An Unexpected Nanny

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Where have all the retweets gone?






Twitter has made a change in your settings which you probably haven’t even realized. It may alter the amount of retweets you are getting if you don’t know that it’s there.



Since the very first time that my first book was in the works, I started to build my following on Twitter. Every day, the first thing I did was to go on to twitter and follow as many people was they would let me. Even though I had maybe only a hundred or so followers, I copied what other authors seemed to be doing. I retweeted and retweeted some more, trying to help other authors while at the same time trying to build some loyal followers of my own. 


By the time my book actually came out I was tweeting like my life depended on it. This was really my only way of getting my book out there. It was where I came into contact with some of the great authors that I call friends today. I won’t name anyone because it just singles people out and I don’t want to do that and it’s not the point of this blog post. Stay with me I’m getting to that.

Today I have over 11,000 followers on Twitter. When my first book after a long break came out, it did very well and I believe my followers on Twitter as well as people who shared on Facebook and were who generously offered me places on their blogs helped with that. I am so appreciative of the help that authors give each other.  When the next two books came out after that they didn’t quite as well even though they had the same support from other authors, sharing on Facebook and offering me places on their blogs. I don't believe it has anything to do with that and I do realize that it could just be the books themselves and people’s tastes. As I said before, this blog post is about TWITTER and the changes it has made in the last couple of months. These changes appear to have made my retweets drop considerably.

On the 18th August, 2016 TWITTER started to roll out a new selection in our notification centre. When I realized something was different with my notifications, I went looking. What I found was a selection I had never seen before. How did I do this? Let’s start at the beginning:

  • First I clicked my profile picture on Twitter. (The small picture in the top right hand corner) 
  • Next, I scrolled down until I found, “settings” click this.
  • That brought up a list on the left hand side of the page headed “Account”.
  • I clicked on the “notification” selection.
  • Now you have it, the “Filter tweets by” page. This is what I believe is causing all the trouble for me. Both of mine had been automatically selected for me, I unchecked both. 


What do these buttons do? They filter (obviously, I know, I am a genius), what you see. I don’t know what criteria they use for filtering tweets but if you are not seeing everything that your followers are tweeting, then chances are, they are not seeing all of yours either. 

While we’re talking about TWITTER, here’s a few of my tips that I learned along the way…


  • If someone retweets your tweet, repay them by retweeting something of THEIRS. 
  • Make it easier for people to retweet you. Keep a fresh pinned tweet at the top of your page. 
  • While it’s great to support as many authors as possible, don’t forget the people that are selling things other than books. They are usually incredibly giving and it helps to widen your circles any way you can.

Feel free to ask questions, I’ll be happy to help if I can. I am in no way an expert at this, I just thought it might be helpful to talk about a few problems I had encountered. If anyone can shed any light on how to counteract this problem I would be over the moon to hear it. 


Monday, September 26, 2016

Ashe Barker has a new book out and she's on my blog to share some it with us!



Ashe's new book Resurrection, is a Paranormal/Time Travel erotic romance. Sounds amazing! I'll let Ashe tell you more about it...


Sometimes fact is stranger than fiction. No spoilers, but Resurrection just screamed at me to be written and as the story unfolds in there are some amazing twists in the tale, extraordinary events which really did happen and will never be repeated. Add in the romance of time travel, not to mention an über-sexy vampire and five hundred years of English history and there is a fabulous story to be told. I loved writing it, I hope readers enjoy Resurrection as much as I have.





Here's the blurb...


Right from the start she knew it wasn't about love.

As the youngest daughter of a wealthy family in medieval England, Lady Jane of Acton has been betrothed to Gerard Twyfford, the son of the Earl of Roseworth, since she was a baby. A dynastic marriage such as theirs is about power and property, not love but even so Jane desperately yearns for her husband's approval. But Gerard’s rare visits to her bed are for the sole purpose of producing an heir, and she’s even failed at that. How can Jane win Gerard over when she cannot even be the wife he needs her to be?

Would one last chance be enough? Could he make things right, even now?

