Friday, December 12, 2025

Friday Friends: Luscious femdom from Lawrence Westerman -- #Femdom #FridayFriends

Friday Friends banner

Today I’m starting a new feature here at Beyond Romance: Friday Friends.

I’ve been part of the erotica and romance writing communities for two and a half decades. I’m grateful to be surrounded and supported by so many talented and creative people. Over the years, they’ve critiqued my works in progress; shared my books through their blogs and social media; reviewed my stories; and buoyed my spirits when I’m feeling frustrated by the difficulty of reaching readers.

Beginning this week, at least one Friday per month I’ll be creating posts that showcase my author friends and their work. This isn’t just marketing. In many cases, I’ve read and reviewed their books, and can recommend them to my own readers.

Today I want to introduce you to the work of Lawrence Westerman, who writes femdom erotica that is sensitive as well as sensual. Although Lawrence’s work is sublimely kinky, it’s also intelligent and character-driven. His personal fascination with powerful, dominant women comes through clearly in every story he creates.

Here’s a sampling of his books.

 

Hubby Improvement Plan cover

Adoring slobs become devoted subs on the Hubby Improvement Plan!

Devin must clean up his act. He secretly loves serving Uma, but does he have what it takes to succeed?

Uma will settle for nothing less than absolute perfection. When Devin confesses his desire to serve, they embark on a journey from which there can be no return. Together they explore the outer limits of female domination—domestic servitude, strap-on play, corporal punishment, remote control domination, electro-play, enforced male chastity and sexual humiliation.

What happens when a loving couple plunges headlong into femdom? Sign up for the “Hubby Improvement Plan” and find out!


Femdom Fortune Teller cover

Only the fortune teller knows how deep the rabbit hole goes.

When Martin confesses his kinky desires to his beautiful wife Nicole, he doesn't know what kind of rabbit hole he’s fallen into. She enthusiastically embraces the dominant role. As she takes him deeper, he wonders—is she trying to put the spark back in their marriage—or gain control?

As Nicole reveals part of her past, he must confront his deepest fears. Can he endure the humiliation of being Nicole’s submissive cuckold? Only the fortune teller knows for sure.

Take a deep dive into the dark heart of dominance and submission.


Bootboy's Baptism of Fire

Bootboy has done the inexcusable. He stands accused of disrespecting Commander Lenore and defying her orders. Now he must defend himself before an unforgiving judge and nine pitiless, black-robed counselors, or face being banished from House Anais.

Why has Commander Lenore forsaken him? In a matriarchy like Ortheria, none will believe the word of a lowly male slave. Without his commander to serve, Bootboy's life will lose all meaning and purpose.

Never in the history of Ortheria has a slave been permitted to defend himself before the High Court. Bootboy has no memory of committing the offenses of which he’s been accused. He knows the charges against him are false, but his fate rests on his ability to win over the judge without knowing who is accusing him or why.

Bootboy’s Baptism of Fire is the first book of The Bootboy Chronicles, a trilogy blending femdom fantasy with sword and sorcery-style action. It takes place in Ortheria, a matriarchy where women rule and men are slaves. The stories chronicle the adventures of Commander Lenore and Bootboy as they defend Ortheria against rebel bandits and other dark forces seeking to destroy it.

 

Curse of the Spider Queen cover

Will Commander Lenore and Bootboy end up as flies caught in the Spider Queen’s web?

Bootboy is Commander Lenore’s devoted slave—serving at her feet, polishing her boots till they gleam, and protecting her with his life. Whether brandishing a sword in her service or satisfying her voracious carnal appetites, Bootboy’s allegiance is always to his commander. 

When the sultry Lieutenant Sierra comes to visit, he must serve his female superiors on his knees while they make passionate love, laugh at his expense, and use him in the most intimate ways imaginable. 

What more could a humble slave ask for?

