Building Intensity

By Starla Kaye (Guest Blogger)

[Note from Lisabet: Starla's giving away a copy of one of her books to one lucky commenter!]

It is important that the reader be given an introduction to the main characters that will, hopefully, pull at their heart strings in some way. The reader needs to see the characters as “real” people, who face ups and downs in their lives just as they do. The characters struggle with conflicts in their lives, in their jobs, and in their relationships. A reader needs to pull for the characters. She should keep turning the pages to see how these people battle forward and work toward achieving their goals. And the romance reader wants to see some kind of happily ever after for the characters, whether it is for long term or at least for now in their lives. But the reader also wants to watch the changes these characters make, experience the intensity building internally and externally.

In Starting Over, my newest release from Decadent Publishing, I wanted to create a story about two men struggling to move on from difficult issues they’ve faced in their lives. Corbin had reached the point where his work didn’t satisfy him. He’d had to drag himself out of bed then force himself to drive thirty minutes into the city. A lot of people face this day-to-day as they work in jobs they don’t really enjoy. But we do what we have to do.

Corbin had to make a hard decision about something that was adding to his depression about facing each day.

He’d finally admitted he was gay to Pamela (ex-wife), his parents, and siblings. According to his therapist, a huge breakthrough…. Taking the next step scared the hell out of him. Yet he couldn’t keep avoiding it. He had to get back into the dating game, although he faced a completely different game than he’d ever participated in before…. He’d honestly tried to shove his secret desires aside and make the marriage work…. She’d tried, too…. They still loved each other, but they couldn’t be man and wife….

He was scared shitless. Imagining was one thing; actually doing it something completely different…. He needed to buck up and go have his first time alone with a man.

I hoped at this point that the reader could see what kind of man he was. Corbin cared about his ex-wife, about what his family thought of him, and he’d held back who he truly was for as long as he could. He doesn’t want anyone hurt, except that he has been the one suffering most and he needs to fix that matter.

The second hero in the story, Matt, has also dealt with many stressful issues over the years. He didn’t have the support of his family as a teenager when he’d admitted he was gay. He’d had to leave home and start over, but he’d found his way and he’d found a mate to share life with for the rest of his days. But his lover died. Now, it hurt soul deep to live like this, alone, with no one to go home to. No one to share the ups and downs of his days with. He needed to once again start over.

By now the reader knows the emotional conflicts both men face; understand how hard it is for them to take this next step in their lives. Starting Over is part of the 1Night Stand series, in which Madame Eve has a high-end dating service that arranges special matches…with the unsaid hope that the matches will be for longer than just the one night. Corbin and Matt both decided to try this service. Neither man was looking for something permanent. They both simply wanted to take that next step in their lives: one to enter a lifestyle completely foreign to him, one to heal and move on toward another relationship someday.

This is where I tried to kick up the intensity, pull the reader further into how the characters feel about and face the initial pivotal point of the story. In their first meeting, Corbin is way out of his comfort zone. “I hope I don’t disappoint you…. I’ve never…well, never been with a man.” Matt has been concerned, as well as excited, about being with a virgin gay man. The admission took guts. Until that moment, Matt hadn’t really intended to actually have sex with the date he’d been matched with, although he’d toyed with the idea. Now, he intended to be Corbin’s first male lover.

Besides pumping up the emotional intensity, I heated up the sexual interest while still playing on the wariness of this new experience. He (Corbin) tried not to stare at Matt’s obvious erection, tried not to worry if he could take all of it. Take all of it? Damn. He’d entered uncharted territory. A place he’d fantasized about, but hadn’t ever really thought he would arrive. And from Matt’s side…The photo he’d seen of Bradley didn’t do him justice. It seemed so wrong to ever hide those broad shoulders, the amazing pecs, and incredible six-pack beneath a suit, even an obviously expensive, tailored one. He longed to smooth his hands over what he saw, feel the muscles beneath his palms, play with the nipples and the spattering of dark hair on his chest. He wanted to….

Then we move to the next pivotal step, the next highly emotional time where something is actually going to happen between the two men. “Truth time. I’m not positive how all of this will work, but I need you to fuck me.” He (Corbin) glanced down at his thick shaft and back at Matt. “As long as I can return the favor.” Keeping in mind that Matt is an experienced gay man, he is dealing with his own issues. Lust fired through him. He wanted Corbin, ached for him. Somehow he had to find the inner strength to take his time, to not scare the hell out of him.

Heating up the intensity of the situation even more, Corbin makes his decision. “Let’s do it.” He would have a cock rammed into his ass for the first time in his life. Matt was ready to comply after he prepared the other man. This was Corbin’s first time. He needed to be tolerant, although it strained the limits of his patience.

Okay, I’ve shown you how the intensity of emotions and physical needs is established with excerpts from Starting Over. I’m hoping your interest was sparked into wanting to read the story and find out more about how these two special men faced their needs and moved forward in their lives. I’m going to leave you hanging here to read their ending, their happily ever after.

Title: Starting Over

Genre: Contemporary Erotic, GLBT Romance

Length: Novella

Heat Level: 4

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Amazon Buy Link: Starting Over

AUTHOR INFO

Website: Starla Kaye http://starlakaye.com

Facebook: Starla Kaye Writer

Twitter: Starla Writes

Authors Den: Starla Kaye

Amazon Authors Page: Starla Kaye

Sharing the Love

I'm published with four e-publishers, plus I belong to a number of other writers' email lists. Practically every day I see a message from some author crowing about his or her first release. I always try and chime in with at least a brief note of congratulations.

I'm sincere, too. I remember what the first book felt like. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven when I held that paperback in my hands and saw my pen name on the cover. I don't doubt that my newly-published colleagues feel equally thrilled.

When my first book came out, I had nobody to whom I could brag. This was in 1999 - before social networks, or Yahoo groups, or anything similar. I hadn't even joined the Erotica Readers and Writers Association yet. In fact, I found them while looking for ways to market my novel.

Things have really changed. It's so much easier to get the word out now. And yes, there are many more aspiring authors who now have the ability to publish their visions and share them with the world. There's a lot more competition, of course, but readers are not a limited resource. From what I can see, the best way to turn on more readers is to publish more books!

Anyway, I'm glad that it's so easy now to share the love, to encourage my fellow authors and recognize the results of their hard work. Meanwhile, I'm inviting any newly published author who reads this blog to contact me about being a guest here at Beyond Romance. You don't have to write erotica or erotic romance. I'm happy to host mystery, thriller, humor, pretty much any kind of fiction except for YA, if you don't mind being behind an adult warning page.

If you're interested, you'll find my contact information on my web site. Just shoot me an email and we'll schedule a date!

Equal Time - a F/F Kiss from Rush Hour

It's Sunday again and that means it's time for more snoggery. Thanks to Ms. Victoria Blisse, Sunday kiss excerpts have become a fun tradition.

Since I gave you a M/M kiss from Necessary Madness two weeks ago, I thought I'd give equal time to the female sex with this snippet from "Rush Hour", published in the highly acclaimed collection Where the Girls Are: Urban Lesbian Erotica, edited by D.L. King.

***

“Good evening, Derrick.”

My doorman raised a skeptical eyebrow when he saw Mina’s wet, ratty figure. “Good evening, Ms. Gladstone.” His voice held a nicely calculated hint of scorn. No one is more sensitive to the social nuances than a Manhattan doorman.

I ignored him, shepherding Mina into the elevator.

