Ravon Silvius's Blog, page 15
July 8, 2014
Wednesday Briefs: Freshmen Blues!
Today, we have a brief from Freshmen Blues. Think of it as a sneak peek!
Please let me know in the comments what sort of scenes and which characters you would like to see in future Wednesday briefs!
Chris waited for Skye on the edge of the quad. His nerves danced with electricity, and the familiar sensation of fluttering in his stomach increased in intensity as he caught sight of his date against the purpling evening.
He wore a black shirt trimmed with red that made his red hair stand out even more in the setting sun, and tight black pants that Chris swore must be leather. The ensemble was completed by a thick cloth choker, a band around his neck that somehow made him look more, not less, masculine.
He was gorgeous. Chris shivered with a combination of nervousness and anticipation as Skye approached.
“You look nice, Chris,” Skye said. A flash of warmth and heat went through him.
“You too.”
“C’mon,” Skye said. He put a hand on Chris’ shoulder, heat traveling from his fingertips. “The club opens at six, and I know you probably don’t want to stay out too late.”
“I…I can stay up late,” Chris said.
“Oh, I said out, not up,” Skye said with a smirk. Chris’ face heated, and he fell into step next to Skye. He had to walk slightly faster to keep up with the taller student, especially as they climbed the slight slope of the arched bridge over the river.
“You’re not skipping out on studying, are you?” Skye asked with a chuckle.
Chris shook his head, his face heating a bit at the thought of the upcoming exam. “No, not really. I mean, I guess I could always be, but—”
“Don’t worry about it,” Sky said, tilting his chin up to indicate the lamps of the city that stretched out ahead of them. “A couple more blocks and we’ll be at the club. You ever wandered around the city before? It can be dangerous if you go too far, but this close to the school it’s kind of nice. A change from the campus, which believe me, you’ll get tired of after a few more months.”
“No. I’m still kinda getting used to things, I think, even at Creekville.” Chris turned, noticing that the campus was dark in the distance now compared to the twinkling lights of the small city. Past the bridge, street lamps lit their way and light glowed from buildings. In the distance, a red light flashed on the tip of a tower, probably to direct landing planes.
Just another place that was bigger than his old hometown. He really had come far.
“Sometime during the day, you should explore the city and maybe the surrounding suburbs. Trust me. Knowing where the good places are will be helpful once you get sick of campus food.” Chris stiffened when Skye put a hand on his shoulder, steering him into a turn down a cheerily lit street. “This way,” he said. “It’s near that Starbuck’s.” The familiar green logo shone in the evening dimness.
As they walked, they joined a few other people, some in couples and some walking alone. A neon sign split the night, and Chris’ heart started to pound.
“This is it,” Skye said. “No drinks, of course, but you seemed like you needed a place to relax, and it’s a fun place. Better than a frat party, by far.” He grinned, and Chris nodded weakly. “We can sit and chat, or dance, whatever you’d prefer.”
Pounding music, though not as loud as the music had been at the frat party, met his ears as they entered. A man in a tight shirt nodded to Skye, and after a glance at Chris, waved them both in. Chris paused for only a moment. He had been expecting an I.D check. Then again, this wasn’t campus.
The club itself seemed to consist of two rooms. The first was the bar, where a shirtless man with a buzzcut was pouring drinks, lit with cheery light. Through a wide doorway, though, Chris could see a darkened dance floor, where another bar illuminated in blue served people who danced either alone or in groups. A DJ stand stood off to one side, the table so dark Chris couldn’t see who was manning it.
“So which would you like, Chris?” Skye said. The music pounded beneath his words, and Chris found his gaze tracking a man who danced with no shirt, very close to another man. “Dancefloor or bar?”
Dancefloor, of course. “I…I can’t really dance, but I’d like to try.”
Skye smiled, and put a hand on Chris’s shoulder, once again steering him. “I can show you,” he said.
