Author Override is the place where authors take the reins and take you on a journey into their world. Some may allow you into their private writing dens. Others may take you along with them on research trips or interviews. Whatever the case may be, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride because here youโll get an in-depth look into an authorโs musings.
Today we get a treat from author Cherise Sinclair as she takes the Under the Covers ladies straight into her BDSM club, Shadowlands!
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Under the Covers goes to the Shadowlands
If the ladies at the Under The Covers blog had mentioned what theyโd planned at the Shadowlands, I would have warned them against it. But, I guess this is how little subbies learn discretionโฆ
Cherise
Hiding on the side of the three-story stone mansion, Francesca peered into the dark night. No cars were coming up the drive to the isolated BDSM club. Biting her lip, she waited.
Finally, fireworks exploded in the parking lot. Way to go, Annie, Angela, and Suzanne! The door of the Shadowlands opened and an intimidating security guard ran toward the parking lot. Francesca grinned as the red taillights of her friendsโ getaway car sped down the drive to safety. Score! One fantastic article was in the bag.
As the guard tried to put out the fireworks, Francesca slipped through the front door, hurried through the empty reception area, and into the club. Oh. Wow. As her eyes adjusted to ominously low lighting, she turned in a circle.
The place was huge, taking up the entire ground floor of the mansion. Expensive, leather padded BDSM equipment lined the wallsโฆand every piece was in use. At the first one, a terrifyingly scarred-up Dom was fastening a slender redhead to a sawhorse. Farther down, someone was using a whip, making even red lines down a pale back. The cracking sound made Francesca take a step back. Over the music of Nine Inch Nails, she could hear someone crying. Low groans. A woman begging to come. A man swearing in a ragged voice.
Francesca swallowed hard. No member of the clubโthe few she could findโwould tell her about the place. This wasโฆmoreโฆthan sheโd expected.
Tables and chairs were scattered around the massive wood bar that dominated the center of the roomโฆand boy, could she use a drink right now. She assessed the equally massive bartender who chatted with each person as he set up the drinks. He looked as if he knew everyone in the place. She sighed. No drink for me.
She studied the room again. Outside of each scene area, black leather couches and comfortable chairs were arranged for people who wanted to watch. Perfect. She could curl up in a chair and watch everything to her heartโs content. She started toward the closest, then glanced at the door behind her. Perhaps taking a chair on the other side of the room would be wise, just in case the guard looked inside and noticed her.
She wiggled a little to adjust her skin-tight vinyl cat suit that accentedโand pinchedโevery lush curve. A short whip hung from the belt. Suzanne had found it for herโฆsomehow. And I really donโt want to know how. Her boots made her a couple inches taller, and damn, she looked really tough. Me, Domme. Donโt mess with me, boys.
As she walked toward the back, she put on a bored expression, as if she routinely saw buff guys with their packages on display. One had leather cords wrapped around a really impressive erection. Donโt stare. A naked woman wore only a chain running between her nipples attachedโoh Godโto a clamp on her clit. Francescaโs clit gave a sympathetic throb.
She had to stop at the sight of a curvy redhead bending over, palms flat on the floor. Her Dom wore a suit. His deep voice had a soft Southern accent as he told her not to move. After lubing a butt plug, he started to insert it. The sub squeaked, tried to stand, and was firmly pushed back down. The plug went in with an almost audible plop. โAll done, sugar,โ
โOw ow ow!โ The submissive glared over her shoulder at her Dom as her bottom wiggled uncontrollably. โYou putz. You know, when you were born, God finally admitted He could make a mistake.โ
The Domโs lips twitched, but he picked the womanโs thong from off his toy bag and stuffed the fabric in her mouth. Francesca scowled at the nasty Dom, until she noticed the woman was so aroused that even her inner thighs were wet.
So was Francesca. What would something like that feel like? She shook her head. Stay on task, dummy. Just because the very air in the place smelled like sex didnโt mean she could screw around. She had an article to write for the Under The Covers blog. But, oh yeah, it was going to be a hell of a story. An in-depth look at the notorious Shadowlands.
She moved past a woman restrained on a vertical spiderweb of ropes.
The next roped-off area had a throne-like chair that was missing the center of the seat, so the poor guyโs dangling parts hung down. The tall brunette dressed up like a school-teacher was taking advantage of it with a nasty little ruler.
