Curio Vignettes: Exposure

December 2012, Ellora's Cave, ISBN: 9781419944253

E-book available from Ellora's Cave, Kindle and Nook

This is the fifth and final title in the Curio Vignettes series, follow-up stories to the novel Curio.

Love can drive a normal man to extraordinary feats—inspire him to scale a mountain, swim an ocean, brave a raging fire.

Didier Pedra wouldn’t consider himself a normal man, but an unexpected romance has changed him nonetheless. A severe agoraphobe, he left his flat for the first time in years to prove himself worthy of the woman he loves. A long-enabled prostitute, he’s now given up the clients who’ve warmed his bed, padded his bank account and coddled his disorder, ensuring he need never venture outside the safety of his home.

For Caroly, he’s taken the ultimate leap of faith—boarded a train to travel farther than he has in half a lifetime, so they can celebrate the start of their future together with a trip to Provence. There are no gains without struggle, and this love is a prize worth fighting for.

Strictly m/f.

"Cara McKenna is an artist at writing unconventional relationships and making them some of the most romantic things I've ever read." —Toot's Book Reviews

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Curio Vignettes: Confession

November 2012, Ellora's Cave, ISBN: 9781419942969

E-book available from Ellora's Cave, Kindle and Nook

This is the fourth title in the Curio Vignettes series, follow-up stories to the novel Curio.

Caroly has waited forever to fall in love. An American now living in Paris, she’s finally found what she craved all those lonely years—a passionate, sensitive man, more gorgeous than she’d ever dreamed, and just as beautiful on the inside.

The only issue? Well, that small matter of him being a prostitute.

Didier’s job is more than a calling. It’s a beloved craft, a chance to soothe broken hearts. It’s also a crutch—the perfect vocation for an agoraphobe, never forcing Didier to leave the safety of his flat. Yet the role he used to cherish has soured since he met Caroly, his admirers now feeling more like enablers. It’ll take a leap of faith to cast his fear aside in favor of a future, but when the alternative is to risk losing the woman he loves, he might discover he’s braver than he ever knew.

Strictly m/f.

"With stellar writing, well-developed characters and a very, very strong romance, this is not a series to be missed!" —Under the Covers

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Curio Vignettes: Reversal

October 2012, Ellora's Cave, ISBN: 9781419942259

E-book available from Ellora's Cave, Kindle and Nook

This is the third title in the Curio Vignettes series, follow-up stories to the novel Curio.

Didier Pedra can read a woman’s body like a book, sense her deepest needs and satisfy her every craving. It’s his job, after all.

But drop him in the center of Paris, the only city he’s ever known, and he’s lost, reduced to a trembling wreck by agoraphobia. When the world feels too frightening, he eagerly escapes into sex, that realm he could navigate blindfolded. Except one of his lovers—Caroly, the only woman who doesn’t pay for the pleasure of his gifts—insists she prefers the real Didier to the capable, seductive façade. She urges him to let her lead for a change, so he can confront the fears that haunt his mind through the familiar safety of his body.

A night’s cathartic reversal, when the masterful tutor submits to his student’s darkest curiosities.

Strictly m/f.

"Another agonizingly sweet love story… A story about unparalleled trust, inner strength and courage, McKenna simply shines with this series of vignettes." —Under the Covers

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Curio Vignettes: Craving

September 2012, Ellora's Cave, ISBN: 9781419942006

E-book available from Ellora's Cave, Kindle and Nook

This is the second title in the Curio Vignettes series, follow-up stories to the novel Curio.

What a difference a season makes.

In the spring, Caroly arrived on Didier Pedra’s doorstep in Paris as so many women have—ready to buy an evening’s pleasure with a gorgeous man skilled in the craft of seduction. She was a trembling virgin then, but so much has changed. It’s summer now, and she no longer pays for his company…nor suffers from the delusion that he’s as perfect as he seems. He’s a shut-in with a crippling fear of the outdoors, but he’s also the most kind and passionate man she’s ever known.

Having grown bolder with every visit and carnal lesson, Caroly’s ready to venture where she’s always feared—into the mysterious chest at the foot of Didier’s bed, filled with the accouterments to cater to the appetites of a hundred different women. Dozens of toys offering infinite delights…all hers to enjoy tonight.

Strictly m/f.

