Shyla Colt's Blog, page 32

Month O' Love day 17th with Berengaria Brown

Today we have Berengaria Brown here to talk about love of a different kind. That's right ladies and gents, we're talking about F/F and M/M. You know we couldn't celebrate the month of love without exploring all the angles.

My Interview with Ms. Brown

1. Can you tell us a bit about your latest story?

I've just recently self-published two books to which I got the contracts back. "Noticing Nigel" is MM and "Sappho's Sisters" is FF. I write ménages mostly, usually MMF, but I have a handful of FF stories, and a growing number of MM books. Self publishing these two stories has made me think about the way women love to read MM. There's something about watching two hot men that turns them on. But FF is also growing in popularity. After all, who knows better what a woman really enjoys, than another woman.

2. What books have influenced your life the most?

Ah, this is where the taste for lesbian fiction has developed. I love reading about strong women who rearranged their world to achieve happiness. I have a great deal of respect for people such as Queen Elizabeth I, who ruled a very powerful and influential country by keeping all the men on the edge of their seats, trying to do what she wanted.

3. When you're not writing what are you doing?

Reading. Possibly reading, and eating chocolate.

4. Chocolate or vanilla?

Oh come now. Chocolate of course.

5. What inspires you?

Ordinary people overcoming adversity. When we grow up we realize that just as Mommy isn't going to fix the world, neither is the government. That's when we decide to make our own little corner of the world comfortable for us. I love watching how people do that.

6. Are you a pantser or a plotter?

A mixture. Characters turn up in my head, and start talking to me. When I know sort of where we're going, I start writing. I have the beginning and the end, and a few key points along the way that I need to meet. Other than that, I never know exactly what will happen. Sometimes characters just walk into the book, and I'm left asking, "Who are you and why are you here?"

7. Why should readers choose your books?

Because I have something for everyone. I like to read widely and across genres, so that's the way I write: MM, FF, ménage, MF. Paranormal, ghosts, werewolves, vampires, a fairy, contemporary, futuristic, and Regency-set historical. Truly something for every taste.

8. What's the best part of being a published author?

When someone says they read and enjoyed one of my stories.

9. What's your favorite movie?

Any of the James Bond movies, I adore them all and I love all the James Bonds too. YUM!

10. What are you working on next?

I've recently sold two dragon-shapeshifter books. I started writing a museum story, and the statues shapeshifted and……

"Noticing Nigel" blurb:

Matthew is singing in a choir for a special Christmas presentation of the oratorio, "Messiah" by Handel. He's a tenor soloist. But his eyes are on one of the basses, Nigel, a deliciously muscular and well-built man with sparkling eyes and golden-brown hair.

Matthew takes his courage in both hands at the full-dress rehearsal, and invites Nigel out to lunch, then to dinner.

But can this be more than a one-night stand?

Buy Link: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/produ...

Blurb "Sappho's Sisters"

Lady Eustacia Lumley is the only child of the Earl of Wentworth. It's her duty to marry well and ensure the succession.

Margaret Durrell is the fourth daughter of a gently born, but near penniless Vicar. She has no option but to marry a man who can provide for her and possibly for some of her sisters as well.

Both young women are very interested in Sappho's poetry and ideas. One evening, Margaret has a headache and Eustacia offers to massage her scalp. This leads to sex, and Margaret's very first orgasm.

They fall deeply in love, but is there any hope for them? Or will they both have to conform to the rigid rules of Regency society?

Buy Link: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/produ...

Berengaria Brown

http://berengariasblog.blogspot.com/

http://berengariabrown.webs.com/

Friend me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter.

Month O' Love Day 16 with Sable Hunter

First of all I have to say thank you for repeatedly checking in on my blog! You guys have been fantastic, and I very much appreciate your participation. Today we have Sable Hunter whose talking about love a different kind. Self love, and healing. Sable will be giving away two copies of her book, A Wishing mooon to two lucky commenters, so get to posting. ;D The Winner will be announced on Feb 23rd.

SABLE AS GHOSTHUNTER

Writing to me is a way of dealing with stuff that I just can't seem to work out in my every day life. For example – I deal with body issues all the time in my novels. My heroine's bodies are not always perfect. I've went the gamut – I have curvy heroines and flat-chested heroines and even one who thinks she is as disappointing as a Christmas package wrapped in plain-brown wrapping paper. I won't tell you which of those things that I am – I am trying to maintain, some mystery here – but I am far, far from perfect. So, I write about imperfection and then I create this hero – this man – who can see beyond her faults and appreciate her real beauty and all the love she has to give.

There are other things that I deal with in my writing also – cathartic purging, if you will. I have dealt with prejudice and disease and tragedy – and in all of these things there is a lot of me in there and I work things out in my life by writing. When I create characters with the same problems or insecurities that I have, I may not be able to solve my problems, but I can come to terms with them.

On the other hand, sometimes I deal with fun things in my life. I have a hobby and an interest that I can't talk about with most people. This is funny – because I can't talk about my erotic romance writing, either. So – bottom line – I don't talk about much with anybody. I'm just too scandalous for words! My hobby is ghost hunting. I have been doing it for years. It started out as a dare, really. Ghosts have always intrigued me and I used to be scared. What I mean is that I wouldn't walk through the house at night without every light on because I was afraid that 'the things that go bump in the night' would jump out at me. Still, I loved to watch ghosty movies and read true accounts of people's experiences with the supernatural.

At that time, I was married and I told my husband that I wanted to go ghost hunting. He thought that I was off my rocker, but he did get me some standard equipment – primarily a high quality, new fangled Polaroid so we could see what we got – instantly. I also wanted night vision digital, night vision video and temperature gauges – emf meters – all the good stuff, but that would come with time. Our first night out at the cemetery was hilarious. I was excited and he was Mr. Skeptical. We waited until midnight – I don't know why – now, I've found that I'm just as apt to get a picture of a ghost during the day as I am at night. And the witching hour means totally nothing – not to the living nor to the dead. But we went at midnight and I walked all over the cemetery in the black dark snapping photos. We gravitated to the grave of a man who had committed suicide. And I took some photos of his grave. Now, this cemetery was out in the boonies – away from highways or farm-to-market roads. And it was Jason's job to make sure that I did not snap a photo that would include any extraneous light – and he took that job seriously. So, when we got home that night, I didn't know what to expect. We hurriedly took out our booty and started looking at the photos. In the first few – there was nothing. Nothing. Black dark – - some gravestones lit up by the flash – not a ghost in sight. But as the pictures progressed – so did the excitement. I started to see balls of light and when we came to the suicide grave photo – he got it under a light and looked at it real good. The light in that photo – the ball of light – was blood red. And he had made sure that there was no car tail lights or anything that would affect my photography. Jason was so intrigued that he almost tore the photo apart trying to determine if it was something on the film – or paper. As far as we could tell it wasn't. Now, I'm not saying what it was – I don't know. But it was intriguing enough that he bought me more and better equipment.

Jason humored me – he took me everywhere. We walked the town; we traveled to every cemetery in the surrounding countryside. Vacations were spent at battlefields, haunted hotels – everywhere we could think of. We went to Gettysburg nine times! And I took some very interesting photos.

I used to bring home all of my digital photographs of orbs and we would debate if they were dust or spirit balls. But it became evident the longer that we did it, that there was a distinguishable difference. Dust was flat and did not give off its own light. Orbs had texture and they would be the most beautiful colors you have ever seen – we got blue ones – cobalt, scarlet red, pink and my favorite – an incredible opalescent color. And they glowed, mysteriously, from within. I don't know what the different shades meant – it could be mood, personality, message – who knows. But there are differences.

A funny thing was that my Nana loved to look at the photos – to a point. But she got tired of orbs and one day she said – don't bring another picture in unless you have arms and legs. Well, that night – me and some of my friends went out to a place that we had never been before. There was an old home place there and we got out and roamed around – snapping photos. Now, I didn't see anything with my naked eye, but when I got home there was one picture that took our breath away. I had taken a shot of one of my friends and standing beside her – really close was this green skeleton looking creature. You could see shoulder blades – bony feet – a skull head – it was wild. Proudly, I showed my Nana – I HAVE ARMS AND LEGS!