Francesca hurried past that one. Thwack. The subโs yelp made her turn to lookโand she ran right into a brick wall. Noโa man. A Dom. Oh shit.
His tanned face looked as hard as his hands felt. Mr. tall, dark, and mean-looking gripped her arms, steadying her.
She attempted an embarrassed grin. โSorry. I wasnโt watching where I was going.โ
โI saw that.โ His smile lightened the harshness of his face for only a second before he frowned. โAre you new?โ
Oh hell. Would flirting work? โThatโs right.โ She pushed her shoulder-length hair back over her shoulder, using her big brown eyes in a look that had never failed her.
Fail. His eyes were brown too, totally unimpressed. And growing colder and more intimidating by the second.
She instinctively dropped her gaze, then rubbed her sweaty hands on her too-slick cat suit.
โYouโre no Domme.โ
Oh, no. Even as she looked up, he scowled at her boots and said, โSubmissives go barefoot. How the hell did you get past Ben?โ His hand closed around her upper arm in a way that said she was going nowhere.
Busted. Already? โLook, I can โโ
โZ, do you know this person?โ He raised his voice enough to attract the attention of another Dom watching a scene.
The dark-haired man dressed in all black had the lean, sleek appearance of a big cat.
When his gaze met hers, her breath stopped at the punch of power. She tried to back awayโfutilely.
โNo, Daniel,โ Z said, his voice deep and rich. โSheโs not a member.โ His perusal was leisurely and made her bones feel as if they were turning to gummy worms. โAnd sheโs certainly not a domme.โ
โNope.โ Daniel rumbled a laugh, his grip not loosening.
The man stepped closer, and his steel-gray eyes trapped hers. โIโm Master Z, and I own the Shadowlands.โ
Oh bad; this is very bad.
As if to confirm her thoughts, Daniel whispered in her ear, โYou are in so much trouble now.โ When he let her go, the only thing that kept her from running was knowing sheโd break an ankle in the stupid high-heeled boots. โIโve got to get back to Kari. Let me know if you want me to haul your trespasser down to the station. Iโm pulling a night shift, so I can book her before I go on.โ
What? Sheโd run herself into a cop? This was so not fair.
โThank you, Daniel.โ As the cop walked away, Master Zโs attention returned to her, and the feeling was far too much like being pressed up against a wall by a gale force wind. โWhy are you here?โ
โOh, I was just passing by and I wonderedโโ
His hand cupped her chin, the fingers tightening on her jaw in warning. โDonโt lie to me, little one.โ The softness of his voice didnโt disguise the threat. โGive me your name.โ
โF-francesca.โ
โGood. Now why are you here?โ
The words simply spilled out as if heโd disengaged her brain. โI wanted to write about the Shadowlands for my blog.โ And you donโt let anyone in here except members. She hauled in a shaky breath, feeling the heat of his body. โI wouldnโt say anything bad. I just wanted to see what it looked like in here.โ And what everyone did and wore andโฆ
โYou probably do want to write a story.โ He tilted his head, studying her, then the corners of his eyes crinkled. โAnd apparently you need to know what submission feels like as well.โ
What kind of a comment was that? And why did the temperature in the room keep getting warmer. A trickle of sweat ran down the hollow of her back. โNo. No, I didnโt.โ
โThe first thing you will learn is this: a submissive gets what she needs, not necessarily what she thinks she wants.โ
His eyes held a dark promise that sent her heart into overdrive and made her nipples tighten. She struggled to inhale. To speak. โI want to leave now.โ
โIโm afraid not, Francesca. I canโt have people think they can sneak into my club. The members are entitled to their privacy.โ He spoke slowly, as if she might not understand. โEither Master Dan arrests youโฆor you can be punished here, in front of the members, and join them in their need for privacy.โ
Arrest? Me? Her mother would have a cow. Her father would yell at her in Italian and English and then wouldnโt ever speak to her again. And her regular job? โDonโt arrest me.โ
โThen punishment it is.โ He took a step back and looked around, then smiled at a couple of Doms walking pastโone wearing a biker jacket, the other with silvery-gray hair wearing worn leathers.