The music wound through Chris’ body and his feet as he let Skye guide him onto the dancefloor. The room wasn’t too busy, probably because it wasn’t too late yet, but two other couples—both gay—danced too. One of them, a middle aged couple danced very close, one man resting his head on the other’s shoulder. It made Chris happy to see it. By the bar, a few men mingled, just watching the dance floor.
Then Skye was in front of him, his hands on Chris’ hips. “Move with me,” he said, and Chris did, suddenly very overwhelmed by the combination of the pulsing music, the feel of Skye’s hands, and the sensation of Skye in front of him.
It was easy to move, at least. Chris followed Skye, stepping when he did. His heart began to race, but with both excitement and anxiety this time. The room was too loud to talk, but they didn’t need to. Movement, and contact, was enough.
Chris let his worries subside, just for the moment. The songs kept changing, the beat quickening, then slowing, then quickening again, and their movements changed with it. Skye’s grip snaked down Chris’ hips, and they moved closer together, Chris’ body heating at the increased contact. He put a hand on Skye’s shoulders, and then on his hips, marveling at the fact that this was happening. In one part of his mind, he felt like an imposter. This was a gay bar. It was hard to get out of the closet he had put himself in, to realize that he wanted this, and wanted to enjoy himself.
Please let me know in the comments what sort of scenes and which characters you would like to see in future Wednesday briefs!
Chris waited for Skye on the edge of the quad. His nerves danced with electricity, and the familiar sensation of fluttering in his stomach increased in intensity as he caught sight of his date against the purpling evening.
He wore a black shirt trimmed with red that made his red hair stand out even more in the setting sun, and tight black pants that Chris swore must be leather. The ensemble was completed by a thick cloth choker, a band around his neck that somehow made him look more, not less, masculine.
He was gorgeous. Chris shivered with a combination of nervousness and anticipation as Skye approached.
“You look nice, Chris,” Skye said. A flash of warmth and heat went through him.
“You too.”
“C’mon,” Skye said. He put a hand on Chris’ shoulder, heat traveling from his fingertips. “The club opens at six, and I know you probably don’t want to stay out too late.”
“I…I can stay up late,” Chris said.
“Oh, I said out, not up,” Skye said with a smirk. Chris’ face heated, and he fell into step next to Skye. He had to walk slightly faster to keep up with the taller student, especially as they climbed the slight slope of the arched bridge over the river.
“You’re not skipping out on studying, are you?” Skye asked with a chuckle.
Chris shook his head, his face heating a bit at the thought of the upcoming exam. “No, not really. I mean, I guess I could always be, but—”
“Don’t worry about it,” Sky said, tilting his chin up to indicate the lamps of the city that stretched out ahead of them. “A couple more blocks and we’ll be at the club. You ever wandered around the city before? It can be dangerous if you go too far, but this close to the school it’s kind of nice. A change from the campus, which believe me, you’ll get tired of after a few more months.”
“No. I’m still kinda getting used to things, I think, even at Creekville.” Chris turned, noticing that the campus was dark in the distance now compared to the twinkling lights of the small city. Past the bridge, street lamps lit their way and light glowed from buildings. In the distance, a red light flashed on the tip of a tower, probably to direct landing planes.
Just another place that was bigger than his old hometown. He really had come far.
“Sometime during the day, you should explore the city and maybe the surrounding suburbs. Trust me. Knowing where the good places are will be helpful once you get sick of campus food.” Chris stiffened when Skye put a hand on his shoulder, steering him into a turn down a cheerily lit street. “This way,” he said. “It’s near that Starbuck’s.” The familiar green logo shone in the evening dimness.
As they walked, they joined a few other people, some in couples and some walking alone. A neon sign split the night, and Chris’ heart started to pound.
“This is it,” Skye said. “No drinks, of course, but you seemed like you needed a place to relax, and it’s a fun place. Better than a frat party, by far.” He grinned, and Chris nodded weakly. “We can sit and chat, or dance, whatever you’d prefer.”
Pounding music, though not as loud as the music had been at the frat party, met his ears as they entered. A man in a tight shirt nodded to Skye, and after a glance at Chris, waved them both in. Chris paused for only a moment. He had been expecting an I.D check. Then again, this wasn’t campus.
