First excerpt from "Owned By Rome"

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"

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!

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"!

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"!

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"

(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"

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