New Year's Greetings and February Newsletter

Happy Chinese New Year!

Today is the beginning of the Chinese Year of the Goat. This may not be a big deal wherever you are, but here in Asia, it's a major holiday. Given the goat's reputation for randiness, I thought he'd be an appropriate symbol for an erotica and erotic romance author like me!

New and Upcoming Releases

I have tons of news since my last newsletter. Okay, I know that was in November, but still, I've been really busy. I've got four new releases, not including anthologies, plus a bunch more in the pipeline.

First of all, if you're looking for hot, smart romance, check out my novel Nasty Business, in a new edition from Fireborn Publishing. I really like the cover, which captures the tension between the heroine and hero. Ruby Maxwell Chen, the beautiful and ruthless CEO of a huge British business empire, is used to getting her way. When she encounters American entrepreneur Rick Martell, though, she wonders if she hasn't finally met her match. Put these two together, and the sparks fly!

Then there's the first two books of my D&S Duos series. These are neat little packages with two BDSM erotic stories in each one. Book 1 contains "Body Electric" and "Limits: A Love Story". Book 2 includes "Never Too Late" and "Just a Spanking". Although they're short, they are emotionally (as well as physically) intense. I think you'll like them.
The covers for the series are by Excessica author and artist Willsin Rowe - a very talented guy in both roles.

Finally, I got my metaphorical feet wet just before Christmas by self-publishing my holiday story Slush. I had so much fun in the process that I'm planning on self-publishing a collection of paranormal erotica as soon as I can manage it.

In addition to these single-author titles, my story The Late Show is in the recently released collection Best Lesbian Erotica 2015, editing by the legendary Laura Antoniou, and I have two tales in this year's Mammoth Book of Best New Erotica (Volume 13), edited by Maxim Jakubowski.

Looking ahead, March will see the early download release of The Eyes of Bast from Totally Bound as well as the next book in the D&S Duos series, which will feature two femdom tales (just for a bit of variety). Also in March, LadyLit Publishing will bring out my brand new lesbian fantasy The Witches of Gloucester. I have also had a fun new M/M story entitled To Boldy Go accepted by Nobilis Reed for his charity anthology on a pioneering theme, Coming Together: Outside the Box. I'm not sure exactly when that's coming out, but I've already got an excerpt posted for you to enjoy.

In April, I'll release the fourth volume of D&S Duos, and a new collection of lesbian short stories entitled Her Own Devices.

I'm exhausted just thinking about all the promotion!

Free Reading and Other News

This month's free reading is a wolf-shifter story set on New Years Eve, entitled First Moon. I've also added a seasonal poem (for those of you who like such things), Solstice. After years of not writing much poetry, I've been inspired by Ashley Lister's monthly verse exercises at the Erotica Readers & Writers Association blog. I'm a sucker for a challenge!

Did you know I have more than fifty free stories available on my website? Next time you're looking for a quick erotica or romance fix, why not drop by? Whether your preferences run to paranormal, BDSM, science fiction, M/M, F/F or ménage, you're likely to find something to suit your tastes. I'm nothing if not versatile.

The page also includes a list of free PDF books which are available for the asking. All you have to do is send me an email request.

So I posted a contest in my last newsletter, but received zero entries. That's right, none. Zilch. Nada. I won't make that mistake again LOL. I will, however, be running a blog tour for The Eyes of Bast, most likely in April, as well as my usual frequent giveaways. For example, I'm giving away both D&S Duos books over at Decadent Divas this Saturday, and I have an open giveaway running until Sunday the 22nd at my blog.

The best way to stay informed about all my releases and contests, is to join my VIP email list. Just send an email to lisabet [at] lisabetsarai [dot] com. Every month I run an exclusive contest for my VIP readers. This month (I'll announce the details early next week) I'll be offering a bookstore gift certificate plus a free ebook pack. You still have a few days to join!

Lisabet's Pick of the Month

My February pick of the month is The Good Men Project, a website that examines what it means to be an enlightened male in the twenty first century. One of my friends and colleagues, Spencer Dryden, is a regular contributor to the site, which is how I found out about it. Well worth exploring!

Lisabet's November Newsletter

Happy Thanksgiving!

Welcome to the autumn harvest issue of my newsletter. I've got information about new and upcoming releases, free reading, and a fabulous, easy contest!

