Liz Crowe's Blog, page 37
November 14, 2011
Yoga Mat For Sale. Used Once
blatantly stolen from a fan who loves to Read Liz!
Thanks Amato-Man!Love ya!Liz
Week TWO of the In Between Days Decadent Authors Blog Hop CONTINUES!Today's feature is at:ttp://jennajaxon.wordpress.com/tag/1night-s...
Check us ALL out!
Yoga mat for sale. Used once at lunch hour class in December 2009. Usage timeline as follows:
11:45a
Register for hot yoga class. Infinite wisdom tells me to commit to 5 class package and purchase a yoga mat. I pay $89.74. Money well spent, I smugly confirm to myself.
11:55a
Open door to yoga room. A gush of hot dry air rushes through and past me. It smells of breath, sweat and hot. Take spot on floor in back of room next to cute blonde. We will date.
11:57a
I feel the need to be as near to naked as possible. This is a problem because of the hot blonde to my left and our pending courtship. She will not be pleased to learn that I need to lose 30 pounds before I propose to her.
11:58a
The shirt and sweats have to come off. I throw caution to the wind and decide to rely on my wit and conditioning to overcome any weight issues my fiancée may take issue with. This will take a lot of wit and conditioning.
11:59a
Begin small talk with my bride to be. She pretends to ignore me but I know how she can be. I allow her to concentrate and stare straight ahead and continue to pretend that I don't exist. As we finish sharing our special moment, I am suddenly aware of a sweat moustache that has formed below my nose. This must be from the all the whispering between us.
12:00p
Instructor enters the room and ascends her special podium at the front of the room. She is a slight, agitated Chinese woman. She introduces me to the class and everyone turns around to greet me just as I decide to aggressively adjust my penis and testes packed in my Under Armor. My bride is notably unfazed.
12:02p
Since I do have experience with Hot Yoga (4 sessions just 5 short years ago) I fully consider that I may be so outstanding and skilled that my instructor may call me out and ask me to guide the class. My wife will look on with a sparkle in her eye. We will make love after class.
12:10p
It is now up to 95 degrees in the room. We have been practicing deep breathing exercises for the last 8 minutes. This would not be a problem if we were all breathing actual, you know, oxygen. Instead, we are breathing each other's body odor, expelled carbon dioxide and other unmentionables. (Don't worry, I'll mention them later.)
12:26p
It is now 100 degrees and I take notice of the humidity, which is hovering at about 90%. I feel the familiar adorning stare of my bride and decide to look back at her. She appears to be nauseated. I then realize that I forgot to brush my teeth prior to attending this class. We bond.
12:33p
It is now 110 degrees and 95% humidity. I am now balancing on one leg with the other leg crossed over the other. My arms are intertwined and I am squatting. The last time I was in this position was 44 years ago in the womb, but I'm in this for the long haul. My wife looks slightly weathered dripping sweat and her eyeliner is streaming down her face. Well, "for better or worse" is what we committed to so we press on.
12:40p
The overweight Hispanic man two spots over has sweat running down his legs. At least I think its sweat. He is holding every position and has not had a sip of water since we walked in. He is making me look bad and I hate him.
12:44p
I consider that if anyone in this room farted that we would all certainly perish.
12:52p
It is now 140 degrees and 100% humidity. I am covered from head to toe in sweat. There is not a square millimeter on my body that is not slippery and sweaty. I am so slimy that I feel like a sea lion or a maybe sea eel. Not even a bear trap could hold me. The sweat is stinging my eyeballs and I can no longer see.
12:55p
This room stinks of asparagus, cloves, tuna and tacos. There is no food in the room. I realize that this is an amalgamation of the body odors of 30 people in a 140 degree room for the last 55 minutes. Seriously, enough with the asparagus, ok?
1:01p
140 degrees and 130% humidity. Look, bitch, I need my space here so don't get all pissy with me if I accidentally sprayed you with sweat as I flipped over. Seriously, is that where this relationship is going? Get over yourself. We need counseling and she needs to be medicated. Stat!
1:09p
150 degrees and cloudy. And hot. I can no longer move my limbs on my own. I have given up on attempting any of the commands this Chinese chick is yelling out at us. I will lay sedentary until the aid unit arrives. I will buy this building and then have it destroyed.
I lose consciousness.
1:15p
I have a headache and my wife is being a selfish bitch. I can't really breathe. All I can think about is holding a cup worth of hot sand in my mouth. I cannot remember what an ice cube is and cannot remember what snow looks like. I consider that my only escape might be a crab walk across 15 bodies and then out of the room. I am paralyzed, and may never walk again so the whole crab walk thing is pretty much out.
1:17p
I cannot move at all and cannot reach my water. Is breathing voluntary or involuntary? If it's voluntary, I am screwed. I stopped participating in the class 20 minutes ago. Hey, lady! I paid for this frickin class, ok?! You work for me! Stop yelling at everyone and just tell us a story or something. It's like juice and cracker time, ok?
1:20p
It is now 165 degrees and moisture is dripping from the ceiling. The towel that I am laying on is no longer providing any wicking or drying properties. It is actually placing additional sweat on me as I touch it. My towel reeks. I cannot identify the smell but no way can it be from me. Did someone spray some stank on my towel or something?
1:30p
Torture session is over. I wish hateful things upon the instructor. She graciously allows us to stay and 'cool down' in the room. It is 175 degrees. Who cools down in 175 degrees? A Komodo Dragon? My wife has left the room. Probably to throw up.
1:34p
My opportunity to escape has arrived. I roll over to my stomach and press up to my knees. It is warmer as I rise up from ground level - probably by 15 degrees. So let's conservatively say it's 190. I muster my final energy and slowly rise. One foot in front of the other. One foot in front of the other. Towards the door. Towards the door.
1:37p
The temperature in the lobby is 72 degrees. Both nipples stiffen to diamond strength and my penis begins to retract into my abdomen from the 100 degree temp swing. I can once again breathe though so I am pleased. I spot my future ex wife in the lobby. We had such a good thing going but I know that no measure of counseling will be able to unravel the day's turmoil and mental scaring.
1:47p
Arrive at Emerald City Smoothie and proceed to order a 32 oz beverage. 402 calories, 0 fat and 14 grams of protein -- effectively negating any caloric burn or benefit from the last 90 minutes. I finish it in 3 minutes and spend the next 2 hours writing this memoir.
3:47p
Create Craigslist ad while burning final 2 grams of protein from Smoothie and before the "shakes" consume my body.
4:29p
Note to self - check car for missing wet yoga towel in am.
Thanks Amato-Man!Love ya!LizWeek TWO of the In Between Days Decadent Authors Blog Hop CONTINUES!Today's feature is at:ttp://jennajaxon.wordpress.com/tag/1night-s...
Check us ALL out!
November 11, 2011
Hot Time on the Boat--A Blue Cruise REALLY DIRTY DOZEN
Thanks to everyone for their continued support. Today's dozen is from the 2nd of my Turkish Delights trilogy, part of the Decadent Publishing 1NS series...Blue Cruise. It releases November 15.
The first in the series: Turkish Delights, is available now at:
AllRomanceEBooks
Decadent Publishing
BLURB: Caleb and Tarkan were an odd couple, men from two different cultures, but so in love they were determined to overcome any obstacles. Fate had different plans. Two years after tragedy strikes, Caleb is still a hollow shell of himself, alone and miserable.
Adem Broussard is happy enough, as owner and chef of his restaurant on the Turkish southern coast. But a tall, American Adonis he saw once, years ago on a Turkish Blue Cruise haunts his most erotic dreams and he hopes contracting with Madame Eve's 1NightStand service for an unconventional date will help him forget.
When Caleb caves in to his friend Elle's insistence that he return to Turkey and exorcise some of the demons that haunt him, he reluctantly climbs on board a private yacht for a special 1NightStand Blue Cruise. There he comes face to face with the man who remembers him well, and wants to help him heal.
The Dozen Begins: Caleb darted his tongue out, licked it, took a small bite then ate the whole thing, chewing, relishing the rich bitter chocolate and the burst of berry in his mouth. He melted into Adem's smile again, then with resolve, stood and took the slender man's hand. Once standing together, he ran a finger down his smooth cheek and pulled his long hair free of its leather tie, letting it flow down his shoulders like a shimmering ebony waterfall. His breath stuttered at the sheer beauty of this man in his arms before leaning down and slanting his lips over Adem's.The kiss was tentative at first. Caleb could taste chocolate, with traces of wine, but the deep flavor of Adem was that of Turkey itself, rich, spicy, salty and delicious. He held the back of Adem's neck, threading his fingers in the other man's hair, and probed deeper with his tongue, sweeping inside his mouth, making room for him to do the same. He moaned when Adem wrapped his arms around his neck, pulling him close, grinding his erection against Caleb's. Their polo shirts ended up on the boat deck in seconds. Caleb ran his hands over every inch of Adem's firm torso, shoulders, back and down to his ass, clutching it desperately as their kiss went even deeper, teeth clicking together in urgency. When he felt Adem's hand on his cock, he let the man slip the shorts off his hips, leaving him exposed to the warm air. They were docked far from shore. The candlelight flickered and threw their shadows against the fabric of a privacy screen. The boat rocked as the scents of the sea enveloped him, soothed the anger and sadness he'd held inside for so long.