With the matriarchy in the grip of a terrible plague, the commander, lieutenant, and Bootboy are called upon to vanquish a malevolent force deep in the heart of Ravenwood. Frivolity soon turns to terror when they are confronted by dark forces beyond their understanding. In shadowy places far beneath the earth, their strength and endurance are tested like never before. Caught between two opposing forces, Bootboy is buffeted about like a rag doll in the wind. Only his courage, loyalty, and devotion can prevent the destruction of everything he loves.

sexy legs and handcuffs

I particularly love Lawrence’s Bootboy Chronicles series, which combines femdom tropes with epic fantasy. Here’s a spicy excerpt from Curse of the Spider Queen.

Excerpt

Aren’t you going to say hello?” She pushed back her hood. Lieutenant Sierra seemed not to have aged since the last time I’d seen her. Her skin was impervious to wrinkles and had deepened to the color of chocolate in the sun. Her generous mouth seemed almost too wide for her face, but her smile lit up the room. When she removed her cloak, I saw her hair was bound in braids that hung around her shoulders and down her back like long black snakes. She wore brown leather armor and brown knee-high boots. Her body was sleek, muscular, and battle-ready. My heart filled with joy at the sight of her.

Lieutenant! I’m so happy to see you! It’s been so long!”

Lieutenant Sierra! You’re a sight for sore eyes! Welcome to House Anais!” Commander Lenore entered the room, hair tousled, with a blanket wrapped around her. She embraced her friend in a warm hug. As she did, the blanket dropped to the floor revealing her nakedness.

It’s wonderful to see you again, Commander!” Lieutenant Sierra stood a full head taller than Commander Lenore. She placed a possessive hand on the commander’s bottom, pulling her in closer.

I watched transfixed as they kissed. The rich brown of the lieutenant's complexion was an enchanting contrast to the commander’s creamy whiteness. The commander opened her legs, pressing her mons against the lieutenant's leather boot as their tongues intertwined. When they finally disengaged, they grinned at each other.

How long has it been?”

Over ten years!”

You haven’t aged a day. A wood nymph must have enchanted you.” Commander Lenore snapped her fingers. “Bootboy, where are your manners? Take the lieutenant's cloak and hang it up!”

Right away, Commander.” As I took the lieutenant’s cloak, a little brown spider skittered outof the folds and ran up my arm. I hurriedly shook it off and crushed it underfoot.

Another one of those spiders?”

Yes, ma’am.” I replied with chagrin.

Apologies. They seem to be everywhere these days,” she said to Lieutenant Sierra. “I’m so glad to see you. So happy you made it here safely from House Octavia.”

Thank you, Commander. I almost didn’t. We encountered bandits on the road.”

I was afraid of that. The roads aren’t safe for women or beasts anymore. Bootboy, have you forgotten how to greet a superior when she enters the room?”

Glaring at me sternly, Commander Lenore slipped on an elegant, black, satin robe. Her black hair was clustered, bushy, and unkempt around her face. A long silver streak ran dramatically down one side, so vivid it could have been painted there. She’d been napping and sleep still clung to her eyes. There was something infinitely adorable about her when she’d just awoken. Sometimes, I almost forgot she was a warrior capable of wiping out an entire platoon single-handed.

Beg pardon, Lieutenant.” I knelt before Lieutenant Sierra and reverently kissed the toe of her boot, dusty and caked with mud. She reached down and ruffled my hair.

I like his beard. It makes him look more like a boot man than a boot boy.”

Thank you. It suits his position as my bull, though he’s really more like my slave. I can also lead him around by it.”

Lieutenant Sierra giggled.

Remove her boots, slave. You'll clean and polish them later when you have time.”

Lieutenant Sierra extended her foot so I could remove her boot. I knelt before her, doing my best to pull it off without falling over backward. She offered me the other boot and I removed that one too. Her feet were fragrant, having been trapped in leather boots all day. I eagerly kissed her toes, savoring their delicious aroma.

Don’t get carried away!” Commander Lenore laughed. “I have big news. At my request, Lieutenant Sierra is taking over as our captain of the guard. That means she’ll be taking over your combat training as well, little one.”