Ged Twyfford doesn't know what he's missing in life. A powerful vampire, he’s lived for close to six hundred years and seen a lot during his time but his past still haunts him. On a whim, he purchases Roseworth castle, the keep he used to rule as lord. Mostly in ruins now, Roseworth is a shell of what it was when he was still a mortal but Ged is determined to make it his home again. Maybe this is what he's been missing, maybe he needs a place to belong at last.

When a woman emerges from the lake beside his castle, looking and sounding a lot like the wife he lost over five centuries ago, Ged assumes she's a witch out to dupe him. But what if she is who she claims to be? Ged finally realizes just what he had, and just how precious to him was the wife he betrayed all those hundreds of years ago. 

Do they really have a second chance or is it just too late to start over?


Here is an excerpt...


"Over my knee, Janey."
His tone had softened, and the intimate use of her name gave her pause. Her husband rarely even spoke to her outside of formal settings, let alone would he utter any endearment. His expression did not suggest mockery, though she could not name the unfamiliar expression which lurked in his sapphire eyes. With a dejected sob Jane prostrated herself across his lap. Her waist-length plait trailed on the rug beside the bed and she grasped at her husband's leather boot for support, convinced she would overbalance and tumble to the flagged floor.
"Your shift, Jane."
"I, I cannot reach. Could you not just—"
"Spanking requires a bare bottom, Janey. You can reach, and I wish you to bare your buttocks for me now."
There was no alternative, no avoiding this. Jane stretched her hand behind her to grab the hem of her garment and pulled it up. She was oddly grateful that her husband steadied her with his arm to prevent any danger of her falling as she did the same with the other side.
"Is that high enough, my lord?"
"Almost. Pull it right above your waist. I wish to see all of your sweet derrière for this as I intend to turn the whole of it a glorious shade of crimson."
Jane sobbed as she complied, uncertain whether her tears were due to fear of what was about to happen to her or humiliation at this treatment. Her husband might be cold and neglectful, but he had always treated her with the utmost courtesy. Until now.
At this moment she longed for him to neglect her.
"Good. You may scream and shriek all you like, but you will not kick or struggle or otherwise seek to avoid your punishment. I will tell you when we are finished here and you may get up, but until then you will remain exactly where you are with your bottom nice and high. Do you understand?"
"I cannot. You will hurt me..."
"I will. I intend to hurt you because I am about to teach you a lesson you will not easily forget. I hope such occurrences will be rare between us, my lady, but be under no illusion. I will make my point and disobedience will earn you a bared and spanked bottom. So, you will be still, yes?"
"I will try, my lord." Jane did not think for one moment she would succeed.
"You will do as I say, or we will continue here until you do. You have a gorgeous arse, my sweet little wife, and I already intend you not to wish to sit on it for several days. I recommend you make every effort not to provoke me further."


Here's where you can get it...

   Amazon



About Ashe Barker...

USA Today Bestselling author Ashe Barker writes erotic romance and spanking romance in a variety of genres including contemporary, BDSM, paranormal, historical. ménage, gay romance and time travel. She is a #1 Amazon Bestseller and all her stories feature hot alpha males and sassy submissives, often with a lot to learn. Kink abounds, and there’s enough dirty talk to satisfy the most demanding smut lover. However dark and dirty the setting, love always emerges triumphant, and her stories never fail to deliver a satisfying happy ever after.


Ashe Barker's social media links and newsletter sign up...







Sunday, September 25, 2016

Who wants to read an excerpt from Surrendered on the Frontier? I know I do, luckily Jane Henry has brought one to my blog. Come and Join us!

So happy to have you here today Jane with your new release Surrendered on the Frontier.




Here's the blurb...



After the untimely death of her harsh, overbearing husband left her a widow at the age of twenty-three, Ruth Watson vowed that she would never depend on a man again, let alone submit to one. The hard world of the frontier is no easy place for a woman to make her own way, however, and when the tough, handsome Samuel Stanley takes it upon himself to look out for her, Ruth is ashamed to find that a part of her longs to surrender to his firm but loving dominance.

Though Samuel itches to tame the headstrong Ruth, he is able to hold himself back until she loses her temper and hurts her best friend. Seeing her riddled with guilt, he at last puts the beautiful little spitfire over his knee and spanks her hard and thoroughly. The stern punishment leaves Ruth not only properly chastened, but burning with passion as well, and when Samuel takes her in his arms she yields completely to his mastery of her body.

