Sascha Illyvich's Blog, page 24

Happy Holidays from The Bad Boy of Romance

Officially, the week of the 17th is my last day in the office for both editing and writing.  I have no desire to do much but read and hang out, catch up on cleaning and chores that have been piling up.  It’s been a long year, not a bad one, but a busy one.

Year in Recap: Taught Male POV for CalWriters Berkeley LIVE for the first time

Frolicon – back to back panels on Saturday, hanging with Cecilia Tan, LaDonna Allison and Barefoot Bill, (smoking on their porch at night talking to LaDonna!)  Also, the Cigar Herf!

DragonCON 2012 – more appearances, more  panels, more Sascha, and more cigar herfing!

New covers posted below!

TesseracT -  Those who followed my journey writing Paula’s Craving understand.

The Gathering – New Album called Disclosure makes me think of a certain Moldovan Pen Pal…we’ve talked more lately.  It’s good to have a reminder of who I am.

Releases, “Treasure’s Gift” “Menage Bound“, “Stuck” and “Dark Sensualities“

All the RWA Classes I’ve taught this year, thank you each and every one of you!

My agents of awesomeness, for pulling me off the cliff when I was about to jump – Saritza and Marisa.

My Publicist Deborah Riley Magnus

Mary Hardin-Moore – you’re one simply hell of a fan.

Melissa, you’re awesome sauce.  Thank you for all you do for me at DragonCON

My beta readers, old, new, up coming

My publishers

New opportunities

Romily.

Ditter baby!

Waking up every day

I think I reconnected with a part of me I’d buried both as an author and a person.

Bad things -

Fun with coumadin and alcohol: November’s hospital trip

Fun trying to catch a bus and only running maybe 200 meters, resulting in a hospital trip because I’m BACK in goddamn Afib.

Because of a careless asshole from PG&E, I was walking home one night and tripped on a grate, shoving most of my left leg through the tiny circle.  I’m still bruised.

The closing of Grants Tobacconist – This is important because it’s a historical landmark AND I spent a LOT of downtime there.  Thanks for the memories, guys.

Misunderstandings that led to another cliff I almost launched myself from

Waking up every day since the last hospital trip and not knowing what I’m getting up for or why.

Looks like overall the good outweighed the bad.  It tends to do that honestly.  Yeah, some things conflict, oh well. That’s life.

Now, an excerpt for the holidays  from Her Shelter -  An Alexandria Rayne treat

“Damnit!”

A few moments later, Reinhold made his way downstairs, dressed sans collar. He wanted to make a statement to Crissy. He was not to be taken lightly. He was a wolf.

She was a human. Powerful or not, she was the weaker one.

Moments later, he leaned against the granite countertop, sipping a cup of coffee before pouring his owner one. Smelling Crissy’s scent mixed in with the peppery aroma of the winter outside, he picked up the cup of coffee and blew on it, letting the steam waft towards his face. Crissy came in through the swinging doors, her lips pursed in a thin line. Dressed in black hip-hugging jeans, black socks and a grey shirt that had a large skull across her breasts, she wore her hair tied back. It was still damp like his.

Picking up the cup of coffee, he handed it to her.

She accepted it without a word. Taking a long sip, she set the cup down on the countertop and looked him in the eye.

For a minute, neither said a word. Their gazes locked with him feeling the intensity of her stare. Goddess, how he thought her eyes were the most beautiful he’d ever seen. She’d

hidden so much of herself from him in the last several weeks since they’d been together, yet he picked up everything unspoken because she couldn’t look at him without giving a part of herself away.

“Is my collar not good enough for you?” She interrupted the silence.

Lifting his head, his eyes widened. “It’s fine.”

“Then why aren’t you wearing it?” She tapped her neck.

“It needed to dry. And you need—” He stopped. Closing his eyes, he searched for the words. Inhaling her scent, he picked up on the addition of cayenne. She was clearly annoyed with him.

“I need what, Reinhold?”

He opened his eyes to see her arms folded across her chest.

Returning to his coffee, he said nothing.

She stepped forward and put a finger in his chest. “What do I need?”

“Skip it,” he growled in response. The wolf inside of him let his ears lay flat across his head, a show of annoyance.

“No,” she argued. “What is it you so desperately think I need that you’d mention it not once, but twice? Tell me. I’d like to know.” She stepped back and crossed her arms over her chest again.

Looking down the line of her body, he resisted the urge to lick his lips in front of her. Reinhold didn’t want her having any advantage over him now. His body was already begging for another taste of hers, another touch, another kiss. His heart ached at the lack of contact but he mentally told himself to shut the fuck up.

“I’m waiting.” She tapped her foot.

Reinhold met her gaze. Something flashed in her eyes that looked like sorrow or some other sad emotion. Suddenly, it clicked in his mind. Crissy was scared and feeling a little protective. He wasn’t sure why, but her actions no longer seemed assholish. They reminded him of his own defensive manoeuvres.

He cleared his throat. “You’re—” He stopped, studying her. She stood with her shoulders back, breasts jutting forward and her chin out. The challenging glare in her eyes sparked the attention of the wolf inside him.

Still, Reinhold tamped the beast down. If he was to be a successful alpha, he would have to stop going off on people as though they were stupid.

Crissy wasn’t stupid. She just acted that way as a defensive move.

“I’m what?” She tilted her head to one side.

“You’re beautiful,” he spoke in a low tone. Reaching for her hair, he touched her, the soft strands slipping through his fingers.

An eyebrow rose. “I didn’t expect that.” Her voice was gravelly, diffused.

“What did you expect?” Reinhold sipped his coffee, smiling as he looked over the rim of his mug at her.

“I expected to be told what a bitch I’ve been. Not that I care, but it’s what everyone says.”

He smirked. “Even your sisters?”

Crissy nodded. “Yeah. Well, not in so many words. Lynne thinks I need to open up and get out more. She thinks I lack contact with others. I told her others bore me. Others do not thrill me.”

“You want someone dangerous and exciting, don’t you?”

She smiled. “Yeah,” she let the word drag on as a smile crept up her face.

“It’s why you want me.”

She frowned.

Setting his cup down on the counter, he took hers from her and poured another cup for her. “Why the frown?”

“I don’t like being analysed.” She spoke matter-of-factly.

He snickered. “Fine. Let’s play twenty questions then.”

She grinned, her lips turning upwards into a smile that actually made his heart flutter. “You’re cute.”

“Question one, why the attitude problem?”

“See?” She set a hand on her hip. “Already a bad start.”

He shot her a wry grin. “Masochistic tendencies?”

She sipped her coffee and smiled. “Yup, you’re cute.”

“You love it.” His smile was sincere. Reinhold licked his lips and took a step closer. Determined to get what he wanted, a physical release, he made sure to keep his posture somewhat submissive.

“Next question?”

“Why do you always insist on making me submit? It’s against my nature as a wolf.” He touched her shoulder.

She flinched. A moment later, she eased into his hand. “Because you’re mine. All wolves are mine and will submit to me.”

“Hmm.” He bent over her, scenting for arousal. “I could kill you though. If I let my human form drop in mid-fuck, the pain would tear you apart.”

“I’m pretty resistant that way.” She smirked.

“True.” He nodded. “But you hope I’d never do that to you. Doubt is always in the back of your mind. Isn’t it?”

“Is that question three?” she frowned.

His lips hung just in front of hers. He smelled the coffee, rich black cocoa mixed in with her natural aromas. Gone were the spicy scents from earlier which had been replaced by roses. “Odd, you smell of roses.”

A blonde eyebrow rose. “I do?”

His tongue darted out over her lips. A hand cupped her shoulder and pulled her closer. “Yes. You do.” He purposely let his canines extend.

She jerked back, but the defiant gaze in her eyes reappeared. “You’re trying to frighten me?”

