Lily Harlem's Blog, page 265

Teamwork - first chapter

What I know about hockey could fit on the back of a stamp. So my latest patient may be one of the NHL’s hottest defensemen, but I’m not exactly blown away by his stardom. Add in the fact that he’s a surly, growling grump, and I’m more than happy to work my magic on his battered body then hot-foot to my date with his teammate, Todd “Pretty” Carty.
Todd is sex on a stick, a slice of man heaven, and I want a bit of the action, preferably of the bedroom variety. But when Raven emerges from his bad mood and throws his energy into blowing my mind with just one kiss, I find my head spinning and my libido raging.
What I didn’t bargain on is these hard-training, hard-playing hockey players working as efficiently off the ice as on when it comes to getting results. But who am I to complain when satisfaction is their ultimate goal?


Head on over to D Renne Bagby's first chapter blog and enjoy the entire first chapter of Teamwork for FREE!

Purrrfectly Giftastic Christmas Blog Hop

A huge welcome to everyone who is joining me on the Purrfectly Giftastic Christmas Blog Hop. Since we are deep into the delicious season of mistletoe, I thought I’d ponder the lovely pastime of kissing. Not just a peck on the cheek kiss, no, but those lovely, deep, sensual mating of mouths between lovers - or potential lovers.



Kissing is so physically romantic and I adore writing the kissing scenes into my books. The characters kiss because they are ridiculously attracted to one another and are compelled to satisfy a hunger which is as natural as the need for food.


I hope my readers enjoy the kissing action too, especially the first kiss after the build-up of sexual tension. I like to write in first person so I can give a really detailed perspective of what it is like to kiss that hot, but bad, hockey player, or the kinky control freak neurosurgeon or sexy fireman in a turmoil about his sexuality. (Hired, Shared, The Glass Knot!)









Olden day scientists believed that lovers found kissing pleasurable because when the two lips met an electric current was generated. Of course we now know this to be completely untrue but studies have shown that when two people embrace and kiss, hormones are released into the blood stream which immediately induces a sense of euphoria when you feed on the sweetness of your partner’s mouth.



But not all kisses are happy events. Works of literature like "Romeo and Juliet" have portrayed kisses as dangerous or deadly when shared between the wrong people. Some folklorists and literary critics view vampirism as symbolic of the physical and emotional dangers that can come from kissing the wrong person.
Even so anthropologists report that 90 percent of the people in the world kiss. Most people look forward to their first romantic kiss and remember it for the rest of their lives. Parents kiss children, worshippers kiss religious artifacts and couples kiss each other. Some people even kiss the ground when they get off an airplane!

Fast kissing facts -
The science of kissing is called philematology.
A one-minute kiss burns 26 calories measuring energy-producing potential of food.
Kissing releases the same neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain) as intense exercise, like parachuting or distance running. The heart beats faster and breathing becomes deep and irregular.
Saliva crawls with microscopic bacteria (single-cell organisms) that enter from air, food, and dirty hands. Between 10 million and 1 billion colonies (groups of bacteria) are swapped with each smooch! But saliva also contains antibacterial chemicals that kill most bacteria before the germs are exchanged in a kiss – Phew!!!
A simple pucker uses two muscles, the upper and lower orbicularis otis surrounding the lips. A passionate kiss uses all 34 facial muscles.
Until the 1400s, kissing under mistletoe was a big commitment. Such kisses often meant that a couple was engaged.
The Romans even came up with three different categories for kissing: Osculum was a kiss on the cheek. Basium was a kiss on the lips. Savolium was a deep kiss
A Light Hearted Look At Bad Kisses.
The Roto Rooter: Their tongue ventures so far down your throat that it actually begins to choke you.
The Rooster: They begin to kiss you, then suddenly pull way . . .lean forward, then draw back!
The Swordfish: They operate their tongue much like a swordfish uses it's snout, in a blunt and violent manner.
The Grouper: As they kiss you, their lips (which could require their own zip code) completely engulf yours.
The Deep Sea Diver: They rarely come up for air.
The Lizard: Their tongue darts in and out of your mouth like a reptile probing for its next victim.
Frozen in Time: They never change the position, posture or angle of their head. It is as if they have mastered kissing cryogenics.
The Squid: They seem to excrete an awful flavor. All you can think of is how to slip them a breath mint.
The Wrecking Ball: They kiss like a battering ram. Whoa, look out, here they come again!

I hope you don’t encounter these types of scary smackers under the mistletoe and instead may all your kisses be delicious, perfect, sensual, erotic and sweet forever more.

If you enjoy Pinterest, I have a whole board dedicated to the art of kissing. Click the hottie below to enjoy.




And if you want a seasonal ménage to dip into check out my novella Candy Canes and Coal Dust.




I also have a full length Christmas novel, Cold Nights, Hot Bodies, packed with kisses and romance and a little sprinkle of kink if that takes your fancy.



Thanks so much for hopping by, leave a comment telling me who you would most like to kiss under the mistletoe this year, and I will pick a name at random on Christmas eve to win a Lily Harlem book of their choice. Don't forget to leave your email address. 
Lily x
Oh, for those of you who enjoy my Hot Ice series - the fourth book is just out. Teamwork. All these books are stand alone reads, they don't have to be read in order. So, if having two very talented, super gorgeous hockey players servicing your every need takes your fancy, then you're good to go on Teamwork!


Blurb for Teamwork

What I know about hockey could fit on the back of a stamp. So my latest patient may be one of the NHL’s hottest defensemen, but I’m not exactly blown away by his stardom. Add in the fact that he’s a surly, growling grump, and I’m more than happy to work my magic on his battered body and then hot-foot to my date with his teammate, Todd “Pretty” Carty. 
Todd is sex on a stick, a slice of man heaven and I want a bit of the action, preferably of the bedroom variety. But when Raven emerges from his bad mood and throws his energy into blowing my mind with just one kiss, I find my head spinning and my libido raging. 
What I didn’t bargain on is these hard-training, hard-playing hockey players working as efficiently off the ice as on it when it comes to getting results. But who am I to complain when satisfaction is their ultimate goal? 
Ellora's Cave

Amazon US

Amazon UK


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Anything for Him - Coming Soon

I have teamed up once again with my wonderful partner in all things naughty writing, Natalie Dae. Our book ANYTHING FOR HIM is to be published by Mischief at Harper Collins and is out on the 20th of Dec, just in time for Christmas stockings!!




Just how far will one woman go to fulfil her fantasies?
I prefer to chase the news, not be the news. But when the delectable Liuz, with his uncannily accurate perception of my secret desires weaved its way into my life, it wasn’t long before I was in way too deep, submerged and intoxicated with a passion I was afraid was more than I could handle.
Or was it? Because although my heart was overwhelmed with feelings I had no resistance against, and while my deceitful body was consumed by a burning passion, I still had a plan. A plan I prayed would keep me afloat as I was pushed to the very edge of my limits, while the journey got tougher than even my wildest flights of fantasy could have imagined.
I claimed him and I felt that he was rightfully mine. My heart simply couldn’t beat without a permanent connection between our hearts, minds and bodies. Losing was not an option, not when my sanity depended on winning him.
Because I would, quite literally, do anything for him.


Meet Luiz Biros, he's Polish, living in London and involved in some decidedly dodgy dealings. He's also a master at persuading Hannah to confess all of her deepest darkest desires. But can he live up to his word? Will he give her the seedy, dirty sexual experience she craves? Or will it all crumble around their feet?
The above picture was inspiration for the beginning of the book... 

