Archive for the 'Commanding Acquisitions' Category

Wonderful Reviews to Round Out the Year

Published on December 21, 2010 in 1-800-DOM-help, Commanding Acquisitions, No Remedy and Review. 1 Comment

With all the excitement getting ready for Christmas (including a much anticipated visit by my parents), I was excited to find not one, not three, but FIVE reviews sitting in my Inbox this week! Yeah, it’s enough to make me giddy (or that could be the chocolate overload!).

No Remedy

When writing a sequel, it’s always hard to find the balance between not wanting to bore readers of the first book, but giving enough information to new readers in the second. Considering how much I love the characters in my pirate series, I was really happy to see that readers are enjoying them.

Lea over at BlackRaven’s Reviews gave No Remedy five ravens and said,

No Remedy is a truly outstanding story. With great characters, a complicated and intriguing plot, settings that tie into the storyline in a meaningful manner that advances the plot, and a timeframe that has a quite literal deadline ticking away in the back of your mind as you read, this is not only an enjoyable, but memorable book.

Christine d’Abo gifts the reader with a daring combination of sci-fi space adventure, sexy and soulful ménage, and pirating with a conscience topped off with a bit of professional gunslinger and she makes it work, and work well.

Thank you, Lea!! I was also stunned to learn that No Remedy won book of the week over at BlackRaven’s Reviews! Thank you to everyone who voted. You can read the full review here.

AlexJouJou at Manic Readers gave No Remedy four stars and said,

I very much enjoyed how the dynamic between the three primary characters developed and how it all worked together for their ménage. Permanent ménage can be difficult to write as it is more than just a sex thing and here we see several layers developed and expanded so that you believe a happily ever after for three is the outcome. I’m going to seek out more books by Ms. D’Abo as I am quite impressed!

Thank you, Alex! You can read the full review here.

Commanding Acquisitions

Not one but three reviews came in for Commanding Acquisitions this week. Being book two is always hard. Lots of expectations to live up to. After the wonderful start with Marilu Mann’s Needing Harte, I’m thrilled to say people are still loving the 1-800-DOM-help series.

The always fantastic Tina at Two Lips Reviews, gave Commanding four lips!

Commanding Acquisitions by Christine D’ Abo is a BDSM story that teaches the real meaning of BDSM – trust. Both Simon and Gavin have trust issues. 1-800-Dom-Help has put them on track to finding out why they have the trust issues but can they take a chance and make the most of the opportunity?…The emotional connection between the lead characters and their hotter-than-sin sex had me hooked on Commanding Acquisitions.  Now I have to check out the other books in the 1-800- Dom-Help series.  Bring them on!

Read the full review here.

Lea at BlackRaven’s Reviews gave it four ravens.

Commanding Acquisitions is one of those great stories where the strong come to understand their weaknesses, the weak come to find and accept their strengths and eventually everything sorts out to an HEA ending. At just under 100 pages, this story is easily read and greatly enjoyed in one or two sittings.

Read the full review here.

And last, but certainly not least, AlexJouJou at Manic Readers gave it four stars.

Commanding Acquisitionsis a tender love story at heart—even with BDSM elements thrown in it is the connection between Simon and Gavin that steals the show. Gavin is coming to grips with a past that has left him scarred and Simon is trying to let go enough to be what Gavin needs. The way that Simon anticipates Gavin’s desires is at the core of what power exchange is all about—that level of trust in the other person to give you what you need is not hard to give but, once given with a good Dom like Simon, the pleasure is all the better.

Read the full review here.

Thank you to all the reviewers who have helped end my 2010 on a high note. And thank you to all the readers who continue to enjoy my stories.

*does a snoopy dance*

Sunday update

Published on December 5, 2010 in 1-800-DOM-help, Book Trailer, Commanding Acquisitions, Firm Touch, Jack and Jill. 1 Comment

Wow, where did the time go. I blinked and November disappeared on me. :D I’m sure NaNo had more than a little to do with that (and I finished with 68k!). So it’s been a bit since I’ve done any updates and I have some fun things to share.

First off, thank you to everyone who has had kind words about Commanding Acquisitions, my story in the 1-800-DOM-help series. Book three will be releasing on January 26th, and it’s coming to you from the very talented Desiree Holt. Look for Delight Me, coming soon.

