Learning How to Bend - Snog Style!

Thought for my snog today, I'd use a blast from the past. My first release, Learning How to Bend.

Total-E-Bound
Contemp, m/f, menage, m/f/m, anal sex, toys,
Novella
Available here!

Their marriage is about to fall apart, but not if she can help it and he's willing to bend.

Abby Donovan imagined nothing could change her simple life as a librarian. Her loving husband Seth, a mechanic in the Air National Guard, is scheduled to return from a short deployment in Iraq. Before he gets home, a letter arrives. It seems Seth is asking for a divorce. She must decide whether to walk away without a fight or to wait and confront him with the thing he's always dreamed of - a ménage à trois. But all is not as it seems.

Seth Donovan wanted an idyllic life to go along with his career in the military. Then he sees the atrocities of war firsthand. A conversation with a colleague ends up as fodder for the rumour mill and so much more. Seth never wanted a divorce. He wants his wife. Will she accept him despite the rumours and advances from another man? Or can their relationship withstand the turmoil of war?

And here's the snog!
Hell, she’d yearned to touch Nate from the day she met him at Seth’s college graduation. Starting with his big feet and sculpted calves to his bronzed shoulders and piercing green eyes, she’d felt drawn like a moth to a flame. But being a happily married woman meant no contact with another man, including her husband’s friend. With both men involved, she could be a vixen and explore her limits. Seth always did mention he’d love to try a ménage a trois, especially with Nate. Why not now?
She handed the six-foot tall, sandy-haired hunk the bills. “Here you are.” Knowing Seth watched from behind, Abby wrapped her arms around Nate’s muscle-corded neck. “And this is your tip.” She pressed her lips to his.
“Are you certain Seth’s cool with it? He’s squirming.” Nate stepped back and stole a glance at Seth. His voice wavered a bit. “I know we talked about it, man, but that was before you married Abby. I gotta tell ya, I’m in.”
Abby looked at Seth. Her brows rose a fraction of an inch. Seth and Nate discussed her, or rather sex with her. She should’ve felt insulted, but instead a burst of raw desire and longing rushed straight between her thighs. Her lips parted. Was she in accord with the situation? She wanted Nate, yes, but she also needed Seth as much as she had the first time they made love. “What do you think, Seth?”
The fire of possession burned in Seth’s eyes. He dipped his head, making her heart rate race into warp speed.
Nate’s jaw muscle clenched and unclenched. “Oh yeah, Seth wants it. He’s coming unglued. Yeah.”
Abby’s voice dropped to an octave she didn’t recognise as her own. “I am interested in both of you.”

What the? Wednesday...Ten Things You Didn't Know About Learning How to Bend

I saw this on someone else's blog (JA Saare) and I thought, hey, ten things about a book the readers might not know... hmm... I can do that. So, here we go.

Ten Things You Might Not Know About:

Learning How to Bend

10. This wasn't the first book I'd ever written. It's actually out of a dare to write something uber hot.

9. Seth and Abby weren't originally from that book either. I'd written a short story earlier with characters named Seth and Abbey, but I liked the names so much, I put them into the new story. And Seth insisted his story couldn't be told without Abby. Oh, and Abby originally had an e in her name, like Abbey Road.


8. Besta Pizza Around is a play on the name of a pizza joint one of my dear friends owns. Her's is called Besta Fasta Pizza. Wonder if she'd change it for me?

7. I listened to more than my share of Gary Allan during the writing of this story. Oh and a lot of harder music...primarily Godsmack.

6. I had a friend in school who was named Abby. I have no idea what happened to her because after elementary school, she moved, but I never forgot the name.

5. Learning How to Bend wasn't the original title either. I'd originally titled it Untitled Soldier Story and Coming Home.

4. Crestline, Ohio is a real place. Yup. I grew up not too far away from it.

3. I had to do a lot of research on clitoral piercings for the story. I had no idea if it was possible before then (I had a pretty good idea it was), but I had to check.

2. It was my second contract, but my first release. Strange but true. Odd how things work out that way.

1. I didn't plan a follow-up to the story when I wrote it. It was a one-off erotic romance. But the characters wouldn't let me be. They *had* to have their stories, too. And I'm not sure if I'm finished with the Besta Pizza Around bunch.

What the? Wednesdays..A Couple New Reviews!

There for a while, it seemed like no matter what happened, I couldn't buy a review for my very first short story (first thing ever out for me) Learning How to Bend. I went through the normal range of emotions, too. First I was thrilled it was out, then introspective because I hadn't had any reviews. Then a little down in the dumps because of no feedback. Then I got one review. It was nice. Good, but I wanted more feedback. I don't know about you, but really, it seems like the more responses I get, the better my writing becomes. So, I waited. Seemed like forever, too. And then the review fairy dropped not one, but two reviews on my door step. Can you tell I was elated. (Oh, I don't know, the non-stop paragraph above wasn't a clue? Hee hee.)

Want to read them? Sure you do!