A smile crept over his lips. He shook his head. “Why would I do that? I’m trying to seduce you.” His voice dropped a notch. Fangs in his mouth lengthened.

Her hands went to his sides. Sliding up the length of his body, she captured his face in her hands and pressed her lips into his.

Reinhold tasted the coffee along with her supple lips.

Nibbling on his lower lip, she suckled and flicked her tongue over the contours of his mouth before pulling back from the kiss.

He made a noise and let his fingers tangle in her baby fine hair. Grabbing a handful, he tugged her mouth away and dragged his teeth along the smooth edge of her jaw, making sure to nip and nibble frequently.

Her body shuddered against his, crushing her breasts into his chest. Her fingers held his head firmly as her mouth worked a trail of kisses up his neck and to his mouth.

Pulling away, Reinhold cocked his head to one side.

“What’s the matter, no longer feeling like the aggressor?” Her voice was a faint whisper.

Snickering, Reinhold shook his head before advancing for another kiss. “No,” he muttered against her mouth, smelling the faint traces of her musky arousal. “Waiting and observing.”

“For what?” Her mouth continued a sensual assault on his, her tongue thrusting past his lips.

Suckling on her tongue, he let her explore his mouth, his body hardening against hers. He’d been letting her control the kiss he’d initiated. Her tongue wrestled his for control until her hands slid down his body, cupping his swollen prick through his jeans. He wanted this, wanted her. But…

He had to wait.

He broke from the kiss. “Impatient, Mistress?”

Panting, Crissy shook her head. “No. Just making sure you’re not trying to top from the bottom again. You’re fun. That shit’s cute with my sister but not with me.” She gave him a grin and turned on her heels to leave. Walking out of the kitchen, she stopped at the door. “And remember, that’s my cock and you’re not to lay a hand on it unless I say so.” With that, she pushed through the door and walked away.

“Damnit!”

At least he’d made her smile and break away from that damned stolid image she’d always put out, even if it was just momentarily.

She’d poked her head back through the door. “One more thing, Reinhold?”

“Yes?” He looked up.

“If you want my collar back, I suggest you do something to earn it, young pup. Bye!” She slipped through the door and was gone.

His mouth dropped. “Lynne didn’t do that! It’s not fair!” Of course, he hadn’t received Lynne’s collar yet. Doubt that he would earn such a treasure filled his mind.

He heard her whistling a tune before footsteps sounded on the stairs.

“Fuck.”

Without his collar, he was just a submissive, not belonging to someone. What the fuck did that matter though? He was a wolf, they didn’t belong. They owned. They conquered,

Fuck the D/s aspect of their relationship. Reinhold knew it had to be that wolves were a gift to the sisters from Diana, but he didn’t have to like it.

Still, the burning pit in his stomach let him know he’d fucked up. Crissy had been the first to offer, but he stupidly forgot to put it back on after he finished his shower. Well, to be honest he didn’t forget. The gesture was done deliberately to spite Mistress Crissy.

The fact was that he was a wolf. He was never a bottom. He was a wolf who had control stripped from him at a young age. Memories of a rough childhood filled his mind, the beatings when others thought he was the weak member of the pack.

In his teenage years, he proved them wrong but was repeatedly told he’d become too aggressive.

When he entered the business world, he’d made sure to study the habits of successful humans. Those humans kept their emotions in check no matter what the perception of others. Those in power were in power for a reason.

Quite simply, they believed they were in power.

He scoffed. Wolves and humans were not so different after all. The realisation that Crissy had offered a piece of herself to him struck him in the gut with enough force to knock the wind out of him. Annoyed that he was actually fighting his baser instinct with his human one, Reinhold spun around and glanced out the window. Snowfall had dusted the tree tops and ground. The strong pull of the forest called to him. So did the call of Diana’s bond with the sisters, the bond that was ultimately a human one.

Clenching his fists, he stormed out of the kitchen. He had to apologise. Had to—

Stopping in his tracks, he realised he had to do something else other than apologise.

Reinhold had to beg his mistress for her collar.

A thousand more thoughts flew through his head. He didn’t know she was offering a permanent collar. Didn’t realise he was never to take it off. He even thought that he could tell her that she made him so hot and bothered that he simply forgot to put it back on after his shower, but ultimately the mistake was his. He’d simply taken the gesture for granted.

It wasn’t hard to do. She did tend to come off as callous and unfeeling much of the time he’d spent with her.

Was that enough to make him miss the grand gesture?

He lowered his head. He didn’t know.

Whatever she’d make him do to earn his collar would be way worse than him having to eat his own cum out of her sweet, delicious pussy.

“Fuck.” He set a hand on the door frame. “Fuck, fuck and more fuck!”

A Little Alexandria Rayne action on amazon

Holiday reading material for the author!

I’m not one to really pay much mind to the holidays, honestly I just see it as an excuse to drink (more) while I write LOL!

But even an author needs downtime and what better way to spend it than with an escape?

On my reading list, the following titles from my local library:

Starfire – Kate Douglas.  I recently picked up DemonFire, the first in her new series NOT Chanku related and realized I’m three books behind LOL!  A quick search of her site btw revealed just how far behind I am with her work, but that’s the life of a writer!  I was fortunate enough to meet her back in ’08 at RWA Nationals!

Next up would be Cynthia Eden.  I discovered her as a reviewer for Coffee Time Romance several years back and became hooked instantly.  Not only is she a hell of a storyteller, with heat and passion and romance to boot, but she’s a really sweet author!  Have yet to meet her, but Never Cry Wolf has me only 40 pages in and hooked.  Simone is a badass, there’s no doubt in my mind and I’m sure we share some of the same inspirations for heroes in our stories. So far the plot keeps getting deeper and I can’t put the book down, except that I can’t smoke cigars and read outside due to the darkness and cold!

The sex scenes…well I remember reviewing her earlier work through Kensington and them being delicious, I think you’ll enjoy the new ones too   I hope I can finish this book this weekend.

