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Delicious Surrender: A Steamy Grumpy Sunshine Romance
Delicious Surrender follows Brynne, a London-based writer whose half-written BDSM romance novel pushes her toward a bolder, messier, and far more personal journey than she ever imagined. After a breakup that strips away her safe, predictable life, she dives into the erotic underworld, not as a voyeur behind a laptop, but as an active participant. From her nerve-racking interview at the elite Club Dominus, to her intense encounters with a legendary Domme, to her electric clashes with the magnetic and maddening Master Gage, Brynne’s story is one of self-discovery wrapped in heat, humor, and raw vulnerability. The book blends the erotic with the emotional, showing both the thrilling power play of dominance and submission and the inner battles of a woman learning to drop her armor.
I had a blast reading this book. It’s sharp, cheeky, and vivid in all the right places. Brynne’s inner monologue cracked me up as often as it made me blush. The pacing has a satisfying rhythm of slow burns that spike into sudden, pulse-racing moments. What I loved most was how Sutherland makes the eroticism feel earned. The heat doesn’t live in endless descriptions of skin and leather, but in the teasing pauses, the push-pull of control, and the tiny moments of vulnerability that hit just as hard as the physical scenes. There were points where the banter and Brynne’s self-deprecating humor undercut the tension.
The characters feel alive, even the ones who only appear briefly. Mistress Patricia completely stole my attention. Her elegance, command, and warmth wrapped in danger made me want an entire spinoff just about her. Master Gage is pure temptation laced with barbed wire, and while he isn’t always likable, that’s part of the pull. I appreciated how Brynne’s growth wasn’t about finding “the right Dom” so much as it was about finding her own boundaries and desires.
By the end, I was both grinning and wishing there were a few more chapters to linger in the afterglow. Delicious Surrender is for readers who want their romance spiked with edge and humor, who don’t mind their heroines messy and mouthy, and who enjoy erotic tension built on more than just explicit scenes. If you like your love stories with a twist of danger, a splash of wit, and enough steam to fog the windows, this one’s worth surrendering to.
Pages: 515 | ASIN : B0DPL2B4R9
Stories of Abuse
Hollywood and Velvet is a gripping tale of fame’s seductive and destructive power, following a struggling actor and a faded starlet as they navigate a surreal, volatile bond in the heart of Beverly Hills. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was living in Cincinnati in 2013 and one of my favorite bands, The National, released an album called Trouble Will Find Me. I listened to that album obsessively and over the course of several months, the vibe of the album inspired a narrative of a young guy from Cincinnati who gets out of the military and takes the risk that I never did. He heads to LA on a whim and has some early success in the film industry but ultimately, gets consumed by it. The story has some psychosexual elements to it, so I put the manuscript on the back burner because I felt society wasn’t ready for it. In 2023, I was already living in Florida, but I had the opportunity to see The National live in Cincinnati and their entire set was the entire Trouble Will Find Me album. That concert was a surreal, creative catalyst for me. I went back to my hotel, opened the manuscript, and put the finishing touches on it through the night. Looking at the recent mainstream successes of psychosexual projects like The Handmaid’s Tale and Babygirl, I felt the time was right to release it.
The book offers sharp commentary on the entertainment industry. Was this drawn from personal experience or research?
I had the opportunity in my youth to participate in some film productions and I fell in love with the process. However, even as a teenager in the 80s, I was already aware that the path to being a professional actor leads to heartache 99% of the time so I ended up enlisting in the military after high school and later, pursuing some business ventures which fortunately, ended up giving me the freedom in my 40s to explore my creative endeavors. The narrative I developed for the story was based on a compilation of publicized stories of abuse as well as many that are still circulating throughout Los Angeles but haven’t been made public yet.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
With the exposure of the abuse in Hollywood over the past several years, I have heard a lot of people blame the victims and wonder why they didn’t “just walk away.” That is an oversimplified perspective. When you dedicate your entire life to pursuing a dream, it’s unrealistic to expect someone to walk away from their dreams because of one disgusting person.
I also wanted to explore the complexity of sexual assault and why it is often not reported. It is a trauma that doesn’t come with a natural way to cope. It creates a plethora of emotions and, as we have seen in hundreds of cases, the blame often falls on the victim.
And, of course, I wanted to explore the addictive power of fame. Both of the main characters have had a taste and in their own ways, are seeking to recapture the feeling. Fame can be like a drug. Once you are addicted, you will crave it your entire life.
The dynamic between Velvet and Christian is tense and intimate. How did you approach writing their evolving relationship?
