Laura Roberts's Blog, page 61

#HumpDayReviews: One Night in Amsterdam by Jaz Hartfield

Chloe organizes Jo’s hen weekend in Amsterdam, glad to get away from the usual boring or married men that she sleeps with. Perhaps she’ll meet some cool guys up for a bit of fun. If not, at least she’ll make sure her best friend gets very drunk while they all party in style.

Dean is getting married to Tamsin, but having serious doubts. His mates take him to Amsterdam for one last weekend of debauchery before settling down for the rest of his life. But is Tamsin the right woman for him?

When Chloe and Dean meet in Amsterdam’s red-light district, they are immediately attracted to each other. Dean tries to justify one last fling before marrying Tamsin. Chloe feels bad about having sex with someone else’s intended. Yet, a night of amazing sex is exactly what both of them want. So, why shouldn’t they just enjoy one night of fantastic, guilt-free sex?

An excerpt from One Night in Amsterdam

“You sound like fifteen year old schoolgirls,” Glynis said with a sniff. “Perhaps we should ask Joanna what she’d like to do. After all, it’s her weekend.”

“Oh God, who brought Miss Boring along?” Di groaned.

“Oi! That’s my sister. You watch your big gob—”

“Girls! Stop it.” Chloe stood between them all as the self-appointed mediator. “Let’s not get bitchy before the weekend has even begun. Maybe Glynis is right.” She turned to Di with a warning look.

“Whatever,’ said Di with a tone of resignation.

“You tell ‘em, sis,” Glynis said, as all eyes turned to the bride-to-be.

Jo studied each of them in turn, cranking up the anticipation. She tapped her lips in deep thought, and opened them as if to speak and then stopped. The others leaned in slightly to catch her words.

“I think we should…” Jo moved over to the double bed and sat down next to Ushma.

“That is… it seems that, well, Glynis has a point about being responsible and staying in control…”

Glynis smirked and leaned smugly back against the wardrobe.

“But on the other hand,” Jo continued, “we’re in Amsterdam – city of debauchery – on my hen weekend. So I say we go out on the lash, get completely hammered, watch beautiful men ripping off their underwear and go and flirt with some horny guys.”

“Woohoo!” Chloe and Di screamed, rushing over towards Jo. Ushma joined them in a group hug.

Chloe used her mobile to track down the right tram to get them to Dam Square, on the outskirts of the infamous Red Light District, known locally as Rossebuurt. It was a clear, bright day with lots of people sitting outside eating, drinking or strolling along in groups and couples. The extensive canal network punctuated the roads with bridges, barges and houseboats. Market stalls added colour and life to various cobbled squares. Chloe had also read that many of the buildings were from as long ago as the fourteenth century, but she didn’t think this would interest the others. The Red Light District didn’t really come to life until it got dark, although it was easy to find signs and evidence of seedy nightlife and practices.

Chloe found a cash machine and prayed that it wouldn’t swallow up her card. Thankfully, it allowed her to take out fifty Euros, to add to what she’d already brought. She didn’t dare try for any more.

They wandered through a few lanes until Chloe suddenly shrieked outside a shop with a window display of various sex toys.

“I guess we’re in the Rossebuurt then,” she said.

“We’ve found our first tarts,” Jo quipped, drooling over the gateaux and pastries. They all stared greedily at the chocolate fondue fountain, with molten chocolate waterfalling down a glass sheet.

“What a choice, eh?” Chloe said, standing where the shops joined and looking from one to the next, as if watching a tennis match. “Sex or chocolate?”

Unfortunately for him, the taller one, still only known to him as ‘Bitch-Ho’ from the back of her sweatshirt, answered before his girl could speak. He politely answered the other, but kept his eye mainly on his chosen one. Her smile created the most wondrous dimples he’d ever beheld. Close up, she was even lovelier than before. Dean so desperately wanted to touch her.

He discovered their names. The blonde’s was Chloe.

“So where you from, then?” Dean asked, to make conversation.

“Lewes. You won’t know it. Little place in Sussex—”

“Yeah, I know Lewes. We’re from Brighton.” Dean couldn’t help grinning.

“You’re joking! What are the chances? We often go out clubbing in Brighton.”