 

dominant woman, adoring man

I hope you’ll check out Lawrence’s work.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B072BMFFGX/about

In addition to his books on Amazon, he also publishes on Medium.com. His bio is short and to the point: “As a lifelong devotee of femdom, I relish putting my fantasies & experiences into words.”

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Just a stop along the way – #HolidayRomance #MFRWHooks #LaterInLife

Cherry Pie and Mistletoe cover

Welcome to this week’s MFRW Book Hooks blog hop. Hard to believe it is already December! Anyway, for the rest of the month I’ll be sharing juicy bits from my holiday-themed titles, starting today with a snippet from Cherry Pie and Mistletoe, a sweet and spicy later-in-life holiday romance.

In keeping with the festive spirit, I will give away a copy of this book to one person who leaves me a comment.

Blurb

At ten thirty on a stormy Christmas Eve, I really didn’t expect any business, but the sign for our diner out on the highway reads “open until midnight”, and I’m a woman of my word. Good thing I didn’t close; the half-frozen long haul trucker who wandered in really needed some hot coffee, not to mention a slice of my luscious cherry pie.

Something about the grizzled, bear-like man with the chocolate-brown eyes and ready laugh spun me back to my scandalous, sensual younger days. I hadn’t wanted anyone in years, but I wanted Dave Driver. Was I brave enough to act on my desire? And would he flee, screaming, from the amorous attentions of a white-haired little old lady?

The Hook

Before he could mention it, I refilled his empty mug. What was it about this guy? Ants crawled along my skin. Butterflies danced in my stomach. My nipples felt heavy and hard as polished stones and a hungry void pulsed between my thighs.

Our eyes met. Heat flickered through me. I held my breath.

You got any cherry pie?” he asked at last. Had he wanted to request something else?

Um—yes, yes, of course,” I gasped. Disappointment and relief warred inside me. After all, I wasn’t a girl anymore. I didn’t want to make a fool of myself. “Best cherry pie in three counties, in fact.”

And would you happen to have something to do with that, Marnie?”

I certainly would. It’s my mother’s recipe—by the way, what’s your name?” I winced at my own boldness. “Since you know mine.”

Dave,” he replied. “Dave Driver.”

I giggled. “You’re joking, right?”

Nope. Guess I was fated to be a long-haul trucker.” Sadness tinged his smile. “Anyway, Marnie—how about that pie? It’s great talking to you, but I’ve got to be in Nebraska by Thursday morning.”

Coming right up.” I cut him a more-than-generous slice and topped it with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream. Ruby-red fruit oozed from the flaky crust. Fingers of creamy white dripped over the top and pooled on the plate. I garnished the whole thing with a sprig of fresh mint and presented it to him with a flourish.

Very Christmas-y,” he said. “Looks delicious, too.”

It is.” I watched him devour a big, gooey chunk.

Wow! This is amazing!”

Thanks.” It felt so good to be the cause of his innocent delight. “Glad you like it.”

Why don’t you join me? Have a piece of your own?”

I shouldn’t. It’s bad for my cholesterol.”

It’s Christmas Eve, and you have to work. You deserve some compensation!” He held out a moist forkful of cherries and cream. “Here, take some of mine, then.”

Giving in to impulse, I leaned over the counter, opened my mouth and let him feed me. Flavors exploded on my tongue: the sweet-tart burst of the fruit, the richness of the ice cream, the buttery lightness of the crust. Dave scrutinized my face as I chewed and swallowed, savoring every moment. I couldn’t stop licking my lips. His eyes followed my every move. A blush climbed into my cheeks, even as I chided myself for being immature and overly sensitive.

See?” he said gravely. “You should listen to me. Go get yourself some of your incredible cherry pie.”

I didn’t resist any more. I wanted the pie. I wanted him, too. Not much I could do about that second desire, but I could certainly fulfill the first. Hard as it sometimes was to believe, I was sixty four. Did I think I’d live forever?

