Monday, January 9, 2012

Guest Post & Giveaway: Roni Loren - CRASH INTO YOU



Hi Everyone. Please help me welcome Roni Loren to AsianCocoa's Secret Garden today! Roni is here to talk about her debut novel Crash Into You. I was very curious to know some details about The Ranch so Roni is going to tell us a little bit about it. 


A Sneak Peek Inside The Ranch from CRASH INTO YOU

One of the best things about being a writer is being able to build entire worlds straight out of our imagination. And most of the time when people talk about “world-building” they’re referring to genres like paranormal, science fiction, or fantasy because in those  types of books, you literally have to create entirely new worlds or universes. However, even in contemporaries (what I write), there is some world-building involved.

I write erotic romance with BDSM in it. And if you’re familiar with the genre, you know that BDSM is a world in and of itself with its own rules, customs, and equipment. So when I first thought of the idea for CRASH INTO YOU, I needed to create a place where my characters could go and explore their relationship in the comfort and safety of that “society” and not have to worry about the people in their life knowing about it.

The first thought that came to my mind was a club. They’re used a lot in BDSM fiction and that might have worked. But a club didn’t feel quite right for this story.  I wanted something that immersed my heroine, Brynn, more fully. Something that forced her completely out of her comfort zone and put her off balance and face to face with her old fears. So, that’s when I got the idea for The Ranch.

The Ranch is a resort/vineyard out in Texas where any sexual fantasy (as long as it’s consensual) can be explored. The focus is on BDSM but the people who go there don’t necessarily have to be into that specifically. It’s elite, it’s exclusive, and it’s very confidential. This is a place politicians, millionaires or celebrities would go to be assured privacy.

So what’s it like there? Well, it’s located west of Dallas in the middle of nowhere, is run by a sexy dominant cowboy, and is home to the Waters Edge Wines vineyard. But, of course, that’s not the only business being run at The Ranch.

Tucked among all the grapevines are cabins and a resort that provides anything a person could want to explore their sexual fantasies. There’s a night club, a restaurant, a spa--everything you would expect at a fancy resort. But there are also public rooms with all the best BDSM equipment. There are fantasy role playing rooms that vary from a police station to a decadent boudoir. And then each individual cabin is outfitted with anything an adventurous couple may need.

Plus, bonus: there are a whole bunch of hot romance heroes wandering around! ;) (I do have a whole series planned after all.)

So how do I picture this place in my mind?

Here are some pictures that match closely (though the main house at The Ranch is much bigger and has three stories):




So the warm and cozy decor is juxtaposed with the edgy, limit-pushing things that go on there. I liked that contrast because it matched my hero and heroine’s relationship a bit. Brynn and Reid have to figure out how to find the balance between what they desire and the kind of life they pictured themselves living.

I hope you’ll all come and take a virtual visit to The Ranch and stay a while!

Anyone want to check in for the weekend? :) What would your fantasy resort look like--a beach paradise, a place tucked up in the mountains? I’d love to know!

Crash Into You
by Roni Loren
Release date: January 3, 2012


Brynn LeBreck has dedicated herself to helping women in crisis, but she never imagined how personal her work would get, or where it would take her. Her younger sister is missing, suspected to be hiding from cops and criminals alike at a highly secretive BDSM retreat—a place where the elite escape to play out their most extreme sexual fantasies. To find her Brynn must go undercover as a sexual submissive. Unfortunately, The Ranch is invitation only. And the one Master who can get her in is from the darkest corner of Brynn’s past.

Brynn knows what attorney Reid Jamison is like once stripped of his conservative suit and tie. Years ago she left herself vulnerable only to have him crush her heart. Now she needs him again. Back on top. And he’s all too willing to engage. But as their primal desires and old wounds are exposed, the sexual games escalate—and so does the danger.  Their hearts aren’t the only things at risk. Someone else is watching, playing by his own rules. And his game could be murder.


EXCERPT
Brynn emerged from the bathroom with a handful of Band-Aids and a bottle of hydrogen peroxide. She pointed to the dining room table. “Sit.”