“Have to meet up some time and reminisce.”

Chloe bit her lip and shrugged.

“Shall we go somewhere else? All of us?” He emphasised this last bit because he didn’t want to get stranded with Di, who was paying him more attention than he wanted. He smiled at Chloe. Sod it. What did he have to lose?

Buy Links

Publisher / Amazon US / Amazon UK

Review

Though Chloe and Dean get off to a bad start – she’s sick of men complimenting only her most obvious assets, and he’s, well, engaged to be married! – this sex-filled romp suggests Amsterdam is a great place for a wild weekend.

Whether the characters are guzzling as much alcohol as they can handle (and then some), puffing on fat blunts, or engaging in their own sexcapades in public, there’s plenty of naughtiness packed into just one night.

Without giving too much of the plot away, I liked the way the author engaged the issue of being pushed into marriage for all the wrong reasons, as well as the way the characters weighed the moral implications of their acts, rather than simply tossing their relationships aside with a “When in Amsterdam!” attitude. Chloe is clearly tired of shacking up with married men, who use her as little more than a sexual plaything, and her fling with Dean suggests she may be turning over a new leaf. (Not that kind, you potheads!)

The red light district never quite seemed like the ideal place for a hen party, given its typical emphasis on catering to male desires, but I did find it amusing to discover that the Bananenbar – where women perform explicit acts with bananas – is a real place. If you’re looking for love, or just a banana split, there’s lots to explore in Jaz Hartfield’s take on the Rossebuurt.

About the Author

Jaz Hartfield is a writer and actor who loves travelling. He’s always looking for his next thrill, having tried bungee-jumping, parachuting, white-water rafting, pot-holing and deep sea diving.

Jaz has lived in many different places; his favourite parts of the world include New Zealand, Kenya, Ireland, and the Lake District in England. Having been on a stag weekend in Amsterdam, Jaz is unwilling to admit whether One Night in Amsterdam has elements of the truth in it or not.

You can connect with Jaz on Facebook or the Tirgearr Website.

Giveaway

Jaz Hartfield will be awarding a $10 Amazon/B&N gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour. Don’t forget to follow the rest of the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning! All tour dates can be found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Related Posts#HumpDayReviews + giveaway: Christmas Delights by Heather HiestandAfterlife or Bust: An excerpt + #giveaway from June MayesTwo Worlds Two Men: An interview with Joy FrawleyZemanta

XXX education and community: Club X

Club X is San Diego’s largest group dedicated to pansexuality, BDSM and fetish lifestyles and interests.

Founded in June of 1995, the group is a registered nonprofit that acts as an educational and charitable organization, as well as a way to socialize with other members of the community.

The group explicitly aims to reduce prejudices towards the lifestyles and personal choices they represent, with regular workshops covering safe, sane, consensual and fun BDSM and fetish play.

In terms of definitions, the group defines “safe” as educating community members about how to reduce the risk of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, and “sane” as engaging only in activities governed by sensible and sober guidelines and limits. “Consensual” should be fairly obvious — all parties involved must give their consent to all actions, and “fun”? Well, that’s up to you!

Membership is $25 a year, and new member orientation meetings take place on the first Monday of every month from 7 to 8 PM at Pleasures & Treasures. There are also lots of monthly events, which you can explore on Club X’s events page.

Pleasures & Treasures store

You can keep up with Club X’s various activities on Facebook, Twitter and FetLife.

Pleasures & Treasures is located at 2525 University Avenue in Hillcrest.

Eager to learn more about San Diego?

Check out my San Diego from A to Z posts over at my new site, Laura Roberts Books! They’re all part of my new book, San Diego from A to Z, currently available for pre-order from PubSlush and Amazon.

Related PostsKinky community in San Diego, where art thou?T is for ThadsO-face: Orchestrating orgasmsZemanta

Wild & wanton: San Diego’s romance writers

You probably already know that writing is sexy. But what’s the sexiest kind of writing?

Romance!

Fellow writers will probably not be surprised to learn that San Diego is the home or birthplace to several romance novelists, including New York Times bestselling author Elaine Coffman; Juliette Sobanet, author of Confessions of a City Girl: San Diego; and Belinda Jones, author of the awesome LoveTravel series, including The California Club and Winter Wonderland.

