Spotlight
& GIVEAWAY with author Diana Baron
Welcome
everyone! You are going to see an awful lot of posts over the next
few days. I was very ill and couldn't get out of bed. I have no idea
what it was but it sure knocked me out hard. I don't know if any of
you have been so sick that when you even tried to get on a computer
your vision blurred and a bad headache followed, but that was part of
what was happening. In any case, I am finally on the road to
recovery, so it is time to get back to business now. I hope you all
enjoy the first of many posts to come and help me welcome to the
blog:
**DIANA
BARON**
**BIO**
Diana
began writing the moment she learned how to hold a pencil. By
elementary school, she was writing and directing plays for kids in
her afterschool program. Over the years, short stories piled up on
her nightstand. At night, she could always be found holding a
flashlight and a book under her blanket.
She studied writing and literature through high school and into the first two years of college. But then, her fascination with other cultures and religious practices took over. She has degrees in Cultural Anthropology and Comparative Religious Studies from San Jose State University and is published in non-fiction.
After college, her life took an unexpected turn. She's currently a project manager and technical spec writer for a Silicon Valley computer company by day and a daring novelist by night. When she's not tearing up the felt playing at the World Series of Poker, she's traveling to her favorite Caribbean islands.
She studied writing and literature through high school and into the first two years of college. But then, her fascination with other cultures and religious practices took over. She has degrees in Cultural Anthropology and Comparative Religious Studies from San Jose State University and is published in non-fiction.
After college, her life took an unexpected turn. She's currently a project manager and technical spec writer for a Silicon Valley computer company by day and a daring novelist by night. When she's not tearing up the felt playing at the World Series of Poker, she's traveling to her favorite Caribbean islands.
You
can find out more about Ms. Baron in the following places:
**TRAINING
TEMPTATION**
**The
Stable Book One**
Genre:
Erotic Romance
Date
of Publication: 4/23/2013
ISBN:
9781301637034
ASIN:
B00CIEBODI
Number
of pages: 115
Word
Count: 28,000
Cover
Artist: Melody Simmons of eBookindiecovers.com
**BLURB**
Caught
in a web of deceit, Caroline must run the race of her life to save
her family home. Her reputation as the high society owner of the #1
stable for Ponygirls in the world is on the line. And, there’s only
one man who can help her win.
Edward Hastings is steamy, passionate and dangerous. With molten brown eyes and a rock hard body, the notorious playboy could have any woman in the world, but he only wants her. The first time he’d seen Caroline dressed like a pony, he’d been enthralled. Now, nothing will keep him from her.
They strike a deal. He’ll train her if she sticks to his rules. But rules were made to be broken. The moment he slides the bit into her mouth, she knows she’s in trouble. As he ignites a fire in her body and her mind, will she make it through the week without losing her heart to him? Or will she be able to train temptation?
Edward Hastings is steamy, passionate and dangerous. With molten brown eyes and a rock hard body, the notorious playboy could have any woman in the world, but he only wants her. The first time he’d seen Caroline dressed like a pony, he’d been enthralled. Now, nothing will keep him from her.
They strike a deal. He’ll train her if she sticks to his rules. But rules were made to be broken. The moment he slides the bit into her mouth, she knows she’s in trouble. As he ignites a fire in her body and her mind, will she make it through the week without losing her heart to him? Or will she be able to train temptation?
**EXCERPT**
By
reading any further you are stating you are at least 18 years of age.
If
you are under the age of 18, it is necessary for you to exit this
site.
Chapter
One
The
1959 Dom Pérignon Rosé soured in Caroline’s mouth. “I’ve only
missed one payment. I don’t see how the bank can start foreclosure
proceedings.”
Anton
reclined on the plush sofa and laced his hands behind his head.
“Banks can begin the foreclosure process the second you miss a
payment.”
She
gazed into the flames slithering in the fireplace. “I’m going to
catch up on my payment as soon as the race is over.”
His
lips curled into a smirk. “I’m offering to buy you out.”
“You
can’t put a price on this estate.” Her mother would shudder in
her grave. Caroline imagined ancestral specters looming amongst the
towering bookshelves in her library glaring with disapproval.
He
oozed off the sofa, leaving a deep indentation in the cushions. He
towered over her and the wine on his breath nearly gagged her.
“Everyone has a price.”
She
wouldn’t let him intimidate her. “I’ll never sell.”