The mirrors in the lift revealed two very bedraggled women. Mina’s mascara had run. Her eyes were huge and dark like some anime character. Her soaked sweater hung limply from her shoulders. Her black stockings were laddered with multiple runs, though for all I knew that might be a deliberate part of her costume.

As for me, my two-hundred-dollar haircut was plastered to my forehead in rust-colored tangles. Oily splashes reached to the knees of my beige linen trousers and there was a smear of mud on my cheek. My leather briefcase and purse looked like they had leprosy.

Laughter bubbled up in my chest. I looked so silly. I knew that it was quarter to seven but all at once it didn’t seem to matter.

And Mina? To me, at that moment, she was simply beautiful.

I grabbed her shoulders and pulled her body against mine. I was at least half a head taller than the Goth girl. She tilted her chin up, offering her wine-colored lips. I fastened on them as though I were dying of thirst.

Her mouth was firm, elastic, muscular. I was the aggressor at first, but that didn’t last. Before long she was working her lips against mine, sucking my tongue into her mouth, probing with her own. Her fierce energy overwhelmed me; I let go and allowed her to take what she wanted. As her hands slipped under my jacket to massage my breasts, I remembered the security cameras. A fresh deluge of kisses washed the thought from my mind.

We toppled out of the elevator, groping each other, and stumbled down the hall to my door. I couldn’t manage to unlock it. Mina kept twisting my nipples; I couldn’t hold the key steady.

Finally, we were inside. I pushed her against the wall, taking control. My knee rose between her legs until she was forced to stand on tiptoe. I bent to her throat and licked my way down into her cleavage, finally tasting the pale flesh that had tantalized me in the cab.

But Is It Real?

By Danielle Ravencraft (Guest Blogger)

"If I had to choose between loving you and breathing, I would use my last breath to say 'I love you'". - Unknown

~*~*~

Movies, TV shows, and fiction are entertaining because they stretch reality. We're willing to suspend belief for a while to go on an adventure in a place where magic can happen, where the hero always gets the girl, where true, unconditional love exists.

Wikipedia calls Love at First Sight "one of the most powerful tropes in Western fiction". Its popularity spans the ages, back to Classical Greek and Roman poetry.

How many of you believe in love at first sight in real life? Or in soul mates? You might like to think it's possible. You might even know someone who seemed to find true love with the first person they ever dated. I know a couple people like that. My uncle proposed to his wife on their second date. One of my close friends from high school married a boy she met in kindergarten. They remained close through the years despite him moving to a different country with his family when he was young. They got married soon after she graduated and have four beautiful daughters now. And my uncle? He and my aunt are still together.

So I know it's possible. And I know we all love to believe it can be possible for us too, even if only in a book.

But how realistic is it, really, for two strangers to meet and fall instantly, deeply, and unconditionally in love to the point that they would sacrifice themselves without question for the others' happiness? We don't really think about it because fans of romance want to read about that kind of devotion. But in truth, most of you probably put aside some amount of believability to allow yourself to be satisfied by the hero and heroine's passion. Because really, you could think "Oh my god, that is so FAKE. Real men don't act like THAT. If this was a reality show, he'd probably only be dating her for her money." But we don't think like that when we read a romance. Instead we think "Awww! I wish men really did THAT, that is so sweet!"

Like the movie Titanic. Woman watched that movie over and over when it first came out and it was all because of Leo's character. Meanwhile, our boyfriends and husbands wished ill things on the movie's producer.

In real life, most of us experience "lust" at first sight, which sometimes then grows into passion. But it's almost never perfect. It's almost always difficult. Sometimes it ends badly. Few times it ends really well. Authors are often told to write what we know, to write believable stories with believable characters and believable motivation. Which is what prompted this post. As a romance writer, I have a difficult time making two strangers fall in love. I don't think it's believable. It's definitely not very realistic. And I refuse to write a story that I don't believe in. So, I make my characters work on their relationship.

And you know what? It works for me. It's like the novel The Notebook. Allie rejects Noah over and over until he is forced to trick her into going out with him. Allie didn't instantly love Noah. He had to work for his chance with her, and their relationship grew from there. Noah's character scores points with the audience for being so deliciously clever in his attempts. We even like it when Noah and Allie fight because it's real.

In my debut erotic romance story, A Trace of Love, I poke fun at my own beliefs in romance. Trace Curtis, the hero, is convinced his feelings for Ophelia are true, but she doesn’t think it’s possible after only one night.

Can Trace convince her it’s love or will Ophelia miss out on a second chance because of doubt?

Blurb

Can Ophelia find true love in a chance encounter with an old crush?

Ophelia Martinez has a chance encounter with internationally famous rock-star, Trace Curtis. To Ophelia, Trace will always be the charming boy she met in high school. They share one night together in which Trace falls in love with Ophelia. But Ophelia knows she can’t continue to live in the past, at least not with the secret that haunts her present.

Excerpt

Ophelia sat in her favorite spot in the entire world; the little bar in the very back of The House of Blues. Usually The House of Blues featured local bands; everything from Soul to Bluegrass. She couldn’t say why she loved it there. It wasn’t the music or the booze or the way reality seemed to evaporate in the dim lighting. But it was, nonetheless, her heaven.

Today was one of those rare occasions when the venue starred an international band, which meant The House of Blues was packed to the brim. The concert ended and the throngs of fans made their way to the exit. The bartender winked and handed her another beer. He knew Ophelia by name and always let her linger until they locked up.

Ophelia blinked as the lights brightened. Plastic cups, spilled beverages, straws, napkins, glow sticks, promotional fliers and the occasional bra littered the floor. A smile inched across her lips. Molten Silk put on a good show.

Other than the bartender, bouncer, stage crew and broom boy, The House of Blues was empty and eerily silent. The guys worked quickly, ignoring Ophelia as she nursed the last sip of her drink. The worst part of the day approached; the part where she would have to go home to an empty apartment.

Laughter broke the silence as five men walked out on stage, holding bottles of something alcoholic.

“Oi! Is the bar still open?” one of them shouted. The bartender nodded. “Bring us a round over here, mate!”

Ophelia ducked her head, watching the men from the corner of her eye. They were Molten Silk, the band. They looked different in normal lighting, like regular people in ridiculous Goth costumes, but she was positive it was really them. Heat rushed to her face and she looked away.

“I’m goin’ for a smoke,” said an unmistakable voice. Ophelia didn’t want to turn around and stare, but she couldn’t help peeking over her shoulder. Trace Curtis, the lead singer, headed for the door with a cigarette bobbing between his lips, lighter ready in his hand. She held her breath as he passed by, just inches behind her. She knew him back when he was Mathew Curtis, the heart-throb teen that played guitar for the lunch ladies. She didn’t know why Mathew changed his name after his debut album went platinum.

Trace paused at the door. He turned around and glanced at Ophelia. She looked away, hoping he didn’t notice her staring. It’s not like it matters, she thought. He’s just going to keep right on walking out the door.

“Do I know you?”

Ophelia jumped. She turned and came face to face with Trace Curtis. A small bout of panic took her mind. Should she tell him they went to high school together? She doubted it would help. They were just as much strangers in high school as they were in adulthood and it would be best to keep it that way. She shook her head.

He leaned against the bar counter. “Are you sure?”

Ophelia smiled. “I think I would remember if we met before.”

Trace wet his lips. “Have a drink with me?”