The club itself seemed to consist of two rooms. The first was the bar, where a shirtless man with a buzzcut was pouring drinks, lit with cheery light. Through a wide doorway, though, Chris could see a darkened dance floor, where another bar illuminated in blue served people who danced either alone or in groups. A DJ stand stood off to one side, the table so dark Chris couldn’t see who was manning it.
“So which would you like, Chris?” Skye said. The music pounded beneath his words, and Chris found his gaze tracking a man who danced with no shirt, very close to another man. “Dancefloor or bar?”
Dancefloor, of course. “I…I can’t really dance, but I’d like to try.”
Skye smiled, and put a hand on Chris’s shoulder, once again steering him. “I can show you,” he said.
The music wound through Chris’ body and his feet as he let Skye guide him onto the dancefloor. The room wasn’t too busy, probably because it wasn’t too late yet, but two other couples—both gay—danced too. One of them, a middle aged couple danced very close, one man resting his head on the other’s shoulder. It made Chris happy to see it. By the bar, a few men mingled, just watching the dance floor.
Then Skye was in front of him, his hands on Chris’ hips. “Move with me,” he said, and Chris did, suddenly very overwhelmed by the combination of the pulsing music, the feel of Skye’s hands, and the sensation of Skye in front of him.
It was easy to move, at least. Chris followed Skye, stepping when he did. His heart began to race, but with both excitement and anxiety this time. The room was too loud to talk, but they didn’t need to. Movement, and contact, was enough.
Chris let his worries subside, just for the moment. The songs kept changing, the beat quickening, then slowing, then quickening again, and their movements changed with it. Skye’s grip snaked down Chris’ hips, and they moved closer together, Chris’ body heating at the increased contact. He put a hand on Skye’s shoulders, and then on his hips, marveling at the fact that this was happening. In one part of his mind, he felt like an imposter. This was a gay bar. It was hard to get out of the closet he had put himself in, to realize that he wanted this, and wanted to enjoy himself.
July 7, 2014
Last stop on the blog hop: Dee Tass interviews Azalea Moon!
Last stop on the blog hop today, everyone! I hope everyone enjoyed finding some new authors!
Check out the last interview here!
Check out the last interview here! July 4, 2014
July 2, 2014
AW Blog Hop: Interview with Tara Quan!
Hello everyone! please welcome Tara Quan! About Tara QuanGlobetrotter, lover of languages, and romance author, Tara Quan has an addiction for crafting tales with a pinch of spice and a smidgen of kink. Inspired by her travels, Tara enjoys tossing her kick-ass heroines and alpha males into exotic contemporary locales, fantasy worlds, and post-apocalyptic futures. Armed with magical powers or conventional weapons, her characters are guaranteed a suspenseful and sensual ride, as well as their own happily ever after. Learn more at www.taraquan.comWebsite | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Goodreads | Pinterest | Amazon
Tara has an interview for us, and then a sneak peek at one of her books, Warlock's Pawn!