He dried his hands with a paper towel and fought a smile. She always had been a bossy little thing. But he knew the truth. Underneath all that tight control was a woman who, at least when he’d known her, loved handing over the reins. He swallowed hard, tamping down memories he didn’t need to rehash at the moment.

He dropped into one of the chairs, and Brynn sat across from him, her knees bumping against his. He widened his legs, and after the briefest of hesitations, she scooted forward, allowing his thighs to frame the outsides of hers as she reached for his injured hand. She circled her fingers around his right wrist, his pulse jumping at her touch, and brought his hand up to her face to examine it. His fingers itched to reach out and trace the bow of her lips.

Dammit. He took a deep breath, trying to keep his desire to touch her in check, but the citrus scent of her shampoo drifted to his nose and sent a bolt of carnal need straight to his groin.

He stared down at her. One quick grasp of her waist and he could lift her to straddle his lap, bunch up that dress, and slide right into her sweet heat—kiss away all the tension furrowing her brow, drive her to that place of wild abandon he knew she could reach.

Without thinking, he lifted his other hand and twined her broken dress strap between his fingers, brushing the backs of his sore knuckles across her collarbone in the process. The small catch of breath in the back of her throat made his balls tighten. Such a feminine sound, so close to the noise she would make as he entered her.

But she didn’t raise her eyes to him and beg him to take her like he secretly hoped she would. She simply took the slip of material from him and tucked it under her bra strap to hold it in place, sending her message loud and clear. Not yours.

Not anymore.

Author Bio

Roni wrote her first romance novel at age fifteen when she discovered writing about boys was way easier than actually talking to them. Since then, her flirting skills haven’t improved, but she likes to think her storytelling ability has. Though she’ll forever be a New Orleans girl at heart, she now lives in Dallas with her husband and son. If she’s not working on her latest sexy story, you can find her reading, watching reality television, or indulging in her unhealthy addiction to rockstars, er, rock concerts. Yeah, that's it. Her debut novel, CRASH INTO YOU, will be published by Berkley Heat January 3, 2012.

Website/Blogs: www.roniloren.com
Tumblr (where I post mancandy photos): http://roniloren.tumblr.com
Buy links for book: www.roniloren.com/books


Giveaway:

1) Roni is giving away one set of signed Romance Trading cards for Crash Into You to a randomly drawn commenter today. 

**Daily Winner of the Romance Trading Cards is Tore! Congratulations.**

2) She is also giving away a $25 Amazon gift card to one randomly drawn commenter during the entire tourEnds January 27, 2012.

The more comments you leave the better your chances of winning.
 
To Enter:
Answer Roni's question from the post or leave a comment or question for her and include your email address.
Be sure to visit the other blogs on this wonderful tour. Click on the tour banner below for a list of participating blogs.



29 comments:

  1. My favorite getaway would be at the beach. Your story sounds really exciting.

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  2. The beach....sand and surf...reminds me of that famous scene in From Here to Eternity!

    Besides your imagination, what other forms of inspiration, such as music, photos of famous (or not so famous) people, etc. do you use while writing?

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  3. What beautiful photos of "The Ranch". This place looks like my fantasy place. I wouldn't mind staying there for a few days or months. This book sounds great and I can't wait to read it to see what happens between Brynn and Reid. Thanks for the blog tour.

    e.balinski(at)att(dot)net

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  4. What great shots of 'The Ranch.' I've read (and love) Crash Into You, and these pictures really fit the story.

    I'd go with the beach. Warm water and hot sex can't beat it!

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  5. Oh, the Ranch pictures look perfect! Now, if it was set in say, Montana, with mountains in the background, I'd be in heaven, considering all of the pleasures to be found there, and the sights inside and out! *SWOON!*

    I can't wait for this book - let alone the series. I've got goosebumps!