His
sudden grip on her arm startled her. Leaning close, he whispered,
“Everyone has a price. The bank will be all too happy to hand the
estate over to me. But maybe we can come to a certain agreement.”
The
lecherous glint in his eye told Caroline the type of agreement he had
in mind. She yanked her arm from his sweaty grasp then retreated to
the far side of her enormous oak desk. When he didn’t follow, a
trickle of relief slid down the back of her neck. “So you’re the
one pressuring the bank?”
“Pressuring?”
He laughed. “They just want to get paid. Money is money.”
“You
won’t get this estate.”
“I
always get what I want. It’s really only a matter of time.”
“Not
this time!”
He
pulled an envelope from his tuxedo pocket and dropped it onto the
desk. “Let me know if you’re interested in my friendly offer.”
Before
she had a chance to say anything, he sauntered out of the room. She
crumbled the envelope into a ball then hurled it into the fireplace.
The contents didn’t matter. She could never sell the legacy her
mother left when she died.
The
gilded walls of the study seemed to close in on her. No one could
know about the threat. If even a hint of financial strain twisted in
the rumor mill, people would stop bringing their ponygirls to her
world-class training facility. She’d lose the last thing her mother
gave her before she died, Sheridan Estate.
A
log cracked and sparks exploded amongst the flames. Her ponygirl
Tiffany Rose was her only hope. If she didn’t win the final race,
she would lose everything.
Footsteps
shushed on the carpet behind her. Caroline jumped as a deep male
voice whispered into her ear. “Canapé?”
She
spun to face Edward Hastings. The son of the man who’d just
threatened her stood before her, grinning.
“What
are you doing up here?” The last thing she needed was taunting by
her arch-rival. Through the pony circuit they’d know each other for
years, but his silly jabs still annoyed her.
“I
came to escort you to the ball.” He leaned his hip against the sofa
and hooked his thumb into the waistband of his slacks.
Ignoring
the way the fabric hung from his hips, she grabbed the precariously
balanced tray from his free hand and set it on the desk. The last
thing she needed was to be distracted by his delectable body. An
occasional fantasy was manageable, but she’d never act on her
desire.
“I
don’t need an escort.” Caroline’s gaze strayed to the contours
of his broad shoulders. A thousand hooves galloped across her heart.
The week’s festivities hadn’t officially stated and he’d
already ruined her plan to ignore him. And even worse, she’d
suddenly forgotten how to breathe.
The
corners of his bottomless amber eyes crinkled, a slow smile formed on
his sensuous mouth. “You remembered.”
“Remembered
what?”
His
gaze caressed her body traveling from her eyes, to her lips, to the
deep V of her neckline. “Burgundy is my favorite color on you.”
She
willed her face to remain passive. “Oh? I had no idea.”
“Denying
it makes things more fun, doesn’t it?” He grinned.
Clenching
her fist, she fought the urge to slap him. He needed to learn that
women were more than just playmates for spoiled rich brats. An
assumption he’d clearly learned from his father.
“I
have to see to my other guests.” She turned to walk away but his
strong warm hand clasped her elbow.
“You
know,” he leaned closer to her, “I’ve been looking forward to
beating you in the race for, what is it now, the third year in a row?
You could say I’ve been chomping at the bit.”
She
rolled her eyes and yanked her arm out of his grasp. “When you see
Tiffany Rose race, you’ll realize you have no chance.”
“Really?”
“She’s
the fastest pony I’ve ever trained.”
“Care
to make a little wager on the side?” His eyes seemed to hypnotize
her. Maybe that’s how he lured so many women into bed.
“You
know the rules, we can’t bet on the races.” She stole a quick
glance at his chiseled forearms then averted her eyes.
“It
doesn’t have to be money.” The sparkle in his eye implied he
wanted something money couldn’t buy.
Caroline
swallowed. “What exactly did you have in mind?” The second the
words became airborne, she regretted them. Too late to pull them
back. The race was too important to let anyone, especially him, cause
such a disruption. It wouldn’t help the situation. The bottom line:
If her ponies didn’t win, all remaining connection to her family
would be lost.
“Well,
I think…” His gaze drifted to the door where her maid stood.
“You
may enter,” Caroline said.
She
sauntered into the room. “Excuse me Lady Caroline, the first guests
are arriving.”
“Please
show them to the ballroom.”
“As
you wish.”
The
maid’s curvy hips gave an exaggerated sway as she left the room.