 Chapter One

  I stared at the photograph he’d emailed me. He’d promised he would and, finally, it had arrived.  It wasn’t what I’d expected; not that I thought for a minute he’d send me a copy of his passport photo; but this, this had really taken me by surprise. The odd angle of the camera lens and the overwhelming suggestiveness shocked me. It was deeply personal, completely voyeuristic and undoubtedly the most erotic image I had ever laid eyes on.  But it gave nothing away of the face I longed to see; yet, it told me so much about the man I’d been obsessing about for weeks. I reached over and clicked the printer to life. As it clanked through the setting-up motions, I leaned closer to my computer screen and allowed him to fill my vision.  His long, pale, black-hair-coated shin was in the forefront of the picture. The knee flopped wantonly towards the camera, making the patella the largest thing in the frame. His foot was out of shot. Beyond his leg, I could make out the right side of his torso – just – a small amount of lean waist, a hint at a taut set of ribs and a balled shoulder leading to what looked like a busy hand. I say busy, because he appeared to be jerking off, but of course, that could just be my filthy imagination.  His head was thrown back, his chin jutted upwards, his prominent Adam’s apple in profile against the bottle-green wall behind him. Other than his chin, not one facial feature could be identified, but what I saw of his chin, chiselled and dented at the centre, led me to believe the rest of his face would be angular and long.  Seedy shadows doused the whole image, the covers on the bed dusky green, almost brown, and the lighting, maybe shining through a cheap drawn curtain, was dim.  He seemed completely uninhibited despite the camera, which I guessed was on a timer. I gulped down a bite of bile as a sudden wave of regret at the photo I’d sent him rolled through me. I’d thought I was being sassy, original, beating him at his own game. But it was clear now that I played with someone who knew how to think out of the box, stay a step ahead, out-manoeuvre me without even needing to try.  The printer creaked to readiness and I hit the print button. I had to have his image in my hands, laser scanned, details ripe for scrutiny. As it whirred and heaved and slowly spat out the paper, I paced my office-cum-artist studio, frantically scratching the tops of my arms with my nails.  Damn that picture of my right areola. Not that it was a bad areola or a bad picture, it wasn’t. I was perfectly pert and the pixel count excellent. I had even rubbed an ice cube around my tight nub, before pulling it to a painful point, then, as a final creative flair, shined a spotlight on it. The dark room and bright light had made my wet skin golden, my nipple a rosy pink. The round-tipped point was blood-filled, the flesh leading to it wrinkled in an ordered, twisted way, as it strained to seek out more stimulation.  Damn that picture. His wasn’t exactly classy, but it was artistic, unique, risqué. Mine was just a token rude shot, though at least I’d resisted a shot of my newly shaved pussy. I would be in cringing hell right now if I’d followed through with that plan.  The next question was, of course, would we meet? We’d had a deal – if we liked the look of one another we would make arrangements for a date, a face-to-face encounter. Although, judging by the dirty routes our conversations had taken lately, I reckoned there would be considerably more than just our faces meeting. At least that was what I hoped.  So, my answer to ‘should we meet’ was a happy-dancing ‘yes’, my panties wet just from the sight of that bony shin and jauntily jutted head. The image of him alone, masturbating, thinking of me, possibly, had me so turned on my clit bobbed and my nipples were as tight as when they’d been treated to that ice cube.  But what about him? Would he think me unimaginative, boring, dull? The trouble was with Liuz, he was so articulate, so self-assured, and despite his first language being Polish, his mastery of English was excellent. Not that mine isn’t too. I’m a journalist, studied at Canterbury, and I’m also an artist, but somehow he always seemed to second guess what I was saying, or going to say, in my emails.  I held the newly printed-out photo in the air, the paper warm on my fingertips. I enjoyed having it A4 size, and peered closely.  I could make out the dark shafts of his leg hairs winding out of his skin, the creases on the sheet below his body wrinkled like ripples in water. Perhaps, also, I could make out a burn of black-fuzzed hair coming down in front of his ear, but I couldn’t be sure. It could be more of the stubble that coated his neck.  After retrieving a couple of drawing pins from a purple, sparkly pot on my desk, I hung Liuz’s image on my pin board, right in front of my desk. Where I could gorge on it; for when I looked at him, a fraction of the need, the burning want inside me, was sated.  Taking a deep breath, I did what I had to do next – check my in-box. We’re in the same time zone now that I’m back from my business trip to the United States, so he could have possibly seen it already. Plus, as a general rule he was at his computer. I wasn’t sure exactly what he did, but he worked from home. Marketing he’d said, something about buying and selling stock.  In-box. One new message.  From him.  I sucked in a breath and opened it. Those few seconds it took to process were absolute agony.  ‘Your picture arrived.’  A rippling tightness in my guts had my belly tensing. Did he like it? Did he think I’d cheated by sending him so little to go on when he’d offered up so much? Given me such an honest picture that showed him vulnerable, a label I never would have given Liuz.  Quickly, I typed a response. Typical me, I avoided the pressing point. ‘So did yours.’  ‘And what did you think?’  ‘I think you look like you are enjoying yourself.’  ‘Mmm, enjoying or just taking care of an urge? A necessary task, if you like.’  ‘So which was it?’  ‘Which would you rather it was?’  I hesitated for a moment, then decided to risk a knock-back. ‘I hope you were enjoying yourself. I hope you were thinking of me, imagining you were fucking me.’ I hit send and waited for a response.  Nothing.  One minute stretched into two.  I stood and flung open the window to the autumn morning. Immediately, sounds of the city filtered up. Car horns, bus engines, the shouts of the workmen several buildings down.  Another message. About bloody time.  ‘I was thinking of you, but not about fucking you.’  ‘What then?’  ‘Ah, that’s for me to know and you to find out, Aniolku.’  I clicked my tongue against the roof of my mouth in frustration. He often did this, refused to answer something or turned it around on me. Also, if he knew he was playing coy, or being shifty, he’d nearly always add on ‘Aniolku’ at the end. I’d asked him what it meant a few weeks ago. He’d told me it was ‘angel’ in Polish. I’d laughed and said that surely by now he knew I was no angel. His reply was that was what made it such a perfect endearment for me.  ‘Is that your bedroom?’ I asked, desperate to know more about the picture, and in turn, learn more about Liuz.  ‘No, it’s my mate’s bedsit.’  ‘Really?’  ‘Yeah, really.’  ‘Did he take the picture?’  ‘LOL, no, I was alone there. He just happens to have a nice camera.’  ‘Wouldn’t he mind you spunking out on his sheets?’  ‘I’m a big boy, I can control where I come. I’ve also heard of tissues.’  A rise of heat flushed over my chest, and I squirmed on the seat. Just the image of long, pearly jets of cum, spurting out onto that lean torso and dribbling into dark body hair, turned me on ridiculously. I could only imagine how his groans of pleasure would sound, how ragged his breaths would become, and what his sex-sweat would smell like, taste like.  I wanted to know all of these things for real. I wanted to know every tiny morsel of information about Liuz more than anything else I’d ever wanted to know.  There was an extended pause, then he typed, ‘Yours didn’t reveal much.’  ‘I thought the idea was not to give too much away.’  ‘You mean you were playing a game with me, and here was I thinking that we were just swapping honest photos of one another.’  ‘Yours is hardly a mantelpiece portrait.’  ‘Depends what else is on the mantelpiece.’  An image of his home came to my mind, created entirely in my imagination. He’d told me nothing other than that he lived in a mate’s bedsit in Brixton. Sharing or not, I wasn’t sure. But now, after seeing the photograph of his friend’s place, I visualised something painted in muted colours; moss green and muddy-puddle brown. Sparsely furnished with daylight penetrating curtains, bare bulbs. I don’t know why, but this image thrilled me so much more than the thought of a living space neat and ordered, pristine and thought-out. Liuz spent his time immersed in his work, head in his computer – well, either his work or indulging in teasing, flirting and sometimes downright rude talk with me – so I imagined his place would be functional rather than decorative.  ‘OK, I should have given you more to go on,’ I typed back.  ‘No worries, you have a nice tit. I can tell it would be a good handful and your nipple is perfectly suckable.’  I read that last line twice, and my areolas tingled deliciously at the thought of his mouth on me. Blood rushed to my entire breast, and my nipples pressed into my thin cotton bra. I circled my right nipple, the one on the photograph, over my clothes and allowed the stiffening sensation to bloom.  ‘Would you like that?’ he replied before I could respond to his last email.  ‘Yes.’  ‘What else would you like, Aniolku?’  ‘What else would you do?’  ‘You mean after I curled my tongue around your nipples, stroked my hands over your breasts and fed you deep into my mouth, pulling you in, devouring you, making you moan for more?’  ‘Yes, what else would you do?’  I had my hand inside my bra now, plucking and pulling at my nipple. I wished it was his hot mouth, hard and urgent, not gentle – rough and demanding was what I wanted, what I yearned for.  ‘What would you want me to do?’ he asked.  Damn him always throwing questions back at me. I closed my eyes. I had to write something. I knew him well enough by now to know he wouldn’t respond until I did.  Once again an image flooded my mind. It was a lewd, sordid image of me, on my knees. A threadbare carpet beneath me and a bare light bulb above. I was naked, naked and submissive. Before me stood Liuz, tall, lean, golden-skinned, holding his cock towards my face. A beautiful cock, fat and generous in length, the glans engorged and the cleft below the head deep. I could see a drop of pre-cum nestled in the slit, and I could hear him telling me, ‘Lick it off, whore. Lick me, suck me. Do as I say.’  These images were new to me, sinfully wicked, and generated a well of guilt at what they suggested I really wanted, deep in my soul. But I couldn’t ignore them. Something about Liuz and the way he was with me had drawn rank thoughts and lusty needs to the surface; allowed them out to play, if only in my mind. It seemed they had moved in, for a while at least, and I couldn’t ignore them.  I settled my fingertips over the keyboard and nibbled on my bottom lip as I wondered what to write. Nothing too crude, but something a little edgy. Eventually I settled on, ‘Next I want you to pretend my mouth is your hand. Do what you did to yourself in the picture.’  ‘You mean jerk into you hard and fast. I don’t wank like a delicate little flower, you know.’  ‘I can imagine.’  ‘I’d back you up against a wall and hold your head tight. Forge in and out without a thought for your breathing. After all, my hand doesn’t need to breathe, does it?’  My heart raced. ‘What else?’  ‘I wouldn’t give a shit about whether or not your gag reflex was killing you. I’d ram down your throat, enjoying the wet tightness. And I’d shout at you too.’  My fingers shook as I typed. ‘What would you shout?’   Lust screeched around my system.  ‘That you had to suck harder, open wider, then when I was about to come I would shout at you to swallow, to keep swallowing until I told you to stop. I would keep ramming into you until my bollocks were drained and my cock started to soften.’  I stroked my clit through the gusset of my leggings and gave in to a few deep rotations. I knew I would have to masturbate soon. The need was building, a carnal pressure that would soon require release. One-handedly I replied, ‘OK.’  There was long pause, which allowed me to fret myself to an ass-clenching state of arousal; then he answered, ‘We should definitely meet.’  I’d sneaked my devilish fingers into my panties now, and the glossy pea that was my clitoris took a hard and fast beating. Once again, I typed ‘OK’ then, as I hit send, I arched my back, reared my hips off the seat and allowed a sharp climax to take control. I panted through the waves of pleasure. I squeezed my eyes shut and once again visualised Liuz before me, thrusting his dick into my mouth, over and over and over.  Our meeting couldn’t come soon enough.

