Taste of Cyn

A Year Of Sizzling Hot Sax – Sinful Rewards 1 Read Along

By Cynthia Sax on July 15, 2014

The first novella in Sinful Rewards, a 12 novella contemporary erotic romance serial, releases today! Novellas will be releasing once a month for a year.

Yes, we’ll be spending a year with Bee, a vertically challenged (and in denial) exhibitionist, Nicolas, the jellybean loving billionaire with a dark secret, and Hawke, the tattooed bad boy biker.

We’ll be having so much fun this year. Part of this fun is a read along, both here and in greater detail on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/139616-a-year-of-sizzling-hot-sax-read-along ).

As regular Cynthia Sax readers know, there are no throw away lines in my stories. Every sentence means something, often multiple somethings. A read along will be the story version of a director’s commentary on a DVD. I’ll talk about scenes, what they mean, the impact they have on the story.

Bee And Her Purse

For example: In the first scene (which you can read here for free here – http://tasteofcyn.com/2014/06/16/sinful-rewards-1-first-excerpt/ ) , we start the story with Belinda (Bee) Carter talking about her frayed, cheap designer-knock off purse. This seems like a trivial scene. She’s discussing her purse, right? But she’s truly sharing her outlook on life and what she desperately wants.

Bee is all about lasting relationships. She doesn’t like temporary anything. She doesn’t like fleeting fashions, jobs or love. Bee sees her purse falling apart as a betrayal (hinting that she’s been betrayed by people in the past). She counted on the fashion accessory to last, emotionally investing in the piece, and it didn’t.

So she tries to fix it as she tries to fix her failing relationships. The rational part of her realizes the repair is also temporary but a tiny slice of her heart hopes it isn’t. She hopes her efforts will make the relationship with her purse, with the people she loves last.

Bee Vs Belinda

Some of my beta readers asked me why Hawke calls our heroine Belinda and Nicolas calls our heroine Bee. This is because the two hunkalicious men view our heroine very differently. Originally, Nicolas sees Bee as she wishes to be seen. Hawke, having watched our heroine in private, sees the secret exhibitionist, constantly cleaning side of Belinda. Neither man sees all of Bee, not in this first story.

Their choice of names also hints that Nicolas and Hawke may not be whom they portray themselves to be either. Nicolas appears stiff and formal. I would have assumed he’d used her proper name – Belinda. Hawke is a rebel, super casual, very informal. I would have assumed he’d use the pet name – Bee. That they don’t use these expected names suggests that both men also have secrets. (grins) Yes, more secrets!

If you’d like to read more insights on Sinful Rewards 1, please join our Goodreads group at https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/139616-a-year-of-sizzling-hot-sax-read-along .

Sinful Rewards 1

Belinda “Bee” Carter is a good girl; at least, that’s what she tells herself. And a good girl deserves a nice guy—just like the gorgeous and moody billionaire Nicolas Rainer. He is everything she wants in a man.

Or so she thinks, until she takes a look through her telescope and sees a naked, tattooed man on the balcony across the courtyard. Hawke is mysterious, the bad boy she knows will bring only heartbreak. He has been watching her, and that makes him all the more enticing.

But when a mysterious and anonymous text message dares her to do something bad, she must decide if she is really the good girl she has always claimed to be, or if she’s willing to risk everything for her secret fantasy of being watched.

Is her mystery man the reclusive billionaire with a wild side or the darkly dangerous bad boy?

Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sinful-Rewards-1-Cynthia-Sax-ebook/dp/B00I7V89H0

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-sinfulrewards1-1560586-237.html

Barnes And Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sinful-rewards-1-cynthia-sax/1119055390

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Cynthia_Sax_Sinful_Rewards_1?id=g08ZAwAAQBAJ

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/sinful-rewards-1/id814148703?mt=11

Topics: Guest Post | Comments Off on A Year Of Sizzling Hot Sax – Sinful Rewards 1 Read Along

Release Day For Sinful Rewards 1!

By Cynthia Sax on July 15, 2014

Yay! The first installment in Sinful Rewards, my sizzling new contemporary erotic romance serial from Avon Impulse, has released today! Do you like bikers, billionaires, hot naked men standing on balconies? Do you have 99 cents (which can’t even buy a convenience store chocolate bar)? Do you deserve a treat today? If you said yes to any of these questions, say yes to Sinful Rewards!

Sinful Rewards 1

Belinda “Bee” Carter is a good girl; at least, that’s what she tells herself. And a good girl deserves a nice guy—just like the gorgeous and moody billionaire Nicolas Rainer. He is everything she wants in a man.

Or so she thinks, until she takes a look through her telescope and sees a naked, tattooed man on the balcony across the courtyard. Hawke is mysterious, the bad boy she knows will bring only heartbreak. He has been watching her, and that makes him all the more enticing.

