Welcome to Nirvana! #Bisexuality #Bookstore #EroticRomance

By Sadira Stone (Guest Blogger)

Until 2016, I was one of those readers—literary snobs who look down their noses at romance for the usual stupid reasons: too corny, too predictable, too fluffy. Then I read about how fun and lucrative writing erotica can be. I thought, what the heck? Let's try.

I have never had so much fun with a writing project! My first steamy romance, Through the Red Door, nearly wrote itself, though it damn sure didn't edit itself. Now I'm totally addicted to passionate, heartfelt stories with happy endings, both as a reader and as a writer.

Why set the series in a bookshop? Ever since I was a wee lass, I dreamed of owning one. Add to that my fascination with historical erotic art and literature, and you’ve got the Book Nirvana series, set in an indie bookshop with an extensive erotica collection behind a locked red door.

I love writing stories in which a couple’s powerful physical attraction leads them to consider a partner outside their usual M.O.—one who just might turn out to be their perfect match. That’s how it happened for my husband and me!

I wanted to set my series in a college town, so I chose Eugene, home of the University of Oregon, with its lively arts scene and rich counterculture legacy from the hippie era. It’s now my favorite Oregon town to visit!

Blurb

She’s a free spirit. He’s a one-woman man.

Rejected by her family for her bisexuality, graphic artist Margot DuPont yearns for a life with no fences, no limits, and no family ties. Between college, work at Book Nirvana, and an art competition, she barely has time for her part-time girlfriend, much less a flirtation with her competitor.

Dumped into the foster system at a young age, ceramics artist Elmer Byrne craves a big, loving family of the heart. His artist family almost fills that need, but something is missing...until Margot. But when he offers his heart, her thorny defenses shatter him.

Thrown together in an art competition that could jump-start one artist's career, but not both, their irresistible attraction forces them to reconsider the meaning of success.

Excerpt

That fuzzy, flame-colored beard of his must tickle. What would it feel like brushing against her breasts, over her belly, between her thighs?

She bit her lip hard. Too much time in the red room.

The guy turned toward her and grinned. Was it just her imagination, or did his eyes flash when they met hers? Warm hazel eyes, thickly lashed and sparkling with playful energy.

A happy little vibration rose from her belly and twitched the corners of her mouth upward—until she recognized him.

Oh, yuck. This guy. She’d seen him hanging around the shop, flirting with Laurel, all swaggering, macho bullshit. She remembered how Doug, Laurel’s boyfriend, had tensed like an angry stork and glared at the shorter, buffer man.

Maxie waved. “Margot, you remember Elmer? He gave me a ride.” She nudged him with her bony elbow. “Isn’t he cute?”

Real cute. And he knows it.

“How’s it going, Margot?” His grin widened as his gaze flicked down her body and back up.

Creep.

No way to avoid his extended hand without offending Maxie, so she took it. Warm, calloused, his grip firm but not too tight. A tattoo of a foaming beer mug adorned the back of his hand. Beneath the copper hair on his forearm, pretty muscles flexed.

Feet on the ground, DuPont. You’ve got no time for flirtatious fuzz-beards.

Maxie’s merry gaze flicked from Elmer to Margot. “He’s exhibiting at the Rainbow Center on Saturday.” She grinned up at Elmer. “Margot helped Laurel design that poster for the art show.”

His eyebrows rose. “That’s your work? Really nice.”

She shook her head. “It’s Laurel’s work. I just helped her with the graphic design software.”

“Graphic design? Like ads and words and stuff?”

She curled her lip and prepared for battle with yet another snooty artist who looked down his precious nose at graphic arts, like nothing with words or photos could ever count as real art. “I make stuff everyone sees, not just rich people in art galleries.” She stepped closer, glaring up into his startled face while she ticked off on her fingers. “Posters for community events, book covers, the logo for this shop, and its website and signage and—”

He raised both hands and backed off a few steps. “Relax, angry elf. I wasn’t putting down your work, okay? I said I liked the poster. Jeesh.”

Maxie’s painted-on auburn brows rumpled. “Margot, I’m surprised at you.”

That stung. She lowered her gaze and shuffled her boots. “Yeah, well, I’m sick of snobby artists.”

He crossed athletic arms over his impressive pecs. “I’m not one of them.”