Excerpt from Finding Eternity – Bound after Midnight Sneak Peak

~~~Soon to be out from Sizzler Editions.  Bound After Midnight features hot paranormal romances by Sascha Illyvich, Bonni Sansom and Margie Church

Solan, the warrior, has battled for  most of his life, fighting for Goddess only knows what on a planet devoid of beauty, letting a string of words guide him until he’s wounded gravely wounded in battle.  A woman, perhaps an angel, or demon, comes to his aid with one goal in mind.Fulfill her destiny and his:

EXCERPT:

Solan woke, his body thrumming with sexual need.  Gone were the aches and pains he’d experienced from battle, but memories would remind him of his fights.  He survived off those thoughts, images.  The sights and smells of battle surrounded him, hardened his resolve.

Shifting his weight, Solan recalled the previous events and found himself in soft place, a warm bed.  He balled his fists carefully, then unclenched them.  Toes wiggled, legs moved, he had full use of his limbs.

The limb he hadn’t used in months remained painfully erect.

Solan looked around the room, saw how empty it was.  A chest of drawers sat against a stone wall. To his left, a fire crackled in the pit.  The moon cast beams of light on the ground through the one large window.  Funny, he thought vampires would want closed walls to protect against sunlight.

He laughed at the concept of the sun’s rays reaching the ground.  Where he’d been, thick black smoke and soot blanketed the skies.  If the vampire kept him in a different part of the world, where was he?

He’d fought long and hard against those who would destroy the earth.  He’d struggled to remain free.

Solan served no man.

But Katherine’s last words…

He stiffened when he remembered her singing to him earlier.  He drew the sheet across his skin, became aware of his partial nudity.

The door beside him creaked open.   Katherine came through the threshold floating gracefully, rather than moving.  She stopped at the bed and smiled.  Her dress was similar to the one she wore last time he saw her, only the darker purple color brought out the exquisite hue of her eyes. The dress hugged her breasts, leaving nothing to the imagination.  Tapering at the waist, the hem dragged on the floor and swished with each step she took.  Her hair had been pulled back but strands hung down over her shoulders.

He wanted to move her hair so he could again see her ruby lips, her enchanting eyes and her wondrous smile.

Katherine’s mouth curled up in a grin.  Krylon blue eyes softened.  “You’re awake.”

He nodded.

“Are you in pain?”

The lilt in her voice made his cock throb.  “Only one ache I need to resolve…”  He let the sentence hang, hoping he wouldn’t offend her if she did catch his meaning.

She smiled, ruby red lips curving up, exposing fangs.

He should be afraid.  She could bite and kill him.

What purpose would that serve?  Heal him, then kill him?

Maybe she needed him at full strength in order to feed.

She tilted her head.  “Your mind races, but you do not act on your body’s instincts, Solan. Why not?”

Solan cocked a brow.  “Whatever do you mean?”

“Just as women have a scent for lust, so do men.  Yours is subtler because of your injuries.”  She sat beside him.  Gently, she slid her hand against his naked arm.

Her skin was soft and smooth, cool to the touch. He wanted to take her.  Staring into her eyes, he felt the pull, but not a vampire’s magic.  This power ran deeper, stronger.

She leaned in closer, hovering over him.

He went rigid, though he forced himself to speak.  “You could overpower and drain me dry, vampire.”

She blinked, her long eyelashes fluttering caresses over his cheek, “I suppose so.  But…”  Katherine nuzzled his cheek with hers, breasts crushed against his chest.  The soft fabric of her dress reminded him of his lack of a shirt.

His groin hardened even more.

Carefully, she moved up the length of his body until their eyes met.  Hunger in Katherine’s eyes reflected the mood he found himself in.

Her lips pressed to his in a light caress before she pressed harder against him.

Solan smelled iron, blood, flesh, life.  Her feminine scent washed over him.

Her hand found the back of his head, lifted it to her and pressed harder into him, deepening the kiss.

Thrusting his tongue into her mouth intensified her taste.   Soft curves surrounded him.  Her fingernails trailed down the length of his arm, stopping at his wrist.

He broke from the kiss and stared at her.  Reaching for her face, he cupped her cheek, ran the pad of his thumb along her jaw line.  “What…are you doing?”

Like he didn’t know.

Katherine blinked again, offered him a weak smile.  Her mouth moved, no sound came out.

“Do you want to sate me?”  His words rang out in the empty room. “Do you want me, Katherine?”

Need flashed in her eyes.  Flames of desire appear to lick her skin as more shadows danced over her flesh.  “I do.”

He moved out from under her and rolled her onto her back, “We do this my way.”

In seconds, she lay flat on her back, pinned to the mattress.  He straddled her, the hem of his kilt lifted slight, exposing his thighs.

She hesitated to touch him, even as her surprised expression changed to lust.  Her eyes remained half open, mouth parted.  “Take me if you have the desire.  Sate your needs with my body.”

Solan didn’t remember when last he’d spilled his seed in a woman’s womb.  “Yes, I will.”  He almost growled.

Katherine shifted beneath him so his erection would settle between her thighs.

He ran his hands up and down the length of her sides before drawing her arms above her head.

Her submissive nature surprised him.  Despite her strength, she moved with him, let him position her where he wanted her. She remained soft and tender as any human woman.

He held her wrists with one hand, noticed how small they were.  Delicate bone structure, he decided.  Her breasts jutted up at him, pale sculptures with nipples the color of dusty roses.  With his free hand, he traced a finger over her exposed flesh, enjoying how she shuddered beneath the slightest touch.

“I’m sorry,” he groaned, and ripped the top of her dress, exposing round, creamy breasts.

Before she responded, he lowered his mouth to her breast, took a nipple in between his teeth and scraped his tongue over the tight nub.

She sucked in a hard breath, arched beneath him and cried out.

He pulled the puckered nipple deeper into his mouth while grinding his hips into hers in a rhythmic, rocking motion.

Hands caught the hem of his kilt, lifted the thick material up.

Solan moved from one breast to the other, dragging his tongue over heated flesh.

He popped her other nipple out of his mouth, the sound echoing loudly.  “I thought vampires were cold to the touch.”

Katherine blinked.

Her hair spilled over the pillow in a glorious blanket.  Solan ran his fingers through the silky soft strands, amazed at how his arousal throbbed from such a simple act.

Her mouth curled up in a bow, “You have stirred something in me, szeretőm.  My flesh is heated by your…affection.”

 

Editing – Erotic Romance during the Holidays!

If you’re anything like me you’re probably trying to wind down your year with a fairly clear slate so you can spend time with family and loved ones.  Note, the two might not be the same LOL!

I took a nasty fall the other day and screwed up my left knee, but thankfully I sit all day when I write/edit.  On the current docket, I’ve finished Paula’s Craving, and am letting it sit for a few days while I work on Dark Desires.

I won’t lie, Dark Desires is taunting me most of all because I wrote the story for a dear friend years ago, and somehow the only real plot I could come up with was that she needed to take a risk on the two guys who happen to be courting her and playing her dangerously seductive game.  The friend in question I based the heroine on wanted something sexy and dangerous, and in 20k tops I had to come up with something that doesn’t quite fit romantic notions because she’s not a romantic notion person.  No flowers for her, bring the whips instead!

The problem was, this story was one of my hotter pieces, I mean it really melts the pages!  I’m very proud of it, and the inspiration behind it.  In fact, I’ll share an excerpt where Raven is seated between her two hunky employers in her favorite Goth/Industrial club after they rescued her from a very boring Christmas party.

EXCERPT:

Cover for my first contemporary erotic romance out from Total E-bound

Setting down in a booth against the corner of the stage, the two men flanked her.  She took another sip of her scotch and let it soothe her racing nerves.  What could they possibly want with her?

Romyn sat on her left, Alex on her right.  Both men kept their eyes facing the outward dancing crowd but their hands remained on her.

It became difficult for her to breathe.  Confined. “I need…”

Alex looked at her with a stare hot enough to make the liquid between her thighs creamier.  “You should relax.  You work so hard for my company and we just wish to show our appreciation.”

His voice rumbled low in her ear and made her skin itch.

