Kayla the Bibliophile's Tour Stop: Alice Clayton's The Redhead Plays Her Hand

The Redhead Plays Her Hand ~ A Review by Sassy Sara

So, we start off where The Redhead Revealed left off, with a strong relationship between Jack and Grace (or Gracie and George as they are more commonly known) being challenged with Jacks new stardom and Grace staring in a new TV series.  This book had my stomach in knots from the very beginning.  Grace, who had found a healthy way to drop the weight she gained after being dumped by Hollywood for not having ‘it’, is being asked to lose an additional 15 pounds so that she fits into what viewers of the TV show might consider sexy.  

There are many scenes in the book in which the media and bloggers have their say about Jack, about Grace, andabout the rumors that there might be something more than friendship behind all the time they spend together.  As a woman who has always struggled with body image issues, I could relate with the frustration she faces with eating ‘cucumbers and air’ to attain what might look like a healthy body but it was not something she could maintain for the long run.  

Jack’s inability to handle what new stardom hands him does not help.  He can’t even hold the hand of the woman he loves without the possibility that it will be tweeted, analyzed, blogged, and plastered all over tabloid magazines.  There were so many times I looked at their relationship throughout this series and wondered what it would feel like to have that kind of pressure.  A new relationship is a lot of work for everyone.  Add to that the harsh eyes of these vultures that disguise themselves as fans and rip Grace apart at every possible opportunity and I spent many hours on the verge of tears.  

How can we, as women, possibly look ourselves in the mirror and not feel that something is lacking or could use improvement when that is all the media ever really tells us.  Bad bikini pics of actresses on a beach, best and worst dressed red carpet looks, snapping photos of actors just trying to get some coffee; they are all part of the vicious cycle that has become an industry of self image destruction.  

“Pick your path. You don’t get to decide how the public reacts.  You only get to decide how you react.  True, very true. Victim? Warrior? Pick. Your. Path.”

I learned long ago that all of what those magazines show can end up being twisted to whatever story they want to sell and Alice did a great job of getting her readers to look beyond the glitz and glamour to see the people beneath.  I find it amazing that not one person in all of the interviews and blog posts took a second to realize that if this hot, talented, swoon worthy actor found something hot about all of Grace’s curves that maybe, just maybe, she was a wonderful person regardless of what size she wore.  Maybe Jack wanted more, than some vapid shell that could look good for pictures but nothing more than that and found that in this curvy redhead.  Let’s be honest.  She wore a size 8.  Not fat by any standard.  I think that this story really revealed more about what our society full of sheeple tend to see as beauty when they look at a magazine.

All of that being said, there were still MANY sexy times for Gracie and Sweet Nuts.  I love how Alice writes; it makes you feel like Jack is actually craving Grace with every ounce of his heart.

“I just spent two weeks in the desert with a bunch of guys, and if I’m not inside you immediately, I can’t be held responsible for what I might do otherwise, you hear me?”

Well done, Alice!!

Much Love,

~Sassy

Let’s start with a little foreplay…

What would you say is the most embarrassing thing you have done or had done to you?

The great thing about getting older is you no longer care about looking stupid. In fact, you crave it. But when I was about 14, exactly the age when what you care about MOST is being too cool for school, I came out of the girls rest room with my cheerleading skirt tucked into my spankies. And walked right through the senior locker bay amid cat calls and applause. I thought I just looked super cute that day…no.

Craziest Fan moment? 

I haven’t had any “crazy” fan moments, although signing boobs at Book Bash in Orlando last summer was pretty memorable! Mostly people are just incredible sweet and kind, and that’s the best.

Pick one!

Favorite book and/or author? 

The Stand, Stephen King.

Import or Muscle car?

I HATE muscle cars. Can I have an old Range Rover?

Favorite song and/or musician?

Hands down U2. Today, tomorrow, always. The Edge, he does things to me.

White, Dark or Milk Chocolate?

MILK.

Sam or Dean Winchester?

Christ on a crutch did you hit my sweet spot here. Dean. Mother. Fucking. Dean.

Commando, Boxers or Briefs?

Boxer/Brief combo.

Damon or Stephan Salvatore?

I don’t know these people???

Wine or Mixed drink?