1. Hi and welcome to Otherworldly Romance! Since you’re taking part in the Absolutely Erotic blog hop, you obviously enjoy writing sexy stuff. What do you find most difficult about highly sensual scenes?Honestly? Coming up with different ways to describe various body parts (and not just the obvious ones). I try to minimize word repetition, but there’s only so many ways I can say “fingers,” “thighs,” or “hands.” And while I’m not shy about using the “c” words, I don’t like repeating them too often, so every sex scene becomes a highly challenging creative exercise. Throw emotions and reactions into the mix, and its enough to give even the most talented writers a headache. People who say writing about sex is easy either have insane anatomical vocabulary, or their opinion isn’t based on firsthand experience.2. For you, is it more difficult to write action, sex, or emotional scenes?Action gives me the most trouble. Brawls, gunfights, and car chases have so many moving parts it’s hard stay accurate while maintaining a suspenseful pace. I revise these scenes the most, with the help of a beta reader, until I get them just right. 3. So what type of scene is the most fun to write?I think every author on this hop would vote for sex. Technical difficulties aside, it leaves the space wide open in terms of creativity. I’ve tried my hand at paranormal romances recently (they’ll probably come out at the end of the year), and throwing magic into the erotic mix was tons of fun. 4. What, in your opinion, separates romance from erotic romance?One’s publisher (and I’m not being facetious). A vast majority of “in the bookstore” romance contains sex. In my opinion, Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark series (labeled a “romance”) is more explicit than many books some e-Rom publishers categorize as “erotic.” The label, and the gradation of heat levels varies widely between publishing houses. Throw indie authors into the mix, and we’ve got a sexy Wild West with yet-to-be established genre rules. With a book labeled “erotic romance,” readers are guaranteed a sex scene, which is always nice to know. I’ve once read through very good “romance” until the end, all the while waiting for bedroom action, only to have a door closed in my face. It was still a good book, but man was I frustrated (pun intended). 5. If you could steal an author’s career, whose would it be?I wouldn’t dare steal someone’s career, but I’m content to watch Nalini Singh from afar, with the full force of fangirl worship. 6. Now for some fun fast-five questions. Wine or Beer?Vino per favore…7. Tea or Coffee?Gah. Tea, if I must choose. 8. Mountain or Beach?Beach (Thai girl here)9. Mac or PC?I’m typing my answers on a MacBook. 10. Cheese or cake?Umm…Cheesecake?
Warlock’s Pawn
In a world of blood and sand, becoming a warlock’s queen is a fatal curse. To survive the Helicon court, Alia must learn to play a lethal game. But while she faces assassins with a dagger in hand, what she fears most is losing her heart along with her freedom.Buy Links: Amazon | B&N | AllRomance | LSBooks | GoodReads
Reviews“… an exquisite pairing of intrigue, fantasy, paranormal and erotic story elements.” - The Bookchick “… highly recommended for paranormal lovers who want an extra kinky kick.” – Spanking Romance Reviews “Warlock’s Pawn is unique, has a solid plot and I see great things in the future if she keeps writing fabulous stories like this.” – The To Be Read Pile
Snippet “What do you ask? What is the payment you demand for saving the life of the Ruler of Helicon?” he questioned as he bent his head to her proffered wrist and brushed his lips against her palm.“I ask that you be merciful,” she said as he drew in her life force, and pure white magic seeped through his body to undo all that Anora’s poison had wrought. With the bond came an understanding of words that need not be spoken, of a request made by a being who knew too well how this war would end.Once he was sated, Duncan released the fey’s hand and gazed upon her pale unconscious form. He bent to press his lips against her cheek before fastening on the veil. “The Dionian court will pay for its crime, and one day you will belong to me,” he whispered as he lifted the feather-light body into his arms. “But the people you protect will be safe under my rule. To that you have my vow.”
July 1, 2014
Wednesday Briefs: A New Invention
This is a short flash fic featuring Kenneth and Thorn. I hope you enjoy!
The bright morning sun streamed across the bedspread and illuminated the muscular planes of Thorn’s shoulders. Kenneth smiled at the sight, the small wooden bed creaking as he sat up.
“Mmm?” Thorn mumbled, lifting his head. The wood creaked louder, the flimsy cot that students at the inventor’s college slept on buckling under the combined weight of two people.
“Morning,” Kenneth said. “And happy graduation day.”
Thorn’s eyes flew open and he jolted up, the covers falling off his body and revealing a toned torso and muscular thighs. A flash of heat went through Kenneth, and he wondered if Thorn would be open to repeating their lovemaking session from the night before.
“Why didn’t you wake me sooner!” Thorn said, running his metal prosthetic hand through his hair. Kenneth guessed a quickie was probably out. “It’s already light and I have to prepare, and you…” his brown eyes were wide, “don’t you have to get back to the magi’s collegium?”