Her cheeks flushed hot. “Okay, cool. Sorry. So, um, what are you exhibiting at the show?”

“Ceramics. Beer steins, mostly. Donated a dozen to the Rainbow Arts Center.” He winked, her dig seemingly forgotten. “If someone likes my stuff, maybe they’ll order a complete set.”

Beer mugs. Definitely not snooty. Embarrassment drilled deeper into her skull.

The pretty potter smooched Maxie’s cheek. “Well, gotta shove off. Max, I’ll pick you up at ten on Saturday. Ladies.” He pantomimed lifting a hat brim, then ambled toward the door.

Maxie prodded Margot’s boot with her cane. “Why’d you bite his head off? He’s a nice boy. You should ask him out.”

She rolled her eyes. “Max, I’m not looking to date right now. Especially not that guy.”

“What’s wrong with Elmer?”

“I’ve seen him in action. He flirts for sport. I’m not gonna be anyone’s plaything.”

The doorway bell tinkled as Elmer strolled through. Laurel looked up from wiping the counter. “You want to wait in the café, Aunt Maxie? I’ll be done in fifteen minutes.”

“Of course, doll.” Maxie tottered toward the coffee shop next door.

Margot moved behind the counter and watched through the plate-glass window as Elmer crossed the street and unlocked his rust-bucket pickup. “Pain in the ass, isn’t he?” Nice ass, though. Firm and crunchy.

Laurel chuckled. “Oh, he’s not so bad. I think he just flirts out of habit, like some people nibble their nails or twiddle their hair.” She turned away to straighten a pile of flyers. “Margot, do you—um…”

“What?”

“Do you date guys?”

Her eyes narrowed. “Sometimes. Why?”

“On his way out, he asked about you.”

“Oh, so I should date him, get him off your back?” She scrubbed her fingers through her hair. “No thanks.”

“Well, I hope you’ll come to the art show anyway. I’m running the race at ten, but I’ll help with the set-up beforehand.” She cracked a crooked smile. “I’ll do my best to corral Elmer. Gotta warn you, though—if he sets his mind on you, he’s persistent.”

“Don’t worry.” She shoved a hand through her spiky hair. “I can handle pushy guys. I know how to push back.”

Love, Art, and Other Obstacles is on sale for just $2.99 (ebook) from 15 May-29 May on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books.

Buy links

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086YLR81G/

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-art-and-other-obstacles-sadira-stone/1136831927

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/love-art-and-other-obstacles

Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/love-art-and-other-obstacles/id1510422852

Google Play:  https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Sadira_Stone_Love_Art_and_Other_Obstacles?id=qtriDwAAQBAJ

Goodreads Link

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53105312-love-art-and-other-obstacles

About the Author

Ever since her first kiss, Sadira’s been spinning steamy tales in her head. After leaving her teaching career in Germany, she finally tried her hand at writing one. Now she’s a happy citizen of Romancelandia, penning contemporary romance from her new home in Washington State, U.S.A. When not writing, which is seldom, she explores the Pacific Northwest with her charming husband, enjoys the local music scene, plays darts (pretty well), plays guitar (badly), and gobbles all the books. Visit Sadira at www.sadirastone.com .

Sign up for Sadira’s quarterly email newsletter for freebies, news about upcoming books, and some really bad romance jokes!

Visit Sadira!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sadirastone/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SadiraStone

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Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Sadira-Stone/e/B07KWK5FBX

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Fidelity - #fidelity #monogamy #dreams

Image by Christelle PRIEUR from Pixabay

 

I have been happily married for nearly forty years. Nevertheless, I don't think I am monogamous by nature. Before my husband and I hooked up, there were periods in my life when I was simultaneously in love with, and had sexual relationships with, two men. I realize that some readers may find this outrageous, as well as improbable. I couldn't possibly have loved them both, could I? And how could the men involved have put up with such a thing? That sort of thing happens only in novels―usually in erotica rather than in romance.

Well, it's true. I couldn't help it. And actually, it worked reasonably well. When I was with either of my lovers, he was my emotional focus. I did not fantasize about the other man. I didn't compare the two of them. Each of my relationships stood on its own, not perfect (that never happens, except in romance novels) but enjoyable and fulfilling.

