Travis Luedke's Blog, page 3

Interstellar Scifi Romance Release Party! #Scifi #SFR #Romance #ASMSG

INTERSTELLAR FACEBOOK PARTY!
May 20th 2015 - Two Series, Two New Books!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1672683336288806/


ANGEL 6.0 ENSLAVED: http://smarturl.it/Angel6Enslaved
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25529352-angel-6-0
HUNTED BY TREATY: http://smarturl.it/HuntedByTreatyGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25482428-hunted-by-treaty

ANGEL 6.0: Enslaved to a Catlike Alien race of Warriors, Angel is whisked away to the far side of the galaxy. Experience her struggle to survive captivity as a concubine.

HUNTED: Running from Alien abductors who've put a price on his head, Raiss finds sanctuary and companionship with a strangely beautiful half-breed who risks her life to save his.





Join Travis Luedke and Kayla Stonor for an out of this world celebration with guest author appearances, giveaways, games, prizes and more!

Guest author appearances (All times are CDT-Chicago)
12-1 Travis Luedke
1-1:30 Teresa Noelle Roberts
1:30-2 Lyn Brittan
2-2:30 Victoria Melantha Black
2:30-3 Jonathan Taylor
3-3:30 Veronica Scott a.k.a Jean Walker
3:30-4 Ed Hoornaert
4-4:30 Krystal White
4:30-5 Electa Scott Graham
5-5:30 Simon Oneill Okill
5:30-6 Michelle Patricia Browne
6-6:30 Jennifer Cothran
6:30-7 Kayla Stonor
7-7:30 Shannon Bell
7:30-8 Susanne Leist
8-8:30 Cathryn Cade
8:30-9 Rachel L. Smith



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Who Is The Romance Novel Reader? #Romance #ASMSG

Who Is the Romance Novel Reader?



The romance industry is big -- it's the second largest category of fiction, outselling science fiction, fantasy and the classics -- which means there are a lot of readers, who may or may not fit the stereotype. It means that you or someone you know might be reading romances.There are many myths about who reads romance novels and why -- something I explore in my book Dangerous Books For Girls: The Bad Reputation of Romance Novels Explained  -- but here's the truth, based on research, survey data and common freaking sense:  
 MYTH: The romance reader is likely to be a desperate housewife, lonely spinster or sorority sister.**
FACT: Contrary to popular perception, women do not make up 150% of romance readers. According to survey results from Romance Writers of America, 84 percent of romance readers are women and 16 percent are men -- up from 9 percent a few years ago.While 70% of romance readers discover the genre between the ages of 11 and 18, most romance readers tend to be older (the average age range is from 30 and 54 years-old.) She's also likely to be coupled up and has an average income of $55,000 per year.The romance industry is large -- more than half of the mass market paperbacks sold in the U.S. are romance -- and it's readership is vast as well. So for every desperate housewife, there's a happily harried wife and/or mom taking a break with a romance novel. For every lonely spinster, there's an unapologetic single woman. And for every sorority sister, there's a proud geek girl who loves romance novels.
MYTH: The address of the romance reader: Fly over state, USA
FACT: There is a grain of truth in this one. In the United States, romance readers are most highly represented in the south, followed by the midwest. But romance novels are read all over the world and translated into many different languages.
MYTH: Romance readers are stupid
FACT: There's a sense that romance novels are stupid books for stupid people. The non-romance readers I surveyed thought romance readers were less likely to have an advance degree than romance readers reported having attained. But the idea that women's fiction was frivolous and the readers were foolish goes way back to the 18th and 19th centuries, when the novel was gaining popularity and women were gaining literacy. General impressions of women's intelligence were hardly flattering, probably because no one thought to give girls an education. This is just an old, leftover association that is hardly relevant these days -- isn't stupid to keep perpetuating it?
MYTH: Romance readers lack romance in real life. 
FACT: "I don't think people assume that people who read mystery novels are thwarted detectives,"Esi Sogah, a senior editor at Kensington books, told me. "But there's this idea that people who like romances don't actually have romance in their lives." Get some candles, soft music, wine, flowers, chocolate and a hunk of a man immediately. Or just a romance novel. Because someone out there might not have enough romance in their life.

What is enough romance anyway? What if we have candles but no wine? What if there are flowers but someone forgets the chocolate (that's really bad). What if there is no man? Can it still be romance? What if you are not swept off your feet because that sounds like someone could get hurt, which would lead a night in the ER which I think we can all agree is not romantic (well -- unless it's McDreamy, RIP).

And if someone doesn't have enough romance, and supplements with a novel, what's wrong with that? And if someone doesn't have a relationship that looks like the ones she reads about in romance novels -- where she is cherished, pleasured and respected -- and that gets her thinking about making some changes, is that so bad?
  
MYTH: Romance readers wear ugly sweaters
FACT: So does Mr. Darcy.
  