"Emotional, very sexy, with two characters who stick with you." —USA Today Books

"McKenna delivers yet another tightly-written slow-burning romance that boils to a fevering point! A definite auto-buy." —Under the Covers

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Curio Vignettes: Coercion

August 2012, Ellora's Cave, ISBN: 9781419941924

E-book available from Ellora's Cave, Kindle and Nook

This is the first title in the Curio Vignettes series, follow-up stories to the novel Curio.

June has come to Paris. But while his neighbors are shedding layers and going out in search of spring sunshine, Didier Pedra prefers the quiet sanctuary of his garret, content to watch the city’s bustle from the safety of his windows. He’s shaped his life around venturing inside of things—inside clocks and other brass curiosities to pass a lonely afternoon, and, once the sun sinks, inside the bodies and minds of the women who pay for the privilege of sampling his other skills.

But one visitor is unlike the rest. Once a hesitant patron, Caroly is now his eager lover and a challenging but cherished companion. For weeks Didier’s indulged her questions about what other women want from him, but in words only. Now he’s ready for them to take the storytelling to the next level, and act out his clients’ most wicked desires.

Reader Advisory: This story contains forced seduction role-playing.

Strictly m/f.

"A short novella, but one that will leave an emotional impact." —USA Today Books

"Set in Paris, McKenna weaves all things romantic into this 53-page short story. Yet, as you read, there is so much character development that I’m quite astounded that the author was able to fit all that into such a tight word count. McKenna is a master of lyrical words." —Under the Covers

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Convenient Strangers

January 2012, Ellora's Cave, ISBN: 9781419938634

E-book available from Ellora's Cave, All Romance eBooks, Kindle and Nook

After three weeks of post-breakup wallowing, Adam’s in dire need of a cold drink and a cure for his romantic hangover. At his favorite bar, he spots that cure in the form of a six-foot-something muscular man, custom built to Adam’s fantasy-rebound specifications. But his hopes for a therapeutic one-night stand are dashed the second he approaches the decidedly surly English stranger.

Stephen’s nursing romantic wounds of his own—fresh ones. He cut his closet-case lover loose just hours earlier, and now, heartbroken and homeless, he wants to be left alone to drown his sorrows in peace. But that’s no excuse for snapping at the friendly, handsome guy who only wanted to flirt. Plus, if anyone needs to be reminded how good a bad idea can feel, it’s Stephen.

Both men could use a reckless rebound to cleanse their palates. The sexy, dirty solace of drowning in a stranger’s hands, mouth and body. But when something deeper sparks, strings-free one-nighters never look so simple in the morning light.

Strictly male/male.

"Two men both ending bad relationships meeting and having the same thoughts of a carefree night of pleasure. The two had amazing chemistry, the dialogue sharp and witty… A pleasant escape." —The Romance Studio

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Lessons in Letting Go

December 2011, Ellora's Cave, ISBN: 9781419965418

Trade paperback available from Ellora's Cave, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Lessons in Letting Go is a trade paperback containing the two popular, short erotic novels Willing Victim and Curio (both previously published as e-books). Please scroll down to view details and reviews for the individual stories.

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Curio

September 2011, Ellora's Cave, ISBN: 9781419936753

E-book available from Ellora's Cave, All Romance eBooks, Kindle and Nook

Caroly Evardt never expected to find herself patronizing a prostitute. Then again, she never expected to be weeks from her thirtieth birthday and still a virgin.

When a friend mentions that a gorgeous male model in Paris sells his body as well as his image, Caroly’s intrigued. Finally, a chance to sample the gifts of a beautiful man—no strings, no stakes, no fear of rejection.

But she soon discovers that Didier Pedra amounts to more than a striking face and a talented body. He’s a kind, charming, damaged man, and after a few evenings’ pleasurable education, Caroly’s interest blossoms into something far deeper than mere lust. Her simple arrangement is suddenly feeling downright dangerous…

Strictly m/f.

This story is a 2012 Golden Leaf finalist.

"One of the best erotic stories I’ve read this year. I found the characters enthralling and Caroly’s emotional journey to be realistic and relatable. I did not want to put this book down for even a second." —Sophia, Fiction Vixen

"Didier and Caroly are a must read… The writing is so lyrical that it will leave you breathless and humbled by the characters. ★★★★★" —Taryn, From Snark to Finish

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How to Write Hot Sex

September 2011, ISBN: 2940013381643

E-book available from Kindle, Nook, and Smashwords

Paperback available from CreateSpace

My piece "Real Ugly", on the topic of creating realism and tension in erotica, is featured in this essay collection, edited by Shoshanna Evers.