But when a mysterious and anonymous text message dares her to do something bad, she must decide if she is really the good girl she has always claimed to be, or if she’s willing to risk everything for her secret fantasy of being watched.

Is her mystery man the reclusive billionaire with a wild side or the darkly dangerous bad boy?

Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sinful-Rewards-1-Cynthia-Sax-ebook/dp/B00I7V89H0

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-sinfulrewards1-1560586-237.html

Barnes And Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sinful-rewards-1-cynthia-sax/1119055390

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Cynthia_Sax_Sinful_Rewards_1?id=g08ZAwAAQBAJ

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/sinful-rewards-1/id814148703?mt=11

Topics: New Releases | Comments Off on Release Day For Sinful Rewards 1!

Sinful Rewards Read Along

By Cynthia Sax on July 14, 2014

I’ll be leading a read along for Sinful Rewards on Goodreads.

What is a read along?

It is like the director’s commentary on a DVD. First, we’ll all read the novella. Then I’ll walk through the story with you, adding insights (no spoilers!) and fun facts.

I’ll also be sharing inspirational photos and fun facts. There will be monthly writing challenges. If there’s interest, I can write some extra scenes (like that Nicolas-Bee-Hawke fantasy menage scene many buddies want).

Sinful Rewards is more than a monthly serial. It is an event. We’ll have some fun this year!

If you’d like to read more insights on Sinful Rewards 1, please join our Goodreads group at https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/139616-a-year-of-sizzling-hot-sax-read-along .

Sinful Rewards 1

Belinda “Bee” Carter is a good girl; at least, that’s what she tells herself. And a good girl deserves a nice guy—just like the gorgeous and moody billionaire Nicolas Rainer. He is everything she wants in a man.

Or so she thinks, until she takes a look through her telescope and sees a naked, tattooed man on the balcony across the courtyard. Hawke is mysterious, the bad boy she knows will bring only heartbreak. He has been watching her, and that makes him all the more enticing.

But when a mysterious and anonymous text message dares her to do something bad, she must decide if she is really the good girl she has always claimed to be, or if she’s willing to risk everything for her secret fantasy of being watched.

Is her mystery man the reclusive billionaire with a wild side or the darkly dangerous bad boy?

Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sinful-Rewards-1-Cynthia-Sax-ebook/dp/B00I7V89H0

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-sinfulrewards1-1560586-237.html

Barnes And Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sinful-rewards-1-cynthia-sax/1119055390

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Cynthia_Sax_Sinful_Rewards_1?id=g08ZAwAAQBAJ

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/sinful-rewards-1/id814148703?mt=11

Topics: Guest Post | Comments Off on Sinful Rewards Read Along

How To Dress Like A Romance Hero – Cuff Links

By Cynthia Sax on July 9, 2014

I LOVE cuff links. My dear wonderful hubby has a huge collection. He uses them to add some personality to his classic business suits. Cuff links reveal so much about a man.

Eugene “Gene” Klompus from Just Cuff Links ( http://www.justcufflinks.com/ ) has more than 25 years experience in the cuff link business. He’s helped many, many men and women with their cuff link selections.

I asked Gene to recommend the perfect cuff links for four different romance heroes.

*******************************************************************************

This billionaire hero wears expensive dark suits, white shirts, silk ties. He travels in a limousine, eats at the best restaurants, is seen at Chicago high society events. He has a private jet and divides his time between Chicago, New York and LA.

Gene – This is an 18KT gold and sterling silver pair with a faceted and genuine Lapis center stone.

Our website’s item number is: EX-CL-47D.

I chose this pair because of its simplicity of design, and obvious good taste appearance. This pair matches the Sophisticated Executive’s conservative taste and follows his appreciation for quality.

Cynthia: Nicolas, the billionaire hero from Sinful Rewards, would definitely want this pair. I’m drooling over these.

*******************************************************************************

This hero dresses in leather and denim, has tattoos and rides a Harley. He thumbs his nose at the rules. He rarely dons a suit but when he does, it certainly isn’t traditional. He will do anything once and thinks the guys on Duck Dynasty are wimps.

Gene – This is a nicely enameled and classic pair of cuff links depicting a skull and crossbones.

Our website’s item number is: SK-CL-Cufflink.

I chose this pair because it matches the macho mindset of this biker. And, I know from experience that it is a favorite pair among bikers

Cynthia: I can see every biker at The Road Gator (the biker bar in Sinful Rewards) wanting a pair of these cuff links!

*******************************************************************************

He’s proudly patriotic, willing to die for his country. He supports the All American dream, was likely the quarterback of his high school football team, likes apple pie and his mom. He calls the people he respects Sir or Ma’am, is very clean, organized, and always on time.

Gene – Red, white and Blue “waving flag” in a gold setting.

Our website’s item number is: FL-JJ-3572.

I chose this pair because The Marine is highly patriotic. He would be very proud to wear this pair!