Kenneth laughed, leaning over to stroke Thorn’s back, relishing the touch of his new lover. It had only been a few months, but he still couldn’t keep his hands from Thorn. His lover, his lifemate. And after today, after they both graduated, he could show Thorn his home, and they could begin their new lives. “I have Jade, remember? And magic. I can be back in no time.”
Thorn shivered beneath his touch, his eyes going half-lidded, but pulled away. “Right, that’s fine for you…but I still need to prepare. And both of us need to at least get cleaned up.”
That was true. “Where are the baths?” Kenneth asked. He would follow Thorn’s lead. Saving things for later tonight would make the day even more exciting.
“Baths?” Thorn quirked a smile. “We have to be quick, and this is the inventor’s college, remember? We inventors have a new, more efficient way to bathe.”
Kenneth tilted his head. “And what way would that be?”
And that was how Lord Kenneth Victeni, the noble mage, ended up standing naked under a rusty metal pipe in a small wooden enclosure, peering at one of the talentless’ many inventions.
“So, the pump draws water, and it comes out here when I pull this chain?” Kenneth asked.
Thorn was grinning, his usual grin that let Kenneth know he knew and understood things Kenneth didn’t. Kenneth loved it, but on occasions like this it made him slightly nervous. “That’s right. I’ve pumped the water into the basin above your head already. Just pull the chain, and you’ll have water for about five minutes.”
“Is that enough time?” It was far from the luxurious soak he was used to.
“C’mon, Kenneth. It’ll be fun. I’ll join you under there, too.” Thorn moved to stand beside him, his arms encircling Kenneth’s waist. Hot breath flowed over his neck. “It’ll be a new experience.”
Goosebumps rose on Kenneth’s neck and face. Thorn was so sexy, and the power he held, even if he was talentless, always made Kenneth’s blood run faster. “Fine,” he said, and pulled the chain.
Goosebumps fired all over his body, but not due to Thorn. “It’s cold!” he shouted, jumping out from under the falling water.
Thorn’s laughter echoed off the wooden walls of the tiny shower enclosure. “Of course it is,” he said. “What did you expect?” He, at least, didn’t seem to mind. He threw his head back, letting the water hit his chest and cascade over his body. “Its refreshing, Kenneth,” he said, closing his eyes and sighing. “Like standing under a waterfall.”
“A freezing waterfall,” Kenneth said. He stared at the falling water, following a drop of water that traveled down Thorn’s flat stomach, and another that traveled down his thighs. His body began to heat, and he didn’t want to ruin it by getting under that freezing downpour.
But the water itself was simply falling from the basin above their heads. He grinned, and muttered words the aether. Thorn wasn’t the only one who could surprise.
“What the…” Thorn froze in place as the water around him began to steam. He met Kenneth’s eyes, beaming. “This is you, right?”
“Do you like it?” Kenneth asked, walking back under the falling water. It sent fiery trails down his body, ones that made the rising heat in his loins even more potent. He kissed Thorn’s shoulder, tasting his lover mixed with fresh water.
“You noble magi,” Thorn said with a low moan as Kenneth kissed his way up his shoulder to his neck. “Always with your luxuries.”
“At least now it’s not too cold,” Kenneth said, snaking his hand around Thorn’s waist and finding the prize he expected. Thorn’s firm erection filled his hand.
“Yes, Kenneth,” Thorn said, the edge of command in his voice that Kenneth craved more every day. “Do it. Just…ah…be quick.”
“You’re the one that said these showers were more efficient,” Kenneth said with a smile.
The bright morning sun streamed across the bedspread and illuminated the muscular planes of Thorn’s shoulders. Kenneth smiled at the sight, the small wooden bed creaking as he sat up.
“Mmm?” Thorn mumbled, lifting his head. The wood creaked louder, the flimsy cot that students at the inventor’s college slept on buckling under the combined weight of two people.
“Morning,” Kenneth said. “And happy graduation day.”
Thorn’s eyes flew open and he jolted up, the covers falling off his body and revealing a toned torso and muscular thighs. A flash of heat went through Kenneth, and he wondered if Thorn would be open to repeating their lovemaking session from the night before.