I didn't lie. My lovers knew of each other's existence. In some cases they had even met. If they were jealous, they knew better than to complain. I gave myself 100% to each of them when we were together. I guess they cared enough about me to be satisfied with that.

But all that changed when I married, right? Not exactly. Before we met, my husband had enjoyed at least as active and adventurous sex life as I did. Our marriage contract explicitly acknowledges the fact that we might not be monogamous. We grant each other sexual freedom, provided that we are honest with one another and always put our marriage first.

In fact, neither of us has been involved in side relationships with other people. However, we did experiment with polyamory in the first decade or so of our marriage. We were both attracted to the notion of finding another couple with whom we could have an intimate friendship or even form a family. We didn't really succeed―swing clubs and parties are not the right places to find the sort of deeper connection we wanted. I've come to believe that real polyamory is something that happens, not something you can go seeking. In any case, we didn't become monogamous, technically speaking, until we both got to the age where it seemed a bit ridiculous for us to be looking for outside lovers.

Despite this, I consider that I've been faithful to my husband. Don't scoff. Fidelity is an emotional concept, not a physical one. Our relationship comes first. His happiness and comfort are my primary concern. I might be drawn to a guy I meet, but I won't act on my attraction if I think it will hurt my husband (and these days, I know that it would). It doesn't bother me if my spouse is attracted to another woman because I'm confident that I come first for him, too. He could have sex with her and it would not diminish his love for me.

I've always had extremely vivid dreams, not infrequently erotic. I have a recurring dream where I encounter some man and there's instant chemistry. I don't usually dream explicit sex acts but every touch, every glance, overflows with desire. (I'm always younger in my dreams―somewhere between 25 and 30 when I was in my prime―so it never feels odd to attract someone's lust, the way it would in my waking life.) I'm so horny that I can scarcely bear it. He obviously feels the same way. It's overwhelming, intoxicating.

Then I'll remember: I'm married. If I go off with this other guy, whoever he is, my husband will be alone. I don't want to make my husband suffer. I know he needs me, needs my company, my presence. So, with some regret, I'll let go of the dream guy and the arousal he engenders. I'll explain the situation. I'd love to be with you, but I can't. I'm committed, and I take that commitment seriously.

I find this dream scenario fascinating. You'd think that in my dreams, where no one would get hurt, I'd let loose and give expression to my non-monogamous nature. Yet I don't. It's a measure, to my mind, of true fidelity.

Review Tuesday: Ash's Fire by Callie Gold

Ash’s Fire by Callie Gold
2014

I received this book from the author, after she did a guest spot at my blog. That was almost a year ago. Yes, sometimes it takes me a long time to get around to reading the books I acquire! In fact, my husband read Ash’s Fire before I did. He recommended it highly. “It’s different,” he said. “Not exactly a romance. Not exactly a mystery. It will keep you guessing.”

His assessment was spot on (as is so often the case with my brilliant man). Anyone who follows my blog posts and reviews will probably have picked up on the fact that I really appreciate originality. Ash’s Fire stands out as one of the most distinctive books I’ve read in a while.

It’s also one of the most honest. The core conflict in this novel is the struggle between marital commitment and the intoxicating pull of erotic attraction. Ms. Gold recognizes that even the happiest and most stable marriages become less exciting over time, and that sometimes monogamy can be an impractical ideal.

Ash’s Fire begins with Sam Cohen telling Jordan, his wife and partner in a highly successful law firm, that he wants to have sex with another woman, specifically his twenty-something trainer at the gym. Theoretically, Sam and Jordan have an open marriage, but neither of them has previously taken advantage of their prerogatives. Now, after more than two decades together, Sam wants to explore the pleasures of a new lover.

Understandably, Jordan feels inadequate compared to Sam’s much younger playmate. Although Sam makes it clear he still loves her deeply, she can’t shake off the sense that she’s being rejected or replaced. These emotions make her vulnerable when she encounters talented pianist Ari Ash at a conference. She doesn’t fight the magnetism that draws them together. She and Ari share a chemistry so strong that it totally sweeps her away. Emotions swamp her clever and calculating lawyer persona.

But Ari is a man of mystery, entangled in a web of complications. Before long he is accused of murder. Jordan commits herself and her firm to defending him. All the evidence points to Ari’s guilt. Should she trust her heart and her instincts? Or is he lying to her, as he lied about his violent past?

