Birthday Gifts for YOU – #Birthday #Giveaway #RomanticKink

So today’s my birthday. Not such a big deal when you get to be my age! It’s likely to be just another day. I have to work from nine to six, and don’t really have anything special planned for the evening. Probably my DH and I will have dinner at some local restaurant, share some wine, and go to bed before midnight.

But – I do want to celebrate here. So, I’ve got some presents for you, my beloved readers.

First of all, one of you can win a $5 bookstore gift voucher. All you have to do is leave a comment with your email address.

Second, I’m giving away free copies of my romantic BDSM short story collection, Hearts and Handcuffs, in your choice of formats, to everyone who wants it. Just go to Smashwords:

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/635210

Put the book into your cart, then use this coupon code when you check out:

PA97M

The price will drop to zero, and you can download the book in mobi (Kindle), epub, or pdf format.

Not sure if you’re interested? Here’s the blurb:

Kink can be life-changing, cathartic, a spiritual experience. Sometimes, though, it’s just plain fun—particularly when your partner is someone special. Hearts & Handcuffs presents the lighter side of BDSM—the naughty joy to be found in exploring your pervy fantasies with someone whose desires complement your own—in six sizzling short stories that showcase Lisabet Sarai’s famously sexy prose.

In “Spank-o-gram”, a grumpy birthday boy receives an unexpected gift from his distant lover. “Wired” shows the extremes a woman will go to in order to get the attention of the man she wants. A neglected and frustrated slave turns the tables on her master in “Domestic Goddess”. In “Spank Me Again, Stranger”, a city gal learns how they celebrate birthdays out in ranch country. A case of mistaken identity leads to a dream come true in “Routine Maintenance”. The title tale “Hearts and Handcuffs” is a Valentine’s Day role playing romp, complete with costumes.

And here’s a light-hearted snippet from “Spank-o-gram”.

Okay, I'll admit that I was sulking. I had the right. It was nine PM on my birthday, and I was alone. No one had called or sent me a card. No one had invited me out to lunch or dinner. My housemate was away dealing with a family emergency and wouldn't be back until the next morning. I slouched in front of the TV, eating the Häagen Dasz capuccino truffle I'd bought for myself as a consolation present and meditating on my miserable existence.

When the doorbell rang, I considered ignoring it. Who could it be after all? Some buttoned up Jehovah's Witnesses, maybe, or someone who got the wrong address. Hardly worth the energy of getting up off the couch.

The visitor punched the bell again, more forcefully. I thought I heard frustrated determination in that ring. When I still didn't answer, whoever was out there leaned on the button for a full ten seconds.

“All right, all right, keep your shirt on! I'm coming!” Setting my sticky bowl down on the side table, I made my way to the door. I couldn't see anything through the peephole, but then, it was pretty dark. “Who is it?” I called.

“Spank-o-gram for Mr. Sandberg.” The voice was deep, but definitely female. My curiosity got the better of my caution. I opened the door. A tall woman of uncertain age wearing a gray uniform and carrying a clipboard glared at my tee shirt and gym shorts.

“You are Mr. Sandberg?” Her tone suggested that if I weren't, I'd better have a darn good excuse.

“Um—uh—yeah, that's me.” I was taking her in—all six feet of her. Her hair, a violent red that reminded me of those old troll dolls, was pulled into an old-fashioned twist. Her suit jacket strained with the effort of containing her full breasts. The skirt of her uniform stretched equally tight over her ample hips. Her face was all angles—high cheekbones, prominent nose, square chin—attractive in a ferocious sort of way. She resembled a female Genghis Khan.

“Vell, are you goink to ask me in?” She poked my chest, interrupting my appreciative reverie. “I do not have all night. I have two more after you.” When I still didn’t answer, she swept past me, obviously tired of waiting. As she strode into my living room, I noted the way her curve of her ass distorted her uniform. I'd never seen anyone look less official.

“Two more what?” I followed her, bemused. My cock was hardening inside my shorts. I felt as flustered and uncertain as a teenager.