Z spoke to the older one. โMaster Sam, Francesca has requested to be punished for sneaking into the club.โ
Master Samโs icy blue eyes sent a chill through her. โYou ever been whipped, girl?โ
Whipped? She felt the blood drain from her face, leaving dizziness behind. โNo!โ Terror sent her back a step.
Master Zโs arm wrapped around her like a steel band, imprisoning her without any effort. Yet the feeling of being held was oddly comforting.
โThis oneโs not for me, Z.โ The older man snorted. โSheโd pass out with the first stripe.โ
โIndeed.โ The arm around her waist tightened, holding her against the rock-hard body. โHolt, are you interested in punishing this little subbie? I believe this is all new to her.โ
The blond dom might almost have been Brad Pittโif the actor had spent half his life at war. His muscular arms crossed over his chest as he studied her with ruthless blue-gray eyes. โYou agree to this, Francesca?โ
Jail or being punished. No choice. โYes.โ Before he could correct her, she hastily added, โSir. Yes, Sir.โ
โOh, thatโs very nice.โ His smile held approval. โThe safeword in the club is โredโ, Francesca. You yell that out if you get overwhelmed, physically or mentally. Is that clear?โ He had a lazy voice, not southern, but as if he took his time when talking.
What else does he take his time with? She swallowed hard.
Master Z stepped away, leaving her side cold. โPlease make sure the punishment is public, Holt.โ
The Domโs lips quirked. โNot a problem. In fact, I think Iโll play with her on top of the bar.โ His hand tangled in her hair, and his firm pull tilted her head back, exposing her to a slow, careful study.
โThat way she wonโt worry about being alone with a stranger.โ
The bar? As she stiffened, Z gave a low chuckle.
Holt ran his finger over her lower lip, slowly, his eyes intent on her face. Her insides started to melt, but when she tried to move, his grip tightened in her hair. A disconcerting arousal flickered to life deep inside her.
He smiled slowly. โThereโs a good girl.โ Then he glanced at Z. โYou wanted us to test those vibrator samples the sales rep left. Might as well be tonight.โ
Vibrators? On the bar? She stared up at him helplessly, heat and anxiety sending shivers through her whole body. โPlease. I donโtโฆโ
He pulled her into his arms, settling her head into the hollow of his shoulder. As his masculine scent wrapped around her, she pressed closer. โSweetheart,โ he murmured, his breath warm on her ear. โThere will be no painโฆunless you are disrespectful. For your punishment, Iโm simply going to make you come in front of everyone at the bar.โ
Howโฆembarrassing. But okay, she could do that. Sit on the bar and let him press a vibrator against the vinyl at her crotch. Sheโd get off and leave. Even as relief filled her, a vague disappointment tugged at her chest.
He tipped her chin up and smiled into her eyes, his gaze intent. Watchful. โZ has around eight different samples. Iโm going to restrain you on the bar, and weโll test them all.โ
What? โNo!โ As her knees wobbled, he held her up easily.
โOh yes. And Francesca, I donโt like seeing a submissive dressed up like a Domme.โ He released her and gestured with one finger at her clothing. โTake it off. Everything.โ
No way. She shook her head.
When his jaw turned stern and his eyes darkened, the pit of her stomach dropped right onto the floor. As she stared at him, seeing he wouldnโt be denied, heat rose, bubbling through her veins to boil every trace of resistance away. Biting her lip, she bent to unzip her boots. She could feel him watching and shivered.
This is sooo not the blog article I had in mind.
Cherise Sinclair is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author devoted to giving her readers emotional, suspenseful romances. Having been told by her mother to โplay the field,โ she took that advice to heart. In fact, when she met her one-and-only while scuba diving in the Caribbean, it took him a while to convince her that it was time to settle down. But he did. Because heโs bossy that way. Fledglings having flown the nest, Cherise, her beloved husband, an eighty-pound lap-puppy, and Domme Kitteh live in the Pacific Northwest where nothing is cozier than a rainy day spent writing.
Ms. Sinclairโs characters come alive on the page with passion and energy in a story that is absolutely riveting. ~ You Gotta Read Reviews
Working with the FBI to capture human traffickers, Master Raoul scores an invitation to a slave auction. To his surprise, one slave is the kidnapped friend of a Shadowlands submissive. Although Kimโs body is scarred, her spirit is unbroken, and he can’t leave her behind. Ruining the FBI’s plans, he buys her.