And you won't want to miss the third story, that of Emre and Tarkan's little sister Lale (pronounced "Lah-Lay"):Tulip Princess
Blurb:
Lale Deniz, young, drifting and prone to wildness that her Turkish family doesn't understand is seeking something to help reestablish control over her life. Her beloved brother Tarkan has tragically exited her world. His twin lives far away in America with his growing family. When Elle, Emre's wife has a scary brush with death, Lale is dispatched to California to help with their five-year old daughter. But a recovering Elle has plans for Lale that include a magical 1NightStand.
Andreas Michos, Greek former NFL star, now athletic director at UNLV also floats through life seeking fulfillment. His ex-wife and sexual sub left him when he took away the limelight of football stardom. He doubts his own abilities anymore and has given up finding an outlet for his natural Dom.
Set against a backdrop of ancient cultural clashes and Mediterranean family dynamics, Lale and Andreas do meet in Las Vegas at the famous Castillos resort for a date. But it appears destined to fail. Unless they are both willing to relinquish control and discover what can be found inside the soul of another.
The first in the series: Turkish Delights, is available now at:
AllRomanceEBooks
Decadent Publishing
BLURB: Caleb and Tarkan were an odd couple, men from two different cultures, but so in love they were determined to overcome any obstacles. Fate had different plans. Two years after tragedy strikes, Caleb is still a hollow shell of himself, alone and miserable.
Adem Broussard is happy enough, as owner and chef of his restaurant on the Turkish southern coast. But a tall, American Adonis he saw once, years ago on a Turkish Blue Cruise haunts his most erotic dreams and he hopes contracting with Madame Eve's 1NightStand service for an unconventional date will help him forget.
When Caleb caves in to his friend Elle's insistence that he return to Turkey and exorcise some of the demons that haunt him, he reluctantly climbs on board a private yacht for a special 1NightStand Blue Cruise. There he comes face to face with the man who remembers him well, and wants to help him heal.
The Dozen Begins: Caleb darted his tongue out, licked it, took a small bite then ate the whole thing, chewing, relishing the rich bitter chocolate and the burst of berry in his mouth. He melted into Adem's smile again, then with resolve, stood and took the slender man's hand. Once standing together, he ran a finger down his smooth cheek and pulled his long hair free of its leather tie, letting it flow down his shoulders like a shimmering ebony waterfall. His breath stuttered at the sheer beauty of this man in his arms before leaning down and slanting his lips over Adem's.The kiss was tentative at first. Caleb could taste chocolate, with traces of wine, but the deep flavor of Adem was that of Turkey itself, rich, spicy, salty and delicious. He held the back of Adem's neck, threading his fingers in the other man's hair, and probed deeper with his tongue, sweeping inside his mouth, making room for him to do the same. He moaned when Adem wrapped his arms around his neck, pulling him close, grinding his erection against Caleb's. Their polo shirts ended up on the boat deck in seconds. Caleb ran his hands over every inch of Adem's firm torso, shoulders, back and down to his ass, clutching it desperately as their kiss went even deeper, teeth clicking together in urgency. When he felt Adem's hand on his cock, he let the man slip the shorts off his hips, leaving him exposed to the warm air. They were docked far from shore. The candlelight flickered and threw their shadows against the fabric of a privacy screen. The boat rocked as the scents of the sea enveloped him, soothed the anger and sadness he'd held inside for so long.
And you won't want to miss the third story, that of Emre and Tarkan's little sister Lale (pronounced "Lah-Lay"):Tulip Princess
Blurb:
Lale Deniz, young, drifting and prone to wildness that her Turkish family doesn't understand is seeking something to help reestablish control over her life. Her beloved brother Tarkan has tragically exited her world. His twin lives far away in America with his growing family. When Elle, Emre's wife has a scary brush with death, Lale is dispatched to California to help with their five-year old daughter. But a recovering Elle has plans for Lale that include a magical 1NightStand.
Andreas Michos, Greek former NFL star, now athletic director at UNLV also floats through life seeking fulfillment. His ex-wife and sexual sub left him when he took away the limelight of football stardom. He doubts his own abilities anymore and has given up finding an outlet for his natural Dom.
Set against a backdrop of ancient cultural clashes and Mediterranean family dynamics, Lale and Andreas do meet in Las Vegas at the famous Castillos resort for a date. But it appears destined to fail. Unless they are both willing to relinquish control and discover what can be found inside the soul of another.
November 10, 2011
Across the Beer Bar with Cindy Spencer Pape!
Cindy! Welcome to Ann Arbor (just a hop skip and jump from home for you!). What can I pour you to start?
Hey, I love A-squared. Umm beer? Huh? Okay, whatever you're having. Okay I'm having a lovely bright, crisp Czech Pilsner. See what you think.
You have been one of THE most supportive and helpful well established authors I have personally encountered. Was there someone like that for you when you were starting out?
Really? Thank you. I try to pay it forward a bit. There were so many authors I relied on when I was starting out. A few who were particularly helpful were Desiree Holt, Lynne Connolly and Betty Hanawa. I'm happy to say they're all still writing and I get to see them occasionally at conventions. There were also a bunch of us who all started at about the same time who really banded together and shared the learning process, especially my critique partner Anny Cook. Locally I need to give big props to the Greater Detroit chapter of Romance Writers of America, and The Untitled Writers Group for being y go-to people for advice and support.
Tell us the story of your first published book. Who? When? Why? How?
See, that's tough to answer. I sort of sold three at once, to different publishers, so the first one sold wasn't the first one published. I had three manuscripts, you see, all of which had been rejected by at least one NY house. I'd been submitting for a while and had grown frustrated. If at least one of these puppies didn't sell, I was going to quit. So I sent one to Triskelion, which was a big e-to-print house at the time, one to Ellora's Cave, and one to a brand new house called Wild Rose Press, because it was a Christmas story and they'd put out a specific call for those.
So, to my total shock, all three sold within the summer/fall of 2006. So in the course of a couple months, I went from no publishers to three publishers. Curses was the first one I sold, to Triskelion, (though after they folded, I re-sold it to Wild Rose, where it's still available. The first one actually published was The Cowboy's Christmas Bride in Nov. 2006, because they were anxious to have some holiday novels out that first year. The third one, which released in early 2007 was Dragon in the System, with Ellora's Cave Cerridwen Press imprint (now EC Blush.)
Yeah, I get that. This fall I went from 1 to 3 publishers myself. The facebooking and tweeting ramped up in a serious way. As did the editing...
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Motor City...series. Very Creative. I've noticed a trend in setting stories IN Detroit which is way cool. I have one myself. What has been reader response to the setting?
Awww, thanks, Liz! I love setting books in Michigan. Actually two of my first three books were set in fictional Michigan small towns, Dragon in the System in the Irish Hills and Curses in the UP. But Detroit is home and it's a great setting for a slightly darker paranormal world. The response to it has been very, very positive.
Ok, your glass is empty! What's next?
Eeep. Any more and I'll be falling off my barstool. Believe me, no one wants to see that!
You work with several publishers and an agent. Do you recommend the agent route for all writers? why?
No, I really don't. I wanted to take a shot at moving to a bigger, more traditional publishing house which is why I needed an agent. If you're in a good spot and not trying to make changes, there really isn't any need for representation.
Honestly, I am looking to move up a bit. If I would just hear from some of those bigger e-pubs.....taps foot...I've decided that if the 2 big novel projects ALL come back rejected (and that would be a crap day as there are 6 publishers looking at them or ignoring them as the case may be) I am gonna re-polish and only sub them to agents. A kinda big step for me...
What is your favorite character you ever created? why?
Yowza, you don't ask the easy stuff, do you? Hmm. Jonas Pierce, from Curses, will always be one of my favorites. He's a vegetarian werewolf with a creative mind, fierce protective instincts, and a ton of emotional scars. From a more recent book, Caroline, the feisty, illegitimate governess who breaks anything mechanical she touches, from Steam & Sorcery is one of my favorite heroines.
A Vegeterian Werewolf.....um....ok....
You told me once that crafting pure paranormals was fun because whenever you hit a potential "logic snag" in the arc you could write your way around it via the paranormal aspect OR through "dreams." But I notice you have some HAWT Cowboy love coming out soon. What is your fav?