I've had lots of experiences – I got whacked once – not hard, but someone wanted to get my attention and I got slapped. At one deserted, dilapidated cemetery, I filmed and filmed and when I replayed it at home, there was the most unearthly growling you have ever heard. And one night – I was taking photos at an old country cemetery and there was this one shot that showed a tombstone that glowed. I showed my Nana that shot and she said the glowing tombstone was at the grave of a crazy man. She went on to tell me that the man used to walk the streets mumbling. Supposedly one of his brother's had pushed another brother in a well and killed him, and his dad had killed someone with an axe – wild things. And there was five thin white graves marking this man and his four sons. This last son used to walk to the cemetery every day and back home – and when he walked by the filling station he would always tell whoever was there – "Well, I went to the graveyard and they're all still there."

She went over to the cemetery to verify the location and sure enough it was the Dorsey's. So, the next night, Jason and I went back to see if we could take another shot of the glowing tombstone. It was dark – black dark. Jason and I went over to the Dorsey's and I stood there and clicked away. I paused – it was quite and all of a sudden behind us there was a loud, long CRAAACCCKKKK! It was as if someone had picked up a huge branch and just bent it in half until it broke. It scared the pee out of me! I took off – I ran through the cemetery – through the tombstones – with no light. Jason laughed and laughed. He came along with me and when we got home – he told Nana – ole' Sable can run! We never knew what made the noise – whether it was a ghost or a drug deal in the dark – but whatever it was unnerved me.

Anyway, I have had some wild times. I have taken full body apparitions – soldiers, plantation owners – things that I never would have dreamed in a million years that I would capture on film.

I grew up in New Orleans and I lived around people who believed in ghosts and vampires. They practiced hoodoo – not as a religion – but as a way of life. They would go to Mass on Sunday morning and make mojo bags in the afternoon.

And all of that interest in the supernatural led me to write A Wishing Moon and Sweet Evangeline. In those books are my life experiences in New Orleans – love spells – money draw – protection wards – and ghost stories.

Here's an excerpt from A WISHING MOON – just the first part.

Visit my website – http://sablehunter.com/ or the publisher's website – at Secret Cravings http://store.secretcravingspublishing...

Excerpt

Just the tip of his tongue parted her lips, feathery light, making her push closer, seeking to deepen the kiss. God, she wanted him. Breathing in his scent, she noticed he smelled of warm sunshine and salt spray. The palms of her hands moved feverishly over his golden skin, up over his broad shoulders and around his strong neck. His hair was long, the color of sunflower honey and she couldn't resist winding her fingers in the strands at the back of his head, pulling him nearer to her. She fought the urge to wrap one leg around his hip in a soundless plea to be filled. A desperate hunger in her pussy made her tingle and ache.

Joy coursed through her bloodstream as he cupped her hips in his hands, first pulling her up hard against him, and then picking her up off the ground. Gratefully, she parted her legs and encircled his waist, pressing her soft center up against his rough jeans. Racing uncontrollably, her heart felt as if it were going to burst through her chest. His lips caressed her mouth, and wandered across her jaw and down the side of her neck. She gasped with passion, never had she felt so molten and eager. Arching her back, she met his gaze. Eyes, the color of a tiger's eye jewel, framed with thick dark lashes feasted on her face. "Who are you?" she gasped.

Instead of the answer she longed for, he bent low and warmly nuzzled the top of her breasts with his lips. The gentle swell peeked from the top of the silk nightgown clinging damply to her fevered body. Muscles in her thighs contracted and she longed to thrust her hips against him.

Delightful stubble on his chin chafed her skin and Arabella reveled in the slight pain the friction generated. "Please…" she breathed. Allowing one hand to support her weight, he slid the other hand between their bodies and gently palmed the silk and lace providing a filmy barrier to paradise. When she offered no resistance, he pressed on, pushing the delicate material aside, slipping his strong fingers deep within her slit. Over and over again he massaged her clit, making her moan with desire. Unable to resist, she nipped the hard muscle of his shoulder, grazing the supple flesh with her teeth.

Light and heat exploded within her and she threw back her head crying out, as she convulsed in ecstasy. He pressed gentle lips to her ear and whispered, "Come to me." The last thing she saw before reality dimmed was a full wishing moon shining bright in the velvet sky.

Arabella lifted her hips off the bed, searching in vain for someone who wasn't there. Quaking with desire, she wrapped her arms around herself and tried to breathe. Lying still, she listened to the lonely sounds of silence. The house was quiet. She was all alone, as usual. How wonderful it would be to have someone in her life like that incredible man. She lay there for a moment and relished the sensations she had enjoyed in his arms. Never had she experienced a dream so intense, yet the climax still vibrating between her legs was definitely real.

Searching her memory, she relived the dream. Who was he? He seemed so familiar, but for the life of her, she couldn't remember where she would have known him from. Maybe the sense of recognition was just an after-effect of the incredibly erotic dream. A face and a body like his would have been impossible to forget. Hugging herself tightly, she fought to hold on to the memory of his touch. When she had awakened from the dream, finding herself alone had been sheer torture. Every fiber in her being longed for him, making her want to reach out and take him in her arms once again. Only, he wasn't here.

How frustrating. Perhaps the time had come to find a real lover.

She flung the sheet off her body and sat up on the side of the bed. Slowly she stood, and steadied herself enough to walk to the bathroom. Pulling the silk gown over her head, she turned on the shower and faced herself in the vanity mirror. Lifting her long hair from her neck, she twisted the dark strands into a knot and secured the heavy weight with a clip. Leaning closer to the mirror, she gasped. Flipping on the brighter overhead light, she could not believe her eyes or her fingers. Dream or no dream, her neck and upper chest was covered with a faint red rash; a rash left behind by her dream lover's five o' clock shadow.

The abrasions on her soft skin seemed to be evidence that more had happened in the twilight hours than just a dream. This intrigued her. How could this be possible? Could he be a real person? Could she return to his arms? The possibilities racing through her mind would have been unusual for most people. However, Arabella Landry was definitely not your typical twenty-four year old woman.

Arabella looked at life through different eyes. For her, the world was a magical place, where probability and certainty could be manipulated by sheer will, and forces existing beyond the bounds of imagination could be tapped into and used to create reality. She had been brought up accepting magick as a way of life.

When she viewed last night's dream through the lens of magick, a whole new world of possibilities opened up. Something deep within her seemed to be convinced the Adonis with the incredible body actually lived and breathed. Arabella wanted to believe he was a flesh and blood man more than anything.

He had to be real. The words he had whispered were burned in her memory. "Come to me,' he had said, and she intended to do exactly that…just as soon as she figured out how. She made her shower quick, and after towel drying her body, she slipped on jeans and a soft cotton top.

From the mirror, she could see the reflection of her bed. Nothing would have made her happier than to crawl back between its soft, welcoming sheets and dream. She wanted to see him again. Closing her eyes, Arabella remembered nestling against that incredible chest and clutching those shoulders, which were as broad as a bus. And his face! He had the face of an angel. Undeniably, her dream lover had to be the most powerfully built man she could ever remember seeing, touching, or kissing.

Arabella didn't have a lot of experience with men. Opening up to people had always been difficult for her. So often when she tried, she'd been slapped down for her trouble. So far, she hadn't been lucky enough to find a man who could accept her different lifestyle. How incredible it had been to see no judgment in his eyes, only acceptance and desire.

She wanted to hold on to every detail of last night's dream. The desperation to do something to connect with the sexy phantasm bedeviled her until she realized she needed to make a sketch of him before a single detail of his beautiful face faded from her memory. She sped down the stairs and found her sketchbook. Flipping on the coffee pot, she hopped up on a bar stool and began to draw…him. High cheekbones, chiseled features, soft hair, well-defined abs and steel-strong legs all added up to much more than a sum of his parts. The smoldering look she added to his face came straight from her mind's eye. Arabella ran her fingers over the drawing, remembering how caressing his skin felt. Propping the sketchpad up on the bar, she poured herself a cup of strong, fragrant coffee. Adding sugar and cream, she stirred the mixture and licked the spoon, all the while studying the portrait she had quickly drawn. He still looked vaguely familiar.

A sense of urgency washed over her. How could she just go about the tasks of the day after last night's experience? How could she think of anything else but him?

Jade Landale was a prisoner in his own body. Just a few weeks ago, he had been vibrant, alive and free. Now, he might as well be dead—in fact, he fantasized about escaping this nightmare. Paralyzed from his neck down, he couldn't even swallow on his own. Communication proved to be impossible. Reese had tried, he had continued to ask him questions and instructed him to blink if he understood, but the doctors were not the least bit encouraging. They kept using the term catastrophic injury. Apparently, this time he had really screwed up. Kate had been after him to give up the extreme sports he loved so well, she said his career needed to come first. But he loved the feeling of scaling a sheer rock wall or free diving in the depths of the sea. She told him he would end up killing himself, and, apparently, she'd been right.