MYTH: Romance readers are stay at home mothers and housewives, idling away the hours by reading trashy Fabio books
FACT: Well this is a fraught subject. Raising a family and keeping a house in order is a tough job and someone has to do it. For a long time, housewife and mother were the highest occupations women could aspire to (also, basically the only one). To claim romance readers aren't full time family caretakers is to suggest that there's something wrong with that, which is not something I want to do. 

In the 1970s, when the bodice ripping boom happened, women were just starting to venture out into the workforce. In the early 1980s, Janice Radway wrote Reading the Romance: Pop Culture and the Patriarchy based on her focus groups with "The Smithton Women" who were a group of avid romance readers and stay at home wives/mothers, and for a long time this was the only official study of romance readers. Given that the popular perception of the genre seems frozen from the 1970s (Don't even get me started on Fabio), it makes a certain amount of sense that this is one of the stereotypes that might have been grounded in truth, and stuck around, even though attitudes and day-to-day realities have changed.

Most women work at jobs. Many women work now for reasons ranging from because they can to because they have to either because they're single or because it's insanely difficult for a middle class family to get by without two salaries nowadays, which hasn't always been the case. 

Whether staying at home, working from home or working in an office, many women turn to romance novels for some entertainment, escape and relaxation at the end of the day.MYTH: Romance readers are obsessed with wine, chocolate, and Pride & Prejudice.
FACT: You say that like it's a bad thing.

  
MYTH: Romance readers can't distinguish between fact and fiction.
FACT: Along with decrying the genre as unrealistic, this is something we say to lessen the impact of ideas women get from romance novels. "Crazy" ideas like they can be the heroine of their own lives, that they can find fulfilling love, have orgasmic sex, or just be happy. It's shorthand for saying "lower your expectations honey, your needs are taking a backseat to Law & Order reruns and no I'm not going to put my socks in the hamper. Also, can you get me a beer?" Romance novels show an idealized -- but potentially attainable -- life of happiness and satisfaction for women and then they can inspire women to make that fiction a reality.
MYTH: Romance readers don't know good writing
FACT: "Easy reading is damn hard writing," said none other than esteemed and celebrated author Maya Angelou. When it comes to romance, it often seems like the entire genre has been written off as crap because of a few poorly written books. Even die hard romance fans, in defense of 50 Shades of Grey will say "it was terribly written" or "it really needed editing."

But romance readers appreciated a well crafted sentence or a lovely and surprising turn of phrase as much as the next reader. And romance authors strive to deliver, some with more success than others.

Romance readers and writers do know good writing -- it's the kind that make you forget you are reading, that transports you to other worlds, make you feel all the feelings, and makes you want to pick up another book and repeat the experience. 
 MYTH: Romance readers are cat ladies
FACT: I think the Internet has proven that everyone is a cat lady.

 
**Sources: Romance Writer's of America, The Dangerous Books For Girls survey.Follow Maya Rodale on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mayarodale