I *do* love writing paranormal where literally anything is possible. It's the ultimate fairy tale, I think. I know I've used dreams to get a sex scene earlier in the book for an erotic publisher, when due to the plot line, the characters weren't getting in bed together for real. Having the shared dream ramped up the real-world sexual tension for those two a lot. I've also had my characters meet in dreams before they ever meet face-to-face, which was another fun storyline to play with. Every so often, though, I do like a real-world contemporary story, and cowboys are always fun to play with.
And now a nightcap. What's your poison?
(whispers) Ummm-Diet Coke please? I'm such a wimp.Sighs....it's okay. I'm getting used to it.
What is your advice to me? that is to say, I'm not a newbie but nor am I a pro. I'm dividing time between running my beer biz, writing and promoting. What's more important? Lots of releases? Or buzz? How have you done it?
Hell if I know! If I ever figure out this crazy business I'll be happy to share, but the truth of it is, what works for one person doesn't seem to work for another. Even from book to book, it varies, and even though I have a scientific and statistical background, I haven't been able to figure out a trend in the last 5 years. I went with the big backlist route, but I don't know that it's the best one. I've tried print ads, website ads, blog tours, you name it, and I just don't see any one thing as correlating to sales. Some books I don't promote sell big, others I do promote don't. As far as I can tell, you write the best book you can, get it to the best editor you can, and keep your fingers crossed.
Trust me, I have all the body parts capable of crossing, crossed, daily!Thanks for stopping by Cindy. Thanks for having me by, Liz! Love what you've done with the place!
Hey, I love A-squared. Umm beer? Huh? Okay, whatever you're having. Okay I'm having a lovely bright, crisp Czech Pilsner. See what you think.
You have been one of THE most supportive and helpful well established authors I have personally encountered. Was there someone like that for you when you were starting out?
Really? Thank you. I try to pay it forward a bit. There were so many authors I relied on when I was starting out. A few who were particularly helpful were Desiree Holt, Lynne Connolly and Betty Hanawa. I'm happy to say they're all still writing and I get to see them occasionally at conventions. There were also a bunch of us who all started at about the same time who really banded together and shared the learning process, especially my critique partner Anny Cook. Locally I need to give big props to the Greater Detroit chapter of Romance Writers of America, and The Untitled Writers Group for being y go-to people for advice and support.
Tell us the story of your first published book. Who? When? Why? How?
See, that's tough to answer. I sort of sold three at once, to different publishers, so the first one sold wasn't the first one published. I had three manuscripts, you see, all of which had been rejected by at least one NY house. I'd been submitting for a while and had grown frustrated. If at least one of these puppies didn't sell, I was going to quit. So I sent one to Triskelion, which was a big e-to-print house at the time, one to Ellora's Cave, and one to a brand new house called Wild Rose Press, because it was a Christmas story and they'd put out a specific call for those.
So, to my total shock, all three sold within the summer/fall of 2006. So in the course of a couple months, I went from no publishers to three publishers. Curses was the first one I sold, to Triskelion, (though after they folded, I re-sold it to Wild Rose, where it's still available. The first one actually published was The Cowboy's Christmas Bride in Nov. 2006, because they were anxious to have some holiday novels out that first year. The third one, which released in early 2007 was Dragon in the System, with Ellora's Cave Cerridwen Press imprint (now EC Blush.)
Yeah, I get that. This fall I went from 1 to 3 publishers myself. The facebooking and tweeting ramped up in a serious way. As did the editing...
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Motor City...series. Very Creative. I've noticed a trend in setting stories IN Detroit which is way cool. I have one myself. What has been reader response to the setting?
Awww, thanks, Liz! I love setting books in Michigan. Actually two of my first three books were set in fictional Michigan small towns, Dragon in the System in the Irish Hills and Curses in the UP. But Detroit is home and it's a great setting for a slightly darker paranormal world. The response to it has been very, very positive.
Ok, your glass is empty! What's next?
Eeep. Any more and I'll be falling off my barstool. Believe me, no one wants to see that!
You work with several publishers and an agent. Do you recommend the agent route for all writers? why?
No, I really don't. I wanted to take a shot at moving to a bigger, more traditional publishing house which is why I needed an agent. If you're in a good spot and not trying to make changes, there really isn't any need for representation.
Honestly, I am looking to move up a bit. If I would just hear from some of those bigger e-pubs.....taps foot...I've decided that if the 2 big novel projects ALL come back rejected (and that would be a crap day as there are 6 publishers looking at them or ignoring them as the case may be) I am gonna re-polish and only sub them to agents. A kinda big step for me...
What is your favorite character you ever created? why?
Yowza, you don't ask the easy stuff, do you? Hmm. Jonas Pierce, from Curses, will always be one of my favorites. He's a vegetarian werewolf with a creative mind, fierce protective instincts, and a ton of emotional scars. From a more recent book, Caroline, the feisty, illegitimate governess who breaks anything mechanical she touches, from Steam & Sorcery is one of my favorite heroines.
A Vegeterian Werewolf.....um....ok....
You told me once that crafting pure paranormals was fun because whenever you hit a potential "logic snag" in the arc you could write your way around it via the paranormal aspect OR through "dreams." But I notice you have some HAWT Cowboy love coming out soon. What is your fav?
I *do* love writing paranormal where literally anything is possible. It's the ultimate fairy tale, I think. I know I've used dreams to get a sex scene earlier in the book for an erotic publisher, when due to the plot line, the characters weren't getting in bed together for real. Having the shared dream ramped up the real-world sexual tension for those two a lot. I've also had my characters meet in dreams before they ever meet face-to-face, which was another fun storyline to play with. Every so often, though, I do like a real-world contemporary story, and cowboys are always fun to play with.
And now a nightcap. What's your poison?
(whispers) Ummm-Diet Coke please? I'm such a wimp.Sighs....it's okay. I'm getting used to it.
What is your advice to me? that is to say, I'm not a newbie but nor am I a pro. I'm dividing time between running my beer biz, writing and promoting. What's more important? Lots of releases? Or buzz? How have you done it?
Hell if I know! If I ever figure out this crazy business I'll be happy to share, but the truth of it is, what works for one person doesn't seem to work for another. Even from book to book, it varies, and even though I have a scientific and statistical background, I haven't been able to figure out a trend in the last 5 years. I went with the big backlist route, but I don't know that it's the best one. I've tried print ads, website ads, blog tours, you name it, and I just don't see any one thing as correlating to sales. Some books I don't promote sell big, others I do promote don't. As far as I can tell, you write the best book you can, get it to the best editor you can, and keep your fingers crossed.
Trust me, I have all the body parts capable of crossing, crossed, daily!Thanks for stopping by Cindy. Thanks for having me by, Liz! Love what you've done with the place!
November 9, 2011
Reviews, Hangovers and Hops (The Blog Kind)
Still Hopping around the blog-o-sphere today with my pals at Decadent Publishing. Be sure and check us ALL OUT during the month of November. Prizes and fun abound!
I had an interesting few days on the review front. Got a couple of glowing ones for The Tap Room on Friday:
From BookingIt:
Erin is full of men.She finds out her husband of twenty years is cheating on her and files for divorce. At the same time, the microbrewery she begins with an old friend begins to flourish. Business is growing and a romance between the brewer, Owen, and herself is brewing. Also, Trent, her business partner, expresses an interest to rekindle their old, pre-college relationship. Then, drama ensues when the young Jeff enters the picture as well as the shining star of the microbrewing business, Landon, is interested in her attentions.Can Erin run the business with all these distractions? And what man will she choose?I love Erin. I think she embodies what most women feel. Sure, she's a bit older, has two teenage kids, and many years of marriage under her belt, but she is a woman and has a heart. The new men realize what a catch she is and pursue her. What woman doesn't like to be hunted and adored? Erin falls for it, but I liked how she eventually realizes that sometimes there's more to than being wanted.The Tap Room stands apart from all other contemporary romances in that the reader chooses the ending! The plot is Erin's story and the numerous men in her life, but at a major turning point in the story, the reader is able to pick with whom Erin will live her happily-ever-after. I loved the book up until the point to could choose the direction of the ending. How could I pick? I liked all the men and Erin seemed happy with all of them. Frustration.The story moved great and had a lot of conflict, not to mention steaminess, to keep the pages turning. Also, those that have read The Jockey Box will find a portion of this novel extremely familiar. The fork in the story occurred at an odd place, in my opinion, but I was definitely ready for Erin to make a choice. Of course, I read all the endings! They are all similar, but twisted to highlight the man of choice. Be sure to read the epilogue!I really enjoyed The Tap Room. Erin is an extremely down-to-earth character who just happens to have a bunch of male interest. Her choices are vast and difficult and the reader gets to choose their favorite. Honestly, I want to know the ending Ms. Crowe envisioned! I believe the story would have been stronger if the author would have chosen for us instead of giving the reader an option. But, I still really liked the book with its strong characters and plot.BookingIt Grade: A-From Romance Writers Reviews: The Tap Room - Interesting story was hot and sexy and kept my interest. The characters were fun and believable, and I loved the setting of the story, not a typical romance story. The Tap Room was hot and heavy and left you wanting more, while reading the book I wasn't sure what was going to happen and who Erin was going to end up with.