I hope you enjoyed! Buy links for all major retailers will be available from my blog/website and at Mischief as of 20th December.
Lily x

Ellora's Cave has a fantastic new look!

Ellora's Cave has re-vamped its site and I have to say I'm loving it big time. It's sexy and sultry and so easy to navigate.
What's more, to celebrate their new look, they're giving away some awesome prizes that will certainly get you squealing with excitement. Hit the banner below to find out more.

Nasty Business by Lisabet Sari

Nasty Business BDSM romantic erotica by Lisabet SaraiBooks We Love, 2012
Blurb

All's fair in lust and business

Ruby Maxwell Chen, lovely and ruthless CEO of a huge British business empire, is used to getting her way. When she encounters the strangely charismatic American entrepreneur Rick Martell, though, she wonders if she hasn't finally met her match. 

From the trendy clubs of London to the Hollywood Hills, Ruby and Rick compete for ownership of a strategic factory in Malaysia. Neither has any qualms about using sexual wiles to smooth the path to success. Neither anticipates that their mutual attraction will turn into something far more intense and difficult to control.

As their struggle for dominance escalates, they draw their employees and associates into their outrageous power games. The stakes could scarcely be higher, as Ruby and Rick play for the ultimate prize: a night of total physical surrender.

Novel-length book includes “Shades of Red”, a bonus story about Ruby's introduction to BDSM!

Excerpt 

"Bravo." A soft, melodious male voice, and then the sound of applause. "I'm extremely impressed."

I pull myself abruptly upright. Did someone dare to watch me and my medieval servitor?

I have just been finger-fucked to exhaustion, yet my first reaction is a wave of total, incomprehensible lust. Incomprehensible because the man who stands between the parted curtains is not at all my type. He is short and wiry. His hair is scraggly and a bit too long around his ears, and he has a dreadful drooping black mustache. He wears nondescript jeans and a khaki shirt.

Somehow, though, he radiates sexuality. His aura is palpable, the air thick and sticky as syrup. He fixes me with his intense, dark eyes and grins. I feel like I am melting. I want to spread my legs wider, desperately offer my swelling sex for him to use as he will.

I struggle with my impulses, close my legs decisively and try to stare him down. "I gather you were spying on me and my admirer."

"Indeed. A most entertaining and instructive tableau." He enters the balcony-space, letting the curtains close behind him, and picks up the flogger. The knotted thongs dangle an inch above my cleavage. "You seem to be quite an expert in the arts of discipline."

"Hardly," I say, taking the whip from him, trying to take control of the interaction. "I am just beginning to explore the possibilities. But," I say, my eyes narrowing to watch his reaction, "I do find myself quite sensitive to my partners' desires to yield to my power."

"I could see that. You knew what he wanted, and you gave it to him." He pauses and searches my face. "But, do you know what I want?"

Truly, I have no idea. He seems fascinated by the flogger, but I sense only a hint of submission in him, a playful curiosity totally different from the aching need of my recent conquest.

His eyes play over my body in a leisurely fashion, appreciative, it seems, but not urgent. Surreptitiously, I glance at his fly: an appealing bulk there, but no indication of arousal.