Mixed drink. Bloody Mary or verrrrry Dirty Martini.

Coke or Pepsi?

Coke.

Biker boy or Rocker dude?

Rocker.

Do you believe in vampires?

I am married to Edward Cullen…so YES. Dur…

If you could have a super power what power would you pick?

The power to marry Edward Cullen.

What would you do with your super power if you had it?

See previous response.

Would you abuse your super power? How?

I would break that 107 year old virgin.

Enough foreplay, let’s get it on!

Tell us about your 1st time!

You’d have to ask Mr. Alice about that one…

Screamer, moaner or silent?

Moaner ;)

Whips or chains?

Neither.

What is your favorite alcoholic beverage?

Bloody Mary.

Do you ever leave home without panties on?

I have been known…

Have you ever had sex while at work (any job)? If so, where?

Not that I’m aware of

What is the strangest place you ever had sex?

Elementary school playground?

What turns you on more, reading a sexual story, watching a porn or listening to sex?

Reading a sexual story while watching porn and listening to sex.

What profession do you find the most arousing sexually?

Nuclear Physicist.

 Does size matter?

Width yes, length not as much.

Do you or have you ever had a “cop” fantasy?

Oh hell yes

Do you or have you ever had a “Delivery Guy” or “Service Man” fantasy?

Oh hell yes

If you were on a bus and got a glimpse up a pantiless girl’s skirt would you keep looking?

Of course!

What is the strangest sexual experience you’ve had?

I can’t answer that…

Funniest sexual experience you've ever had?

Ask Mr. Alice about what happens when I sneeze

Most embarrassing sexual experience?

Ask Mr. Alice about what happens when I sneeze

Dominant or Submissive?

Both?

A fantasy you haven't fulfilled yet?

So far so good

Your stand on sex toys?

I’ll stand up for them

Siiiigh, that was fantastic…
How about some pillow talk?

What would you do if you could be a guy for a day?

One thing.

How would you describe yourself so that someone could pick you out?

That super loud gorgeous girl

What's the last thought in your head that involved someone you like?

I miss the girls I was on a Disney vacation with!

What is a question you want me to ask you?

What’s for dinner

What is a question you refuse to answer?

I’ll let you know

Any tats or piercings? If so, where?
No and No

Biggest turn on?

Dreamy eyes

Biggest turn off?

Stinky boy

Pet peeve?

Parents that feed their kids nothing but junk food.

So tell us something nobody knows about you?

Not many know, but I secretly dream of writing a one woman show

What did you think while reading these questions?

These are hilarious

Thank you for answering my naughty questions. Was it as good for you as it was for me?

*smokes e cigarette*

Did you have anything else you’d like to say before we go?

What’s for dinner?

Review of Meg Silver's The Nights of Yes PLUS a Kayla Exclusive

So class, who's read Fantasy Heights by Meg Silver?  You all have? Great!  There is not only a wealth of suspense in that series but also a ton of hot sex! In the immortal words of The Barefoot Contesssa "How bad could that be?"

The Nights of Yes is the followup to Meg's successful series about a girl who starts a job at a Fantasy resort, specializing on making your sexual fantasies... come... to life.  Before I started writing for Ms. Kayla, I was a frequent pimper on my personal page of Meg's work.  I was aproached by one of my friends, a big, tall, manly, football player whose message to me was 'Wow Sara, I didn't know it was like THAT!"  Well, he sure does now!  I was so excited to see where Meg would go from the novella series that put her on the map to a full length stand alone story; I was not in any way disappointed.  I got sucked into this story and ended up staying awake until 3:30AM to finish it and was so happy I did!

Carmen Lowell meets the perfect guy at the worst possible moment. She's just penned a pair of billion-dollar contracts. Her promotion will devour what little time she has for a personal life.
But Mark Rhodes is powerful temptation. Handsome, smart and definitely not interested in her money, he's the only man she's ever met who's hot enough to make her think twice.
Thrown together by a slight disaster, they strike a bargain to stop saying no, and come together for The Nights of Yes.

