Padre Kino and “The Pulse of the Earth” by Evey Brett

tourbutton_fiftyshadesofgreenLiving in southern Arizona and having done some research into its history, it was natural to set “The Pulse of the Earth” back in the days when missions and missionaries first came to the area, which back then was called Pimeria Alta, or “upper land of the Pimas.” One of the most influential missionaries was the intrepid Jesuit, Father Eusebio Kino, an astronomer and cartographer who started his career in 1687 and traveled over 50,000 miles on horseback, founded twenty-four missions, interacted with sixteen indigenous tribes and proved that Baja, California was not an island by conducting an overland expedition. He brought twenty cattle with him to establish the first of nineteen Rancherias (villages), and the herd eventually grew to over 70,000, essentially making him the first rancher in the area.

Padre Kino also introduced European fruits, grains, and seeds to aid in agricultural endeavors and worked to abolish the slavery forced upon the indigenous people. In my story, Brother Jacinto is a victim of the brutality that festered under Spanish rule. Wounded and blinded, he nonetheless has made a life for himself as a healer priest in a mission using the plant cures he learned as a boy. When the injured trader Andreas ends up in his care, Jacinto is initially distrustful, but Andreas’s kindness eventually wins him over. It’s in Jacinto’s treasured garden where they both find the healing they need.

Many indigenous people weren’t so lucky; disease and slavery ended up killing over two-thirds of the native population. The introduction of livestock damaged the land and forever changed their way of life. Kino’s legacy remains, most notably in the form of the missions, several of which still exist and are active. His remains are located in a crypt in Magdalena de Kino in Sonora, Mexico.

 

—Evey Brett

 

Excerpt from Fifty Shades of Green “The Pulse of the Earth”

Of course the meeting had to be here, the one place where Brother Jacinto felt most at ease. From his garden came nothing but love and healing, and Andreas was determined to keep it so.

They sat together on the blanket, the heat of their bodies warding away the chill. Brother Jacinto dipped his fingers in one of the oils and slowly rubbed it into Andreas’s skin. The sharp green scent relaxed him. It must have calmed Brother Jacinto as well, because he began to speak.

“I was apprenticed to be a curandero. A healer. My teacher was known for many miles, and dozens of people came to him for help. When the soldiers came looking for food, we gave it to them. They demanded more than we had, and grew angry when we could not produce it. So instead they forced us to build their forts and roads with almost nothing to eat. When we grew weak they called us lazy and beat us or . . . worse. When I called them ugly, they slashed my eyes. If Padre Eduardo hadn’t arrived when he did and freed us, I would be dead. I was the one who told him which herbs to use and how.”

The tale roused both sympathy for Brother Jacinto and ire against his captors. Andreas struggled against the instinct to take him in his arms and never let him out of his sight lest something terrible happen again. But when he tried to do just that, Brother Jacinto shook his head.

“I didn’t ask you here to be my protector.”

The rebuke, light as it was, still stung. For a long time, Andreas wasn’t sure what his role in this was. “I’m no fighter. I’m just a simple trader.”

“Not so simple. Driven to a solitary, wandering life because you never fit anywhere, but I don’t think you want to be alone any longer, do you?”

The priest knew more than Andreas had ever admitted to himself. Andreas held his breath as Brother Jacinto removed his linen shirt and drawers, leaving him wonderfully, gloriously nude. Lamplight flickered across his body, highlighting both scars and unbroken skin.

“One thing you must understand. I will never, ever belong to a man again. I will let no one but the Creator use me.”

And that was why he’d dedicated his life to the Creator and his garden. It was his choice, and neither would hurt him. In giving himself to Andreas, he trusted that Andreas would respect him and take nothing that wasn’t offered. “I understand.”

“Good.” Brother Jacinto smiled and drew him in for a kiss. Lust jolted through Andreas’s body. As quickly as he could he shed his smallclothes so that he was as naked as Brother Jacinto. He felt no shame, since the priest already knew his body so intimately.

Brother Jacinto urged him down onto his back. His hand flopped onto the dirt. This time, when he touched the ground, he felt the earth throbbing beneath his palm. At his swift intake of breath, Brother Jacinto laughed. “It’s amazing, isn’t it?”