I, on the other hand, am hornier than I have been in weeks. Maybe months. Or ever. My clit throbs like a sore tooth. I lean forward so that my breasts part invitingly, and lick my painted lips.

"Tell me what you want," I purr. "I'm feeling generous tonight, and just might grant your request."

He leans toward me in answer, and grasps my chin. Strange electricity flows from his touch. My breasts ache. My cunt is on fire.

"I want you to take me home with you," he says with a cryptic smile. And then he kisses me.

I am not sentimental. I am not romantic, susceptible, easily mastered. But I swear, I could drown in this kiss.

His lips are smooth and full, his tongue demanding. He tastes of peppermint, and behind that, an aromatic trace of pipe tobacco. I smell his cologne, something clean, woodsy, Scandinavian.

I do not want to give in, and yet I do. I return his kiss, open my mouth wide to his probing. He senses my partial surrender, and presses his advantage. He has slipped his hand inside my vest, now, and is pinching my nipple hard.

I love it. I am awash with lust. I am dying for him to take me. My sex is liquid, spilling over. My scent rises in the velvet-draped space. I know that I cannot hide my desire, but still I try.

"You seem most enthusiastic," I say, my voice surprisingly steady. "But why should I allow you into my personal space?"

"Because you want to," he says, deftly extricating my breast from its leather casing and planting a kiss on its tip. "And because you think that you will have more control on your home territory. As an interloper, I will necessarily be at a disadvantage."

He's right. Many women would feel vulnerable, bringing a stranger into their home, but I'm more confident on my own turf than in some unfamiliar locale. I am astonished at his perspicacity. Who is this man? He appears so ordinary and yet there is both physical attraction, and psychological intrigue. 


Buy Links

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Bio: More than a decade ago LISABET SARAI experienced a serendipitous fusion of her love of writing and her fascination with sex. Since then she has published five single author short story collections and seven erotic novels, including the BDSM classic Raw Silk. Dozens of her shorter works have been released as ebooks and in print anthologies. She has also edited several acclaimed anthologies and is currently responsible for the altruistic erotica series COMING TOGETHER PRESENTS. 

Lisabet holds more degrees than anyone needs from prestigious universities who would no doubt be embarrassed by her chosen genre. She loves to travel and currently lives in Southeast Asia with her highly tolerant husband and two cosmopolitan felines. For more information on Lisabet and her writing visit Lisabet Sarai's Fantasy Factory (http://www.lisabetsarai.com) or her blog Beyond Romance (http://lisabetsarai.blogspot.com). 

Meet the Family Blog Hop!!

Welcome to the Meet the Family Holiday Hop , it is great to see you on my blog. I write erotic romance as many of you know, which means the romantic element of my novels is the driving force of the story, the difference being, since it is erotic, the reader gets to see exactly what goes on in the bedroom when the hero and heroine finally get together.
I love holiday reads, and also holiday movies, Love Actually being one of my very favourites. It doesn't feel like Christmas until I have snuggled up on the sofa and enjoyed seeing all of those different characters finding their happy every after.




I used to live in London, the setting for the majority of Love Actually, but now I live in a small village by the south coast in the UK. It is quite remote and we often get snowed in, the lanes become impassable. I don't mind in the slightest, I just make sure the fridge is full, the presents are under the tree and I have a good supply of mulled wine. Getting snowed in has become somewhat of a tradition, and the novelty of only being able to walk to the village pub, church and to nearby friend's houses is actually quite lovely. Also it means you have to slow life down a pace. No more rushing around the shops, what hasn't been bought, well, we just survive without.


I would like to share a sexy excerpt from Cold Nights, Hot Bodies, which is a Christmas novel and set in the very beautiful Cotswolds, UK. Here is the blurb...
All my life I’ve been the quiet bookworm, the office mouse. It hasn’t bothered me. Immersing myself in erotic novels has kept me wriggling on the edge of my seat at work and firmly entrenched in my own fantasy world at night.

Though one thing is bothering me—my damn virginity. If only I could find a sexy bedroom expert to introduce me to the delights of having a lover. Someone handsome and charming, who can rival the hunky alpha males in my books. I have a very vivid, very well-fed imagination—he’ll have to keep up.

Then, one bitterly cold night, thanks to a devious, conniving, so-called friend, the perfect opportunity to rid myself of this pesky virginity problem comes along. Before I know it, the heroes in my novels have come alive in the person of Shane Galloway, who’s pleasuring me with every trick in the book and wheedling into my heart in the hottest ways possible.