With my pie and ice cream (a somewhat smaller piece than I’d given him), I perched on a stool inside the serving area. Facing each other across the counter, less than a foot apart, we ate in silence.

I tried without success to concentrate on the exquisite taste of the dessert in front of me, as Dave seemed to be doing. Instead, I was intensely aware of how close he was—and how paradoxically attractive. I watched his sensual mouth opening and closing around forkfuls of pie, the flick of his tongue over his lips as he gathered stray crumbs, the shift in his throat as he swallowed a mouthful of coffee.

He drained his coffee cup. He’d nearly finished. When he was done, he’d disappear into the winter night. He had a long way to travel before morning. His job probably depended on providing a reliable delivery schedule.

I was just a stop along the way.

 

Holly garland

Find all the buy links at https://www.lisabetsarai.com/cherrypiebook.html

Be sure to visit the other authors participating in today’s Book Hooks!

And don’t forget to leave a comment. You could be my winner!



Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Review Tuesday: Love's Inheritance by Cheyenne Blue — #lgbtq #LesbianRomance #ReviewTuesday

Love's Inheritance book cover

Love’s Inheritance by Cheyenne Blue

Ylva Publishing, 2025

Clea Winneke, manager of Yarra Grounds coffee shop, enjoys her chats with regular customer Patrick. He’s thoughtful and supportive, the way a friend should be. She’s thoroughly shocked to learn of his sudden death, especially when she’s summoned to attend the reading of his will and learns that he had a long-ago romance with her free-spirited mum, and is actually her father.

Patrick bequeaths most of his substantial estate to his wife Maeve and their daughter Zara. To Clea, he leaves his beloved but struggling factory, Shamrock Sausages, along with the stipulation that she must guide it to profitability within one year. Armed with a business degree but near zero experience, Clea accepts the challenge. Her inexperience isn’t the only obstacle to Shamrock’s success, however. Before long she realizes that her step-mother is working hard to sabotage the company so that she can take over the valuable land associated with the factory.

Complicating the work of the novice CEO is the presence of food scientist Kat Nordling. Kat and Clea struggle to manage their mutual attraction and keep their relationship appropriately professional. Love’s not something that can be denied, though. And together, they might have a better chance of saving Shamrock than Clea would by herself.

A sausage factory isn’t your typical setting for a romance. For me, that’s a plus. Cheyenne Blue does a great job depicting the industrial setting: the routine, the machines, the constant required maintenance, and the scary feeling that the business and everyone’s jobs are teetering on the edge of failure. I enjoyed getting to know the various supporting characters who work at Shamrock, though given some of their blue collar backgrounds, I was a bit surprised by their uncritical acceptance of Clea’s and Kat’s lesbian connection. In the U.S., even today, I believe this would be far more of a problem.

Even more than Clea’s work colleagues, I adored the characters of her commune-dwelling, flower-child mother Tamsin and Kat’s elderly neighbor Elsie. The wisdom of age plays a pivotal role in helping Clea and Kat navigate the inevitable storms in their relationship.

Maeve’s underhanded and duplicitous behavior is plausible. The author manages to evoke a smidgeon of sympathy for the wealthy widow. Like Clea, she didn’t expect Patrick, a man in the prime of life, to disappear in an instant.

Finally, though I’m much more of a cat than a dog person, I could not help falling in love with Putchi, the rainbow pride dog. He’s a reminder of the power of simple joy.

Love’s Inheritance is a feel-good lesbian romance that left me smiling. It doesn’t offer much in the way of serious conflict, however. There’s never any doubt that Clea and Kat will finally come together, or that Shamrock will survive.

Fans of Sapphic fiction will enjoy the slow-burn pace and the frank acknowledgment of mutual attraction. The author is expert in focusing on the small details that generate or broadcast arousal. To be honest, I found the flirtation and first hesitant kisses more erotic than the actual love scenes, which had no suspense and seemed a bit rushed.