Kimberly’s freedom has come at a devastating price. The other women are still imprisoned. Desperate to help the Feds locate the traffickers, she agrees to pose as Master Raoul’s slave. Although wearing a collar again is terrifying, Kim starts to heal and then blossom under the powerful Dominantโs care.
Submission. Itโs what she’s been drawn to–and fled from–her entire life. She has escaped the slavers who captured her body.
Escaping the Master who has captured her heart will be far more difficult.
Read more
- More featuring author Cherise Sinclair
- Our reviews of the Masters of the Shadowlands series
- BDSM romance books
- Beginners guide to erotic romance
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OMG I LOVE THIS!!!!! Don’t enter me in the contest, I just stopped by to say “HI” to Cherise and Francesca…and to take a peek inside Club Shadowlands…who can resist all those SEXY MASTERS!!
THIS MAY BE ONE OF MY FAVE GUEST POSTS THIS YEAR!
Ann
So funny -and so hot. Francesca, you are in soooo much trouble!
OMG that was fantastic! That is amazing what you were able to come up this story for Francesca! I am definitely adding this author to my TBR list!
Thanks for the giveaway!
redfirewood888(AT)yahoo(DOT)ca
Ollie aka DarkBloodyVamp
Now that’s taking blog posts to a new level ๐ Love it!
Definitely one of my favorite posts this year. That was great!!
Don’t enter me for the contest, I already have all of Cherises books.
Great excerpt. Can’t wait to read this book. I wonder what will happen to Francesca after she gets punished on the bar?
e.balinski(at)att(dot)net
Great post! Francesca is sooo damned lucky… I’d love to get inside of Club Shadowlands. And what a delightful punishment. ๐
Thanks for the giveaway!
bimmergrlmd at gmail dot com
OMG! That was so funny! I was reading on my email and trying to remember in which book did Francesca showed up… LOL I think Francesca need a whole book now!! ๐
Great post ladies & Cherise!
(Don’t enter me for the contest ๐
Isn’t Francesca just a brave, brave woman? Such sacrifice to get a good article. *glances over at the bar and winces* (Oh. My. I didn’t know vibrators came in that shape and size.)
I’m glad y’all liked the story. ๐
I thoroughly enjoyed this!!!!!
This comment has been removed by the author.
Damn! I knew I should’ve taken that Under Cover gig! I could’ve beenthe one being punished!
I can’t wait to find out more!!
That was soooo good!!!!
*sigh* It’s hard job but someone has to do it ๐ And don’t we all want to know what happens next?? I’d love to see what else Holt can do.
Francesca
Cherise – your writing is… too many words to describe what I think. I’m inside the character before I realize what’s happened. You have a gift.
Aaahhh! Write more! hahah Thanks for the giveaway!
I just want to know can we open a club Shadowlands in PA?
OMFG! This is the best, most panty-drenching, *omg, where’s my husband..no, no, no, no……where’s my vibrator*
Francesca darling *smiling, lucky bitch* I’m so very happy for you *and your little blogsite*
*gawd, I’ve never been so fuckin’ jealous*
Good luck in future blogs, sweetness!
*smiling*
I am so going to buy these books!
Oh my gosh, I have to read this!
Even the shorty’s are fantastic, how many ways can we say “You truly are a gifted author Cherise!”. Don’t enter my name as I have all your books already.
Haha, loved it! Great work Cherise as always. Bloggers may be flooding into the shadowlands for similar punishments now. ๐
I just bought To Command and Collar today from Loose ID! I absolutely love this series!!! I can’t wait to start reading tonight. I lose so much sleep reading the Shadowlands stories..I can’t put them down. I sincerely hope you write additional Shadowlands books. I’m completely addicted.
What a great post. I just love Cherise Sinclairs stories!
Gabrielle
[email protected]
Love it! She’s in such big trouble. I don’t know that much about Holt from the other stories, but now you are in trouble too, Cherise. He needs his own story as does Sam.
You have your orders. LOL
Sandy
I don’t need any of the books, I have bought them all and love them all. I keep them on my TBR, because every time a new Shadowlands comes out I treat myself to reading the older ones all over again.
Just wanted to say I loved the story for Francesca and now, please tell us more about Holt..