“I told you. Spank-o-grams.” She set her clipboard down next to my bowl. “Someone ordered one for you. Is your birthday, yes?”

“Ah ... yes...”

“Vell then.” She seated herself on the couch, back straight. Her taut skirt rode up, exposing her meaty thighs. “On my lap. I do not have time to vaste.”

Get your copy of this fun book while you can! The coupon expires next week.

And don’t forget to leave a comment and enter the gift certificate drawing!

Book Hooks: Raw Silk -- #MFRWHooks #Thailand #Giveaway #FreeBooks

Today is Wednesday, and for the first time in a while, I have a Book Hooks post for your enjoyment. This bit is from my very first novel Raw Silk, now in its fourth edition.

I have a special giveaway for you, too. You’ll find the details after the hook!

And at the end of the post, you'll find links to all the other authors who are "hooking" today. I hope you'll visit them and read their posts, too.

Blurb

In a foreign land, a woman discovers exotic new realms of the senses.

When software engineer Kate O’Neill leaves her lover David to take a job in Thailand, she becomes sexually involved with two very different men—a handsome and debauched member of the Thai aristocracy, and the charismatic proprietor of a sex bar.

Each touches her in a different way, each teaches her different things about her body and her heart.

Then David comes to Bangkok, and Kate realizes that, finally, she must choose one of the three men who all desire her.

The Hook

“But come. Let us make our way down to the quay. I have hired a converted rice barge to take us upriver. I think that you will find life along the Chao Phaya quite a contrast to this scene of royal eccentricity.”

The barge was waiting, a broad wooden craft with a central cabin and open decks at either end. A convex roof covered the whole length of the barge, shading the decks. They were met by a handsome youth with a shy smile, who helped them across the gangplank and onto the forward deck.

Then he cast off from the mooring and disappeared to the stern. Kate felt the barge vibrate as the engine started. Soon they were headed upstream, moving smoothly through the muddy water.

They lounged comfortably on the cushioned benches that lined the sides of the boat. A young woman in traditional dress appeared with refreshments—ice cold lemon juice and an array of tropical fruit. Somtow picked up a spear of pineapple, dipped it into a dish of white and red powder that sat in the middle of the fruit platter, and offered it to Kate. “This is the typical way that Thais eat fruit,” he said. “With salt and chili. I know that it may sound odd to you, but try it.”

She took a bite. The complex of sweetness, saltiness and spiciness was quite remarkable. “That’s fantastic. Like nothing I have ever tasted before. But whatever inspired the Thais to try this in the first place?”

“Just our natural creativity,” said Somtow with a grin. “Or perhaps our craving for new and exciting sensations.” He leaned forward and kissed her, his taste adding to other flavors mingling on her tongue.

Buy Links

Amazon US

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AUSE5NE/

Barnes & Noble

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/raw-silk-lisabet-sarai/1102328201?ean=9781786510051

Totally Bound

https://www.totallybound.com/raw-silk

Birthday Giveaway

As it happens, today is not only Wednesday – it’s my birthday! So I’m giving you the presents!

I’ll give a free copy of my erotic short Singapore Fling to anyone who asks. Just leave me a comment with your email and tell me whether you want PDF, Mobi (Kindle) or Epub.

You have to leave a comment by 11:59 February 1, though!

Huge Instafreebie Giveaway!

Today (31 January) is the final day of the huge Excessica group giveaway on Instafreebie. There are more than forty books up for grabs, including a copy of my paranormal romance Damned If You Do. To claim your books, just go here:

https://www.instafreebie.com/gg/pM3g5Nzm0rI1RCDvSiXP 

Other Blog Hop Links

Check out my fellow authors!  

It's My Birthday - Here's Your Present!

I made it!

Today I turn sixty years old. I find that a bit hard to believe - often I feel as though I'm still in my twenties - but there's no denying the date on my birth certificate!

Anyway, to celebrate, I have a gift for you: another free story in PDF form, complete with an original cover designed by me. 

