Lisa Fox's Blog, page 111
April 2, 2014
Letters to a War Zone by Lucy Felthouse
Lucy Felthouse has another HOT new release!
***
Blurb:
When lonely insurance broker, Bailey, gets himself a new hobby, he ends up exchanging letters with a war zone. But he’s not expecting what happens next…
Bailey Hodgkiss is lonely and dissatisfied with his boring life as an insurance broker. In an attempt to insert some variety, he signs up to a website to write to serving soldiers. He’s put in touch with Corporal Nick Rock, and over the course of a couple of letters, the two of them strike up a friendship. They begin to divulge their secrets, including their preference for men.
Nick encourages Bailey to add more interests to his life. As a result, Bailey picks up his forgotten hobby, photography, and quickly decides to team it up with his other preferred interest, travel.
Booking a holiday to Rome is his biggest gesture towards a more exciting existence, and he eagerly looks forward to the trip. That is, until Nick says he’s coming home on leave, and it looks as though their respective trips will prevent them from meeting in person. Is there enough of a spark between them to push them to meet, or will their relationship remain on paper only?
Available from: http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/letters-to-a-war-zone/
Add to your Goodreads shelves: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20722128-letters-to-a-war-zone
*****
Excerpt:
After clicking all the available links on the website to find out more about it, Bailey decided to go ahead and sign up. He’d never know what it was really like unless he gave it a go.
He’d read about the site in an article somewhere, about how it linked people with serving soldiers, pilots, marines and sailors in order to write to them. It had been proven that receiving mail—even from someone they didn’t know—improved military morale. It sounded like a damn good use of time to Bailey, and it would be interesting, too.
He began typing his details into the online form. Of course, the chances were that he’d be paired up with a man, given the ratio of males to females in the forces. It didn’t matter, though. He could still exchange letters with a guy, become friends. It seemed like such an old-school way to communicate with someone, given how technology had come on over the years, but at least it was different. Perhaps it would give him something in his life to look forward to, something other than getting up, showering, going to work, coming home, eating, watching television and going to bed. The watching television—and even the eating—were occasionally replaced by nights out with friends or seeing family. Weekends were spent cleaning, washing clothes, gardening and odd jobs. Dull stuff, in other words.
He had an utterly mundane life, and Bailey knew it. It wasn’t even as if his job was exciting. Insurance broking was hardly thrilling, game-changing, or going to save the world. He didn’t expect having a pen pal to change his entire life, but it would certainly break the monotony. Hopefully.
He went through the various steps to fill in his details and create a profile, then continued right through to the information on actually writing and sending the letters. It looked straightforward enough.
His mind made up, Bailey immediately went in search of a pen, some nice paper and an envelope. Armed with a print out of exactly what to do when the letter was finished, he settled down at the kitchen table. Instantly, his mind went blank. What the fuck was he meant to say? He didn’t know any soldiers or other military personnel, didn’t know anything about their lives, other than there was a great deal more to it than shooting people and being shot at. His own existence was so fucking boring that he didn’t want to write about it. Unless there were any insomniacs in Afghanistan—telling them about his day would solve that particular condition right away.
After chewing on his biro until it broke, covering his lips and chin with ink, Bailey replaced it, resolving to try harder. He’d tell his pen pal the bare essentials about himself, then ask lots of questions about them and their work. That was bound to rustle up some conversation.
That decided, he began to write, absentmindedly swiping at his inky skin with a tissue. He’d have to scrub it off when he was done with the note. His wrist and hand had begun to ache before he was halfway down the page. He rolled his eyes. He sat on his arse at a desk all day, using a computer. As a result, even writing something short by hand was hard work! There was no way he was going to divulge that particular piece of information to someone that was willing to lay down their life to protect their country.
He just about managed to fill a single side of the A5-sized paper. And that was only because he’d formed large letters and spaced his words and lines out plenty. But he tried not to worry—at least he’d finished it, his first letter to a war zone.
He read through it carefully, relieved to find no mistakes. He’d forgotten how much more difficult—and messy—errors were on the written page. Computers let you edit and rewrite to your heart’s content. No correction fluid or crossings-out necessary.
Finally, he addressed the envelope. It felt like the longest address ever. The area and country was bad enough, even without including the soldier’s name and BFPO address. But it was done—Bailey Hodgkiss had penned a missive to Corporal Nick Rock, currently stationed at Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
Now he’d just have to post it and wait for a reply. The website had said his missive would take between one and three weeks to reach Corporal Rock. Then he had to allow for time for him to read it and send a reply. It could be around six weeks before he heard anything. If he heard anything at all.