15 Pieces of The Creepiest Vampire Folklore #Vampires #ASMSG

Originally blogged here: http://www.vampires.com/15-pieces-of-the-creepiest-global-vampire-folklore/
15 Pieces of The Creepiest Global Vampire FolkloreThink you know vampires? Maybe you do. But odds say all you know comes from t.v., movies and novels. But the undead arise from myth and legend, stuff far outside the imagination of Bram Stoker or Anne Rice. Consider these fifteen tidbits of genuinely creepy vampire folklore…1. The Anti-Mother Our image of a vampire as seducer, an avatar of seduction, has nothing to do with most folkloric creatures such as the Portuguese  Bruxsa  or Filipino  Aswang . These embody the opposite of the Earth Mother, a female who devours instead of engenders. A death dealer instead of one who gives birth. Not a being of beauty or pure love, but foul and disgusting, fueled by hatred. To most mythologies, the vampire simply finds the weakest and most vulnerable of us–children–to treat them as prey, nothing more. Such stories say nothing of romance or loneliness and everything about revenge.2. Vampires as GodsAlthough touched upon now and then in fiction,  a vampire god to us seems more an aberration or perversion of true faith than a genuine religion. Other cultures do not agree. Egypt had a war goddess  Sekhmet , to whom the shedding of blood was in some sense worship.  The Hindu  Kali  was the ultimate defender of mankind and the world, in no small part because she literally drinks blood! Naturally enough, worshipers of the latter sometimes go so far as to commit human sacrifice in her name (although to be fair, most do nothing of the kind).3. Land of the VampiresYou just thought of Transylvania  didn’t you? Well, why not? Ever since the novel Dracula appeared in print the association between the undead and that part of Romania has only grown. Yet in terms of myth, no place in Europe seems more infested with vampires than  Greece . Indeed it seems likely nosferatu derives from a Greek word for disease, nosforos. Indeed Greece and its thousand-plus isles gave rise to the ancient legend of the lamia as well as tales of how the dead long to drink fresh blood (see Homer’s Odyssey).  Such a beautiful land, but one steeped in fear of the hungry dead.4.  Un-Killible!Despite  Buffy , we do tend to believe pretty much anyone with the right tools and training can bring True Death to one of the Undead.  Not according to folklore.  In many places genuine vampires are held to be utterly immortal (like the Bruxsa above). You, a mere mortal human, stand no chance in any combat with a vampire. None at all. All you can do is protect yourself as best you can, praying you’ve not made any mistakes. It is a paranoid world view, one that assumes we humans as very nearly powerless, at the absolute mercy of an uncaring Fate.5.  Vampires as DiseaseOperas and gothic literature of different stripes may seek to make romantic death by “consumption” but in fact tuberculosis means a steady fading of one’s strength, slow suffocation, coupled with the constant taste of blood in one’s mouth.  Little wonder  victims  of such in real life were often seen as nascent vampires. It inspired genuine terror, especially when the cause for disease remained unknown.6.  Children of the DeadIt might startle some to realize how many viewed vampires not as in any way seducers but ratherrapists. These days we rarely examine our dead personally, so all kinds of disturbing details escape our notice. Among these is the tendency for corpses to sport erections. Biologically speaking, nothing at all odd about this, but to many this indicated a desire by the dead for more than blood. Hence legends that spouses were among the first “visited” by a newly risen vampire–with the result sometimes a  dhampir , half-breed between human and vampire.7.  Flesh-EatingNo, not all vampires survive on blood alone. Hindu  Pishacha for example follow battles in order to eat those who have fallen. RomanianStrigoi  are straightforward gluttons, eating massive amounts of food, forcing people to starve. Then they drink the blood of those people, killing and then eating the people themselves–man, woman and child.8.  StenchUnpleasant to think on, but in folklore nearly all vampires give off the odor of the grave.  If you’ve never actually encountered the smell of a good-sized animal (like a dog or cat) decomposing, believe me you are missing nothing desirable in your life. However, such was far more common in ages past. It was said to be emanate from a vampire, a way to warn you such a creature might be near. In fact, this idea probably kept many a person from a real source of infection.9.  HiddenSome legends say vampires are easy to spot. Others insist, however, there’s no way to easily recognize one of the undead. Ever. Lots of myths make zero mention of sunlight causing any harm at all to the things, mirrors refusing to reflect them, crosses or holy objects having any impact upon them whatsoever.  Most aren’t even coldto the touch, etc.  Our fiction comes up will all kinds of ways to give humans the advantage, but folklore has no such imperative. So legendary vampires remain many times more terrifying.10.  UnhumanFor clear and obvious reasons, dramatic stories about the undead have them retain (or sometimes acquire) human personality traits. Legend sometimes insists nothing of the kind is even remotely true.  The Hindu Peymakilir  to give one example, isn’t even a former human being. They are demons, never spending their time as humans do in distorted versions of our own lives. Russia’s upir likewise seem little more than eating machines, their minds gone and replaced by all the conscience or emotion of a leech.11. Children First!As mentioned earlier, legend insists that most vampires do not in fact seek out lovely young virgins to join them in an eternity of darkness. Rather, their meat of choice are the youngest of our species, the younger the better.  Some legends even refer to Lilith, supposed first wife of Adam, who seeks with all her offspring to consume the children of Eve.  When you blend this tendency with other types of vampires, we can see the undead as another version of our own modern monster of legend–the pedophile.12.  We Drink Blood TooYes we do. Human blood as well. For pretty much the same reason we imagine vampires to do so.  Many a warrior in history proudly drank the blood his enemies, sometimes (as a matter of style or at least boasting) from the hollowed out skull of another enemy.  Understandable in a way. When we lose blood, or are pale, we weaken. Certainly some animals live upon blood, like fleas and ticks and leeches. But we don’t do that anymore, right? Even if many of do adore our steaks rare enough to bleed. The less said about the ritual symbols of drinking God’s blood on Sunday the better, though. Right?13.  ZombiesWe think of zombies as shuffling mindless corpses motivated by a simple, implacable hunger. Our image of vampires focuses on temptation, infused with eroticism. But that really begins with Dr. John Polidori’s  The Vampyre  novel. In centuries prior, what most peasants and others thought about “vampire” (or the equivalent) what they had in mind was a lot closer to what we call a George Romero-style zombie.  No cape, but rotting rags. Not eyes burning with eldritch power, but filmy orbs lacking the spark of what made our loved ones human.14.  Hammer and Stakes, Not Enough!Movies might portray it easy to pierce a chest cavity with a pointed piece of wood. Actually, not really. Rib cages are tough precisely to as protect what’s inside! Mind you, according to folklore that really isn’t enough, usually. At the very least one is supposed to burn the vampire. That sounds easy, too, though. Well, no.  You need a fair amount of kindling for one thing. For another, legend and legend says all kinds of things will crawl out of the flames–birds, frogs, snakes, insects and like. You have to kill every single one of these or the vampire will return. Every. Single. One. And there might easily be thousands.15.  No Help.This one in some ways is the most creepy of all. Movies and books portray some essence of divine power ready to defend you against the thirsty dead. Folklore doesn’t have that much hope in it. Most assume the universe just naturally wants to kill and eat you, with vampires just one vivid example of this. At best, even among the most Christian of nations, firm belief insisted the powers of the universe–God, his Saints, the Angels–will leave you to your fate if you do one little thing wrong. If you are born on Christmas, you become a vampire. If you forget to light a votive candle, God will let a vampire eat you alive.  If a cat jumps over your corpse the Heavens reject you and back into your corpse you go, to prey upon your friends and family. Prayer may or may not work to protect them from you. And no one– no one –knows why.
davidDavid MacDowell Blue blogs at Night Tinted Glasses.  He graduated from the National Shakespeare Conservatory and is the author of The Annotated Carmilla. and Your Vampire Story (And How to Write It) as well as a theatrical adaptation ofCarmilla.http://www.twluedke.com/
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Whats all this controversy of fantasy vs. reality in BDSM romance fiction? #Romance #ASMSG