For Blaine, stealing is the ultimate thrill—until she's caught in the act by dangerous, dominant Avram Aslanyan. The wealthy businessman has a proposition for the accomplished thief, one which she can't refuse if she wants to stay out of jail. Is Aslanyan interested purely in her illegal talents, though, or does he plan on stealing her heart?

What do you have to do to get your own copy of Thieves' Honor? Nothing at all! You can download it from my website by clicking here:

www.lisabetsarai.com/ThievesHonor_LisabetSarai.pdf

(Choose 'Save As' to copy to your own computer.)

However - if you leave a comment on this post, with your email address, I'll also enter you in my ongoing contest from my last newsletter, and you'll have the chance to win a copy of Nasty Business when I put up my next newsletter early next month.

Thank you for your loyalty and support!

Rhea #9

[Greetings, everyone! Today I'm participating in the Amber Kell/Mikela Q. Chase Birthday Blog Bash, by featuring the next installment (Part 9) in her story Rhea. Want the earlier pieces? Click over to https://mikelachase.wordpress.com/ for a list of the previous postings. And while you're there, check out my birthday post. If you leave a comment, you might win a copy of my M/M BDSM romance Crossed Hearts! ~ Lisabet]

The rest of the trip went in a blur of fashion designer dresses and Rhea resisting the urge to throw her sister’s datapad out the window.

“For the last time they don’t wear purple to get married here,” Rhea told her sister. “They wear green. You’d know that if you read any of the information they sent you.”

Jamie waved her hand as if brushing away that thought from her consideration. “I will start a new trend,” she declared.

“You will start a riot is what you’ll do. Can you at least wait until your married to offend the country? At lest then they’ll be less likely to kick you out.”

Shaking her head, Jamie thumbed the button to change the page of her display. “People shouldn’t become so hidebound they don’t consider new ideas,” Jamie protested.

“and newcomers should take little steps before they try to overcome centuries of tradition,” Rhea scolded her sister. She didn’t know why she bothered. Jamie would do whatever she wanted. Their father thought her willful but Rhea considered her sister confident. Jamie knew what she wanted and refused to compromise. If she’d been a man they’d have called her commanding instead of all the other names they liked to use behind her back.

“I’m going to set the new fashion,” Jamie insisted.

Rhea shrugged. She wouldn’t be around long enough to see if it took off or not. She’d be gone soon after her sister’s wedding. She’d only promised to get Jamie safely to her future husband and watch over her until she could establish an honor guard of her own. After that Rhea would go back home.

The train began slowing down and Jamie stashed her datapad in her purse. They both leaned forward to see out the window but the bulk of the train blocked their view. It wasn’t until it swept to the left and they spotted an enormous train station did they see any sign of civilization. The abruptness of the change of scenery startled Rhea. Even though she’d read of about the city being a thriving metropolis the shift from stark desert to bustling city spiked her power.

All those bodies moving around. Rhea licked her lips as one particularly fit male bent over to pick up a box. Her magic warmed her core as she contemplated all the delicious things she could do with a tall strong man who looked like he could lift her easily while he screwed her against the wall.

A cold hand wrapped around her wrist snapped her out of her thoughts.

“I think that other moon is rising, sis.” Jamie’s voice, tense and concerned, had Rhea staring at her in surprise.

“What makes you think that?” Rhea couldn’t see the moon, not with the buildings blocking the view.

Jamie pointed to Rhea’s glowing skin. “Because I think you’re going into heat.”

It's My Birthday - But You Get the Presents!

Today's my birthday. Of course it's a week day, so I have to work, but that's not going to stop me from celebrating!

And I want you to celebrate with me. So I'm giving away three erotic romance ebooks today, to three people who leave comments. All you have to do is tell me which you would prefer, and why.

Here are your choices:

• Monsoon Fever - M/M/F historical ménage
• Crossed Hearts - M/M BDSM contemporary
• Getaway Girl - M/F light bondage

If you're not familiar enough with the different titles to make a choice, check out the covers, blurbs and excerpts on my website. And don't forget to include your email address in your comment.

Thanks for joining my celebration! And don't forget to come back tomorrow for the first day of the Sharing the Love Blog Bash. You could be the lucky reader who wins a Kindle Fire.

