I wrote a little something on my Facebook page, and I thought I'd share it with you guys. It gives you a bit of an idea on how I feel and this book.
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I've had a few people ask me why BDSM? Why now?
First, let me start by saying no reader should ever read something they’re not interested in. I get it. I want to read books I think I’ll enjoy and you likely do too…but on the flipside, all writers should also write what they’re interested in, what they’re passionate about. Because someone has never written something before, that doesn’t mean the interest hasn’t always been there…and if it’s a new interest, that’s okay too.
I can’t write something if my heart isn’t into it. Writing comes from love and passion for me so if I write something…I’m passionate about it and not doing it for trends, shock value or anything else. The question on why to write this or that just doesn’t sit well to me, even when I KNOW the people asking mean no offense. But it feels like…why would you write this weird, different thing when you could write vanilla and that reminds me of times myself and good friends have been asked by publishing…since the book isn't about race, why write this black character when they could be white? Or getting asked why write m/m when you could be writing m/f (real questions I've gotten)? The second I’m not writing with my heart, that means I shouldn’t be writing.
From the beginning of my career I’ve always written what is in my heart, and I’ve always believed everyone should see themselves in the stories they read. Even back to my early days of YA before there were hashtags for diversity, I wrote diverse characters. We need books for everyone and I’ve always tried not to limit myself in which stories I tell, even if it’s something new for me. There’s always a need for different stories. And sometimes…a character is black not because it’s a race story…but just because that’s who they are. Sometimes a character is gay not because it’s a coming out story…but just because it’s who they are. Sometimes a character practices BDSM just because that’s who they are too. (actually, I should say most of the time in all of these situations instead of sometimes)
The truth is, I’ve wanted to write this book for a long time. The truth is, this story came from my heart in a big way. Maybe five years ago, I never would have seen myself writing this book but that’s the beauty in being human…and in books, IMO. We grow and learn and change—much like Jared does in the book. I’ve learned SO much about myself through reading and writing. My viewpoints and world has been opened in so many ways. I feel more secure in who I am as a person, in ways I never have before. It’s funny how those things happen when you don’t realize they’re happening…but man, pretty incredible too.
We’re all evolving all the time—or we should be. As writers, our books evolve. As readers, our reading tastes often evolve, which doesn’t necessarily mean leaving the old behind—just expanding to see and share and experience MORE things, which I think is important. Certain topics are being written about and read about more because…well, I think because we’re seeing that we don’t have to keep ideas, thoughts and feelings locked away because they aren’t the popular opinion or because they're "different". We’re seeing it’s okay to talk about and do things that everyone might not understand…but they don’t have to understand, really. That’s okay as long as we respect those differences in people.
So…I wrote this book because it means a lot to me. I wrote it because I’m passionate about it. I wrote it because it explores topics that I feel strongly about. I wrote it knowing that it wouldn’t sell as well and not as many people would be interested in it, because it was important to me. Does that mean I’ll be writing all kink now? Nope! That’s why I started the Desires Unleashed collection. When you see that logo, you know what you’re getting into. If that isn’t your thing, that’s fine. Just keep going and hopefully pick up the next book. If that logo isn’t on a Riley novel, then you know what to expect as well.
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Like I said, everyone should read what they're interested in. If you think you'd enjoy it, I hope you give it a try. If it's not your thing, I hope you'll give my next book that isn't "Desires Unleashed" a chance. There are SO many stories to tell--kink and not kink. So many stories to read--kink and not kink. How lucky are we to have so many incredible stories to choose from? How lucky am I to be able to follow my muse, wherever she takes me, and to write stories I'm proud of?
My next single author book that isn't part of Desires Unleashed will be the second Last Chance book, coming early 2018.
For now, those who are interested in kink and BDSM, here's a little about Jared.
He wants to dominate me…to discipline me. He wants me to call him Daddy…
I’ve always taken care of myself—worked hard to become king of the courtroom and excel in the cutthroat business of winning cases. I’m fierce…brutal…confident. I’m a lie. Underneath my armor, I’m drowning, losing myself under the weight of life. At thirty-three years old, I should be able to handle the pressure.
My neighbor Kieran sees past my spotless suits and manufactured control to the real Jared. The one who secretly craves being dominated, to serve, and to give up control—not just in the bedroom, but in every aspect of my personal life.
I can’t want this…but I do… When I’m under Kieran’s command—spanked, rewarded and caged—I’m free. With Kieran’s care and guidance, my mind is unburdened as my body soars to new heights, and Kieran becomes what we both need him to be: Daddy.
It’s a journey of dominance and submission—of rules, schedules, security and discipline. He opens my world, teaches me, changes me…but he doesn’t let me in. It’s temporary, Daddy tells me, and I’d be wise to remember that, so I don’t get hurt.
Warning: Jared’s Evolution contains BDSM elements, domestic discipline, spanking, and daddy kink—without age play—between two consenting adults. If any of those things offend you, reading this book might not be a good idea.
Jared’s Evolution is part of the Desires Unleashed collection. Some books in this collection will have darker themes. Please be aware Desires Unleashed are er*tic and not your typical Riley Hart romance. You can expect the mental and emotional journey to be led by the physical/s*xual moments—which will be intense, frequent and kinky.
Available exclusively from Amazon.
