Secured and Free by Z. Allora Guest Post, Excerpt & Giveaway!

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Hi guys! We have Z. Allora stopping in today with her upcoming release Secured and Free, we have a fantastic guest post, a great excerpt and an awesome giveaway, so check out the post and leave a comment to enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~

Z. Allora - Secured and Free Cover

Secured and Free

(Entwined Dreams 02)
by

Z. Allora

An abusive Dom robbed Orion Gordon of his love of BDSM, destroying his confidence and leaving him unsure he’ll ever find peace through submission to another. Still, deep inside, his longing continues. 

Marcus Sadir loves Hunter Dixon, yet can’t be the one thing Hunter truly desires: a sub to control. And Hunter can’t find satisfaction in the sadistic aspects of the BDSM lifestyle, while Marcus thrives on inflicting and sharing pain. When Marcus convinces Hunter they should find a third on a permanent basis, they discover Orion might be the key to bridging their differences and joining them on a deeper level. 

But they must help Orion move past his trauma enough for him to enjoy new facets of BDSM and kink again. Their journey toward becoming whole—together—won’t be without challenges. Can Orion trust enough to try again?

Release date: 26th May 2017

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BDSM Cures

by Z. Allora

Greetings! Much appreciation to MM Good Book Reviews for allowing me to come on their blog. (I mean… you know what I mean get your mind out of the gutter!)                 

To celebrate the release of Secured and Free I’ll be giving away 3 e-books, 2 audiobooks of Lock and Key (Book #1 of Entwined Dreams) and a $20 gift card to Dreamspinner Press. The details below on how to enter are below, but first let me talk a little about something many have mixed feeligns on: BDSM as a cure.

Cue the eye roll… Stay with me Pretty ones.

BDSM DOESN’T CURE EVERYTHING, BUT IT DOES HAVE BENEFITS WHICH CAN PROMOTE HEALING.
(as always results will vary based on individual differences)

1) Some people use BDSM as a break.

There’s no thinking/worrying/obsessing when you hit deep subspace. You’re completely in the moment. At times, it can be an almost meditative state (comparable to yoga).

Top & subspace or the flow as some refer to it reduces stress hormones.

>>> In Secured and Free, Orion has decided to give up BDSM and one of the things he misses the most is this altered state where one lives only in the present moment.
 
2) BDSM can release endorphins. Endorphins regulate pain, stress, and cravings.

>>> In Secured and Free, Marcus uses a bit of torment to help Orion through his anxiety even discussing BDSM. One of the ways to get through anxiety is alternate stimulation.

Excerpt Marcus’s Cock Therapy:

“Oh God! Marcus!” Orion’s head hit the back of the sofa.

Marcus spread the wetness from the tip all over Orion’s cock. “God Marcus… that has a ring to it.”

He could be developing the first ever cock therapy. Imagine all the difficult issues people could deal with as he tormented their dicks. Nah, he liked the two dicks he had to tease.

3) BDSM strengthens bonds between couples.

There was a study published a few years ago that suggested BDSM couples “felt more secure in their relationships, and had an increased sense of well-being. They were more conscientious toward others, more extraverted, more open to trying new experiences, had decreased anxiety, and were less sensitive to others perception. Interestingly, they were also more aware of their own sexual needs but less agreeable. ((http://sexualhealth.about.com/od/sextherapy/ss/The-Health-Benefits-of-BDSM.htm))

 I do believe the troupe of BDSM healing all is based in reality (at least in my experience and opinion).

In Secured and Free, during a submeeting a member explains how the use of a bracelet that can be turned into cuffs is helping her deal with her extreme shyness.

Z. Allora - Secured & Free Bracelet

This is a simple bracelet… but for someone with anxiety it can remind them of the calm they experience when secured with rope as well as give them some of the benefits BDSM has been shown to give.

Z. Allora - Secured & Free cuffs

And if the bracelet isn’t enough of a reminder they open up into sturdy cuffs.

They come in various colors and designs.  I worked with a charming man who custom made these for me. His website is:

Www.LeatherWoodStudios.com

This is an excerpt from Secured and Free’s submeeting. Orion has given up on BDSM. A violation stole the trust he needed to have to do a scene. After meeting Hunter and Marcus, Orion longs to find a way back to BDSM…

Z. Allora - Secured and Free Square

Excerpt!

Circling the room before taking his seat, Zack said, “I’d like to invite Erin to share.”