Finally, the book left me with an urge to visit Melbourne. I’ve never been to Australia, though I have many friends there. Clea and Kat walk by the river, stroll along the beach, visit friendly-sounding restaurants, bars and cafes and generally support the impression that this is a diverse and lively city. I always appreciate books that provide a sense of place. This novel could serve as tourist marketing for its setting.

All in all, Love’s Inheritance serves up a tasty Sapphic tale without an excess of angst. Relaxing and entertaining!

Saturday, December 6, 2025

Come as many times as you want – #KinkyChristmas #SaturdaySpanks

Saturday Spanks banner

I haven’t done a Saturday Spanks event in a really long time. For those of you who like things kinky, I’ve got a sexy BDSM scene – holiday style. This excerpt is from A Contract for Christmas, one of the stories in my boxed set Comfort & Joy. The book is free on Kindle Unlimited.

Blurb

Isabella plans to surprise her husband Greg with an intimate Christmas Eve dinner. She’s left with only her fantasies of Greg’s dominance, though, when a blizzard strands him a thousand miles away. Then Greg’s best friend James shows up at her door, tempting her to surrender to his quiet authority. This Christmas Eve will alter their three-way relationship forever.

Comfort and Joy cover

Kinky Excerpt

Stripping off his shirt with typical economy and ease, he folded it on the vanity stool. His jeans followed. Before he set them down, he extracted his belt from the waist. “I’m going to want this,” he said, laying it alongside my outstretched body so I could smell the leather. “And these, of course.” He dropped five or six condoms onto the bed table.

I couldn’t help laughing. “How many times do you plan to fuck me, James?”

He kneeled between my legs, his engorged cock bobbing as he moved. “As many times as you can handle, woman.” He picked up the belt, running it over his palm. “Then I’ll fuck you some more.”

He loomed over me, fierce and unsmiling. A burst of fear tingled through me.

But first, I’ll beat you. Do you agree?”

I closed my eyes, momentarily overwhelmed. No one but Greg had ever inflicted the sort of pain I knew the belt would produce. Even in our three-way scenes, my husband had always taken the lead when it came to punishment. I was scared. What if James couldn’t read my signals? Would he know, the way Greg always did, when I’d had too much?

He sensed my uncertainty, at least. His voice was gentle when he spoke again. “What’s your safe word, Bella?”

Artichoke. But with Greg I never…”

Use it if you need to. I think I know you well enough walk that fine line between not enough and too much, but don’t be afraid to stop me if I’m wrong.”

And if you really don’t want me to whip you,” he added with a grin, “just say so. I have lots of alternative ideas.”

No, no—I want it—I want your belt—it’s just that you—you…”

I’m not Greg,” he answered. “I know. But I am your master, at least for tonight. You’ll know that soon.”

Without warning, he brought the belt down just above my right knee. A line of fire stitched its way up my thigh, then jumped to ignite my sex.

Oh, God—James!—oh—” I bit back my words, afraid he’d misunderstand, that he’d stop. Instead, he lashed at my other thigh, a strong, pure blow that only fanned the conflagration.

I’m not a pain slut like some subs. Mostly I endure the hurt in order to please my master. This beating, though, was different. The leather played across my skin, cutting, bruising, heating me to a fever that was like nothing I’d never felt before. Pain, but somehow not pain—not when I watched the flow of muscle under James’s skin, the graceful arc of the strap as he prepared another stroke, the dark energy dancing in his eyes.

He had perfect control over his instrument. Every lash landed exactly where he intended. For the most part he concentrated on my thighs, but occasionally he’d flick the leather across my nipples. I screamed, thrashed, strained at my bonds, driven higher each time the belt connected with my flesh.

James whipped me into a frenzy. Between my legs the ache built and built, and built some more. I needed to come, more than I needed air. Yet still he whipped me, and I let him. I understood that was what he needed—what only I could give him.

The belt edged closer to my cunt. Dazed and drunk with lust, still I guessed how this would end. Yet his final stroke took me by surprise—the one that kissed my clit and sent me spinning into climax.