She had to get out of these clothes.  Smoothing the cloak behind her, she kept one hand on her drink and the other at the hem of her skirt.   Perspiration dotted her forehead.

Eyes facing forward, she watched various people dressed in semi sheer to almost see through clothing, body parts hanging out with the obvious exceptions for men.  A few women wore tops that let their breasts show way too easily.

Some women danced with other women as though in captivated lust filled love, others danced with complete abandon to a song that talked of love until death.

She licked her lips.  Raven did like the female figure.  But her appreciation ended in the bedroom.  Love was for fools.  This lesson she knew well.

The men flanking her seemed more interested in her body.  Good, because she had no heart to give them.

Romyn’s fingers slid down her arm until his thumb reached the pulse in her wrist.

Alex’s hand somehow found its way onto her stocking clad thigh.

She squirmed and pressed her legs together.  You could always say no.

She scoffed at the idea.  Raven never turned down a good fuck, especially if the two men were as powerful and capable as Romyn and Alex.  A part of her realized she needed to feed off the lust, let it build inside her and contain it until she could get another fix.  If she was truly human, then she would emulate her favourite demon, the succubus.

Alex looked questioningly at her. “Something the matter, Raven?”

His voice pulled her from her thoughts.  She took another sip of her scotch and shook her head.  “Nothing I can’t fix.”

Yet she sat between these two men like she was the one up on the cross being ogled for sins she had yet to commit.

Romyn’s fingers continued circling her skin, sending shivers racing through her.

She shot him a glare.

He didn’t move from his pose, leaving his profile to her while working his hand over her flesh in such a simple gesture.

Normal women wouldn’t be aroused.

Raven was far from normal, she remembered.

She was so not normal that she was sitting in a gothic dance club with her boss and his silent partner, letting them both paw her like a pet.

She rather liked being in this position.  Perhaps she could have some fun at their expense.

Setting her glass down on the table, she took Alex’s hand and slid it higher up her thigh.

“You’re playing with fire,” his voice roughened against her ear.

Rough, calloused hands caressed her inner thigh.  Drawing little circles over her skin, he slowly inched up her skirt.

She grinned.  “You’re the one playing with things that burn, Mr. Wolfe.”

“Then burn me.”  His tongue flicked along her outer ear while his voice sent another wave of ecstasy through her already heated skin.

The snap on the back of her skirt popped.  She jerked against the hand remaining at the small of her back and heard the masculine laughter she would always recognize as Romyn’s.

Deep, male, thick with desire, his laughter affected all of those around him, but right now it managed to drown out the heavy beat of the music.

Romyn’s tongue swirled around her neck.  Teeth sank into flesh.

She writhed against him, closing her eyes and mind to everything but the feel of Alex’s hands crawling up her thighs and Romyn’s lips pressed against her neck. “Does it get hiked up those lovely thighs, Raven?  Or do you stand and let it fall to the floor?”

Looking for a holiday treat?  A Christmas Favour has been called  “One Hot Read” by Fallen Angels ReviewsGrab from AMAZON

More Fun with Romance at Random!

It seems these folks LOVE giving away books and prizes to lucky readers, and I just can’t stay away from the hop.  We’re celebrating Julie Kenner and her new release TODAY!

From 12/1-12/10 Random House readers can hop from blog to blog for a chance at these fabulous gifts:

Grand Prize $25 Gift Certificate to a retailer of your choice!
10 print copy winners of RELEASE ME, must be 18 or older!
15 Net Galley Preview copies of RELEASE ME, must be 18 or older!

Also, I’ll throw down a copy of A Christmas Favour, my contemporary erotic romance to some lucky commenter on THIS blog!  There will be a few posts related to this, so stick around the entire blog hop!

So we’re talking holiday releases and some fantastic reader reminded me that I write occasionally under the name Alexandria Rayne AND I had a holiday release from Total E-bound entitled “Her Shelter” about a poly family.

Reinhold, leader of a dying wolf pack seeks to strengthen his pack and make them great once again.  Yet, his overzealous work habits screw him because he lacks discipline to cut back and give himself a break.

Chrissy, Lynne and Theresa are three sisters, powerful witches who have a LOT to do with the hand of Fate while preventing true harm from coming to this Earth.  Except that they feel gilted by the Gods until they’re given a gift. Dominion over all wolves.

When the Goddess makes a prediction that Chrissy will fall hardest for Reinhold, she fights it, as doe he.  Submission isn’t in his nature, he’s a definite Alpha.  But can he learn to  switch and reap the benefits?

Her Shelter – a holiday themed Paranormal Romance story

Excerpt:

“Reinhold, baby. Wake up please?” The soft lilting sound of a female voice caused Reinhold to stir. Consciousness set in. He opened his eyes and saw Katiera standing before him, dressed in a floor length black dress with a red scarf tied around the waist. Her purple and blue hair had faded some in recent days, the tips blending into a white neither of them could explain. Her soft bedroom brown eyes stared at him, the look of sadness evident. Her cheeks and nose looked red, as though she’d been crying. Her upper lip trembled.

“What’s wrong, little lover?” He sat up, reaching for her. Touching her silken curls, he tugged her onto the bed beside him.

She slid next to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. “You’re going to be upset with me. That’s what’s wrong.” She frowned.

He grinned. “No baby. Never with you.”

She shook her head and sobbed into his shoulder.

“You can’t be serious. After what I went through, I’m so glad to see you.” His voice was a soft whisper. Squeezing hard, he pulled her into his embrace, stroking her long hair. She shifted her weight against his body and settled into the hug.

He heard another sniffle.

Pushing her back just a little, he looked into those beautiful eyes and grinned. “I’m so very glad to see you, Katiera. What could you possibly have done to upset me?”

She didn’t reply. Shaking her head no, she closed her eyes and tried to pull away, but he refused to let her.

He tilted his head. “Tell me, wolf kitten. What did you do?”

The door opened, startling them both.

“Hi!” A buxom blonde woman with fine hair that reached her very curvy hips walked through the door. Her skin looked soft and slightly tanned. Full red lips meant for kissing or sucking cock graced a face that was beauty and grace in one package. She wore a leather jacket, motorcycle boots that reached her knees and a black t-shirt that read, RULE NO. 1. I’m ALWAYS RIGHT. RULE NO. 2: See RULE NO. 1.

Power spilled off her in waves, the force of her presence was always intimidating to him until he remembered that he was merely dealing with another human. He snickered at the sight of his beloved owner. “What are you doing here, cutey?”

She frowned. “Taking your ass home, babe.”

Realisation hit him. He glared at Katiera. “You’re sending me away early, aren’t you?”

She nodded weakly. The pack hierarchy permitted that she be in charge when the Alpha was too sick to perform his duties and would remain in control until he was well again. But Reinhold was not sick. Not physically anyway.

“Your body was found bruised and battered as though you fought a large deer and lost. I found you and couldn’t stand the thought of you trying to get all this work done over the holiday season while trying to feed our pack and raise our cubs.”

He sighed. “But you’re overstepping your bounds.”

“Ahem,” Crissy coughed. “No, she’s not. She reports to her Alpha, who reports to his Owners. You’re getting sick Reinhold. I can hear it in your voice, feel it from Lynne. My sister is not in a position to get sick right now with all she has going on so I’m picking up the slack. And Katiera should not be punished when you return.”

He sighed. “I’d never punish Katiera.”

Katiera nodded timidly. “Promise?”

He shook his head. “I’m upset, lover Kat, but I know you do things for your Alpha out of love. I’m not so full of myself that I can’t recognise this.”

Katiera’s shoulders relaxed. “’Kay.”

Reinhold swallowed hard. Spending time with Crissy was going to be a new experience. He’d never been with just her. His Lynne, Crissy’s sister was always the one to train or discipline him. But with her ailing health, she couldn’t afford his bullshit right now. That much he understood. Looking at Crissy, then back at Katiera, “When do I leave?”

Crissy shrugged. “Tonight. I thought we’d go shoot pool and have a few drinks this evening before heading back.”

“I’m down with that.” He grinned.

“I thought you would be. So I brought this for you to wear.” She pulled a leash and collar from her jacket pocket. “You’ll acknowledge me as your mistress in public.”

He gasped. Narrowing his eyes at her, Reinhold tensed. His jaw ticked. “I will not be your dog, woman.”