“Erin’s here?” “Erin’s going to speak?” and variations on the question made its way around the room. Applause broke out when she took the floor. She grinned. “Yes, Erin is here, and I wanted to share.” Erin, a collared submissive who Orion rarely heard speak above a whisper and who usually hid behind her wealth of red hair, had more confidence than he remembered.

Erin rubbed two fingers across a red leather bracelet decorated with a grouping of three black hearts. “Most of you know about my severe anxiety.”

Her anxiety kept her out of most play parties, sub meetings, and demonstrations because she couldn’t handle the stimulation of a crowd. Seeing her stand and speak to about fifty subs in attendance was nothing short of miraculous.

Throwing her wavy hair over her shoulders, she said, “I don’t think I’ve found a cure for anxiety or anything, but I found assistance.”

Most subs leaned forward. She held out her braceleted wrist. “This is my secret weapon.” Ross squinted. “A bracelet? It’s pretty and all, but—”

“It’s actually cuffs.” She stepped over to Zack. “Would you please?”

 “Of course.” Zack unsnapped the leather, opened the bracelet into two bands of leather, and then resnapped the circles so a loop wrapped around each wrist.

Erin held up her hands, which were now cuffed, and tugged. “Now I know everyone views things differently. Some people see bondage as….”

“Sexy and hot.” “Punishment,” a newbie called out. “Allowing the sub’s beauty to be displayed, and a way of creating living art,” Zack, who was one of the best in Japanese erotic bondage, added.

Erin nodded. “It’s different for everyone. For me, when my Mistress and Master put me in bondage, it’s like a day at the spa.”

Orion blocked out the envy and the wishes of his rope-laden fantasies. He’d heard tales of Hunter’s prowess with suspension work. Oh, the positions—stop!

He refocused on Erin. “As soon as the ropes start to wrap around me, I relax. I trust Mistress Jess and Master Ralph will take care of everything, and I can just be.”

Sam grinned. “So how does the magic bracelet work?”

Erin giggled. “It’s not magic, but wearing it allows me to access a bit of that calm I experience when in bondage. Each morning my Mistress and Master will call me over to them and put the bracelet on me. They both tell me to remember I’m loved and safe.” She shrugged. “I’ve been able to do more and more stuff that my anxiety used to stop me from doing.”

“The bracelet puts you in subspace?” Sam asked.

Orion had gotten tiny tastes of subspace while having Hunter and Marcus sex him up.

“Um… not really… maybe…. It lets me remember that heavenly place and gives me a relaxed feeling. Even though I’m still nervous standing here. Talking to a group was never something I’d have done ever before.”

“Where did you get it?” Orion didn’t realize he’d asked a question until Xander’s intake of breath threatened to draw all the air in the room out, and his stare was burning a hole into Orion.

“They’re starting to sell them at Entwined’s store. Again, I don’t think they’re magic. It’s just something that helps me. And I wanted to share.” She smiled at Zack and held out her wrists. “Please. Thank you.”

People wanting to touch the bracelet and ask questions circled her. Xander leaned in. “Do you want one of those? Would that help?”