Since the diagnosis, Kate had only been in to see him twice and the last time she made an appearance, Jade could tell she'd given up on him. She couldn't even bring herself to touch his hand. His girlfriend had always been overly squeamish. Apparently, she didn't have the stomach for a fiancé who might never be more than a vegetable. Despite what Reese told her about the blinking, Kate didn't believe he could hear her or understand her. Frankly, he wished he had the opportunity to tell her how hard conveying a message to someone who wouldn't look you in the eye could be. Dr. Reynolds did not want to give up on him; he had said more tests needed to be done before they could be positive of Jade's prognosis. One of the other doctors assisting on his case said he wasn't sure Jade was cognizant of his surroundings at all. But he was, much to his dismay—he was, achingly, aware of everything.

The realization of his situation terrified Jade. He screamed endlessly in his head. Over and over, he relived the moment when the bolt failed and he had fallen from one of the sheer faces of E-Rock. He'd known from the moment he landed so brutally and awkwardly at the base of the cliff that his situation was bad. Blessedly, he had only remained conscious for a few moments before passing out. From the moment he regained consciousness, he had known something was horribly wrong, because he felt nothing—absolutely nothing.

The only relief Jade found were his dreams. When he closed his eyes and slept, he could walk and talk and hope and believe that somehow this nightmare would soon be over. Reese and other members of his staff still refused to believe fate could be so cruel. After all, they had pinned their hopes on him being the next governor of the great state of Texas. Now unless a miracle came along, all of his dreams had come to an end.

While a nurse turned him from side to side, giving him a sponge bath, he escaped to a better place deep within his own mind. Last night, he had experienced a particularly intense and strange dream. He had been back on Enchanted Rock—not climbing this time, but with a woman—an amazingly beautiful woman. His dream body had reacted instantly to her, and without the expectations of reality, he had enjoyed her in ways he knew he would probably never enjoy a woman again. She had been so lovely and so very responsive.

Dreams were his only solace, now. He much preferred an alternate reality to this one. The land where he escaped to when he closed his eyes reminded him of something his great grandmother used to tell him. The only daughter of a Cherokee medicine man, she carried with her the old ways and the old beliefs. She used to tell him that even though her body had grown stiff and uncooperative with age, at night—in her dreams—she went to places she could no longer go and did things she was no longer capable of doing. She had called the odd phenomenon 'walking on the wind'. Maybe, that's what he had been doing. One thing he knew, his dreams sure beat the hell out of where he was now. He shut his eyes and left the room.

Thanks for reading

Sable Hunter

Month O' Love day 15 with W.Lynn. Chantale

Valentine's day has come and gone, but were still celebrating love here! Today we have the wonderful author, W.Lynn Chantale stopping by to share her thoughts, and love and her influences.

The LOVE Boat

Yes, I'm a child of the 80's and The Love Boat was one of my favorite shows. Where else could you view the lives of a shipboard crew and see passengers fall in love? Maybe your marriage was suffering and needed a boost or two strangers fall head over heels in love. *sigh* Captain Stubing was always honored to perform a wedding.

Then there was Fantasy Island. Somehow Mr. Roarke and Tattoo knew exactly what was needed. Whether it was to reignite passion or provide a bit of intrigue. The guests were always happy.

Looking back on these shows may have led me to become a romance writer or it could've been the countless love songs my parents listened to on vinyl. Artists like The Isley Brothers, Earth, Wind, & Fire. Frankie Beverly ft Mays, the O'Jays, The Temptations, Chaka Khan, etc. This was before CDs, when 8 tracks were king! When ALL the songs on an album were good, because an 8track didn't have fast forward or rewind. At least if you were listening to a 45 or 33 you perfect the needle drop. I know someone is shaking their head. It's okay.

Now I watch shows like Criminal Minds and Doctor Who. Listen to music on ITunes or Pandora, and there's not one single turn table in the house unless you count DJ Hero for the PS3.

So what do you remember most about love?

Until next time, Indulge Your Inner Romantic

Website: http://wlynnchantale.com

Blog: http://wlynnchantale-decadentdecision...

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/wlynnchantale

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/W.LynnChantal...

Month O' Love day 14th with Adonis Devereux!

Today is the day the winged baby causes havoc in the streets, and we all overdose on the colors reds and pink! Thanks to everyone whose been hanging in there with the Month O' Love! I'm loving every moment of it, and there's still more to come after today.

Here to ring in V-day we have Adonis Devereux! They've graciously agreed to an interview followed up by a contest to win their latest book, Bride for the God King. Just comment on this post to be entered. The winner will be announced on Feb. 21st, so mark your calendars'. Now enough chatter from me, on with the interview.

1. Can you tell us a bit about your latest story?

When Elemia was a child, she exhibited strong telepathic abilities, so she given to the Order to be raised as a potential bride for the god-king. The mistress of the Order, however, was jealous of Elemia's talent and insulted and abused her daily – almost in a Cinderella-type way. "You're useless. You're ugly. You're a waste of time and space." Fast forward to Elemia all grown up, her meeting with the king imminent. And that's when she meets Abbas, the rugged, tattooed Rolador horseman, a man whose only blanket is the stars, whose only pillow is a stone. He draws out Elemia's beauty and teaches her her own worth. They fall for each other at once, but the only problem is the supposed grand destiny Elemia has been raised to aspire to: marriage to the god-king. But how can Elemia think about a man she's never met when Abbas is near? Bride for the God-King is our second novel, and it takes place in our fantasy world of Gilalion.

2. What books have influenced your life the most?

She: The Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church

He: I love and read books, but they do not influence my life.

3. When you're not writing what are you doing?

He: Teaching university, spending time with my family, going on dates with the Mrs., playing games, and hosting parties at my home.

She: Editing, homeschooling, cooking for a family of eight, enjoying "family time", playing (role-playing) games, and hosting parties at my home.

4. Are you a pantser or a plotter?

We are definitely plotters. We cannot even start with the first word if we don't have an outline and a chapter-by-chapter breakdown of the plot.

5. Why should readers choose your books?

This is a tough question. I guess it would be easy to sound like a douchebag, but I'd have to say that we don't write typical romance novels, meaning they are not strictly romance. As one reviewer pointed out, they are basically fantasy novels with strong romantic elements. Of course, the main story is the love story, but there's so much more. Our plots are multi-layered, and romance is the foundation. So much goes on, and we're just leaving the bedroom door open. Sex, along with food and water, is the most essential thing to our existence, and way too many people deny it, ignore it, or dismiss it (usually out of some kind of outdated and misguided cultural morality). OK, done rambling.

6. Do you have a favorite of the books you've written?

Well, we've only written two so far, but we both think Bride for the God-King is superior to Worth His Freedom.

7. What's your favorite movie?

She: The Terminator.

He: The Shawshank Redemption. (The first Valentine's Day present the Mrs. ever gave me!)

8. Do you have any writing quirks?

Not really. Can't write with someone reading over my shoulder. Does that count? Oh, and no music playing in the background. With six kids, however, we have learned to shut out ambient noise.

9. What are three things your reader doesn't' know about you?

1. We have six children, and they're all daughters!

2. We both have Master's degrees in literature.

3. We live in Japan.

10. What are you working on next?

Another novel set in the same city as Worth His Freedom, taking place two generations later. We barely touch on the Lorin (elemental wizards, for lack of a better term) in our first novel. This new one? They are the H/h, and their love story is racier than anything we've done before. Look for a maxed out heat rating on this one!

Blurb:

The telepath Elemia has spent her whole life training for her chance to marry the god-king in his far-away capital, but then she meets Abbas—and everything comes apart as they fall for each other.

As a half-breed, Abbas is barely tolerated by his own people, and Elemia is cast out of her order of novices for being with him. As punishment, Elemia is to be sold in marriage to Abbas' older brother, though her mind has already joined with Abbas'. The lovers would do anything to avoid this untenable situation, but even if they escape, they will still have to deal with the god-king.

Excerpt:

Abbas laid out the pieces of clothing: first a thin, white smock, then a tight, blue bodice with laces that he laid on top. He also showed her two skirts, one slightly longer than the other. They were woven in red and blue patterns. "And, of course, your riding boots. You will find yourself ahorse more often than on foot." Abbas was thrilled that he could teach Elemia about his ways. "I'll step outside. When you've tried these on, call me back in." He did not want to go. He wanted to stay and admire the lithe body she had hidden under her robes.