It makes sense, right? Sun, fun, beaches, whirlwind holiday romances… San Diego was made for romance novelists! After all, who doesn’t dream of writing at the beach?

If you’re serious about romance writing, you’ll also be happy to hear that the Romance Writers of America has a San Diego chapter, which you can join for just $50 (on top of your national membership dues). Even if you’re not a member, however, you can take their online classes to learn how to add more sizzle to your sex scenes or figure out how to use Scrivener. You can also check out their blog to get to know more about local romance novelists and their achievements.

Another place to meet fellow romance writers is the Romance Writers of Southern California Meetup, where you can find a writing buddy, bounce ideas off of others writing in the genre, or just hang out.

And if you prefer the spicy side of romance, there are some special places where you can learn more about erotic writing. San Diego Writers Ink is offering an upcoming Erotica Writing Workshop taught by Jenny Lane. The class will meet 3 times (May 19 & 26, and June 2), and will teach participants the difference between erotica and romance, how to write an erotic short story, and a bit about the business of publishing your work at Amazon.

Come October, you can also enjoy the festivities at the GayRomLit Retreat at the Bahia Resort Hotel. This will be their 5th annual event celebrating authors and readers of LGBT romance, and since the city rotates yearly, it’ll also be the first time San Diego has hosted the event.

So what do you think? Is San Diego a great place for romance and erotica writers or what?

Eager to learn more about San Diego?

Check out my San Diego from A to Z posts over at my new site, Laura Roberts Books! They’re all part of my new book, San Diego from A to Z, currently available for pre-order from PubSlush and Amazon.

Related Posts#HumpDayReviews: Winter Wonderland by Belinda JonesWinter Warm-Up Blog Hop #giveawayC is for The Crypt: Sexy San Diego from A to ZZemanta

Vixens at play: Boudoir photos at Valentine Studios

Valentine Studios is a San Diego-based boudoir photography studio.

Photo shoots typically last two hours and involve three wardrobe changes. Shoes and accessories can be provided, and professional makeup application is also included.

Nudity is totally optional, and cute lingerie is encouraged.

Photographer Meg Pasetta runs Valentine Studios, and is available to answer all of your questions before your shoot. She’s got over a decade of experience in this line of work, too, so ask her anything!

Valentine Studios owner/photographer Meg Pasetta

In addition to boudoir photos, Valentine Studios also offers other intimate photo sessions for women, including glamour, pin-up, wedding and pregnancy photos. Meg also shoots fashion photography and model portfolios, by appointment. To schedule a shoot, call 619–991-7515 or use their online contact form to get in touch.

Valentine Studios is located at 11585 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite 101 in Torrey Hills.

Eager to learn more about San Diego?

Check out my San Diego from A to Z posts over at my new site, Laura Roberts Books! They’re all part of my new book, San Diego from A to Z, currently available for pre-order from PubSlush and Amazon.

Related PostsLingerie that will make you jump for joy: Jolie Femme BoutiqueCast a spell with The Enchantress: Lingerie to enhance your curvesT is for ThadsZemanta

U is for Underwear

While U can certainly stand for Underground — including literally below-street-level bars, as well as those just off the beaten path, I think I shall have to divert this conversation to something everyone really needs…

Underwear!

“Luxey by Lopshire” image by Flickr user Rob

As previously mentioned, I almost wrote an entire week’s worth of underwear-themed posts for San Diego’s lingerie shops.

Instead, I’ve decided to list them all here. Mostly because U is a rather difficult letter, and I’m still racking my brain for something sexy for the letter Z next week. (Suggestions most definitely welcome!)

Here’s a quick list of all of San Diego’s underwear (aka lingerie) stores — in alphabetical order, of course! (And the shops without addresses have been written up in some of my previous posts, so be sure to click the links for more info.)