Samuel makes it clear that from now on Ruth’s impetuous behavior will have consequences, but in her heart she wonders if he will grow tired of protecting her from both herself and the dangers of the frontier. Can she bring herself to trust him to be the man she has always needed, or will her fears bring an end to their blossoming romance?

Publisher’s Note: Surrendered on the Frontier is a stand-alone sequel to Claimed on the Frontier. It includes spankings and sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don’t buy this book.



Here's an Excerpt...

. “I feel awful. Just awful.” The anger from earlier, the feeling of helplessness, and the weight that saddled my shoulders seemed insurmountable. I wanted to climb into bed and pull the quilt over my head. I wanted to never get out of that bed again. I deserved to be punished for such a wicked act against my closest friend, and the guilt I felt was consuming me. I covered my face with my hands, tears seeping through my fingers. “She's so good to me,” I choked, as the tears flowed. “She's with child, and  I struck her. What a wicked, wicked thing. I feel so guilty, Samuel,” I said to him. “I ought to be whipped for such a thing.”
His arms came around me then, and he pulled me into his chest. One large hand stroked my hair as he held me. “I wouldn't say whipped,” he said, and his voice was softer than I expected. “But little Ruth, I've long since thought that my hand across your backside would do you a world of good.”
I sniffled onto his chest as he held me. Just now, Pearl had told me Aaron would've taken her across his knee. She said it with a laugh, even. Would I feel better if he spanked me?
He'd told me he wouldn't raise a hand to me, because of my past. 
But would he if I asked? I pulled back from him. 
“Samuel?”
He nodded, smoothing the dampened hair back from my forehead.
“Would you...spank me if I told you that I knew I deserved it? And I wouldn't... be angry with you? I feel guilty,” I said. “I ought to be spanked.”
His eyes focused on mine a minute. He was contemplating. He finally spoke after what seemed a very long time. 
“You want me to spank you?”
I closed my eyes and nodded. I couldn't look at him.
“Fair enough,” he said.
I swallowed, fear racing across my chest and a surprising jolt of arousal at his stern but calm demeanor. “Now?” I whispered. 
He released me, pulled a chair from the table, placed it in the center of the room, and sat heavily, his large legs spread apart. I looked at his lap and wondered what it would feel like to lay across his knees like a naughty child. He would not make me. He would not forcefully pull me across his lap.
Samuel patted his knee. “Come now, little Ruth,” he said softly. “Come and lie yourself across my knee.”
He would not force me. 
I would have to do it myself. 

Where you can buy it...

Amazon.com              


Other books by Jane Henry...

  



A Thousand Yesses: They are best friends...can they be lovers?

Begin Again, book one in the Bound to You trilogy: A desperate wife pledges her obedience to an online dominant.

Come Back to Me, book two in the Bound to You trilogy: Meredith and Paolo attempt a weekend of intense training to adapt to their new lifestyle of dominance and submission.

Complete Me, book three in the Bound to You trilogy: The conclusion to the Bound to You trilogy, Meredith's trust in Paolo is put to the test.

Sunstrokes: Four authors bring you four tales of punishment and pleasure. 

My Dom: Curiosity drives Heidi to yearn for a taste of her amorous neighbor's kinky pursuits. 

His Submissive: Matteo agrees to be Hillary's Dominant...under certain conditions. 

Her Protector: Can Tony be the Dom Tessa needs?

Claimed on the Frontier: Stern frontiersman Aaron Stanley is determined to protect his headstrong new bride, even if means taking her firmly in hand. 


 A Bit about Jane Henry...


 Jane has been writing since her early teens, dabbling in short stories and poetry. When she married and began having children, her pen was laid to rest for several years, until the National Novel Writing Challenge (NaNoWriMo) in 2010 awakened in her the desire to write again. That year, she wrote her first novel, and has been writing ever since. With a houseful of children, she finds time to write in the early hours of the morning, squirreled away with a laptop, blanket, and cup of hot coffee. Years ago, she heard the wise advice, “Write the book you want to read,” and has taken it to heart. She sincerely hopes you also enjoy the books she likes to read. 



Follow Jane...