Rating 5 stars out of 5From JBP Reviews:
Erin is at a crossroads in her complicated life but it's about to get even more complicated when she finds herself falling for three different men. I really liked Erin she's a woman with a big heart and an even braver personality. I felt myself not only falling for her but all the secondary characters in the book as the pages flew by. I can't honestly tell you what I would do if I were in her situation.With three men in the mix I couldn't possibly pick just one so I must admit I read all three. And even after that I still couldn't pick just one so in my head they all four have mad monkey sex together and love each other lol. I think what made it really hard was there was a hook in everyone of the men that grabbed me and didn't let me go. With Owen it was the long time familiarity between him and Erin that drew me in. With Jeff it was the hot man who was willing to share himself not only with Erin but with Owen as well. And with Landon it was his smooth moves and genuine curiosity in how she was doing on a day-to-day basis. I have to say though I hate when a husband cheats I kinda felt sorry for Bradley as well.This has to be the most unique way to end a book I've ever read. Pick your own ending (while I really couldn't) was an excellent idea and I found it refreshing.
And Vegas Miracle is a Recommended Read from AllRomanceEBooks Wildfire Newsletter:
From the beginning, the story draws you in with the introduction of Ryan and Grace. It is a well plotted character-driven story. Although the story moves quickly, it doesn't feel rushed. Besides the very emotional aspect of a couple dealing with issues that might destroy their relationship, the reader is also taken on a highly erotic adventure. When Henri enters the picture the heat level rises as he is very sensual and hard to resist. This is a very sexual read with enough kinkiness to satisfy everyone. The story is compelling and the characters easy to relate to. I was intrigued as to how the author was going to work the ending. A menage story can go either way and I'm happy to see it ended on a positive note. If you like a good m/f/m story you'll enjoy this one.And finally: My newest Release Turkish Delights got a really nice notice from Sizzling Hot Reviews:
When you love someone, age shouldn't make a difference, neither should culture or other differences. But society has dictates and it takes a brave person to follow their heart rather than listen to the rules of society.
Elle Kensington has worked her way up in the world of business by putting her job first. When she was transferred to Istanbul, she worked hard to make a success of herself and the drug company that she worked for. All her hard work has finally paid off and with a new position as CEO; she is ready to move back to America. But Elle didn't expect to meet a fascinating young man who shared her passion for history and culture, nor did she expect to feel the sexual heat between them. After all he was quite a bit younger than her.
With the help of Elle's assistant, Caleb and Tarkan, Emre arranges with Madame Eve and 1 Night Stand Dating Agency to a night of passion between himself and Elle with the hopes that she would finally realize his love for her. This gamble puts not only Emre's love on the line but his future as well.
Turkish Delights is a quick read filled with the history and culture of Istanbul. The characters of Elle and Emre are inspiring as they learn to reach out for love, no matter what age or cultural differences separates them. Too many people would see the difference as too big of a problem for a couple to surmount but Emre is determined to win his love and will stop at nothing to gain Elle's heart.
If you love a wonderful story filled with passion and romance,Turkish Delights is for you! I am sure you will fall in love with this beautiful love story and desire your own Madame Eve matchmaking!
I feel a tad fuzzy from all the amazing festivities last night in my Tap Room! 1 year anniversary was celebrated in rare style, lets say. My head hurts.
Thanks to you for your support, and follows, and comments even if I have to bribe them out of you with trinkets and stuff.
Make it a lovely Wednesday!Liz
I had an interesting few days on the review front. Got a couple of glowing ones for The Tap Room on Friday:
From BookingIt:
Erin is full of men.She finds out her husband of twenty years is cheating on her and files for divorce. At the same time, the microbrewery she begins with an old friend begins to flourish. Business is growing and a romance between the brewer, Owen, and herself is brewing. Also, Trent, her business partner, expresses an interest to rekindle their old, pre-college relationship. Then, drama ensues when the young Jeff enters the picture as well as the shining star of the microbrewing business, Landon, is interested in her attentions.Can Erin run the business with all these distractions? And what man will she choose?I love Erin. I think she embodies what most women feel. Sure, she's a bit older, has two teenage kids, and many years of marriage under her belt, but she is a woman and has a heart. The new men realize what a catch she is and pursue her. What woman doesn't like to be hunted and adored? Erin falls for it, but I liked how she eventually realizes that sometimes there's more to than being wanted.The Tap Room stands apart from all other contemporary romances in that the reader chooses the ending! The plot is Erin's story and the numerous men in her life, but at a major turning point in the story, the reader is able to pick with whom Erin will live her happily-ever-after. I loved the book up until the point to could choose the direction of the ending. How could I pick? I liked all the men and Erin seemed happy with all of them. Frustration.The story moved great and had a lot of conflict, not to mention steaminess, to keep the pages turning. Also, those that have read The Jockey Box will find a portion of this novel extremely familiar. The fork in the story occurred at an odd place, in my opinion, but I was definitely ready for Erin to make a choice. Of course, I read all the endings! They are all similar, but twisted to highlight the man of choice. Be sure to read the epilogue!I really enjoyed The Tap Room. Erin is an extremely down-to-earth character who just happens to have a bunch of male interest. Her choices are vast and difficult and the reader gets to choose their favorite. Honestly, I want to know the ending Ms. Crowe envisioned! I believe the story would have been stronger if the author would have chosen for us instead of giving the reader an option. But, I still really liked the book with its strong characters and plot.BookingIt Grade: A-From Romance Writers Reviews: The Tap Room - Interesting story was hot and sexy and kept my interest. The characters were fun and believable, and I loved the setting of the story, not a typical romance story. The Tap Room was hot and heavy and left you wanting more, while reading the book I wasn't sure what was going to happen and who Erin was going to end up with.
Rating 5 stars out of 5From JBP Reviews:
Erin is at a crossroads in her complicated life but it's about to get even more complicated when she finds herself falling for three different men. I really liked Erin she's a woman with a big heart and an even braver personality. I felt myself not only falling for her but all the secondary characters in the book as the pages flew by. I can't honestly tell you what I would do if I were in her situation.With three men in the mix I couldn't possibly pick just one so I must admit I read all three. And even after that I still couldn't pick just one so in my head they all four have mad monkey sex together and love each other lol. I think what made it really hard was there was a hook in everyone of the men that grabbed me and didn't let me go. With Owen it was the long time familiarity between him and Erin that drew me in. With Jeff it was the hot man who was willing to share himself not only with Erin but with Owen as well. And with Landon it was his smooth moves and genuine curiosity in how she was doing on a day-to-day basis. I have to say though I hate when a husband cheats I kinda felt sorry for Bradley as well.This has to be the most unique way to end a book I've ever read. Pick your own ending (while I really couldn't) was an excellent idea and I found it refreshing.And Vegas Miracle is a Recommended Read from AllRomanceEBooks Wildfire Newsletter:
From the beginning, the story draws you in with the introduction of Ryan and Grace. It is a well plotted character-driven story. Although the story moves quickly, it doesn't feel rushed. Besides the very emotional aspect of a couple dealing with issues that might destroy their relationship, the reader is also taken on a highly erotic adventure. When Henri enters the picture the heat level rises as he is very sensual and hard to resist. This is a very sexual read with enough kinkiness to satisfy everyone. The story is compelling and the characters easy to relate to. I was intrigued as to how the author was going to work the ending. A menage story can go either way and I'm happy to see it ended on a positive note. If you like a good m/f/m story you'll enjoy this one.And finally: My newest Release Turkish Delights got a really nice notice from Sizzling Hot Reviews:
When you love someone, age shouldn't make a difference, neither should culture or other differences. But society has dictates and it takes a brave person to follow their heart rather than listen to the rules of society.
The fifteen year age difference between Elle Kensington, expatriate American executive and Emre Demir, son of Istanbul's most successful businessmen, has not kept them from becoming fast friends as they toured Istanbul together. But the time has come for him to return to the U.S. to finish his master's degree, and she has just been named CEO of the pharmaceutical company that brought her to Turkey in the first place. Elle adores her adopted country, and is alarmed to find herself falling in love with the young man who's been her impromptu guide for the last few months.Emre Deniz is a successful Turkish young man from a reputable family. He has been schooled in America along with his twin brother, Tarkan, and works alongside his family in their rug business and spice market. When he meets an older woman one day in the rug store, sparks fly. Now he must convince this dynamic American CEO that he is the man for her!