New and Upcoming Releases

Since my last newsletter, I've released two books with Excessica, Bangkok Noir and Exposure. Both fall into the category of erotic suspense. Both have received rave reviews (see for example, here and here). Jim at BDSM Book Reviews wrote about Bangkok Noir:

This is definitely one of the most original D/s themed books I have read in a very long time. The exquisitely kinky and erotic BDSM play is just a bonus.

The new editions feature covers designed and implemented by yours truly. Although I'm not very skilled with graphics tools, I'm pretty happy with the results.


My other two major titles that were orphaned when I left Books We Love have also been contracted. My BDSM romantic erotica novel Nasty Business will be released by Fireborn Publishing in January. Totally Bound will republish my paranormal romance The Eyes of Bast in March. I've got a cover for the latter. Isn't it gorgeous?


In addition to these single-author titles, I've got stories pending in high profile anthologies. My lesbian tale The Late Show will be featured in Best Lesbian Erotica 2015, editing by the legendary Laura Antoniou. And I have two stories in this year's Mammoth Book of Best New Erotica (Volume 13), edited by Maxim Jakubowski: Layover (F/m BDSM) and Limits: A Love Story (M/f BDSM). You know me - I like variety!

You can find excerpts from all of these tales on my books and coming soon pages.

Looking a bit further into the future, I'm planning a series of BDSM short story books with Excessica, called D & S Duos. Each book will have two BDSM-themed stories, back to back, about 10,000 words. Just the right thing for a quick read before bed...! The first one should be out just after the new year. I'm also putting together a book length collection of lesbian erotica and erotic romance, which will include some brand new content. Finally - well, not finally, of course, because there is always another story in the wings - I'm hoping to get back to work on The Gazillionaire and the Virgin, my turnabout erotic romance. More on all this in my next newsletter.

Contests and Other News

I've updated my free reading page with the first chapter of a new erotic romance serial, Unveiled. I started this book, in which the heroine is a belly dancer, years ago, then put it aside while I worked on other projects. I'm hoping that making a commitment by putting it up on my website will encourage me to finish it! (By the way, you might want to check out the photo of me in my belly dancing costume - taken many years ago!)

Speaking of free reading, have you checked out my M/M BDSM vampire story Renfield's Lament in the Erotica Readers & Writers Association gallery? Brand new, first time published. Warning: it does not have a happy ending.

I've decided to reinstate my monthly newsletter contest. This month, I'm running a giveaway called What's Your Fantasy?. You could win a custom story, written especially for you, that features your favorite erotic fantasy - as well as several gift certificates!

Here's how it works. Send me an email at contest [at] lisabetsarai [dot] com with the subject line "My Fantasy". In the body of the email, briefly describe the story you'd most like to read. Keep it short, no more than one or two sentences.

I will read your fantasies and pick the one that most inspires me, then write that story, dedicated to you! If I pick your fantasy, I will also send you a $5 Totally Bound gift voucher. In addition, assuming I get at least 10 entries, I will draw a random winner from among the remaining submissions and give that reader a $10 Totally Bound gift certificate. You have until December first to send in your fantasies. But why not do it now, before you forget?

For my November VIP readers contest, I'll be giving away another copy of The Ingredients of Bliss. Only people on my email list are eligible. If you want to join, just send me email at at lisabet [at] lisabetsarai [dot] com with the subject line "VIP subscription" and I'll get you signed up right away. I'll announce the contest rules on the mailing list next week!

Lisabet's Pick of the Month
 
My November pick of the month is The Velvet Lair, the blog of my prolific colleague Suz de Mello. Suz loves to travel, as I do. She write sexy erotica and erotic romance, often with a BDSM flavor. In short, she's a woman after my own heart. She posts almost every day, either about her own stuff or that of her guests. Visit The Velvet Lair for fun and passion!

Lisabet's May News

The Lusty Month of May

New and Upcoming Releases
 
It's May, it's May, the lusty month of May...

Okay, no more singing. But I do have a lot of news to share with you.

Last week, Books We Love put out a huge collection of my BDSM work, entitled Admit You Want It. For one low price, you can get eighteen sizzling stories of dominance and submission, plus a 30,000 word novella. Come on, you know you're tempted. Admit it!

Also, in just a few days Cleis will release the long-awaited collection edited by D.L. King, Slave Girls, which includes my short story Muse, the tale of an erotic romance author who meets the master she's never dared write. You can find an excerpt here.