She looked at her empty beer bottle. What harm could another beer do? “Sure.”

Grinning, Trace snapped his fingers and ordered two more beers. He took a seat and looked Ophelia over, letting his eyes linger just long enough to make her blush. “I could swear I’ve seen you before.”

She shrugged. “Maybe you have. I come here every weekend.” But Trace didn’t look convinced.

“Oi, Trace! We’re going bar hopping, mate! Come on.”

Well, that’s the end of that, thought Ophelia.

But Trace didn’t move, except to wave his band mates away. “You guys go ahead; I’ll meet you back at the hotel later.”

The guys made cat-calls aimed at Ophelia, her cheeks burned scarlet.

“Sorry about them,” Trace mumbled, scowling at his friends as they left. He reached for his beer at the same time Ophelia reached for hers. A tiny shock of static passed between their fingers. Ophelia jumped and glanced at Trace. He scoffed and then moved his fingers so they glided over hers. His skin was warm and callused from years of playing guitar. His pale blue eyes studied her face.

Ophelia bit her lip, suppressing a laugh. Oh, Mathew, you’re still just as smooth as ever; touching my hand, but keeping your gaze above my neckline. As if she didn’t know what he was after.

Trace removed his hand and cleared his throat. “So, are you from around here?”

She shrugged, trying not to burst into giggles. “Close enough.”

He glanced away, looking first at the stage and then at the door. Ophelia winced. He was probably getting bored and wished he’d joined his friends. She shouldn’t have felt hurt. She shouldn’t have cared if he left. He was just one guy. But at the same time, he wasn’t. He was Mathew, her old high school crush. And she expected him to be the same cocky dick. But he wasn’t. He was standing next to her shuffling his feet and blushing at the awkward silence like an average Joe.

At the same time, Trace and Ophelia mumbled what they both thought. “You want to get out of here?”

They blinked at each other and Trace chuckled, his voice as lovely and carefree as a child’s. Ophelia laughed and felt herself relax, instantly at ease in Trace’s company.

A Trace of Love is available now from Muse It Hot Publishing!

Bio: Danielle Ravencraft graduated from the International Academy of Design and Technology with a Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts. She currently lives in Wisconsin with her two Pomeranians. Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, her writing is influenced by the multicultural urban society of her youth which she continues to visit each summer. Danielle enjoys writing sensual erotic romance exclusively for a female audience.

Danielle’s books are available in e-book formats from Muse It Hot Publishing Inc. and select e-book retailers. She loves to hear from readers. You can reach her via email to Danielle_Ravencraft [at] yahoo.com or visit her website at http://RavencraftRomance.com.

Note from Lisabet: Danielle is going to give away a copy of A Trace of Love to one lucky commenter. So what are you waiting for?

Shy

Among my family and friends, I have a reputation for being loud. Not obnoxious (at least I hope not!) but - shall we say? - boisterous. I'm the one who walks up to a stranger at a party, introduces myself and starts to ask personal questions. I'll be the first person up on stage when they start the karaoke. I love to dance and you'll find me shaking my booty as soon as the DJ puts on a song I like.

Of course, most of you have never met me face to face. If you had, you'd be startled by the confession I'm about to make. I used to be shy.

I'm not talking about a little bit shy here. I mean shy almost to the point of pathology. I wouldn't talk to someone I didn't know under any circumstances, regardless of the need. Having to make a telephone call inspired a level of anxiety that made me physically ill.

I'll never forget the time I went with my class to a play at a school in the neighboring town. I managed to leave a library book in the auditorium. My parents tried everything to get me to call the school and ask if the book had been found. I just couldn't do it. I was willing to pay the library the cost of the book rather than get on the line with someone I didn't know. Neither threats nor bribes could induce me to rise above my painful diffidence and insecurity. Ultimately, my mom made the call. I was unbelievably grateful to be saved from the ordeal.

I had no problem speaking up in class. In an academic context I could be confident and assertive. But put me in a social situation and I'd wither. I shrink into the background, terrified that I'd be called upon to interact with people I didn't know.

So what happened? Several experiences helped me to get over my fear of people. I had a boyfriend in high school, an older guy, who was the most sociable, friendly individual I'd ever met. He'd talk to cashiers in the supermarket, people waiting with him at the bus stop, pretty much anyone who crossed his path. I loved him dearly, and I guess he became a bit of a model. I didn't deliberately set out to emulate him, but unconsciously some of his warmth and comfort rubbed off on me.

Another factor was the job I had in college, as a waitress at a local restaurant. If you want to succeed waiting tables, you've got to chat with the customers and make them like you. Somehow I managed to be a totally different person at work. I felt as though I was in a play. When I put on my uniform, I was assuming a role, becoming someone else entirely. In fact I made enough waitressing two nights a week to pay for my rent in a group apartment. I was still shy in the "real" world, but somehow the lively, flirtatious young woman who did so well with tips became a part of my personality.

That was decades ago. I've really gotten much better at dealing with social situations. Sometimes I still feel uncomfortable, but most people probably never realize that fact.

The legacy of shyness does linger, though. I still dislike telephone calls. I can feel the old anxiety in my reluctance to send out too many promo messages, to advertise my books too loudly. I don't want to bother or bore people. I'm afraid they'll think I'm annoying or conceited. Deep down, I'm still shy.

Getting It Right The First Time

By Jane Toombs (Guest Blogger)

Ten years ago in July, we moved into our new house across the road from Lake Superior that our high school had built for us. Of course not free, but still reasonable, because the students who were learning to build houses were free labor. Strangely enough, we have found very few errors we could connect to student labor--all of it was minor and fixable.

What has gone wrong is one major item. I was told the furnace (for hot water radiators) would be in the garage connected to the house. I realize this is no longer possible because the law in Michigan has changed since then, but I believe it was still possible ten years ago. Instead, we found what looked like a large water heater in the corner of the utility room with gauges and pipes galore, plus two pumps. This was not only the water heater, but the furnace as well. Furthermore it was a new gadget.

If I have leaned anything in my long life, I’ve learned it’s best not to buy anything complicated the first year it’s out. Things will go wrong and so the next batch of whatever the item will have these fixed.

The Viking took one look at this contraption, then checked the radiators and muttered something about there not being enough to heat the living room, which is really a great room that also contains the kitchen and dining area. But there was the fireplace, which would serve us as well for heat in the cold weather, so he decided we’d be warm enough.

He was right--up to a point.

Now it’s ten years later, and he’s no longer able to carry wood in from the garage and build fires. Neither am I. Plus the combo heating unit has given us nothing but trouble from the get-go. It nearly gave up the ghost in the middle of January last year, but an old plumber we knew cobbled it together so that it limped through till summer. But now we’re faced with needing a new furnace. Believe me, you do not want to know how much that’s costing us, partly because we have to put in at least one new section of radiators.

Motto:See that it’s done right the first time!

Unfortunately we were living in Carson City, NV, while the house was being built, so couldn’t actually see what was going on.

Seeing that it’s done right the first time also applies to writing. But even if you do a good job the first time,you still need an editor who can see more easily than you can any errors or awkward phrasing .Never try to turn in to any editor a draft you haven’t edited yourself or one you haven’t polished.

Also if you feel you don’t agree with an editor’s corrections or suggested changes, do let them sit a day or two before you go back and look at them again. I’ve sometimes been amazed by how right the suggestions were, even though I may rewrite the section in my own way instead of using the suggestions. Taking this second look at the section made me realize it really wasn’t quite right.

