the Gluten Free Author's Guide to Suitcase Snacks (also known as essentials) #GlutenFreeAuthor

Hi all, or the three people and a kitten who are reading this. I'm back and chatting.

This time about snacks in your suitcase. Both carry on and hold luggage I guess.

(pic: pinterest)

I've been lucky enough to travel quite a bit over the last few years and discovered what I need, gluten free wise in different places.

(Trader Joe's, California)

Originally it was half of the suitcase full of food. You can imagine what it was like when both myself and my daughter went away. Two lots of everything. Poor lovely hubby discovered that his suitcase was once again half full of my clothes. (Originally it had been because I took at least a book a day to read and they took up a lot of space. Now it's a couple of paperbacks and my kindle.)

Over the years gluten free food is getting ever more available. Long haul flights you can opt for a gluten free meal that nowadays isn't just a rice cake, melon, melon, half a grape and melon, and overcooked chicken. Okay it is still mainly overcooked chicken and melon but you get a roll most of the time now. 

However short haul... Yes well, that's when hand luggage goodies are needed.

I invested in a small cool bag, that takes a sandwich, cookie, or chocolate and fruit. It might not be haute cuisine but it's better than watching everyone else tucking into whatever the airline has to sell you (very few free snacks these days)

I always have a couple of these bars handy.  (Tesco)

They taste good and are filling. (and darn it my gluten eating lovely hubby likes them as well. The problem is I can only find one shop in a 30 mile radius that sells them.

Mind you I was overjoyed when I heard more gluten free sarnies could be had airside at some outlets. (As long as you've taken out a second mortgage ;) )

However this is about what I call my suitcase essentials. The things I'm not sure about getting abroad so shove them inside. (Usually Nairn's fruit and oat bars, or Nobbly bars) As I said earlier more food is available elsewhere nowadays. I don't have to worry about things like bread or biscuits, unless I'm in a hotel and I'm not sure they do gluten free bread. Most seem to these days, but I have had one run out sad face, and one assure me all their bread was gluten free. When I asked if they knew what I meant I was told 'No but I'm sure we don't have it!!!' That was a few years ago, and nowadays it seems to be, 'no, no call for it', 'no sorry', or 'well of course'. I prefer the latter!

I do however always take a toasting bag or two with me. (Two since the day the maid threw one out thinking it was rubbish.) With the bag I have a good chance of getting toast with my breakfast. It also gets a lot of comments whenever I use it in a hotel.

So, apart from enough food for the first day or so, because, let's face it the last thing you want to do when you arrive anywhere is go food shopping because you have nothing to eat, my suitcase is now full of clothes.

So why, the lovely hubby has just asked, do I still half fill his?

Happy holidays,

love Raven xx

#TakeoverTuesday...on Wednesday. Where we are... Driven by Dragon Blood

Hi all and sorry for the delay. It seems blogger and I weren't on speaking terms yesterday, because for the life of me I couldn't get into it.
Today? We must have both had our first cup of coffee, because here I am.

And here is Lynn Burke and her latest book, Driven by Dragonblood, which is worth the wait

#MMF #Shifters #Dragons #BDSM #Bisexual #Menage #Contemporary #Romance #HEA

Driven by Dragonblood

Blood Born Series 3

By Lynn Burke

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

Release Date: May 28, 2019

*WARNING: This title contains explicit sexual scenes, BDSM, and anal sex.

More dragonblood than human, Primrose Cadet yearns to find her fated mates and ease the loneliness of her secluded life. But with her beta behind psychiatric bars and the other denying his beastly nature—and hers—she’ll have to fight for them, even if it means exposing her heritage.

A manipulative voice in his head promising he can fly landed Jaxon Denham in the psych ward. Eighteen and legally allowed to finally leave his parent’s enforced prison, he searches out the golden goddess of his dreams, the one the voice within claims will give them the release they crave.  

Doctor Patrick Macaire fought his inner darkness for thirty-four years, living a life of self-control and discipline to prove his sanity. When a barely legal boy and seductive siren threaten the foundation of his calm existence, he’s driven to battle the voice inside and remain untouched.