"Thank you, Abbas. Yes, I will call you back in." But she did not move toward the clothes. She simply stood and gazed at him.

Abbas tore himself away, not trusting himself to study her body further, and his head spun as he closed the door behind him. Ahketh was standing there scowling at him, and Abbas's euphoria evaporated. The Ausir knight represented everything that separated him from Elemia: the Order and its absolute control over her life, and the enforced marriage to Cathal.

"I hate you," Abbas growled.

Ahketh chuckled. "I am not too fond of you, either, half-breed. The sooner we are away from each other, the better."

Abbas brooded until he heard Elemia calling his name, more quickly than he had expected.

"What's the matter?" he said through the door.

"I need help. I am not sure what to do with this–this thing."

Abbas's gaze darted to Ahketh's face. What would the knight think of him helping Elemia with her clothes? But Ahketh did not seem to care. He was staring off into the space before him.

Abbas re-entered the room, wondering if he might find Elemia half-naked. Instead, he found her fully dressed in the shift and skirts. In her hand, she held the bodice.

"Not bad for a first try." He laughed a little louder than he felt, trying to cover his surprise. Elemia's breasts were round and full, larger than he had anticipated. He could make out little else save the slim curves of her hips. He cleared his throat, approached, and took the bodice. "This goes on before the skirts, and part of it tucks under them. May I?"

Elemia spread her arms out wide and looked wonderingly into Abbas's eyes. "Please."

Her innocence and trust both aroused Abbas to fever pitch and hardened his resolve to abuse neither. "Here, let me." Abbas reached out and loosened Elemia's skirts, untying them and letting them fall to the floor. The shift went to her knees. He admired the shape of her leg, strong and lean, as it disappeared up into her smock. But then he saw the tattoo, and the creeping ivy across her ankle brought him up short.

"The chieftain said my ivy will never bloom." Elemia must have read his thoughts, or, more likely, his disappointment was plain on his face.

Abbas took what comfort he could in that promise and continued his work. He clasped the bodice around Elemia's waist and laced it from the bottom up. He worked slowly. He wanted to take his time and enjoy the feel of her flesh beneath his hands. With each pull of the lace, Elemia's form became more defined, more visible to Abbas's appreciative eye. Elemia was slender and small, but the fullness of her breasts reminded him that she was not a child. The bodice stopped short under her bosom, leaving them covered only by the shift. As he tied off the lace at the top, his gaze traced the outline of her firm breasts. Her erect nipples were visible through the thin fabric.

"Is it too tight?" Elemia asked. "I cannot really breathe."

Abbas knew that the bodice was not too tight. "It's fine. It just takes some getting used to. You've spent your life in a flowing robe." It pleased Abbas to think that Elemia was becoming as aroused as he, for if anything was too tight, it was his breeches, straining to contain his erection. He slowly knelt and picked up the skirts, raising them around Elemia's hips, letting his hands brush against her buttocks.

Elemia sighed and reached out to tuck a stray braid back behind Abbas's ear. As he wrapped the skirts around her waist, Abbas could feel Elemia moving against him. She was reacting the way her body wanted her to, but she was ignorant of the ways of sex. He realized had she known, she would have kept a tighter rein on her physical response. Abbas smiled to himself and tied the skirts in place, looping the belts through the bodice according to Rolador fashion. He stepped away from her then to appraise her, but he made sure he kept his hands folded in front of his straining breeches. "I have never seen a lovelier chieftainess." He had never seen a lovelier woman. It still amazed him that others did not see Elemia's beauty.

"You flatter me." Elemia smoothed down the bodice. "It is kind of you to think so. You are the perfection of two races, more beautiful than either alone."

Abbas was glad to hear the voices of Volshaden and Jhaleed in the antechamber. He could not trust himself any longer in the room with Elemia, for he wished to seize her, rip the bodice from her breasts, and lick her rosy nipples. He wanted to throw her on the bed, tear off her skirts, and thrust his throbbing phallus into her. He knew that her body would accept him; surely it had already prepared itself. She would wrap her legs around his hips and pull him in deeper, all the while devouring his mouth with her own.

"They are calling us." Elemia brought Abbas back to reality.

Where we are:

Blog – http://boundlessasthesea.blogspot.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/adonis.devereux

FB author page – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adonis...

Twitter – http://twitter.com/#!/AdonisDevereux

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Adonis-Devereux...

Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/adonisdevereux

Email – adonis.devereux@gmail.com

How to purchase:

Evernight Publishing – http://www.evernightpublishing.com/pa...

All Romance eBooks – http://www.allromanceebooks.com/produ...

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/produ...

Bookstrand – http://www.bookstrand.com/adonis-deve...

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_...

Barnes and Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/worth...

1 Place for Romance – http://1placeforromance.com/romantic-...

http://1placeforromance.com/fantasy/b...

My thanks go to Adonis Devereux for stopping by my lil piece of the world, and giving us some insight into the dynamic duo producing unique erotica for the masses.

Month O' Love day 13 with Imogene Nix

Today Imogene Nix has stopped by to give us her take on love… in space! That's right a girl after my own heart. Give me a facsimile of Spock, a deserted space ship and ample opportunity any day. Yumm.

Nicola is running a contest to win he latest release Starline. Just share your own idea of a romantic space encounter to be entered. The contest will run until Sunday the 19th! I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with.

10 Ways to be romantic in space

The concept of romance and space exploration isn't new, by any stretch of the imagination. As writing styles have changed, we have a greater freedom to connect romance and exploring the stars, and boy, is there room to have a whole heap of fun! Among some of the better-known romantic scenes used in science fiction, you have Captain Kirk and the bevy of beauties he always seemed to hook up with. For that matter, what about Chakotay and Seven of Nine – remember when he took her on dates on the holo-deck? (I didn't remember that romance until my husband bought me the dvd sets and I watched them through!)

I always through too, that River Tam and Mal Reynolds from Firefly would end up together, not that we ever got that ending *sigh* (though there were hints throughout the series.) However, we did get Simon Tam and Kaylee (they weren't quite so hinted at though!) so there was the payoff there, just not quite everything we may have hoped for as viewers. You know, even Anne McCaffrey touched on romance in her fantasy series Pern books. Remember when Sebell and Menolly finally sorted their romance out on the boat and she had to send two of her fire lizards away? Yeah, I know…just because it is science fiction and fantasy, it can still have serious romantic aspects. (From my point of view, that gets a huge *phew*)

However, back to my blog topic. I love the idea of having a list of ways to be romantic in space, because it allows us to explore the layers of romance and sensuality in a way we cannot possibly imagine here, on earth in our time. To be frank, the whole concept of space travel and exploration makes me feel hopeful, that we as humans and humanity can leave something behind, and surely that is compatible with romance. Right?

Now I have to say, some of these I have already explored in my current

works, or the pieces I am working on. Some of them have evolved and others are yet to be attempted.

So starting at number ten:

10 – Choose a famous wine from another galaxy while you ply the partner of your choice with the funny stories of how you came across it, lose the inhibitions and party for two! (Be wary of the headache in the morning though!)

9 – Recreate hologaphically the one place you and your partner would love to go. Create an exotic meal, complete with moonlight (or moons) and candles, soft music and the right atmosphere.

8 – Surprise you lover and make love in Zero G. (That has to raise all sorts of ideas )

7 – Spend a weekend on a deserted planet, with fresh fruits, wines and so on. (Sure, it has to beat the old picnic at the beach!)

6 – If you must do a beach, then find one far away from the usual white sands and sun. Somewhere by moonlight. (This could lead to skinny dipping though – so be wary of the critters in the water!)

4 – Send you lover a bouquet of exotic flowers from different planets. (Who needs red roses when you could have an exotic orchid from Alpha Centauri?)

3 – Chocolate is the food of love. Find a range of "foods of love" from other planets, just be careful to take it slowly, who knows what went into those foods and what exotic reactions you might experience? (Makes me shiver at the thought of it!)

2 – In medieval times, reciting poetry to your love was considered the absolute height of romance. So find erotic and or interstellar poetry to share with your love.

1 – Romantic dinner for two, orbiting the earth in a spaceship built for two – complete with viewscreens. (Now that could be seriously cool! But don't forget the wine!)

Yeah, I know. Shame we can't experience any of the things on my list. But don't forget, romance can be a touch, a whisper and even a kiss, whether you are here on earth or somewhere orbiting the Alpha Star Colony!

Above all, I hope your Valentine's Day is fun, light hearted and romance filled (even if the romance is between the pages of a book!)