Facebook    
Instagram: @janehenryauthor







Friday, September 23, 2016

Sara Fields is visiting me today with her hot new release "Claimed by the Savages". Come and join us and read her excerpt!

This book sounds amazing and I'm so glad Sara is here to share it with us. Here it is... Claimed by the Savages.





Here's the blurb...


As an unauthorized third child, nineteen-year-old Aimee Harrington has spent her life avoiding discovery by government authorities, but her world comes crashing down around her after she is caught stealing a vehicle in an act of petulant rebellion. Within hours of her arrest, she is escorted onto a ship bound for a detention center in the far reaches of the solar system.

Soon after her arrival, however, Aimee is made aware that this facility is no ordinary prison. It is a training center for future brides, and once she has been properly trained she will be thoroughly examined and then offered to an alien male in need of a mate. Worse still, Aimee’s defiant attitude quickly earns her the wrath of the strict warden. To make an example of her, Aimee is given as a wife not to a sophisticated gentleman, but to three warriors of the planet Primorion.

Though Primorion males are considered savages on Earth, it doesn’t take long for Aimee to realize that while her new mates will demand her obedience and will not hesitate to spank her soundly if her behavior warrants it, they will also cherish and protect her in a way she has never experienced before. But when the time comes for her three dominant men to master her body completely, will she find herself begging to be claimed by the savages?

Publisher’s Note: Claimed by the Savages includes spankings and sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don’t buy this book.



Here's the excerpt...

If you wait one moment longer, I will undress you myself, only you will spend a long while over my knee getting your naughty backside spanked first. When I tell you to do something, I expect immediate obedience, or else there will be consequences. You will find that I am very strict in many things, especially when it comes to your body and my access to it.” 
She stood still, staring back at him. It was like a scene out of the romance stories online that she had been reading in secret for so long. Her heart throbbed and her clit began to pulse in tune with it. Her cream dripped down her leg at the dominance in his voice and she couldn’t help but notice her body’s insanely strong passionate reaction to both his words and his commanding presence. 
Simply staring at him, she whimpered softly when his large mass of alpha male grabbed her gently about the waist, pulling her toward him. His fingers laced around the bottom hem of her shirt, pulling it effortlessly over her head in but a fraction of a second. Next, he gripped the waistband of her slacks and whipped them down her legs. Helping her kick off her shoes, he pulled the pants from her completely, leaving her standing entirely naked before him. 
It took a long moment for her to realize what was about to happen as he stared down at her. She remembered his warning if he had to undress her. He was going to spank her. Her eyes widened and she tried to back away, but he had a firm hold on her wrist. He sat down on the bed and easily tossed her face down over his lap. 
“Please don’t spank me! I’ll listen next time! I promise!” 
“I’m sure you will, but I’m going to make sure you do. I will spank this bottom of yours whenever I believe you have earned it and you most certainly have right now. This time, I will only use my palm, but next time I will take off my belt and thrash every inch of your backside with it until I believe you’ve learned your lesson.” 
He laid his massive hand over her bottom and her body started, coming to the conclusion that his hand covered the entirety of one side of it. Her muscles trembled in anticipation and she balked when he parted her legs slightly, pressing his fingers up against her very wet folds. As he slid his digits up and down her pussy, she moaned at the sensual feelings that stirred within her. 
“Aimee, tell me, how often have you thought about being taken in hand by a strong man? Have you ever touched yourself, imagining your naughty bottom getting spanked for disobeying him?” 


Where you can  get it...

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LWKBMBV


A bit about Sara Fields...

Sara is an author specializing in erotic spanking romance, who spends the day doing science, and writes by night. She has been on the spanking scene for many years, and has experienced all different types of spankings, from sensual, to fun, to punishments, including all of the implements she writes about!  Sara finally decided to branch out and write some hot spanking fiction, so she could share the sexy fantasies that happen deep in the recesses of her creative mind. 


Where you can reach Sara Fields...


Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Olivia Starke is on my blog today with a brand new release "The Virgin Bet."

Olivia's new book, The Virgin Bet sounds like it will be a hot and steamy ride. I'll let this hot little sneak peak speak for itself...


Can Tippy handle Brent's rougher side?
Can fiery Tippy handle Brent's rough touch & sweet discipline?