So after spending a bunch of money, we will have a furnace that heats our house properly because another radiator was added, which the house needed for any furnace to function properly.

If we, as writers, take the time to go over go over our manuscript, sometimes having to change sections and add new ones, just maybe our story will be right--the first time. Then the editor’s contribution, while needed, won’t have us changing half the book.

I’m also hiring a tree guy to take out brush, cut off limbs, take junk trees out and transplant some that are in the wrong places. And, yes, that, while nowhere near as expensive as a new furnace, isn’t cheap. Some of it could have been prevented if we’d planned ahead a bit better.

I don’t care whether you’re a plotter or a pantser, every writer needs to have some idea of where the book they’re writing is going and how it will turn out at the end. Yes, sometimes we can be surprised when the ending turns out differently than we once felt it should be, but that’s not usual--at least for plotters like me. I have many pantser friends who’ve told me they do have an ending in mind for the book when they begin it--sometimes vague--but nestled there in their minds. And if it does change along the way it’s because a unforeseen twist of the plot made it so.

I write a fairly extensive synopsis for my own use before I begin a manuscript. And, no, it doesn’t bore me to then write the book because the synopsis is only a guideline, one I found early on I need to keep from wandering down beckoning paths that will take me right out of the story. Pantsers amaze me because they somehow keep themselves from doing that. Or else they realize they’re on a wrong path and toss out that part of the draft and go on with the story.

Yes, I wrote my first two published books like a pantser, but then found my agent couldn’t sell the third one anywhere .I supposed one had to write a complete book before it could be sold. When my agent finally told me about partials I was amazed. A synopsis and three chapters and a publisher will buy it?Whoa!Of course he first had to explain to me what a synopsis was.

After I wrote my first one, I was hooked. Not only that, but I tried to write a synopsis for my third unsold book and for the first time saw the problems--I’d wandered down a lot of paths that had nothing to do with the plot. So I wrote a different synopsis for the book and rewrote it..After the agent sold the rewritten book I never wrote another without a synopsis.

We all write our stories differently, I would never dream of telling another writer the method she or he should use to write a book. But I have no qualms about telling all of you to do your best to get it right the first time. By that I mean you should not be satisfied with what you’ve written until you feel it’s as good as you can possibly make it.

That being said, sometimes I reread a book I’d written years ago and feel I could have written it better. But I think the reason is because the more books we write, the better we get at it.At least I like to think that.

My latest is my first attempt aimed at young adults. Of course it’s a paranormal suspense romance, because that’s currently my favorite genre.

I am giving away a copy of this book to one lucky commenter, by the way!

The Turquoise Dragon

Excerpt:

Eleven-year-old Nahma Marten, searching for wild strawberries, had found some along the creek last year. So she followed the bank, becoming more and more disappointed when she didn’t find any--strawberry plants, yes, but no berries. Grandpa would remind her they were to be shared with the birds, chipmunks and rabbits, which she knew anyway, but they could have left her a few.

About to turn back, she caught a glimpse of an unusual color. Turquoise? Nothing that color grew around here. She hurried to see what it could be, but once she was staring down at the oval-shaped turquoise egg,she couldn’t believe her eyes. No bird around here could possibly have laid an egg that big!

She put her berry pail on the ground,reached down and picked up the egg, cupping the turquoise find in both hands, and muttering, “You’re a strange color and size for an egg, but you sure look like one. Wonder what you’ll be when you hatch? Big, that’s for sure.”

Thrilled with her find, she laid the egg back on the moss and gathered a nearby large withering blue leaf with a soft pod attached to the stem and laid them in the bottom of the berry pail to cushion the egg. It barely fit in the pail sideways.

“Wait till I show Gina,” she said. As soon as the words left her lips, she realized who she wasn’t going to show it to--her grandfather. She almost never kept anything from him,He’d taken her in years ago, after her folks died in that accident. She loved him dearly, but she also knew how his mind worked.

He’d want to take the egg somewhere to be examined--and what if someone wherever he took it decided to cut it open? It might not hatch, anyway, but she wanted to give it a chance. Chicken eggs hatched if they’d been fertilized and the hen kept them warm. But no hen could ever keep this big an egg warm.

Nahma had no idea if the turquoise egg had been fertilized, but she hoped so. She’d have to keep it warm while she waited to see if it would hatch and that posed a problem. A heating pad would be too hot. Maybe a lamp. Yes! Grandpa had put his sunlamp away till next winter and it was flexible. She could fix up a nest in her room and bend the lamp down to shine on the egg close enough to keep it warm, but not hot. In her closet, if she meant to keep it a secret.

If it did hatch, what would come out of it? She could hardly wait to find out. When and if that happened would be soon enough to tell her grandfather. Gina’s caretaker should be dropping her off soon. By then she’d have the lamp rigged up and could show off what she’d found today to her very best friend.

Once Nahma had everything set up in her closet, she hurried out to clean up the berry pail. Strange the leaf and pod were blue. The pod cracked open as she lifted it from the pail to show a good-sized blue seed inside. Could this have something to do with the turquoise egg? She knew most plants around here and none were blue..If she planted the seed, maybe something would grow from it.

Something blue?

***

I will be giving away a PDF download of this book to someone who leaves a comment.

Bio: Jane Toombs, the Viking from her past, and their calico grandcat, Kinko, live across the road from the south shore of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula wilderness, enjoying three marvelous seasons and one barely tolerable one. Jane has left the NY markets behind for epublishing and is happy with her choice., Including stand-alone novellas with her novels, she’s almost reached ninety books and may retire when she reaches 100. On the other hand, or maybe not ...!

Check out all her books at her website: www.JaneToombs.com

Details, Details...

So, I've been working, when my job allows me the time, on my M/M scifi novel. (I will be so happy when I can say I've finished the first draft!) I have a fairly detailed scene list, so I know how the story will proceed from where I am (about three quarters through) and how it will end. Of course, I don't know all the details. I tend to discover them - or work them out - as I am writing.

I spent Sunday hammering away at a chapter in which Rafe rescues Dylan, who has been kidnapped to be the sex slave of the rich, powerful, secretly gay mayor of the city. (Bear with me! I know this may sound a bit hokey, but in the context of the plot, I think it's actually plausible.) Dylan's being kept at the mayor's isolated, glass-walled mansion high above the city. Rafe needed to get into the compound, which would obviously have stringent security, get into the house, and get Dylan out.

Most of what I did on Sunday was figure out how!

I already had the notion that Rafe would cut a hole in the glass. He's an ex-gang member and knows about burglary. But how would he get inside the lethal fence that surrounds the house? How would he manage to make it up to the third floor room where Dylan is being held in bondage? I'd already explained that the room was biometrically keyed, so that only the owner could open the door. And how would they flee together, once they'd been reunited?

When I started writing, I didn't have a clue.

I solved these practical problems by putting myself in Rafe's head. He looked around to see what options were available; I looked through his eyes, calculating right along with him. Along with him, I jumped at unexpected opportunities. Like him, I felt frustrated at times at the seeming impossibility of the task. Then I thought about Dylan, how much I (that is, Rafe) cared about him, and steeled myself to try again.

The strategy worked. When I left them, Rafe had successfully entered the house, found his lover, and released him from his bonds. I'm still not 100% sure how they're going to get away -- I had to suspend the action because they insisted on a love scene after they were re-united! -- but I have some ideas.