Adam & Eve — 415 University Avenue
Aphrodite’s Closet — 3304 Midway Drive
Bare Elegance (a waxing salon and lingerie store!) — 8650 Genessee Avenue
The Crypt
Deja Vu Love Boutique — 1560 Magnolia Avenue in El Cajon and 2130 Industrial Court in Vista
Dr. Love’s Erotic Superstore — 1155 Garnet Avenue
Enchantress
Frederick’s of Hollywood — which just closed all its locations this month in favor of online-only shopping (with free shipping on everything, no minimum!)
Intimacy — 7007 Friar’s Road
Hustler Hollywood (is everything tacky in lingerie and life from Hollywood?) — 929 6th Avenue
Jolie Femme
Kapreeza — 1772 Kettner Boulevard
Romantix — 4792 El Cajon Boulevard and 1407 University Avenue
Soma — at The Forum at Carlsbad, Westfield North County Fair in Escondido
Temptress Fashion — 1918 Bacon Street
Victoria’s Secret — three locations at Fashion Valley, Horton Plaza and UTC in La Jolla

Have I missed any of your favorites? Where do you like to buy underwear in San Diego?

Eager to learn more about San Diego?

Check out my San Diego from A to Z posts over at my new site, Laura Roberts Books! They’re all part of my new book, San Diego from A to Z, currently available for pre-order from PubSlush and Amazon.

Related PostsLingerie that will make you jump for joy: Jolie Femme BoutiqueCast a spell with The Enchantress: Lingerie to enhance your curvesC is for The Crypt: Sexy San Diego from A to ZZemanta

T is for Thads

Thads Swingers Club is the only* licensed swingers club in San Diego, and has been around since 1974.

Just another ordinary suburban home? Nope, this is Thads!

The club has lots of private rooms, a couples-only area and group rooms, along with a dance floor, two dance poles, pool tables, a swimming pool and Jacuzzi.

As with all clubs, Thads has rules:

For confidentiality reasons, they request that all party-goers use an alias and not hand out their phone number within the club;
Invitations must be requested over the phone (not by email) between 4 to 8 PM from Wednesday to Saturday;
It’s BYOB — which goes for drinks as well as towels and condoms;
No drinks that come to the party are allowed to leave the premises;
Upstairs is for couples only — no single men allowed by their lonesome (nor in a FFM threesome);
Dress code: men must be totally nude, women can wear lingerie or anything revealing and sexy — but no street clothes, with the exception of footwear.

And, of course, the most important rule: NO MEANS NO!

As they tactfully put it on their website:

We get many new couples and single ladies in the club looking to have their first swinging experience. The last thing they want to deal with is a pushy single. Be a gentleman. Use your charm, but if it’s not happening then that’s it. Many couples are only into other couples so don’t ever take it personal. Be social. Introduce yourself and just be you. Do not be pushy or tailgate the ladies.

Another unexpectedly good place to find out more about Thads? Yelp! Reviewer Knight S. says he used to work there, and offers plenty of useful info to those interested in taking the plunge.

Want to explore the sexy world of San Diego swingers? Thursdays are Ladies Nights plus “50 Shades of Thad’s” (featuring a St. Andrews cross, stockades, restraint bed, sex swing, etc.), and this Saturday, April 25, the club is hosting Glow, a black light-themed party. Ladies are instructed to wear white lingerie and “get creative.” Body paint will be on hand to mix things up. Be sure to reserve in advance for this special event.

Thads is located at 3517 E Street in Mount Hope. Call 619–237-8849 for more info, including rates and invitations.

*Actually, in addition to Thads, swingers can also visit Crave Lounge — a private, members-only “lifestyle club.”

Eager to learn more about San Diego?

Check out my San Diego from A to Z posts over at my new site, Laura Roberts Books! They’re all part of my new book, San Diego from A to Z, currently available for pre-order from PubSlush and Amazon.

Related PostsCast a spell with The Enchantress: Lingerie to enhance your curvesSalsa with Silke: Sexy dance classes in San DiegoLingerie that will make you jump for joy: Jolie Femme BoutiqueZemanta

#HumpDayReviews: Hotelles by Emma Mars

Emma Mars delivers the sexy, enticing sequel to her first novel Hotelles and follows the adventures of a young French woman as she continues her carnal education in a mysterious Parisian hotel.

In a hotel room in Paris, a young woman named Elle experiences the most exquisite freedom and sensual pleasure she has ever known, thanks to Louie, the man who has conquered her completely.