She knows they can never be. She will return home to California within a month, leaving behind all she loves about the ancient city. In a rare fit of spontaneity, Elle has contracted with Madame Eve's 1Night Stand dating service, hoping to find a way to forget the dark, handsome young man who has captured her heart. Little does she know what awaits her in the ancient recesses of the Ottoman palace turned luxury hotel under the hands of her one-night stand masseur.
Elle Kensington has worked her way up in the world of business by putting her job first. When she was transferred to Istanbul, she worked hard to make a success of herself and the drug company that she worked for. All her hard work has finally paid off and with a new position as CEO; she is ready to move back to America. But Elle didn't expect to meet a fascinating young man who shared her passion for history and culture, nor did she expect to feel the sexual heat between them. After all he was quite a bit younger than her.
With the help of Elle's assistant, Caleb and Tarkan, Emre arranges with Madame Eve and 1 Night Stand Dating Agency to a night of passion between himself and Elle with the hopes that she would finally realize his love for her. This gamble puts not only Emre's love on the line but his future as well.
Turkish Delights is a quick read filled with the history and culture of Istanbul. The characters of Elle and Emre are inspiring as they learn to reach out for love, no matter what age or cultural differences separates them. Too many people would see the difference as too big of a problem for a couple to surmount but Emre is determined to win his love and will stop at nothing to gain Elle's heart.
If you love a wonderful story filled with passion and romance,Turkish Delights is for you! I am sure you will fall in love with this beautiful love story and desire your own Madame Eve matchmaking!
I feel a tad fuzzy from all the amazing festivities last night in my Tap Room! 1 year anniversary was celebrated in rare style, lets say. My head hurts.
Thanks to you for your support, and follows, and comments even if I have to bribe them out of you with trinkets and stuff.
Make it a lovely Wednesday!Liz
November 8, 2011
The Beer Wench Takes Over (She Brings Beer)
Today is a special day in the life of my Alter Ego. The Beer Wench and her adorable male biz partners opened their doors to the public, eyes closed and fingers crossed, ducking and cringing and hoping like hell people showed.
They did.
We will outstrip all sales targets and are on track for an expansion. And I've published a shit ton of books with more to come.
This one does a lovely dovetail of all my stuff this year...and it is VERY HOT...
So, in light of my first straight up shitty review I got yesterday, I'm gonna break my arm patting myself on the damn back.
I love Sam Calagione. Founder of Dog Fish Head Brewing in Delaware. He is a true inspiration and I am stone cold in lust with him. Yes, he is married. So am I. so what?
Check the Wench's blog...
A2 Beer Wench
Wench, The Man and her Brewer.
Then, go hopping...
check the In Between Days hoppers joining me publicizing between Halloween and Holidays!
gotta go!
there is a party that won't execute itself, now will it??
Love
Liz
They did.
We will outstrip all sales targets and are on track for an expansion. And I've published a shit ton of books with more to come.
This one does a lovely dovetail of all my stuff this year...and it is VERY HOT...
So, in light of my first straight up shitty review I got yesterday, I'm gonna break my arm patting myself on the damn back.
I love Sam Calagione. Founder of Dog Fish Head Brewing in Delaware. He is a true inspiration and I am stone cold in lust with him. Yes, he is married. So am I. so what?
Check the Wench's blog...
A2 Beer Wench
Wench, The Man and her Brewer.Then, go hopping...
check the In Between Days hoppers joining me publicizing between Halloween and Holidays!
gotta go!
there is a party that won't execute itself, now will it??
Love
Liz
November 7, 2011
Monday Funnies! For the In Between Days....
Greetings followers and other random peeps. If this is your first look at the Brewing Passion blog thanks to the In Between Days blog hop--do me a fav in the name of market research and let me know in a comment.
who knows? you might win something? I'm known to pop a quick contest in the middle of a blog day. But it's not a bridge to Hawaii...you will see what I mean further down.
In the meantime, The In Between Days Blog Hop is going on. We Decadent Publishing authors are killing time between Halloween and the Holidays promoting our stories together!
Today, the incredibly talented Desiree Holt has the Official Tweeners Post!
The Turkish Delights trilogy began last Friday with the release of "Turkish Delights" a hot cougar story. It continues next Tuesday, 11/15 with Blue Cruise and finalizes 11/18 with Tulip Princess.
Blurbs:
Turkish Delight:
The fifteen year age difference between Elle Kensington, ex-patriat American executive and Emre Deniz, son of Istanbul's most successful businessmen, has not kept them from becoming fast friends as they tour Istanbul together. But the time has come for him to return to the U.S. to finish his master's degree and she has just been named CEO of the pharmaceutical company that brought her to Turkey in the first place. Elle adores her adopted country, and is alarmed to find herself falling in love with the young man who's been her impromptu guide for the last few months.
But she knows they can never be. She will return home to California within a month, leaving behind all she loves about the ancient city. In a rare fit of spontaneity, Elle has contracted with Madame Eve's OneNightStand dating service to hopefully find a way to forget the dark, handsome young man who has captured her heart. Little does she know what awaits her in the ancient recesses of the Ottoman palace turned luxury hotel under the hands of her one night stand masseur.
Blue Cruise: Caleb and Tarkan were an odd couple, men from two different cultures, but so in love they were determined to overcome any obstacles. Fate had different plans. Two years after tragedy strikes, Caleb is still a hollow shell of himself, alone and miserable.
Adem Broussard is happy enough, as owner and chef of his restaurant on the Turkish southern coast. But a tall, American Adonis he saw once, years ago on a Turkish Blue Cruise haunts his most erotic dreams and he hopes contracting with Madame Eve's 1NightStand service for an unconventional date will help him forget.
When Caleb caves in to his friend Elle's insistence that he return to Turkey and exorcise some of the demons that haunt him, he reluctantly climbs on board a private yacht for a special 1NightStand Blue Cruise. There he comes face to face with the man who remembers him well, and wants to help him heal.
Tulip Princess:
Lale Deniz, young, drifting and prone to wildness that her Turkish family doesn't understand is seeking something to help reestablish control over her life. Her beloved brother Tarkan has tragically exited her world. His twin lives far away in America with his growing family. When Elle, Emre's wife has a scary brush with death, Lale is dispatched to California to help with their five-year old daughter. But a recovering Elle has plans for Lale that include a magical 1NightStand.
Andreas Michos, Greek former NFL star, now athletic director at UNLV also floats through life seeking fulfillment. His ex-wife and sexual sub left him when he took away the limelight of football stardom. He doubts his own abilities anymore and has given up finding an outlet for his natural Dom.
Set against a backdrop of ancient cultural clashes and Mediterranean family dynamics, Lale and Andreas do meet in Las Vegas at the famous Castillos resort for a date. But it appears destined to fail. Unless they are both willing to relinquish control and discover what can be found inside the soul of another.
And NOW some JOKES! for Mondays which always suck!
The Bridge
A man on his Harley riding along a California beach when suddenly the sky clouded above his head and, in a booming voice, God said,'because you have tried to be faithful to me in all ways, I will grant you one wish.'
The biker pulled over and said,'Build a bridge to Hawaii so I can ride over anytime I want.'
God replied, 'Your request is materialistic; think of the enormous challenges for that kind of undertaking;the supports required reaching the bottom of the Pacific and the concrete and steel it would take!I can do it, but it is hard for me to justify your desire for worldly things.Take a little more time and think of something that could possibly help man kind.'
The biker thought about it for a long time.Finally, he said, 'God, I wish that I, and all men, could understand women.I want to know how she feels inside, what she's thinking when she gives me the silent treatment,why she cries, what she means when she says nothing's wrong,why she snaps and complains when I try to help, and how I can make a woman truly happy.God replied: "You want two lanes or four on that bridge?"and....
here are the rest of the In Between Days Hoppers. check us all out! all month long!
cheers
Liz
who knows? you might win something? I'm known to pop a quick contest in the middle of a blog day. But it's not a bridge to Hawaii...you will see what I mean further down.
In the meantime, The In Between Days Blog Hop is going on. We Decadent Publishing authors are killing time between Halloween and the Holidays promoting our stories together!
Today, the incredibly talented Desiree Holt has the Official Tweeners Post!
The Turkish Delights trilogy began last Friday with the release of "Turkish Delights" a hot cougar story. It continues next Tuesday, 11/15 with Blue Cruise and finalizes 11/18 with Tulip Princess.