“Why didn’t you wake me sooner!” Thorn said, running his metal prosthetic hand through his hair. Kenneth guessed a quickie was probably out. “It’s already light and I have to prepare, and you…” his brown eyes were wide, “don’t you have to get back to the magi’s collegium?”
Kenneth laughed, leaning over to stroke Thorn’s back, relishing the touch of his new lover. It had only been a few months, but he still couldn’t keep his hands from Thorn. His lover, his lifemate. And after today, after they both graduated, he could show Thorn his home, and they could begin their new lives. “I have Jade, remember? And magic. I can be back in no time.”
Thorn shivered beneath his touch, his eyes going half-lidded, but pulled away. “Right, that’s fine for you…but I still need to prepare. And both of us need to at least get cleaned up.”
That was true. “Where are the baths?” Kenneth asked. He would follow Thorn’s lead. Saving things for later tonight would make the day even more exciting.
“Baths?” Thorn quirked a smile. “We have to be quick, and this is the inventor’s college, remember? We inventors have a new, more efficient way to bathe.”
Kenneth tilted his head. “And what way would that be?”
And that was how Lord Kenneth Victeni, the noble mage, ended up standing naked under a rusty metal pipe in a small wooden enclosure, peering at one of the talentless’ many inventions.
“So, the pump draws water, and it comes out here when I pull this chain?” Kenneth asked.
Thorn was grinning, his usual grin that let Kenneth know he knew and understood things Kenneth didn’t. Kenneth loved it, but on occasions like this it made him slightly nervous. “That’s right. I’ve pumped the water into the basin above your head already. Just pull the chain, and you’ll have water for about five minutes.”
“Is that enough time?” It was far from the luxurious soak he was used to.
“C’mon, Kenneth. It’ll be fun. I’ll join you under there, too.” Thorn moved to stand beside him, his arms encircling Kenneth’s waist. Hot breath flowed over his neck. “It’ll be a new experience.”
Goosebumps rose on Kenneth’s neck and face. Thorn was so sexy, and the power he held, even if he was talentless, always made Kenneth’s blood run faster. “Fine,” he said, and pulled the chain.
Goosebumps fired all over his body, but not due to Thorn. “It’s cold!” he shouted, jumping out from under the falling water.
Thorn’s laughter echoed off the wooden walls of the tiny shower enclosure. “Of course it is,” he said. “What did you expect?” He, at least, didn’t seem to mind. He threw his head back, letting the water hit his chest and cascade over his body. “Its refreshing, Kenneth,” he said, closing his eyes and sighing. “Like standing under a waterfall.”
“A freezing waterfall,” Kenneth said. He stared at the falling water, following a drop of water that traveled down Thorn’s flat stomach, and another that traveled down his thighs. His body began to heat, and he didn’t want to ruin it by getting under that freezing downpour.
But the water itself was simply falling from the basin above their heads. He grinned, and muttered words the aether. Thorn wasn’t the only one who could surprise.
“What the…” Thorn froze in place as the water around him began to steam. He met Kenneth’s eyes, beaming. “This is you, right?”
“Do you like it?” Kenneth asked, walking back under the falling water. It sent fiery trails down his body, ones that made the rising heat in his loins even more potent. He kissed Thorn’s shoulder, tasting his lover mixed with fresh water.
“You noble magi,” Thorn said with a low moan as Kenneth kissed his way up his shoulder to his neck. “Always with your luxuries.”
“At least now it’s not too cold,” Kenneth said, snaking his hand around Thorn’s waist and finding the prize he expected. Thorn’s firm erection filled his hand.
“Yes, Kenneth,” Thorn said, the edge of command in his voice that Kenneth craved more every day. “Do it. Just…ah…be quick.”
“You’re the one that said these showers were more efficient,” Kenneth said with a smile.
Blog hop stop #9: Karenna Colcroft interviews Kimber Vale!
Check out the interview here!