Amazing wasn’t enough to cover everything Andreas felt. Life and energy poured through him and he was suddenly desperate to share everything with Brother Jacinto.

 

Fifty Shades of GreenBlurb and buy links

Fifty Shades of Green is a garden of naughty delights!
Within our pages you’ll discover:
– Virile gods and their mortal conquests.
– A community garden’s secret (and very dirty) fertility ritual.
– An Edwardian dominatrix living out her sadistic garden fantasies.
– Student/teacher lessons in horticultural hotness.
– Young lovers seeking the help of green witches.
– A beautiful, blind priest who helps an injured traveler.
. . . and so much more.

Peek inside the garden gate.

(You know you want to.)

A dozen racy tales await.

Fifty Shades of Green is a collection of twelve delicious and erotic short stories with gardening themes. What you’ll find in these pages is hotter than the hottest pepper on the Scoville index of heat! And smart, not smutty. Well . . . maybe a little smutty.

 

To Buy Fifty Shades of Green (it’s on sale, just for you):

Amazon.com UK

Amazon.com US

 

Author Bio

Evey Brett has numerous sci-fi/fantasy and paranormal romance e-books published with Loose Id, Ellora’s Cave and Carina Press. She also has fantasy and erotica stories forthcoming with Lethe and Cleis Press.

Evey Brett’s website

 

FREE Sample Stories!

To sample two free stories from Fifty Shades of Green visit our Garden Shorts website.

If you sign up for our newsletter you will be sent “Seed” (our sexy story about a community garden’s secret fertility ritual).

To read “Phallus Impudicus,” (a tale about the horny god Pan’s visit with a lonely gardener) just click on the Fifty Shades SAMPLE! tab

Win a SIGNED Copy of Anne Rice’s New Novel, Prince Lestat! #giveaway

The Queen of the Undead is back, with her first Vampire Chronicle in over a decade – marking the return of one of the most popular vampires of all time: Lestat de Lioncourt

 

Prince LestatPrince Lestat by Anne Rice is published on the 30th of October and the publisher Chatto and Windus are offering one lucky winner a signed copy of Prince Lestat.

Anne Rice is among the best-selling authors in the world and the master of modern gothic. Her novel Interview with the Vampire was published to huge success in 1976, transforming the vampire genre and becoming the first of the dangerously enticing Vampire Chronicles series.

In Prince Lestat the vampire world is in crisis – their kind has been proliferating out of control and, thanks to technologies undreamed of in previous centuries, they can communicate as never before. Roused from their earth-bound slumber, ancient ones are in thrall to the Voice: which commands that they burn fledgling vampires in cities from Paris to Mumbai, Hong Kong to Kyoto and San Francisco. Immolations, huge massacres, have commenced all over the world. Who – or what – is the Voice? What does it desire, and why? 

Anne Rice’s epic, luxuriant, fiercely ambitious new novel brings together all the worlds and beings of the legendary Vampire Chronicles, from present-day New York and Ancient Egypt to fourth-century Carthage and Renaissance Venice; from Louis de Pointe du Lac; Armand the eternally young; Mekare and Maharet; to Pandora and Flavius; David Talbot, vampire and ultimate fixer from the Secret Talamasca; and Marius, the true child of the Millennia. It also introduces many other seductive supernatural creatures, and heralds significant new blood.

Prince Lestat, Anne Rice’s new novel in the Vampire Chronicles series, will be published 30 October (Chatto & Windus). The Wolves of Midwinter will be published simultaneously in paperback (Arrow), eBooks also available. Visit annerice.com for more information.

To enter the competition to win a signed copy simply use the Rafflecopter below.

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Guest Blogger: Adrianna Taylor (@storyofcontrol)

Adrianna Taylor, Author of The Story of Control

Available exclusively on Amazon www.thestoryofcontrol.com

 

Adrianna TaylorMost people would consider what I do for a living weird, taboo and certainly not the norm. I suppose I have grown used to people’s fetishes, as it’s something they need to relax and relinquish control.