So many things in life have changed since they first met. Her engagement to Louie’s deceptive brother, David, has been broken. Her mother has died. Yet Elle is wholly fulfilled with Louie, the master who heightens her senses and unleashes her deep, seductive power.

In the alluring Hôtel des Charmes, Louie takes Elle beyond her wildest fantasies. Exploring the boudoirs devoted to other courtesans—Mademoiselle Josephine, Deschamps, Kitty Fisher, Cora Pearl, and Valtesse de La Bigne—Elle willingly opens herself further. In sublime self-abandonment she discovers absolute ecstasy, absolute sweetness, absolute desire.

Then David unexpectedly returns, stirring up painful memories and threatening their bliss. Elle fears her education may soon be over…

She does not understand that it has only just begun.

Elle Buy Links

Amazon / IndieBound / Barnes & Noble

My review

Upon receiving my review copies of Elle and Hotelles, I must admit I was a bit thrown off by the fact that Elle is the second book in this series, since it’s the name of the main character in Hotelles. It’s kind of like the eponymous album that debuts years down the road from a musician’s first foray (Liz Phair, for instance — although I do love that album).

Okay, so maybe it’s not that odd, as far as titles go, but it did confuse me for an instant. Until I realized that the cover of Hotelles is red, while Elle is yellow, which makes it a little easier to place them in the correct order. (Just remember your rainbow: red comes before yellow in ROY G BIV, non?)

Titles aside, I shall now attempt a challenging double axel review of these two related novels.

First up: Hotelles.

Hotelles grabs you right from the start, with Elle explaining that hotel rooms aren’t as faceless and similar to one another as you may believe. What might such a woman be doing in hotel rooms, you ask? Probably the obvious, in an erotic novel: performing illicit acts for money.

Of course, Elle isn’t your typical prostitute. She’s French, for one thing. (And yes, I assure you that makes a difference, mon ami!) More importantly, she’s doing this for a noble cause: her mother has cancer, and she wants to send her for treatment in the States – something only rich celebrities can afford.

A working-class heroine, Elle is already getting flack about this plan from her loser boyfriend, but she’s got an ace up her sleeve: on one of her “dates” she meets David Barlet, the head of one of France’s largest news outlets. Coincidentally, she’s a journalism student, looking for her big break. And it seems she’s just gotten the biggest break of all.

Or has she?

As readers get to know Elle, they’ll discover that she’s far more multifaceted than the typical erotic romance heroine. Smart, articulate, cultured — the high end call girl at her best, despite a humble background. She needs those journalism skills to start unraveling the mystery that surrounds her as she plunges into a new life as the fiancée of a media mogul. Not only is her humble lifestyle changing, but she’s been receiving mysterious notes describing her erotic fantasies in great detail. Who is writing them, and what do they mean? Why is this person seemingly able to read her thoughts, and to articulate her deepest secret lusts and longings?

The story unfolds slowly, like a new lover learning one’s body, then builds to a climax as Elle discovers herself through sexual encounters. Though she promises herself that she is ending her time as an escort once she and David are married, she takes “one last meeting” after they are engaged in order to have enough money to buy him a wedding present. Naturally, once her sexual awakening begins, there is no turning back…

The writing style of Hotelles is almost dreamlike, musing about love and lust, pondering the set decorations as much as it probes Elle’s psyche, French society, and philosophical ideas. In this way, I would say it’s a very stereotypically French novel, yet Mars has also created a unique world in which sexuality can be explored without the same puritanical hangups many Americans experience. While Elle keeps her escorting a secret, she is not so much ashamed of the work as she is eager to cloak her own thirst for self-discovery and growth.

Some compare the book to Fifty Shades of Grey, but for me there is no comparison whatsoever. Unlike the nearly illiterate scribblings of E.L. James, Emma Mars’ prose is lucid, romantic, beautifully done. If one believes in literary erotica — and, as the former editor of a magazine of exactly such work, I certainly do — then Hotelles is surely a fine example of the genre.

Frankly, I would even go so far as to say that I wish I had written this book! It is, to my mind, a must-read for anyone who claims to love erotic fiction.