Pleasure poured through me in a flood that cleansed me of the pain. It left me stranded. I lay on the bed, limp in my bonds, gasping and shuddering as though I’d just escaped drowning.

Are you all right, Bella?” James peered down at me, looking concerned.

Oh, yes,” I sighed. “Wonderful. Thank you, sir.”

This time, that felt right.

My new master broke into a grin. “Don’t mention it.” He reached across my body to retrieve a condom from the table. His cock grazed my belly, smearing me with pre-cum.

But you haven’t come yet.”

I plan to remedy that shortly.” I watched his deft movements as he rolled the latex down his shaft. I wanted nothing more than to feel that hardness inside me.

By the way, when you’re with me, you don’t need permission to come. Come as many times as you want. As you can. Starting now.”

Buy Links

Amazon UShttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P2CM6KL

Amazon UKhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08P2CM6KL


Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Welcome to the Asylum – #HistoricalSuspense #Review #Giveaway

The Gold in the Grey tour banner

B
lurb

For decades, Roy Orville fleeced money from fools. Now reunited with his grown daughter, he has found new purpose and a use for his particular set of skills beyond his own needs. But in the midst of the Great Depression, even an experienced con man has difficulty finding work.


Then, a golden opportunity: a wealthy target who could secure his daughter’s future. One hitch—the mark is locked in Greystone Asylum for the Insane. Undaunted, Roy dives in, certain that his talents will seal the deal. But Greystone hides dark secrets: predators masquerade as healers, and the stakes soar beyond his wildest bets.


In a race against time, Roy pits his wits against a sinister foe; a man holding more than one innocent life in the balance. It’s a gamble that will take him to the edge of his sanity.

Excerpt

It all seems quite reasonable,” he said just before taking a small bite of his unseasoned boiled chicken.

Roy blinked. After all that, he had fully expected a polite refusal. To hear the contrary came as a most welcomed surprise. Perhaps it would be a productive day after all.

Quite so,” he replied brightly. “We’re not greedy, after all, but we do know what we’ve got. Now, may I presume we can put you down for-”

It’s this line here that’s giving me heartburn.”

And there it is.

Eh?”

Chauncey shifted in his seat, turning the paper and indicating the offending line. Surprisingly somewhere halfway down the page. He had actually read the blasted thing.

You don’t have the manufacturer lined up yet?”

Oh, as to that…” He scrambled. “You see, we’re only modifying the chairs. Yes, Charlie’s cousin was able to acquire warehouse space late last year and there they remain until it’s time for the workers to go in and make the modifications – simple changes that may be performed with hand tools.” He waived his hand dismissively. “Isn’t that right, Charlie?”

The brute stared at him blankly. It took nearly five full seconds for the two electrodes between his ears to make a spark.

Oh, yeah. Ah… Mickey’s got your stuff.” He wound up, about to elaborate more, but Roy cut in, somewhat to the man’s chagrin.

So, there you have it, Chauncey. I assure you, sir, this isn’t my first rodeo.” That part, at least, was the truth, albeit not the way the mark understood it. Roy had parted more fools with their money than he could count. Though, admittedly, this one was proving to be a singular hard nose.

The Gold in the Grey book cover

Review by Lisabet Sarai

Roy Orville makes his living as a con man. For decades he has worked diligently to separate prosperous but overly trusting individuals from their money. He’s quick-witted, observant, well-spoken, a shrewd judge of character and a master of social disguise. In the midst of the Great Depression, though, he’s barely surviving, despite his impressive skills. Living in an abandoned rail car, he eats at the cheap local diner and stays awake at night worrying about how he’ll manage to pay the hefty college tuition fees for his formerly estranged daughter.

Searching for his next mark, Roy zeroes in on an heiress who is locked away in the imposing Greystone Asylum for the Insane. Annie spiraled into acute depression when her bankrupt husband committed suicide and her child was still-born. After months in the asylum, her psychological state has improved, but Dr. Corbran, the powerful and corrupt Chief Attending Physician, keeps her prisoner for his own twisted enjoyment.