To celebrate our third release in the series, the fantastic Delphine Dryden has pulled together a trailer for the series!

Awesome, right?!

Tomorrow marks the release of my contribution to the EC Merry Kinkmas line. Firm Touch is coming out and I’m nervous/excited about this one. Nervous because the kink I chose is pretty risque, even for me. Excited because I’d like to think I did a good job on it. I guess we’ll see tomorrow. If you buy Firm Touch, please consider leaving a comment on the EC site (good or bad, just be honest).

I was also thrilled to have a stunning review of No Remedy by Ames over at Book Binge. She gave No Remedy 4.75 out of 5!

Holy spaceballs! I don’t know what I was expecting when I opened this book up, but I was totally blown away by what I read…the action begins immediately in No Remedy. Which is great! And unfolding right alongside all the action is a really great romance. First of all, there is enough history between the three characters that the quick pace of the romance makes sense…No Remedy had everything good going for it. A space pirate, a bounty hunter and a scientist. There was all combinations of loving that really spiced up an already interesting concept and all the action just hit the spot.

Please make sure to pop over to the Book Binge and check out all their other fantastic reviews!

And finally, my last bid news… I got another puppy! Yes, poor Jack my one and a half year old miniature Daschund was lonely. He gets left home alone in the day now that my husband has taken on a new job and we were feeling bad. So yesterday we went out and got another mini.

Introducing…Jill!! (yes…we went there)

I love my baby girl bunches and I think Jack is rather smitten as well. Or horny. We really need to get him fixed now LOL!

I’m still writing up a storm and should have several submissions off to editors in the near future. I’m just finishing up a WIP and then it will be back to work on No Master, book three in my space pirate series. I hope all is well with everyone.

Special Reviews

Published on November 21, 2010 in 1-800-DOM-help, Commanding Acquisitions and Review. 0 Comments

I think it’s pretty obvious that I love reviews. Good or bad, I value the feed back a reader provides as I always try and learn something from it. When I get a review from another writer, it makes me very excited and nervous. Especially if they are authors who I admire.

Both the amazing Delphine Dryden and Michelle Polaris gave Commanding Acquisitions fantastic reviews recently. These are both ladies who write some of the best BDSM romance I’ve ever read, so getting their thumbs up on a story means a lot.

Michelle said:

It gives us two characters, intelligent, intriguing, sexy and enjoyable, places them at an important pivot point of their lives, drives the sexual heat high between them, and makes them face important decisions about taking the risk of relationship and coping with the fears that get in their way.

And De’s review makes me sound like I knew what I was doing! LOL!

Christine does a wonderful job keeping the pace flowing in this short but intense book. She makes great use of the 1-800-DOM-help setup to get Simon and Gavin together, but then lets the setting fade to background as they work their way into this relationship. The sex scenes are scorchingly hot and surprisingly sweet for a m/m BDSM tale. I enjoyed how the sex kept the emotional story rolling, as the steamy interaction became another form of communication between the two heroes.

If you haven’t checked out either of these two ladies, you really need to do so. Amazing story tellers and I’m privileged to know them.Thanks to both of you!

Oooh look!

Published on November 11, 2010 in Book Trailer, Commanding Acquisitions, The Bond That Heals Us, The Bond That Saves Us and The Bond That Ties Us. 0 Comments

Yeah, I’m a geek.

So I’m at a conference. And today I learned about how to make book trailers. After a grand total of 25 minutes, I made two trailers that I’m not embarrassed to put on the Internet. Well, maybe a little.

But only 25 minutes people!!

Here is one I did up for Commanding Acquisitions.

And here is one I did for my Eternal Bond series.

So what do you think? Don’t quit my day job? :D

Now Out – Commanding Acquisitions!

Published on November 10, 2010 in 1-800-DOM-help and Commanding Acquisitions. 0 Comments

*does a snoopy dance around the room*

It’s out!! I am super excited to let everyone know that Commanding Acquisitions, the second book in the 1-800-DOM-help series is now available from Ellora’s Cave.

When we started talking about the series, a lot of ideas were bounced around. At the time, I was working at a conference for my day job, and as we chatted the idea for Commanding Acquisitions popped into my head. I wrote the synopsis on my BlackBerry in between conference sessions and then tore back to my hotel room to get started.