Blurbs:
Turkish Delight:
The fifteen year age difference between Elle Kensington, ex-patriat American executive and Emre Deniz, son of Istanbul's most successful businessmen, has not kept them from becoming fast friends as they tour Istanbul together. But the time has come for him to return to the U.S. to finish his master's degree and she has just been named CEO of the pharmaceutical company that brought her to Turkey in the first place. Elle adores her adopted country, and is alarmed to find herself falling in love with the young man who's been her impromptu guide for the last few months.
But she knows they can never be. She will return home to California within a month, leaving behind all she loves about the ancient city. In a rare fit of spontaneity, Elle has contracted with Madame Eve's OneNightStand dating service to hopefully find a way to forget the dark, handsome young man who has captured her heart. Little does she know what awaits her in the ancient recesses of the Ottoman palace turned luxury hotel under the hands of her one night stand masseur.
Blue Cruise: Caleb and Tarkan were an odd couple, men from two different cultures, but so in love they were determined to overcome any obstacles. Fate had different plans. Two years after tragedy strikes, Caleb is still a hollow shell of himself, alone and miserable.
Adem Broussard is happy enough, as owner and chef of his restaurant on the Turkish southern coast. But a tall, American Adonis he saw once, years ago on a Turkish Blue Cruise haunts his most erotic dreams and he hopes contracting with Madame Eve's 1NightStand service for an unconventional date will help him forget.
When Caleb caves in to his friend Elle's insistence that he return to Turkey and exorcise some of the demons that haunt him, he reluctantly climbs on board a private yacht for a special 1NightStand Blue Cruise. There he comes face to face with the man who remembers him well, and wants to help him heal.
Tulip Princess:
Lale Deniz, young, drifting and prone to wildness that her Turkish family doesn't understand is seeking something to help reestablish control over her life. Her beloved brother Tarkan has tragically exited her world. His twin lives far away in America with his growing family. When Elle, Emre's wife has a scary brush with death, Lale is dispatched to California to help with their five-year old daughter. But a recovering Elle has plans for Lale that include a magical 1NightStand.
Andreas Michos, Greek former NFL star, now athletic director at UNLV also floats through life seeking fulfillment. His ex-wife and sexual sub left him when he took away the limelight of football stardom. He doubts his own abilities anymore and has given up finding an outlet for his natural Dom.
Set against a backdrop of ancient cultural clashes and Mediterranean family dynamics, Lale and Andreas do meet in Las Vegas at the famous Castillos resort for a date. But it appears destined to fail. Unless they are both willing to relinquish control and discover what can be found inside the soul of another.
And NOW some JOKES! for Mondays which always suck!
The Bridge
A man on his Harley riding along a California beach when suddenly the sky clouded above his head and, in a booming voice, God said,'because you have tried to be faithful to me in all ways, I will grant you one wish.'
The biker pulled over and said,'Build a bridge to Hawaii so I can ride over anytime I want.'
God replied, 'Your request is materialistic; think of the enormous challenges for that kind of undertaking;the supports required reaching the bottom of the Pacific and the concrete and steel it would take!I can do it, but it is hard for me to justify your desire for worldly things.Take a little more time and think of something that could possibly help man kind.'
The biker thought about it for a long time.Finally, he said, 'God, I wish that I, and all men, could understand women.I want to know how she feels inside, what she's thinking when she gives me the silent treatment,why she cries, what she means when she says nothing's wrong,why she snaps and complains when I try to help, and how I can make a woman truly happy.God replied: "You want two lanes or four on that bridge?"and....
DIVORCE vs. MURDER
A nice, calm and respectable lady went into the pharmacy, walked up to the pharmacist, looked straight into his eyes, and said,
"I'd like to buy some cyanide."
The pharmacist asked, "Why in the world do you need cyanide?"
The lady replied, "I need it to poison my husband."
The pharmacist's eyes got big and he explained, "Lord have mercy! I can't give you cyanide to kill your husband, that's against the law!
I'll lose my license! They'll throw both of us in jail! All kinds of bad things will happen. Absolutely not! You CANNOT have any cyanide!"
The lady reached into her purse and pulled out a picture of her husband in bed with the pharmacist's wife.
The pharmacist looked at the picture and said, "You didn't tell me you had a prescription."
here are the rest of the In Between Days Hoppers. check us all out! all month long!
cheers
Liz
November 5, 2011
A Delightfully Turkish Six
Welcome back!
To celebrate my new release I'm featuring six from Turkish Delights, my OneNightStand story with Decadent Publishing....
enjoy...
Elle's face flushed with anger. Good--now I'm on familiar ground--mad at a man for assuming things about what I think."Just what do I think, if you don't mind sharing," she used her coolest-cucumber voice, and it pleased her to see the young man frown as he stood, towering over her even in her highest heels. Pissed off she could cope with. Besotted was beyond her, especially since she felt the same damn way about this...boy nearly fifteen years her junior."Let's not fight. It's our last day together, no?"
Read more amazing sixes from talented writers every week.
To celebrate my new release I'm featuring six from Turkish Delights, my OneNightStand story with Decadent Publishing....
enjoy...
Elle's face flushed with anger. Good--now I'm on familiar ground--mad at a man for assuming things about what I think."Just what do I think, if you don't mind sharing," she used her coolest-cucumber voice, and it pleased her to see the young man frown as he stood, towering over her even in her highest heels. Pissed off she could cope with. Besotted was beyond her, especially since she felt the same damn way about this...boy nearly fifteen years her junior."Let's not fight. It's our last day together, no?"
Read more amazing sixes from talented writers every week.
AND THE WINNER IS....
drum roll...I'm loving my 'Tweeners Hop so much I'm gonna give away TWO Turkish trinkets!
Winners:
Rene Bennet
Kathryn Merkel
I'll contact you chicks by email but wanted to say THANKS and congrats!
CALENDAR NOTE:
My brewery is one year old tomorrow. In my other personna I've put up a funny post about it ...
check it out here. www.a2beerwench.com
Also, Blue Cruise, the 2nd in the Turkish Delights series will release NOVEMBER 15 NOT NOVEMBER 8. It's a very hot, very emotional and tear inducing m/m love story.
And because I love you guys so I'm gonna give you a teensy taste of some of the extreme hotness:
ready?
You've met Emre Deniz. He of the hawt cougar action with Elle from the first Turkish Delights tale. Now lets let his twin brother Tarkan have some fun with Caleb, Elle's personal assistant....
The boat trip had only been the two of them, to his pleasant surprise. In the powerful fancy speedboat, Tarkan had torn away from the shore, one hand on the wheel, the other in the air waving to the dockworkers. Caleb sat and watched the man's body, covered only in khaki shorts and a tee shirt, and tried to will his cock down from its compromising position of extreme hard, bordering on agonizing. They cruised down the shore line slowly. Tarkan pointed out various historical views and regaled Caleb with stories of growing up with a proud Turkish father and stubborn American mother. By the time they reached a spot about an hour down the coast and had pulled into a dock that looked to be an historical relic on its own, Caleb was drunk with lust. Tarkan lead him up a steep grassy hill, dotted with the odd remnant of ancient temple or church or whatever, Caleb had no idea. History was not his thing. The man in front of him was though. He guided Caleb into what looked like a small, elegant restaurant on the outside but was obviously a private home. One table was set, in front of a blazing fire, for two. A few people appeared, poured wine, put some food down and disappeared. Caleb was nervous again. He knew better, but wanted Tarkan so badly at that moment he didn't know if he could control himself. And he knew damn good and well Tarkan felt the same way. "Afiyet olsun," Tarkan gestured to the food, which was a delicious simple meal of lamb, rice and fresh vegetables. Caleb stared at him, not sitting, not moving any closer. The room hummed with chemistry, electricity, and primal need. "Are we alone," he ground out. "Because if we aren't we should be, and soon."He was thrilled to see Tarkan finally appear unsettled. The guy was one cool customer for certain. Calmer than anyone had a right to be. He glanced around, motioned with one hand, and the lights were dimmed, leaving the room lit by a single candle and the flickering flames in the grate. He took a step toward Caleb, ran a finger down his face, palmed his cheek. Caleb's entire body broke out in a chill and if it were physiologically possible, his cock got even harder. "We should eat.""I'm not hungry," Caleb growled and reached for him, yanking his face close, covering his lips with his own, hungry beyond imagining for the Turkish treat in his arms. They melded together, nearly identical in their six foot two inch bodies, arms wound around each other, tongues colliding with passion. Caleb groaned into Tarkan's mouth as the other man's hands slid down his arms, around to his ass and pressed their bulging groins together, grinding into him so hard Caleb nearly came in his shorts. He yanked his face away and stared into the dark skinned man's eyes. "I am one pent up guy, I have to warn you. I...oh, shit..." Tarkan dropped to his knees and tugged Caleb's zipper down in one fluid motion, releasing his throbbing cock to the air. "Lovely," Tarkan murmured before dipping his tongue into the weeping slit, licking his way around the edge of the head and finally swallowing Caleb's shaft all the way down, pressing his nose into the curls at the base. "Jesus, I...oh…." Caleb bit it back, cocked his hips and held onto Tarkan's hair, fucking his lovely mouth like an animal, making noises he didn't know he had in him. The man moaned, clutched his ass and deep-throated him, again and again, sucking and tugging until Caleb saw stars at the edge of his vision, felt the orgasm gathering at the base of his spine. "Baby, I'm gonna blow." His voice was a whisper in the nearly dark room. "I can't hold back."In response, Tarkan pulled his mouth off with a final bit of suction, stood, and yanked his own shorts down. He possessed Caleb's mouth, sweeping his talented tongue in and through, owning him with his lips. Their erections pressed together, the hot, hard sex between them beautiful and urgent.