Cynthia: These would be the only cuff links Hawke would wear. These are a must for every proud American!

*******************************************************************************

He’s always in the spotlight, wears the latest trends, is seen in the latest social hot spots. He’s concerned about how he’s depicted and is constantly on for the cameras. His clothes, cars, attitude all scream ‘look at me.’

Gene – This is a highly sparkling pair of Cherry Red Swarovski crystal cuff links with a clear crystal surround.

Our website’s item number is; MIS-AU-SW27

I chose this pair because of The Movie Star’s strong desire to be noticed. This pair has great “bling” and he would love the attention it commands.

Cynthia: Not only would these cuff links appeal to Cole, but they would appeal to color loving Cyndi also. If they ever met, she’d happily buy him a pair!

*******************************************************************************

Thank you, Gene, for sharing your expertise with us today!

For fellow cuff link lovers, Just Cuff Links has the largest selection of antique and vintage cuff links on the net. Be careful though. If you’re an addict like I am, you’ll have a wish list several pages long!

Sinful Rewards 1

Belinda “Bee” Carter is a good girl; at least, that’s what she tells herself. And a good girl deserves a nice guy—just like the gorgeous and moody billionaire Nicolas Rainer. He is everything she wants in a man.

Or so she thinks, until she takes a look through her telescope and sees a naked, tattooed man on the balcony across the courtyard. Hawke is mysterious, the bad boy she knows will bring only heartbreak. He has been watching her, and that makes him all the more enticing.

But when a mysterious and anonymous text message dares her to do something bad, she must decide if she is really the good girl she has always claimed to be, or if she’s willing to risk everything for her secret fantasy of being watched.

Is her mystery man the reclusive billionaire with a wild side or the darkly dangerous bad boy?

Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sinful-Rewards-1-Cynthia-Sax-ebook/dp/B00I7V89H0

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-sinfulrewards1-1560586-237.html

Barnes And Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sinful-rewards-1-cynthia-sax/1119055390

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Cynthia_Sax_Sinful_Rewards_1?id=g08ZAwAAQBAJ

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/sinful-rewards-1/id814148703?mt=11

Topics: Guest Post | 1 Comment »

Writer’s Block Or The Causes Of Word Constipation

By Cynthia Sax on July 8, 2014

Some writers claim that there’s no such thing as writer’s block. They’ve written a gazillion stories and they’ve never suffered from it. That’s awesome. Good for them.

But, unfortunately, it is all too real. Just because these writers haven’t experienced it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. It is like love at first sight. Many people insist that isn’t real either. I thought the same way until I met my dear wonderful hubby. Heck, I mocked friends who experienced this phenomenon. Then the hubby and I fell in love at first sight. Bam. I was a goner, one of those besotted fools I once mocked. Twenty plus years later, we remain very much in love.

Writer’s block is less fun than falling in love at first sight. The words don’t flow. There may be a trickle or a complete stoppage.

Here are some of the sources of writer’s block and how I solve the issue (If you have your own solutions, please share them in the comments).

We’ve Run Out Of Story Ideas

We need a story for a call for submission (a publisher asking for types of stories) or a boxed set or a contest or (name your need here) and we have NO ideas, absolutely nothing. We look in our brain and it’s a barren wasteland, our imaginations parched and lifeless. We panic, worrying about our deadlines and thinking we’ll never have another great idea again. This makes matters even worse, diverting our creative juices to deal with our insanity.

THIS is what writing buddies are for. I keep a list of my top 100 story ideas. Perfectly good ideas drop off this list every damn day. I write light and the idea might be darker. I might not write in that genre. The idea is a little too mainstream for me. Whatever the reason, ideas drop off. I would be THRILLED to give you some of these ideas. I’d hand them to you happily. You likely won’t write them either but they might prompt another idea, a better idea (for you).

If your writing buddies are currently as insane as you are (hey, it happens), consider reading headlines, JUST the headlines. Guess the rest of the story. Or go to the mall and listen to conversations. Phone calls are the best for this as we only hear one side of the conversation. Take a book you love and play what if with some of the elements. What if Pride and Prejudice was set in a steampunk world? What if Mr. Darcy had a delicious secret he was trying to hide (maybe he’s scarred from a war or…)?

We’re Staring At A Blank Page

We have a story idea and now we don’t know where to start. We’re staring at the blank screen until blood drips from our ears and THERE ARE NO WORDS. Oh my God. What happens if there are NEVER any words?

When this happens to me (with every single story start – big sigh), I write down what I know. I already have my story idea. I’ll write that down. Voila! The screen is no longer blank. I have words and I’m writing. Hey, this isn’t so intimidating. I might have a glimpse of a scene or a tidbit of a conversation. I write that down also. I don’t expect to keep any of this. The idea is to start writing because usually when I start writing, I continue writing.

Usually.