But fate is clever, and Patrick’s relentless mates won’t allow him peace, catching him up in unhuman-like passion that threatens his self-identity. Will he accept he’s an alpha dragonblood born to dominate his mates, or will his human side keep the three from fulfilling their destiny?

​PURCHASE LINKS:

Evernight Publishing 25% SALE: https://www.evernightpublishing.com/driven-by-dragonblood-by-lynn-burke/

Amazon Universal: http://mybook.to/DRIVENBYDRAGONBLOOD

B&N:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/driven-by-dragonblood-lynn-burke/1131766341

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/driven-by-dragonblood

SCRIBD: https://www.scribd.com/book/411663768/Driven-by-Dragonblood

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/941221

EXCERPT:

The second night I’d stood cloaked outside Lockwood’s eastern wing, the need to be impulsive, something I’d never dealt with before, fought my better judgment. Regardless of my beta’s mental state, I had wanted to sneak into his room and allow him to have his way with me, claim me like my inner dragon longed for.

Luckily, my ancestors had kept informative records in the cavern’s library of my sheltered upbringing, so I understood all the possible sexual positions—and means of giving pain for pleasure—as most alpha blood born were known for. Unfortunately, I had no personal knowledge of such things, and my dragon was determined to undermine my will to wait for his freedom.

My fingers ached from grasping the chain-link fence to keep my human form in place. The energy linking me to the window strengthened and pulled taut as a shadow moved into view. Even with my dragon sight, I couldn’t make out the color of his hair or eyes, but as he turned his head side to side as though seeking out where the energy attaching us came from, I took note of a strong nose and full lips, a square jaw I wanted to lick and nip with my teeth as he thrust into me.

Arousal, hot and wet, rose between my thighs, same as the previous night, and I bit my lips, my dragon’s needy growl rumbling in my chest as my beta locked his gaze on where I stood, cloaked by a dragonblood gift and darkness.

Want.

My human form wanted, too, and I swallowed as my dragon attempted to take over in a burst of golden light I quickly squashed. “Soon,” I promised with a whisper.

Through the tall, barred windows, I realized my beta’s hand moved over his body, the heat in the energy linking us rising. Did he touch himself? He propped his forehead on the window, shoulder hunched as though in pain, and again, I fought the need to shift, tear through the fence and walls to free my beta mate.

His form stiffened, and head tipped back, and the most luscious race of tingles swept through me, settling in my core.

Need.

Lower lip between my teeth, I released one hand from its hold and slid my fingertips down over the front of my leggings where I throbbed. I gasped as the feather touch grazed the hardened nub at the top of my slit, and I rubbed back up over it, my hips bucking on their own as though he thrust into me, burying against my womb.

Heat exploded like a blinding light through the energy between us, capturing my human form and my inner dragon in a euphoric race to the stars. I cried out, unable to keep my lips sealed as wave after wave rippled through my body, pulsing my pussy where his hard length ought to be.

I gasped for breath, my stare on the window as he slowly moved away from sight seconds later. Wetness coated my leggings, the sweet scent of my cum rising to fill my nose.

Please.

My dragon whimpered with the need for more, for our beta’s physical touch, but I tore myself away from the fence and focused on the motel’s room where I would plan my silent, cloaked assault on the mental hospital where one of my mates remained locked inside.

I would free him come morning—or die trying to.

© Lynn Burke 2018

ABOUT LYNN BURKE:

Lynn Burke is a full time mother, voracious gardener, and scribbler of spicy romance stories. A country bumpkin turned Bay Stater, she enjoys her chowdah and Dunkin Donuts when not trying to escape the reality of city life.

Website: https://www.authorlynnburke.com/

Blog: http://authorlynnburke.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author-Lynn-Burke-555282497937461/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorLynnBurke

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

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lynn-burke

Happy Reading,

love Raven xx

#SundaySnippet with a Regency heroine who is at the end of her tether

Hi All welcome to my #SundaySnippet. Where as The Viscount Meets His Match is out next week I thought I should tease you from there...
(and it is an exceptionally great cover)

And a wee tease, where Josephine is hard pressed to be polite

Even with the lack of intrusive and in-depth queries, keeping her temper was at times a close run thing. After one elderly dowager had blatantly used her age and title to ask what came next, Josephine had to count to ten before she replied.
“The harpist, a quartet, supper and then Miss Jones on the piano,” she said with a composure she didn’t feel. “So, if you will excuse me, I will go and find somewhere to sit.” She curtsied and turned away before anything else was said. As soon as they’d arrived, her mama had behaved as usual and left Josephine to her own devices, so there was no one to call her out for her undoubted rude behavior.

you can find the book at Totally Bound or on Amazon

Happy reading, 
love Raven xx 

#TakeoverTuesday would you be... Obediently Ever After...?