Accidental Alpha #29

By Amber Kell (Guest Blogger)

[To celebrate her birthday, Amber has been writing a new werewolf tale and distributing pieces of it all over the 'Net! The final story, when published, will benefit Autism Speaks. For more information, see Amber's blog. ~ Lisabet]

After Fenris’ father picked himself up off the floor the two families sat down for some amazing Italian food. Stanley moaned with each bite. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Fenris wiggling in his seat.

Licking some red sauce off his lips he leaned forward and talked in his mate’s ear. “Are you okay?"

Fenris shuddered. “Could you please hold down the moaning? I’m going to come in my pants.

Stanley gave him a sheepish smile that went straight to his heart. His beautiful Alpha was at heart still a shy accountant beneath all his bluster. “Sorry.”

“I’m not.” Fenris squeezed Stanley’s leg.

“When are you introducing Stanley to the pack?” The Overseer broke into their moment and Fenris wanted to growl. His mate’s eyes lit up with amusement as if he could read Fenris’ mind.

“This full moon,” Fenris answered, not looking away.

“Ooh, how exciting. Can I come?” Fenris’ mom asked. “I love a good party.”

“No.” Fenris said without hesitation. He didn’t need to worry about her on top of everything else. “We think Sebastian is going to challenge Stanley.”

“Then he’s a fool,” Fenris’ father said, rubbing his throat.

“If you hadn’t had him changed he’d never be in danger,” Millie snapped at the Overseer.

The older man ran his fingers through his hair. “I didn’t have a choice.”

“You always have a choice. You could have said, 'Hmmm. I won’t lead the psycho shifter to my son'.”

“I had to!” The Overseer snapped. “I promised his father.”

The silence at the table was deafening.

Stanley cleared his throat. “My father? You always told me you didn’t know my father.”

The Overseer avoided Stanley’s eyes. “And you still think I’m an honest person after all this? I’ve been lying to you your entire life. Your father was my best friend. Your mother died at childbirth and your father soon after from losing his mate. He made me promise to have you changed and find you a proper mate because although her death killed him, his days with her were the happiest time of his life. You were of the proper age to change and the opportunity presented itself. Your mother didn’t know anything about it.”

Fenris couldn’t even hear Stanley breath beside him. “Why not tell me after all this time? Why keep my father’s identity away from me?” The hurt in his mate’s voice stabbed at Fenris.

“He was a Prime Alpha too wasn’t he?” Fenris’ father spoke up.

Shit! A Prime Alpha’s children were often killed when they were young by the parent’s enemies because some pack members worried they’d become to powerful when they grew up. Fenris gripped Stanley’s hand. “He was keeping you safe.”

Fenris saw the look of raw longing on the Overseer’s face. The man might be a ham-handed bastard but he truly loved his son. Anyone looking at him could see it in his eyes.

“Who was his father?” Fenris’ father asked.

“Stevan James.”

A chill went up Fenris’ back. James had been the strongest alpha born in a millennium. His wife’s death and subsequently his had shaken the werekin community because he was practically an idol in their world.

“I thought their baby had died,” Fenris father said.

“I spread the word of his death because Stevan wanted to give him a normal life. When Millie lost our son it was simple enough to put Stanley in his place.”

Fenris cast a look at his mate. Stanley focused on his pasta with a frightening intensity.

“Stanley?” Fenris whispered.

“What?”

Fenris rubbed his mate’s back feeling the tension in his muscles. “Are you all right?”

Shattered eyes looked back at him. “I don’t know.” He could feel the sorrow emanating from his mate. “If you’ll excuse us, Stanley has a lot to think about.” Fenris needed to get his mate out of there before he broke down.

With a nod to the family, Fenris wrapped an arm around Stanley’s waist and dragged him off. They made it all the way to the pack house before Stanley lost it.

Paul, unfortunately, was the first to greet them.

“I wondered where you two lovebirds had gone off to fornicate at. Did you have fun out in the wild?”