Whew.....is it HOT IN HERE???
STAY TUNED...this is an amazing story that will cause you to reach for the tissue box...for various reason.Don't forget the In Between Days Blog Hop!on Monday, the amazing and talented Desiree Holt has her say!here are all the linkies to the Decadent Writers!
GREAT WRITERS! GREAT BOOKS GREAT PRIZES!keep checking back!Liz
Winners:
Rene Bennet
Kathryn Merkel
I'll contact you chicks by email but wanted to say THANKS and congrats!
CALENDAR NOTE:
My brewery is one year old tomorrow. In my other personna I've put up a funny post about it ...
check it out here. www.a2beerwench.com
Also, Blue Cruise, the 2nd in the Turkish Delights series will release NOVEMBER 15 NOT NOVEMBER 8. It's a very hot, very emotional and tear inducing m/m love story.
And because I love you guys so I'm gonna give you a teensy taste of some of the extreme hotness:
ready?
You've met Emre Deniz. He of the hawt cougar action with Elle from the first Turkish Delights tale. Now lets let his twin brother Tarkan have some fun with Caleb, Elle's personal assistant....
The boat trip had only been the two of them, to his pleasant surprise. In the powerful fancy speedboat, Tarkan had torn away from the shore, one hand on the wheel, the other in the air waving to the dockworkers. Caleb sat and watched the man's body, covered only in khaki shorts and a tee shirt, and tried to will his cock down from its compromising position of extreme hard, bordering on agonizing. They cruised down the shore line slowly. Tarkan pointed out various historical views and regaled Caleb with stories of growing up with a proud Turkish father and stubborn American mother. By the time they reached a spot about an hour down the coast and had pulled into a dock that looked to be an historical relic on its own, Caleb was drunk with lust. Tarkan lead him up a steep grassy hill, dotted with the odd remnant of ancient temple or church or whatever, Caleb had no idea. History was not his thing. The man in front of him was though. He guided Caleb into what looked like a small, elegant restaurant on the outside but was obviously a private home. One table was set, in front of a blazing fire, for two. A few people appeared, poured wine, put some food down and disappeared. Caleb was nervous again. He knew better, but wanted Tarkan so badly at that moment he didn't know if he could control himself. And he knew damn good and well Tarkan felt the same way. "Afiyet olsun," Tarkan gestured to the food, which was a delicious simple meal of lamb, rice and fresh vegetables. Caleb stared at him, not sitting, not moving any closer. The room hummed with chemistry, electricity, and primal need. "Are we alone," he ground out. "Because if we aren't we should be, and soon."He was thrilled to see Tarkan finally appear unsettled. The guy was one cool customer for certain. Calmer than anyone had a right to be. He glanced around, motioned with one hand, and the lights were dimmed, leaving the room lit by a single candle and the flickering flames in the grate. He took a step toward Caleb, ran a finger down his face, palmed his cheek. Caleb's entire body broke out in a chill and if it were physiologically possible, his cock got even harder. "We should eat.""I'm not hungry," Caleb growled and reached for him, yanking his face close, covering his lips with his own, hungry beyond imagining for the Turkish treat in his arms. They melded together, nearly identical in their six foot two inch bodies, arms wound around each other, tongues colliding with passion. Caleb groaned into Tarkan's mouth as the other man's hands slid down his arms, around to his ass and pressed their bulging groins together, grinding into him so hard Caleb nearly came in his shorts. He yanked his face away and stared into the dark skinned man's eyes. "I am one pent up guy, I have to warn you. I...oh, shit..." Tarkan dropped to his knees and tugged Caleb's zipper down in one fluid motion, releasing his throbbing cock to the air. "Lovely," Tarkan murmured before dipping his tongue into the weeping slit, licking his way around the edge of the head and finally swallowing Caleb's shaft all the way down, pressing his nose into the curls at the base. "Jesus, I...oh…." Caleb bit it back, cocked his hips and held onto Tarkan's hair, fucking his lovely mouth like an animal, making noises he didn't know he had in him. The man moaned, clutched his ass and deep-throated him, again and again, sucking and tugging until Caleb saw stars at the edge of his vision, felt the orgasm gathering at the base of his spine. "Baby, I'm gonna blow." His voice was a whisper in the nearly dark room. "I can't hold back."In response, Tarkan pulled his mouth off with a final bit of suction, stood, and yanked his own shorts down. He possessed Caleb's mouth, sweeping his talented tongue in and through, owning him with his lips. Their erections pressed together, the hot, hard sex between them beautiful and urgent.
Whew.....is it HOT IN HERE???
STAY TUNED...this is an amazing story that will cause you to reach for the tissue box...for various reason.Don't forget the In Between Days Blog Hop!on Monday, the amazing and talented Desiree Holt has her say!here are all the linkies to the Decadent Writers!
GREAT WRITERS! GREAT BOOKS GREAT PRIZES!keep checking back!Liz
November 3, 2011
Welcome! Let's Get Hoppin'!
Ah the Blog Hop....the way bloggers with like minded purposes and topics can coerce, erm...convince each others followers/readers to "hop" to another blog when they're done reading whatever extraordinarily scintillating wonderfulness is contained herein.
You know. You show me YOUR followers/readers and I'll show you MINE....
We all win. I get more folks checking me out. My fellow hoppers get more eyeballs on their sites and YOU dearest and most beloved reader, get to find out about even MORE amazing (in our case) writers for Decadent Publishing.
So....here we go:
I'm Liz.
I'm your host.
This is a "closed hop" in that you can't add your blog to it. If we have enough fun here, maybe we'll do one of those another time.
In the meantime allow me to introduce you to:
Emre Deniz
He is the hero of my new release today. Turkish Delights is the first of a trilogy, part of the 1NightStand series with Decadent Publishing.
Emre is a young, handsome, successful Turkish man, currently home in Istanbul with family while on summer break from his MBA program in the U.S. He has met and fallen in love--hard--with an older woman. Elle Kensington is the recently announced new CEO of Restlyn Pharmaceuticals. She's been in Istanbul for seven years as VP of Sales. Emre has been her impromptu tour guide through the magical, historic city after a chance meeting at one of his father's many carpet shops.
The mysterious Madame Evangeline knows these two are meant for each other. But how to make it work?
One hot massage.
One private dinner.
Elle may just get her Turkish delight...and so will you.
Emre has a twin brother, Tarkan who has been in a committed relationship with Caleb for nearly three years. These two men are deeply in love. But fate will intervene. Caleb will be faced with a new reality--one that no longer includes Tarkan.
Can a private boat charter, arranged through Madame Eve help him heal? Blue Cruise releases Nov.8.
Emre and Tarkan's younger sister Lale (pronounced 'Lah-lay') is a real wild child, and things only get worse when Tarkan makes an abrupt exit from everyone's lives. In a fit of desperation, her parents send her stateside to live with Emre and his family. It seems that all is well for a while. But Lale is seeking something--something she doesn't even realize she needs...until SHE goes on her own blind dream date in Las Vegas with Andreas. Tulip Princess releases Nov. 18.
I loved creating these stories. I think you will love reading them.
Now....get hopping...AFTER YOU LEAVE ME A COMMENT and tell me one simple thing:
what would be YOUR dream date???
I will choose one winner to receive a small token of good luck straight from Istanbul....so get commenting and leave me your email!
THEN--go check out these great writers!
The next Official IN BETWEEN DAYS POST is at Desiree Holt's site.
You know. You show me YOUR followers/readers and I'll show you MINE....
We all win. I get more folks checking me out. My fellow hoppers get more eyeballs on their sites and YOU dearest and most beloved reader, get to find out about even MORE amazing (in our case) writers for Decadent Publishing.
So....here we go:
I'm Liz.
I'm your host.
This is a "closed hop" in that you can't add your blog to it. If we have enough fun here, maybe we'll do one of those another time.
In the meantime allow me to introduce you to:
Emre Deniz
He is the hero of my new release today. Turkish Delights is the first of a trilogy, part of the 1NightStand series with Decadent Publishing.