Imogene Nix

www.imogenenix.com

Month O'Love day 9 with Dianne Hartsock !

We're in day 9 of the Month O' Love celebration, and today we have the dynamic Dianne Hartsock whose presenting us with a glimpse into relationships via her character Nevil.

Nevil Chats about Relationships

Hello! So glad you could make it. *Nevil sits back on the couch, getting comfortable* Can I get you a coffee? Something stronger?

For this month of lovers, I thought I'd share my view on relationships and the incredible one I have with my darling Shelton. I'd never thought much about relationships in the past. I mean, why should I have, with so many gorgeous men making themselves available?

Come on, don't act shocked. You know how it is. You're having a quiet drink when that sexy blond at the bar comes over. He makes small talk, maybe buys you a drink, bats those pretty blue eyes. What's a fellow to do except take him up on the offer? Maybe take him home. Especially if he promises breakfast in next morning.

That is, until I met him. Shelton, the sweetest man…

My architectural firm was designing the extension for the bank where he works. I walked innocently into the first meeting to be ambushed by a pair of lovely hazel eyes. The rest of the man is pretty spectacular too, but it was those eyes that captured my attention. Not only their unique beauty, but the shy looks he kept giving me across the table. I don't think he was even aware of doing it at the time. But I was. Absolutely. I needed to find out if he could back up the amorous promise. I asked him out for drinks, always hinting at more, but he soon made it clear he wanted all or nothing from me.

I think it was his hesitancy that attracted me. I've seen friends fall in and out of relationships like changing their socks. I never saw the point of being with only one person, only to lose them in the end. I've seen too many friends hurt this way.

But with Shelton I sensed something different. Something I'd never experienced before. There was so much passion in those hazel eyes when they met mine, and yet Shelton denied himself the pleasure we could share together. I was intrigued.

He explained he wanted more then just a fling. His emotions were engaged and he needed a relationship that would last. I refused at first, fool that I am, and almost lost the best thing in my life. Because having Shelton in my life is the best thing that's happened to me. I still don't know what convinced him to go out with me that fateful night we slept together for the first time. I lost my heart to him then, though I didn't realize it until later.

So what keeps me faithful with so much temptation on every side? Shelton loves me. And believe me, in this world where you can change partners as often as socks, that is a precious thing. Also, Shelton is the most sensual man I've ever met. No matter how angry I might get with him at times, he'll give me this look that melts me. It's a knowing, loving glance that also burns with desire. He's my best friend as well as my lover. I'm in love for the first time in my life and wouldn't have it any other way.

Hopefully you're in a relationship as fulfilling and wonderful as mine. Happy Valentine's Week!

Shelton in Love

Breathless Press: http://www.breathlesspress.com/shelto...

Amazon: http://amzn.to/m3VJDe

Shelton is falling hard for his best friend and roommate, finding Nevil's dark good looks and moments of gentleness almost impossible to resist. But Nevil is more interested in affairs of the body than the heart. As Shelton's desire for the man grows, he wonders if he can change Nevil's mind. But does he even want to? Nevil might not stay, once he learns Shelton's secret, and then his loneliness would be complete.

Shelton's Promise

Breathless Press: http://www.breathlesspress.com/shelto...

Amazon: http://amzn.to/nGt0xx

Shelton has a gift he's eager to give to Nevil. At a party, Nevil flirts with one man after another, keeping Shelton on his toes. Then Percy, an ex, shows up to complicate things. Despite his best efforts, Shelton can't find the right moment to give Nevil his gift. Will Nevil ever let Shelton get close to him, or will Shelton have to keep the gift in his pocket all evening?

Shelton's Choice

Breathless Press: http://www.breathlesspress.com/shelto...

Amazon: http://amzn.to/rNomv9

After a year of bliss with Nevil, Shelton is offered the promotion he's been working toward at the bank. Unfortunately the new position is in another state, and Nevil doesn't want to move. As tension mounts between them, Shelton is given another challenge in the form of a besotted coworker. Torn between the pressures at work and at home, Shelton has to choose his future. That is, until Nevil takes the decision out of his hands.

Feel free to contact me!

Dianne Hartsock

Blog: http://diannehartsock.wordpress.com/

FB: http://www.facebook.com/diannehartsock

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/diannehartsock

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...

Month O' Love day 9 with Dianne Hartsock !

We're in day 9 of the Month O' Love celebration, and today we have the dynamic Dianne Hartsock whose presenting us with a glimpse into relationships via her character Nevil.

Nevil Chats about Relationships

Hello! So glad you could make it. *Nevil sits back on the couch, getting comfortable* Can I get you a coffee? Something stronger?

For this month of lovers, I thought I'd share my view on relationships and the incredible one I have with my darling Shelton. I'd never thought much about relationships in the past. I mean, why should I have, with so many gorgeous men making themselves available?

Come on, don't act shocked. You know how it is. You're having a quiet drink when that sexy blond at the bar comes over. He makes small talk, maybe buys you a drink, bats those pretty blue eyes. What's a fellow to do except take him up on the offer? Maybe take him home. Especially if he promises breakfast in next morning.

That is, until I met him. Shelton, the sweetest man…

My architectural firm was designing the extension for the bank where he works. I walked innocently into the first meeting to be ambushed by a pair of lovely hazel eyes. The rest of the man is pretty spectacular too, but it was those eyes that captured my attention. Not only their unique beauty, but the shy looks he kept giving me across the table. I don't think he was even aware of doing it at the time. But I was. Absolutely. I needed to find out if he could back up the amorous promise. I asked him out for drinks, always hinting at more, but he soon made it clear he wanted all or nothing from me.

I think it was his hesitancy that attracted me. I've seen friends fall in and out of relationships like changing their socks. I never saw the point of being with only one person, only to lose them in the end. I've seen too many friends hurt this way.

But with Shelton I sensed something different. Something I'd never experienced before. There was so much passion in those hazel eyes when they met mine, and yet Shelton denied himself the pleasure we could share together. I was intrigued.

He explained he wanted more then just a fling. His emotions were engaged and he needed a relationship that would last. I refused at first, fool that I am, and almost lost the best thing in my life. Because having Shelton in my life is the best thing that's happened to me. I still don't know what convinced him to go out with me that fateful night we slept together for the first time. I lost my heart to him then, though I didn't realize it until later.

So what keeps me faithful with so much temptation on every side? Shelton loves me. And believe me, in this world where you can change partners as often as socks, that is a precious thing. Also, Shelton is the most sensual man I've ever met. No matter how angry I might get with him at times, he'll give me this look that melts me. It's a knowing, loving glance that also burns with desire. He's my best friend as well as my lover. I'm in love for the first time in my life and wouldn't have it any other way.

Hopefully you're in a relationship as fulfilling and wonderful as mine. Happy Valentine's Week!

Shelton in Love

Breathless Press: http://www.breathlesspress.com/shelto...

Amazon: http://amzn.to/m3VJDe

Shelton is falling hard for his best friend and roommate, finding Nevil's dark good looks and moments of gentleness almost impossible to resist. But Nevil is more interested in affairs of the body than the heart. As Shelton's desire for the man grows, he wonders if he can change Nevil's mind. But does he even want to? Nevil might not stay, once he learns Shelton's secret, and then his loneliness would be complete.

Shelton's Promise

Breathless Press: http://www.breathlesspress.com/shelto...

Amazon: http://amzn.to/nGt0xx

Shelton has a gift he's eager to give to Nevil. At a party, Nevil flirts with one man after another, keeping Shelton on his toes. Then Percy, an ex, shows up to complicate things. Despite his best efforts, Shelton can't find the right moment to give Nevil his gift. Will Nevil ever let Shelton get close to him, or will Shelton have to keep the gift in his pocket all evening?

Shelton's Choice

Breathless Press: http://www.breathlesspress.com/shelto...

Amazon: http://amzn.to/rNomv9

After a year of bliss with Nevil, Shelton is offered the promotion he's been working toward at the bank. Unfortunately the new position is in another state, and Nevil doesn't want to move. As tension mounts between them, Shelton is given another challenge in the form of a besotted coworker. Torn between the pressures at work and at home, Shelton has to choose his future. That is, until Nevil takes the decision out of his hands.

Feel free to contact me!

Dianne Hartsock

Blog: http://diannehartsock.wordpress.com/

FB: http://www.facebook.com/diannehartsock

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/diannehartsock

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...

Hop of Love Hosted by TBR Pile !