Here's the blurb...


Tippy Madison has a pretty big secret—she’s a twenty-eight year old virgin. Thanks to her awkward teenage years, then a crazy college schedule, and, finally, her struggling bookstore, she simply hasn’t had time to date. When her beloved bookstore burns down one night, she ends up having a confrontation with a cop that leaves her handcuffed in the backseat of his police cruiser. A cop who happens to be Brent Kingston, the hot former quarterback she tutored back in high school. Though she finds him infuriating, she also finds herself having some pretty wicked thoughts about him.

Brent had a pretty big crush on the opinionated redhead who helped him pass English class. Now grown, Tippy is even more stunning—and just as strong headed. A good turn over his knee and a sound spanking is exactly what she needs, but it’s not enough for Brent. Tippy draws out his darker, kinkier, side, yet he quickly learns she is still a virgin. He worries that the feisty redhead won’t be able to handle this side of sex, but she is full of surprises. 

As their relationship grows so does Tippy’s old high school insecurities. Can she overcome the shadows of the past, or will it drive them apart forever?

(WARNING: contains adult spanking, graphic sex, and explicit language)


Where you can buy it...



Here's an excerpt...

He spun her around to face away from him, his strong arm wrapping around her torso, holding her tight. He nuzzled her earlobe. “Are you ready?” he asked. 

Ready? She still wasn’t sure what was happening. His free hand inched its way down her stomach and dipped beneath the waistband of her yoga pants. When his fingers brushed over the front of her panties, she gasped, and tried to wriggle away. 

“What are you doing?” she hissed between her teeth, fearful they might be overheard. 

“Hush.” His tone broached no argument, and she clammed up. 

His fingertips teased over her clit, and she sucked in a shaky breath. Then he pressed it in tight circles, and the world tipped on end. Her legs trembled as she opened wider, needing more. Needing it harder. Needing him to take her right there, yards away from a public pathway. 

“Please,” she whispered between ragged breaths. “I-I….” 

“That’s it, Tippy, enjoy yourself. You’re beautiful when you’re aroused. I can feel how wet you are for me through your panties.” 

The tight circles changed to hard rubs, just what she needed. Her gasps turned to sharp inhales, and Brent’s hand closed over her mouth just as the orgasm hit. She screamed into his palm as the intensity of it washed through her, leaving her limp as a ragdoll. 

“Good girl,” he said, his hot breath brushing by her ear. He turned her around, and kissed her lips. This time a gentle touch, before he pulled away. “I’ve been wanting to do that for the past two weeks.” 

She drifted in dreamy bliss, looking into his smiling face. Her hand slipped down, and, feeling braver, cupped his erection through his shorts. She stroked him, enjoying the way he closed his eyes, and groaned. His Adam’s apple bobbed up and down. Finally, he took her hand, and moved it away. 

“Not now,” he said. “You touch me anymore like this, and I won’t be able to control myself.” 

“Maybe that’s okay with me,” she replied, trying to sound coy and seductive. 

His face darkened, and when he met her eyes, a hot rush shot up her spine. “I play rough, Tippy. This isn’t the time or place for that.” 

Her knees wanted to buckle, and she couldn’t begin to imagine what he meant by rough. 
“Go home,” he said, leaning against the tree, rubbing his hands over his face, before shoving his fingers into his hair. 

“What?” Surely he wouldn’t dismiss her so quickly, after giving her the only guy-induced orgasm she’d ever had. 

“Go home, now.”


A bit about Olivia Starke...

Author of super hot paranormal and contemporary romance

Olivia Starke calls the Ozarks home. One of the most beautiful areas in the country, she loves hiking trails with her dogs, and enjoying southern Missouri's fresh air and sunshine.

She's also 'Mom' to four dogs, a growing number of kitties that show up at her door, and four VERY spoiled horses that do little to earn their keep. Not that she'd ever hold that against them.

She's a HUGE fangirl of Doctor Who and to a lesser extent Supernatural, and has a pretty interesting love triangle (or square?) going on in her head between the Doctor and the Winchesters. She is also sort of completely in love with BBC's Sherlock. 


Where you can find her...