Fans of traditional erotic romance will likely hate this book, because it breaks all the “rules”. I really enjoyed it. Ms. Gold does a fabulous job evoking the passion that overwhelms Jordan in Ari’s presence. I could feel, smell, taste every moment of the extraordinary love scenes. I also loved the strong sense of place that pervades the book, which is set in Israel. Ms. Gold describes the environment, the people and the food in fabulous detail, including the bombing of a bus. “A bombing to an Israeli, she learned years ago, was like an earthquake to a Southern Californian. You were shaken and then, you shook it off.”

My most significant complaint about Ash’s Fire is that some of the language in the sex scenes struck me as coy , using awkward indirection to avoid the use of anatomical terms. This only happened occasionally, but it was enough to annoy me. My other concern involves the plausibility of Jordan’s profession. She’s a sympathetic and appealing character, but she’s so intensely emotional that it was hard for me to imagine she could be a lawyer. That’s a profession that demands the ability to distance oneself from feeling and to focus on facts. Although she’s quick-thinking and skilled at influencing others, Jordan rarely shows much control over her reactions.

Overall, though, Ash’s Fire is a great read, one that will keep you engrossed until the very last page. If you don’t mind a story that deals with marital infidelity, I think you’ll enjoy it.

Monogamy Rocks!

By Rose Caraway (Guest Blogger)

I recently went on stage for my very first Bawdy Storytelling: Sapiosexual event, in front of three hundred people—give or take—and ever since then, I have been really thinking introspectively. On the stage I told people that I am a monogamous wife of twenty years, a mother of three, and I’ve only had sex with one man. As I expected, that little confession blew a few minds. I went on to explain that my fantastically driven brain sort of compensates for the lack of sexual partners. I don’t like how that word sounds...compensates…but, then again, maybe that is what is happening. In basic terms.

Ever since my husband and I started podcasting, The Kiss Me Quick’s Erotica Podcast and, The Sexy Librarian’s Blog-cast, we’ve really come into ourselves. We’ve always been sexual people, like most other folks in this world. But before our journey into this new form of exhibitionism, we’d never been able to communicate the way we wanted to or needed to, beforehand.

When I first sat down to read my Books and Boners, the very first episode for The Kiss Me Quick’s podcast, I was terrified. Not only was I reading a story for the world to listen to—and honestly hoping that they’d enjoy it, but I was, for the very first time in my life, putting my private words and fantasy out there for public consumption. My husband and I don’t live an “outrageously kinky” lifestyle—except that we kind of do. I know that sounds funny, but being monogamous and the fact that I’ve only had sex with one guy, doesn’t make me vanilla or boring. Truth be told, I could sell tickets to the show that plays inside my brain on a regular basis. I am: gay, lesbian, bi sexual, androgynous, male, alien, seriously perverted and sometimes unapologetically violent, and everything else in between—inside my head. And that is a freeing experience that truly satisfies me.

So, back to the stage performance. There is this thing that happens to erotica writers. Many readers expect that the scenarios written are based on actual fact. That just isn’t true. But we do research—a lot.

As I stood there, the lights preventing me from seeing anyone beyond the first two rows, sweat running down my back, I told the audience of my very first—preciously kept secret fantasy, how debaucherous it was regarding a certain apple, and how writing about that particular fantasy brought it to life between me and my husband. The audience clapped, laughed and roared at my reveal. When I stepped off that stage and headed to the bar for a much needed drink, people approached me in small droves to tell me they were so glad that I spoke for monogamy so proudly. One after the other, my story of Conan the Barbarian and Grace Jones as it pertained to my husband and myself really spoke to these people. Like they had been waiting for someone to step up there and say, ‘Hey! Monogamy rocks!’.

Raising three kids while writing/narrating erotica for a living has its challenges. I can’t tell everyone about it and sometimes it makes me sad. There are so many wonderful adventures happening inside my head and in my life that I want to just sit with my friends and family and tell them all about it. The reality is, I simply can’t. The minute the word cock or pussy trips from my mouth, people get squicked. Maybe it is because they are worried that the sex they are having isn’t as good as they imagine mine is. Which is crazy, because there have been plenty of days where I’ve just needed to fuck and there was no thinking—only the physical need to orgasm. Or maybe some people think it’s silly that my mind works the way it does. In which case, I’d like to tell them, ‘Hey, it works, man.’