Yay, it's Tuesday and that means takeover day.

Today I'm really excited to introduce Measha Stone  

and her new book, 

Obediently Ever After

Obediently Ever After
By Measha Stone
Amazon link: ​https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RMJF8D5/
Amazon series link: TBD
Goodreads link: ​https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45550801
Teaser Blurbs:
“I don’t blame you for giving up on me.” Give up on her? Never.
“Women that lie end up with very sore, red bottoms. Would you like to answer again?” Complete obedience will be rewarded. Naughty girls will be spanked.
Blurb​:
A visit to the Annex was meant to be a night of fun. Something to relax me. Maybe I’d
find a girl, maybe I wouldn’t. I had very little expectations.
Until Angelica walked into the room looking like she stepped out of a 1952’s Home and Garden Magazine. It wasn’t just the sexy domestic style that caught my eye, it was more. I was drawn to her.
One night. A little fun. A little roleplay. But it wasn’t enough. I don’t think I could ever get enough of her.

But my pretty girl lied. She hides something from me, and I won’t accept that. She’ll learn. And when it’s all over. When I’ve saved her from the demons chasing her, I’ll truly make her mine.
And she’ll live obediently ever after.
Excerpt #1
“Someone like me?” she asked. What the hell did that mean?
“Yes. A woman who would like a man like me,” he said with a grin. His smile was genuine and warm, like it could shove all the chill from her soul if she let it.
“Oh.” She sat on the arm of the couch, crossing her ankles.
He laughed, a soft, low chuckle. Crossing the room, he sat on the couch, on the middle cushion. “Come here, Angel.” He put his hand out to her.
She slipped her hand into his, feeling the heat of his touch spread through her. He pulled gently until she moved from the arm of the couch to stand at his right leg.
“Lie across my lap.” He drew her down.
Right. The reason they were up in the suite. Her job. She needed to do her job. Get the money.
Excerpt #2

“Naughty girls get spankings, don’t they, Angelica?” he asked, rubbing her already-warm ass with his hands.
“Yes.” She nodded, sounding miserable.
“Do you think next time you’ll call a cab if you’ve had too much to drink?” he asked the back of her head. Her curls bobbed with another nod. “Answer me,” he said with a hard smack to her left thigh.
“Yes!” she called out.
“Good. Then we can move on to the lying portion of your punishment.” He didn’t delay another second and went about peppering her ass with harder smacks, concentrating on the delicate spot where her thighs met her ass.
“No! No!” She threw herself forward, and to the side, but he held her to him.
“The more you resist, the longer the spanking takes,” he admonished her and delivered three hard swats to the same spot.
She gasped for air and moaned. “No. Please. I already said I’m sorry.”
“And I already told you that doesn’t change the consequence.” He continued to sprinkle her ass until the slight pink darkened to a nice crimson.
She stopped fighting against him, not that it was working anyway. He could hear soft sobs escaping her, feel tension start to give way in her.
“You’ll take ten with my belt, and then you’ll spend ten minutes in the corner,” he announced after landing a hard smack to her thigh.
“The belt?” she cried. “I don’t think—”