“I’m not sure.” But after this weekend, Orion might be willing to try. He pushed away ashes of suspension work he’d seen in the past. His craving to have Hunter tie him while Marcus tormented him in a delicious way rode him hard. There had to be a way for him to get there.

~~~

Many people take issue with the idea BDSM can heal. That’s fine… for some people maybe it can’t assist them, but I’ve used aspects of BDSM in my day to day life and have found it makes me happier and healthier. Did it solve my problems? No, but the practice gave me a break from anxiety, and in some cases the courage and strength to deal with issues in a more productive way. Again, everyone’s different.

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About Z.

Z. Allora believes in happily ever afters for everyone. She met her own true love through the personals and has traveled to over thirty countries with him. She’s lived in Singapore, Israel and China. Now back home to the USA she’s an active member of PFLAG and a strong supporter of those on the rainbow in her community. She wants to promote understanding and acceptance through her actions and words. Writing rainbow romance allows her the opportunity to open hearts and change minds.

To contact Z. Allora:

FACEBOOK | Blog | Website | Twitter | E-mail: Z.AlloraHappyEndings@gmail.com

Z. Allora - Lock and Key Audio Cover

Giveaway!

Win! 3 e-books!

2 audiobooks of Lock and Key (Book #1 of Entwined Dreams)!

$20 gift card to Dreamspinner Press!!

Just leave a comment about the type of BDSM you enjoy reading or participating in. 

(Ends when Z. Allora picks a winner!)
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50 thoughts on “Secured and Free by Z. Allora Guest Post, Excerpt & Giveaway!

  1. Congratulations on the release, Z. I’m not into BDSM myself, but I do enjoy reading about it… It is a sort of guilty pleasure. My favourite kind of BDSM involves bondage… I think there is something magical in trusting somebody so much as to let him/her tie you up. It takes a special kind of trust. 😉

  2. Congrats on your upcoming book release, Z. I’m not into BDSM and only ever read a few books with it. Of those I’ve read, I guess I can say I’m okay reading those (books) with mild BDSM, nothing heavy nor too graphic.

    1. Dear Didi,
      Something one person would find mild/light another might find overwhelming based on their filters, triggers and experiences. Sometimes a sub’s limits appears “uneven” because these factors affect what activities they can/want to participate in.
      Hugs, Z.

  3. Congratulations on upcoming book. Love reading BDSM. I do enjoy bondage and pain personally and many more things.

  4. Love reading about the absolute trust between a Dom and Sub when the scene is done right. Congratulations on your upcoming release, and thank you for the chance to win. 🙂

  5. For me Bdsm stands for trust because there should not be any Bdsm play without full trust in your partner.

    1. Agreed! Though sometimes one can be desperate and not vet the person properly and get into trouble (sometimes because you’re in it it may take some time to figure it out). Hugs, Z.

  6. I’m not personally into BDSM; however I don’t mind reading about it as long as the MCs practice safely.

    1. Dear Lisa,
      In Secured and Free: Hunter Dixon is a paramedic and it shows up. He’s having sex and his mind will start ticking away on the safety aspects. And when he does a scene he’s super focused on safely.
      Orion does not always do that… I’ve known a lot of people in real life who don’t always adhere to the safety protocols because they find it limiting… but I think limits and safety invite us to be creative.
      Hugs, Z.

  7. Hi! I stumbled upon Lock and Key a few days ago and I loved it. Afterwards I bought everything else of yours I could find on amazon!!
    I’ve always wanted to try bondage and sensory dep.

    1. Dear Aerielle,
      Aw, thank you. I think both bondage and sensory dep can feel like a spa visit or hell… depending on the person.
      Hugs, Z.

  8. Great cover. Technically I don’t necessarily like BDSM but I do love reading the aftercare between the dom and sub. The reading experience is even better when it’s conveyed how much joy the sub and dom receive from the act.

    1. YES! The JOY of BDSM… the freedom & the trust can be delicious. One of the things I’m trying to explore is the different motivations that leads people to BDSM and how they express it so differently.
      Hugs, Z.
      (Thank you on the cover… K-Koji is a ROCK star when it comes to covers.)

  9. Congratulations on the newest release! I can’t wait to get my hands on the book. -already preordered- In answer to your question:

    I enjoy reading stories involving all manners of BDSM and tend get more in tune with the descriptions and emotions that are portrayed by the characters. All forms of bondage and toys are my normal standard when reading, with about 90% of readings being male/male. I’d have to say I’m not partial to blood, extreme violence, etc., but anything can sound intoxicating when worded the right way.

    I’ve been curious about the lifestyle and have been tied up once or twice, but am super timid in initiating that aspect cause humans are such variables. I’ve gotten high just be helping others stay grounded in a scene though, just talking and stroking their head lending them physical support while they themselves were getting a requested beating. I’d mentally say that I’m up for all the sensations, minus the pain.

    1. Dear Seir,
      Thank you for sharing! I hope you find a human that is within your specifications that allow you the comfort to explore more.
      I think you’re right about anything can be sexy if you can understand the motivation and how it is received by the person.