Our Words Simply Stop

We’re zipping along, writing like madwomen, super excited about our stories, and the words simply stop. Can’t…Get…Past…This…Scene. We force ourselves to write because that is what many more experienced writers advise. This isn’t bad advice as long as we realize that all we’re doing is buying time to figure out what is wrong. These forced words will likely have to be scrapped.

Because we’ve made a wrong decision.

This is the number one reason why MY words stop (your reasons might be different). I’ve made a wrong decision for my characters. They know this. My brain knows this. But I’m stubborn as hell and determined to be right. I refuse to revisit it and my characters go on strike. The characters ALWAYS win and they should. If they know they’re doing something they wouldn’t, readers will know this also.

I go back to where the words were flowing in the manuscript and examine the following scenes. If I still can’t see the wrong decision, I’ll hand the manuscript to a writing buddy or I’ll talk it over with my dear wonderful hubby. Sometimes simply talking about it clears the issues up in my mind.

It could be something minor like the heroine’s motivation for an action isn’t right. In Sinful Rewards, I first thought that Bee was clothing obsessed because she cared what other people thought. Yes, she cares but the REAL reason she’s clothing obsessed is because she associates clothing with happiness. When Bee was young, her mom always looked tired and unhappy when she wore her cheap waitress uniform. As soon as I figured that out, the words flowed.

It could be something major like a lack of magic between a hero and a heroine. Writing romance is much like matchmaking. A couple might look good in theory but when we put them in the same room together, there’s no spark, no magic. I originally paired Camille from Breaking All The Rules with Michael. That was the grand plan. But when I got them together, there was NO interest, nothing, nada, zip. Then I introduced her to Nate and there was magic, that zing of sexual attraction. The trickle of words became a deluge.

We Don’t Want This Story To End

We only have one last scene to write. All of the plot threads have been wrapped up. We have that last lovey dovey scene to write and we’re done.

But we don’t want to write it because this means saying good-bye to the characters OR in the case of pantsers, we know what this last scene is. There will be very few surprises.

THIS is the scene I usually force myself to write. I tell myself that I’m writing a series (whether or not I am) and I will see this couple (or more) again. I like circular storytelling so I’ll focus on creative ways to reference the beginning of the story. I remind myself why this scene is important to my characters (it is their reward for surviving the story – grins) and readers (it is their sweet dessert at the end of the romance meal).

What are some of your techniques for dealing with writer’s block?

Sinful Rewards 1

Belinda “Bee” Carter is a good girl; at least, that’s what she tells herself. And a good girl deserves a nice guy—just like the gorgeous and moody billionaire Nicolas Rainer. He is everything she wants in a man.

Or so she thinks, until she takes a look through her telescope and sees a naked, tattooed man on the balcony across the courtyard. Hawke is mysterious, the bad boy she knows will bring only heartbreak. He has been watching her, and that makes him all the more enticing.

But when a mysterious and anonymous text message dares her to do something bad, she must decide if she is really the good girl she has always claimed to be, or if she’s willing to risk everything for her secret fantasy of being watched.

Is her mystery man the reclusive billionaire with a wild side or the darkly dangerous bad boy?

Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sinful-Rewards-1-Cynthia-Sax-ebook/dp/B00I7V89H0

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-sinfulrewards1-1560586-237.html

Barnes And Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sinful-rewards-1-cynthia-sax/1119055390

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Cynthia_Sax_Sinful_Rewards_1?id=g08ZAwAAQBAJ

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/sinful-rewards-1/id814148703?mt=11

Topics: Writing Tips | 1 Comment »

Sinful Rewards 1 – Fourth Excerpt

By Cynthia Sax on July 7, 2014

This post has adult content. If you are under the age of eighteen years old or sensitive to adult language/situations, please do not read this post.

I’ve shared the first three scenes from Sinful Rewards 1.

Read the first scene here

Read the second scene here

Read the third scene here

Today, I’m sharing the fourth scene.

I hastily don my purse, wearing the strap across my body. Leather smacks against my thigh, the fashion accessory designed for tall supermodels, not for my slighter proportions. If I leave the condo now, I can pretend I was never here.

I march out of the unit and into the hallway. The door closes behind me and the state-of-the-art lock buzzes, electronically clicking into place. My heels sink into rich red carpet. Gold light fixtures illuminate the common areas. Vanilla fills the air, the scent appealingly light. I’m surrounded by opulence and beauty. It feels good and right, as though I belong here, and no one, certainly not some tattooed stranger, will take my new home away from me.

I press the button for the elevator and study my reflection in the metal doors. My shirt is an impeccable white, the cuffs neatly folded at my elbows, the style copied from one of this month’s fashion magazines. The designer shirts in that spread had been expensive silk. My shirt is cotton, purchased at a discount department store. I’ve raised the hem of my black formfitting skirt so it skims my bare knees. My shoes match my skirt, the Louboutin knockoffs sporting the distinct shiny red-lacquered soles, the heel height and toe shape perfectly duplicated.