As we walked back through the near-empty dining room, Shane scooped up his jacket and I grabbed my purse. Derek and Ray sat in the corner, deep in conversation and deeper in a bottle of Bordeaux. I was grateful Derek didn’t look up as Shane and I slipped out.“Do you want another drink first?” Shane asked, gesturing at the Champagne Lounge.I glanced into the bar. It was empty except for staff. Did I want another drink first? First before what? Sex? No, I’d had enough alcohol. If I was going to have sex with Shane then I wanted to be compos mentis. I wanted to feel, experience and remember every tiny detail of our time together.“No, I’m fine, thanks. I might just nip to the ladies’ though.” I pointed to the restroom opposite.“Sure.” He shrugged and tossed his jacket over his shoulder.I pushed into the bathroom, but didn’t use the toilet, instead going to the counter, leaning over the sink and staring at my own reflection. I hardly recognized myself. The lipstick had stayed in place perfectly and a matching rosy glow had settled on my cheeks. My hair was still bouncy and full around my head and it flowed over my shoulders in a soft river. The diamonds in my necklace glistened from the hollow of my neck and my breasts shifted up and down with each breath.But my eyes had changed since I’d last looked at them. Not the long black lashes or the color of my irises, but the depth, the base. Staring some more, I tried to work out what was so different. And then it hit me. My eyes were filled with desire, real desire. They were brimming with lust for a man who wanted me. Not a fictitious hero in a book, the figment of someone else’s imagination, but a real, live flesh-and-blood man. They sparkled, clear and sure. Shane was exactly what I needed. There was no cause for nerves or hesitation. I’d been waiting my whole adult life for this night and finally it had arrived.Standing straight, I skimmed my hands into the dip of my waist and over the soft rise of my hips. Red was so good for me, it symbolized my passion about to be unlocked, my female desires and my new “grabbing opportunities” mantra.I pushed through the restroom door feeling sure of my decision and ready to embrace my night with Shane Galloway’s delectable body.He was leaning against the opposite corridor wall, one leg bent and his jacket hooked onto his finger and hanging down his arm. He looked like a dashing millionaire waiting for the woman of his dreams, confident that his empire was being run smoothly while he saw to other, more carnal needs.His gaze lifted to my face and he pushed away from the wall. “You okay?” he asked in his soft Northern accent.Smiling, I dragged in a deep breath. “Yes, fine.”His attention dropped down my body, unashamedly roaming right to my toes then all the way back up again. “Your room or mine?”I couldn’t help the tremor in the center of my belly. His appreciative gaze was like a gentle caress, it was as though he was actually touching me all over.“Mine,” I said quietly then added, “I got lucky and they gave me a suite.”His face cracked into a grin. “Perfect. Absolutely perfect.”We rode the lift in silence. I shifted on my heels and stared at the swirling brass motif above the lift buttons. My knees were a little weak and not quite my own. When the doors slid open, I was grateful for the arm Shane offered.Stopping at the second room on the left, I slipped my keycard into the lock, pushed the door and walked in.Shane stepped in right behind me and the door shut. “Wow, this is fabulous,” he said, blowing out an admiring breath. “You sure did get lucky with this one.” He walked to the sofa and dropped his jacket over the back. “You’ve got a fire and a plasma screen and everything. How cool is that? And I love that picture.” He pointed to a large abstract canvas above the mantle. It looked like a sunset, pyramids and a wonky camel but I couldn’t be sure.As he admired the artwork, I glanced around. A maid had been in, tidied up my strewn-about clothes and wineglass and turned the fire on. The four table lamps cast buttery shadows on the floor and ceiling.I moved toward the bedroom and peeked in. The thick bedspread had been turned back and there was a single chocolate on the pillow.After placing my purse next to my laptop case, I turned to Shane.“Come here,” he said, holding out a hand. “It’s warm in front of the fire.”I forced my shoulders to relax. I didn’t want him to see how nervous I was about being alone in a hotel room with a hot guy.Stepping toward him, suddenly my shoes didn’t feel so comfortable anymore. I paused, wriggled my feet out, first the left then the right, and abandoned them on the deep pile.“Hey, you’re really little,” he said with a chuckle.“You’re just tall,” I said, drawing up in front of him. The fire was warm, but heat from his body was more potent and more alive than any flame.He reached out and cupped my cheeks in his palms. “They say opposites attract,” he murmured. “And my god I’m so attracted to you, you wouldn’t believe.”Utterly mesmerized, I watched as he poked out his tongue and smoothed it over his bottom lip. His nostrils flared as though he was dragging in a deep breath then his lips parted.I stood, arms hanging at my sides, knees buckled, as he lowered his head and pressed his mouth to mine.It was a gentle kiss, not wet and not dry, the perfect combination of smoothness and maleness. I parted my mouth and held my breath as he delicately traced my bottom lip with his tongue, then I captured his taste—wine and water, man and musk. Pulling in air, I was treated to his gorgeous light scent again, which was now infused with a definite dose of testosterone.“You’re so sweet,” he murmured, pulling back a fraction. “Like a little sugary doll.”Pushing to my toes, I pressed my lips to his, wanting more of his taste and his desire.This time the kiss quickly turned hotter and harder. Still he kept my face cradled in his hands, holding me just where he wanted me as he probed his tongue deeper, searching for mine with the hot, insistent tip.I lifted my tongue from the base of my mouth and tentatively touched it to his. He gave a small groan of approval and slanted his head. Our tongues tangled and I reached up and curled my hands into the material of his shirt. Hung on as our breaths quickened and our mouths fed off each other. I became lost in his kiss, he was all I could think of. His taste, his smell, the way he was holding me was my entire universe. Bubbles of pleasure erupted deep within me. A crazy new need flowed like lava through my veins, settled in my breasts, seeped between my legs and spread over my skin.He pulled back and dropped his hands from my face.I opened my eyes.His mouth was shiny from our kiss and his eyelids heavy. “Lose this,” he whispered, sliding his fingers beneath the thin shoulder straps of my dress.I prayed my heart wouldn’t give out, it was beating so hard and fast. He wanted me to take off my dress. Of course he wanted me to take off my dress. We were going to have sex for heaven’s sake. The dress had to come off.I slid down the zip and the material loosened around my ribs. He stooped, gripped the hem and began to lift. It smoothed up over my thighs and waist and air breezed over my buttocks, which were exposed by my thong.He straightened, his face heavy with concentration as he carried on peeling the dress upward. I stretched my arms above my head and was blinded momentarily as the dress brushed over my face.Shane didn’t drop the dress on the floor. Instead he shook it straight and laid it on the back of the sofa. Instinct made me want to cross my arms over my breasts, flatten a palm over the shockingly tiny piece of lace that made up the front of the thong Dawn had provided. But I forced my arms to remain still, hanging at my sides as he turned to me.“Phew,” he said, blowing out a breath and scanning my legs. “I must have been a really good boy this year to get stockings filled so sweetly.”I couldn’t help but notice there was a long, hard bulge straining against his fly. My stomach flipped and I quickly averted my eyes and glanced down at my legs, which were encased in black fishnet. The scalloped tops looked fine and dainty against my pale thighs. The flickering shadows from the fire caressed their outline and even I had to admit, they looked damn good.“You think so?” I asked nervously, trying not to dwell on the size of the bulge I’d just seen.“Hell, yeah.” He stepped back over. “I must have accidently found a cure for cancer or secured world peace to get such a great present.”A small, apprehensive giggle escaped my lips. “You like the stockings then?”“I’ve never liked stockings more than at this moment in time,” he whispered onto my mouth. “Promise me you’ll keep them on, even when you take everything else off. I want to feel them rubbing against my skin when you’re wrapped around me.”I shivered in a breath at the wonderfully erotic image he’d just created. “I promise.”He glanced down at my jutting breasts. “You’re beautiful, you know that.” He traced his finger over the soft curve at the top of my right breast and into my newly deepened cleavage.A dart of pleasure shot to my nipples, as though the weight of my breasts had doubled under his touch. They were suddenly tingly and tight.“You do know that, don’t you?” he said again as he traced over my left breast. “Of course you do, I’m sure you’ve been told by plenty of guys.”“Er, no,” I said, pressing my palm over his shirt and feeling his hard pectoral muscle shifting slightly beneath.“No, you don’t know it or no, you haven’t been told?”“I...well...I...”His gaze captured mine and he tipped his head to the side. “Are you okay?” He stilled his finger.“Yes, it’s just...” I slid my hand up to his shoulder and held on for support. I had to tell him. I didn’t think I could go through with “wrapping myself around him” if he thought I was experienced and confident. I’d be sure to disappoint or let him down somehow. He deserved to know. Besides, Saffron had told Tobias, so had Felicity in Lord Morton’s Maid and Skye had left a note for Ralph in Optimum Pleasure. All my heroines told their men it was their first time. It was the right thing to do.“What is it?” Shane asked again, his eyes searching mine.“I-I haven’t, you know, done it before.”“Done what?” He creased his forehead into a frown.“You know, it, had sex.” I stared down at my dark, stockinged feet. They contrasted sharply with the golden carpet. “I’m a virgin.”His whole body snapped backward. It was as if he’d been electrocuted. “Jesus,” he said, shoving his fingers through the hair on the crown of his head and stretching his elbows out to the side. “What the hell?” He stared at me with wide eyes.I crossed my hands over my chest. “I’m sorry.” A shard of fear sliced into my heart. He didn’t want me anymore. Now he knew I was a virgin he no longer desired me. He’d wanted an experienced lover for the night, not some naïve little girl.“And you let it get this far before you told me?”“What do you mean? We haven’t done anything other than kiss.”He huffed. “Yeah, one hot kiss with you looking like the best damn Christmas present of my life.” He shoved his hands down his waistband and appeared to re- arrange the bulge behind his fly.“I’m sorry. Partly for letting it get so far and...” I paused. “And partly because you look to be in physical discomfort.”“There’s no need to be sorry,” he said, glancing at the door and pulling his hand from his pants.“Well, clearly there is.” I was getting frustrated now. “If I wasn’t a virgin we’d be heading into the bedroom by now. Clearly my inexperience has put you off.”“I had that in mind actually,” he said, pointing at the deeply cushioned sofa next to us. “It’s wide and soft and by the fire. It would have done just fine.”I tightened my arms around myself. He’d wanted to make love to me on the sofa. Just the thought of it sent a tremble up my spine. It would have been so perfect. So sensual and sweet.He rubbed his hand around the nape of his neck. His dark, tousled hair fell over his ears and he cast his eyes downward.“I had to tell you,” I whispered, shivering despite the blasting heat of the fire.“Thank goodness you did. Imagine if I’d just gone for it, not knowing. It would have been catastrophic.”“What do you mean?”“I haven’t been with a woman for a while,” he said, frowning. “And you in those damn stockings and with your sexy little body.” He pulled in a deep breath. “I was just about to lose control. It wouldn’t have been the gentle initiation to sex that you deserve, Ashley, it would have left you dazed and confused and wondering what kind of beast you’d invited to your room.”He didn’t look like a beast, and he certainly hadn’t touched me like one. His fingertip on my flesh had been gentle and reverent. Although now he mentioned it, when he’d looked at my stockings there’d been a glint in his eye that had made me wonder how much control he had.“Does it change things between us so much?” I asked quietly.He sighed. “Of course it does.”“But why?”“Because your first time should be special, with someone you care deeply about...love.”“I care about you.”“But we’ve only just met.”“But I still care about you more than any other guy I’ve ever met.” I swept my hands down the exposed skin on my body. “No one else has seen me like this before.”His brows twitched as his gaze roamed my underwear. “Lucky me.”I frowned. “Shane, I want to do this, with you. Tonight.”“But surely you want more than...” He shrugged and clamped his lips into a tight line.“Than what? Go on, say it. We’re both adults. We both know what we’re doing.”“Okay, surely you want more than a one-night stand to give away your virginity to?”My jaw clenched. Of course I knew that’s what this was. But having it said aloud hurt. Quickly I shoved that stupid bit of hurt way down deep. I had a more pressing matter to concentrate on and I wasn’t about to let this opportunity slip through my fingers. “I’m twenty-three, Shane, I’m still a virgin and I don’t want to be.” I pulled in a deep, determined breath. “I’ve chosen you over a bunch of losers who’ve chatted me up and asked me out over the years. It’s taken me a long time to find someone I want to have sex with. One-night stand or not, I want you to make sure I’m not a virgin when I wake up in the morning.” I put my hands on my hips and narrowed my eyes. “Do you think you’re man enough to do that?”“Oh, I’m man enough all right. I’m also man enough to walk away and stop you making a mistake you’ll never be able to undo.”“But how can it be a mistake if it’s what I want?”“Because you don’t know what you want. Why can’t you see that?”“How dare you.” I stepped up to him, poked out my index finger and pressed it against his chest. “You have no idea what I want or need.”He looked surprised by my sudden rise in voice and stern tone.“I’m a virgin not an idiot. I know about love and lust and I know there’s a difference. I also know I want to be initiated into the world of sex by someone handsome, intelligent, experienced and...and...”“Expert?” He lifted his brows.I tutted and lowered my finger. “Yes, that will do quite nicely, expert. I want someone who isn’t going to fumble and falter. I want someone who knows which buttons to press.”“Buttons?” He gave a hesitant smile and a lock of hair fell over his right eye.“This is not funny, you know.”“Oh, believe me, there’s nothing funny about the ache in my pants I can’t do anything about.” He pushed his hair from his face.“Of course you can.” I lowered my voice, gentled my tone. “I’ve been reading up and I know what you need too, I know what you’d like, Shane. It doesn’t have to be boring because it’s my first time.”He twitched his thick eyebrows. “What have you been reading?”I shrugged. “Stuff.”“Elaborate.”“Stories about sex, men and women, things they do other than just the missionary position.”A flicker of interest crossed his face. “Like what?”“Things like oral sex,” I said quietly. “A woman taking a man into her mouth, sucking and licking until he comes down her throat.” I paused, sensing his heightened attention. “I want to try that.”“Anything else you been reading about?” he asked, shifting from one foot to the other.“Yes, tying up a lover and doing whatever you want to their body, making them squirm with pleasure and cry out for more.” I could hardly believe I was saying all this stuff.“You want me to tie you up?” His eyes widened.“Not my first time.” I silently congratulated myself on not blushing.“Your second?”“Maybe, perhaps I’ll wait ’til third though.” I reached for the first, fastened white button on his shirt.Opportunity. Grab it like a terrier.“There’s something else I want to try before that,” I whispered.“And what’s that?” he asked, watching me undo the button. His voice had calmed, his body was still. He was no longer stealing glances at the door.“I want to try it from behind.”“What, in your—?” His eyes snapped up to mine.“No, no, just from behind so I can find my G-spot.”“Jesus, you have been reading up.”I undid the next button and the next and reached for the cuffs. “Yes, I like to do my research.” I tugged his now-undone shirt from the waistband of his smart black pants. “If I’m going to do something, I like to do it properly.”“Me too,” he said in a quiet, calm voice. Shoving the shirt over his shoulders, I stepped in real close and let my breasts press into the tightly coiled hair sprinkled over his chest. “Which is what makes you so perfect for my needs,” I said, sliding the shirt down his arms and letting it fall on the floor.“Damn, you’ve nearly got me persuaded,” he said, lowering his head. His lips rested against my temple and I heard him swallow tightly.I pulled back and looked up at his dark eyes, they were thick and velvety. I parted my lips and held them a whisper from his. “Will this persuade you?” I cupped my palm against the taut material of his pants and gave his cock a firm, confident squeeze.