I mostly get what I would consider ‘run of the mill’ requests that, for me, are easily forgettable. Like spanking and caning strangers’ naked bottoms. But for me, this is all in a day’s work. But there are times when I get a request that dumfounds even me. Perhaps because I can’t understand the turn-on factor, or why someone would even consider and actively seek out someone to fulfil it.

Out of the many very weird sessions, I have been involved in over the years, I think that the strangest ones I experienced were to do with my client being an adult baby. Some men wanted to be treated like babies, as something was lacking in their childhood, and they wanted to live it as an adult, in a kinky way.  The psychology of this is very deep-rooted in their character.

The one that really stuck in my mind started with an email from a middle-aged man who introduced himself politely, stating his occupation, and how long he had been in the scene. This happens with some clients.

After a marathon of email tennis, he emailed what even I, who is certainly not the average person, considered weird. He seemed to have a crush on cute, fresh-faced pop star Justin Bieber, and wanted to be dressed up in a baby-grow and listen to the song “Baby”, while rolling around on a play mat. But like a few clients, he was a no-show when it came to the session.

The Story of ControlBut also, I did have a visit from a very well-prepared client who had left nothing to chance. He brought an army bag full of outfits he enjoyed for being an adult baby. These included dummies, PVC bonnets and outfits, and plastic and silky nappies. He wanted to parade and roll around on my rug, kicking and screaming, and wanting to be punished for his bad behaviour. He wanted me to put a dummy in his mouth every time he made a noise, and wanted me to dress him while he made it hard, making his limbs stiff and being uncooperative like a young child would be if they did not want to do something. Which added to my annoyance when punishing him by spanking his bottom. Luckily, I didn’t have to deal with soiled nappies, as that would have been a no-no. But I did find it usual how someone could be so devoted to their fetish that they spent what looked like hundreds of pounds-worth of PVC and sissy paraphernalia.

I would certainly consider this to be couple of the most bizarre experience I have dealt with, but at least the client was happy, which is ultimately what my job is about.

*****

Author website: http://www.thestoryofcontrol.com

Twitter handle: @storyofcontrol

Available from: Amazon UK | Amazon US

Warrior by Cara Bristol

WarriorWarrior (Breeder 3) blurb

A female fighting for freedom.  A male armed with determination. Can they save their people?

As a despotic Qalin marches through Parseon intent on conquering every province, Commander Marlix pledges his sister to another Alpha to protect her. Desperate to decide her own fate, Anika flees and finds refuge with the guerilla resistance movement against Qalin. Marlix’s aide Urazi hunts her down to bring her home to fulfill her duty. But when love blossoms between them, and provinces fall to Qalin, Anika and Urazi realize home has ceased to exist, and they are all that stand between the people of Parseon and the end of the world.

Warrior is the third and final book of the Breeder science fiction romance series, but it can be read as a stand-alone.

Available from:
Amazon UK
Amazon US
Amazon AU
All Romance eBooks
Barnes & Noble

 

Excerpt:

“If I had not killed Grogan, he would have beaten and used you.”

Urazi had witnessed Grogan striking her, so the first part came as no surprise, but how could he have known the alpha had intended to avail himself of her?

“Do you think I could not read his behavior? That I did not notice him rubbing himself against you? Do you think I am mentally deficient?” Urazi growled. “If I had not intervened, you would have joined forces against Marlix, Dak, and Ilian without knowing it.”

Anika’s face heated with guilt and shame.

“You are impulsive! Rash,” Urazi continued to rail. “You fled without concern for the consequences.”

“I knew the consequences! Marlix would have sent me to Ilian.”

Urazi looked away. “Commander Ilian would have kept you safe.”

“Maybe safety represents the greatest danger of all.”

“Your words do not make sense.”

“I wish to choose what I do. “

“Protocol makes the choice for you.”

“Protocol. Protocol. Protocol! I am sick of Protocol.” Anika stomped around, too angry to remain still.

“It is the way. Our way.”

Our way allowed Corren, Commander Dak’s beta, to slit my throat and leave me for dead.” Anika traced the fine scar bisecting her neck. “It allowed Qalin’s guards to hunt Tara and me, to kill Tara’s friend Ramon.”