The experience made me realize how much harder it is to write a novel than a short story. Novels require ten to a hundred times more detail than shorts - and all that detail has to be consistent as well as believable.

In terms of word count, I didn't get much done in that session. However, I think I learned a lesson: the devil is in the details. And I found at least one method for dealing with the issue, although I'll have to wait for my beta reader's comments before I can really say that the approach was a success.

I'm interested in how other writers work out the nitty gritty mechanics of a scene. Maybe I can get some pointers!

Today's Snog has been Relocated

Psst - looking for that Sunday kiss you've come to crave? I'm serving up today's Sunday Snog over at Victoria's place.

http://www.victoriablisse.co.uk/sunday-snog/guest-sunday-snog-lisabet-sarai

Come on by for an intensely sensual kiss from my M/M/F book Almost Home

Exploring the Dimensions of Human Sexuality

By Shashauna P. Thomas (Guest Blogger)

I never consider myself an expert on sex. There is always something new to learn. And I’m sure some of you will agree that learning new things about sex is half the fun. I did however have a belief that when it came to Human Sexuality I at least knew the basics. How could I not, having been born and raised in New York City? New York is one of the most crowded and diversely populated cities in the U.S. There is heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality. I understood that each person as an individual will have an array of different turn-ons, a combination of arousing stimuli specific to them. But I always believed that everyone somehow fit into those three well-known categories. I never considered myself closed-minded, but looking back, I now know that line of thinking was very narrow.

It wasn’t until my first semester at the university where I got my second bachelors when I finally became enlightened on exactly how wrong my thinking was. For my second BA I majored in psychology with a concentration in sociology. One of the courses I had the pleasure of taking was a sociology course on human sexuality. It just so happened that we had a guest lecturer that semester. Now I won’t go in to too many specifics, mainly because it has been a while and I don’t remember the professor’s name nor the exact name of the course. What I do remember clearly was the professor’s main point. He explained that it was a misconception to break down human sexuality into two categories, heterosexuality and homosexuality, or three if you believe that bisexuality deserves a separate class. He went on to explain that instead of two or three static classifications that human sexuality is actually a spectrum.

Bisexual

Homosexual I------------------------------I------------------------------I Heterosexual

Human sexuality is a range with heterosexuality on one end, homosexuality on the other and bisexuality falling directly in the center. The professor went on to say that like most dimensions the majority of people fall somewhere along the line and tend to cluster towards the center. Not near the ends like one would think! This means that the probability of landing on the far ends, completely straight or completely gay, is actually extremely low. When my professor first introduced this concept to the class you can imagine that a number of my fellow classmates found it hard to believe.

He explained that many factors go into consideration when determining where on the spectrum one ends up. A heterosexual woman who finds homosexual acts between woman erotic when viewed, but doesn’t have the inclination to participate herself in a homosexual act with another woman is heterosexual with homoerotic tendencies. She would land somewhere on the right side of the spectrum. This kind of thinking explains the belief that all straight people have some subconscious gay tendencies and vice versa.

When first introduced to the spectrum I didn’t find it as hard to believe as some of the others. I have always embraced sexuality, and with a vivid imagination like mine it wasn’t so hard for me to believe that human sexuality isn’t static but fluid.

It explained why it was so easy for me to imagine two women in the shower together. Soaping each other’s body slowly as they took their time learning every nook and cranny of the other’s curves. Letting the anticipation build before even the first kiss. When the kiss finally takes place the sensation is explosive and travels all through their bodies. Then one woman breaks the kiss to kneel before the other where she slowly begins to lick the cream seeping from the other’s center. The one still standing begins to wobble slightly as she grips the back of the other woman’s head, to stabilize herself and help guide her aching clit to the other woman’s questing tongue. She uses her free hand to play with her sensitive nipples. The woman on her knees begins to lightly suckle on the other’s clit while slowly entering her with two fingers. The standing woman throws her head back and moans in ecstasy as her hips begin to move to the pace of the kneeling woman’s fingers.

I find the previous scene in my head just as arousing as a woman holding hands with a man who is leading her into the shadows behind a night club they just exited. Once alone in the shadows he presses her back up against the brick wall of the building. His lips hover seductively above hers, teasing her, before crushing their lips together in a passionate kiss. His hands grope her breasts through her shirt. Her erect nipples poke the palm of his hand confirming his suspicion that she isn’t wearing a bra. Her hands begin to fumble with his fly in her haste to reach his huge erection. She only gets to stroke his shaft a couple of times before he hooks his hands beneath her thighs and lifts her off the ground. He wraps her legs around his waist as one of his hands sneaks under her skirt to test how wet she is and to move her thong out of the way. Knowing exactly what he’s doing and wanting it as badly as he does, she helps guides the head of his member, lining it up with her opening. In one slow, sure thrust he enters her, not stopping until he is fully embedded inside her. There in the dark alley, she matches him thrust for thrust as they ride each other to that ever looming orgasm.

Both these fantasies excite me because of my placement on the heterosexuality-to-homosexuality spectrum. After my epiphany in the sociology class I not only decided to explore the spectrum, but also to pass along this new-found information to everyone I knew. I mean, I knew I couldn’t have been the only one who thought the way I previously did. During a conversation with a family member where I was sharing what I learned, the individual posed a very interesting question. “If this whole sexuality spectrum idea is true, then where on the spectrum do personal fetishes fit?” I was once again momentarily struck dumb founded. Not by the question but more by the fact that a class of over a hundred students had taken the course for an entire semester and yet not one had ever asked that question of the professor. What about fetishes? What about people who were turned on by feet and high heels? What about sexually submissive or dominant people?

After thinking about it I realized I was once again thinking too linearly. As many factors make up each of our personal sexuality, it’s completely reasonable to infer that there are multiple sexual dimensions coming into play.

Switch

Dominant I---------------------------------I-------------------------------I Submissive

Polygamist

Polyamorous I------------------------------I------------------------------I Monogamist

The above two dimensions are only a few of those I believe exist and intercept the first spectrum. They all connect to make a three, four, five, or more dimensional representation of our individual sexuality. Once again the same rules apply with the majority of the human population falling somewhere along the spectrum, tending to cluster around the center, and very few landing at the extreme ends. As we’re all individuals the possible combinations are immeasurable. The only way to figure out where in these dimensions and others you land is to explore your own human sexuality spectrum. Don’t be afraid to test and embrace the limits of your own imagination, sexual daring, and arousal. Discovery is half the fun.

Exploring my own personal spectrum has been the major influence in my own writing. Sometimes the main characters are learning about a submissive side they hadn’t known they had like in my short story La Petite Mort, featured in Xcite Books’ Six of the Best – a Collection of Spanking Stories.

Or they learn instead of suppressing their urge for multiple partners to embrace it and in the end have even more pleasure than they originally imagined was possible. Like in my new book published by Pink Petal Books, Deck The Halls.

They could already know what fuels their fire and have fun exploring the depths of their fetish with another like the main characters as in my short story Flat with a View, featured in Bondage by The Bay - Tales of BDSM in San Francisco from Renaissance.

They might already know what they want sexually, but the way they find it may be completely unexpected. It is of course no less completely satisfying. An example is the main character in my short story Luna’s Mate, which is featured in the hot lesbian werewolf anthology Daughters of Artemis from Storm Moon Press.