What a terrific guest post! I was really into that story. Cherise, you just rock. I don’t need a backlist book – I have them all – just wanted to applaud in public. ๐
What a terrific guest post! I was really into that story. Cherise, you just rock. I don’t need a backlist book – I have them all – just wanted to applaud in public. ๐
Thanks, y’all! I’m glad you enjoyed the adventure. A reader told me that after Holt showed up in Make Me, Sir, that he needed more time. So I gave him Francesca. LOL
Leanne, you give your vibe to your dearheart and that way you both have fun.
Sandy…. *whine*
Thanks, y’all! I’m glad you enjoyed the adventure. A reader told me that after Holt showed up in Make Me, Sir, that he needed more time. So I gave him Francesca. LOL
Leanne, you give your vibe to your dearheart and that way you both have fun.
Sandy…. *whine*
Note to self: Stop reading Cherise’s character interviews when I have to write one. Waaa-waaaaaaaa.
Loved it, but my version seemed to be missing some very important parts–likes how Francesca handled all those vibrator samples. (Cherise, feel free to e-mail me the missing parts!)
And I started falling for Holt in “Make Me, Sir.” Hmmm. I wonder where he got all those scars. You know me and those wounded Doms! So, I hope to find out soon in his book!
Kally
Lmaooo. I’d pay $$$ to see how Fran handles those toys.
Email me too please. Lmaooo
I so would have played with Same, Cherise ๐
Absolutely fantastic! Since I have all your books, spoiled girl that I am, I don’t need to be entered in the contest. Just needed to let you know how much I enjoyed another peek into the Shadowlands (at someone else’s expense! lol!)
Don’t enter me in the contest, since I have all of Cherise’s books. I just had to say how much I love this trip to the Shadowlands! Very sexy. ๐
Don’t enter me as I have all your books to date. I do want to know what happens next. It stopped way too soon.
Patricia
This is such a great book, and one terrific series! I have loved each and every book of this series and can’t wait for more Masters from the Shadowlands! They are all just so SEXY!
Holy crap! Fran you lucky lady. That has to be the best post I’ve read like ever
A copy of Command and Collar was a Christmas present to myself, and I hope to start reading it tonight.
caity_mack at yhaoo dot com
I just popped in to say that I’m so happy y’all are enjoying the story. Except for maybe Francesca who’s looking a little…tired. ๐
And for my wonderful readers who already own the books, all I can say is ‘thank you’. You make all the frustration and the long hours just magically disappear. {hugs}
I absolutely loved this excerpt….cannot wait to find out what happens for the rest of the story….this is going to be sooo good….just like the others in the series of Shadowlands!!!!!!!!
I really hope we get to see more of Holt. He grabbed my attention in Make Me, Sir. ๐
See Cherise, this might be the beginning of a really good novella or book… I think Holt might be happy to have found me ๐ I certainly am.
Francesca
WHOO! LOVED this one! GREAT excerpt, post…can’t say enough. Francesca…you’re a HOOT, girlfriend!
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Love seeing the inside of the club through Francesca’s eyes. I’m sure she is going to enjoy herself. ๐
i think that was my favorite guest post of the year!
I’ve never really thought of myself as being a person into BDSM books, but, man! After reading your override, I think I’m going to have to pick up all, erm, one, of your books. xD
WooHoo how can I get into Club Shadowlands, Cherise…can you get Me in???? LOL Thank you Cherise for this Fantastic Excerpt, I can’t wait to read this book!!! I HAVE to find out what happens to Francesca! I appreciate the opportunity to enter your giveaway.
Take Care & Have a Safe & Happy New Year,
Renee’ S.
[email protected]
Well, Francesca, Holt said he was pleased with how sweetly you took your punishment, although he was still laughing at the names you called him when he picked up the device called “Monster”.
Thank you all for the compliments. And thanks to UnderTheCovers for letting me come and play–and to Francesca for being such a good sport.
Love this series and all the characters. Would love to be a member.
I have really enjoying all of the author overrides lately. This one is the bees knees. Thanks for the excerpt.
Antane
God, I wish I was Jessica!! Holy crap! That was hot!!!
Wow! I guess I’m glad that it’s cold outside. That little blurb certainly heated me up. Need a cold drink of water!
Happy New Year!
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