Desperate to get Annie’s signature on the papers that will transfer her inheritance to his pockets, Roy impersonates a psychiatrist and infiltrates Greystone’s wards. With his easy-going personality, active imagination and natural charm, he soon becomes enmeshed in the lives of both patients and staff. As he discovers more of the Asylum’s secrets, he comes to realize that George Corbran is more than just an inconvenient obstacle – he is a mortally dangerous enemy.

It took me a while to get into The Gold in the Grey, but by the time Roy donned his white coat and began his masquerade as Dr. Calvin Young, I was hooked. Flawed and morally compromised, painfully aware of his own weaknesses, determined to take advantage of other people but unable to suppress his empathy for them, Roy is a fascinating, likable and believable character.

Corbran, on the other hand, is so thoroughly villainous that he’s almost a cartoon. Almost, but not quite. The author occasionally gives us a chapter from the doctor’s point of view. We learn a bit about his unfortunate background, which helps provide some motivation for his evil intentions and actions. Certainly it allows him to personally feel justified in what he does.

Annie serves as a third voice in the novel, giving us a first-hand sense of her terrifying lack of control over her own fate. Institutions like Greystone can strip their occupants of humanity, turning them into playthings and pawns for their cruel or unscrupulous warders.

From a literary perspective, these three voices could have been more balanced. Roy is clearly the focus character, but his perspective is periodically interrupted by chapters featuring Corbran or Annie. In particular, the novel both begins and ends in with sections from Corbran’s point of view. The author seems fascinated by his own villain, perhaps because the doctor makes concrete the sinister possibilities of the imposing and mysterious asylum.

As I mentioned earlier, the book begins a bit slowly. Once the plot has been set in motion, however, the pace picks up, speeding along to a thrilling and suspenseful climax. Wes Verde does an excellent job bringing together the different threads to tie up the story in a satisfying, if somewhat gruesome, manner.

Overall, I found the The Gold in the Grey to be original and engaging. I was particularly interested to discover in the Afterword that the Greystone Asylum was a historical edifice – though one that has since been dismantled. I can appreciate how this might have inspired the author to weave it into a story.

About the Author

Wes Verde author image
Wes is an engineer by trade, a busybody by habit, and a lifelong Jersey boy.

Writing has been a hobby in one form or another since 2006 when he started drawing 3-panel comics. When he is not putting words down, he is picking them up; the “to-read" pile only seems to grow larger.

A fan of nature, he spends as much time outside as possible.

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/wesverde7/

X: https://x.com/WesVerde

Website: https://wesverde.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239923058-the-gold-in-the-grey

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FMFDNCBN

Wes Verde will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.


Monday, December 1, 2025

The Perils of Plotting – #FirstNationsRomance #TimeTravelRomance #Giveaway

Born Like This banner

By Maggie Blackbird (Guest Author)

You know, I always start with a plot in my head, but by the time I get to writing, and I begin to really know my characters, I find they direct the story. I call myself a typist taking dictation for the two main characters, since they tell me which direction to take the story LOL.

Sometimes I even have the blurb already written, and then it requires changing or tweaking because the characters, while drafting, have changed the stakes, or added stakes, or deleted the main stakes. Hah.

I wish I could write a novel entirely plotted that fits the blurb I’ve written, but that has yet to happen. My characters come alive strongly in my head and direct me on the path they wish the story to take.

I guess this means I’m a pantster. I try to plot, and then the characters turn up their noses at the plot and hand me a new one.

Born Like This cover

Blurb 

She went back in time to rescue him.  She never counted on falling in love…

Alma Whitecrow prefers hunting and fishing with men, not romancing them. But hearing about the roguishly handsome coureur de bois, who saved her sister from the Dakota, haunts her thoughts and dreams. Well-versed in surviving the wilds, Alma resolves to travel to the mid-eighteenth century, as her sister once did, to save the man from impending death.