When it comes to my writing, viewing human sexuality as multiple interconnecting dimensions always comes into play. As I am definitely one of those authors that believe art often imitates life I believe the dimensions of sexuality play an important role in how we all, authors and readers alike, view sex and most importantly how we view our own sexuality. I am very interested to know if I am alone. Do you agree that sexual preferences are fluid and gradual rather than fixed into categories? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Bio: Shashauna P. Thomas graduated with two BAs before returning to the Bronx where she was born and raised to live with family. It is there that she continues to find inspiration for her erotic novels. For more information on this author, a complete list of her published works, and how to get in contact with her, please check out her new website http://sptpassions.weebly.com. Her author's page on Goodreads, http://www.goodreads.com/shashaunapthomas is another way to reach the author, keep updated on her published works, and follow her blog where she chronicles her experiences as a new author learning the world of publishing.

REVIEW: Searchers by Pepper St. Claire

Searchers by Pepper St. Claire

Available from Whiskey Creek Press

Katie's marriage seems to be falling apart. Her husband Rick ridicules and insults her when she stays heavy after the birth of their son. Then, when she slims down, he bothers her constantly with his need for sex, not understanding how deeply his earlier snubs hurt her. Katie recoils from him, unable to forget or forgive his insensitive behavior. Once high school sweethearts, now they're practically strangers, growing further apart with each passing day.

On a rare night out with her old friend Irene, a handsome younger man buys Katie a drink. Joey is funny, attentive and considerate, as well as unbelievably virile. Fleeing from the misery of her marriage, Katie hurls herself into an intense, passionate affair with Joey. His affection and approval liberate her from her self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy. In his company, she discovers new capacities for pleasure as well as a surprising sexual imagination.

As she and her young lover grow closer, Katie struggles with guilt and the uncertainties of her future. Should she throw away her marriage for a chance at love and fulfillment? External events suddenly force her to choose between Rick and Joey, and Katie suffers terribly, knowing that someone will be hurt regardless of her decision.

In Searchers, Pepper St. Claire has penned a moving, believable piece of erotic fiction. The book is arousing in its depiction of a woman's sexual awakening, but its greatest appeal lies in its vivid depiction of Katie's desire, confusion and guilt.

In a moment of madness, under the influence of alcohol, Katie gives in to her attraction to the delightful Joey (who knows from the first that she's married). The validation he provides is at least as addictive as the physical pleasure. One glorious encounter leads to another. Before long, Katie is lying not only to Rick, but also to her mother and her friend - and she hates it. Her love for Joey is tearing her soul apart.

Ms. St. Claire makes it eminently clear that cheating is not easy for her heroine. Katie is a good person, a good mother, whose husband hasn't given her what she needs. Joey's love restores her self-esteem - but her own dishonesty eats away at her happiness in his company. The book makes Katie's inner conflict very real.

The author comments in her Afterword that writing erotica doesn't come easily for her. Nevertheless, the love scenes between Katie and Joey have a sensual intensity that flows naturally from their mutual passion. I thought that the scenes involving Katie and Rick were somewhat less effective. This may be partly because I'd come to dislike Rick in the early phases of the book, due to his treatment of Katie, and even after he "reformed", I didn't quite trust him. Ms. St. Claire also throws in some light dominance and submission late in the book, which to be honest really didn't seem to fit Katie's character (Katie herself appears to feel the same way).

Despite her own misgivings and an occasional outbreak of euphemisms, though, I'd say that Ms. St. Claire's sex scenes are more effective than many I've read, especially in terms of their emotional intensity. The author understands in detail how her characters feel and really communicates that to the reader, or at least to me.

Overall, Searchers is an erotic tale with a serious message. It's not the light-hearted, bawdy romp one finds in some erotica. Rather, it explores the importance of sexual fulfillment in making marriage work, and portrays, with delicacy and insight, the pitfalls of monogamy.

I, for one, enjoyed the book, and I'd be happy to read another erotic novel by Ms. St. Claire, if she can be convinced to write one.

The Uncertain World of Paranormal Romance

By Patricia Elmer (Guest Blogger)

Paranormal romance is hot right now. Everyone knows it. Nobody’s denying it. Heck, anything paranormal is hot right now. The romance element just makes it even hotter. Long before a certain tousle haired young man took on the role of a sparkling vampire on screen those of us in the romance field have known just how sexy something with a little bite can be.

The question I keep asking myself though is this: where are we going next in paranormals? If you’re like me you’ve heard that “vampires are over” or “if I have to read another book with … I’ll slit my own throat”. Well slitting your throat would certainly give the vampire authors something to write home about. Anyway, that’s neither here or there. The real question is where do we go next? What’s the hot new thing?

Is it demons and angels like my newest book series? Or is it Greek/Roman Gods and Goddesses like Aimee Carter’s The Goddess Test? Steampunk like Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate? New forms of shapeshifters like Nicole Peeler’s Jane True series? Who knows? I’m batting around ideas in every category I just mentioned.

Honestly? That’s the fun part in my opinion. That’s what makes paranormals such great books to read and to write. There are no rules beyond the Golden Rule of Storytelling to constrain us. Write a Good Story. Everything after that is up to you. Because that’s the best thing in paranormal and fantasy writing – the world you build and that you take your readers to is only constrained by the limits of your imagination.

So, while people on the street love to tell me how they heard from a reputable source who knows these sorts of things that paranormals are dying post-Twilight, I just smile and walk away. Because one thing I know for certain is this. While we might change our labels or tweak our characters slightly to find new ways to tell a story one thing is for certain. Paranormal writers and readers aren’t fading away anytime soon. We’ve got too many places and people and things yet to explore together after all. And if we run out of worlds to see? We’ll just make a few new ones.

Bio:

After a stint of “practical thinking” in her twenties where she earned degrees in Business and Economics, Patricia Eimer gave in and followed her passion for books. Her first novel, Luck of the Devil, is coming out August 2011 from Entangled Publishing.

A Taste of Dominance and Submission with Dr. Charley Ferrer

I'm delighted to have a special guest today. Dr. Charley Ferrer is an expert on dominance and submission and the author of several books on the topic, including one targeted at authors of BDSM fiction. Thanks for joining us today, Charley, and "letting it all hang out"!

I'd like to start with your professional background. Your sig line says you're a “Clinical Sexologist” and a “Sex Expert” (something we could all use!) Can you tell me about your training and experience, as well as what led you into this field in the first place?

Dr. Charley: Actually that’s pretty funny story as it all started with a detour in my life. It’s funny how the Universe leads us down the path we’re suppose to take even without us realizing it at first. I was actually working toward a BA in business when my night program ended and I was forced to either wait another year or transfer into the only other program that had an opening. With only one semester left to graduate, it was really a no-brainer to transfer over into the psych program. Within two weeks, I fell in love with psychology and immediately enrolled in a Masters program in Counseling Psychology.

While working on my Masters I found that sexuality was a topic most therapists avoided like the plague. Sadly when they did address it, the therapists' own biases interfered with their ability to be provide objective information or assist their patients embrace this sexual desires. I found many were more inclined to judge than to be accept an individual’s alternative lifestyles. Keep in mind this was almost twenty years ago. Although we’ve made some progress, we still have a long way to go. I still hear horror stories about therapist condemning their patients for their sexual orientation and even more so their D/s desires.