How to Write Hot Sex: Tips from Multi-Published Erotic Romance Authors features everything you need to know about adding sizzling sexual tension, scorching sex scenes, and emotional impact to your romance writing in twelve info-packed essays from bestselling and multi-published authors—so you can get published and get paid.

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Stray Hearts

September 2011, Ellora's Cave, ISBN: 9781419965012

Trade paperback anthology available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Stray Hearts is a print anthology featuring all three novellas in the Shivaree series (aka Shane and Gabriel): Backwoods, Shivaree and Getaway. For blurbs, reviews, and book trailers, please scroll down to the individual stories' listings on this page.

Backwoods is strictly m/m, Shivaree and Getaway are m/m/f menage and m/m.

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Don't Call Her Angel

June 2011, Ellora's Cave, ISBN: 9781419934476

E-book available from Ellora's Cave, All Romance eBooks, Nook and Kindle

Peering into Emily and Rasul’s life from the outside paints an unlikely picture—the sweet, deferring Southern bride and her cold, self-possessed, ex-military husband. Peer into their bedroom and the scene grows starker still. Domineering man, submissive girl, a sex life not for the faint of heart. But peer inside their heads? That’s another matter entirely.

Obsessive, traditional and controlling, Rasul never planned on marrying an American woman, let alone a kinky one. A dark past has left Emily with unusual appetites, ones Rasul has come to embrace—a small price to pay to indulge his sexual power trip, the thrill of being the one who makes her every desire real.

But bringing another man into their bedroom? For most husbands, that’s a kink too far. For Rasul, it’s yet another sin he never dreamed he’d commit before he met his wife…and an invitation to spoil her rotten too good to pass up.

Features m/f/m menage, but no explicit sexual m/m contact.

"The emotional depth of the characters made it a gripping story. I was so invested in them, wondering how the experience would affect them and how their story would end. […] I would highly recommend Don't Call Her Angel, especially if you love D/s or menage themes. ★★★★½" —Diana, The Forbidden Bookshelf

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Skin Game

April 2011, Ellora's Cave, ISBN: 9781419933691

E-book available from Ellora's Cave, All Romance eBooks, Nook and Kindle

Paperback available from Ellora's Cave, Barnes & Noble and Amazon

Seven days, seven challenges. Twelve strangers. Eight thousand cameras. Only one winner.

Welcome to The Ant Farm, a social study in the wilds of interior Alaska, documenting the dynamics between a dozen competitors as they take part in a series of physical and psychological face-offs. With five hundred grand up for grabs at the end of the battle royal, the stakes are high and the tension blazing.

Could the seemingly mild-mannered nice guy win it all? The cutthroat alpha female? The strongest or the smartest, the idealist or the cynic? It’s anyone’s guess as teams are undercut by alliances, loyalties tendered and tested, and passions enflamed by both affection and animosity.

In this contest where even knives and guns are fair game, sex may prove the most dangerous weapon of all.

Reader Advisory: This book features the recreational use of illicit substances, and non-explicit references to childhood abuse and trauma. It also features an unlikely mix of romance, lust and hate-sex, plus a ton of way crazier crap that the author delights in not preparing you for.

Features m/f only, with a variety of Ms and Fs.

"A few moments made me gasp. A few moments made me scream “NO!” I felt like I was a part of this odd, intense adventure and the book will stick with me for a long time." —Smexy Books

"This book was a wild trip! [McKenna] is known for her emotionally charged stories with memorable characters, and Skin Game is no exception. With such a large cast of main characters, I was afraid I'd never get to 'know' them as individuals, but that was not the case. The author gave each one a distinct personality, especially the last seven. […] As for the ending…wow. Personally, I was thrilled at who the two final contestants were. When I found out what the last objective was, I think my jaw actually dropped. ★★★★¼" —Diana, The Forbidden Bookshelf

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Getaway

January 2011, Ellora's Cave, ISBN: 9781419932359

E-book, available from Ellora's Cave, All Romance eBooks, Nook, and Kindle

Series note: this is the sequel to Backwoods and Shivaree.

Six months ago Natalie drove away from Louisiana and a three-day, two-man rebound to be reckoned with. Now back in snowy Rochester, she wasn’t expecting to see either of those Southern gentlemen again. She certainly wasn’t expecting to find one standing in her work parking lot one afternoon without a word of warning.