Tomorrow is the first day for the HOP OF LOVE which I'm participating. I know I'm a busy woman this month, but I'm having a blast! Leave a comment here and you'll be entered to win a copy of my newest novel, Wicked Temptations.

Contest starts FEB. 9th and ends FEB. 14th.

Below you can find a little excerpt and a link to everyone participating in this hop in honor of love. There's 10 book winners and 1 $20.00 Amazon winner so get to hoping

http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/blog-hop...

Excerpt:

"Why would you do that, you stupid woman! Youwere completely defenseless just now. I could have done anything."

"Yet,you didn't. How could I ask you to trust me if I don't show you trust first?"

"This is a dangerous game you play." He wrapped his fingers around her waist, staring into her eyes as he willed her to tell him the truth.

"It's not a game, Bo. We'll never move forward until we leave our history behind."

"Your serious aren't you?" he scoffed. "You holy-rollers and your silly faith. I doubtI even know how to trust anymore. It's not exactly a quality you need in myline of work."

"Then perhaps we should re-learn together."

"Re-learn?"

"Believe it or not, there are not many I place my trust in. Even in this life, othersrarely do things without some sort of ulterior motive."

"Who do you trust then?"

"Brea."

"Of course, you do. Everyone loves the new golden girl."

"You know if you'd give her half a chance I think you two could be good friends."

Her words made him shudder. "Perish the thought, Pixie."

"Now this isn't so bad is it?"

"What?"

"Getting to know each other."

"Hmm, is that what we're doing?"

"Yes."

"Too bad it's not real. Once you've played your role, you'll be off on a mission to save the next soul." His words made her flinch, and he smirked. He couldn't afford to forget when everything was said and done, they'd be on opposite sides. "Truth hurt?"

"No, the way you manipulate facts perturbs me."

"Do you mean to tell me you're doing this out of the kindness of your heart? Come on, Anna, we've lived much too long to delude ourselves."

"I may have been assigned to you, but what you do with our time together is up to you!" She rose to her feet, chest heaving and face flushed as she stormed for the door.

"Really?"he asked. His words stopped her shy of the door as she paused. He rose to his feet and stalked forward, feeling pleasure unravel inside him as he backed her into a wall.

"What if I wanted to turn this into something more…intimate?" he whispered. He pressed his body against her lush curves, his hand gripping her hip as he ground his hardening cock against her. A whimper left her lips, and he smirked as her eyes dilated, and her breath hitched. It was good to know he wasn't alone in his twisted attraction.

"S-Stop."She gasped.

"Is that really what you want me to do Anna?" he asked. Boden pulled back.

His hand moved up to cup her full breast, kneading the supple mound as he watched her skin turn pink.

"I asked you a question, Anna." He pinched her nipple and savored her cry. "Is that what you want?"

"N-No."

"I didn't think so. You're a dirty girl, aren't you?"

He rolled the hardened points of her nipples between his fingers as he drank down her reckless abandon. The power she relinquished made him feel like he was on equal footing for the first time since he'd been taken.

"I bet you're soaking wet right now, aren't you?" He slid his hand inside the yoga pants and ran a finger over her moist panties. A satisfied purr left his lips as her hips titled to press the needy part of her against his hand. Her head fell back against the wall.

"This is your secret, isn't it? The perfect golden-haired goody two-shoes likes to be controlled and told she's a bad girl." Whimpers left her throat as he continued to caress her through the thin barrier. Her hips ground up against him.

"Such an eager girl, I think I'll grant you a gift." He leaned down to taste her lips, but thought better of it allowing his lips to caress her ear. His tongue flicked out to lick the delicate shell. "Would you like that?"

"Yes."

Boden moved away to pull her pants down along with her panties. Anna's curly hairs were neatly trimmed, and her apex glistened with the proof of her arousal. He wanted to go to his knees and taste her. To attach his mouth to the swollen bud that peaked from between her puffy lips and suckle her until she came screaming his name. The intense emotions rolled through him, shaking him as he resisted. He needed to remain in control.

"You've got such a pretty little cunt." The foreplay was skipped as he thrust a finger deep inside her tight hole, and she cried out. Her voice was a strange mix of pleasure and pain that had his tip dripping like a faucet.

"Fuck,you're so wet and tight." His finger began to thrust, and her hungry walls sucked him in. Gripped him and held him in their taut embrace.

"You like what I'm doing to you don't you, my girl?"

"Oh God! Yes."

"I'm far from done." He added another finger and pumped faster. "I want to hear you scream my name when you come." Anna's fingers curled around his shoulders as her walls shivered, and she rocked her hips in time with his rhythm. Her walls shuddered around his fingers before they clamped down. A gush of liquid flowed forth as she threw her head back and screamed his name. The shrill cries were music to his ears. Her weight rested against the wall, and their gazes locked as he pulled his digits free and sucked them into his mouth. Her honeyed nectar exploded on his tongue, and he moaned. She tasted like ripe fruit sprinkled with sugar.

"You're the sweetest thing I think I've ever tasted."

"B—"

"Shh, you're not the only one who has things to teach." She looked dazed as she nodded her head and allowed him to right her clothing.

"I think you're the one who needs to think about what we want from our time together. The ball's in your court now."

Month O'Love Day 8 With Doris O'Connor

Today we're joined by the dazzling, Doris O'Connor (Yes I like alliteration, I even had a mini skit in college called alliteration station). Back to the topic, Doris is here to share her thoughts about love and a toe-curling excerpt from her sizzling release , Too Hot To Handle.

Romance—what does it mean to you?

It's February and as I'm sitting here typing this guest blog with the telly on in the background, I'm running out of fingers, counting the Valentine themed Adverts.

*rolls eyes*

You see, Valentines Day, and the whole commercial shebang that goes with it, turns me into a bit of a cynic. I can hear you all gasp now—a Romance Author who doesn't believe in Valentines? Sacrilege! But bear with me on this.

I may not believe in Valentines, but I do believe in romance, the real nitty gritty, day in, day out romance. The kind of romance that means hubby and I have been married for twenty-three years. Now don't get me wrong we do give each other cards and we go out for dinner, though not usually on Valentines, but we do not buy into the whole must get each other huge presents, declare our undying love gestures.

Gestures are easy after all. Make an effort one day a year and take your other half for granted the rest of the time. I see that all too often, hence my cynical side coming to the fore. We show each other we care every day of the year, we do not need a commercial reminder.

Mind you, there has been certain hilarity surrounding Valentines Day over the years. We will always fondly remember our 'courting days'. Hubby used to drive a van—rather handy in them days.

*cough*

Anyways we were celebrating that particular Valentines, when we were rather rudely interrupted by none other than two burly coppers with flashlights. It wasn't funny at the time, but we can giggle about it now.

"Just let my fiancé get dressed, first, officer."

Cue me, freezing my butt off wearing nothing but a thankfully very long jumper. We were let off with a stern telling off.

*giggles*

Then there were the Valentines, when money was so tight, we couldn't even afford a card, let alone a present, so hubby surprised me with poems, picture collages, etc. One Valentines he made me huge heart out of wood, in the center of which was our wedding picture. Yeah, he's the really soppy one!

I tend to make gagging noises, when he gets that soppy, until he tells me to shut up, and just accept that he loves me, and if he wants to get soppy then he will. Then I swoon. 

Because I am female enough to secretly love it when he does that, but it wouldn't mean a thing, if he didn't walk the walk every day. If he never again told me he loved me, I would still feel loved, because he makes me feel special every day. From bringing me breakfast in bed at the weekend, to changing dirty nappies, late night trips for emergency chocolates, taking the kids out for the day, so that I can write, or letting me rant and rave at him when I had one of*those*days.

From making me feel beautiful with that look he gets in his eyes and the way he still loses his train of thought when he sees me undress, despite the passage of time and the evidence of nine children. From keeping me fed and watered when I lose myself in a story to holding me when I cry. He's my best friend and I simply couldn't imagine life without him.

Before you all think he's some kind of paragon of virtue, let me reassure you he's also a typical male and an alpha male at that. So he can be darn near impossible to live with, and I can never get him to do anything, unless he wants to do it. Well, I probably could if I used my feminine wiles, but we don't have that sort of a relationship, and I respect him and myself too much to try that particular trick.

He snores, he has the most awful temper, he's obsessed with martial arts, weight training, and cycling, to name but a few, and he drives me round the bend with his constant 'tinkering'. But then I have plenty of quirks that drive him insane too. We very often agree to disagree, shall we say…

But hey, this is real life, not a romance novel.

*grin*

The one complaint hubby has about my writing, is my heroes.