Romance and Fantasy.

There’s a storm of controversy about fantasy vs. reality in romance, particularly in BDSM romance. Certainly, we all have our opinions about what is good and what isn’t.I enjoy writing and reading books with alpha heroes and elements of BDSM. I love the fantasies in these stories, but I don’t think they portray real-life relationships. I know that romance and all its subgenres is fiction. It’s fantasy.
My stories are fiction. They feature alpha males with varying degrees of sexual dominance, light to hardcore. Like most authors in this genre, I strive to make the physics as accurate as possible—a spanking still stings and cuffs can still chaff the skin. But I also take a bit of artistic license to make the fantasies larger than life. The heroes themselves are often larger than life, perhaps their financial success and physical attractiveness enhanced. It’s part of the fantasy.
Fun to read? Absolutely. But not the norm in reality. I read a statistic that the average male penis is about five inches long—but I’ve yet to read a romance with a hero who is average in that department. We love those hunky, well-endowed heroes.


Of course, romance books aren’t about the real world. They aren’t intended as instruction or “how to” manuals. Romance is entertainment. Like movies and games. It’s a fun, sexy escape from everyday stress or ho-hum.  
I think the majority of romance writers endeavor to treat elements such as safety and consent realistically (especially in BDSM titles) while fulfilling the fantasy for readers. That is not to say there aren’t stories with elements of dubious or non-consent, but most of these have pointed disclaimers and warnings in the front material. Also, there’s usually line or two that emphasizes the story is not about real life. Something like: “This is a work of fiction. Names, places, and events, etc. are made up or used fictitiously.”
To me, that applies to sexual situations as well.
One of my favorite disclaimers is the one Loose Id uses with its BDSM titles: “Please do not try any new sexual practice, especially those that might be found in our BDSM/fetish titles without the guidance of an experienced practitioner. Neither Loose Id LLC nor its authors will be responsible for any loss, harm, injury or death resulting from use of the information contained in any of its titles.”
In the real world, sex education (no matter what type of sex you’re interested in) is essential. Don’t skip the education, and always do your research. Read non-fiction. Learn from experts—and even then be careful.
I believe we should enjoy the wide and varied genre of romance for the fantastic entertainment it is, but always play safe in the real world.


Wishing you happy reading …and exciting fantasies.Marilyn
Check out my Pinterest boards to see some the sexy images that inspire my stories.https://www.pinterest.com/marilynlakewood/NSFW, 18+ only


Book Genre: Romance/Hot Alpha BillionairePublisher: Troll River PublicationsRelease Date: February 14, 2015Buy Link(s): http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TNGS2QG
Book Description:Book One of the Hot Alpha Billionaire SeriesStand alone. Not a cliff-hanger. HEA. M/F, Mild D/s themes.How does a sophisticated man with everything, convince an unassuming older woman with nothing, that she’s what he desperately needs?At 36, Chase Tanner controlled his world and the women in his bed. With a grown son and several successful businesses, he thought he had everything a man could desire… until he walked down the aisle of a country hardware store and saw exactly what he needed for a happily-ever-after. Now, hejust had to make her believe it. ”You’re just not good enough, Kali.”Her ex-husband’s hurtful words echoed in Kali Benson’s heart as she rebuilt her life in tiny Laketon, Washington. It took some time, but at 39, she’s happy, self-sufficient, and emotionally armored. She’s strong enough to resist a sweet-talking hunk, who drives an old Dodge truck and makes her feel nineteen again... isn't she?