On the flipside, doing two podcasts which virtually discuss sex in all its permutations and levels of variety—from the silly and lighthearted to the excruciatingly dark and dangerous, it is easier than I thought it would be, to be so open-minded. My husband and I, we’ve never been closer—on the same page mentally or sexually. We’ve never been this honest with each other or able to talk so frankly. Before podcasting, we were afraid of hurting the others feelings, even scaring them. And with our kids…there isn’t anything we won’t discuss. No topic that is taboo. We certainly aren’t perfect, we don’t know all the answers, but we don’t shy away from conversations revolving around sex and feelings and curiosities. It’s funny, my goal with the KMQ podcast was to get people comfortable with their sexuality, when in fact, it has done that very thing for me and my husband and as a result, our three kids. They don’t listen to the show, of course, because of its “explicit content”, but each, in our own way are leaning to not be afraid or ashamed of sex or our bodies. I don’t censor my brain when it comes to writing erotic fiction, and I don’t want society’s censorships to rule my children’s future selves.

One of the other great things about podcasting, especially with my The Sexy Librarian’s Blog-cast, is that I actually get to talk to some really talented writers. Creative minds who are working toward the same goal of exploring and understanding—getting some kind of a hold on sexuality.

To say that sex is complicated is not only clichéd but it’s also true. It’s so layered and complex and yet it’s this real thing we all have in common, that we don’t talk about as much as we should. Sex, whether we are having it or not, is as important to discuss, as oxygen is to breath and water is to drink. Talking about it, whether as a result of reading it or listening to it, in its fictional form, can be a mini transcendent experience in and of itself, and helps to ease open the door to communicating. I have to chuckle because I didn’t see the effects it would have on me, even though I was the one initiating the thing.

I am most comfortable when I am with my husband. It is enough for me to have the freedom to create erotic fantasy within my mind. And, back to that whole ‘compensates’ thing, well, I don’t have to worry about being with someone else and feeling uncomfortable, or scared, or embarrassed or ashamed because I know my husband and he knows me. There is comfort in that simple fact. I like our relationship this way. It makes me feel strong, I don’t think I could get that from anyone else.

Being up on that stage brought out the desire in me to share with other monogamous and non-monogamous couples that our sexuality belongs to us. We should treasure it and respect it and feed it—keep it healthy. We shouldn’t jealously compare it to others, but stand together instead with supportive pride. In the end our sexuality is a shared experience even though it begins within us individually. When talked about openly and without shame, we become stronger, confident. As individuals. As partners. As parents. As humans. Monogamy doesn’t mean you can’t play like the rest.

You can find my podcasts here:

http://bawdystorytelling.com/

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kiss-me-quicks-sex-stories/id463196186

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sexy-librarian-hot-erotica/id535437991?mt=2

http://kisstherose.libsyn.com/books-and-boners

About Rose

ROSE CARAWAY (thekissmequicks.com) is a native Northern California Writer, Editor, Narrator, and Podcaster on the hit shows “The Kiss Me Quick’s Erotica Podcast” and “The Sexy Librarian Blog-cast”. Rose is also a professional Narrator for several Audible #1 Bestselling Erotica Audiobooks, including her latest publication, “The Sexy Librarian’s Dirty 30 Vol.1”, and is the editor of the INDIEFAB Book of the Year Award Finalist and #1 bestselling, “The Sexy Librarian’s Big Book of Erotica”. Although her specialty is erotic fiction, she also has a passion for writing suspense, horror, fantasy, and romance. Some of her influences include Stephen King, Dan Savage, Jean M. Auel, Mia Martina, and Anne Rice.

Rose’s writings prominently showcase her sex-positive approach to life, as well as her commitment to both feminism and masculinism. Being a staunch supporter of the LGBT community, she believes that people of all genders and orientations should be considered complementary and interdependent and are necessary for a truly healthy and functional society. In addition to writing, Rose’s other passions revolve around keeping an active lifestyle, and a deep love of music and its many incarnations. She is immersed in the martial arts and has earned a Black Belt in Kenpo Karate. She also studies and practices, Brazilian Jujitsu, Krav Maga, and Mixed Martial Arts.