Fenris didn’t even say a word when Stanley chucked Paul through the air like a discus, a crumpled discus that ricocheted off the far wall.

“He’ll learn one day,” Sandy said shaking her head at the pile of wolf lying in an unconscious heap. “He just needs a mate to balance him out.”

Stanley gave a bitter laugh. “Maybe I should just give him to my dad. He thinks he’s a matchmaker.”

“He meant the best.” Fenris rubbed Stanley’s back.

“He’s a controlling bastard,” Stanley growled.

“He still loves you,” Fenris argued.

Stanley marched over to Fenris and wrapped him in his arms. “The only person I’m positive has my best interests at heart is you. You’ve helped me through this entire change.” Fenris moaned beneath the lips of his mate as Stanley licked at his lips, coaxing them apart. “You are the best part of this entire debacle.”

A sound of a throat clearing pulled them apart. “As pretty as you two are together. I don’t think I can handle watching you two go at it without having a serious case of envy.”

“No one gets to see my mate naked but me,” Stanley snarled.

Fenris sighed. With all the other things revealed today he hated to mention that everyone got naked at the full moon hunt. Even alpha mates.

Happy Birthday, Ginger Simpson!

I'm dedicating my blog today to a very special person. I've never met her in the flesh, but I feel amazingly close to her. This is despite the fact that we live half a world away from each other, have followed dramatically different paths in our lives, and would get into a huge fight if we ever decided to discuss politics (which we won't!)

Today is the anniversary of the birth of Ginger Jones Simpson – novelist, poet, blogger and humorist; teacher and corrections officer; wife, mother and grandmother; mentor for dozens of new authors; ageless and enduring sex symbol. Okay, I threw the last one for a laugh, but since she's started on hormones she's definitely turned into a red hot mama!

A prolific and versatile author, Ginger has tackled genres from historical romance to young adult, thrillers to erotica. Whatever she's writing, she manages to convey an emotional authenticity that draws readers into her characters' world. In her books, people matter. She makes you care about her heroines and heroes – makes them real.

She's enormously supportive of other authors, sharing space on her popular blog “Dishin' It Out”, offering marketing tips, doing reviews and generally offering encouragement. And when you're looking for a laugh, Ginger's the gal you need. She has the gift of seeing the funny side of every experience – even health challenges, and especially aging. No one demonstrates more convincingly that getting old is not for sissies.

Ginger, on your special day, I want to wish you the very best of everything. You inspire me, with your courage, your toughness, your sincerity and your persistence in the face of obstacles. I can only hope that when I reach your age (which won't be that long from now), I have your level of energy and your sense of commitment.

And if you ever want to collaborate on another erotica novel – I'm in!

Sending you a huge birthday hug,

Lisabet

Five Years of Erotic Romance

I'm a relative newcomer to romance. I started my publishing career twelve years ago writing erotica. It's only for the past five years that I've also been working in the romance genre. I know that because today is Total-E-Bound's fifth birthday - and it was Claire at TEB who lured me into the lush, sticky world of erotic happily ever afters!

I've been with TEB since they first opened their doors five years ago. Roughly six months before that happened, I got an email from Claire Siemaszkiewicz, founder of TEB, inviting me to submit something. I was flattered to receive a solicitation, but romance? I really didn't have a clue what that meant. I tried sending her several of my stories, all of which she rejected. Either they didn't have enough of a happy ending, or they focused too much on the relationships between secondary characters. Basically, they didn't fit her concept of what she wanted for TEB. Finally, I sent her Raw Silk, my first novel, which had gone out of print. I wrote it originally as erotica, but since the book concerns itself exclusively with Kate's search (among several lovers!) for her true soul mate, it sneaked by in terms of romance requirements.

Since then I've been learning how to write romance. I've tried my hand at practically every sub-genre: contemporary, paranormal, M/M, ménage, vampire, BDSM, scifi, even short historicals. I think I'm improving at giving romance readers what they're looking for. My last novella got a five cherry review and was voted Best Book of the Week at Whipped Cream. At the same time, I think my work still doesn't fit into the mold of "typical" romance.