I really appreciated this book's take on a female CEO who struggles to say yes.  Yes to herself, yes to her family, yes to the man that she could love but feels like me may be more of a distraction than she can handle.  There are so many books out there now where the guy can think of his career first and can suggest hooking up just because he doesn't want the complications.  Why can't women ask for the same thing without being seen as a slut?  I enjoyed that there was no power play when it came to their personalities or careers.  

They are both strong, wealthy, and caring people that are genuinely interested in their work. As someone who has worked in a male dominated industry most of my adult life I appreciate that she isn't willing to settle for what might be nothing more than a very sexy but all too temporary distraction.  She is also able to do with ease something that I struggle to do every day; say no and mean it.  When she finally says yes, the sparks flew and Meg's gift for writing some seriously hot scenes takes over.  There was suspense, good character development, and of course Meg's wit to round up what I feel is a great follow up to her amazing Fantasy Heights series.  Can't wait to read Meg's next book!  In case you haven't read Meg's books, here is the link to her Amazon page.  I actually bought all the novellas separately then the paperback... yeah, I kinda liked it...

Meg Silver's Amazon Page

Here's your Exclusive!  Just click the link, I almost cried I was laughing so hard!!

Civics

Much Love and Happy Holidays,

~Sassy Sara

Meg Silver Edition: Dare to Tell the Truth with Kayla the Bibliophile

Meg Silver Edition:

Dare to Tell the Truth with Kayla the Bibliophile

Let’s start with a little foreplay…

What would you say is the most embarrassing thing you have done or had done to you? 

I love this question. Everyone answers with the ‘ha ha’ embarrassing story, never the ‘oh God can the earth open up and shotgun me like a beer’ story. I suppose what we’re really after is a gauge of my dorkishness, and whether y’all’s flavor of dorkishness complements mine. 

So we’ll go with this story: This was last year when I was still selling jewelry. I was at work, very posh department. 

There was a spider. 

To get away from it, I went backwards onto a counter. Wearing a skirt. 

Don’t worry. My client killed the spider. 

Craziest Fan moment? 

Without going into too much detail, here’s what I can tell you: Reader mail rocks my world. I love hearing readers’ stories, and what they like or don’t like about books or anything else. 

Just please don’t send pictures of private moments. Or at least warn a girl, first. 

If you could have a super power what power would you pick?

Clairvoyance. 

What would you do with your super power if you had it? 

Snoop. I love secrets and longings and fears and joys. No one ever talks about the truly meaningful ones. 

Would you abuse your super power? How? 

Hell yes, I would. I’d be a one-woman NSA, gathering plot fodder. 

Do you believe in vampires? 

No, although I’m still waiting to be called as the next slayer.

Pick one!

Favorite book and/or author? 

This varies, though I have a pair of writers who fuel me up right: Dorothy Parker and Erma Bombeck. 

I think Dorothy Parker’s “You Were Perfectly Fine” is just about the funniest thing ever written. Erma, though also funny, brought emotional honesty to everything she did with a left-handed charm no one except maybe Dave Barry can touch. I love him, too. 

According to my Kindle, I also love Jim Butcher, Nora Roberts, Patrick Rothfuss, Agatha Christie, Barbara Michaels, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, CS Lewis, Joseph Campbell, Stephen King, Jane Austen, JK Rowling, Janet Evanovich and Sue Grafton. 

Import or Muscle car? 

Muscle. I form deep emotional attachments to American muscle simply passing one in the street. 

Coke or Pepsi? 

Coke. Diet Pepsi doesn’t make huge geysers. 

Skyrim or GTA V 

Skyrim. I would much rather mow down pedestrians with a dragon than a faked-up import. 

Favorite song and/or musician? 

Did you see the look of stricken angst on my face just now? I shall take the coward’s way out and say Mozart is my favorite musician of all time, with John Williams as a close second. 

Thor or Loki? 

That’s just mean. 

White, Dark or Milk Chocolate? 

All three. Anytime, anywhere, any way they want it. 

Star Wars or Star Trek? 

Yes. May the force be with the guy who’s going where no man will ever look for that dang droid. 

Sam or Dean Winchester? 

Much as I adore the Ken dolls, I’m all about the guy who played John Winchester: Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Ai Chihuahua, those big melty eyes. 

Bobby is still my favorite character, though. 

Commando, Boxers or Briefs? 