I hope you enjoyed that steamy scene, it gets hotter!If you want to read the whole of Shane and Ashley's story you can grab a copy of Cold Nights, Hot Bodies here - 

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Ellora's Cave

All Romance eBooks

Kobo

Barnes and Noble


Reviews for Cold Nights, Hot Bodies


Guilty Pleasure Book Reviews

This was a great book that really showed two characters that had amazing chemistry and how the author was able to tweak them in just a way as to make the story different from all the others on the market today. The story of Shane and Ashley was great, not only in that it was very believable but that the story flowed so well that it didn’t even feel like reading to me. When the final page came I was sad to see it end, but also anxious to see what other works Lily Harlem had up her sleeve. If you are looking for a cute read with lots of great sex and a HEA than this is the book for you! 


Miz Love Loves Books

What a great concept! Well-written and highly entertaining, Cold Nights, Hot Bodies is a fantastic read for an evening on the sofa—or in bed! Who knows, you might find yourself getting inspiration for your own sex life!


Amazon

I have read a good number of Lily Harlem books, but this might be my favorite. Sure, the cover is worth the price of admission alone (although I suppose there's nothing preventing you from staring at him on Amazon all day long). But I digress. Lily Harlem's characters are always fun and the sex is always white-hot, but I would say she amped things up in this one. I could totally identify with Ashley's reluctance to come out of her shell and how much she was rewarded when she finally did. Shane is super sexy, but has a heart of gold. I liked him from his first appearance on the page. The story pulled me in and didn't let go as it became apparent that their connection was not only instantaneous and physical, but deeper and quite emotional. Both characters risk their heart and I loved them for it. The ending is wholly satisfying. You won't be disappointed!

Thanks for visiting my blog today, have a wonderful Christmas and good luck with grabbing some great prizes.
Lily x

A big thank you to Terri Giuliano Long for sponsoring  Meet The Family Blog Hop.

Sh! Christmas Pleasure Hunt

Wow, I'm so glad you're here and thanks so much for joining us on the Sh! Christmas Pleasure Hunt.  I adore Sh!, an amazing women's erotic emporium in Hoxton, London, and have visited several times for reading events and to check out the wares.