That's partly deliberate. I work hard to come up with a different approach than what I read elsewhere. My weird twists on the traditions of romance may lose me readers. However, as I wrote earlier this week, when my work is described as "original", that's the highest praise I could hope for.

Anyway, today, Friday, marks five years since TEB opened its virtual doors. They're going great guns. They release six titles every week! They're constantly adding new features for readers ad authors. For example, they just unveiled their very cool Booty Box, where readers and authors can get everything from notepads and mugs to underwear, decorated with their favorite covers, icons for their favorite genres, or just an assertion that their favorite authors rock!

And today, Friday the 8th of July, they're giving readers a special birthday gift. Today only, TEB is offering a 25% discount on all ebooks! So what are you waiting for? Head over to Total-E-Bound and shop until you fill your ereader! The more you buy, the more you save.

As for me, I want to say Thank You! to Claire and the rest of the TEB team. They're absolutely sensational to work with. They produce top-quality books and make every author feel special and valued. Happy Birthday - and many happy returns!

Gifts

Today's my birthday. I'm really busy; it's Monday, a work day, plus I have a dentist's appointment, so I don't expect to have a chance to breathe. However, I still tend to wax philosophical on the day I turn a year older. Today, I'm thinking about all the gifts that have been bestowed upon me over the past year.

At the top of the list is decent health. Both my husband and I have avoided any serious ailments, despite our advancing ages. The worst we've experienced is a nagging cold or two. And this year actually finds me feeling at least five years younger, due to the hip surgery I had in May. After years of gritting my teeth and limping along like some crone, I can now walk without pain, even dance! I definitely know the meaning of the term "a new lease on life"!

Another gift - we're managing to keep our heads above water financially. We're still both employed and even got a modest raise this year. Of course, prices are going up all the time. Sometimes I feel like Alice, running as fast as I can just to stay in one place. However, when I look around me at all the people who have lost their jobs and are truly struggling, I have to be grateful.

My writing accomplishments over the last year have been modest but worthwhile. I'm particularly proud of my vampire ménage Fire in the Blood and my BDSM tale The Understudy. Sometimes I get a bit depressed, looking at the output of my more prolific colleagues, but then I have to remind myself that this is not a competition. If I just keep writing, keep publishing, at my own pace, I have reason to be proud.

My extended family is all well, with the exception of my nephew who's undergoing chemotherapy for recently discovered testicular cancer. Even there, we've been lucky. The prognosis is very good, although the poor guy is going to have to endure the loss of his hair and other symptoms before he's cured.

Yes, I've been given many gifts this year. And I want to share some of the bounty with you, my readers!

As my first birthday gift to you, I have added a new free read to my website, an intense M/M erotic tale called Mad Dogs. Actually, this was the first M/M story I ever wrote. It has been published in several anthologies. Although it's not really romance, I hope that you like it.

Second, I'm giving away a copy of my latest release Almost Home to one person who leaves a comment for me today, either here or at Marian Perrera's blog Flights of Fantasy, where I'm guesting today. Comment on both posts and double your chances of winning!

Finally, my monthly contest is still going on. I'm celebrating my birthday by giving you whatever you ask for. That's right, tell me which of my books you'd like to read, and your wish just might come true. Just send me an email to contest [at] lisabetsarai.com with the subject "Birthday Contest". In your email, tell me which of my books you'd pick if you won, and why. On February 15th, I'll randomly select one lucky winner who will receive the book cited in his or her email.

I hope you enjoy your gifts as much as I enjoy giving them!

Welcome to My Birthday Party!

Today is my fifty seventh birthday. In real life, I'm off for the weekend with my DH, enjoying a bit of relaxation by the sea, a modest little getaway. However, what I'd really like to do is throw a huge party for all my friends and celebrate in style.

What's my idea of the perfect party? Well, it should involve costumes—I love getting dressed up!—and dancing. Delicious food and drink are a must, of course, and I usually like to have a theme, ideally something a bit spicy. When I was younger, I organized a number of memorable bashes including a Jet Set Party (to celebrate our leaving for a job in Asia), a Hotel California Party (which lasted all night, starting with pink champagne on ice and ending at dawn with Tequila Sunrises), and of course the Coed Stag Party my husband and I threw the night before our wedding, with naughty party favors and belly dancing.