Also what most called “sex therapy” was actually “relationship counseling.” And though these two types of therapy may seem the same since you’re helping strengthen the relationship, they’re actually as different as night and day. Most therapist aren’t trained in sexual dysfunctions beyond the basics and just like everyone else, the typical therapist may not be comfortable discussing sex in great details. It was because of this that I sought out more information on sexuality and went on to obtain my Doctorate in Human Sexuality. Since then, I’ve attained my certification as a Clinical Sexologist, an Erotologist and Sex Educator. I also went on to complete a certification program in Hypnosis since I believe in learning anything that will assist my patients in getting the most out of life in whatever form that takes. I use hypnosis along with cognitive therapy not only to help individuals overcome their fears and anxieties as well doing life regressions and incorporations, but also use hypnosis to help men and women overcome their sexual inhibitions and sexual dysfunctions to enable them to enhance their sensuality and relationships.

I actually had a few individuals call me the “Monty Hall of Sex” at a lecture I was conducting for couples since I was constantly providing various options to try. I’ve been providing sex therapy and researching sexuality for the past fifteen years. Currently I’m an Adjunct Professor at Rutgers University and conduct workshops throughout the US and Latin America for physicians, mental health workers, and the general public. I also maintain a private practice providing counseling and mentorship in person or over the phone/Internet as a lot of my patients are outside of New York City. I also produce a TV Show called PLEASURE which deals with relationships and sexuality; and I write for various magazines and newspapers. Plus I write books on sexuality and self-empowerment.

How did you get the idea for your book BDSM For Writers?

Dr. Charley: Believe it or not, BDSM For Writers and BDSM The Naked Truth are here because I read a romance novel! I was reading The Vampire Queen’s Servant by Joey W. Hill and wrote her to thank her for providing a true depiction of Dominance and submission. Joey was very sweet and agreed to appear on my TV show instead. As she was attending the Authors After Dark 2011 Conference hosted by Stella Price, I was able to meet up with her in New Jersey. Stella was kind enough to invite me to sit in on the BDSM Panel during the conference to help normalize BDSM and provide some clinical insight. That afternoon, I was asked if I’d ever considered writing a book on BDSM for writers...and well, there’s the Universe stepping in again.

What do you hope to accomplish with the book?

Dr. Charley: In the past ten years there’s been a trend for more erotica and adventurous sexual encounters in romance novels. However, many authors still portray in their novels Hollywood’s and media’s misconceptions about dominance and submission. They figure throwing in a spanking or a whipping scene makes the novel D/s, not understanding that D/s is actually about love and respect and a spiritual connection just as a “vanilla” relationship is and there’s much more to BDSM than “whips and chains”. And though we do love our toys, many individuals in the BDSM lifestyle do not engage in physical activities and are purely “service” oriented. It’s these misconceptions that I hoped to help clarify through my book BDSM for Writers I also want to teach authors the underlying principles which will make their D/s stories more realistic and erotic.

With my book BDSM The Naked Truth, my goal is to shine a light into the darkness and dispel many of the misconceptions which are perpetuated by Hollywood and the media. I want individuals who are curious or identify within this uniquely erotic mindset to know that they’re perfectly normal! And for those that are just curious or interact on a social or professional level with individuals who embrace the BDSM lifestyle such as doctors, lawyers, law enforcement, even social workers and counselors, it’s my hope that they will use this book to learn the basics so as professionals they can help those that seek their assistance. It’s a tragedy that so many individuals suffer emotionally because there’s no one there to understand or guide them. And many who are accidentally injured will not seek treatment because they fear what their doctors will think or don’t know where to learn how to interact safely.

BDSM The Naked Truth is not only for the curious beginner; it also provides advanced techniques on protocols, training and more. Thus it’s also valuable for those individuals who are already in the lifestyle and want to enhance their interactions. And though the books are similar in some of the information provided, BDSM The Naked Truth does not contain the chapters for writers nor their tidbits. It also includes a special chapter on relationships.

Another unique aspect about both books is that unlike most books on the market with teach you “how-to” use a whip or “how-to” play with candle wax, etc, my books teach you WHY you’d want to! It shows you WHY the submissive craves to surrender and WHY the Dominant thrills—even feels complete—accepting the same. And as I am self-publishing these books, I’m able to ensure they are completely uncensored.

If you had to select one point you'd like readers to take away from the book, what would that be?

Dr. Charley: Respect. BDSM—Dominance and submission is about respect. It’s about honoring the gifts you share with the person you interact with whether that gift is their submission or their dominance.

Where can readers find out more about you, your books and your seminars?

Dr. Charley: The books are available through my website www.bdsmforwriters.com or www.bdsmthenakedtruth.com. They’re also available through Amazon and Smashwords.com. However if you purchase your copy directly from me, you’ll be entered into the LIGHTNING BRIGADE—what I’m affectionately calling the first 300 people to purchase a copy of my books. This means you receive a $500 Digital Erotic Art Collection from Captured Erotica free, and you’re entered to win one of 35 kinky toys and one mundane one—a Kindle. And you can also join my affiliate program and sell copies of my book on your website or blog and earn income and points for more prizes.

As for seminars, I’m actually conducting a series of seminars on BDSM FOR WRITERS and sexuality through Savvy Authors. The first one is August 15 (today!!). And there’s one on Ménage, Polyamory and Swingers on the 18^th. http://www.savvyauthors.com/vb/showevent.php?eventid=1089

http://www.savvyauthors.com/vb/showevent.php?eventid=1098. But I’m not just about BDSM or sex *smiles* so there are also a few workshops during the Savvy Authors Summer Symposium on psychology such as Criminal Minds—Serial Killers; Psychology of Abuse Victims; Latina Heroines; and the Sexual Response Cycle and Fetishes. In October, I’ll be conducting a webinar on BDSM for the general public. Please contact me privately if you’re interested at doctorcharley(at)bdsmthenakedtruth(dot)com.

Before I say goodbye, I want to invite you to share your thoughts and comments with us as I value your opinion: good, bad, or naughty. *smiles* I also want to thank Lisabet for having me on her blog that I can share this valuable information with you.

Live with passion,

Dr. Charley Ferrer

A Kiss from Necessary Madness

Another Sunday, another snog, keeping up with Ms. Blisse... This one's from my M/M paranormal novel Necessary Madness

Kyle was close, too. For a moment, he allowed himself to really feel Rob’s talented fingers, pulling, massaging, every touch sending waves of delicious sensation surging through him. The man was so strong, so sure of himself, despite his earlier reticence. It has been so terribly long since anyone cared about Kyle’s pleasure.

Dizziness fluttered through him. The world lurched a little. No, not now, Kyle pleaded hopelessly. He felt the pressure build. He hung on the edge. Reality tilted, shimmered. No, no, no…

“Rob,” he moaned. “Look at me. Please…”

The cop heard, even through the fog of his lust. His eyes shot open and Kyle let himself go, falling into those luminous pools of blue. His cock exploded, his cum shooting out over both of their bellies. A train whistle wailed in Kyle’s head, but the world held, long enough for Kyle to feel Rob’s cock convulse and spew hot liquid all over Kyle’s fingers.

“Oh, baby,” Rob panted, fastening his mouth on Kyle’s. Kyle wallowed in the wonderful sensations. Heat and wetness, above and below. Rob’s tongue, Rob’s taste, Rob’s hard body pressed against him.

Then a black void swallowed him. No light. No feeling. No sound except for Kyle’s own heartbeat, loud in his ears.

The words appeared as letters of fire, hanging in the emptiness. ‘Dawson Street Holden’. As Kyle watched, they loomed closer, then disintegrated in a shower of sparks, leaving him in darkness.