“That is not the fault of Protocol, but of the individuals involved,” Urazi said.

Anika shook her head. “No. It creates the environment that encourages such behavior.”

“That is incor—”

“Protocol allows the male offspring of my sire to send me to whomever he wishes without concern for my desires.” Anika cut him off.

“Ilian is Alpha. He is the best possible choice for you.”

“Qalin is Alpha, too. Would he not be a best possible choice?”

“Now you speak rubbish.” Urazi turned away.

“You know I am right.”

“I know we all have our duty. In obedience, we achieve honor.”

“Easy for you to say. You are male. Your duty affords you some choices.”

“I am beta. Do you not think I wish for more?” Urazi whipped around, his gray eyes ablaze. “But I owe my allegiance to Parseon and to my Alpha! I accept that.”

“Well, I do not!” If she had a hammer she would not be able to pound understanding into his stony male brain. He would never empathize with her position. No male could. Anika clenched her hands into fists. If she were a male, she would have punched him by now. Old and new resentments ballooned. If she could not calm herself, she would explode. She would punch him. Anika stomped toward the forest.

“Come back here!”

She ignored him. He did not get a choice in the matter. Let him see what it was like to have one’s wishes overruled.

“Anika, I warn you….” Urazi’s voice hardened.

She faltered, responding to the command, habit and lifelong training overruling self-determination. But only if she let it. I am more than what I have been taught. Anika whirled around, folded all her fingers except for the middle one, and showed him her hand. Tara had called it flipping the coro and explained it was a very rude, dismissive gesture on Terra. It would be more satisfying if Urazi knew what it meant, but, for now, it was enough that she did. She spun around and marched toward the woods.

 

Cara BristolCara Bristol bio

Cara Bristol continues to evolve, adding new subgenres of erotic romance to her repertoire. She has written spanking romance, contemporary romance, paranormal, and science fiction romance. No matter what the genre, one thing remains constant: her emphasis on character-driven seriously hot erotic stories with sizzling chemistry between the hero and heroine. Cara has lived many places in the United States, but currently lives in Missouri with her husband. She has two grown stepkids. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading and traveling.

Author Links:

Cara Bristol’s web site/ blog

Amazon author page

Facebook page

Five Things About In The Blind by S.J. Maylee (@SJMaylee)

Jane and Rob 321x500Thank you so much for having me. I’m thrilled to be here talking about my new release, IN THE BLIND. It’s the first book in my new series, CLUB BLIND. The concept is simple and erotic. You won’t be able to see at Club Blind, but you’ll be able to feel, bringing you to new heights of pleasure. When the eyes are blind, it’s amazing what the heart can see.

Today, I’m sharing five things about IN THE BLIND.

  1. Rob, the hero is a much sought after Application Developer. He loves to dominate and he’s crushing on our heroine. He’s thought about her daily. Not only was she easy to talk to, but she has the most beautiful brown eyes, something his best friend hears about constantly.
  2. Jane, the heroine is struggling to lift her recruiting business to the next level. Rob, the guy she met a couple months ago will be perfect for the latest job opening she’s trying to fill and she hopes he’s right for her too. She’s been brave in her professional life and now she’s determined to go after the man she wants, but she can’t seem to find her way.
  3. Club Blind may be a new series, but its stories will interweave with my Love Projects series. In fact, this first book has many clues about my next Love Projects story.
  4. In the Blind is a story within a story. You’ll get to follow Rob and Jane on their path while they get a second chance to find the love their needs are craving.
  5. In the Blind is a hot read. It starts with our heroine having blind passionate sex and ends with … oh, I can’t tell you that, but it’s delicious.

There are a few things to get you acquainted with IN THE BLIND. I hope you get a chance to read it and that you love it like I do. Thank you so much for having me here today. I love talking about my stories.

In the Blind (Club Blind #1)

by: S.J. Maylee

Genre: Erotic Romance with D/s

Length: Novella

Published: October 15, 2014

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-77233-066-3

Goodreads

 

In the BlindIN THE BLIND Blurb:

Jane thinks she’s ready to take the risks her business and love life desperately need. Rob’s still punishing himself for a broken relationship that wasn’t meant to last. When the pair let an opportunity pass them by, fate steps in and throws them back together.