She glowered and took a step forward, setting one hand on her very curvy hip. Green eyes sparkled brightly, illuminating her pouty lips. “Nobody asked you to be my dog. I’d never do that to you, Reinhold. But remember, I own your ass. Now get dressed. We’re going drinking. And I don’t want to see your phone. My sister will call me and you two will talk later.” She smirked and tossed the collar and chain at him before turning on her heels and leaving the room.

He glared at Katiera.

“Don’t be gay. It’ll be cute.” Her smile returned.

“How would you like your pride to be put on a leash?” He growled.

Katiera blinked. “You make me wear one. What’s the difference?”

Reinhold opened his mouth to speak but stopped. He knew better than to mention gender or age when picking on Katiera. Her former owners were abusive and constantly reminded her of her youthful age and gender. They were downright cruel.

He’d had no hard feelings when he’d killed them. But he had enough respect for his mate that he knew what buttons to push. “Fine,” he grumbled.

“Cute Alpha.” She giggled. Sliding off the bed, she stood and sauntered towards the door.

He snorted. “Not coming with?”

“I’m not able to tonight. I have to balance your business books, get things ready for the last quarter taxes then go tend to our new pack mothers.”

“Right.” With a groan, he nodded slowly. His mate was more than just a mate. She’d become an adept business partner, too.

* * * *

Reinhold’s usual routine in any bar was to get himself a scotch on the rocks then find a quiet corner where he could watch for other wolves who needed a pack or just people watch. He’d nurse the scotch then end up with the bottle at his table before the night was over with

and Katiera would drive the two of them home while he rattled off details about some of the patrons he’ d seen who could be wolves and in need of guidance.

His pack had been designated as a trainer pack amongst the wolves where new shifters could learn the basics and grow comfortable with their abilities. The command had been passed down from Diana herself, Goddess of the Hunt.

Tonight however, he was sitting on a bar stool against the wall, rye whiskey in one hand and scotch on the rocks in the other. Smoke from some of the patrons irritated his nose just enough to distract him until he watched Mistress Crissy bend over a pool table, stick in hand. Her nice ass stuck out, causing Reinhold difficulty concentrating on his game. With his cock hardening at the sight of her bent over, he watched her miss a bank shot. Sliding off the stool, he set his drink down on the shelf behind him and grabbed hers.

“Shit,” she swore and handed him the stick before taking her drink from him. The chain hung from his black leather collar. At least, she hadn’t made him wear zebra print like she’d threatened to do. Still, his dignity felt the blow.

Studying the layout of the balls, he realised Crissy could probably sense his arousal. He’d kept his hand on her ass all night.

It was more of a possessive gesture than anything else. Other guys were looking at her, staring at her breasts, and it irritated him. She was his dominant, damnit! Yet she’d already had to warn him twice that he’d overstepped his bounds.

“What the fuck, Mistress? I’m a wolf. Not a damn meat-flesh and bone human. I’m not like the rest of you.”

“Whatever. You’re still a man at heart. Now go get me another drink.” She’d handed him a five and he’d returned with her rye and Coke.

Lining up his shot, he had to move carefully not to give away his painful erection. He wanted to try to keep the upper hand tonight with Mistress Crissy. Not being used to her as a dominant was going to be tough. Hell, as he aimed his shot for precision, he had no idea why Katiera had even suggested he spend the time with Mistress Crissy.

Sure he cared for her, a lot in fact. She was his owner. But, without having spent a great deal of time together, neither knew what the other needed.

And Reinhold knew what he needed. Taking the shot, he sank the ball in the hole.

“Very good, prince.” Crissy smiled. “Where’d you learn to play?”

He turned to reach for his scotch. Her hand stopped his. Did she feel the same spark between them as their fingers brushed?

Raising her chin, she gave him that look. “Answer my question first.”

Fine. He’d play her game. Inhaling deep, he let out a slow breath. “I used to play in college and learned a lot there. Now let me have my drink.”

She raised an eyebrow.

“Please?” He feigned a weak smile.

“Please, what?” Her hand tightened around his wrist.

“Please, Mistress?” She wasn’t his Lynne, she was his Mistress. He choked out the words.

She huffed. “At least, you can fake protocol. You’ll learn before the month is over, Reinhold.” She handed him his drink.

Their hands met for a split second and neither moved. “Oh, I’m sorry.” Reinhold took his drink from her. He took a long sip of his scotch, letting the caramel and charred oak soothe him. The heat from the alcohol burned his throat. His body warmed instantly.

Now did she feel the spark he did?

She didn’t respond. Instead, Crissy turned and set her drink down on the shelf behind her.

He looked down at her in the dimly lit bar and realised the smoke gave her an ethereal look, her features softening just a bit even as she tried to look menacing for her height.

“You’re cute, Mistress.” He laughed. She stood just above five feet tall.

She slapped his shoulder. “Are you picking on me about my height?”

He snickered. “No Ma’am. I’d never insult the lady I intend to bed this evening.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Really now?”

Reinhold nodded. Crossing his arms over his chest, he stared down at her.

She grabbed his chain and yanked him forward, pulling his head down to hers.

Their mouths were millimetres apart. He could smell her arousal, the sweet scent of vanilla and sex, along with the smoothness of the rye and sugar of the Coke she’d just sipped from.

Their eyes met. Locked in a heated gaze, Reinhold took his chance. His body had been painfully hard all night and Mistress Crissy was the only cure he could think of. Pressing hislips into hers, he savoured the plump, juicy feel of her mouth against his as it moved. A hand grabbed the back of his head and forced his mouth to hers with such intensity that he was sure they’d both have bruised mouths in the morning.

Inhaling sharply, her fingers clutched a fistful of hair and tugged backwards before teeth scraped against his neck, sending shivers down his spine.

Reinhold moaned low in his throat, a very masculine sound as he forced his thigh between parted legs, feeling the heat of her sex.

Crissy anchored herself against his thigh and began rocking back and forth against him.

Intense warmth surrounded his thigh. Reinhold reached for her shoulder, gripping her tightly. Pulling her lips from his neck, he applied more pressure into her warmth and waited.

“Enjoying this?” he murmured against her mouth.

She slipped her tongue past his lips and stroked his tongue.

Reinhold fought for control of the kiss with his tongue before submitting to Crissy’s demanding, biting. She nipped his lower lip with her incisors.

He yelped against her mouth even as he tried to suppress a reaction.

She pulled back and looked at him with heated eyes. Flames of desire danced in her irises. “Home. Now.”

“Yes Ma’am.”

CHAPTER TWO

Not even the cold could make Crissy shiver. Slinging her jacket over her shoulder, she tugged on the chain attached to Reinhold’s neck, practically dragging him out of the bar, to the tune of several assholes who simply whistled. There was the one guy whom Crissy decked when he called Reinhold pussy whipped.

He didn’t bother to get back up. He was smart.

They’d stopped at very few lights on the ride home. Reinhold’s cock hardened more than he could possibly imagine. Each time they stopped, Crissy slid her hands beneath his waistband, gripping him.

Her fingers around his shaft made him gasp, pumping his hips into her fist. She’d managed a few jerks of his cock before he’d leaned over and nibbled her ear, tasting her with his tongue.

“Oh gods, yes,” she purred, a deep low rumble that reverberated against his ear.

Chills raced up his spine. He inhaled her scent, woodsy like the wolves. In a manner of speaking, she was pack. Human though she was, she and her sisters owned the wolves. Controlled a lot of power.

Right now, the only thing he cared about though was the way her scent teased his nostrils, causing them to flare. “I want you.” A hand crept beneath her grey shirt to cup her beneath her bra. Her skin was smooth, hot to the touch. He felt the weight of her in his hand, squeezing her nipple hard.

She hissed but kept her gaze focused on the road ahead, though she mouthed something he couldn’t hear.

Her fingernails dug into his flesh, causing him to hiss through gritted teeth. Reinhold squeezed her breast harder, biting down on her neck at the same time.

Crissy gunned the engine at the light and sped down the street with abandon. Reinhold hoped they wouldn’t get pulled over. Part of him didn’t care at this moment.