The end result is a story I’m very happy to call my own. :)

I thought I would share with you today our new group prologue, and a short excerpt from Commanding Acquisitions. I hope you enjoy!

The Magic

The magic begins with the appearance of the business card. Sleek black print on a pristine white background—unassuming in its appearance. Those brave enough to call the number will begin a journey that will explore their greatest desires.

Once the call is made, the Operator goes to work. Somehow he knows just what every caller needs, always able to find the answer the caller seeks.

Callers may be directed to Unfettered, a new club in town, one nobody has heard of. It provides a safe haven for all who enter. Members are free to explore their every desire…even those they weren’t aware of. Little do they know Unfettered will disappear once those yearnings have eased.

Submissives who don’t know how to handle their Dominants. Masters looking for the perfect sub. People who need just a little push to admit vanilla isn’t their favorite flavor. The card finds them all.

And once you dial 1-800-DOM-help anything can happen.

Commanding Acquisitions

Simon cocked his head to the side, looking at the man kneeling by his chair out of the corner of his eye. He hadn’t moved. The drink was still being offered, though Simon could see the slight shake in his arms. With a bored sigh, he reached out and took the tumbler.

The familiar, pleasant burn of the scotch made its way down his throat. Damn, that was good. He took another sip and held his glass out. The sub reached for it, taking it neatly from him.

A loud crack was followed by a sob. “One. Thank you, Mistress.”

Simon reached out and took the glass again. He ignored the tiny rush of electricity when his fingers brushed against the sub’s. Fuck, he hadn’t even looked at the man yet and Simon was ready to tie him up.

“Two. Thank you, Mistress.”

He knew he wouldn’t be able to put things off too long. If Simon wasn’t going to play with the boy, then he needed to cut him loose sooner rather than later. It wouldn’t be fair to waste the poor guy’s whole evening.

Crack. “Three. Thank you, Mistress.” Gasp.

“I bet his ass is red now.” Simon said softly. It could be brushed off as him speaking to himself, but he knew the man at his feet would hang on every word.

“Five. Thank you, Mistress.”

“I bet the welts are nice and white. He won’t be able to sit down for hours.” Simon sipped his drink. “I wonder if she’ll fuck him or if she’ll leave him to suffer.”

“Seven. Thank you, Mistress.”

Not wanting to wait any longer, Simon looked over at the man at his feet.

He didn’t appear to be much younger than Simon. He was shirtless, wearing leather pants and his feet were bare. Brown hair fell forward to cover his eyes, which Simon inexplicably wanted to know the color of. His long, lean arms were now resting at his sides, knuckles pressed to the floor. God, he looked like a swimmer or runner. Someone who took the time to exercise and look after himself.

In short, he was gorgeous.

“Nine. Thank you, Mistress.”

The sub at his feet was breathing a bit harder now. Simon liked that he was affected by the scene going on. Not that they would be able to do something like that now—not without setting limits at least.

“Think he’s going to make it? She’s been going pretty rough on him. Answer me.”

“Yes Sir. He will.”

Commanding Acquisitions and NaNo

Published on November 9, 2010 in Commanding Acquisitions and NaNoWriMo. 0 Comments

Hello everyone!

So I haven’t been around much on the old blog as I was hoping. NaNo has been keeping me very busy. I’m now officially 19k into the story and I’m so far pleased with how things are turning out. The first novella is shaping up nicely and I should be ready to move on to number two by next week.

More exciting for me this week, is the release of Commanding Acquisitions tomorrow! Simon and Gavin are raring to come out and play! I’ll be posting over on the 1-800-DOM-help blog tomorrow and we still have a few contests running over there. Go check it out!

Ooooh and because I’m feeling nice, here’s a little naughty bit from the story!

Excerpt

Anticipation made Simon’s skin tingle. There were so many options for him to start with, things he could do as an opportunity to learn Gavin and his body. Yet, this wasn’t about him and his needs. Simon didn’t need to worry about the business, bills or anything else beyond discovering what made Gavin tick. What it was that would give the other man the release he needed?

It was something Simon could control.

“Get up. Come to the table and tell me three things you want. If I approve, you may be fortunate enough to have them used on you.”

Gavin kept his arms where they were as he climbed back to his feet. It was rare for Simon to find a sub who followed his commands so exactly. Even Russ would take liberties with him, obeying the spirit of Simon’s laws if not the letter. Sometimes it was intentional, the other man wanting Simon to punish him, the thrill of pain and pleasure combining.