Choosing the younger woman for the dressage competition would ensure
a victory. The $100,000 First place prize would help, but she really
needed to win the final race if she was going to pay off her debt and
continue to preside over Sheridan Estate.
Nothing
could be done about it now. Guests were arriving.
“I
have to attend to a few matters before I go downstairs.” She waved
her hand toward the door but he grasped it mid-air.
Brushing
his lips across her knuckles, he whispered, “I look forward to a
dance.”
A
shiver of pleasure slid like sweat between her breasts. The look in
his eyes left her speechless. She quickly turned away from him to
hide her face.
The
soft click of the door closing signaled his departure. She smoothed
her palms against the satin on the bodice of her gown. She needed to
collect herself and stop acting like a schoolgirl in heat.
Caroline
took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She visualized a brook
meandering through a valley then released a pent-up breath. Picturing
herself in a serene place always helped to calm her. The tension
headache threatening to ruin her night eased into a dull ache. She
willed the muscles around her mouth to transform from a scowl into a
smile. A mask of happiness fell into place. She’d spent years
hiding her true emotions and today wasn’t any different.
As
she strolled the length of the east wing, the edge of her gown lapped
at her ankles. She half expected to find Edward waiting as she
rounded the final curve of the hallway. No one stood near the winding
staircase.
She
dismissed the flutter in her chest as nerves, not disappointment.
From the top of the stairs, she looked down at the crowd gathered in
the foyer. She waited until her newly arrived guests tilted their
faces to look up.
Edward
watched from the crowd below as she raised her slender arms. Her
stance reminded him of the fountain of Athena in Austria.
Caroline
carried herself like a goddess as she addressed the crowd. “Ladies
and gentlemen.” Her voice cast a silken spell over the guest who
fell silent. “Welcome to Sheridan Estate.”
The
crowd responded with enthusiastic applause. She surveyed the room and
smiled while slowly descending the staircase. He took a sip of his
martini and watched as a group of women adorned in glittering dresses
flocked to her. Maneuvering through the crowd, he got within earshot
of her conversation. With his back to her, he turned slightly to
catch her reflection in the French doors.
One
of the men stepped forward to greet her. “Lady Caroline.”
“Senator
Garvin, it’s so nice to have you here,” she said.
The
senator grasped her hand and brushed his lips across it. “The
pleasure is all yours, of course.”
“Of
course.” Her silvery laughter echoed through the room as he
released her hand.
Edward
skewered an olive and jammed it into his mouth. She flirted with
everyone but him. This year, no matter what it took, he would charm
her into his bed.
“Edward
Hastings.” The smooth southern drawl tickled his ears as he turned
to face a sultry blonde in a tight black dress. She looked vaguely
familiar but he couldn’t place her.
She
tapped her long red nails against her whiskey glass. “You never
called.”
Where
did he last see her? Think. “Darling, I’ve been so busy. I just
got in from Switzerland two nights ago.”
Sliding
closer, she rested her hand on his shoulder. Her breast pressed
against his arm and a subtle musky perfume enveloped him.
She
whispered, “You might be able to convince me to meet you on the
beach again. But bring a towel this time. You don’t want to scrape
your back against the rocks again.”
He
instantly remembered the moaning vixen. The scars from that night
were still fading and it had been over a year. He smiled. “Slamming
me against them left quite the impression.”
“I’m
sure it did.”
Over
her shoulder he caught a glimpse of Caroline. Would she be a moaner
or silent? His eyes caught hers and they gazed at each other over
their conversational partners.
“What
time should I meet you?” The vixen leaned into him, her hand
trailing across his chest.
Caroline
frowned and turned her attention back to the senator. Terrible
timing, as usual. He tore his eyes from the tight curve of her hip
and discretely adjusted his tux to hide his arousal.
“Excuse
me. I see the senator has arrived.” He flashed his most dazzling
smile then brushed the woman aside.
She
sputtered behind him, “Later then?”
“Mmm,”
he mumbled as he walked toward his intended prize.
As
he crossed the room, he stopped to grab two champagne flutes from a
liveried waiter.
Shifting
closer to the senator, Caroline gazed over his shoulder at the
reflective glass in the French doors behind him. She spotted the
reflection of the man staring at her and the smile faded from her
face.
She
had to get away, fast. “Excuse me senator, allow me introduce you
to Prince Franco. He just arrived.”
“Trying
to get rid of me so soon?” he joked.
She
leaned in and whispered, “Franco just acquired Bareli Enterprises.