Sh! was the first female sex shop in the UK, and was established on 1st April 1992 as an antidote to sleazy sex shops. Hailed in the press as "true pioneers" (The Observer Magazine) "ground-breaking" (Time Out) and "the best sex shop for women" (Time Out), the Sh! mission has always been to create a comfortable, welcoming and informative atmosphere for women to browse and buy sex toys online and in the London store, where guys are welcome to visit "as a guest" of a woman.



But I have to say, this place is so much more than just a shop. The very welcoming Sh! Girlz have a never ending supply of delicious cupcakes and pink bubbly stuff - what's not to love? - and the goods on offer are enough to make you want to max out the credit card! Mr Harlem came as "my guest" on my last visit and his eyes got wider as he perused the shelves, he then decided to make a few purchases (no, I'm not telling!). But if you can't make it to the shop then buying online is just as easy, and if you need any help, just ask the Girlz! or visit the blog for inspiration and more.




In case you haven’t been playing already, here’s how it works-

From Friday 7th until Monday 10th December, twelve erotica authors will be secreting pieces of information on their blog posts. All you need to do is follow the trail, collect this info and enter a draw to win all kinds of awesome stuff!

Other authors playing along are: Janine Ashbless, Justine Elyot, Kay Jaybee, KD Grace, Lexie Bay, Lucy Felthouse, Remittance Girl, Sommer Marsden, Tabitha Rayne, Tamsin Flowers, Victoria Blisse and Kristina Lloyd.

The aim of the game is to find a word from a Kate Bush lyric in each post from participating authors:

Also find a sexy Sh! product. Check out the link, note down the price. At the end of the hunt, add up all 12 prices you’ve collected. That total is your answer!

There will be three posts per day - each will link to the three authors who’ll be posting the following day.

After Monday, email your answer (the total price of all linked products) to Sh! (renee@sh-womenstore.com). All correct answers will go into a draw. One lucky winner gets a bumper bag of goodies from Sh!

Thirteen runners up will receive a book (print or digital) from one of the authors on board.

If you want to start the Pleasure Hunt from the beginning, or want to read more about the rules, then head off to Kristina Lloyd’s site, and follow the links. (Massive thanks to Kristina for organising all this!)

So, lets get to it. The fabulous product featured on my blog as part of the Sh! Pleasure Hunt is 52 Naughty Nights - oh, la, la...

52 Weeks of Naughty Nights contains 1 years supply of sexy scratch cards; over a hundred suggestions for naughty, kinky and spicy adult games to play with your lover. Simply pull a card from the satin pouch and see what naughty surprise awaits you and your lucky lover. Sensual thrills? Erotic expressions of love? With 52 Weeks of Naughty Nights, its a win-win situation every night...




- You can find the price of 52 Naughty Nights by clicking on the product picture above. 

- Spot the magic word you need to add to your lyrics... 


Next year I promise 'TO' be a very good girl!
- Here are your going forward links, have fun hanging out with these super-cool, super-talented authors and good luck with winning some of the fabulous prizes on offer...

Lexie Bay - www.lexiebay.co.uk 

Kd Grace - http://kdgrace.co.uk 

Lucy Felthouse - http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk

And if you like the sound of 52 Naughty Nights and want a story to match, try THAT FILTHY BOOK, written by myself and Natalie Dae. Its a steamy novel about a married couple embarking on a journey of sexual rediscovery with the help of an old erotic book and, of course, some sexy toys.



Blurb


Out of sight, out of mind. Or so I thought, but it turns out an old, dog-eared book with contents so filthy and so depraved that I’d been forced to hide it after reading, has sank deeper into my erotic subconscious than I’d ever imagined. Luckily though, Jacob is up for exploring the new side of me that has risen to the surface after all these years.

In a whirlwind of wanton adventures that push us to the limits of our sexuality, we begin to re-discover what it once was that had us screaming with pleasure and how to accept that nothing will ever be the same again between us.


Praise for That Filthy Book - 

FALLEN ANGEL REVIEWS - I recommend that every woman read this book, because unless you experience it for yourself, I am not sure I can convey the emotion this book evokes. Read the book. You won't be disappointed. 

EROTICA FOR ALL - I really enjoyed That Filthy Book. Yes, it’s incredibly kinky, dirty and totally lives up to its name. But it’s much more than that too – fabulously well written, engaging and heartwarming.

BEYOND ROMANCE - If you want to be convinced that there is indeed (super-hot!) sex after marriage, buy this filthy but delightful book.

You can read an X-rated excerpt HERE and if you have time check out my That Filthy Book Pinterest Board.

THAT FILTHY BOOK is available in ebook and print from all large retailers including

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Total-E-Bound

Barnes and Noble

All Romance eBooks

Kobo



Thanks so much for stopping by, happy Christmas and good luck,

Lily x

5* reviews for The Glass Knot

Self-publishing has been a new adventure for me in 2012. It's been a lot of hard work, pretty scary at times, and also incredibly rewarding. Stepping out alone with a book and hoping the world likes it is always going to be a big deal, I can't imagine that changing over the years to come, but when 5* reviews pop up on Amazon, I just can't help but get a lovely warm feeling inside.
This is what is being said about The Glass Knot.

By CPH

BEST BOOK...EVER November 28, 2012

This is honestly one of the best books I've ever read and I have read well over a hundred erotic/erotica books. It was so well written. I truly cared for these characters and, for once, I could actually see this happening in the real world. It was sweet and touching while still having seriously hot love scenes.

By S. Anne

Steamy and Emotional Read December 6, 2012
I really enjoyed this novel. It was like finding a little gem floating is a sea of boring. For one thing, I felt the author really took the time to explore her characters' feelings. And it didn't feel fake or contrived or ridiculous and over-the-top. She made them seem full of emotion, and not ridiculously emotional (if that makes sense). I believed these were real people. Also, I actually liked all three characters. A lot of times I feel like I prefer one character more, or even that I strongly dislike one of the characters (unfortunately, usually the heroine), but in this case I truly respected all three people.
Plot-wise, this story focused mainly on the characters and their relationship. While I enjoy a good side story, it was nice to have the story revolve around these three people without the distraction of some minor going-ons on the side.
And of course, I have to mention the steaminess. This novel has some graphic M/F, M/M, and M/M/F action, which I personally enjoyed, but which may not be for everyone. I'm glad this author is so skilled at both the emotional aspect and the erotic aspect of writing. Too many books out there have one but not the other. I will definitely be reading more work by this author. I hope those stories are as satisfying as this one.

By Aisha

An Amazing Love Story November 10, 2012
I'm not even done & I'm in love with this book. I can tell it's going to be a favorite re-read. Lily has a way of writing that is so engaging, raw & real. Just amazing, the characters were all well written, you could feel like they were people you knew or even seeing this happening in real life. They were characters with depth & flaws & issues, even if they were described as being physically perfect.
Josh was just yummy, Nick was dominating, dark & mysterious. Laura was a fun & fun loving woman, who clearly knew her mind, had a strong will & I just loved that she was willing to take life by the horns. it's funny once I figured out what the premise was I kept flashing back to Samantha from Sex in the city when her best gay friends asked her to be their experiment & the hilarity that ensued from that. I couldn't wait to see how this turned out. It was better than I thought. Hilarious, wrought with emotions, & extremely well written I fell even more in love with the characters. laura's a very brave soul there are many who wouldn't have embraced the changes life brought her or event he opportunity.
The love scenes??? WOoohooo, I couldn't put it down, this is going on my favorites list & will be a definite re-read!! Five stars
Happy Reading

By Mrs M Young
Hot, hot, hot! 18 Oct 2012


Lily Harlem is a new author I've found and I couldn't wait for this latest title to be released. I've read previews and exerpts and first chapters and phew! This is one of the hottest books I've read this summer. The characters are brilliantly described, the storyline intriguing and the dirty bits? Well, they are everything you expect from Ms Harlem and more. The M/F and M/M combinations got my mind ticking and my <ahem> juices flowing! If you're looking for a smokin' read, this is it. I want this book on my kindle for ever!