There's one party I never had the chance to organize, though. In the next town over from where we used to live, there is a historic movie theater called the Academy of Music. It was originally built as a live theater back in the Victorian era and has been beautifully preserved. With its burgundy velvet curtains, carved and gilded balconies and crystal chandeliers, it evokes a earlier time of grace and elegance. The Edward Hopper painting above captures the feeling very well.

I've always fantasized about renting the place for a party—a cinema costume ball. I'd invite my friends from all over the world (in my fantasy world, I have plenty of money to pay for their transportation). Each guest would be required to come dressed either as a favorite actor/actress or as a movie character. We'd serve champagne chilled in silver ice buckets and smoked salmon canapés. I'd put a band on the stage, playing my favorite classic rock. I'd dance with every guy at the party—it's my birthday, after all!

The guests' costumes would be magnificent. There'd be Errol Flynn and Sherlock Holmes, Scarlett O'Hara and Dorothy of Oz, King Kong and Faye Wray, Jack Sparrow and Yoda. As for me, I'd come dressed as classic screen siren Mae West. I think I could pull it off. I've got the right build for it—far more curvy than is fashionable these days. I even have a sparkling pink lamé gown with a plunging neckline that used to be my mother's. All I'd need is a platinum wig and the attitude.

I wanted to do this for my fiftieth birthday, but that was in the middle of the last recession and it just wasn't feasible. (Probably wouldn't have been anyway...!) So—being an author who spins fantasies—I've decided to go ahead and do it this year...at least in the cybersphere. And you're all invited!

I'm giving away a “door prize”, a print copy of my first novel Raw Silk. All you have to do is comment and tell me about your costume. If you came to my masque du cinema, who would you be, and why?

I'll randomly pick one commenter as my winner. But I hope that you all have a fabulous time!

Black Velvet

Today is the 75th anniversary of the birth of Elvis Presley. I was considering titling this post "Yet Another Post about Elvis", since I expect half the members of the blogosphere to choose The King as their topic for the 8th of January. The title comes from one of my favorite songs, "Black Velvet", written by David Tyson and Christopher Ward and recorded in 1989 by Alannah Myles, about the young Elvis:

Up in Memphis the music's like a heatwave
White lightening, bound to drive you wild
Mama's baby's in the heart of every school girl
"Love me tender" leaves 'em cryin' in the aisle
The way he moved, it was a sin, so sweet and true
Always wanting more, he'd leave you longing for.

Old as I am, I'm too young to remember Elvis in his prime. Nevertheless, I'm not immune to his mystique. I've watched some of his old movies--"Roustabout" and "Viva Las Vegas". I've seen videos. I feel the smoldering passion and the barely-leashed sexuality in his songs, the youthful energy and the hint of rebellion.

These days entertainers perform half naked, make lewd gestures, feature obscene lyrics, and people hardly notice. Elvis was more subtle. Sure, he had those swiveling hips, those pouting lips and that low croon that sent a chill down your spine, but he was mostly polite. The sex was there, under the surface--you couldn't help but react--but it was a seductive promise, not an in-your-face display. Still, there were those in 1950's America who found him shocking, who wanted him banned for his suggestive manner.

Fat chance!

(Thank heavens!)

I'd love to be able to write the way Elvis sang, effortlessly evoking such aching desire. I wish I could distill the essence of his appeal--not loud and raw like today's stars, but smooth and fiery as a ten-year old bourbon.

I don't have anything original to say about the man or the phenomenon that was Elvis Presley. There are thousands of other bloggers who will no doubt say it all anyway. But the world is poorer without his passion. So I'll just wish you happy birthday, Elvis--wherever you are.

*********************************************

Tune in tomorrow for a guest post from one of my favorite writers, Helen Madden. Helen's one of my blogging companions at the group blog Oh Get A Grip!. She's outrageous and funny and ferociously talented.