Web:  http://www.thekissmequicks.com/
E-mail:  thekissmequick [at] gmail [dot] com
Twitter:  @RoseCaraway
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/rose.caraway.7
Instagram:  http://instagram.com/rosecaraway
Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/rosecaraway7/boards/
Tumblr:  http://rosecaraway.tumblr.com/

How to Beat the Hardships of Monogamy

By Callie Gold (Guest Blogger)

I’ve talked a lot about the difficulties of monogamy and about the forces that drive us apart. If you haven’t seen it yet, look here: The problem with Monogamy and here: Flooded with Chemicals.

Our bodies and souls keep reminding us that monogamy is hard. But we really, truly, want it to work.

So I’d like to talk about the one force that helps us stay monogamous, the force that keeps showing us that monogamy can be a treasured bond that allows us to reap all those benefits that monogamy can offer. This force is simple and complex at the same time. No one can fully describe it, quantify it, even though millions have tried. And it’s magic is, that anyone who has ever been swept by it, knows exactly what it is.

It’s called love.

The most powerful force in the universe is love. It makes us do that thing which we did not imagine we would do. It lifts us when we stumble and fall, even if we stumble and fall seventy-seven times.

The Israeli poet, Natan Yonatan, wrote a poem called ‘Like a Ballad’, and that poem explains the power of love. It is one of the most beautiful poems ever written, but you’ll have to read it in Hebrew. It resonates more strongly than any other love poem I’ve ever read. I won’t give you the whole thing, because of IP rights, but here are the first two lines, which I did my best to translate: 

 

"If a painful wreath of thorns is what you like,

I will go to the desert, where I will learn to hurt."

The way I understand it, and Yonatan said it a hundred times better than I will ever be able to, is that love is the power to do something incredibly difficult, just because our loved one asked us to do it. Love is the power that enables us to teach ourselves to feel what our beloved wishes that we feel. Love is living a different life, even an uncomfortable life, just because that's what our beloved asked us to. And love means to do something that takes a lifetime to do, not one day.

And here I want to tell a personal story.

My husband grew up in California. He immigrated to Israel and he has lived here for many years, for the sole reason that I asked him to.

We lived together in the United States for several years, where two of our three children were born. But after years in the States, my husband left his home, his family, his language, his work, his culture, his friends, everything he knew, and moved to Israel. He agreed that his children will grow up as Israelis, and agreed to live in a place where he would never be a native, always a little bit of an outsider.

And every day he lives with desert, with rocks, with thorns, just because I asked him. And every day he struggles with not being able to express himself exactly as he’d like, because he learned Hebrew as an adult. And every day he works at making me happy. And that makes him happy. He learned to love the desert, and the stones, and the people who are thorny, and our children have grown and they serve in the army.

That’s love.

Love can conquer all, I truly believe that. It can defeat the difficulties and the arguments and the differences of opinion. It can push away the harsh words and the family members who muddle. It can fight financial struggles, long hours at work, jokes that aren’t funny, teeth that aren’t brushed, broken cars and messy kids. Love conquers all.

So I love my husband because of what he did and what he does every day, without complaining, without keeping score, for many years, because he found the way to love this harsh and wonderful country.

Just because I asked.

So my parting words to you, are to always remember your partner, the one person that you love the most. Think of them with love, feel them with love, embrace them with love, stream love to them through the air and the light. That’s the only thing that would get you through a marriage.

Love is the only way.

Ash’s Fire by Callie Gold

Warning! Controversy Ahead.

 

What if years ago, you made a pact with 

your husband that someday, you will both have sex with others?

 

And what if years later, you jump into the arms of a smoking-hot pianist? Is that bad? Acceptable? Better than cheating?

Before you rush to judgment, meet Jordan Cohen, a smart and sexy forty-something attorney. This is her story.

Jordan Cohen didn’t expect Sam, her husband and best friend, to invoke their old pact for non-exclusivity. But after twenty-some years 

together, that’s exactly what he did.

A chance meeting with Ari Ash, the tall-dark-and-yummy internationally renowned concert pianist, pushes Jordan over the edge. Ari’s mysterious ways and magical lovemaking entice the guilt-ridden Jordan into a whirlwind affair.

When Ari is implicated in an execution-style murder, she wants to believe he is innocent, but troubling facts just keep popping up. Jordan turns to the one man she can trust with her lover’s life ”" her brilliant criminal defense attorney husband.