*****
Author Bio:
Lucy Felthouse is a very busy woman! She writes erotica and erotic romance in a variety of subgenres and pairings, and has over 100 publications to her name, with many more in the pipeline. These include several editions of Best Bondage Erotica, Best Women’s Erotica 2013 and Best Erotic Romance 2014. Another string to her bow is editing, and she has edited and co-edited a number of anthologies, and also edits for a small publishing house. She owns Erotica For All, and is book editor for Cliterati. 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
Filed under: Guest Blogger Tagged: Erotic Romance, Letters to a War Zone, Lucy Felthouse, M/M, M/M Romance, Military Men
April 1, 2014
March 31, 2014
Camp NaNoWriMo
So, tomorrow starts the April edition of Camp NaNoWriMo and for some insane reason, I’ve decided to give it a try. I’m not much of a word count orientated writer, but I do have another deadline coming up in June and I’d like to bust out some words. I guess we’ll see how it goes!
Filed under: Writing Tagged: Camp NaNoWriMo, Lisa Fox, Sexy Men, Writing
March 30, 2014
Sunday Snippet
Here are the opening paragraphs of A Matter of Lust.
The deep, melodic trance music vibrated through Trask’s body as he prowled the crowded dance floor. He was hungry, so very, very hungry, and the time had come for him to find a willing partner for the night. Any one of the mortals undulating around him would have sufficed, but so far none of them appealed to him. The need gnawed at his insides, but he waited, searching for the one. Over his long years among the humans, he’d learned that it always paid to be a little bit discriminating. It made the feast so much more gratifying.
He sidestepped around a young woman, his shoulder accidentally brushing against hers. He felt her body temperature rise as he passed, the lust that had been simmering just below the surface swelling to a fevered pitch within her. She grabbed her companion and kissed him ferociously, shamelessly rubbing herself against him. She wasn’t the only one affected by his presence either. Potent waves of raw sexual energy radiated from him, infecting the air around him, threatening to turn the club into one giant orgy. Trask smiled at the thought.
Filed under: Sex God Sunday Tagged: A Matter of Lust, Erotic Romance, Lust Demon, Paranormal Romance, Sexy Men
March 29, 2014
Saturday Video – A to Z: Sexual Terms
I learned a lot of new words.
Filed under: Saturday Video Tagged: Sex, Sex Education, Sexplanations, Sexual Terms, Words
March 28, 2014
This Week in My World
I’ve been dreadfully sick all week so I haven’t done much besides help keep Kleenex in business.
If you haven’t done so already, check the final chapter of ON VALENTINE’S a round-robin short story by me and my fellow Harper Impulse authors. You can get the entire free read right here: Written Fireside: On Valentine’s – The End
I’m looking some book recommendations! Tell me about some awesome books you’ve read recently!
If you’re in the mood for some sexy coffee p0rn – and who isn’t, really? – check out Java Karma‘s Tumblr THE DARK BLEND . There’s some NSFW sexy stuff there just waiting for you!
How was your week?
Filed under: Friday Roundup Tagged: Coffee P0rn, Free Read, Java Karma, Lisa Fox, Reading, Sick, Written Fireside: On Valentine's
March 27, 2014
Book Recommendations Please!
So, I’d really like to read a few good enemies to lovers books. Not so much the blood enemies, kidnapping, West Side Story thing. I’m more looking for two people that hate each other on sight, but nevertheless, want each other really badly.
What do y’all got for me???
Filed under: Ramblings Tagged: Books, Enemies To Lovers, Reading, Recommendations, Romance, Sexy Men
March 26, 2014
Dark Velvet by Lisa Carlisle
Lisa Carlisle is here to share an excerpt of new release, Dark Velvet. It is the start of a new series of new adult erotic romances set on a remote New England island. Paranormal aspects, a medieval-styled castle, and a hot as hell hero.
Dark Velvet by Lisa Carlisle
Chateau Seductions series
Grad student Savannah Evans is thrilled to be accepted as a resident to a prestigious art colony. Where else would she be able to focus on her craft of writing poetry in a setting like that of the medieval-styled castle? The remote New England island is a respite from her hectic city life. When she meets her benefactor, a mysterious French sculptor, her expectations for carefree days writing near the ocean are distracted by unprofessional fantasies about her sponsor.
Antoine Chevalier built Les Beaux Arts on DeRoche Island to bring purpose back to an existence that has lost meaning. He’s wandered the earth for decades and finds solace in returning to art. When Savannah applies for a residency, something about her words touches him. After her arrival, a physical attraction grows between them, which he struggles against. She deserves more than someone of his kind.