"Do they have to be so damn well physically perfect?" He rolls his eyes when I say, "Yes actually they do, because this is fantasy and we have the real thing at home."

I had to run after that comment… he caught up with me…

*sniggers*

Moving swiftly on, lol, I love losing myself in a good romance and I sniff at the HEA. And yes, hubby reads them too, voraciously I might add, even when he grumbles about those damn heroes!

This leads me swiftly to the latest one of my heroes, my sexy firefighter Alex Giovanni. He's one of hubby's favorites. He was only telling me last night, how much he loves the cover of Too Hot To Handle. So do I, but I'm pretty sure it's for different reasons

I leave you with an excerpt. Don't forget to tell me what romance means to you. Would love to hear your views!

Blurb

When firefighter Alex Giovanni returns to his old neighbourhood to fulfill family obligations, he is reunited with the woman inhabiting his dreams. The sexy siren ran out on him after one explosive night many years ago. Hiding behind her sensible clothes she portrays the perfect image of Miss Prim and Proper and Alex vows to unlock the passionate woman he remembers. Mixing business with pleasure has never been so much fun.

Kitty Jenkins' orderly life gets turned upside down when Alex walks into her school. Their passion filled night four years ago has left her with a secret that threatens to tear them apart. Giving into Alex is out of the question, regardless of how much her body craves his touch.

When secrets spill and disaster strikes, can their passion turn into love?

Excerpt

Kitty's heart beat a strange staccato against her breastbone. What had possessed her to slip back into her school girl outfit, she would never know. Yet here she was, dressed like some third-rate hooker, about to embark on a one night stand. Taking a deep, fortifying breath, she knocked on the door of Alex's hotel room. All was quiet on the other side, and she was just about to turn round when the door opened; and Kitty's greeting stuck in her throat.

Dressed in nothing but low riding jeans, Alex smiled at her, and she hastily wrenched her eyes upwards from the incredible abs on display. Covered with a light dusting of chest hair that trailed down to his jeans, they would give any model a run for his money, and Kitty swallowed. Dressed he was bad enough, but like this he was breathtaking, and judging by that lazy smile he knew it, too.

"Room service around here just keeps on getting better." Alex's husky voice raised goose bumps on her exposed skin. "Coming in?"

He hooked one finger under her chin and tugged the end of her shirt tails with the other hand, forcing her to take a step toward him.

"I-I shouldn't be here, really. I'm not sure why I'm even here." Kitty mumbled the words, and heat spread into her cheeks.

Alex merely smiled and pulled her closer still. "Liar, we both know why you're here. Question is, my naughty little girl, will you step through the door and expand your curriculum?" Alex's heated whispers against her ear sent her heart into overdrive, and she leant into his warmth. His clean, male scent wrapped itself round her senses, and her stomach flip-flopped in delicious anticipation. It had been so long since any man had held her. That had to be the reason for her immediate reaction to this man.

"Well, Sir, that all depends what you have in mind, because I have been very naughty."

Alex went very still at her breathy statement, and Kitty bit her lip. Has she read this wrong? Was he not up for a little role-play? She hesitantly raised her eyes to his face to read his expression, and the heat in his gaze scorched her skin.

"So, I've heard. Come here, and take your punishment." His deep voice had dropped several octaves, and he grabbed her by the wrist and spun her into the room. The door clicked shut, the sound loud in the quiet room, and before she could even blink, he had her pinned against the wall. One jeans clad thigh spread her legs wide, and he raised her hands high above her head, whilst his other hand blazed a trail of heat along her exposed tummy. His mouth claimed hers in a bruising kiss, and she opened to his quiet demand automatically. His tongue found hers in an erotic dance that left her jelly-legged, breathless, and grateful for his big body holding her up against the wall.

He groaned his approval when she kissed him back, and he deepened the kiss, his fingers slowly slipping south, until they dipped under the elastic of her thong.

"My, you are a naughty girl. What have we here?"

He chuckled into her neck, and Kitty gasped when he thrust one finger into her wet core.

"So wet already, and we've only just started." He flicked her clitoris once, and the slight pain caused a renewed burst of moisture to coat his fingers as he inserted another finger into her and found her g-spot. Kitty moaned into his shoulder as sensations built deep inside her core, and he licked himself down the column of her throat towards her breast. She screamed when he bit one nipple through the shirt and bra and thrust her hips at him, desperate to reach the release his talented fingers were driving her toward.

"Not so fast. You're being punished, remember."

Alex smiled and withdrew his fingers. He licked each digit in turn, murmuring his approval and then stepped back, his heated gaze roaming over her body. Kitty clenched her thighs together in a vain effort to relieve the hot ache in her pussy.

"Spread your legs, naughty girl." Alex growled the demand, and Kitty's eyes widened at the steely determination she saw in his face. "You will not come until I give you permission. Do you hear me?"

"Yes." Good God, does that porn star voice really belong to me?

Alex's eyes narrowed, and Kitty automatically dropped her gaze. She licked her lips, seeing the huge erection straining the flies of his jeans. Oh my. He was clearly as turned on as she by their little game. But how far would he take this? And did she trust him enough to find out?

"Yes, what?" His deep voice held an edge of steel, and she bit back her moan. That voice alone would send her over the edge. Who'd have thought a little role-play could be so erotic?

"Yes, Sir."

"Good girl. Now strip – slowly."

Alex's voice brooked no argument, and Kitty hastened to comply. She fumbled with the tails of her blouse until Alex stepped forward and ripped the thing clean off her.

"Not that slowly."

His eyes wicked, he unhooked her bra and sent that, too, flying. He whistled his approval as her breasts fell free. He cupped each mound in turn, and spun her around and toward the double bed, which took up one side of the hotel room. The slap on her ass took her by surprise, and she yelped. He soothed the sting with his large hand massaging her ass cheeks, and he chuckled into her neck.

His fingers once again dipped into her wet folds, and she froze when he inserted one digit, slick with her juices, into her anus. Heaven help her, that felt way too good. Heat spread across her skin, and Alex bit into her earlobe, as his fingers continued their erotic dance in and out of her forbidden passage, and her body betrayed her arousal by a renewed gush of moisture between her legs.

"That's my naughty girl." Alex's erratic breathing into her neck pitched her own arousal sky high, and she put up no resistance when he urged her onto the bed, his naked, warm, torso heating her back.

"Get on all fours for me."

Contact details

Web http://www.dorisoconnor.com/

Blog http://thetardisscribbles.blogspot.com/

Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/mamaD8

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Doris-...

Purchase Links:

Evernight http://www.evernightpublishing.com/to...

Amazon http://www.amazon.co.uk/Too-Handle-Gi...

A huge thanks to Doris for stopping by today! I'm having a blast introducing y'all to my pub sisters and sharing their work! Be sure to check out Too Hot To Handle!

Month O' Love Day 8 With Doris O'Connor

Today we're joined by the dazzling, Doris O'Connor (Yes I like alliteration, I even had a mini skit in college called alliteration station). Back to the topic, Doris is here to share her thoughts about love and a toe-curling excerpt from her sizzling release , Too Hot To Handle.

Romance—what does it mean to you?

It's February and as I'm sitting here typing this guest blog with the telly on in the background, I'm running out of fingers, counting the Valentine themed Adverts.

*rolls eyes*

You see, Valentines Day, and the whole commercial shebang that goes with it, turns me into a bit of a cynic. I can hear you all gasp now—a Romance Author who doesn't believe in Valentines? Sacrilege! But bear with me on this.

I may not believe in Valentines, but I do believe in romance, the real nitty gritty, day in, day out romance. The kind of romance that means hubby and I have been married for twenty-three years. Now don't get me wrong we do give each other cards and we go out for dinner, though not usually on Valentines, but we do not buy into the whole must get each other huge presents, declare our undying love gestures.

Gestures are easy after all. Make an effort one day a year and take your other half for granted the rest of the time. I see that all too often, hence my cynical side coming to the fore. We show each other we care every day of the year, we do not need a commercial reminder.

Mind you, there has been certain hilarity surrounding Valentines Day over the years. We will always fondly remember our 'courting days'. Hubby used to drive a van—rather handy in them days.

*cough*

Anyways we were celebrating that particular Valentines, when we were rather rudely interrupted by none other than two burly coppers with flashlights. It wasn't funny at the time, but we can giggle about it now.

"Just let my fiancé get dressed, first, officer."

Cue me, freezing my butt off wearing nothing but a thankfully very long jumper. We were let off with a stern telling off.