I brush a stray strand of hair behind my right ear. Even my hairstyle is borrowed from the pages of a magazine, my straight brown tendrils swept upward and contained by a plain clip. I might not be able to afford the real designs, but I can look damn close.

The doors open. Lona LaMarre, the notorious occupant of five oh one south, stands in one corner of the elevator. I hesitate, silently questioning if sharing space with her is wise. The aging beauty is rumored to be a high-class escort, a character no decent woman would ever associate with, a woman who makes my perversions appear normal.

She’s profited well from her perversions. Lona is clad in a gorgeous black Chanel suit, the detailing on the buttons and collar exquisite. She clutches a gold phone in one hand and a red Alexander McQueen bag in the other, the leather in mint condition.

Her flawless fashion sense lures me closer. I step inside the elevator car and press the button for the lobby.

The doors close and Lona raises her gaze from her phone. Her blue eyes are cold and assessing, not missing a single aspect of my appearance. I shift my weight from my right foot to my left, uncomfortable with her perusal, suspecting she’s determining my net worth down to the penny.

My measly net worth must amuse her. Lona’s lips twitch, her peach-colored lipstick immaculate. “Good morning, Belinda.” Her voice is husky, hinting of smoke and sex. Her floral perfume teases my nostrils, the scent expensive and refined.

Lona would never wear fake anything.

“Good morning,” I mutter as I claim the far corner. Our images reflect in the mirrored walls, and I wince. Standing next to her, I resemble a girl playing dress-up, short, slender, and insignificant, a cheap imitation of the real thing.

Even my good-girl reputation is a lie, as the tattooed man uncovered this morning. I gaze morosely at the red digital numbers, willing them to change faster. My telekinetic abilities are weak. The elevator descends agonizingly slowly.

“Your purse won’t last the day,” the escort murmurs, breaking the silence. “You should replace it before it falls apart.”

“It’s not that easy.” Her assumption that everyone has money irritates me. This week’s paycheck is already spent, the money needed to pay my mom’s rent.

“It could be that easy.” Lona smiles, her teeth straight and white and perfect. “You’re a beautiful young woman.”

I’m beautiful? I snort softly. Is she looking at the same reflection as I am?

“I have principles.” I want security and safety, a man who won’t leave me as my dad left my mom.

“Principles don’t buy designer purses or pay the rent, hon.” Lona’s brilliant eyes flash. “What happens when your bubbly little friend finds a man and settles down? She’ll want the condo to herself. What will you do then? Go back to that sleepy little one-stoplight town, work at the diner with your mom, taking orders from snotty teenage girls? Will you be content with that life?”

I jerk my chin upward and meet her gaze. “How do you know where I grew up?” How does she know about my mom, about the diner, about the teenage girls who made my high school days a living hell, forcing my mom to wait on them, to pander to their every need?

“Oh, baby.” Lona chuckles. “My sources might have given me the details, but I knew who you were the day you moved into the building.”

Don’t ask. Don’t ask. Don’t ask. I curl my fingers around the strap of my purse and dig my fingernails into the faux leather. Shit. This sensory distraction isn’t enough. I need to know. “Who am I?”

“You’re me, twenty-seven years ago,” Lona informs me triumphantly.

“I’m not you. I’ll never be you.” I’ll resist my unnatural urges, hide my perversions. No one will ever know. . .except for the tattooed stranger.

Sinful Rewards 1

Belinda “Bee” Carter is a good girl; at least, that’s what she tells herself. And a good girl deserves a nice guy—just like the gorgeous and moody billionaire Nicolas Rainer. He is everything she wants in a man.

Or so she thinks, until she takes a look through her telescope and sees a naked, tattooed man on the balcony across the courtyard. Hawke is mysterious, the bad boy she knows will bring only heartbreak. He has been watching her, and that makes him all the more enticing.

But when a mysterious and anonymous text message dares her to do something bad, she must decide if she is really the good girl she has always claimed to be, or if she’s willing to risk everything for her secret fantasy of being watched.

Is her mystery man the reclusive billionaire with a wild side or the darkly dangerous bad boy?

Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sinful-Rewards-1-Cynthia-Sax-ebook/dp/B00I7V89H0

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-sinfulrewards1-1560586-237.html

Barnes And Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sinful-rewards-1-cynthia-sax/1119055390

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Cynthia_Sax_Sinful_Rewards_1?id=g08ZAwAAQBAJ

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/sinful-rewards-1/id814148703?mt=11

Topics: Coming Soon | Comments Off on Sinful Rewards 1 – Fourth Excerpt

Introducing Hawke From Sinful Rewards

By Cynthia Sax on June 9, 2014

This post has adult content. If you are under the age of eighteen years old or sensitive to adult language/situations, please do not read this post.