Excerpt:Chase took the shortest route to the auto accessories area and cut through the carpentry section. He turned down the aisle and his steps slowed. Fuses, old trucks, everything, dropped off the radar as his gaze focused on the woman perusing the locks-and-hinge display.Sweet. There was something incredibly sweet and alluring about her. More than pretty, she was arresting. His heart did a drum roll against his ribs, and he drew in a deep, stabilizing breath.Easing to a stop a few steps away, he positioned himself near the opposite side of the aisle as if he were interested in something other than her. Not the most inspired tactic, but he needed a moment to process her intense effect on him.In profile, she had a straight, refined nose, full lips, and a balanced chin. Thick, golden-brown hair shimmered in glossy layers past her shoulders, styled with a fringe of bangs across her dark, tawny brows.When she pulled an item from the display, he noticed she kept her nails a short, practical length, and she wore no wedding ring.His eyes drifted down her slender length, admiring her lush, handful-size breasts and the pert nipples that dimpled against her knit top. She had a slim waist, gently rounded hips, and a great curvy ass, temptingly displayed in a pair of distinctive cutoffs. They were distinctive to him, at least. Although she’d removed the label, he recognized Soft Wear jeans and understood what the brand signified.This little beauty might not want anyone in Laketon to know, but if she bought those jeans, she harbored at least some sexually submissive desires.In a sudden, vivid image, he pictured her in his bed, her body pinned beneath him, his hands holding hers against the mattress. He imagined her thighs around his hips. The first intimate touch of his cock to her sex. Her mouth parted, gasping when he shifted deeper.The fantasy jolted him.He flinched and she turned her head.Large, topaz eyes danced over him, and she smiled distractedly, the merest civility necessary, before returning her attention back to the shelves. He’d been dismissed. There was nothing haughty or superior about it, but apparently she’d found him unsuitable.A grin tugged on his mouth. He enjoyed a challenge.

Author Bio:
Marilyn lives in the northwest U.S., not too far from the Canadian border, and believes the long, cold winters are perfect “writing weather.”She started writing romantic, sex-driven stories “just for fun” seven years ago. Today, she’ll joyously admit she’s obsessed with creating hard-core dominant heroes and happily-ever-after endings.Visit Marilyn at www.marilynlakewood.com
Author Links - The link for any or all of the following...Website: www.marilynlakewood.comTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/MarilynLakewoodG+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/111161259794597010034/posts
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/marilynlakewood/

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In the currents of the heart, beware of love, it's an UNDERTOW #Romance #HEA #ASMSG

Posted:Thu, 30 Apr 2015 http://www.patriciaaknight.com/blatherings/undertow-cover-reveal-a-collection-of-sex-sun-novellas-short-stories-by-troll-river-publications-romance-authors

Hi all y'all! PAK here,
     I want to tell you about an upcoming June 2015 release that is dear to my heart, Undertow . This is my first novella and  I had an absolute blast writing it . Its funny (I hope!) and sweet ... and of course sexy.


   It's the first thing I've written that is contemporary, New Adult  (i.e. not Verdantia) and written in first person. It's also the first time one of my works will appear in a collection.
     As a thank you to you, my wonderful readers, I will offer my story for  FREE   to those who have signed up on my subscription list. (sorry...only my story, but I'll tell how you can get the others, too!)  
     In addition to my novella, there are three other fabulous, steamy reads by the wonderful authors: Elizabeth SaFleur, Kris Michaels and Rachel De Lune. Below is the cover, blurbs and excerpts from all four stories. 
     So keep your eyes peeled for notification on how you can get your free copy of my novella and of course, sign up for the mailing lists for Elizabeth SaFleur, Kris Michaels and Rachel De Lune to receive their stories  for free also !
     Undertow , the collection, will be offered for sale on the normal retail outlets: Amazon, Kobo, B&N and Smashwords but this is your opportunity to get all four of these charming stories for  FREE! In the currents of the heart,
beware of love...it's an
UNDERTOW
Coming June 2015 Dear Readers,

Welcome to a Troll River Publication collection of short stories. This is the perfect introduction to some of the lovely authors in our romance group. Their styles are unique to them. But whether in the far distant future on an alien planet, jostling down the streets of Regency London in a carriage or fighting the congestion of modern Washington D.C. traffic, their stories share a common theme: strong heroes, hot sex and happily-ever-afters.

I've put together a sampler box of their short stories that are perfect for those lazy days at the beach, or poolside, when you want something to read that's not too heavy, never sad and guaranteed to end well. So, slather on the sunscreen, slip those sunglasses on and let us entertain you.

Warm regards,

Stephanie McKibben
Troll River Publications A Backwater Blessing 

by Kris Michaels Blurb:
When Cole, Mr. FBI, and Logan, local cop and reigning Ice Princess, hook up to solve a case of Mississippi corruption at the highest judicial levels, sparks fly. Their attraction is hotter than the sultry southern sun. She wants to hate him—but she can’t. And Cole would never commit career suicide by staying in a backwater Mississippi town…not for any woman…especially not for Isabella Logan Church.
Excerpt:
A single eyebrow arched and a small smile tugged up the corner of Cole's mouth. Logan leaned forward and brushed her lips against his. He held still and that control won him some points in her book. The Fed had restraint. The question was how much? Deliberately she pushed her bikini clad breasts against his hard muscled chest and lifted her hand to caress his cheek.
     “If you are worrying about me being able to sell it…don’t. I don’t have to like you to act like I am making love to you.”  Her purred words sounded breathless and needy even to her own ears. She turned and walked out of the cabin before she did something stupid. Like crawl up his big sexy body and kiss him until his federal reserve broke.  The Break