“You’re going to make me come.” He flicked his tongue against her earlobe before nipping her cheek.

“Nope.” She released his cock and pulled the car into a driveway. “You’re getting off if you’re a good boy. I’m getting out. Follow.” Her words were a command.

Sniffing the air, he scented her arousal. Reinhold let out a sigh but knew if her touch was this hot, her pussy must be molten lava. “Oh, I’m a very good boy,” he purred as he slid up beside her, shutting the car door with a slam.

She yanked his chain, leading him up the steps to the front porch. It was dark outside and even though he could discern the various plants and fixtures, he didn’t care to. His body ached for her touch, even as the collar threatened to choke him.

Keys slid in the door and it opened, light spilling into the darkness. Even though she was shorter than he was by a good foot, Crissy had a lot of strength for a human. She pulled him along so fast that he had trouble keeping up, even with his gate.

Hands shoved him past her and up a set of carpeted stairs. “Up. Move. First door on the right. Get inside and strip.”

Reinhold turned to face her, looking at her demanding little smirk. “I could carry you up.”

“You could shut up and march.” She narrowed her eyes, flames of passion smouldering in her deep silver and purple irises.

The wolf in Reinhold wanted to resist, wanted to buck the system. The human with the hard cock won out though. Turning around, he took the steps two at a time, hearing the soft pounding of Crissy’s boots on the carpet behind him.

He knew this house well. Scents of vanilla and citrus wafted towards him, his Lynne’s scents. They were calming normally, but Crissy’s red-hot arousal was more in tune with what he smelled now.

Reaching the top of the stairs, he took the first right, pushing open the door. He felt heat from Crissy’s tiny hand on the small of his back. “March,” she barked.

“Demanding little cu—“ Her hands gripped his shoulders and spun him around. Hair whipped him in the face before he was pulled down to her mouth, her soft, warm and inviting mouth. Her tongue slid past his mouth, wrestling with his.

Setting his hands on her hips, Reinhold backed into the room until he hit the bed.

Her mouth assaulted his hard enough that he’d be bruised if he were a human. She inhaled, suckling his lower lip into her mouth.

With a groan, Reinhold moulded her body to his before falling backwards with an oomph.

Crissy’s weight pressed down against him in just the right spot, forcing air from his lungs at the sheer heat of her beneath her jeans. His cock swelled painfully. Nails dug into his skin, ripping his shirt up and over his head before it got tossed aside.

Hands fumbled with his zipper while lips burned a trail of passion and fire down his chest. Heaving, Reinhold arched into her mouth, feeling her tongue circle around a nipple before she took the nub in her teeth.

Fists gripped the sheets as he drew in a deep breath.

“On me, somewhere, wolf.” Her voice sounded more like a begging, desperate command, rather than her usual stern demand.

Reaching to her sides, he settled his hands in a thick mane that was baby fine. Stroking her, tugging her curls lightly, he heard the pleasant sound of his zipper being slid down before his cock was exposed.

Taking it in one cold hand, she jerked him a few times before settling her mouth directly over his head. “Oh Mistress, please suck me.” He forced her head down just a touch.

Her lips brushed against his cock, soft and pliant. She looked at him over his throbbing erection. “Demand, and I could leave.” She released his cock.

He grinned. “You don’t have the self control. You’d rather fuck me to spite me.”

“Damn you.” Crissy scowled. Reaching beneath her, she undid her pants and shucked them off in one swift motion. Standing at the foot of the bed in just her shirt, she reached for the hem and pulled it and her bra off, tossing it to the pile on the floor.

Reinhold had an excellent view of her body now, pretty face with those silver and purple eyes that made men beg had been framed by the finest of hair that fell just over her sweet hips. Perky, large breasts bobbed as she stepped forward. His eyes travelled down the line of her body until it met the hairless region of her pussy.

“Goddess,” he choked out.

“Yes.” She smirked and climbed on top of him. Straddling him, she settled herself just above his cock.

Heat seared the tip of his cock. He could almost taste her arousal, the heady, musky scent mixed with her woodsy aroma.

Sinking down hard, she impaled herself and let out a groan.

He yelled in triumph as well. Her molten pussy enveloped him as she seized his cock with her sweet, tightness. Nails clenching her hips hard, he dug fingernails into flesh. She’d bleed when he moved his hands away.

She yelled but rose up, her breasts swaying beautifully before she slammed down again on his cock.

Air rushed out of Reinhold’s lungs so fast he realised he hadn’t been breathing.

Crissy began moving her hips back and forth, setting her hands against his chest.

Reinhold bucked against her and tried to sit up, but she pressed her hands into him and held him against the bed.

“No. Stay,” she bobbed up and down again, repeatedly spearing herself as she threw strands of hair behind her.

She leaned back, changing the angle of penetration.

Reinhold held onto her beautiful hips and thrust harder into her, working with her undulations.

Her screams echoed throughout the room as her first orgasm forced her body to tense up, muscles tightening and gripping his cock harder.

Within minutes, his cock was awash in her love juices, the muscles of her stomach still squeezing before she fell forward, panting hard against him.

He stroked her hair, feeling the wondrous silken strands tangle in his fingers before he began thrusting again. Hair spilled over her back and shoulders while she stretched out over him.

Slowly, Reinhold began rolling his hips upward while his hands spread her ass cheeks apart.

Crissy shifted her weight for more depth. “Again?”

“I haven’t come yet, babe.”

“I didn’t plan for you to.” Her voice was dry, yet it held a note of satisfaction.

“Fuck that shit.” Using a little wolf strength, he rolled them both over so that he was on top now. “Katiera wouldn’t play with me before I left. I’m getting mine too, and your hot little body is going to help me.”

“Oh you think so, huh?” A perfectly manicured eyebrow rose.

“I do indeed.” Lowering his mouth to hers, he began the slow rolling of his hips inside her, driving himself in like a piston as she seized his tongue and stroked it with her own.

Before she could respond, he nipped her lower lip and pulled back. Grinning, he looked down at her.

“You’re good,” she purred.

Her hand reached around his backside and slapped his ass.

He growled into her ear, “What the fuck, Crissy?”

She grabbed the chain that hung from his collar. “I had better hear you ask for my permission before you damn well come.”

The beast inside Reinhold wanted him to drop his human illusion and put Mistress Crissy in her place, below his mate. In the wolf’s world, the mate was an equal in many things. Denial of orgasm was something the Alpha could force on his subordinates but never on his mate. Even his owners would be challenged often for dominance due to the fact that Reinhold was a stubborn, demanding alpha with a great deal of power.

“You’d make me be—”

“Oh gods,” she threw her head against the pillows and arched her hips into his. Her orgasm rolled through her, triggering her body to tighten up and muscles clench his cock with such a tight grip that she was practically milking him.

The storm inside him built and built until it could go no further. With a grunt and a cry that echoed throughout the room, he begged her name on his mouth, yelling for permission to come.

Crissy’s growls and moans joined his.

Her hands slapped his ass hard, the imprint of her hand stinging enough to leave a red mark and heat for a few minutes.

He’d forgotten how strong Crissy was for a human. Magickal strength was one thing but having magickal power didn’t equate to being physically strong.

Shooting deep inside her, he felt his cock spasm as his body unwound itself above her. “Goddess, you’re incredibly warm and…” He waited a moment to catch his breath.

“And in control,” she laughed. Her head lolled to one side as Reinhold pulled out.

Sliding beside her, he wrapped an arm around her stomach and let out a breath.

“You’re good,” she smiled. “Two in one sitting. That’s a record.”

He shot her a wry grin. “Oh I can go all night, babe.”

“And another night, you shall. But,” he watched her hands trail down the length of her body until she drew her legs up, “you disobeyed me deliberately. You’re challenging me again, Reinhold.”

He opened his mouth to speak but stopped when she glared at him. How could a woman so sexy look so powerful after a fuck like that?

“You know I’m right. So…I’d suggest you get that long tongue of yours between my thighs and clean me up. Suck up every last bit of your cum from me.”

His eyes widened. “What?”

Shifting her weight, Crissy patted her mons lightly. “You heard me. Eat me and clean me up.”

Get it at:

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