Sinful Rewards is a love triangle between Bee, a recent grad, Nicolas, a billionaire with a dark past, and Hawke, a tattooed biker and former Marine. The first story in this twelve story serial releases on July 15th and is available for pre-order now!

Last week, I gave you a glimpse of Nicolas, our sexy billionaire. Today, I thought I’d tease you with Hawke, our bad, BAD boy. Again this excerpt is unedited (I haven’t given my wonderful editor a heart attack yet – grins) so please forgive any errors.

“Do you want me to have him killed?” a man rumbles.

I squeak, startled, and I pivot on my high heels. A man in a black leather jacket and faded blue jeans sits on the shiniest, prettiest motorcycle I’ve ever seen. Silver talons grab the metal axles. Finely drawn birds decorate the blue gas tank.

“Sorry. I didn’t see you there,” I mumble, embarrassed. Although his tattoos are covered, I recognize his square chin, the stubble on his tanned cheeks, the broadness of his shoulders, the strength in his powerful body. It’s the tattooed man from three eleven north, the hunk I saw naked this morning.

“I’m surprised you didn’t see me, sweetheart. I’m easy to spot.” He flashes me an adorably lopsided smile and my heart skips a beat. Up close, he appears even bigger than he was this morning, the man built solid, like the side of a mountain.

A fit, sexy mountain. I allow my gaze to linger on his impressive physique. The body parts I can’t see, my mind remembers, my pussy moistening and my knees weakening. I want him. Desperately. I clutch my purse, holding on to my self-control with everything I have.

The strap snaps. The purse drops to the sidewalk, the contents spilling. I watch, mortified, as a gold tube of lipstick rolls toward the tattooed hunk. He nudges the sidestand into place, stretches out his right leg and stops the lipstick’s escape with one big black boot.

“You’re a hot mess, aren’t you?” He bends over and retrieves the wayward tube.

“I’m not normally a mess.” I stuff my brush, wallet, passcard, and, oh my God, my emergency tampon back into my purse. My hands tremble. “The strap broke and–”

“You have black ink all over your pretty white shirt.” He skims the unopened tube of lipstick down my cotton-covered side, leaving a trail of sweet sensation. My nipples tighten and my spine arches, my body instinctually responding to his touch.

“Give me that.” I snatch the lipstick from him, unnerved by my reaction, and I glance down at my blouse. “Oh God.” Black ink is smudged over the fabric. “You’re right.” My heart sinks. Has it been there all day? Since I doctored my purse this morning? Nicolas, my boss, everyone must have seen it, and no one said anything, no one except my bad ass biker. “I am a mess.” My voice wobbles.

“You’re a hot mess,” he corrects. “There’s a big difference between the two.” His eyes are a faded blue, matching his jeans. “Let me see your purse.” He holds out one large hand. Calluses and scars mar his skin.

I eye his palm with suspicion. “Why do you want to see it?”

“I need to use your brush,” he jokes. “Why do you think?” I think he’s full of shit. His brown hair is buzzed close to his head. There’s nothing for him to brush. “I’ll fix the strap for you. There’ll be less of it.” His gaze drifts down my body, his perusal more stimulating than any touch. “But then there’s less of you.”

“There’s the perfect amount of me.” I put my free hand on my hip. “I’m average height.”

“You are average height…for a munchkin.” The tattooed stranger stares unabashed at my chest. My taut nipples press against the cotton, begging for his attention. “A shapely, sexy—”

“You’re one wrong word away from a slap across the face.” I glare at him.

“You’re feisty. I like that.” He grins. “Give me your purse. I’ll repair it for you and then we can play.”

Sinful Rewards 1

Belinda “Bee” Carter is a good girl; at least, that’s what she tells herself. And a good girl deserves a nice guy—just like the gorgeous and moody billionaire Nicolas Rainer. He is everything she wants in a man.

Or so she thinks, until she takes a look through her telescope and sees a naked, tattooed man on the balcony across the courtyard. Hawke is mysterious, the bad boy she knows will bring only heartbreak. He has been watching her, and that makes him all the more enticing.

But when a mysterious and anonymous text message dares her to do something bad, she must decide if she is really the good girl she has always claimed to be, or if she’s willing to risk everything for her secret fantasy of being watched.

Is her mystery man the reclusive billionaire with a wild side or the darkly dangerous bad boy?

Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sinful-Rewards-1-Cynthia-Sax-ebook/dp/B00I7V89H0

Barnes And Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sinful-rewards-1-cynthia-sax/1119055390

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Cynthia_Sax_Sinful_Rewards_1?id=g08ZAwAAQBAJ

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/sinful-rewards-1/id814148703?mt=11

Topics: Coming Soon | Comments Off on Introducing Hawke From Sinful Rewards

Writing Ménages Versus Writing Love Triangles

By Cynthia Sax on June 4, 2014

Sinful Rewards, my 12 novella serial from Avon Impulse (the first story releasing in July), is a love triangle, NOT a ménage. The two possible heroes do NOT have sex with each other. They do not sleep in the same bed with the heroine. They are extremely possessive men and they do not share anything or anyone.