Boxer-briefs. 

Damon or Stephan Salvatore? 

I had to look them up. Is that bad? 

Biker boy or Rocker dude? 

Rocker. (Sorry, still no Stairway.) 

Mythbusters or Jersey Shore? 

I would love to see Kari, Grant and Tory test the combustibility of spray tan solution. 

Enough foreplay, let’s get it on!

Tell us about your 1st time! 

It was… awkward. Neither one of us had any idea what we were doing, with predictable results. Nice guy, though. 

Screamer, moaner or silent? 

Moaner. 

Whips or chains? 

I’ve never used an actual whip. That would probably get annoying with me singing the Indiana Jones theme the entire time. Daah duh-dun DAAAAAAAAAAH, dun-duh-daaaaaaaaaaaaaaah. Dah-duh dah-taaaaaaaaaaaa, dah dee daaah daaaah daaaaah 

What is your favorite alcoholic beverage? 

Captain Morgan with diet Coke and lemon. 

Do you ever leave home without panties on? 

Not deliberately. 

Have you ever had sex while at work (any job)? If so, where? 

Yes. My office. We call it “research”. 

What is the strangest place you ever had sex? 

Outside, near a river mill. Loud but fun. Also memorable. 

What turns you on more, reading a sexual story, watching a porn or listening to sex? 

Reading and watching are both fun. Listening can be somewhat off-putting. 

What profession do you find the most arousing sexually? 

Warrior. 

Does size matter? 

Yes. (What? Stop looking at me like that.) 

Do you or have you ever had a “cop” fantasy? 

Fantasy Heights: Season One was basically a prolonged “cop” fantasy. 

Do you or have you ever had a “Delivery Guy” or “Service Man” fantasy? 

No. Sorry, but that one just doesn’t connect with me. Blame Jim Carrey and the whole plumber’s crack phenomenon. 

Funniest sexual experience you've ever had? 

Oh, man. I don’t think Mr. Silver would appreciate it if I answered this one. Suffice to say it’s better to let the oil get all over everything than to attempt to contain it with plastic sheeting. This will end badly for the kneecaps. And the ego. 

What is the strangest sexual experience you’ve had? 
A six-foot-seven guy in the back seat of a Honda Civic. Well okay, maybe it wasn’t so much “strange” as it was “strategic”. 

Most embarrassing sexual experience? 

Outside in a tree-house. They still call him Tarzan. 

Dominant or Submissive? 

Submissive. 

A fantasy you haven't fulfilled yet? 

I think the phone thing from All The Queen’s Men would be interesting. 

Your stand on sex toys? 

I’ll try anything once. 

Siiiigh, that was fantastic…
How about some pillow talk? 

What would you do if you could be a guy for a day?

Golf without boobs in the way. 

How would you describe yourself so that someone could pick you out? 

The short one who wears sunglasses all winter and never goes anywhere without the Pointer. 

What's the last thought in your head that involved someone you like? 

“I wish he would quit woofing in his sleep.” 

What is a question you want me to ask you? 

“What variety of chocolate would you like with your Jeffrey Dean Morgan?” 

What is a question you refuse to answer? 

I nearly refused to answer the favorite book/author and favorite song/band ones. Choosing such things makes me feel all conflicted and trapped. 

Any tats or piercings? If so, where? 

My ears are pierced. I can’t imagine ever getting a tattoo. There would have to be massive amounts of alcohol and perhaps bribery involved. 

Biggest turn on? 

Drive and intelligence. 

Biggest turn off? 

Sheeple 

Pet peeve? 

People who text while driving. 

So tell us something nobody knows about you? 

Erm, um… I love John Hughes films, but I also blame him for accelerating the decline of western civilization. (Yeah, just don’t. That’s a whole other interview.) 

What did you think while reading these questions? 

Wow, the potential for over-share. 

Thank you for answering my naughty questions. Was it as good for you as it was for me? 

You know it.  *fist bump * 

Did you have anything else you’d like to say before we go? 

Wait… People are still reading? If you read this far, leave a comment that starts with the words “Kayla needs”

Kayla the Bibliophile's Blog Tour Stop: Pepper Winters' Quintessentially Q

 

Q Edition

 

Let’s start with a little foreplay…

What would you say is the most embarrassing thing you have done or had done to you?