by Rachel De LuneBlurb:
Victoria Abbott meets Aeron Morgan in the intimate dining room of her hotel in her hometown of Oxwich. He’s looking for a woman who can accept him and all of his desires. She’s looking for closure. What they find in each other is totally unexpected. 
Excerpt:
I tease my skirt a little higher, revealing some flesh before slipping the first button on the front of my dress. Without knowing, I chose the perfect outfit. Once the second button is free, I look up at Aeron. Lust gleams from his eyes, and they drink in the body I’m slowly revealing to him, button by button. I slink closer, standing a fraction out of reach as I undo the last button. I slip the dress slowly off my shoulders and let it drop to my feet. I step out, and close the final gap between us. He straightens and once more he sweeps my body with lust filled eyes. I take a breath and unhook the back of my bra and slip it off my shoulders.  Hooking the sides of my thong, I inch my knickers down my legs as seductively as possible. The appreciation on Aeron’s face is all I need to bolster my confidence. I bend down, collect my knickers from the floor and strut to him. Dangling them over his lap, I drop them.

“Straddle me.” Aeron’s smoky voice is deeper than before. My little strip show has definitely affected him. The knowledge he is aroused spurs me on. Swinging my leg to sit on his lap, I position myself on his thighs. He has a clear view of my pussy. He hasn’t tried to touch me. His hands remain firmly by his side. I’m amazed... and disappointed.

“Make yourself come for me. I’m going to watch you come undone on my lap before I take you.” Riptide
by Elizabeth SaFleurBlurb:
Cheated on, dumped and fired—all by the same man—Ava Hollins’ only goal on her Caribbean vacation was to forget men existed. When she wins hot, wealthy, resort owner, Bret Wright, during a charity “man auction,” she’s not sure what to do with her suddenly acquired “love slave.” Fortunately, for Ava, Bret knows exactly what to do with her.
Excerpt:
Bret kept his eyes on Ava’s face as he looped two lengths of rope around her rib cage, one on the fleshy mound of her breasts, the other underneath. A gentle yank and the two pieces squeezed her breasts outward. The rough rope bit into her skin, and her breathing sped up.

“If you ever feel dizzy, tell me,” he said.

All she could do was nod. Her power of speech had fled.

“If it comes to it, I’ll cut the rope. Do you understand?”

“Yes.” She barely breathed the word. She tuned into the full length of his body now pressed closer against her, as if he meant to keep her steady and present. Even with rope biting into her skin, she loved being this close to his body. And, what a body. Even clothed she could tell some serious muscle lived behind those pants and shirt.

More pulls around her ribcage shifted her focus. She dropped her chin, fascinated by the beautiful knot he’d formed on her sternum. The ends dangled, tickling her belly. He lifted her chin and looked deeply into her eyes. Keep your eyes on me, they transmitted.

Yes, sir.

His hands returned to their work. In seconds he had her wrists crossed and tied together with another short length of rope. He tugged her closer. She blinked but didn’t dare break his gaze. He sealed his lips to hers, and his tongue moved slowly while his capable hands explored her body, fingers slipping under the ropes as if checking the level of restriction.

He released her mouth. She felt more, gentle, scratching pulls on the rope. A downward glance revealed her chest and belly encased in an intricate diamond pattern make of jute. She inhaled deeply, testing the restriction of her rope top. Could she get out of it, if needed? She expanded her chest again. No, I can’t. Moisture gathered between her legs in response. She looked back up at his face, now tilted in question. Without him having to ask, she knew what he sought.

“Amazing,” she said.

He smiled. “I’m glad you appreciate my work.”

The relief in his eyes spurred her courage. “Will you do more?” she asked.

“Oh yes, baby. So much more.”
Undertow

by Patricia A. KnightBlurb:
Former Army Ranger, Max Harper, didn’t know the young woman playing fetch on the beach with his therapy dog—but he wanted to. From his first meeting with Holiday Jones, her fresh beauty and soft heart swept him away. The wounded veteran knew he wanted forever with Holiday. There was just one small problem. She thinks he’s someone he’s not. When his down-to-earth Holiday learns who Max really is, love might not be enough—for no matter how generous a woman’s heart, it’s difficult to forgive deception.
Exerpt:
After he covers Miss Kitty and her surrounding cast in white foam, Max sits back and inspects the area he’s prepped. He rinses his hands in the water bowl, dries them on the sofa cushions and then selects a razor as if he were an open-heart surgeon selecting a scalpel.

I wiggle a little and whimper, “Max, pleeease, finger fuck me...please, please, finger fuck me.”

He shoots me a happy little smile, flourishes the razor and begins gently scraping my groin with the care of a jeweler faceting a diamond. My inner slut gets on stage and shouts cuss words. I have no excuses. She has a potty-mouth. By the time Miss Kitty is as bald as Vin Diesel, Max has teased me to the brink of orgasm. The soft strokes that almost touch my clit are the worst. When Max finishes and drops the third razor in the water bowl and rinses his hands, I could come if he breathed on me. Max simply grins, parts my swollen lower lips with his thumbs, and exposes my aching clit. “God damn, Holiday. You’re so pretty.” He holds me with an intent stare and gravely announces, “Rangers lead the way,” before closing his lips and tongue over my clit and sucking gently.