Or Total E-bound!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Romance at Random Blog Hop!

It seems these folks LOVE giving away books and prizes to lucky readers, and I just can’t stay away from the hop.  We’re celebrating Julie Kenner and her new release TODAY!

From 12/1-12/10 Random House readers can hop from blog to blog for a chance at these fabulous gifts:

Grand Prize $25 Gift Certificate to a retailer of your choice!
10 print copy winners of RELEASE ME, must be 18 or older!
15 Net Galley Preview copies of RELEASE ME, must be 18 or older!

 Also, I’ll throw down a copy of A Christmas Favour, my contemporary erotic romance to some lucky commenter on THIS blog!  There will be a few posts related to this, so stick around the entire blog hop!

  An excerpt from A Christmas Favour (different one!) can be found below!

Two Years Before

Christian looked at the two wine glasses, plates and silverware sitting on the table around a large, stuffed turkey. The aroma of apple pie baking in the oven wafted through the kitchen and dining area along with other scents.

He smiled at Angela. She really had outdone herself this year, even if it was just the two of them together again.

Taking two of her candles from the mantel over her fireplace, he brought them to the table along with her lighter.

Angela tilted her head and glanced at Christian. “What are those for?”

“Tradition.” He lit the candles then poured a glass of wine for Angela and another for himself.

“Oh, that’s so sweet of you.”

He reached for her and let a finger caress her cheek.

Her breath caught in her throat, and he smothered a smile at her telltale reaction.

“Let’s eat.” Chris reached for the knife and began to carve the turkey.

Some time later, almost too full to move anymore, he forced his body up and cleaned the kitchen for Angela. He took the pie out of the oven and set it on the counter to cool. The second bottle of chardonnay chilled in the refrigerator. Two glasses sat in the freezer, chilling as well. Chris built a fire in the fireplace, pulled Angela to her feet and hugged her, feeling her warmth against his own body. His erection nudged against her belly. He wanted to act on it, but it seemed somehow inappropriate.

“Wanna snuggle?” He set his dishtowel down on the table.

“Sure.” She smiled, and her eyes lit up like stars.

Settling against the back of the couch, Christian let her slip her arm behind him.

Slowly, her fingers began circling a spot on the small of his back.

“Hey, Angela, work on my lower back, too.”

“Gladly.” Angela grabbed his shirt, lifted it over his head and tossed it aside. Her mouth dropped when she saw how built he was. “Wow.”

Christian looked over his shoulder to see her eyes wide, mouth dropped open. “What…?”

She touched him, placing her hand flat against his skin.

Cover for my first contemporary erotic romance out from Total E-bound

He shivered

beneath her touch, his cock growing instantly hard.”

“I’ve never seen you shirtless. You’re built like a god.” She swept his ponytail over one shoulder and continued rubbing, her fingers digging into a rough tense spot on his shoulder.

He braced himself against the side of the couch and felt her hand slide around his waist.

“I could get used to this, Angela.”

“I bet you could.” Chuckling, she continued applying pressure into the knot.

He hissed, clenching his teeth. He let out a sigh.

Lithe fingers crept up and down his back, making the hairs at the nape of his neck stand up.

“You’re very good at this.”

“Thank you. I used to love doing this.”

Her touches became lighter, softer.

Christian felt her breasts bump against his back. He was on the verge of turning around and kissing Angela, but he reigned himself in.

Best friends didn’t do that.

“My fingers are tired. Mind if I stop?”

He tilted his head and winked. “Only if I can lean back and cuddle.”

Angela laughed, a silky, sensuous sound. “Of course.”

Chris fell into her arms, careful of his erection.

She spread her legs apart and let him settle into her body. Wrapping her arms around his waist, she let out a soft sound.

He made every attempt to stifle the images flashing through his mind. Images of Angela sitting on his lap, writhing over him. His body wouldn’t let him. He trailed his finger across her thigh under her pyjama bottoms.

Angela didn’t protest.

Chris looked up at her. Her eyes seemed lost.

Innocence shined through her timid expression. Shifting to faced her more fully, he looked into her beautifully expressive eyes. “Angela, I love you.”

Her lips curled into a smile. “Chris, that’s so sweet of you. I love you, too. Thank you for our time. Thank you for coming to cheer me up.”

“You mean a great deal to me, too, Ang—”

She leaned forward, and her lips sealed over his sweetly.

Christian didn’t resist. Instead, he let her lips caress his, felt her tongue licking his bottom lip. She was softness, femininity.

Angela seemed ready to push forward, but Chris pulled away.

He stood up, hesitating then sat back down beside her, angling his body towards hers.

“Angela, what was that?”

Her eyes begged him as her jaw dropped. “Chris, I’m…I, uh, I don’t know.”

“Angela—”

Angela leaned forward into his body and tasted him again.

“Chris, this just seems right to me. Can you understand?”

“Yes. And I do love you. But—” What was she thinking?

She kissed him again, this time pulling her body into his, and he took the cue.

He wrapped his hungry arms around her tiny body, pulled her into him, inhaling her scent. She was fresh and smelled of bubble bath and lavender.

Chris didn’t hesitate anymore. He reached for Angela’s shirt and lifted it over her head, exposing round breasts, a flat belly and smooth skin. The sight of her topless was enough to stifle his breath.

He reached for her breast, stopping short of touching her.

“Chris, please…” Her lips moved, but no other words came out. Her eyes silently begged for more contact.

Eagerly, his mouth went to her body, caressed her nipples, brushed over her sternum to her stomach. Christian kissed his way around her, caressing her neck with his fingers. Gently tugging at her hair, he ran his fingers through her dirty-blonde mane.

She threw her head back, pushing her body into his mouth.

Hungrily, he continued kissing and licking a trail down her body, working his way towards her belly.

Angela’s hands caressed his shoulders, gripped his arms. She pressed her palms against his chest.

Christian couldn’t help himself anymore. Reaching for her pyjama bottoms, he slid them down her hips, exposing her to him.

His eyes wandered down the line of her body, stopping at her hips. “You’re so damn sexy,” he breathed. Reaching for her, he cupped her then slid two fingers inside her heat.

Gasping, Angela arched her hips into his hand. “Touch me. Just like that.”

He’d wanted to hear those words from her for so long. He’d spent many nights fantasising about making love to his best friend. Now he was about to realise his dreams.

Pressing the heel of his palm into her, he spread his fingers apart inside her. Feeling her velvety slickness contract in response to his slow circular movements, he watched her.

Angela settled against his hand, shifted her weight and spread her legs apart farther. “I’ve wanted,” her mouth hung open but no more words came out.

“Tell me, baby.” Looking into her half open eyes, Christian realised that she’d succumbed to the same powerful emotions he had. In that instant, he knew they were meant for each other.

“I want…” she stuttered, “I want your…” She reached out and patted his cock. “This!”

Working his fingers against her clit, he continued watching her. Her skin was flushed and very hot to the touch. Christian leaned forward, taking a breast in his mouth. Suckling her nipple, he flicked his tongue over the sensitive tip and felt her writhe against him in time with his fingers’ ministrations.

She rested her head against his, moaning louder with each delicate stroke of his fingers.

Christian moved from one breast to the other, releasing her with a popping sound before seizing the other nipple between his lips.

Angela’s hands found his hair, gripping him, digging into his scalp. Her hips undulated faster beneath his hand with each stroke.

“Oh goddess, Chris, oh goddess.” Angela’s hands wrapped around his shoulders.

She pulled him into her. He moaned into her breast and sent her over the edge.

Her breathing increased, going from deep breaths to short pants in a matter of seconds.

Watching her, he saw her eyes close, felt her shaking.

Angela’s moans became a loud yell when the orgasm hit her. Convulsing, gripping Christian’s head, squeezing her legs around his waist tightly, she bucked against his hand.

Chris held on as her orgasm exploded beneath him. Strong thighs gripped him, holding his hand in place so hard he could barely wriggle his fingers inside her. It didn’t matter. He’d made her come.

Hard. He felt like a king.

Her eyes opened, and a large grin crossed her face. “I’m not done yet.”

“Oh?” He raised an eyebrow, hiding a smile.

“Yes. I need something with more substance.”

Get it at:

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