Antoine proposes they become lovers during her stay. But the situation turns complicated when Savannah discovers his secret. She had suspicions about his identity, but finds the truth overwhelming. Consumed by her desire for Antoine and faced with a tough decision, she is blind to the danger that has arrived at DeRoche Island.
New adult / paranormal / erotic romance
Excerpt
Savannah’s fingers traced the cool marble of the god’s muscular back and then the definition in his arm as he drew an arrow to shoot. She pictured Antoine bent over the sculpture, brows furrowed in concentration, losing sense of time as he polished each portion to perfection.
“Do you like this?” A deep voice whispering in her ear startled her.
She jumped at the sound of his voice, bumping back into his hard chest, and he caught her upper arms to steady her. Only one man in the castle spoke in that smooth French accent—the sculptor himself.
“Oh, I’m sorry, Antoine.” She fumbled taking a half step forward, away from him. “I shouldn’t have touched it.”
“No, don’t apologize.” He let go of her arms, but his warm breath tickled her ear.
He took her hand, caressing her palm, which sent tingles up her arm. Her bottom lip quivered as he brought her fingers to rest again on the marble piece. She thanked the gods he remained behind her so he couldn’t witness her nervous reaction, and she bit her lip to halt the tremors. This was not the way for a young protégée to behave in front of her benefactor. He owned the castle, created the art colony here where she was attending on a poetry scholarship—she shouldn’t go gaga simply from his touch. Which was exactly what she was doing.
“It pleases me that you appreciate my work.” Leading her fingers down the figure’s chiseled chest, he leaned in closer and added, “I liked watching you admire it.”
His voice alone sent flames rippling through her. Every nerve in her being lit with awareness in reaction to him. In the months since they’d met, they’d never been alone in such proximity. Weeks of heated looks from afar had inflamed her desire so the slightest touch became intimate, strengthening her need for more.
Sounds of approaching voices indicated this evening’s performance in the chateau would soon begin. Several of the musicians in the art colony had collaborated on orchestral pieces they wanted to play in front of an audience for the first time. As fellow artists in residence, they sought the support of fellow residents.
Antoine kissed her hand like a suitor in a bygone era. “I hope you enjoy the concert, Savannah.”
Her lips parted, opening and closing like a fish while she thought of what to say. When she mustered up the courage to turn and face him, he had already left the room, filling her with both relief and disappointment. Unaware she’d been holding her breath, she exhaled deeply.
Several times over the course of the evening, Savannah caught Antoine’s dark eyes watching her. Her emotions roiled in confusion while the performers played Barber’s Adagio for Strings.The way he held her gaze without blinking made her squirm in the burgundy armchair. The rising tension and resolution from the violin and cello underscored her tumultuous emotions.
She smiled at him briefly and focused on the musicians, aware of how her heartbeat had escalated. When she glanced again at Antoine, he still watched her unabashed, as if unconcerned about what the others would think. He took a sip of Porto, nodded her way, and then returned his attention to the musicians. She sat up straighter and crossed her legs at the ankles, then uncrossed them, and crossed them again.
The attraction was becoming more difficult to ignore. In light of how he breached the physical distance by touching her so earlier, she feared she’d be unable to keep her desires hidden much longer. She’d developed an instant crush since she arrived at the castle three months before. How could she not be—he was a renowned sculptor with a devastating, dark appeal. What was she to him than just another young resident who would be gone in three months, replaced by another.
Was she reading more into the brief exchange than was warranted?
It’s just a look. Only a casual glance my way. Even as she attempted to fool herself, she knew she was full of shit.
Buy links:
Amazon
B&N
Kobo
AllRomanceEbooks
For playlists and more, visit Lisacarlislebooks.com
About Lisa Carlisle
Lisa loves stories with dark, brooding, isolated characters (like Heathcliff, Dracula, Darth Vader, and Severus Snape) and tough, independent, caring heroines. Her reading tastes very wide and she’ll read almost anything–especially paranormal romance, mysteries, and non-fiction on any new topic of interest.When she was younger, her life took an odd twist as she enlisted in the Marines for a short while, serving in Parris Island, the California desert, and Okinawa, Japan. She then backpacked alone through Europe, and lived in Paris before returning to the U.S. She owned a bookstore for a few years as she loves to read. Currently, she lives in New England with her fantastic husband, two kids, a cat, and too many fish.