Thursday, September 8, 2016

A character interview with Janelle Gibb from Domestic Discipline

This is so exciting! Cara Bristol is interviewing Janelle Gibb, the heroin from her Domestic Discipline story Wife on the Lam. Over to you Cara!







Cara Bristol: Are you okay? You’re on a beautiful island resort, but you look a little sad.
Janelle: It’s my anniversary, and I expected my husband to be here with me. Instead, I’m here by myself excerpt for this crazy cowboy stalker who won’t leave me alone!
Cara Bristol: What happened? Why isn’t your husband here?
Janelle: I did a bad thing. I got mad when he blew off our anniversary, so I ran away. I decided to go on vacation without him, except now I wish he was here.
Cara Bristol: So he doesn’t know where you are?
Janelle: He knows. He texted me. Told me he’ll join me later in the week.
Cara Bristol: Well, that’s good, isn’t it?
Janelle: I’m really sorry about what I did, and I really want to see Brent, so yeah, it’s all good. I’m ninety-nine percent sure he won’t spank me here at the resort.
Cara Bristol: Spank you?
Janelle: We have a domestic discipline marriage. Brent thinks I disrespected him by running away instead of telling him I was upset about our anniversary. I’m pretty sure I’ll be punished, but hopefully not at the resort. I’m just going to try to have a good time until Brent gets here. 
An excerpt from Wife on the Lam, Domestic Discipline
The only person to board so far, she sank into a seat midway down the aisle curbside, grateful for the air conditioning. After only a short jaunt from the building to the van, perspiration dampened her skin. She plucked at her cotton capris stuck to her legs. She wouldn’t need the slacks she’d packed. Just shorts, tanks — and the swimsuit. If she had the guts to wear it.
She’d bought the suit to surprise Brent before she hatched her impromptu plan. He’d always liked her ass. She sighed and lifted her hair from her nape. Should she contact him? Start damage control?
Could she call the States from Isla Island? Because Brent traveled so much they had a comprehensive cell plan. She powered up her phone. Seconds later a text message beeped through. Her hand shook as she recognized Brent’s number.
Can’t believe U did this. Where R U?
She texted him back. Cabana ResortIsla Island. I’m sorry.
She widened her eyes when seconds later a response popped up. He must have been waiting for her message. She could imagine his fury. Fortunately she was hundreds of miles away. Of course, if she hadn’t been hundreds of miles away, he wouldn’t be mad. With any hope, he’d cool off some by the end of the week. Or would he be angrier by then?
U R in so much trouble. B there Thurs.
Did that mean what it sounded like? She gulped. U R coming here?
Yes. We’ll talk.
Talk was often a euphemismbut of course she wanted him to join her. Her heartfelt wish had been for her and Brent to take the trip together. And she was ninety-nine percent sure he wouldn’t spank her at a resort.

Domestic Discipline Blurb:
Love, desire, domination, and submission. Two domestic discipline romances by USA Today bestselling author Cara Bristol in one volume.
Wife on the Lam
Janelle wants to take a luxury vacation for her wedding anniversary. Despite numerous hints, husband Brent misses all the clues and plans a business trip! Miffed, she flies off alone to a luxury resort. She’s going to celebrate—with or without him.
Brent didn’t have to work. He’d planned a second honeymoon to the luxury Cabana Resort. Janelle might have ruined his surprise, but he’s not going to let her ruin their anniversary, too. He has a little trick up his sleeve to take his errant wife in hand and get their marriage back on track.
Rahm’s Way
Before her military husband left for his tour of duty, Cadence Simmons relied on Rahm’s love, direction, and protection. His absence forced her to become more independent and make decisions for herself. After serving his country, he’s home for good and eager to resume their marriage as it was before. Only Cadence isn’t quite sure she wants things exactly as they were. Can domestic discipline guide this couple through some major changes?
Buy Links:
Author Bio
USA Today bestselling author Cara Bristol writes “nice and naughty” stories of love, romance, and humor featuring strong alpha heroes. She is a no. 1 bestseller in BDSM erotica, science fiction romance, and holiday fiction on Amazon. She is best known for her Rod and Cane Society domestic discipline series and her Breeder D/s sci-fi romance series. She lives in Missouri with her own alpha hero, her husband. 
Connect with Cara

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