As with one of the early passages in the book, this one is illustrative of Mars’ style:

No, a year ago I did not know that every room is a breeding ground for love, where every woman incubates and eventually learns to become herself. I was not tied up like I am right now, and yet I was more imprisoned than I shall ever be again. Don’t be fooled, today I am the mistress, and not just to the man trembling behind the door. I have abandoned myself entirely, but I have never had this much control.

Gender politics are as discreetly tucked into the book as easily as a silk sheet is turned back against a bed. Elle is a modern woman in every sense of the word, struggling with her dreams and desires, looking to make the best choices she can, yet torn by her allegiances.

Isn’t there a bit of Elle in all of us?

Review #2: Elle

Please come back next week for the conclusion of my double review, including my thoughts on Elle and my theories about the writer behind the pseudonym. After all, this series is a sexy mystery… and I can’t reveal all of its secrets in one day, can I?

About Emma Mars

Emma Mars is the pseudonym of an author who lives in France.

Check out Hotelles on Facebook to tide you over until we meet again, mon amour!

Related Posts#HumpDayReviews: Winter Wonderland by Belinda Jones#HumpDayReviews Halloween Special: BigBoobenstein by Jeff O’BrienHump Day Reviews: Book Lovers, edited by Shawna KenneyZemanta

Salsa with Silke: Sexy dance classes in San Diego

Happy Hump Day!

Today I’ve got a quick profile of Silke Miller (formerly Silke Heleine), a San Diego dance teacher who specializes in Sexy Dance for women, Salsa and Zumba. S’wonderful!

Silke is a Latin ballroom dance instructor, choreographer and performer originally from Germany. Inspired to take up dance by movies like Dirty Dancing and Salsa, she began taking lessons in Latin dance, performed as an amateur in Mambo and Salsa competitions, and eventually attained the highest ranking in Germany for her skills. She moved to California to dance with partner Tytus Bergstrom, winning several U.S. competitions together as professional dancers, and dancing professionally in the UK and Taiwan.

Silke retired from professional competition in 2003, in order to take up choreography and teaching, and moved to San Diego from the Bay Area in 2013. She currently offers Modern Sexy Dance classes for women on Wednesdays at Champion Dance Academy in Hillcrest (drop-ins welcome), as well as private lessons by appointment. She also teaches occasional Beginner Burlesque classes at Mind Body Soul Dance, and Latin Ladies Latin Styling at Ooh La La Dance Academy.

Want to learn to dance? Sign up with Silke and shake those tail feathers!

Champion Dance Academy is located at 3580 5th Street in Hillcrest. Mind Body Soul Dance Studio is located 2971 India Street in Middletown. Ooh La La Dance Academy is located at 7467 Cuvier Street in La Jolla.

Eager to learn more about San Diego?

Check out my San Diego from A to Z posts over at my new site, Laura Roberts Books! They’re all part of my new book, San Diego from A to Z, currently available for pre-order from PubSlush and Amazon.

Related PostsHookers, harlots and Hell on HeelsManhandle the merchandise at Mercury BooksCast a spell with The Enchantress: Lingerie to enhance your curvesZemanta

Romantic restaurants in San Diego: Oysters & chocolate

R should be an easy letter for my Sexy San Diego posts, right?

Wrong.

You see, my original post was going to be about a local sex shop called the Rubber Rose. Unfortunately, the boutique closed its doors in May of last year.

Rats!

So instead, I will regale you with my thoughts on restaurants and romance — since we’ve already covered San Diego’s (former) Red Light District.

To me, the typical “romantic” dining spots are mostly not the types of places I would ever visit. After all, what makes a restaurant romantic? A sunset view of the beach? Maybe, but who wants to eat outdoors, or vie with all the other romantics for a spot by the window?

The Marine Room, 1949

Okay, I would totally eat at The Marine Room for exactly this view. Particularly on Lobster Night. (You can also watch a video of the surf in action here, if you’re curious.)

Now, aphrodisiacs like oysters or chocolate, on the other hand, intrigue me. I have never eaten oysters, personally, so I did a quick search for restaurants in town serving shellfish. Interestingly, I discovered that you can actually get oysters for just $1 at many restaurants in San Diego. Eater has even compiled a list of the best, including Ironside Fish & Oyster, Fish Public, and Pacific Beach Fish Shop.