An evening of pitch black unrestrained passion at Club Blind opens her eyes to life’s possibilities. Now, if they don’t fight past their personal demons, they might never truly discover what they need most. If they can open their hearts, it might lead them directly to each other where they can discover their truth. If not, they may forever stay in the blind.

Where you can find IN THE BLIND:

Evernight Publishing | Amazon US | Amazon UK | All Romance eBooks | BookStrand

 

IN THE BLIND Excerpt:

The door continued to open every few minutes. Finally, the woman in front of Jane was taken away. She could see nothing past the door besides black. Until the door closed, she continued gazing into the darkness. How would the loss of sight change the experience? Would she feel more? What would he feel like? Nerves shook through her limbs, and sweat tickled her palms.

The door opened, and she stood straight as a statue. This was crazy. She searched for pockets in her robe. When she found none, she swallowed back a curse.

The escort stopped in front of her. “Are you having second thoughts?” He shifted the goggles higher on his forehead.

“Maybe.”

“Would you like to step back and wait to go or …” He stepped back and cracked the door open. “Sometimes it helps to hear the sounds of the other participants.”

She closed her eyes and took in the moans and let her mind drift to what her body would feel like to make her make those kinds of sounds.

“I don’t want to pressure you. Tell me what you want.”

“Thank you.” She opened her eyes and took a step towards him. The only way was forward. “I’m ready.”

“Good for you.” He reached out and took hold of her hand. “Come on, I’ll take you to the lucky one, for tonight.” He winked and tugged her forward.

Once the door closed behind them, Jane was surrounded by unending black. She looked around, but there was nothing, no end to the darkness. A nervous shiver danced along her spine, followed by thoughts of haunted houses. What would she find around the next corner? Her escort tugged her forward, bringing her back to the night’s purpose.

She needed to remember why she was here. She needed to live in the moment. There was a good chance she was about to touch the man who would give her release.

They slowed, turned a corner, and after a couple more steps they stopped. She swallowed the lump in her throat when her escort placed her hand into another’s.

“Enjoy.” He squeezed her shoulder, and she sensed his presence leave the space.

A pull on her hand forced her feet forward a couple of steps. She stopped just as abruptly when she bumped into a hard chest—the man of the hour. This man would touch her soon, but he wasn’t yet. He was only holding her hand. Her breasts moved with her uneven breathing, and her nipples scraped against his chest.

Why wasn’t he touching her? Was he nervous, too, or having second thoughts? She reached up in curiosity to make sure he wasn’t wearing a pair of night-vision goggles, but only found soft hair. She followed the section of hair to above his shoulder and continued onto smooth skin and around his shoulder to his bicep thick with muscle. Her heart thumped, and her breath quickened as moisture covered her needy pussy.

She breathed deeply, taking in his delicious musky scent. Her hand wandered to his chest and found more of the same, firm skin rounding over firm muscles. A warm hand landed over hers and held her hand tight to his chest. A nose tickled her ear.

“Do you like?”

“Yes,” she admitted.

“I’d like to explore you now, okay?”

“Yes, please.”

She pushed out the breath she held and worked to breathe normally. His hand landed softly on her cheek, fingertips caressed her chin, and then up to her temple. The gentle touches raised a long sleeping yearning within her, and she leaned into his touch.

His thumb swept across her bottom lip. Curiosity wore away her reserve, and she let her tongue reach out and taste his fingers. One digit pushed into her mouth, and she sucked lightly, enjoying his clean taste.

The finger left her mouth, a second of waiting, and then his mouth crushed down on hers. His lips were firm and demanding, feeding her hunger. He ran his fingers through her hair, and then his warm wet tongue swept through her mouth. Back and forth, deep, then gentle, their tongues dueled. She explored more of him as her need to know him intimately soared.

His touch lingered around her shoulders and down her sides. When he found her ass, he kneaded the globes. The kiss ended as abruptly as it started, leaving her wanting.