I go off like the A-bomb dropped on Hiroshima in those old newsreels from WWII. Yeah. That could have been me. When I regain conscious thought, Snafu is raising a ruckus at the door, barking and scratching to be let in, and Max slumps on the ottoman in front of me with a look of gloating male satisfaction.

“I woke the dog?”

“You were pretty loud, babe.”

“Did I scream your name?”

He gravely shakes his head. “No, babe. You didn’t scream my name and you know what that means.”

My eyes widen.

“We have to do it again.”

Max kept his promise. Please Note: 
These manuscripts are still in edits. 
While no substantial changes will be made to the story line, 
there might  be some changes to language. Coming in June of 2015
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Seven Best Vampire Flicks You Haven’t Seen #Vampires #Paranormal #ASMSG

Originally blogged here: http://www.vampires.com/seven-best-vampire-flicks-you-havent-seen/

Seven Best Vampire Flicks You Haven’t SeenSo many refer to vampire flicks in terms of Twilight or some such, or the most recent avatar of Dracula, maybe t.v. shows such as True Blood or The Vampire Diaries. Yet there’s far to the genre than one might think, looking at most articles or reviews. Consider these seven, several excellent and others at least interesting, and rarely mentioned. But at least some of them probably should be. How many have you seen? Or even heard of? Isle of the Dead – In 1945, Boris Karloff appeared in one of twovampire films he ever made. This black and white classic, based onGreek folklore and growing fear in the face of death, is many ways more about fear of the undead than the vampires themselves. During one of the many horrible yet relatively small Balkans of the early XXth century, a Greek general and a collection of others find themselves trapped on an island due to plague. In an almost Agatha Christie-like setup, superstitions bubble to the surface and gothic tropes we all recognize become reality, at least in some people’s minds. Strigoi – Somewhat curiously (or not) we rarely see vampire movies from Romania, the land where the real Vlad the Impaler lived.  Here is an exception, a clever dark comedy based not upon the image from Hollywood but actual folklore–where a vampire is a peasant, with neither priest nor scholar about the undead are anywhere to be seen, where the reaction to an actual strigoi is openly mediocre, even stupid.;Lets Scare Jessica to Death – Again, a film that tosses away what we expect we know about vampires, and in fact gives us a tiny existential crisis to boot! Jessica, an artist moving to a farm in rural America to get away from the hustle of the city, has had a nervous breakdown. She’s been delusional, but does that mean the stranger she and her husband meet is not an undead girl haunting the lake where she drowned? We may never know. But we feel exactly what Jessica endures, putting us through an emotional wringer. Suck – This Canadian comedy about a fourth-rate band achieving stardom once a member is bitten and transformed into a walking, talking, singing and bass-playing incarnation of dark glamor never got much distribution. But the performances are spot-on, and the humor sickly fun if not broad a la the Scary Movies franchise or anything at all with Adam Sandler. Vampyr – Many consider Nosferatu the first great vampire movie. Less known alas is the flick widely regarded as the second, at least among film experts. Carl Dryer’s almost silent masterpiece is a surreal step into a world where shadows really do go commit mischief on their own, where dreams bleed into reality, and where the corrupt influence of a vampire lingers on the edge of conscious awareness–and even noticing the creature is perilous.Bled – So many vampire films aim for being “high concept” (Dracula’s untold origin! An apocalyptic war between living and undead), here’s a flick deserving credit for focusing on an individual tale of temptation. Shot on a tiny budget with no stars, it succeeds in creating a very disturbing story about genuine horror, even to the point where sexual desire becomes grotesque and deadly ( a trope most vampire filmmakers dabble with at most, rather than dive into).Lust for Dracula – The title, the stars, even the production company (Seduction Studios) leads one to expect nothing more than lesbian softcore with a vampire twist. Nor would anyone end up mistaken on that front. But the sheer surreal nature of the film shows the writer/director was aiming for something much more than titillation.  He wants to disturb as much as excite, to amuse as well as horrify. Truth to tell, in many ways he succeeds!What are your candidates for little known vampire films more folks should see?davidDavid MacDowell Blue blogs at Night Tinted Glasses.  He graduated from the National Shakespeare Conservatory and is the author of The Annotated Carmilla. and Your Vampire Story (And How to Write It) as well as a theatrical adaptation of Carmilla.http://www.twluedke.com/
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Steamy Hot Space Opera & Alien Shifter Romance #99cents #Giveaways #ASMSG

Join Travis Luedke and Kayla Stonor April 21st for awesomesauce giveaways and fun! Plus loads of guest authors in appearance!
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ANGEL 6.0: ESCAPE -- Angel, a specially designed human clone, serves as concubine to her captor, a tall, powerful alien Cat, while planning to escape with Jason, her fellow prisoner and lover. http://smarturl.it/Angel6Escape *FREE on Kindle Unlimited*
Mark it to read: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25269581-angel-6-0