Purchase links
Amazon US
Amazon UK
The Glass Knot was fun to write, I've written M/F/M before, but with this story I really wanted to play with they dynamics of two men, happily married allowing a woman to come into their relationship. I was inspired by a recent trip to The Cotswolds, which is beyond beautiful. The cosy cottages dotted around the countryside seemed the perfect setting for Laura, Nick and Josh to discover one another.



Have a great day
Lily x

A Taste of London by Lucy Felthouse

I'm thrilled that the latest edition to the Ellora's Cave for Men line is A Taste of London by the fabulous Lucy Felthouse.

Blurb


Ryan Stonebridge and his friend Kristian Hurst are heading off on the trip of a lifetime. They’re spending their gap year traveling the world and expect lots of sun, sights and sex. The guys have a couple of days in the English capital before catching the Eurostar to Paris. Unfortunately, a family emergency means that Kristian has to head back home for a while, leaving Ryan to continue the trip alone. 
Luckily for Ryan, he’s an attractive guy and there is no shortage of gorgeous women available to help take his mind off Kristian’s family drama.

More info, trailer and buy links: HERE 

I'm also completely excited by the fact that Lucy has taken time out of her busy schedule to stop by my blog today and chat about inspiration for  this story. Take it away, Lucy...



Finding Inspiration in England's Capital
I've been lucky in the past in that I've made frequent trips to England's capital, London. It is a vast, vast place and it makes me smile when tourists think they can do it in a day. It's just not possible. You can't even do the best bits in one day—the place is large, spread out and even when you've done the things you're "supposed" to do on your first visit to London, you'll realise that there are thousands and thousands of other cool things to see and do. I probably spend 8—10 days per year in London, and I've barely scratched the surface.



What I have done, however, is found inspiration. I've written several stories based in London now, the most recent one being A Taste of London, just released by Ellora's Cave as part of their For Men range. I never set out to write this particular story. It was only when I saw that Ellora's Cave had launched the For Men collection that I decided to have a go at writing for it. I'd wanted to write for them for some time, but just hadn't gotten around to it. But as I enjoy writing from the male perspective so much, I thought this could be a good way to get started with them. So, that decided, I had to work out exactly what to write about.



Eventually, I came up with an idea for not just one story—but a series. My lead character, Ryan Stonebridge, is on his gap year and is going to visit as many places as he can before he starts University. The adventure starts in London, goes to Paris and Rome and after that... who knows? You'll have to wait and see.
Needless to say, it had to be very erotic and based in male fantasy. Which was the fun part. I don't want to give too much away, but A Taste of London takes in some of the landmarks—albeit not the most obvious ones—and has Ryan experiencing some very risky sexual encounters. However, there's no reason why women shouldn't read the books, too. I've read several of the Ellora's Cave for Men titles and enjoyed them very much.

Once I decided on my character and his journey, the starting point was pretty obvious to me, given my knowledge of London. And that's how Ryan ended up in Southwark. If you want to find out exactly what he gets up to... well, you'll have to buy the book ;)

Thanks so much to Lily for having me here!



Chapter One

“Come on, mate, let’s go and grab our travel passes from the machine,” Ryan said, his familiarity with the locale apparent by the way he marched along the train platform toward the heart of St. Pancras Station.
“What? Uh – okay.” Kristian re-arranged his bag on his shoulder and scurried to keep up with his friend.
Bypassing the huge line of impatient, muttering people queuing for the manned booths, Ryan headed to one of the ticket machines. By the time Kristian caught up, Ryan already had a travel pass in his hand.
“So, um, what do I need to buy then, mate? I’m not as au fait with all this as you.”
“Been practising your French for the trip, Kris?” Ryan punched his friend on the arm playfully. “No worries. We’re only taking one trip tonight so you just need a single to London Bridge on the Tube.”
“All right,” Kristian replied, carefully tapping the relevant areas of the touch screen, feeding his money into the machine and triumphantly retrieving his ticket.
“Okay, I’m ready to go!”
“Come on then.” Ryan hoisted his bag back onto his shoulder and walked in the direction of the Underground, with Kristian close behind.
“Hey,” Kristian said, pointing as they passed a map of the Underground, “don’t you need to check where we’re going?”
“Nope,” Ryan said, without breaking stride, “I know London pretty well, plus I double checked all this stuff when I organised this part of the trip. What can I say, it’s the Boy Scout in me.”
“Cool. I guess it makes things easier when you’re not checking a map every two minutes. So how long will it take us to get to London Bridge station from here?”
They stepped onto the escalator. Rather than standing still and letting the moving staircase do its thing, Ryan continued to walk, eager now to get this leg of traveling over and done with so he could have some fun. It had been a long day, or at least it felt like one. They’d actually only traveled around one hundred and fifty miles from the outskirts of the Peak District to the centre of London, a couple of hours on the train, but it had felt like longer. Perhaps because he’d been so eager to actually get to London and start their adventure.
“Not long mate. Probably about ten minutes. It’s a direct journey and at this time of day it shouldn’t be too busy. We can dump our stuff at the hostel then have some drinks next door.”
“There’s a pub next door? No wonder I let you sort out this trip. You’re a fucking genius!”
By now, they’d reached the bottom of the escalator. Ryan stepped off, then turned to face his friend. Tapping his head, he grinned and said, “It’s not just a hat rack, mate.”
Kristian laughed. “You’re right there.” He paused. “It’s a fucking chick magnet, too!”
Ryan frowned, looking genuinely confused. “It is?” Then he shook himself and smiled. “I wish someone had told me!”
“Are you kidding, mate? Everywhere we go, women are checking you out.” Kristian grinned. “Why do you think I agreed to go traveling with you? I’m hoping some of your apparent sex appeal will rub off on me and get me some action!”
Ryan laughed, then started walking towards the southbound platform for their connection to London Bridge. “So that’s your ulterior motive, eh? Never mind being my best mate, or seeing the world, you just wanna get laid?”



Lucy is a graduate of the University of Derby, where she studied Creative Writing. During her first year, she was dared to write an erotic story - so she did. It went down a storm and she's never looked back. Lucy has had stories published by Cleis Press, Constable and Robinson, Decadent Publishing, Ellora's Cave, Evernight Publishing, House of Erotica, Ravenous Romance, Resplendence Publishing, Sweetmeats Press and Xcite Books. She is also the editor of Uniform Behaviour, Seducing the Myth, Smut by the Sea and Smut in the City. Find out more at http://www.lucyfelthouse.co.uk. Join her on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/gMQb9

When One Is Not Enough

Come and join me over at the menage blog. Today we're discussing a list of complaints men have compiled about what women do wrong in bed!!!!

Lily x