Thanks for having me Stephanie and you had some great questions!
GM: Tell us a little about yourself, where you’re from, what you write, boxers or briefs?
I’m from the Great White North! Canada and live outside Toronto. I write erotic romance, which surprised the heck out of me. Who would have thought? Boxers or briefs, depends on the situation 
both can come in quite handy.
GM: What is your favorite part of the holiday season?
Well, when I’m under control and not stressed to the nines, I love the baking/cooking, decorations and sparklies that go with Christmas. Visiting friends is also a great part of the season too. I wish I still wrote Christmas Cards, but that habit died a few years ago when I moved.
GM: Tell me more about your story and how it fits in with the Lyrical Press Holiday Blog.
Being Ariana was wonderful to write. I could spin it however I liked. The sequel to it is coming out February 20, Being Bound. Where we follow Rourke’s adventures…and boy does he have some.
GM: Vampires or Werewolves? Coffee or Tea? Chocolate or Vanilla?
Aliens, Rum, Caramel. How’s that for being a little bit different and proud of it. I’m an Aquarian and that should say it all.
GM: And since this is a Mama blog, share a mom or kid related memory with us.
So many memories. My boys are 21 and 23. When my oldest was about 3 we were dog sitting a friend’s Doberman and her puppies. I cautioned him not to go in and touch the puppies because she might bite. Not because she was being mean, only to protect them. After a few minutes of thought he asked me “Mommy, did you bite anyone that tried to touch me when I was a baby?”
Oh and I can’t forget the time he asked me if I had a refrigerator when I was a little girl. Yup.
Being Ariana Excerpt
Is it better to get lost in your fantasy, or be found in another’s?
Ellie Taylor lives her erotic dreams by masquerading herself as Ariana and visiting the Black Phantom. In this club where anything goes, she plans to perform onstage before an audience, building her sexual excitement to a fever pitch before selecting her man. But Ariana is sidetracked by a tall, blond masked maitre-d. He captivates her and all thoughts of performing are forgotten. He’s every bit as domineering as Ariana and pushes her to her sexual limit. Their true identities concealed, they set out to use each other for pleasure–no risk of entanglement or commitment…but that may prove easier said than done.
Warning – Explicit sex/language, domination, bondage and kink.
Ariana carefully composed herself and positioned the peak of the organza hood a little lower over her face. She felt the flush on her cheeks and the need to regain her composure from prying eyes. Her focus for the night had shifted dramatically in the last few minutes because of this strange man. Ariana turned her head within the hood to see if he was still there. He stood at the bottom, watching her. Ariana’s heel caught on the runner and she saw him start as if to jump up the stairs and assist her. She caught herself in time and shook her head, hoping he would get the message to leave her alone. Again, his brilliant smile clutched at her heart and he nodded his head. But she didn’t really know what that nod meant. Was he agreeing to leave her alone, or was it simply an acknowledgement of…what?
Oxygen filled her starved lungs and clarity came back with air. She decided to think of him as a delectable treat to help enhance her experience tonight and nothing more.
She knew her encounter with the mystery maitre’d had been noticed. The arousal of those around her was tangible and the weight of hungry gazes followed her until she found a table close to the balustrade. Ariana loved the interest the observers had in her recent encounter and rather than be intimidated by being watched, she thrived on it. At the table she paused and turned her head slightly behind the veil, enough to see some of those sitting around her and their stares skittered away when she caught them gaping with curiosity. Ariana smiled, and with a graceful movement sat at the center of a butter soft, wine-colored settee big enough for two.
Her fingertips touched the edge of the veil, making sure it was still where she wanted it. These seats offered a clear view of the lower level and yet the high back hid her from anyone seated behind. She scanned the floor below and concentrated on bringing her heart and breath firmly under control.
Guests in all kinds of masquerade mingled about or sat with their drinks at tables placed in concentric arcs before the stage. The lights, already dim, would be lowered even more in a little while, then all the focus would be on the performers.
Ariana could almost taste the growing excitement of the crowd. It thrilled her, and she grew more aroused, tightening her thigh muscles in pleasure.
People on the upper level shuffled around the seats in costume. Their choice to be at the top had purpose. They didn’t want to be noticed. Their tastes leaned toward watching only. Lighting ran along the edge of the floor, low and muted, mostly for safe passage between the tables and chairs. It gave the room a cavernous appearance that swallowed the furniture and guests into a dark void. Perfect for their anonymity. Many curious voyeurs in the dark hungered to watch the performers on the stage.
She swung her gaze to the main floor and watched the activities below. Costume clad hostesses fussed with guests and ensured their satisfaction with cocktails. Many still mingled and others had found their seats.
Her gaze stopped at the base of the stairs. Was she hoping to see him? Her breath caught slightly and sweet heat tingled between her thighs. She admitted he aroused her, unlike others, and sought him out with her gaze. The dark velvet curtains did well at hiding anyone standing in their folds. Then a section moved and she focused on the spot.
Being Bound – Sequel
Blurb
Sometimes reality is so much better than fantasy.
A man used to getting what he wants, Tom Rourke doesn’t take being discarded lightly. Smarting from rejection, Rourke decides the complication of women is distracting him from his goal. He refocuses his energy into ownership of the Black Phantom, where he meets Heather Canyon. Drawn into her erotic web, he can’t get her out of his mind. But can he trust her? The only way to know is to experience her first hand.
Dominatrix Heather Canyon is looking for a new beginning, and a safe place where she can let her talents shine. Rourke’s proposition is the perfect opportunity. She must test him to ensure they are the right fit for and challenges him at every turn. She isn’t looking for a partner, but has she found her match with Rourke?
Cristal Ryder is published with Lyrical Press and Ellora’s Cave. She’d love to hear from you www.cristalryder.com
http://www.lyricalpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=authors&authors_id=155
http://www.jasminejade.com/m-771-cristal-ryder.aspx Coming Soon: Switch Me up
GM: Thanks for stopping by, Cristal! It’s always fun to switch things up with another Mama!
Merry Christams!
Gnome Mama
aka Stephanie Beck