I don’t know if it’s the most embarrassing thing, but Tess pissed me off when she made me, um, finish before I was ready. She took away my control and it degraded me to the point of rage. That woman sure knows how to get me angry.

Pick one!

Favorite book and/or author?

I don’t have time to read fiction. I read a shit load of property reports and can quote you the building permit process in every city around the world, but books… don’t have time.

Import or Muscle car?

I have an intense dislike against most cars. Mainly because my father had a stable of top of the line vehicles and I keep them locked up. I prefer helicopter or private plane to get around. Much more convenient.

Favorite song and/or musician?

Too many to list. I love how lyrics can be the exact words you’re looking for, but just can’t articulate. I’ve used music many times to get through to Tess. It seems to work.

White, Dark or Milk Chocolate?

Dark

Commando, Boxers or Briefs?

Boxer-briefs

Wine or Mixed drink?

Whiskey. Or bourbon. Hard liquor is my drink of choice.

 Coke or Pepsi?

Neither.

Biker boy or Rocker dude?

If you’re asking me which I am, then neither. I suppose you could use many words to describe me. Hard-ass CEO, scary son of a bitch, killer, pussy-whipped by Tess, a guy who suffers dark tendencies but fights every damn day to stay normal.

Do you believe in vampires?

I have to laugh at this one. I’d have to say yes. I love the taste of Tess’s blood… what does that make me?

If you could have a super power what power would you pick?

Serenity. I know it’s not a power I could use in the world, but it would be a gift to calm my thoughts and I could be a better man for Tess. But I would also want invisibility so I can sneak up on the fuckers who sell women and dispatch them before they even knew I was there.

Would you abuse your super power? How?

Probably. I have no morals so I wouldn’t put it past me to sneak up on Tess and torture her in some way while she couldn’t see me. Fuck, I’m sick.

 Enough foreplay, let’s get it on!

Tell us about your 1^st time!

Shit, you ask some prying questions. I don’t want to answer unless you promise Tess will never find out? It was with a freed slave. A sheik’s daughter. She gave me no choice, and it wasn’t tame and flowers either.

Screamer, moaner or silent?

Growler.

Whips or chains?

Both. The more the better. Might as well add a cat-o-nine-tails and floggers too.

What is your favorite alcoholic beverage?

Whiskey

Have you ever had sex while at work (any job)? If so, where?

If you count helicopter sex on the WAY to work, then yes. That was fucking hot.

What is the strangest place you ever had sex?

Strangest? I don’t count anything strange. Anywhere goes as long as Tess is at my mercy.

What turns you on more, reading a sexual story, watching a porn or listening to sex?

Watching Tess’s skin grow pink from my hand. Or watching her pleasure herself. I’ve never had to watch porn or read about it. I have enough depraved thoughts in my head without adding to it.

What profession do you find the most arousing sexually?

Good question, hadn’t thought about it. I suppose a woman in power. Someone who knew what she wanted, and fought for it. Any field—as long as she was fearless.

Does size matter?

Yes. But Tess seems pretty pleased with what I offer so I’m not complaining.

Do you or have you ever had a “cop” fantasy?

Can’t say that I’ve ever had that particular fantasy. What the hell questions are these?

If you were on a bus and got a glimpse up a pantiless girl’s skirt would you keep looking?

I would NEVER be on a bus. Ever. But if I saw someone not wearing anything under her skirt, of course I’d fucking look, I’m male and not perfect, but I would never do anything to break Tess’s love and trust for me.

What is the strangest sexual experience you’ve had?

I’m not going into detail, but what Tess does to me in the second book in our tale was the strangest, most hurtful fucking thing I’ve done in my entire life. And there will never be a repeat. Ever.

Funniest sexual experience you've ever had?

Nothing is funny about the flush and bite of pain. I prefer to keep it serious and intense.

Dominant or Submissive?

Do you really need to ask that question? Dom. Always.

A fantasy you haven't fulfilled yet?

I have MANY fantasies that aren’t fulfilled yet, as I didn’t have the balls to trust Tess was strong enough. Now, I’m beginning to think she might be.