*giggles*

Then there were the Valentines, when money was so tight, we couldn't even afford a card, let alone a present, so hubby surprised me with poems, picture collages, etc. One Valentines he made me huge heart out of wood, in the center of which was our wedding picture. Yeah, he's the really soppy one!

I tend to make gagging noises, when he gets that soppy, until he tells me to shut up, and just accept that he loves me, and if he wants to get soppy then he will. Then I swoon. 

Because I am female enough to secretly love it when he does that, but it wouldn't mean a thing, if he didn't walk the walk every day. If he never again told me he loved me, I would still feel loved, because he makes me feel special every day. From bringing me breakfast in bed at the weekend, to changing dirty nappies, late night trips for emergency chocolates, taking the kids out for the day, so that I can write, or letting me rant and rave at him when I had one of*those*days.

From making me feel beautiful with that look he gets in his eyes and the way he still loses his train of thought when he sees me undress, despite the passage of time and the evidence of nine children. From keeping me fed and watered when I lose myself in a story to holding me when I cry. He's my best friend and I simply couldn't imagine life without him.

Before you all think he's some kind of paragon of virtue, let me reassure you he's also a typical male and an alpha male at that. So he can be darn near impossible to live with, and I can never get him to do anything, unless he wants to do it. Well, I probably could if I used my feminine wiles, but we don't have that sort of a relationship, and I respect him and myself too much to try that particular trick.

He snores, he has the most awful temper, he's obsessed with martial arts, weight training, and cycling, to name but a few, and he drives me round the bend with his constant 'tinkering'. But then I have plenty of quirks that drive him insane too. We very often agree to disagree, shall we say…

But hey, this is real life, not a romance novel.

*grin*

The one complaint hubby has about my writing, is my heroes.

"Do they have to be so damn well physically perfect?" He rolls his eyes when I say, "Yes actually they do, because this is fantasy and we have the real thing at home."

I had to run after that comment… he caught up with me…

*sniggers*

Moving swiftly on, lol, I love losing myself in a good romance and I sniff at the HEA. And yes, hubby reads them too, voraciously I might add, even when he grumbles about those damn heroes!

This leads me swiftly to the latest one of my heroes, my sexy firefighter Alex Giovanni. He's one of hubby's favorites. He was only telling me last night, how much he loves the cover of Too Hot To Handle. So do I, but I'm pretty sure it's for different reasons

I leave you with an excerpt. Don't forget to tell me what romance means to you. Would love to hear your views!

Blurb

When firefighter Alex Giovanni returns to his old neighbourhood to fulfill family obligations, he is reunited with the woman inhabiting his dreams. The sexy siren ran out on him after one explosive night many years ago. Hiding behind her sensible clothes she portrays the perfect image of Miss Prim and Proper and Alex vows to unlock the passionate woman he remembers. Mixing business with pleasure has never been so much fun.

Kitty Jenkins' orderly life gets turned upside down when Alex walks into her school. Their passion filled night four years ago has left her with a secret that threatens to tear them apart. Giving into Alex is out of the question, regardless of how much her body craves his touch.

When secrets spill and disaster strikes, can their passion turn into love?

Excerpt

Kitty's heart beat a strange staccato against her breastbone. What had possessed her to slip back into her school girl outfit, she would never know. Yet here she was, dressed like some third-rate hooker, about to embark on a one night stand. Taking a deep, fortifying breath, she knocked on the door of Alex's hotel room. All was quiet on the other side, and she was just about to turn round when the door opened; and Kitty's greeting stuck in her throat.

Dressed in nothing but low riding jeans, Alex smiled at her, and she hastily wrenched her eyes upwards from the incredible abs on display. Covered with a light dusting of chest hair that trailed down to his jeans, they would give any model a run for his money, and Kitty swallowed. Dressed he was bad enough, but like this he was breathtaking, and judging by that lazy smile he knew it, too.

"Room service around here just keeps on getting better." Alex's husky voice raised goose bumps on her exposed skin. "Coming in?"

He hooked one finger under her chin and tugged the end of her shirt tails with the other hand, forcing her to take a step toward him.

"I-I shouldn't be here, really. I'm not sure why I'm even here." Kitty mumbled the words, and heat spread into her cheeks.

Alex merely smiled and pulled her closer still. "Liar, we both know why you're here. Question is, my naughty little girl, will you step through the door and expand your curriculum?" Alex's heated whispers against her ear sent her heart into overdrive, and she leant into his warmth. His clean, male scent wrapped itself round her senses, and her stomach flip-flopped in delicious anticipation. It had been so long since any man had held her. That had to be the reason for her immediate reaction to this man.

"Well, Sir, that all depends what you have in mind, because I have been very naughty."

Alex went very still at her breathy statement, and Kitty bit her lip. Has she read this wrong? Was he not up for a little role-play? She hesitantly raised her eyes to his face to read his expression, and the heat in his gaze scorched her skin.

"So, I've heard. Come here, and take your punishment." His deep voice had dropped several octaves, and he grabbed her by the wrist and spun her into the room. The door clicked shut, the sound loud in the quiet room, and before she could even blink, he had her pinned against the wall. One jeans clad thigh spread her legs wide, and he raised her hands high above her head, whilst his other hand blazed a trail of heat along her exposed tummy. His mouth claimed hers in a bruising kiss, and she opened to his quiet demand automatically. His tongue found hers in an erotic dance that left her jelly-legged, breathless, and grateful for his big body holding her up against the wall.

He groaned his approval when she kissed him back, and he deepened the kiss, his fingers slowly slipping south, until they dipped under the elastic of her thong.

"My, you are a naughty girl. What have we here?"

He chuckled into her neck, and Kitty gasped when he thrust one finger into her wet core.

"So wet already, and we've only just started." He flicked her clitoris once, and the slight pain caused a renewed burst of moisture to coat his fingers as he inserted another finger into her and found her g-spot. Kitty moaned into his shoulder as sensations built deep inside her core, and he licked himself down the column of her throat towards her breast. She screamed when he bit one nipple through the shirt and bra and thrust her hips at him, desperate to reach the release his talented fingers were driving her toward.

"Not so fast. You're being punished, remember."

Alex smiled and withdrew his fingers. He licked each digit in turn, murmuring his approval and then stepped back, his heated gaze roaming over her body. Kitty clenched her thighs together in a vain effort to relieve the hot ache in her pussy.

"Spread your legs, naughty girl." Alex growled the demand, and Kitty's eyes widened at the steely determination she saw in his face. "You will not come until I give you permission. Do you hear me?"

"Yes." Good God, does that porn star voice really belong to me?

Alex's eyes narrowed, and Kitty automatically dropped her gaze. She licked her lips, seeing the huge erection straining the flies of his jeans. Oh my. He was clearly as turned on as she by their little game. But how far would he take this? And did she trust him enough to find out?

"Yes, what?" His deep voice held an edge of steel, and she bit back her moan. That voice alone would send her over the edge. Who'd have thought a little role-play could be so erotic?

"Yes, Sir."

"Good girl. Now strip – slowly."

Alex's voice brooked no argument, and Kitty hastened to comply. She fumbled with the tails of her blouse until Alex stepped forward and ripped the thing clean off her.

"Not that slowly."

His eyes wicked, he unhooked her bra and sent that, too, flying. He whistled his approval as her breasts fell free. He cupped each mound in turn, and spun her around and toward the double bed, which took up one side of the hotel room. The slap on her ass took her by surprise, and she yelped. He soothed the sting with his large hand massaging her ass cheeks, and he chuckled into her neck.

His fingers once again dipped into her wet folds, and she froze when he inserted one digit, slick with her juices, into her anus. Heaven help her, that felt way too good. Heat spread across her skin, and Alex bit into her earlobe, as his fingers continued their erotic dance in and out of her forbidden passage, and her body betrayed her arousal by a renewed gush of moisture between her legs.

"That's my naughty girl." Alex's erratic breathing into her neck pitched her own arousal sky high, and she put up no resistance when he urged her onto the bed, his naked, warm, torso heating her back.

"Get on all fours for me."

Contact details

Web http://www.dorisoconnor.com/

Blog http://thetardisscribbles.blogspot.com/

Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/mamaD8

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Doris-...

Purchase Links:

Evernight http://www.evernightpublishing.com/to...

Amazon http://www.amazon.co.uk/Too-Handle-Gi...

A huge thanks to Doris for stopping by today! I'm having a blast introducing y'all to my pub sisters and sharing their work! Be sure to check out Too Hot To Handle!