his leather. It turns out Professor Hewson has been carrying a torch for her and he’s more than willing to show her who’s in charge of the class. Miranda’s not the only one who’s love-struck and harboring scorching-hot bondage and leather fantasies. The handsome professor is ready to add a few creative footnotes of his own…

"Adult Education"

2009-08-12T19:25:00.000-07:00

My new Quickie "Adult Education" will be released by Ellora's Cave, Friday August 28!

Katalina Leon

Time to re-open a "Nice Package"

Sizzling Reviews thought Sugar Roux Voodoo sizzled!

New Ellora's Cave Anthology coming soon!

Whipped Cream Reviews got whipped up on "Sugar Roux Voodoo"

Coffee and Romance Reviews loved "Sugar Roux Voodoo"

Danielle likes a little "Sugar Roux Voodoo" in her Coffee Time Romance!

Sugar Roux Voodoo book trailer

"Romance Books R Us" Christmas in July Contest

Night Owl Reviews gave "Sugar Roux Voodoo" 5 Stars!

You Gotta Read Reviews Loved "Owned By Rome"

"Sugar Roux Voodoo" got 5 Stars!

"Sugar Roux Voodoo" is available today!!

New Book Trailer for "Sugar Roux Voodoo"!

First Excerpt of "Sugar Roux Voodoo"

Look what's new "Sugar Roux Voodoo"!

New book contract!

Bend over Madam and take delivery of a steaming hot Blog!

The Salt Lake City Examiner Gave "Nice Package" 5 Stars!

Up All Night E-Books!

Miz Vanilla Heat loved Nice Package!

Coffee Time Romance Presents Books and Coffee!

Second Excerpt from "Nice Package"

New in Print! The Succulent Anthology from Ellora's Cave.

It's out!

First Excerpt of "Nice Package"

"Nice Package" has a new book trailer

Blurb: "Nice Package"

Loopers Wanted!

Nice Package coming soon!

Two Books coming soon to print!

New Ellora's Cave Book Contract!

Siren Book Reviews gave "Owned By Rome" 5 Siren Stones!!

Sharon at Romance Writers Reviews says:

Judith at Book Binge Loved "Owned By Rome"

Seriously Reviewed took "Owned By Rome" seriously!

TwoLips gave "Beautiful Stranger" 5 Kisses!

Happy Birthday "Noblesword"!

The Pen And Muse Loved "Owned BY Rome"

Night Owl Reviews Gives "Owned By Rome" 5 Stars Recommended Read!

Night Owl Romance gave Beautiful Stranger 5 stars!

Book Binge loved "Beautiful Stranger"

"Owned By Rome" excerpt

First excerpt from "Owned By Rome"

The Pen & Muse loved "Beautiful Stranger"

Coffee Time gives "Beautiful Stranger" 5 hot steaming cups of coffee!

Happy Birthday "Blue Apples"!

4 Siren Stones for "Beautiful Stranger"!

Second excerpt from "Beautiful Stranger"

First peek at "Beautiful Stranger"

Beautiful Strangers are coming!

Beautiful Stranger

Two New books coming this spring from Ellora's Cave!

Two Lips Reviews loved "Noblesword"

The Romance Studio reviews loved Adult Education!

Adult Education

Seriously Reviewed Loved "Adult Education"

Seven Sexy Scribes

Night Owl Romance 4.5 hearts

Noblesword

Street Date: 2009-07-10Author(s):Katalina Leon WebsiteGenre(s):Erotic RomanceReview Date:Aug 23, 2009ISBN:9781419921414Print Book Price:E-Book Price:$6.99Publisher:Ellora's CaveScore: (4.5 out of 5)

Adult Education Available now!

New Ellora's Cave/Jasmine Jade URL address

New Blog! Six Sexy Scribes.

Adult Education Blurb

"Adult Education"

Street Date: 2009-07-10
Author(s):
Katalina Leon Website
Genre(s):
Erotic Romance
Review Date: Aug 23, 2009
ISBN: 9781419921414
Print Book Price:
E-Book Price: $6.99
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Score: (4.5 out of 5)