Connect with Lisa:
Sign up for new releases and specials at
lisacarlislebooks.com/subscribe
Filed under: Guest Blogger Tagged: Dark Velvet, Erotic Romance, Gargoyle, Lisa Carlisle, Paranormal Romance, Vampire
March 24, 2014
Written Fireside: On Valentine’s – The End
Welcome to the final chapter of On Valentine’s a Written Fireside story by my lovely fellow Harper Impulse Authors!!!
***Follow the story from the beginning by clicking on Part 1!!!***
Part 5 by Sue Fortin
*
Written Fireside: On Valentine’s – The End
*
For one fraction of one second, everybody froze—Dean in the doorway, Makayla on the floor, Cat and Jed by the couch, Paul kneeling beside Makayla, the gun to her head. It gave Mongo just enough time to act. The dog leapt past the gaping humans and sunk his teeth into Paul’s ass.
Paul screamed, a high, almost feminine squeal, which snapped Cat out of her daze. Anger, pure red rage, flooded her vision. This man had almost destroyed her life, hurt her, isolated her, made her a shadow of herself, and now that she was finally free of him, here he was again, waving a gun around and threatening her friends. It was too much. It was enough. She stomped across the room and kicked the bastard square in the head. Her foot connected with his nose, a loud satisfying crunch. Paul howled and dropped the gun to grab his face, blood gushing out through his fingers.
Cat reared her foot back, ready to kick him again, maybe never stop kicking him, but then Jed was there, in her way, taking the gun from where Paul dropped it. Mongo growled, sinking his teeth deeper into Paul’s flesh. Makayla arms were suddenly around Cat, hugging her tight. Jed handed her the gun and tied Paul’s hands up with an electrical cord he stripped from one of the lamps. Makayla cried against Cat’s shoulder and when Cat shifted her weight, she winced from the pain not only in her arm, but now also in her foot.
“Um,” Dean said, still standing in the doorway, clutching Cat’s bracelet. “Can someone please tell me what’s going on?”
“We need the police,” Jed said. He looked to Dean. “There’s no phone service up here. Is your car close?”
“Yeah,” Dean said. “It’s just down the path.”
“Good,” Jed said, shoving Paul toward the open door. “Let’s go.”
“We all have to go,” Makayla said, wiping away her tears with the back of her hand. “The police will want our statements.”
Cat looked around the cabin, her heart heavy. All she wanted was a little quiet time. Now there was blood on the floor, and she was going to be spending the rest of the night in some country police station, drinking crappy coffee. Yay, Valentine’s Day.
“Here,” she said to Dean. “I’ll trade you.” She gave him the gun in exchange for the bracelet. They all started for the door, but Cat paused on the threshold. “I need to put my shoes back on. I’ll be right there.”
The others started down the path, and Cat turned back into the cabin, Mongo at her side. She picked up her shoes from where Jed had left them after so gently removing them earlier. The night had begun with so much promise.
“Hey,” Jed said from behind her, his voice soft. “You all right?”
She nodded, then sat down on the sofa. “I think I will be.”
He watched her pull on her shoes. “That was a hell of a kick.”
Cat couldn’t help but smile. “Thanks. It felt pretty good.”
Jed laughed. “I bet it did. But then, you were always so gutsy.” He crossed the space between them to hunker by her side. “Do you remember the day the four of us found that ancient tire swing by the lake? The rope was frayed, the rubber peeling and flaking. Everyone was so scared to be the first to try it, to take the chance and use it to jump out over the lake, but you—you just climbed right up there and went for it.”
A ghost of a smile touched her lips. She barely remembered that version of herself. Mongo barked, and she absently patted the dog’s head. “I can’t believe you remember that.”
“I’ll never forget it.” Jed took her hand, lacing his fingers through hers. “I always admired you, Cat.”
Their eyes met, and Cat felt a spark deep in her chest, something wonderful and free—something she had never felt with Paul. Maybe it was finally time for her to reclaim the woman she once was, maybe even put back together the pieces of something she thought she’d lost long ago. The first step on that journey was to see Paul safely in police custody. She rose to her feet. “Let’s get this started.”
Jed smiled, stood up beside her, and offered her his arm. “Let me help you. The path can be rough.”
She hesitated for an instant, wary of his offer. The last thing she needed was another man offering to help her, but really only trying to control her. But she saw nothing of Paul in Jed’s gaze. She was scared, just as scared as she had been that hot summer day at the lake, but she decided to take the chance. She had to, because that was a step on this journey as well—maybe the most important one of all. She wound her uninjured arm through his, resting her hand on his forearm. They walked out of the cabin together and into the night.
Filed under: Free Read Tagged: Free Read, Harper Impulse, Lisa Fox, Romance, Valentine's Day, Written Fireside: On Valentine's