The announcement will come Monday, but you might want to discuss the
details of his intended merger with Denning Corp.”
The
senator arched an eyebrow. “Merger? It seems that the prince and I
do have something to discuss.”
Attempting
to disguise her distress, Caroline played the proper hostess and
steered him toward the prince. After introducing them, she turned to
escape.
Blend
in. She could blend into the party if she hid amongst the other
guests in the ballroom. With over two hundred guests at the party,
she could avoid him.
Caroline
threw open the heavy mahogany doors to the ballroom and her eyes
darted around the room. No sign of him. Excellent.
The
rhythmic beat of drums and the soulful singing of the sultry woman
draped across the piano filled the ballroom with electric energy.
Laughter carried through every corner of the enormous room.
A
sigh escaped her lips. She knew he would be here, so why was she
nervous about seeing him? Caroline had spent the last five years
ignoring him. Not an easy accomplishment. Their particular fetish du
jour, sexy athletic women dressed like horses, ensured they’d see
each other at almost every event. This week marked the 13th
Annual International Ponygirl competition. Everyone who was anyone
would be here.
The
sound of shattering glass smashed through the ballroom snapping her
into the present. Conversations sputtered then roared back to life as
the piano singer continued her song. The carnal hunger of the crowed
swirled around her. Everyone’s eyes seemed misted with anticipation
for the race.
Overwhelmed
by the energy in the room, she threaded her way through the crowed to
the safety of the kitchen where broken wine glasses littered the
floor. The chef barked orders as the kitchen staff scurried to clear
the mess.
She
leaned over to help pick up a shard from the floor. The glass bit
into her hand. Dammit. Pain slashed across her fingers and blood
dripped from the wound.
The
chef grabbed a clean dishrag and wrapped it around her hand. “Are
you okay?” he asked.
“I’ll
live.”
“Let
me call a doctor.”
“I’ll
be fine,” she lied. She hadn’t been fine since Anton’s threat
and she wouldn’t be fine again until she was sure she wouldn’t
lose Sheridan Estate. Tears formed in her eyes but she blinked them
away.
The
staff stared at her. She followed their attention downward to where
droplets of red stained her dress. She needed to change.
She
turned to leave and Edward appeared out of nowhere. “There you
are.”
Great.
He’d cause an even bigger scene if she didn’t get rid of him
quickly. She brushed past him. “Excuse me.”
The
chef stepped between them. “Sir, you can’t be in here.”
“It’s
okay, I’m a doctor.”
Aware
the staff was listening, she lowered her voice. “You never finished
med school.”
“It
doesn’t take med school to slap on a bandage.”
She
thrust her wrapped hand toward him. “Blood is dripping everywhere.
Please get out of my way.”
“Wait,
let me help you.”
She
shoved past him and stomped down the hallway.
“I
was pre-med at Stanford,” he said.
She
paused. Maybe he could be of some use after all. Avoiding Edward for
the rest of the week would be pointless. Why was she trying so hard
to avoid him anyway? It wasn’t like he was a serial killer. Men
like him were always around the stable with their latest flavor of
the week, so why did she get so rattled when he was around?
She
stood up straighter and pushed her shoulders back. She wouldn’t let
him get to her. “All right doctor, I have a first aid kit in my
bathroom but you better behave.”
“I
finally get to play doctor with you.” He grinned.
Caroline
put her injury-free hand on her hip. “This is exactly why I don’t
think you should come up.”
He
held his hands up as if he was surrendering. “I promise to be on my
best behavior.”
“The
only reason I’m letting you come up is because you’re the only
doctor here, and I hate hospitals.”
He
gestured toward her hand. “From the way it’s bleeding, it may not
be minor, but I need to look at it to be sure.”
“Fine.”
She could tolerate him for a few minutes.
He
remained silent as they climbed the staircase to the third floor. Her
room occupied the end of the east wing of the mansion.
“Sit
here.” He pointed at her crushed blue velvet settee. Her hand
throbbed as he unwrapped the kitchen towel. “The bleeding has
slowed considerably but we need to wash it out to avoid infection.”
He
grabbed a bottle of hydrogen peroxide, cotton balls and a gauze wrap.
His eyebrows furrowed and his lips pressed together. Interesting, he
actually seemed concerned about someone other than himself.
“This
is going to sting.” He held her hand over the sink and poured the
liquid onto the cut.