As Gavin moved to the table, Simon watched his gaze flow across the straps, dildos, gags and other toys. Smirking, Simon slid his leather jacket from his shoulders. “I want you to use your teeth, bring each one to me.”

The hitch in Gavin’s breathing told him it was the right thing to say.
Simon made his way over to the three quarter lounge in the center of the room. The soft fabric felt good under his touch. Spreading his legs wide, he waited until Gavin bent deeply at the waist to pick up his first selection.

The dark leather of the bridle straps were a contrast to the fair skin of Gavin’s face. It took Simon a moment to recognize the design, a slightly unusual one, but well within his realm of knowledge.

Pressing his index finger to his lips, Simon sat back further in his seat. “Why?”

Gavin leaned forward and dropped the bridle into Simon’s waiting hands. “Sir…it’s been a while.”

The admission strangely made Simon feel better. “Coming without permission certainly wouldn’t put me in a good mood.” He held it up, rubbing the soft leather between his fingers. “Come forward.”

It took some work to maneuver the leather over Gavin’s rock hard cock and around his balls. The ties dangled free to tickle the tops of his inner thighs. That sensation alone would be a continued tease in addition to what Simon had in store for the man.

“You are not to come until I give you permission. If you feel you are getting close, you will pull this tight to prevent it. If you are unable to, tell me. Do you understand?”

Gavin nodded.

Simon slapped Gavin’s thigh. “What was that?”

“Yes Sir,” Gavin said on a gasp.

The picture that the black leather against the angry red skin painted pushed Simon dangerously close to the edge.

“Go get your second item.”

Gavin moved faster this time, but still possessing all the grace Simon had begun to associate with him. The second selection took a little bit longer, but Simon wasn’t disappointed when the item fell into his lap.
Holding up the butt plug, he couldn’t keep the smirk from his face.

“I’m not sure if this is sufficient.” He turned the item around in his hand. “It’s much smaller than I am. While I want you tight, I don’t want to…damage you.”

The look in Gavin’s eyes wasn’t one of belief.

“Get the next size up. Quickly!”

Commanding Acquisitions – Cover Art!

Published on October 27, 2010 in 1-800-DOM-help and Commanding Acquisitions. 0 Comments

This is a happy cover art week for me!! I’m so excited to unveil the cover for Commanding Acquisitions!

*drool*

And don’t forget our contest over at the 1-800-DOM-help blog. Check it out!

1-800-DOM-help Contest!

Published on October 27, 2010 in 1-800-DOM-help and Commanding Acquisitions. 1 Comment

Who wants to win an awesome gift bag from the authors of the 1-800-DOM-help series??

It’s super-fantastic!

In celebration of the recent launch of our series, the 1-800-DOM-help gals are running a contest. We’re holding a scavenger hunt. I’ll list a group of questions, the answers to which can be found on our various author web locations. Pop over to the 1-800-DOM-help blog to get all the details on both the scavenger hunt and the prize.

And don’t forget!!

My book in the series, Commanding Acquisitions, will be coming out on November 10th.

Blurb

Simon is a Dom who has become jaded, tired of the local scene. With his bookstore failing and personal life nonexistent, he’s looking for something different. The arrival of the mysterious 1-800-DOM-help business card gives Simon a chance for a change. The Operator directs him to Unfettered, a hot new BDSM club where Simon hopes to find a distraction for the evening. What he gets is a sexy sub offering himself up for a night of no-holds-barred sex, who then disappears with the dawn.

When the business consultant Simon hires turns out to be his mysterious sub, he knows he’s found a chance at happiness. But happiness comes at a price.

State of the Bedroom…err Union

Published on October 24, 2010 in 1-800-DOM-help, Commanding Acquisitions, Firm Touch, In Print, NaNoWriMo, No Quarter, No Remedy, Primal Elements, Review, The Bond That Consumes Us, The Bond That Saves Us and Writing. 2 Comments

Sunday is supposed to be a day for reflection. As I sit here on my bed, cup of coffee in hand, I’m trying to get my head around a lot of news I’ve received recently. Thankfully, most of it is good! I thought I’d share with you some of the things coming up in the Christineland.