Cold turkey is what Shane’s after. He’s been with his lover Gabriel for a year now—a year of hot sex and obsessive attraction that’s left him with a death grip on the tattered remains of his heterosexuality and too many sleepless nights. Desperate for a clean break, Shane hopes hiding out at Natalie’s for a week or two will do the trick. She sure as hell owes him one fine rebound.

But Shane quickly discovers that banishing Gabriel from his heart and his head is easier said than done. His cold-turkey recovery is headed straight for an epic relapse, and Shane’s going to have to make a choice—the traditional life he thinks he wants, or the man he can’t seem to live without.

Features m/m/f menage, m/m action.

"Never once does the story feel unreal… The sex scenes are suitably smokin’ and the characters incredibly likeable despite their flaws." —Lily, Happily Ever After Reviews

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Dirty Thirty

October 2010, Ellora’s Cave, ISBN: 9781419929885

E-book, available from Ellora's Cave, All Romance eBooks, Nook, and Kindle

Despite his scrappy punk packaging, Evan Hennessey’s got a submissive streak in him that’s just screaming to be indulged. So on the eve of his thirtieth birthday, Evan’s wife Margie arranges for them to ring out his twenties by realizing his darkest fantasy—inviting another man into their bedroom.

Margie’s found the perfect candidate for Evan’s birthday treat. Paul works as a bouncer at the Hennesseys' favorite bar, and lucky for Evan and Margie, he’s every bit the sexual Dominant his intimidating body suggests. Evan isn’t a hundred percent sure he’s ready to go all places his kinks seem determined to take him, but one thing’s for sure—by the time he wakes on his thirtieth birthday, his fantasy will have become reality.

Features m/m/f menage, emphasis on the m/m.

"If you want a story with interesting characters, fun witty dialog, and curl your toes sex, then this is a must read." —Seriously Reviewed

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Backwoods

September 2010, Ellora’s Cave, ISBN: 9781419929441

E-book, available from Ellora's Cave, All Romance eBooks, Nook, and Kindle

Series note: this is the prequel to Shivaree and Getaway.

Shane thinks he’s simply auditioning a new musician for his bar, but when Gabriel saunters in to the Shivaree it becomes clear the man has more to offer than just his talent. Gabriel’s got sexual charisma potent enough to make a straight man like Shane lose his senses, lose sleep, lose himself to dark desires and not want to find his way back to reality.

What follows is not a love story. This is a story about an unforeseen attraction that brings a strong, sane man to his knees, and about lovers tangled up in each other too deep to know who’s in control and who’s helpless.

Strictly male/male.

"With vibrant three-dimensional characters, tempestuous emotions, and downright gritty, physical sex, [this] is an outstanding, must read novella." —Kathy, Black Raven Reviews

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Ready and Willing

August 2010, Loose-Id, ISBN: 9781607378464

E-book, available from Loose-Id, All Romance eBooks, Nook, and Kindle

At thirty-two, Abby’s pretty much got her shit together. She has a good job, a cozy home, a supportive family…and a biological clock that’s starting to feel more like a time bomb. Turned off the by the cold science of artificial insemination but wary of the complications that might come from enlisting a close male friend, Abby settles on a happy medium—she places an ad in a newspaper and goes in search of guys who are willing to help her conceive the good old-fashioned way. In the end she selects two men and winds up with far more than the no-strings-attached sex she bargained for, including an impromptu threesome and an unexpected romance.

Features m/f/m menage.

"Sexy and unusual and well worth my time. If you're after something short, different and hot, look no further." —Kaetrin's Musings

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Willing Victim

August 2010, Ellora’s Cave, ISBN: 9781419928482

E-book, available from Ellora's Cave, All Romance eBooks, Nook, and Kindle

For the past couple years Laurel's been coasting, hiding in the backseat while her life drifts off course. Then one summer afternoon a tall, built bruiser named Flynn strides in and steers her straight into an infatuation she never saw coming.

Flynn introduces Laurel to things she’s never imagined before—to the violent but exciting realm of the underground boxing circuit, to rough sex and even rougher role-playing, and to an attraction she craves even as it intimidates her. As Flynn invites her deeper into his world and his life, Laurel has to make a choice—let fear keep her holed up where it’s safe, or take a chance and fight for the man who makes her feel more alive than she’d dreamed possible.

Reader advisory: Although all of the sexual acts in this story are 100% consensual, it contains role-playing scenarios that may upset some readers who are sensitive about rape, even in a simulated capacity.