Shocked
by the burning sensation, she yanked her hand back. “Damn, that
hurts.”
His
expression softened. “I know, but I want to make sure it’s
completely disinfected.”
She
allowed him to grasp her hand again. His fingers encircled her wrist
and warmth spread up her arm.
Their
eyes met in the mirror and for a moment, neither of them moved. The
corners of his eyes were softer. His full sensual lips relaxed into
an inviting smile. She couldn’t look away.
“Thank
you.” Maybe there was more to him than just an arrogant playboy.
He
dropped his gaze to her hand then brought it up to his lips. As he
brushed his smooth lips across her knuckles, he seemed to be
searching for something in her eyes. The pain in her hand was
forgotten as her heart threatened to explode in her chest.
The
tense edge of her mouth relaxed when he looked down to wrap gauze
around the wound. “You need to apply ointment twice a day. If you
see any redness or swelling, or if the pain gets worse, you need to
see a doctor right away, okay?”
In
a daze, she nodded.
A
twinkle lit up his eyes. “You realize you owe me now, right?”
His
question snapped her back to reality. “I’d say name your price,
but I don’t think I want to know.” Of course, he wasn’t doing
this out of the goodness of his heart.
He
sat next to her and turned to face her. “I’ll settle for a kiss.”
She
sat perfectly still as he leaned toward her. Her pulse leapt when his
fingers grazed her sensitive earlobe as he settled a lock of hair
behind it.
He
whispered, “You can say no.”
Mesmerized,
she wouldn’t stop him. His tongue flicked out darting across his
bottom lip. She wanted more than anything in that moment to taste
him, to suck and nip at his lips, to tangle her fingers in his thick,
luxurious hair.
Intoxicated
by the subtle scent of his cologne, she inhaled deeper, pulling his
essence into her lungs. Her eyes locked on his face as he shifted
closer to her. Closing her eyes in anticipation, she could hear the
sound of her breath mingling with his. His wine laced breath caressed
her face.
“Excuse
me, Lady Caroline?”
She
smacked her head against his hand as she jerked back. Scowling at her
maid, she said, “Amanda, you need to knock when you enter my
chambers.”
“I
did knock.”
“Did
you wait for a proper reply?”
The
maid stared at the floor. “No, Lady Caroline.”
“I
should send you to the groom the ponies in the stable this week. What
do you want?”
The
maid glanced from her to Edward and back to her. “The guests who
are staying on the property wish to retire for the night.”
Caroline
stood and towered over the maid. “You have the list of who is
staying in each room.”
The
maid nodded toward Edward, a wry smile crossed her face. “Does he
know where he’s staying tonight?”
“He’s
staying in the blue room in the west wing, not that it’s any of
your concern.” She raised an eyebrow and glared at the maid.
“Should
I show him to his room?”
“That
won’t be necessary. I was just about to escort him out.”
What
was this girl up to? She wasn’t jealous of the maid, was she? The
maid excused herself then sauntered out the door.
Caroline
turned to him. “It’s been a long night. I trust you remember how
to get to your room?”
She
struggled to read his expression and it bothered her.
He
stood. “I guess it has been a long night. Until tomorrow?”
As
soon as he stepped into the hallway, she closed the door. She sagged
against the wall as tremors rippled along her spine. The stress of
being behind on mortgage payments coupled with the stress of
organizing the competition killed the ability to think clearly. She'd
fallen right into a trap like all of his other playthings.
**GIVEAWAY**
One
ebook copy of TRAINING TEMPTATION to one commentor ~ be sure to leave
your email address!
Whoo
hoo! San Jose! Not too far from my hometown of Lodi, CA. And WSOP,
not me, but holy cow I can't get DH away from it. *rolls eyes* So
tell me what you thought about the excerpt. No better way to get
acquainted with a future read than to be allowed the priviledge of
reading the first chapter, yes? I always appreciate your comments, so
please feel free to give your feedback. Maybe you have read Ms. Baron
before. Maybe she is new to you. Either way, I want to hear about it.
And
don't forget about that giveaway. Super easy! Simply comment to
enter. Don't forget to leave your email so that I can get in touch
with you if you win. You have nothing to lose except your chance to
win, so be sure to give it a try.
I
want to thank Ms. Baron for being here with us today. I had a lot of
fun getting to know about her and her latest release. I hope that you
did as well. I will be seeing you all again very soon! Have a
fantastic day! Until next time ...
HAPPY
READING!!!
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