I’ve written both ménages and love triangles. They are very different kinds of stories.

How are they different?

A ménage is about having both men (or women or androids or whatever ménage structure I’m writing – grins). These stories normally revolve around acceptance and tolerance, needing all three (or more) beings to complete a relationship unit. Each being in the relationship is different yet they typically have the same values, the same view of their future. They have the same vision of a happy ending and when combined, they’re stronger, better, happier, more able to achieve this destiny.

A love triangle, in contrast, is about choice, about making a life-changing decision (or collection of decisions). This decision leads the heroine (in this case, Bee) down one of two paths. These paths don’t intersect. They go in different directions, never meeting.

There’s no shared view of the future in a love triangle. If Nicolas is happy in this future, Hawke will be unhappy. If Hawke is happy, Nicolas will be unhappy. When the men are together, they’re less than, not more. They’re diminished by each other’s company. One of them is always compromising, always unhappy.

This is why it’s not possible to include even one ménage scene in Sinful Rewards. Bee can’t have Nicolas AND Hawke. In SciFi terms, they don’t exist in the same universe.

This doesn’t mean we can’t fantasize about a Nicolas-Bee-Hawke sandwich. (grins) Goodness knows I have!

Sinful Rewards 1

Belinda “Bee” Carter is a good girl; at least, that’s what she tells herself. And a good girl deserves a nice guy—just like the gorgeous and moody billionaire Nicolas Rainer. He is everything she wants in a man.

Or so she thinks, until she takes a look through her telescope and sees a naked, tattooed man on the balcony across the courtyard. Hawke is mysterious, the bad boy she knows will bring only heartbreak. He has been watching her, and that makes him all the more enticing.

But when a mysterious and anonymous text message dares her to do something bad, she must decide if she is really the good girl she has always claimed to be, or if she’s willing to risk everything for her secret fantasy of being watched.

Is her mystery man the reclusive billionaire with a wild side or the darkly dangerous bad boy?

Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sinful-Rewards-1-Cynthia-Sax-ebook/dp/B00I7V89H0

Barnes And Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sinful-rewards-1-cynthia-sax/1119055390

Topics: Coming Soon | Comments Off on Writing Ménages Versus Writing Love Triangles

Introducing Nicolas From Sinful Rewards

By Cynthia Sax on June 2, 2014

This post has adult content. If you are under the age of eighteen years old or sensitive to adult language/situations, please do not read this post.

Sinful Rewards is a love triangle between Bee, a recent grad, Nicolas, a billionaire with a dark past, and Hawke, a tattooed biker and former Marine.

While we’re waiting for release day (July 15th!!! It is available for pre-order NOW! Woot!!!), I thought I’d give you a glimpse of Nicolas, one of the sexy men in Bee’s life. This excerpt is unedited (and posting it will likely give my editor a heart attack – grins) so please forgive any errors.

“But you want a reward.” Nicolas’ eyes gleam. “A new purse, perhaps?” He waves his long slender fingers at my purse. “I can give you that.” His gaze drops. “Or would you like new shoes?”

I frown down at my feet. What’s wrong with my shoes?

“Perhaps you’d prefer to have use of my limo and driver,” Nicolas continues, his voice cold and businesslike. “I’m wealthy, Miss Carter. What do you want?”

If he offered me a reward with genuine gratitude, I might allow him to buy me a new purse, but he isn’t happy about making this offer.

“Okay, I’ll tell you what I want.” I cross my arms in front of me, fed up with his bullshit. “The next time someone does something nice for you, I want you to say thank you.”

Nicolas blinks, his eyelashes obscenely thick and long. “Is that all?” His voice is edged with irony.

“No, that isn’t all.” My rage boils over, fed by guilt and disappointment and betrayal. I gave him my loyalty. He should deserve it. Damn it. “Introduce yourself when you call that someone. Ask her when it is convenient to meet with you.”

Nicolas’ eyes widen. He’s shocked I’m talking to him this way. Well, he should brace himself. I’m not done with him yet.

“Don’t make her wait on a street corner as though she’s a two-bit hooker. Pick her up at her workplace.” I glare at him, wondering how I ever found him attractive.

Nicolas smiles and the mystery is solved. The man is drop dead gorgeous. “I was kind of a jerk, wasn’t I?” he admits sheepishly.

“No, you weren’t kind of a jerk.” I won’t let him off that easily. “You were a complete asshole.”

Nicolas stares at me. I meet his gaze squarely, not hiding any of my irritation. His lips twitch. Is he laughing at me? I narrow my eyes even more and his shoulders shake. My fists clench, the temptation to jab him in the eyeballs compounding by the second.

Nicolas throws his head back and barks with laughter, breaking our silent standoff. “He’s right.” His eyes sparkle with mirth. “You’re priceless.”