First one is Seriously Reviewed. I give them tons of credit because they are blunt and no-hold-barred. If they like it, they like it. If not, they tell you. In my case, I think she liked it.
Ms. Zwaduk has a smooth writing style. The words flow together and create vivid imagery and interesting characters. Learning How To Bend had all the components for a spicy erotic tale. Lust, betrayal, remorse, forgiveness. I enjoyed the story and I thought the technical points—the dialog, descriptions and such, were flawless. But there were moments I didn’t like the characters. Some aspects just didn’t seem to fit with the overall puzzle. We know both characters are hurting. They both feel betrayed and they both wish the circumstances of their relationship were better. All this was great. I felt their pain and confusion and also the longing for both what they’d lost and what they could still have if either would “learn how to bend”. Great title by the way, Ms. Zwaduk.

Made me smile. But I gotta tell ya, what made me smile wider, was the one from Whipped Cream Reviews. When I wrote Seth, he was tough to write. Why? He's emotionally drained. The guy has seen hell and lived to talk about it. But he's conflicted, too. He's not sure what to think about what he's seen. It's screwed him up. But you want to read the review, not my rambling.

When faced with soon-to-be-ex-husband Seth at her door Abby decides to up the ante and sleep with not only Seth but his best friend Nate.

The main characters were both amazing, and I loved the fact that both of them were able to get past their own perceptions and see the truth in regard to one another. Seth had allowed his own insecurities to wreak havoc in his mind and his marriage. They even led him to question their relationship. The good thing was that even if his mind was confused, his heart knew exactly where it belonged. In Abby’s case she had built a barrier in her heart because her marriage had run its course -- according to her husband. At least that is what she thought until he showed up at the door with every intention on proving to his wife that he had a moment of weakness but was willing to do what it took to prove to her he wanted their marriage for the long haul - even if that meant a ménage with Nate. Both could have easily turned their backs on each other. It shows real character that they didn’t.

The antagonistic conflict worked because it helped feed on Seth and Abby’s already existing insecurities. Kenny was able to find out what could destroy them and preyed on it perfectly. Luckily for our hero and heroine, their love was everlasting even when faced with the seemingly impossible situations.

We know that the media always tries to put a face with the soldiers; so does this story. This is something that is commendable. Anyone who reads this story can feel the passion from the author. Seth suffered the unimaginable while fighting in Iraq just like many of our real life soldiers. Part of what he saw leads to his questioning his marriage. This is a fictional character and I am not sure if the author based this story on a real person, but if so I would not be surprised. That is how real she has made Seth.

This story definitely had its share of hot sweaty sex, but what really made me fall in love with it was the relationship development and the emotions behind both of the characters. So if your heart strings need a little plucking this will be an excellent choice.

Yeah, smile was super wide.

Now that I have your interest, want the vital stats for Learning How to Bend? Here's the blurb:

Their marriage is about to fall apart, but not if she can help it and he's willing to bend.


Abby Donovan imagined nothing could change her simple life as a librarian. Her loving husband Seth, a mechanic in the Air National Guard, is scheduled to return from a short deployment in Iraq. Before he gets home, a letter arrives. It seems Seth is asking for a divorce. She must decide whether to walk away without a fight or to wait and confront him with the thing he's always dreamed of - a ménage à trois. But all is not as it seems.

Seth Donovan wanted an idyllic life to go along with his career in the military. Then he sees the atrocities of war firsthand. A conversation with a colleague ends up as fodder for the rumour mill and so much more. Seth never wanted a divorce. He wants his wife. Will she accept him despite the rumours and advances from another man? Or can their relationship withstand the turmoil of war?

Oh, you wanted an excerpt? Sure!

“When can a fantasy be more than just a figment of the imagination?”

Abby Donovan pushed the sweat-soaked strands of hair off her forehead. “When the object of one’s affection is real.”

She plopped down on the couch. Pushing the furniture to the perimeter of the room drained her. Now she spoke to the walls, knowing her wayward husband couldn’t hear her ranting. “Is this what you wanted, Seth? Six years down the drain because your dick couldn’t stay in your pants?”

She glanced at her cell phone then at the photo propped against a nearby box. She, Seth and his best friend Nate grinned back at her. Maybe pizza would take her mind off her pain. Probably not, but with Nate as the delivery man, anything was possible. She bit her fingernail and dialled Besta Pizza Around’s number. A medium pie with extra mushrooms delivered by the sandy-haired hunk would make her feel a little better.

She checked the time on the clock on the microwave. Seven-oh-seven. Her husband’s best friend, Nate Waterston, was on delivery duty. Besta Pizza Around’s policy was ‘delivery in half an hour or you get another pizza free’. Calculating her wait time, she turned on her heel and headed to the bedroom. She had to hurry if she wanted to be dressed when she met her favourite pizza guy.

Abby stripped off her clothes in the stark bedroom and turned the stereo up to full volume, blasting the rock band, Slipknot, to drown out her turbulent thoughts.

She tugged off her socks. Seth smiled from a snapshot on the dresser. She balled the clothing and hurled them at the picture. “You son of a bitch! Why? Wasn’t I exciting enough? I loved you.” I still do…

Tears streamed down her cheeks. Her chest heaved. “Was it because I’m not a pilot?” She wadded her T-shirt and tossed it across the room. “You said our lovemaking was passionate and explosive!”