She heard nothing but the driving rhythm of the music, each track feeding right into another. The current song enchanted her, and her hips swayed. No one could see her, so there was no reason for self-conscious thoughts. The brilliance of the club hit her with full force. It didn’t matter who she was or who he was. Tonight, they celebrated life and the pleasures they could bring their bodies. Everyone deserved pleasure. Even her.

 

SJ Maylee avatarS.J. MAYLEE Bio:

S.J. Maylee fell in love with storytelling at a young age and with it came a deep-seated desire for everyone to find their happily ever after. She’s finding the happy endings for her characters one steamy story at a time.

When she’s not reading or writing, you can find her caring for her garden, laughing with her two young sons, or dancing to her husband’s music. She’s a PMP (Project Management Professional), Nia instructor, and coffee addict.

As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together.

Blog | Twitter | Facebook Page | Google+ | Goodreads | Pinterest | Amazon Author Page

 

GIVEAWAY:

SJ’s giving away one $20 Amazon gift card and two swag packs (book covers, bookmark, pen, zipper pull, and handmade beaded keychain or purse charm with book cover charm). TO ENTER: answer the question on this blog post and then click on the rafflecopter. QUESTION: Many believe blindness can increase your other senses. What do you think it would be like to be in a pitch black club like Club Blind?

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With This Kilt I Thee Bed by Landra Graf (@LandraGraf)

cover1 copyBlurb:

They’re not your traditional highlanders.

Rafe Gordon, Laird of Nairn, is searching for release from the nightmare of his wife’s passing. When Elsie, his daughter’s new governess, brings with her the temptation of passion and a less-than-perfect-past, Rafe must decide if love truly can conquer all.

Innes Gordon is looking for a good time. When that good time turns out to be the childhood-friend-turned-kept-woman Catriona, he finds himself torn between claiming her ‘til death do us part’ or simply sharing her with his twin.

Hamish Gordon is seeking a woman all his own. While his family’s home is invaded with nuptial ceremonies, Hamish is sent to patrol his older brother’s hunting grounds in search of a thief. Discovering his prey yields the biggest surprise — and Athdara needs his help as much as he needs hers.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Smashwords | Goodreads | Barnes and Noble | Google Play | All Romance Ebooks

Note: *Special Release Price at $1.99* Price will increase to $2.99 on 10/22

 

Excerpt:

He wondered if this ‘wisp of a woman was the thief or merely a lookout to the band of thieves operating in the Nairn woods. These hunting grounds were under his brother, Lord Rafe’s control, and the local magistrate had reported thieves attacking travelers along the main road. When the message arrived weeks prior, Hamish found the perfect excuse to skip his brother Innes and new sister-in-law Catriona’s wedding celebrations. If nothing else, someone had to ensure their lands weren’t being used as a hideout.

“Are you from here, ‘wisp?” He attempted to keep his voice low, not wanting to scare this creature away. He’d always been gifted at calming those around him, especially a person or animal possessing a skittish nature.

She stood on the shore, and he noticed the fine quality of the boots on her feet. Indeed, the lass was more than she seemed. “Aye. Are you, warrior?”

Her voice, sweet and melodic, called to him, made him want to command her to his side. The fact she’d called him the same nickname his mother bestowed him with as a wee lad also bore on his soul.

“I’m brother to the man who’s responsible for these lands, the dirt under your feet, the water I stand in. I have questions for you if you’d speak with me.”

“I would answer.” Her response came with a slow perusal of his body. He followed her gaze as it traversed his length, no maiden blushes or shyness. Her frank appraisal spiked his interest threefold.

“If you’ll allow me to come to shore and dress…” His words trailed off as she toed off her boots.

“No need. I’ll come to you, warrior.”

He went still at her blatant offer. “That’s not necessary.”

Her hand moved to the buttons on her vest, and his heart pounded against his rib cage as each one fell loose of its moorings.

“Aye, it’s necessary. For I seek to view you as you are. I’ve watched afar too long.”

 

Author Links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LandraGraf
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/landra.graf
Website: http://riseoftheslush.blogspot.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7847192.Landra_Graf
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/111023673276468567910/posts

*****

GIVEAWAY!

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