“That’s the problem, Angel, you didn’t think. Hopefully, after you finish with the belt, you’ll remember to think before acting. Think before lying. Think how your actions have consequences. Because if you ever lie to me again, or I find out you lied to anyone else, you’ll be getting a hell of a lot more than ten with my belt. Am I understood?”
Tension eased out of her shoulders. “Yes. I understand.”
Excerpt #3
“What sort of contract are you willing to make tonight?” he asked boldly, not needing to finish the previous conversation. They would have that chat in private. With her skirts well above her waist.
“I—” Her eyes darted around the room. Could she be looking for an escape?
“If it’s easier, I’ll explain what I want, and you can go from there.” He downed the rest of his drink and placed it on the tray of a server walking between the guests.
“You want me?” she asked with more surprise than a woman as beautiful as she should harbor. How hadn’t there been a line of suitors waiting for her already?
“I want a full evening with you, in private, my home preferably. As for activities, I’m not into very heavy play. Mostly impact play, spankings with my hand, my belt. I have a few paddles if needed for a naughty girl. I want a woman who enjoys submission and agrees to being punished when she’s bad.”
Her entire lower lip disappeared into her mouth.

He reached out and pulled it free with his thumb. “I want someone to follow my rules to the letter and accept a bare bottom spanking if she fails.” Images of her lying over his lap with a blushing ass popped into his head.
If her pupils dilated much more, he wouldn’t be able to make out the coloring of her irises.
Author Bio:
USA Today Bestselling Author Measha Stone is a lover of all things erotic and fun who writes kinky romantic suspense and dark romance novels. She won the 2018 Golden Flogger award in two categories, Best Advanced BDSM and Best Anthology. She's hit #1 on Amazon in multiple categories in the U.S. and the U.K. When she's not typing away on her computer, she can be found nestled up with a cup of tea and her kindle.
Newsletter sign up - ​https://meashastone.com/newsletter/ Facebook - ​https://www.facebook.com/measha.stone.5 Author Page - ​https://www.facebook.com/authormeashastone/ Twitter - ​https://twitter.com/measha_stone
Instagram - ​https://www.instagram.com/meashastone/ Website - ​http://www.meashastone.com/

Happy reading,

love Raven xx

#SundaySnippet from a bookkeeper who has to try and dance

Hi All, and welcome to this week's #SundaySnippet. 

Where I'm showing a little bit about Celine's predicament...

~~~ “As a dancer, here in this establishment you are employed to dance for the customers. I am a customer; you are the entertainment. They are the facts.”

There was little she could answer. No Sir, I am not a dancer, but the bookkeeper, who stood in for a friend who has la grippe and the owner, Madame Solange, my friend was in a panic? That wouldn’t show the club up in a good light. The last thing she wanted to do was damage the club’s reputation, but she knew her limits. To be for want of a better word, brazen, was not in her psyche.

Hope that has whetted your interest

Happy reading,

love Raven xx

(My apologies for the mixed up spacing... No idea why, and can't see how to fix it. I need more coffee.)

#NineForTheWeekend with me...

I got my dates all mixed up, so this week's Nine come from me...

And so as to not be boring, I've turned things about a bit...

My nine favourite places where I've been and set (or am setting) books

(Shaldon, Devon)

(Trossachs, Scotland)

(Loch Lomond, Scotland)

(Sai Kung, Hong Kong)

(Cape Cod, USA)

(Hong Kong Harbour)

(Barbados)

(Buchanan Castle, Scotland)

(London, UK

pic pinterest)

There's a fair few more, but that's the nine)

happy visiting,

love Raven xx

#SundaySnippet with the hell of midges

Hi everyone. Welcome to #SundaySnippet.

I'm getting somewhat excited as in the next couple of weeks or so I have two new books coming out.

One as Raven, TheViscount meets his Match.

and one as Katy Lilley, Second Chances for Lottie Botte.

Both are available for preorder, on Amazon.

So, I dithered over which story to take my snippet from and ended up deciding to take it from neither.

Instead I've taken it from a WIP, where my hero and heroine are sitting in a garden in Scotland.

~~~“Who invented midges and why?”

Louisa passed him the spray. She’d already got the midge eating machine on but it didn’t seem to matter how many were drawn to it, the same number weren’t. Sitting in the garden was always a juggling act, deciding how long to stick it out and when you just had to go inside.

“Midges are one of the nasties of the world. Sent to try us and my goodness they do. But then without them I’d spend every one of the few nice days we get outside and miss my deadlines.”

Moss chuckled. “So their reason for being is to send

procrastinating authors hot foot to their computers? Sounds fair enough to me.”~~~ 

Happy reading, 

love, Raven xx

(Ps the midges send everyone indoors.)