“Kyle? Kyle!” Rob was shaking him so hard that Kyle’s teeth rattled. “Come back!” The vision fled as swiftly as it had arrived. “Are you all right?”

Rob’s brows were knitted in worry. Kyle tried to produce a reassuring smile. “Yeah, I think so. How long was I gone?”

“Ten seconds, maybe. I could tell exactly when it happened. One instant I was kissing you, and you were kissing me back. The next instant—it was as though you were an empty shell. No reaction. Nobody there. It was the weirdest thing.”

“Well, I remember the kiss.” Kyle lay back on the pillows, overwhelmed by an unaccustomed sense of well-being. “It was really something.” He extended his arms. “Why don’t you lie down and we can try it again.”

Rob bent over and brushed his lips against Kyle’s as if he were afraid that the younger man might break. “Not like that,” Kyle laughed. He pulled the cop to his chest, revelling in the sensation of the man’s warm skin against his own. Taking Rob’s face in his hands, he kissed him, hard and deep. Their tongues tangled, Rob’s no less forceful than Kyle’s now that the younger man had taken the initiative. Rob rubbed his sticky groin against Kyle’s thigh. Kyle felt his cock stir and swell once again.

Some Things to Do in Las Vegas

By C.R. Moss (Guest Blogger)

Hi from C.R. Moss, a Las Vegas local! In light of the Erotic Authors Association’s Inaugural Conference coming here in September (http://eroticauthorsassociation.com/EAA/conference/about-the-conference/) I’m doing a few blogs that revolve around this fascinating city. This blog post, like it states in the title, features some activities people can do when they visit. Please note, this list isn’t all inclusive, and no, I have no affiliation with the hotels/casinos/restaurants/etc I mention. They’re just places my friends and I like have been to.

Check out the bars ~ Whether you drink or not, it can be interesting to watch what goes on around the bars in this town. Casinos have their bars out on the gaming floors and usually nearby you can watch some free entertainment – bands, dancers, Elvis impersonators. Harrah's has a piano bar with Dueling Piano Twins and there’s live entertainment at the outdoor Carnaval Court Bar & Grill where you can also see some flair-style bartending. My friends and I like to hang out at McFadden’s at the Rio. Then, of course, you have the nightclubs and themed venues like Red Square with its private vodka vault and famous frozen icebar. At Bellagio, you can enjoy high tea at the Petrossian Bar. LAX has a gothic feel to it. There’s a Tequila Bar at Bally's. And at Dick’s Las Resort Bar insults flow like the liquor does.

White balls or black rocks ~ Go golfing or have a spa day. There’s an abundance of golf courses in the valley just as there are many spas on and off the strip. And with plenty to choose from you’re sure to find a place that fits your budget.

Experience the Experience ~ Downtown has the Fremont Street Experience. http://www.vegasexperience.com/ There’s an overhead canopy housing 12.5 million LED modules which, after the sun goes down, puts on animated shows. Plus, there are two stages for live performances and sometimes you’ll see a film crew shooting scenes for a television show or movie. DH & I were able to see a scene from CSI being filmed.

Check out nature ~ Inside the Las Vegas city limits: Spring Preserves - http://www.springspreserve.org/ Outside Las Vegas: Valley of Fire - http://parks.nv.gov/vf.htm; Red Rock - http://www.redrockcanyonlv.org/; Spring Mountain Ranch - http://parks.nv.gov/smr.htm; Hoover Dam - http://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/

Check out the casinos’ features ~ Fountains and Gardens at Bellagio: The fountains are a show of water, music and light. The Conservatory & Botanical Gardens contain gorgeous plants, flowers and trees in spectacular arrangements. The Tower at the Stratosphere: At 1,149 feet above the city, I think the best view is at night. For more info visit: http://www.stratospherehotel.com/Tower See the cats at the lion habitat in MGM Grand or the tiger exhibits at the Mirage. Speaking of the Mirage don’t forget to visit the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. There’s the shark reef at Mandalay Bay http://www.mandalaybay.com/entertainment/shark-reef-aquarium.aspx & at the Luxor there are two exhibitions: Bodies and Titanic. Those are just some of the features in the many casinos. And, don’t forget the wonderful shows the casinos have available.

Walk or drive the Strip ~ If you’re going to walk the strip, be sure to carry water and wear a good pair of walking shoes. Seeing the distances between casinos is deceptive. Everything looks closer than it really is. The casinos are huge and going from inside one casino to outside on the strip to go to another takes some time. The best time to go walking, during the hotter months, is after the sun sets. The heat dissipates some and the lights come on. Oh, and if you’re walking, just ignore the sales people asking if you want free tickets to a show or money to gamble with, etc. They’re usually working for the time shares and to get the freebies you’ll have to sit through a sales pitch. Also don’t take the cards the men are slapping and flicking. They’re usually advertising ‘escort’ services. To drive the strip if it’s your first time, I suggest either using mass transit or finding a friend with a car who doesn’t mind driving and not looking at the sights. Be sure to allot plenty of time for the drive up and down the strip. For more transportation info and tips on walking visit: http://off2vegas.com/transit.html

Eat ~ With all the different buffets, cafés, restaurants, pubs, etc. on the strip and off, be sure to get your fill!

Feeling sexy? ~ There are a number of strip clubs and I know of at least one that has a section for women to watch men dance. There are hotels that offer ‘European Bathing’—pools that are for people 21 and over where women can sunbathe topless. Or if you want to take in some sexy culture, check out the Erotic Heritage Museum: http://www.eroticheritagemuseumlasvegas.com/

Some Q&A revolving around me and Las Vegas

Q: Do you base stories in Las Vegas?

A: Sure do! And, come September, my writing partner and I are due to have a co-authored story out through Evernight Publishing. An erotic contemporary romance with cowboys, ‘Wild West Weekend,’ is set on a fictional ranch in a town right outside of Las Vegas. Yee-haw! For info on that story (and future stories in the series) visit: http://doubledranchtales.blogspot.com/

Q: Don’t you miss the snow, rain, change of seasons?

A: Um, no. If I want to see snow, I can look at the mountain ranges and see the snowcapped peaks or go up Mt. Charleston and experience it firsthand. Rain, well, we get that here. In fact, back in December it rained for a few days straight. As for the change of seasons, they happen here, too. In the spring the trees in my neighborhood sprout beautiful pink and white flowers. In the fall, they’ll change colors. It gets cold here (we had one of the chilliest New Year’s on record last year) and it snows (take a peek at my facebook pictures.) In the spring our vehicles get covered with the green-yellow sheath of pollen.

Q: But it gets so hot there. How do you deal with it?

A: I deal better with the summers here than I did back east. Truly, there is something to be said for the dry heat. I don’t have to deal with sitting still and being soaked anymore just because it’s ninety-some degrees out with ninety-some percent humidity. A friend of mine said this about the differences in heat: for the hot southwest it’s like turning your oven on to 125 degrees, and once it’s heated, opening the door and feeling the blast of hot dry air. For back east, it’s like stepping in to a sauna. Granted, I’ve become so acclimated to the weather here that when the humidity creeps above 20% I can tell.

Thanks for joining me here today & reading my post about Las Vegas. :)

Happy Reading, C.R. Moss

An eccentric and eclectic writer, C.R. Moss pens stories for the mainstream and erotic markets, giving readers Worlds of Possibilities. Visit her site at: www.crmoss.net

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