"The story[…]so cleverly and authentically voiced many of the insecurities and the emotional highs and lows of meeting someone and falling in love. The story was hot, the authorial voice was great, and I look forward to more McKenna stories." —Jane, Dear Author

"The role playing was so intense and so erotic that I felt as if each caress, each order, each taste was for me alone… If you like hard-edged, hot, spicy, tantalizing erotic romances with a domineering and succulent man as the lead you will enjoy this hot number as well." —Danielle, Coffee Time Romance

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Off Limits

July 2010, Ellora's Cave, ISBN: 9781419961427

Trade paperback anthology, available from Ellora's Cave, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Off Limits is a print anthology featuring my first three erotic novellas—Brazen, Shivaree and Ruin Me—sexy tales of forbidden attraction. For blurbs, reviews, and book trailers, please scroll down to the individual stories' listings on this page.

Brazen features light m/m/f menage, brief m/m contact, light bondage.
Shivaree features m/m/f menage, m/m action.
Ruin Me features brief m/m/f menage.

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Ruin Me

June 2010, Ellora's Cave, ISBN: 9781419927430

E-book, available from Ellora's Cave, All Romance eBooks, Nook, and Kindle

In her head, Robin wants to marry her boyfriend. Everything about her relationship with Jay makes sense, makes her happy, but she can’t bring herself to accept his proposal. Her body has unfinished business with Patrick, the man who saved her life six years ago. For a long time she assumed her potent feelings for Patrick were fearful, wrapped up in the night she was attacked, but now she’s realizing it’s far simpler than that. She wants him. Always has, always will.

More attached to Robin than the idea of her being faithful, Jay gives her the green light to go after Patrick in the hopes that it will demystify the man and get him out of Robin’s system. It begs the question—if you've got permission, is it still cheating? And which will ultimately sway the heart—reason or attraction?

Features brief m/m/f menage.

"A different story from the norm, and well worth your attention." —Chris, Night Owl Reviews

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Shivaree

March 2010, Ellora's Cave, ISBN: 9781419926815

E-book, available from Ellora's Cave, All Romance eBooks, Nook, and Kindle

Series note: Backwoods is the prequel to this story, and Getaway is the third and final book in the series.

Hot on the heels of a nasty break-up, Natalie’s truck dies and strands her deep in Louisiana’s sweltering backwoods. A glow beyond the trees and a haunting melody lead her to what she hopes is salvation.

The Shivaree is more than a bar. It’s a mysterious oasis where people go to escape into a cold drink and lose themselves against a warm body on the dance floor. Gabriel is its resident musician, gifted with unnerving talent and intoxicating sexual charisma. The only thing standing between Natalie and the perfect rebound is Gabriel’s possessive and domineering lover, and Natalie’s not afraid of a bully. Certainly not one built like Shane Broussard. She’s ready to discover the perfect remedy for heartache—two hot male bodies, one long, sultry, southern night.

Features m/m/f menage, m/m action.

"The characters become flesh and blood. You can almost feel the heat between their bodies and smell the scent of sex as their story unfolds." —Janalee, Night Owl Reviews

"This is really a very well-written novella and a story that may not always be easy to read but one that will, I think, force the reader to look a little deeper into the human experience." —Judith, Book Binge

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Brazen

February 2010, Ellora's Cave, ISBN: 9781419926716

E-book, available from Ellora's Cave, All Romance eBooks, Nook, and Kindle

The rules are simple. Be quiet, look sexy, follow orders.

Caroline’s plans for maintaining a harem of eager young men are going as smooth as could be, until a troublesome newcomer arrives and throws her tidy kingdom into disorder. He seems perfect at first. Breathtaking eyes, gorgeous face, a body custom-made to keep a greedy woman up nights.

But Sean’s got something else too—the will and the power to get under Caroline’s skin in a way she can’t stand. And can’t stay away from. He’s too disobedient to work out as a disposable toy in her harem, but it’d be a shame to waste a willing body as fine as his… Perhaps all the man needs is a little discipline.

Features light m/m/f menage, brief m/m contact, light bondage.

"I’m firmly…of the belief that truly arousing sex is all about breaking through emotional barriers. It’s not hot unless it’s breaking a character’s own taboos, unless it’s threatening their emotional existence, moving them forward somehow. [McKenna does] that brilliantly here." —Dear Author

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