I don’t know who he is and I don’t ask. I doubt I’ll like the answer.

Now that Nicolas is no longer in such a pissy mood, his good looks improve even more, the skin around his eyes crinkling, his lips curling upward. “Let’s try this again.” He leans forward and I breathe deeply, filling my nostrils with his expensive cologne. “Hello. I’m Nicolas Rainer.” He holds out his hand.

I glide my palm against his and his fingers wrap around mine. His grip is solid and sure, an embrace a woman can rely on. This, at least, is as I expected.

“Thank you for retrieving my phone,” he murmurs. “I appreciate it.”

“I would have done that for anyone, Mr. Rainer.” I eye him warily, not trusting his sudden amiability. “Clearly,” I mutter under my breath.

His eyes glow. He heard me. “Call me Nicolas, please.” He releases my hand. “I’m…” He shifts in his seat, appearing uncomfortable. “I’m not accustomed to people doing nice things for me without wanting something in return.”

This heartbreaking confession deflates all of my anger and bolsters my battered opinion of him. “That’s the saddest thing I’ve ever heard.”

Red streaks across his cheeks. “It doesn’t excuse my actions.” Nicolas meets my gaze, holding it. “I’m sorry.” Sincerity reflects in his eyes. “If I ever act like that again, tell me.”

Sinful Rewards 1

Belinda “Bee” Carter is a good girl; at least, that’s what she tells herself. And a good girl deserves a nice guy—just like the gorgeous and moody billionaire Nicolas Rainer. He is everything she wants in a man.

Or so she thinks, until she takes a look through her telescope and sees a naked, tattooed man on the balcony across the courtyard. Hawke is mysterious, the bad boy she knows will bring only heartbreak. He has been watching her, and that makes him all the more enticing.

But when a mysterious and anonymous text message dares her to do something bad, she must decide if she is really the good girl she has always claimed to be, or if she’s willing to risk everything for her secret fantasy of being watched.

Is her mystery man the reclusive billionaire with a wild side or the darkly dangerous bad boy?

Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sinful-Rewards-1-Cynthia-Sax-ebook/dp/B00I7V89H0

Barnes And Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sinful-rewards-1-cynthia-sax/1119055390

Topics: Coming Soon | 1 Comment »

Friends With Benefits

By Cynthia Sax on May 27, 2014

This weekend I watched Friends With Benefits, the Mila Kunis, Justin Timberlake romantic comedy for about the gazillionth time. There are quite a few of f*ckbuddy romantic comedies and hands down, I think Friends With Benefits is the best of the bunch.

Why?

1. The extremely witty dialogue

Every time I watch Friends With Benefits, I pick up on some clever throw away lines. The mom telling Mila’s character that she didn’t want to twat block her. The jokes about liking Harry Potter not making you gay. The LA/New York jokes.

There are one time jokes and then there are jokes that repeat throughout the movie. Every time they get on a plane, there’s a different discussion about planes flying themselves. There are Guess My Daddy jokes with Mila’s mom. They make math jokes, referencing Justin’s character’s issues with math.

Which leads to the next why…

2. The characters are full

They’re not perfect. They, in fact, have very serious issues and they also have a past, a childhood, family, small imperfections like Justin’s character being unable to do math. They feel real yet are larger than life, more witty than any of us can ever aspire to be. Their relationship issues are very consistent, connected (they deal with similar issues in very different ways), and I could see how they are the only people able to help each other.

I believe that their love will last and I feel the chemistry between them. Mila and Justin look and act like a couple, as though they enjoy being with each other, are having fun together.

3. They change

Neither character is the same at the end of the movie. At first, they have a relationship based on sex without emotional support. Then they enjoy a relationship with emotional support and no sex. Finally, they’re able to tackle both at the same time, something they wouldn’t have been able to do at the beginning of the movie.

Have you watched Friends With Benefits? What was your favorite line?

Sinful Rewards 1

Belinda “Bee” Carter is a good girl; at least, that’s what she tells herself. And a good girl deserves a nice guy—just like the gorgeous and moody billionaire Nicolas Rainer. He is everything she wants in a man.

Or so she thinks, until she takes a look through her telescope and sees a naked, tattooed man on the balcony across the courtyard. Hawke is mysterious, the bad boy she knows will bring only heartbreak. He has been watching her, and that makes him all the more enticing.

But when a mysterious and anonymous text message dares her to do something bad, she must decide if she is really the good girl she has always claimed to be, or if she’s willing to risk everything for her secret fantasy of being watched.

Is her mystery man the reclusive billionaire with a wild side or the darkly dangerous bad boy?

Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sinful-Rewards-1-Cynthia-Sax-ebook/dp/B00I7V89H0

Barnes And Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sinful-rewards-1-cynthia-sax/1119055390

Topics: Guest Post | Comments Off on Friends With Benefits