In Print

I found out on Friday that not one, or two, but three of my Ellora’s Cave books will be coming out in print in 2011! For those of you collecting the paperbacks, both The Bond That Consumes Us and The Bond That Saves Us will be hitting the shelves. I’m also thrilled to have learned that Primal Elements will also be coming out in print! I’ll keep you posted on any other updates.

New Sales

I have a very exciting new sale that I am desperate to announce, but I can’t quite yet. I just received the contract and will be sending it in shortly (must give it a good read through first). Let’s just say I’m VERY excited with this one.

EDIT: Hell, I just read the contract and signed, so I’m going to announce it anyway! I’m thrilled to say that my short story, Bruised Ego, will be in the November 2011 Berkley anthology, Agony and Ecstacy. To say I’m still in shock is an understatement. I have to thank J.K Coi for encouraging (making) me write this story right before the deadline. Even better? Her story also got in!!!

Reviews

Thank you to everyone who has bought and read No Remedy! I have received a ton of emails on this book and many people are also going back to read No Quarter. I had this review from Carla at RomFan Reviews pop up in my Google Alerts. They gave No Remedy a five hunk rating! Thanks to them and please check out their other reviews.

I know I’ve said it before, but to everyone who has taken the time to either place a review on Goodreads, the Ellora’s Cave site, a blog or even sent me an email – THANK YOU! Your comments mean so much to me.

Coming Soon

I have two releases coming out in the next few weeks! Commanding Acquisitions is my first novella in the 1-800-DOM-help series from Ellora’s Cave. Writing this book was like a gift from my (smutty) muse. Simon and Gavin came to me complete (with a bow around their necks) and the story setup really flowed. I am really excited it will be out on November 10th and I hope to have the cover to share with you shortly.

In addition, I have a short story coming out as part of the EC Merry Kinkmas line. My story Firm Touch will be out on December 6th and has to deal with….

*drum roll*

M/M Fisting.

*and waits for the audience to breath again*

I know what you’re thinking, but it is a very thinking/smutty book. According to my beta readers, it’s pretty hot too LOL! I’ll have to wait to see what you all think about it.

In Progress

With all this going on, I’m not slowing down. I am currently working on No Master, which is book three in my space pirate series. This one is dealing with Korbin, the Admiral of the Black and Zain Strand, his second in command. I’m about a third of the way through I am hoping to have it finished by the end of December.

I’ll be working on a different book for NaNoWriMo. I’m still working out all the details, but the book will be three interconnected novellas. Should be a lot of fun. :)

I also have plans to do a second book for the 1-800-DOM-help series. More on that once I get it done. :)

Well, that’s me. As always, I’ll keep people posted of updates as they happen. I wish everyone a fantastic week!

Series Launch – 1-800-DOM-help

Published on October 6, 2010 in 1-800-DOM-help and Commanding Acquisitions. 0 Comments

It’s official! Ellora’s Cave has a new series and I’m beyond thrilled to be a part of it. Book one in the 1-800-DOM-help series, Needing Harte, is now available.

I had the privileged of reading an advanced copy of this book (thank you Cai and Arwen!!) and let me tell you…*drool*

Here’s the official blurb.

Harte Donovan has a problem. A murder leads to him wanting a sexy stripper bound and naked in front of him. He can’t let his secret desires ruin his career as a detective. But when he’s given a mysterious business card, Harte discovers a side of himself he intends to fully embrace.

Ramey Nichols strips for a living and he’s not willing to pretend to be something he’s not. When this sexy submissive meets the closeted cop and unwitting Dom, something has got to give. That something might just be Ramey. Ramey knows what he wants, and more than that, finds himself Needing Harte.

I love a good alpha male and have always had a secret (okay, not so much) crush on cops. Harte Donovan gives me everything I want in a hero. His first glimpse of Ramey is awesome. And Ramey…there is nothing better than a man who knows how to work it! Ramey pulls out every trick he knows trying to win Harte over.

It’s not all fun and games for the boys. There’s a murder on the loose (no plot spoiler here people), and Harte needs to find out who the killer is before something happens to Ramey.

I also love a good secondary character. Jason Winters had me wanting a book of his own (hint hint). His relationship with Ramey and guidance of Harte into the lifestyle are fun to watch.

My own 1-800-DOM-help book, Commanding Acquisitions, will be coming out soon. Once I have a release date, I’ll let you know.But for now, check out Needing Harte!