These are now on my Restaurant To Do List.

If chocolate is more your style, here are some sweet options:

Attend a chocolate tasting at Dallmann Fine Chocolates — try wine and chocolate, beer and chocolate, cheese and chocolate, champagne and chocolate, or Scotch and chocolate!
The Elegant Truffle — pretty much exactly what the name implies, it’s truffles galore in Point Loma
Eclipse Chocolate — try a tasting dinner at EC: Supperclub for chocolate, vanilla bean, or caramel in every plate, or go for the Chocolate Threeway to try chocolate, artisan cheese and craft beer
Chuao Chocolatier Café — take your taste buds on safari with chocolates featuring a fusion of flavors, designed by Master Chef Michael Antonorsi
The Chocolate Haus — enjoy decadent truffles or ice cream — or both! — from chocolatier Pete Close in Pacific Beach

Whether you’re a lady or a gentleman, they say the way to the heart is through the stomach. And although I typically prefer a good home-cooked meal to satisfy this universal truth, I do love a good piece of dark chocolate. So if you’re looking to impress a special someone in San Diego, those are some of my personal picks for romantic dining. Enjoy!

Eager to learn more about San Diego?

Check out my San Diego from A to Z posts over at my new site, Laura Roberts Books! They’re all part of my new book, San Diego from A to Z, currently available for pre-order from PubSlush and Amazon.

Related PostsFor fun fucking in San Diego, try…Pucker up, buttercup: Luscious drag dining at LipsC is for The Crypt: Sexy San Diego from A to ZZemanta

Quite queer-friendly: San Diego from Pride to the Gayborhood

Although San Diego as a whole is known as quite a queer-friendly city - it even got a perfect score from the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index in 2012 and again in 2014 — the official “gayborhood” is located in Hillcrest. You’ll know it by the huge rainbow pride flag on the corner of University and Normal, and the fact that there’s a Harvey Milk Street there.

“Hillcrest Rainbow Flag” image by Flickr user Tony Webster

As Autostraddle’s Queer City Guide to San Diego notes, there are lots of great spots in Hillcrest to enjoy yourself as a lady who loves ladies. Hotspots honorably mentioned include the Gossip Grill and Juicy at Bourbon Street.

Check out the Hillcrest Business Association, Fabulous Hillcrest, for a long list of Hillcrest businesses with cool specials to enjoy.

Looking for a bit of entertainment? Diversionary Theatre produces LGBT-themed musicals and dramas all year long. Case in point? Tonight at 7 PM you can catch The Big Gay Improv Show, the theatre’s quarterly fundraiser. And coming up: a Hannibal Lector parody, The Silence of the Clams, plays from April 23 to May 3.

Coming up in May (29–31), you can also catch San Diego’s 17th annual LGBT film festival, FilmOut, for films embracing topics of gender and sexuality from the U.S. and around the world.

And, of course, you can’t forget about Pride. Here in San Diego, Pride is more than just a parade, it’s a huge celebration including Out at the Park (go Padres!) on May 2, the Spirit of Stonewall Rally and the Pride of Hillcrest Block Party on July 17, the Pride 5K Run/Walk on July 18, and a music festival on July 18 and 19. Not to mention all the assorted parties happening throughout Hillcrest and the rest of the city.

“Queer Pride, July 19, 2014″ image by Flickr user Richard Barry

And finally, for even more LGBT news you can use, be sure to check out the local media, including:

Gay San Diego
San Diego Gay & Lesbian News
LGBT Weekly
Rage Monthly Magazine

Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ rainbow or an awesome ally, be sure to check out all the queer-friendly spots San Diego has to offer!

Eager to learn more about San Diego?

Check out my San Diego from A to Z posts over at my new site, Laura Roberts Books! They’re all part of my new book, San Diego from A to Z, currently available for pre-order from PubSlush and Amazon.

Related PostsNaughty nights: North Park Adult VideoB is for Butt-Naked BeachesHookers, harlots and Hell on HeelsZemanta