Velvet was the easier character to develop because of the nature of the story. I had some flexibility with her because the reader never really knows the real person. I actually love hearing readers’ retrospective analysis, contemplating which of Velvet’s actions were genuine, which were contrived to manipulate Christian, and which were performance. Christian was a bit more rigid. I had to allow his character to grow and evolve but always maintain his core personality and beliefs. Their relationship was complicated by Velvet’s complexity and constantly changing behavior. I had to carefully consider how Christian would respond to it. It was important to develop him the way I did because a much more assertive or impulsive person would walk away from the situation. Most readers figure out that he was chosen to be in Velvet’s scheme because of his personality.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The Secret
The Secret by Eve M. Riley is a compelling exploration of love, loss, and the quest for truth, set against the vivid and raw backdrop of Africa and New York. At the heart of this novel is Liss, a fiercely independent woman who has navigated a life filled with heartbreak and betrayal. Her instinct to protect herself is strong, yet when she meets Dan during a volunteer mission in the Congo, something shifts. Unlike the deceitful charmers of her past, Dan meets her sharp wit with a disarming charm that draws her in, sparking an undeniable connection.
Liss’s journey is defined by her resilience and determination to chart her own course, even as her trust in Dan begins to waver. Initially, she chooses not to pry into Dan’s evasive responses, confident that his secrets will eventually surface on their own. However, as the truth starts to reveal itself, Liss’s confidence gives way to a relentless need to uncover the real Dan. This search for truth drives the narrative, pulling readers into Liss’s internal struggle as she faces the possibility that the answers she seeks might not be the ones she desires. Riley masterfully paces the novel, blending emotional highs and lows with suspenseful twists. The push and pull of Liss and Dan’s relationship is marked by moments of heartache, hope, and intense passion, creating a dynamic that keeps readers fully engaged. The narrative tension is skillfully maintained, particularly through Dan’s mysterious disappearance, which adds an edge of unpredictability to the story. The richly depicted settings, from the Congo’s rugged landscapes to the urban hustle of New York, serve as more than just backdrops—they mirror the characters’ internal struggles and add layers of depth to the narrative. The strategic use of time gaps allows for significant character development, making the eventual reunion between Liss and Dan even more poignant and impactful. Riley’s portrayal of their intense romance, with its blend of tender and dramatic moments, showcases her talent for crafting a multifaceted and emotionally resonant story.
The Secret is a standout romance that delivers both emotional depth and narrative complexity. Riley’s ability to create relatable characters with genuine struggles and desires makes this novel a must-read for anyone looking for a romance that goes beyond the surface. With its intricate blend of mystery, heartache, and ultimate redemption, The Secret is a powerful testament to the resilience of love and the courage it takes to face the unknown.
Pages: 288 | ASIN : B0CLN8RCZX
Uncertainty and Revelation
A House of Cranes follows an eleven-year-old orphan who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth after going to live with a well-off family in Connecticut. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I always wanted to write a coming-of-age story. I think back to my childhood and all the discoveries that come with being a boy, a teenager, and a young man. It’s a time filled with uncertainty and revelation.
The characters of Lucius and the Crane family are intricately woven, with a multitude of layers that make them unique and intriguing. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
My goal is to always give my characters as much depth as possible. If they’re not interesting to me, I can’t expect them to be interesting to my readers. It’s also important for each character to have some opposing qualities I can use to pit them against one another.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Love and acceptance, and at the very least, to be seen by those we hold in high esteem, are the underlying themes in the novel. Above that is coming to terms with want versus need and understanding the difference between love and obsession.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it?
The current novel I’m writing is about a retired CEO, twice divorced, childless, alone, and has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. She hires a male escort who she has seen in the past to spend a month with her at her vacation home on a small island off the coast of Australia. My planned publication date is in the fall of this year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Website
A House of Cranes
Set in 1963 in Hartford, Connecticut, A House of Cranes by James Walter Lee delves into the life of Lucius Cook, an eleven-year-old orphan who finds solace in the Crane household. This historical fiction portrays Lucius’ complex relationship with the Crane family, particularly the enigmatic Eleanor Crane, sparking a journey filled with self-discovery amidst the family’s hidden struggles.
Lee masterfully crafts a narrative that delves into themes of identity, familial bonds, and the intricate nature of love. As Lucius transitions from a reserved boy to a young man contending with burgeoning desires, the reader is drawn into a richly described world of emotional complexity. The author’s prose, characterized by its immersive quality, offers a deep dive into Lucius’s psychological landscape, marking key moments of realization and growth. The portrayal of the Crane family serves as a poignant reflection on the dichotomy between appearances and reality, especially in the context of Eleanor and Kenneth Crane’s strained marriage. This dynamic adds layers to the narrative as each character navigates their intricate web of relationships amid emotional upheaval. Lee’s handling of sensuality and desire within the novel is noteworthy, blending tenderness with a sense of provocative exploration. Central to the narrative, this aspect delves into complex and provocative themes, offering a rich and thought-provoking experience for those who engage with its depth. It contributes significantly to the novel’s examination of intimacy and personal growth.
A House of Cranes is a compelling blend of historical setting and profound character study. James Walter Lee’s adept storytelling and rich characterizations make this work a significant contribution to the literary fiction genre. Its introspective exploration of human emotions and relationships will likely engage readers who appreciate nuanced, character-driven narratives.
Pages: 386 | ASIN : B0CTD39W3K
LITERARY TITAN 