Charlot Baudelaire thumbs his nose at society’s expectations, content living as a loner, trading with people he calls the Saulters. If he needs a woman for the night, there is always a willing maiden. What he doesn’t expect is a spunky and stubborn female warrior to challenge him.

Charlot is not the man Alma dreamed about, and Alma is not the kind of woman Charlot pursues. But the longer they are together, the more drawn to each other they become, until Alma faces the biggest decision of her life. Stay with a man who may never reciprocate her love, or return to her Ojibway home and bland existence.

Book Links

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FYR2YQWF/

Apple: https://books.apple.com/ca/book/born-like-this/id6754779332

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/born-like-this-maggie-blackbird/1148648985?ean=2940182602631

Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/born-like-this-maizemerized-2/bc03c982-9d06-34f6-9923-17ec5f92ffa7.html

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/born-like-this-1

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/born-like-this-by-maggie-blackbird

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/243417458-born-like-this


Born Like This teaser

Excerpt

Alma had expected to step into a battle. Reality set in. The only killing she’d done was animals when hunting with Grandpa. But if she didn’t shoot, she risked her own life and Theodore’s as she faced six Dakota sporting arrows.

Theodore growled, waiting for her command.

The Dakota didn’t fire at her, though. They seemed to fire everywhere else, hollering in a language she couldn’t comprehend. The fear in their eyes indicated she’d terrified them.

Maybe they assumed she was a ghost when she’d emerged through the flickering flames.

As the Dakota scattered, she tracked their moccasin footprints, but one set stood out. Grandpa had told her about the spread of the toes, and these toes weren’t spread. They came from a person who walked in shoes or boots. Someone who later in life had switched to the footwear of the Indigenous people.

She followed the footprints with Theodore beside her, sniffing. She used the end of her rifle to move aside the thick brush, which was why her homeland was called the bush at her reserve. There was nothing to call a forest or woods about Northwestern Ontario.

The thick underbrush kept trying to snag her clothing. Clothing she longed to remove. When she left home, she’d donned an outfit for a cold Halloween night. But summer bloomed here. She could remove her jacket since she had a sweater underneath, and beneath that a tank top.

A groan came about ten feet from her, and she aimed her rifle in the direction of the sound. She moved through the many twigs and branches but didn’t spot a blood trail. Whatever lay beneath the berry bush had been hit there.

Another groan.

Whoever was hurt wasn’t an animal. That was the sound of a human being. Maybe one of the Dakota?

She edged in closer until she caught the moccasins sticking out, along with breeches. This wasn’t a Dakota or warrior from the village under attack.

Her heart held its beat.

Had she found Charlot?

What Readers are Saying

This novel is true to history while still spinning a lovely tale of love. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves historical and time travel romances.” –Goodreads Reviewer

The story had me glued to the pages from start to finish. Loved and recommend this book.” –B&N Reviewer

Based on prior reading from the author, I knew this would be a great book. I had no idea just how much I’d love it.” –BookBub Reviewer

Once I started reading, I was not putting this book down.” –Goodreads Reviewer

This is one of the best romance novels I’ve ever read in my entire life. This book will pull you in full force and make you feel so many different emotions.” –Goodreads Reviewer

About the Author

Maggie Blackbird logo

An Ojibway from Northwestern Ontario, Maggie resides in the country with her husband and their fur babies, two beautiful Alaskan Malamutes. When she’s not writing, she can be found pulling weeds in the flower beds, mowing the huge lawn, walking the Mals deep in the bush, teeing up a ball at the golf course, fishing in the boat for walleye, or sitting on the deck at her sister’s house, making more wonderful memories with the people she loves most.

Author Links

Website: https://maggieblackbird.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maggieblackbirdauthor/

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggieblackbirdauthor/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/maggieblackbird.bsky.social

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/maggie-blackbird

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Maggie-Blackbird/author/B07KQP1FFG

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18176196.Maggie_Blackbird

Giveaway

$20 Amazon or Paypal

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