Is Ari a killer?

Then Ari is charged, and Jordan fears the worst: a life sentence for her lover, exposure of her affair, irreparable damage to her husband’s reputation and the ruin of her law firm.

But she can’t let go of Ari’s heart-stopping love.

With the trial just days ahead, Jordan races to save her lover, her husband and ultimately, herself.

Desire, suspicion, love and loyalty all clash in the fast-paced city of Tel-Aviv.

http://www.amazon.com/Ashs-Fire-The-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B00NMKMIZA

About Me

Callie Gold is an Israeli married to an American. She admits that marrying her husband was the smartest decision she has ever made in her entire life. Together they have raised three beautiful children.

Callie is a lawyer, and a Jew, and what’s worse – an Israeli. That means that she’s an in-your-face kinda gal. There is no Hebrew word for ‘subtle’. Callie’s husband says that she has too many opinions, and he’s right. But she’s also open and friendly and very curious, and is known to start intimate conversations with the Falafel guy.

Since she stopped litigating, Callie’s husband says she’s become a much nicer person (Callie’s husband is almost always right, which makes living with him really good and seriously annoying, all at the same time).

When she’s not writing, Callie does divorce mediation and marriage counseling, which, she believes will save her a good seat in that place up there. She also cooks and bakes and you will always find home-baked bread in her freezer, next to the chocolate gelato that her husband makes.

Callie writes because writing creates another life for her, a life in which she can do whatever she wants. In order to write she has become a time thief.

Above all, Callie is a lover of people and she can never get enough of human interaction. So feel free to start up a conversation with her!

http://www.amazon.com/Callie-Gold/e/B00O2X5LLE/

www.calliegold.com

Quarantine Snog 3 - Rescue

Here's another quick kiss from Quarantine. I don't want to give away too much of the plot. Suffice it to say that Dylan's in trouble again, and once more, Rafe comes to his aid.

Don't forget to visit Victoria's place for more sizzling kisses (and other mouth-related action...!) And remember, every comment you leave here, or on any post during my July Man-fest, counts as an entry toward my giveaway of a $50 gift certificate.

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“Urgh…” Dylan released a groan that turned into a cough. His eyelids fluttered open. “Rafe…” he whispered. “You found me.”

“Damn straight I did. You think I was going to just let you go and be some white honcho’s sex slave?” Rafe hid his concern in gruffness. Dylan looked really ill.

“But how—?”

“Never mind. We’ve got to get out of here.” Rafe pulled out a penknife and began sawing at the leather ankle-cuff.

“Um…I don’t know if I can move just yet.” A shadow of Dylan’s usual cheeky smile flitted across his face. “Anyway, Kevin won’t be back until tonight.”

“Kevin? You’re on a first name basis with the prick?” Rafe halted his attack on the cuff to glare at Dylan. All his insecurities came flooding back. “Did he fuck you?”

“No, no… I told him no, Rafe.” Dylan voice was edged with anxiety.

“And he listened to you? When he had you hogtied and at his mercy? You expect me to believe that?”

A haze of red clouded Rafe’s vision. “A slutty little perv like you? I saw you in his eP rig, humping away—”

“It’s true, baby.” With obvious effort, Dylan pushed himself to a sitting position and held Rafe’s accusing gaze. “I won’t say he didn’t touch me. And I won’t claim I wasn’t tempted, especially when it seemed like it might help me get away. But I told him I belonged to you. Honestly, Rafe. He said you’d been captured, but I refused to listen.” Dylan’s eyes had a liquid gleam. “I’m so grateful you’re okay. I was worried…”

“You think you were worried?” Rafe leaned in, raised Dylan’s chin and claimed a kiss. The familiar taste scattered his negativity. “Oh, God! I thought I’d lost you forever.” He sealed the other man’s mouth with his once more.

Dylan seemed to draw energy from Rafe’s body. His fingers scrabbled at Rafe’s belt, pulling out the tail of his shirt, pushing it up to expose Rafe’s chest, stroking the knotted fur between his breasts. A gentle twist to Rafe’s nipple sent pleasure shuddering down to his groin. Already his cock thickened in his jeans. A quick glance revealed that despite his recent eP-fueled orgasm, Dylan was hard and ready, too.


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