RESTRAIN BY TREATY -- Ardant, an alien shifter, must hide his inner Qui to maintain the sanity of his rescue mission, Captain Beatrice Solomon, a POW severely abused in sex slavery. http://smarturl.it/RestrainTreaty *FREE on Kindle Unlimited*
Mark it to read: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25269801-restrain-by-treaty



Enjoy both books at the discount release price of $.99! Hope to see you there at the party for giveaways and scifi-paranormal badassary!http://www.twluedke.com/
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Women in Science Fiction... #Reviews #Scifi #Paranormal #ASMSG

ASMSG SFP brings you all the hottest new publications in Indie scifi, fantasy, and paranormal, with provocative articles and insightful literary reviews.
April 2015 Issue includes:Women in Science FictionGender Equality: The Utlimate Oxymoron?5 Reasons Jupiter Ascending is Brazil in SpaceA Critique at Starbucks Helped Publish a BookGilligan's Zombie IslandHow Batman Shaped My Life (As a Writer)
Find ASMSG SFP Issues at the follow magazine stores:JOOMAG: http://joom.ag/UeipISSUU: http://issuu.com/travisluedke/docs/asmsg_sfp_ezine_april_2015__scifi_fSCRIBD: https://www.scribd.com/doc/262206544/ASMSG-SFP-Magazine-April-2015-Scifi-Fantasy-ParanormalCALAMEO: http://en.calameo.com/read/003308615db59b6ae70ce
AND COMING SOON TO AN APP STORE NEAR YOU!


ASMSG SFP Magazine April 2015 (Scifi Fantasy Paranormal) by Travis Luedkehttp://www.twluedke.com/
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Marketing for DeadBroke Writers #IndiePub #AuthorsRT #ASMSG

Marketing for  DeadBroke™ Writers Online Education 
Sponsored by ASMSG
Presented by Joel Scott


Joel Scott is a published author with six educational books in the for Dummies series and nearly 100,000 books sold. He is also an experienced educator and speaker.

The Marketing for DeadBroke Writers course was initially designed and presented by Joel Scott for the Author Learning Center, a division of Author Solutions. That company was absorbed by Penguin, which in turn, was absorbed by Random House.  Since its inception in 2011 this course has attracted more than a thousand students. Earlier this year Mr. Scott ran this course exclusively for ASMSG members. And, it’s time to offer it again.

As the results of a recent ASMSG poll showed, our members feel the need for in-depth training on author marketing in today’s confusing world of social media and promotions. Joel Scott and ASMSG have designed a special set of online classes at a steeply discounted price exclusively available to members of ASMSG.

Here are a few quotes from prior students.
“This has been the best Author Learning Center webinar I have listened to!”
“I found the technical conversations the most helpful, and enjoyed when he gave a visual example of another Facebook page.”
“I am new to Twitter and this webinar helped fill in information on how to use Twitter.  Didn't have the foggiest notion before and don't like to stumble around in the dark.”
“The information about linking Twitter to your Facebook fan Page, and creating an audio excerpt [was really helpful].”
”Once again, not only do I appreciate your time and knowledge, I want to thank you AND the group for steering me away from a frustrating experience with my publisher and into the land of Self-Publishing.” 
“Living on the other side of the world, I found accessing the course online very easy.”

Here are some key parameters.
Each of the ten online sessions will be about 45 minutes in length and will have a Q&A session.There will be an online survey prior to the first class to try to accommodate students’ interests and levels of expertise.Each class will be presented twice to accommodate peoples’ schedules and time zones. You can attend either one or both.Classes will be recorded for students to access later at their convenience, so if you have to miss a session, you can tune in later.Members signing up for the course will also receive a copy of Mr. Scott’s upcoming book, Marketing for DeadBroke™ Writers.The entire course costs just $69 – a significant discount just for ASMSG membersThe course begins in May, 2015 and there will be a class each week.Scheduled Classes for 2015 Spring Semester Each class will be held twice, at 8:30 AM and again at 8:30 PM. All times are USA – Eastern. Based on enrollment we may add additional sessions.

We hope you see the value in these classes and your membership in ASMSG. We’re working to bring you every possible benefit to help make your writing, publishing, and promotions successful.

Even though it’s an online course, seats are limited. A portion of your class fee will be donated to ASMSG to fund development of additional author benefits. Sign up now while enrollment is still open!

If you have questions or concerns about the course, please feel free to contact Mr. Scott directly at j.scott@highrockinstitute.comhttp://www.twluedke.com/
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ARC Read 4 Review Event! 11 #EroticRomance Novels FREE for #Review #ASMSG

ARC Read-4-Review EVENT
Epic R4R Event with award winning authors: 
Travis Luedke, Patricia A. Knight, Kayla Stoner, Elizabeth SaFleur, S.N.Mckibben and newcomers: Marilyn Lakewood, Kris Michaels, and Rachel De Lune
CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE FROM 11 NOVELS OF EROTIC ROMANCE FREE 4 REVIEW
Scifi Erotic RomanceFuturistic Erotic RomanceContemporary BDSM Erotic RomanceMilitary Erotic RomanceParanormal Romance



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