    Gena Robertson
    robertsongena@hotmail.com

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  6. Sounds like a great place to visit. I love the country, mountains, and anyplace that is quite. The Ranch sounds like an interesting place to visit. Beautiful house, and interesting activities going on. Sounds like fun. Would love to checkout the rest of this book. Will be adding to my must buy list.
    christinebails@yahoo.com

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  7. Those pictures are gorgeous. I'm not picky, I'd go anywhere. If it's a cold weather place, as long as it's warm inside with a tv, good books and food, I'd be happy as a clam.

    acm05atjuno.com

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  8. So rustic! I like it!!! We stayed somewhere like that once, on a much smaller scale. It was in the Poconos..bunch of us went for a weekend trip. So much fun....but not the kind of fun in your book ;) LOL!

    haefner919 at yahoo dot com

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  9. I'd love to go somewhere on a remote island and the only way on or off is a small boat. Somewhere tropical, lots of sun and gorgeous beaches.

    carrie dot rogozinski at gmail.com

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  10. I would like to go somewhere close to Bora Bora but it would be my own island, my room would be filled with amazing flowers, fresh fruit, staring at the beaches, however since reading CRASH INTO YOU and other exciting books I dare not devulge my unmentionables I'll keep those secrets for a MC.

    km43458@gmail.com

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  11. Honestly, I love both ideas. I'd love to just get cozy in the mountains or on the beach with my fiancee..but I really want to travel the world, so I'm going to say either Egypt or Ireland. Anywhere new would be fun!

    natashajennex(at)gmail.com

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  12. I just read the comment previous to mine, and wow! That sounds awesome.

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  13. MomJane, thanks! :)

    Karen, I love listening to music for inspiration. The "theme" song for CRASH is "Outside" by Staind. As for visual inspiration, I use a lot of that. :) I used Rob Lowe for Reid's look (though not personality.) And I also am always on the search for good mancandy photos. I have an inspiration Tumblr (roniloren.tumblr.com) But be warned, it's 18+ over there. ;)

    Joanne, Thanks so much! :)

    Jerrie, Thanks and lol, you crack me up. :)

    Gena, in the mountains in Montana sounds fabulous. :)

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  14. Chris, thanks so much! Hope you enjoy the book!

    Anne, I'm with you. Cold weather can be great as long as it's warm inside. :)

    Stephanie, lol, and ooh, the poconos. Makes me think of something out of Dirty Dancing.

    Carrie, a private island would be lovely. :)

    Keisha, That sounds amazing. :)

    Natasha, Ooh, Ireland. I'd love to visit there!

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  15. Thanks so much for hosting me, Monique! :)

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  16. I live very near a beautiful beach, so that probably wouldn't be my dream resort. I'd go to wild, rugged mountains.

    I'm enjoying the tour.
    catherinelee100[at]gmail[dot]com

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  17. I would definitely go to a mountain resort, on a lake, during the summer months.
    I can't wait to read this story!
    June
    manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com

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  18. My favorite getaway would be in a cabin in the mountains. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

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  19. Sounds like a nice vacation. Isn't there a song by the same title, Crash into you.

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  20. THE RANCH looks amazing. I am looking forward to reading about it in CRASH INTO YOU.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  21. Thanks everyone for stopping by and answering Roni's question.

    @Roni - You're welcome. I loved hearing about your inspiration for The Ranch and yes, I would like to check in for the weekend.
    :-)

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  22. Those are great looking pictures of The Ranch, I certainly would love to check in! I love the beach (though I don't go in further than my knees because I don't know how to swim :\ but I still enjoy it), the sound of the waves so peaceful. But I also enjoy the mountains, a cabin sounds delicious in the middle of snowtime, to be snuggled in a warm cabin :)

    Eva
    evitap67(at)gmail(dot)com

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  23. Wow. You just made everything way heightened by giving us a visual of the ranch. I LOVE the contrast of that setting with BDSM, Roni!!

    I probably would want some cosmopolitan, minimalist resort.

    sophiathewriter at gmail

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  24. Ä°s it open for international users?
    My dream placa would be a secret island owned by a super handsome dom. :-)

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  25. My favorite getaway would be the mountains
    rjs682 at yahoo dot com

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  26. My fantasy resort would be a cabin in the woods with a ton of wood stacked outside the door, food & wine worthy of romance, and exquisite service as needed.

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  27. I'd love to go to a island with white sands and blue waters
    tmc480 at yahoo dot com

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  28. My dream getaway is in a mountain cabin
    ryanac32 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for stopping by my blog! I appreciate all of your comments.

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