Emre is a young, handsome, successful Turkish man, currently home in Istanbul with family while on summer break from his MBA program in the U.S. He has met and fallen in love--hard--with an older woman. Elle Kensington is the recently announced new CEO of Restlyn Pharmaceuticals. She's been in Istanbul for seven years as VP of Sales. Emre has been her impromptu tour guide through the magical, historic city after a chance meeting at one of his father's many carpet shops.
The mysterious Madame Evangeline knows these two are meant for each other. But how to make it work?
One hot massage.
One private dinner.
Elle may just get her Turkish delight...and so will you.
Emre has a twin brother, Tarkan who has been in a committed relationship with Caleb for nearly three years. These two men are deeply in love. But fate will intervene. Caleb will be faced with a new reality--one that no longer includes Tarkan.
Can a private boat charter, arranged through Madame Eve help him heal? Blue Cruise releases Nov.8.
Emre and Tarkan's younger sister Lale (pronounced 'Lah-lay') is a real wild child, and things only get worse when Tarkan makes an abrupt exit from everyone's lives. In a fit of desperation, her parents send her stateside to live with Emre and his family. It seems that all is well for a while. But Lale is seeking something--something she doesn't even realize she needs...until SHE goes on her own blind dream date in Las Vegas with Andreas. Tulip Princess releases Nov. 18.
I loved creating these stories. I think you will love reading them.
Now....get hopping...AFTER YOU LEAVE ME A COMMENT and tell me one simple thing:
what would be YOUR dream date???
I will choose one winner to receive a small token of good luck straight from Istanbul....so get commenting and leave me your email!
THEN--go check out these great writers!
The next Official IN BETWEEN DAYS POST is at Desiree Holt's site.
Across the Beer Bar with Dakota Trace!
Welcome Dakota! What can I pour you to start?Hmmm, do you have chocolate beer? I've heard this rumor that someone has created one and even named it Sexual Chocolate? If you have that or something similar I'd love to try it. What woman can resist chocolate? [image error]
Nope. No chocolate beer. But just to enlighten you, "chocolate beer" RARELY contains any actual chocolate. There are certain types of dark, (usually German grown) malts that, when used as a base, release chocolate flavor or slight essence. That said, "Sexual Chocolate" from Foothills Brewing, a brew pub in Winston Salem, NC is "cocoa infused" which, combined with their base malt gives it an amazing aura of chocolate, toffee, coffee and molasses (my theory is they ADD blackstrap molasses to the boil but that's just me.) It is delish, if a little cloying after just one.
I will have an oatmeal stout releasing around the New Year. Using oats in the mash (when you first make beer and add water to the malt) ALSO infuses a rich chocolate-ness that is not overpowering. So, enough beer school....on with the interview.
You have published an amazing number of books! I'm in awe and a little intimidated...well, not that but I am in awe. Tell me the story of your very first publishing adventure.
Oh my. I wish I could say I have this huge trail by fire to get my first book published but I don't. I hate to say this but I just fell into it. (Actually it was to get my dad off my back.) You see I've been telling stories since I was a youngster. Being that I'm dyslexic, most of my first stories were oral. I'd tell them to my dad. He was pretty tolerant until I got into high school and forced me to actually sit down and actually write my stuff down. He even bought me this old 1960's IBM typewriter. After that I wrote most of my stories down. Years later my hubby found my work in a box of old school stuff and said I know this site...Literotica. You should submit some of these. So that's what I did. That's where I met Selena Kitt and answered her call for submissions after about two years of submitting work to Literotica. When my pops found out about it, he said submit Chocolate Made Me Do It. (Do you see a theme here? LOL) I did it to get him off my back - you know how parents can nag a person to death until you give in and just do it, that's basically what I did. I figured I'd submit it, get a rejection letter and then it'd be over. Much to my surprise Excessica accepted it, and I had my first publishing contract. It's probably a good thing too - because if it hadn't been accepted Dad would've probably pestered me to submit to another publishing company.
Funny. My husband "knew of Literotica" before I did too...funny, isn't it? Dirty Bastard. Oh, that's a beer too, from Founders Brewing in Grand Rapids, Michigan. My spouse put a boot up my ass to write as well. His words: "Just shut up about it and write it!" Now he's all "Honey, are you coming to bed sometime soon?"
What is your favorite type to write? BDSM? Paranormal? what?
It totally depends upon what I'm writing at the moment. I love to write BDSM - which totally floored me since my first BDSM book, Nisey's Awakening, was done on the dare of a friend of mine. Before that I wrote strictly sweet erotic romance with a dash of sci-fi. Then I delved into the the BDSM lifestyle and found I really enjoy it. But that doesn't stop me from stepping back occasionally and write books without it. Such is the case with my 1NS book, Blind Need. Not a lick of BDSM in it. Right now though my current passion is running between a combination of my paranormal and BDSM, since I'm finishing up the third book in my Darkest Submission series for Eirelander Publishing.
Seems to be a trend, the BDSM thing. The "forbidden nature" of it is appealing I can see. I like it to a certain extent. Wrote it in on a "soft scale" to the last of my 1NS trilogy, Turkish Delights after some...careful research.
What is the secret to your success? social networking? blogging? attending conferences? just cranking out more great books?
I'm not really sure. As I mentioned before I wrote for several years on Literotica and Storiesonline before I dipped my feet into the publishing pool. So I honestly can't tell you what is the secret to my success. I do have a blog I'm notorious about forgetting to post to, a twitter account, facebook that I try to manage from Tweetdeck but for the most part I just try to write relatable characters.
Those of you who did a lot of online writing and then say "Oh I forgot to blog!" crack me up. What do you think "blogging" is you silly goose? I love using this platform to vent, rant, brag, moan, groan and otherwise go off in ways I can't otherwise.
oh look your glass is empty! what can I pour you next?
How about something Irish...perhaps an ale? What's your suggestion?
We specialize in lagers, which are cold fermented, clean and crisp. We only have one ale on tap: a VERY delicious IPA but seeing as how you asked for "Irish" I know you won't want that (they are way too hoppy for the Irish). I have an award winning Amber Lager, the District 16 named after the brewing district in Vienna. It's gorgeous, malty, with a teensy bite of hops at the end.
Do you find being a part of writer "groups" other than those with your publishers useful?
Honestly it's hit and miss. I love my yahoogroups but I've collected so many of them that I don't have the time to read all the digest I get. I have found a few groups that have been beneficial however. The first that comes to mind for me is JERK (that's Just Erotic Romance Kontests) I've gotten a good response from them when I post my contests...as far as peeps entering. It seems to be a great group...as long as you post a contest, you can also add a blurb for your book and excerpt too if you want. So depending on the group they can be very helpful.
*makes a note*
What are you reading right now?
Aside from Coding books? I'll have to say that changes more often than I change my underwear. I read notoriously fast and have an insatiable need for m/m, menage, paranormal, BDSM and as of late 1NS books. I just finished reading a book by Gabrielle Evans last night and plan on starting Forever Kiss by Angela Knight when it arrives later today in the mail.
I love the 1ns books by my fellows at Decadent! Haven't read one yet I didn't like!
What was the last movie you saw?
The last movie I saw was one my dad dragged me to. We wanted to see True Steel with Hugh Jackman *drools* but unfortunately dyslexic Dakota went to the wrong theater and we ended up seeing Abduction with Taylor Lautner *drools more* My dad is a twilight fan and wanted to see it just because Taylor was in it. *wipes drool off* Not that I can blame him. It was pretty good movie over all - had some really good fight scenes in it.
Taylor Lautner saying "Hey, look, there's the Beer Wench!" Well, he IS From Grand Rapids...Okay, nightcap time..what's your poison?
How's about an Irish Coffee? I remember my mom (a former bartender) making them for me when I was younger...and no I'm not talking about under 21. She loved to camp and Irish Coffee was a ritual while sitting around the campfire.Sorry chick. No liquor in this beer bar. How about we mosey over to the coffee shop that opened up across the street. They claim I've made the west side of Ann Arbor a hot commodity with my success. I don't know about that but they give me free double shot lattes when I come running in at 3 p.m. every day so I'll let 'em believe it.
Finally, tell me your thoughts on how "real" erotic romance needs to be. That is to say, should one have had some experience with men (or women or both) to be able to craft a decent hot story?
Honestly a lot can be said for research. I don't expect every author I've read to have physically done even a quarter of what is in their books. If so, they'd be shagging all the time and never get any writing done. So yes, research can work as well as first hand experience when it comes to writing a hot scene. I do a ton of it from reading books to picking other peeps's brains - to make each scene realistically hot as possible.
Mmmm.....shagging all the time..... [image error]
Sorry, distracted.
Thanks so much Dakota!Good luck with all your future endeavors!
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