      One of the main characters is into piercing… (I hate getting allergy shots) But I met someone at YaoiCon who glowed when we discussed piercing play… so yeah descriptions can change hearts and minds.
      Hugs, Z.

  10. Congrats on your new book release! I haven’t participated in any BDSM myself but I do enjoy reading about couples (or groups) that do. The aspects of sensory deprivation intrigue me and with the exception of anything truly sadistic or breath play (I have asthma), I find it all stimulating.
    Thanks so much for sharing an excerpt and for offering a giveaway!
    bealarocks67@gmail.com

    1. Dear Bea,
      Thank you!
      I feel you with asthma (me too) and there’s nothing sexy about lack of oxygen (for me).
      Hugs, Z.

  11. No Blood. No Humiliation. All caring and good emotions. That’s the type of story I like reading. Perhaps because, personally, It’s not a thing I’d allow anyone to do upon myself, let alone do onto others.
    Personally, I could never be a sub. I’m too strong a person to submit to another. Plus, I have an extremely Low pain tolerance.
    Love the cover, Z! Much success to you.
    taina1959 @ yahoo.com

    1. Dear Zeoanne,
      One of the reasons I’m writing this series is to help people come to understand sub doesn’t = doormat. It takes an incredible amount of strength to submit to another and not everyone is able to hand over that kind of power, trust and control (which is why limits, and discussions are so important).
      Hugs, Z.

      1. I do understand that completely. It’s the sub who will decide what they are willing to do/try and that does take a lot of strength and trust for the Dom. I am one of those that could not hand over control to another person. I’ve trusted too much and deeply (not in BDSM) and have been burned severely every single time. Thus, trusting someone is not an easy thing for me to do. I’m too old for that now. 😉

  12. I like BDSM as long as it doesn’t have a very heavy tone. Not that I ever read one like that but there things that are not my cup of tea (i.e. goden showers, etc). Overall, I like it.

  13. First of all may I say that the cover looks FANTASTIC?!?! So gorgeous. Anyway, I’m not into BDSM in real life. Heck, I am not into sex at all being an asexual (and a bit sex repulsive). BUT, doesn’t mean that I can’t read them in my books. I don’t read many BDSM romance but I think bondage is one that I like most from BDSM. No humiliation and no pain though.

  14. Hi and congrats on the new release!

    I personaly don’t partake in bondage, but I do like to read it from time to time. I guess the one I like most is bondage and blindfolding. The amount of trust a someone give another to tie them up and blindfold them, completely imobilizing them and placing themselves completely in the others hands is just amazing. It demostrates how deeply the person trusts the other to not hurt them and make the experience as enjoyable for them as it would be for the other.

  15. BDSM to me is an act of art to make both parties comfortable you have to put passion into it. Also takes a great deal of trust to let someone control you that far. For the one inflicting pain you want to take away your partners sorrows while at the same time not create any new ones. You have to know exactly what to do to trigger the pleased result. To me the Auctioned off slave idea was always very appealing. The idea the dom gets control of every move the sub does(Master and slave). I read similar rainbow love novels in my free time, I would very much enjoy reading yours. To me it means a lot somebody could take a step forward and put their art out there when so many are afraid to show their colors. These novels define and remove barriers. Thank you I hope I can read your works in the future.

  16. I didn’t really get in contact with BDSM yet but I’d really like to find out more about it, the idea appeals to me in some way, but as I said I don’t know much about it yet^^. I really like what I read in the excerpt and I’m a general fan of yaoi and lgbt+ supporter and I think it’s great how you want to spread acceptance. I’m trying my best to do so too but I think more people will actually read what you have to say but as soon as I fullfill my dream to become an author, I’ll defitively put rainbow people in my books as well though it’s not gonna be the main subject 🙂

  17. The BDSM that I enjoy is being at the mercy of my partner. I enjoy the control they have and want nothing more than to please them. It gives me a sense of satisfaction to see them dominate me in every way.

  18. For me, I enjoy tying someone up and watching them squirm in delight and helping them relax and find peace that way (bondage) ….Unfortunately, for me, I had a rough experience a few years ago that has prompted me to leave the scene for a while. I’m starting the healing process for myself now after taking a much needed hiatus. So I will most definitely be looking into getting a copy of this work and the previous one. I, personally, need the “soft” reintroduction to that world again.

    Thank you for making this and I look forward to a fantastic read.

    1. Dear Desiree:Thank you for sharing that with us. Hoping you find your safe place again. (I hope you’re one of my facebook Pretties.) Big hugs, Z.

  19. I’m super excited to have a chance to get this! The art is positively stunning and the story seems incredible from the excerpt I read!

  20. I loved this book and truly hope it’s not the end of our journey with these characters. I do love hearing their voices through your words on the page Z. Keep up the marvelous work!

  21. the pics look absolutely fantastic – drool, superb like using bdsm as well as belts and cuffs put on you by someone u like and trut with initials !! but did nt know it could be so much sexual sorcery

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