Or Total E-bound!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Holidays are upon us!

Erotic romance readers rejoice!  Another holiday season is upon us and that means we have a ton to look forward to in releases.  For starters, Lora Leigh, Jill Shalvis and J.  R. Ward have new releases coming out.

Because Christmas is upon us, (Yes I know November hasn’t ended just yet) I thought I’d promote my two holiday releases.  First up, A Christmas Favour.  This Total E-bound release (available at Amazon, and of course Total E-bound) was one of the earliest contemporary erotic romances I’ve written to date.

Can love unite two best friends that yearn for each other, even after years have passed?

Angela does have the blessed luck to have a best friend with a very handsome body and a kind heart. She’s managed to end up single during the holidays and having Christian come up from Houston to cheer her up has made a huge difference in her life. Things were going fine until a little playfulness became arousal and they ended up making damn sure neither suffered a cold winter night together!

Christian has been incredibly blessed with his life. He’s been given the IT job of his dreams, has the income he needs to feel secure and has the support of his long time best friend, Angela. What more could he ask for? Well, turns out he asked for her in his bed, over and over again and he wound up getting it. But his work schedule interferes with their relationship and causes heartache on both sides. Will he be able to figure things out and convince her that he’s the one for her?

~~

What readers don’t know is that Angela is based on my sister, a woman whom I admire, respect and want only the best for.  It was a little odd in certain circumstances with the writing…but I had to get over it.    The style is light, fun, based loosely on Harlequin novels of the day (early 2000s) and has been well received.

Night Owl Romance made this book a top pick in 2009!  See the full review here

Playlist for my new erotic 1NS – Paula’s Craving

Most of you know I write to music and that influences the direction/tone of the story.  With my new 1NS, tentatively titled Paula’s Craving, this couldn’t be any more true.

The story gist I’m still working out, but my Street Team has seen a few excerpts but the premise is still to be laid out fully.

Due to changes  in health, I’m making changes in my writing habit, so this may take a little longer. In the meantime, here’s the back story:

Paula couldn’t believe her luck when she contacted the 1Night Stand service and was set up with her old high school crush!  Yet, after a weekend of rousing passion, Ryan disappears., making her wonder hat happened.  When she returns Vegas to take time off, she’s convinced by a stranger (not to my longtime readers!) that she should pursue this crush if he’s really worth it.

Ryan’s astounded when he runs into the one woman in his world he never  thought he’d see again after high school, yet he feels he’s so damaged that the only thing he can do is give in to his primal desires, sate her the best he can and then slip away in the night.  Only,  when he returns to Vegas for work, he runs into a familiar (to longtime readers) face who points out that he needs to either pursue his crush or let her go for her sake.  When he contacts the 1Night Stand service, he swears he’s going to let Paula go.

But Madame Eve’s magic works in mysterious ways.  Will the two lovers reunite and learn to move forward together?

The story has a more feminine feel to it due to the history behind it and my heroine’s desire to save  the hero from his own demons.  WIth that, the playlist can easily be divided into Paula’s songs, and Ryan’s songs.

Paula’s Songs:

Paper Waves – The Gathering
Meltdown – The Gathering
Stately Lover – Lacuna Coil
Heroes for Ghosts -  The Gathering
Iolite – Claire Voyant
Amity – The Gathering
The May Song – The Gathering
Reverie – Lacuna Coil
Veins of Glass – Lacuna Coil

Ryan’s Songs

Concealing Fate Part 2 – Deception -  TesseracT
Concealing Fate Part 3 – The Impossible  – TesseracT
Concealing Fate Part 4 – Perfection- TesseracT
Concealing Fate Part 5  – Epiphany – TesseracT
Monsters – The Gathering
It’s all Good – Cold
Sick of Man – Cold

As you can see it’s remiss of my usual death and speed metal but the story itself is being written differently.  More on the history in another post…

In the meantime,  on with the holiday celebration!  A Christmas Favour

“This is a lovely story of a star-crossed couple who have trouble making decisions that will lead to their ultimate happiness. Set against the backdrop of Christmas, it is a story of love, loss, heartbreak, and happiness. I had never read anything by Sascha Illyvich prior to this novel, but will definitely be adding more of his work to my TBR list!

“  – Barbara Hunt Alexander, a reader!

Grab this book on Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Total E-bound

Character Traits in Erotic Novels

Sexy short erotic romance

Do you rub off on your characters?  Do many of them have similarities?  Mine do.  Most of my heroes have expensive taste in fine wines and tobacco.  Many drive luxury cars when the need arises for them to do so in my romance stories.  My heroines and I have taste in lingerie and erotic fantasies.

Take my heroine, Katalin, from Light and Shadow.  She has a yearning for a higher sense of enjoyment, living life closer to fantasy than reality.  In her story, a light hearted BDSM tale, Stefan whisks her off to New Orleans to offer her an illusion he’d like to make into reality.  Only, the real world interferes and she runs off into a dangerous part of town where she hurts herself.  Stefan chases after her and the story progresses from there.

Her Shelter – a holiday themed Paranormal Romance story

Very similar to Stefan is Reinhold from Her Shelter.  While Stefan is not a wolf as Reinhold is, he is a definite Alpha on a learning curve with his mates.  Both men share that trait as I have in the past.  Reinhold’s connection to Stefan is that he aspires to give those in his care a fantasy come true in the form of a better life.

Most of my heroines tend towards the curvy side, as that’s the type of woman I’m generally attracted to though if you saw my twitter stream you’d see I flirt with pretty much everyone.  Reinhold has that affect on the women in his life.  They flirt back and enjoy his rich, sometimes ribald humor.

Then there’s my love of drink.  I can’t find one hero I’ve ever written for ANY publisher that didn’t enjoy fine wine, whisky or woman. I guess the latter has to be incorporated since I am a romance author, but the wine and whisky aren’t a part of the stories.  Or are they?

These character traits lend depth to my romance stories and give the characters more than just dialogue and action. I like to think they tie me to the theme of whom and what I write about.  What about you and your characters?

Sexual Fantasy in Romance

The stereotypical image of female romance authors writing in sexy lingerie sent my blood boiling. With that glass of wine and needed inspiration, writing erotic romance became an easy choice for me.  You should see this author at trade shows, always a drink in hand, always surrounded by sexy women and of course I only go to the sexiest, sexy parties.

Damn, wouldn’t that fantasy be nice?  It isn’t “too” far from the truth that I do tend to have a drink in hand at most conventions, more often than not, and whether it’s Cecilia Tan or one of my lovely groupies, I do tend to be surrounded by sexy people everywhere.  I must maintain my image.

Earlier this year I was in Atlanta for Frolicon, promoting myself as an author amongst the kinky crowd and it wasn’t out of place to see me with my arm around a naked woman.  Truth is, said naked woman was one of my hosts and is a nude model and actress, but that’ll be our little secret.  The fantasy I create in my erotic stories should mimic those written by authors before me and those coming after me.  And believe me, those coming after me are usually in a hurry to repeat the process…

I write to escape, I write to give escape.  I write because, what else the hell would I do?

When my publicist and agents said I should give myself a title to distinguish myself from the other three or four (straight) males in this business, I thought Hey, I can do that.  I can be the bad boy of romance.  It’s not too far a stretch, honestly.  I write hard, I play hard.  I relax, hard.  Hell, I’m always hard! 

I’m sure if I thought about it, I could probably tie in the word “hard” to one of my books from Decadent Publishing or Sizzler Editions, but even that’s hard.  Wait, I’m sensing a theme…

The point is I do this for me, I do this for you and I do this because the image of who I am is fun.  At the end of our days shouldn’t we feel like not only have we accomplished something, but accomplished something we WANTED and ENJOYED?  Writing romance gives me that.  To be honest, I’m pretty lucky and I know just how blessed I am.  But I’ll digress as the real reason you’re here is to see what’s underneath my kilt.

Go on, take a peak.  Until next time…

Dark Sensualities and Primal Instincts can be found at Amazon