Your stand on sex toys?

Love em. The more dangerous the better.

Siiiigh, that was fantastic…how about some pillow talk?

What would you do if you could be a girl for a day?

Probably find out just how much pain a female form can take, and of course figure out the best way to make a woman come by endless practice.

How would you describe yourself so that someone could pick you out?

Tallish, muscular but not bulky, short dark hair, pale eyes like my mother and a temper to rival any beast or animal. Will that do?

What's the last thought in your head that involved someone you like?

Tess. How much I miss her and that she’s only been gone from my sight for twenty minutes but I’m freaking the fuck out wondering where she’s gone.

What is a question you want me to ask you?

Well, I find all your questions rather prying so I’ll pass on that one. Maybe ask me something that paints me in a better light.

What is a question you refuse to answer?

Anything about my past, my father, and my bank balance. Off Limits.

Any tats or piercings? If so, where?

Tattoo yes. On my chest and back depicting multiple sparrows, clouds, and barbwire. It means a  lot to me.

Biggest turn on?

When Tess cries for me, when she gives me her pain willingly, when she lays her life at my fucking feet.

Biggest turn off?

When she shuts me out, refuses to let me access her thoughts, when she becomes weak and not the strong woman I know.

Pet peeve?

Frederick and his fucking analogies. He has a tendency to beat sense into me which is also damn annoying, but I need it sometimes so he gets a free pass.

So tell us something nobody knows about you?

I dunno. There’s a lot of things you don’t know about me. Um… how about my birthday. Even Tess doesn’t know that. I’m twenty-eight. Was born on the 19^th Nov.

What did you think while reading these questions?

That I want to slap a gag on you to stop asking such invasive things.

Thank you for answering my naughty questions. Was it as good for you as it was for me?

I’m just glad it’s over. But thank you for taking the time to put up with me I suppose.

Did you have anything else you’d like to say before we go?

Not really. Oh wait… I may be a bit of a sadist and have issues, but I’m the most loyal person you’ll know and will willingly give my life for those who have earned my love, respect, and trust. Not many people have earned it, but Tess is my fucking queen and if anyone touches her again, the world won’t be the same once I’m through.

LINK TO PEPPER WINTERS' DARE TO TELL THE TRUTH

 

 

Buy Links For Tears of Tess:

Amazon US: http://goo.gl/KWNI7t

Amazon UK: http://goo.gl/IC7TPS

Itunes: http://goo.gl/P3RyrP

Goodreads Link For Tears Of Tess: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18134894-tears-of-tess

Goodreads Link For Quintessentially Q: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18398089-quintessentially-q

Tears of Tess Promo Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZI1azW2ydUo#t=0

Book Info For Quintessentially Q:

Release Date: December 15th, 2013

Genre: New Adult Erotic Suspense Romance

Blurb:

“All my life, I battled with the knowledge I was twisted… fucked up to want something so deliciously dark—wrong on so many levels. But then slave fifty-eight entered my world. Hissing, fighting, with a core of iron, she showed me an existence where two wrongs make a right."

Tess is Q’s completely. Q is Tess’s irrevocably. But now, they must learn the boundaries of their unconventional relationship, while Tess seeks vengeance on the men who sold her. Q made a blood-oath to deliver their corpses at Tess’s feet, and that’s just what he’ll do.

He may be a monster, but he’s Tess’s monster.

Series Info:

Quintessentially Q is the second book in the Monsters In The Dark Series

Author Bio:
Pepper Winters wears many roles. Some of them include writer, reader, sometimes wife. She loves dark, taboo stories that twist with your head. The more tortured the hero, the better, and she constantly thinks up ways to break and fix her characters. Oh, and sex… her books have sex.
She loves to travel and has an amazing, fabulous hubby who puts up with her love affair with her book boyfriends.
Her debut book Tears of Tess will be followed with Quintessentially Q. You didn’t think Q could stop so soon, did you? Her other two titles, Last Shadow and Broken Chance will be coming soon.

Author's Website: http://pepperwinters.wordpress.com/

Author's Twitter: https://twitter.com/pepperwinters

Author's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pepper-Winters/539976006062848

Author's Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7151973.Pepper_Winters

Author's Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/pepperwinters/