She stepped into the steaming hot shower. The water stung her tired muscles, but felt wonderful nonetheless, like indulgent pinpricks on her tender flesh. While she lathered her body, her mind wandered back to Seth. As much as she wanted to, she couldn’t get her soon-to-be ex-husband out of her mind.

Want your own copy? Go to Total-e-Bound or Amazon for a Kindle version.

The Men Take Over

Hee hee hee... I begged Wendi to let us play on the blog today since she's busy. Muwhahaha, she has no idea what her heroes are up to.

So, who are we? You've met me, but I love to talk and show off. Logan Malone's the name, charming is my game... but my one true love is Cass Jensen.

On my left is Seth Donovan. He's not much of a talker, but he's a good guy. He fixes C-130's. I've never been in one other than to walk through, but it sounds freaking cool.

On his left is his buddy Nate Waterford. He owns THE BEST pizza shop in Ohio, Besta Pizza Around. But I'll let them talk.

Seth: I have no idea what to say. Give me a wrench and I'm good. Better yet, give me my wife, Abby and I'm golden. Nate, come take this...

Nate: Hiya. Sorry Seth, I know you're not happy in the spotlight. But I am. So what'cha want to know? I work part time as a lawyer and most of my time chasing a sexy romance writer around my restaurant... Wendi? No, sorry, I love her dearly, but my heart belongs to Courteney. I have to help Courteney realize that I love her. Ah... but it'll happen. I can feel it. Now, we aren't the only three here. Logan's dying to take control, but I won't let him. Ha! I'll pass this on to Cade and Rhett. Like Seth, Cade's not much of a talker, but Rhett? He'll yak your ear off.

Cade: Hi... I'm not sure what to say. I love my nascar and watching my girl, Melanie take pictures. She's good at capturing people at ease and making them look pretty.

Logan: Hee hee, you said pretty. I didn't think you had a soft bone on your body.

Cade: They look nice. Dammit, Rhett, take over. I'm out.

Rhett: Excuse my pal. He's not good with crowds. If its possible for a guy to be a wallflower, it's Cade. Now me? I love women, all women. He's the type to settle down. Me? Never! Not where there is a great big ole world full of beautiful girls and one of me. (Wriggling brows). Hey, girls like my tats and my muscles, why let them down? They don't want pretty boys like Logan or billion-dollar boys like Nate. Pftft.

Nate and Logan: Them's fightin' words.

Rhett: Nah, takes too much effort from the chase. When that one woman who may exist wants to tie me down, I'll make it worth her while to finally catch me.

Logan: We'd have invited Storm, but he's sleeping right now. Something about having to recharge his batteries. Says he's a vampire, but I've never seen the fangs and I've known him for over two years. (Shrugs) Oh well.
Ack! I see Wendi coming. I know, she said we could play, but I know she doesn't want us to fight.

Gotta go!

Bye from all the boys!

It's My Turn

Logan and Seth told me this is a great place to stop. Logan claims there are some good looking girls. Seth, well, he doesn't say much unless you want to talk airplanes.

Me? Well, I can't give you many details. Most of what I do is classified. Why? Well, I have this gift. I can shift. Into what? That's classified. (But no, I won't cause bodily harm and, no, I won't tell you.) But I like to talk sometimes. I've seen a lot of the world. I love my family and deal with my fiancee's family. They can't accept what they don't understand. But then there's my Jamie. She gets me when no one else does. She's my rock. And she's a damn fine kisser. But those are a few more details than I should divulge.

I was asked what my ideal woman would be if I didn't have my Jamie. If she left me? Honest? I'd probably immerse myself in my work. If she walked away, then I'd know I was the cause. Sound sappy? Who gives a fuck. If she passed before me? I'd be a lonely man, but I'd never take another. My bond with Jamie is unique to us. She's it for me and I am damned lucky.

I'm sorry if I didn't entertain you like Logan. He's suave, but he's full of himself. I guess I'm more like Seth, but there's nothing wrong with the strong and silent type.

Take it easy, value your freedom, and pray for the troops.

Hmmm... This is new...

So I see Wendi walked away from her blog for the moment. Abby always said I should try blogging... might as well give it a shot.

You probably don't know me. I'm not famous and I didn't flash anyone at a Christmas party. Once I tried karaoke, but never again. Some are meant to sing. Not me.

So you don't know me, but I'm sure my job makes your life easier. Who the heck am I and who is Abby? My name is Technical Sergeant Seth Donovan. I'm a mechanic on C-130 Hercules aircraft for the Ohio Air National Guard. That's right, I fix and maintain military aircraft.

As for Abby, she's my wife. She's a Romance Coordinator at our local library. She loves to read and dabbles in romance writing.

She's the love of my life.

But as with all marriages, we have issues. My recent deployment wasn't easy for us. But that's all I'll say. As Abby would tell you, I'm not good with sharing my feelings.

Did I say too much? Probably. I don't always know when to shut either. I'm not good at this blogging business either.

One more thing, don't believe everything Logan says. He's a good guy, but he's a talker.

I better go get ready to go on duty.

Be safe and God Bless America.