Speaking of editor D.L. King, her anthology Under Her Thumb has won the 2013 Independent Publishers Awards Silver Medal for erotica. The "IPPY" awards recognize excellence in independently published books in a range of categories. Under Her Thumb includes some great stories, including my own contribution, Layover. (Click here for a snippet.)

And speaking of awards, Coming Together: Girl on Girl is a finalist for the 2014 Golden Crown awards. The "Goldies" celebrate the year's best LGBTQ literature. This volume includes my lesbian BDSM tale, Sundae, Bloody Sunday. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!


Looking ahead, I just signed a contract with Totally Bound for my What's Her Secret novel, retitled as The Ingredients of Bliss (formerly "Her Secret Weapon"). This over-the-top novel brings back the characters from Her Secret Ingredient for a wild romp through France. Stay tuned for more news about this release, which should be available for pre-order in July!

Other News

After a lapse of several months, I've put up another dramatic chapter of CatToy. The story is winding to a close - I think there's just one more chapter to go! I'll leave the last chapter up for a month or so, but then I'll be taking it down so that I can send it to a publisher. So if you haven't read the story, better do so soon!


Also on the free reading front, I've put together a stand-alone version of my romantic BDSM short A Case of You, with a dynamite cover. If you want a copy, all you you to do is admit you want it... Go to my blog and leave a comment with your email, admitting that you want it... I'll send you the ebook in return.

On Sunday the 18th, I'm going to send out information on my next VIP reader giveaway, limited to people who are on my private email list. I'm giving away two prizes this month, $10 gift vouchers from Totally Bound.

Want to become one of my VIP readers? Just send me an email, to lisabet [at] lisabetsarai [dot] com and join in the fun.  

Contests

Ok - just for the fun of it, let's do an impromptu giveaway right now! Leave a comment on this post, with your email, and I'll enter you to win a copy of my hilarious novella What's Her Secret. I'll draw the winner next Sunday!

Lisabet's Pick of the Month

My May pick of the month is erotic author Jeremy Edwards' website. Jeremy is old friend of mine, and I was just thrilled to learn that his fabulously funny novel The Pleasure Dial also won an IPPY this year. I'm so proud of him. Of course, I love the book (read my review here). I highly recommend it if you're seeking non-stop witticisms and happy-go-lucky lust, with a deliciously happy ending.

Lisabet's December News

New and Upcoming Releases
 
Happy holidays to all my readers!

Since my last newsletter, I've had three releases. First of all, Her Secret Ingredient is now available as a single author title. You can also get the tale as part of the What's Her Secret boxed set, and now, in print as well! I won't take up your time by repeating the blurb, which I've been sharing pretty much everywhere. You can find all the details here and here.


In addition, the Tied to the Billionaire anthology has come out in print. This juicy book is the perfect gift for all your romantically-inclined friends - or at least the kinky ones. After all, who wouldn't want a dominant billionaire for Christmas?

Speaking of print, Rajastani Moon in now available in paperback, too. Did you see Thistedown's rave review of the book at Long and Short Reviews? She said so many complimentary things about the book that I can't decide which to quote! Click on the link above to read what she has to say.
 
Other News

I know I missed a month, but I've made up for it with a new and very intense chapter of my CatToy shifter serial.

I have a kiss from the chapter for you, as my regular Sunday snog. And you can win prizes if you comment, as part of Victoria Blisse's Blissemas celebration!

Meanwhile, as a gift to my author and reader friends, I have two full PDFs that you can download. Just visit holidaygifts.html to download either Naughty Bits: The Erotogeek's Guide for Technologically Challenged Authors - more than 80 pages of explanations and advice for those of you who are mystified by technology - or Kiss Before Midnight, a collection of four holiday themed romantic shorts.

Hey, why not download them both?

I'll be sending out information about this month's exclusive VIP drawing on Tuesday. Only people on my list are eligible to enter!

If you're not on my email list but would like to be, just send an email to contest [at] lisabetsarai [dot] com with the subject line "Add Me", from the email you want added. You can also add your name from the holiday gifts page above.

And speaking of free books - if you sign up for Totally Bound's newsletter, you will automatically receive a voucher for a free TB book. Talk about easy! Just click here to subscribe.
 
Lisabet's Pick of the Month

My pick of the month for December is Coffee Time Romance's Steampunk site. If you love corsets and clockwork, brass and leather, this is the place to be. CTR's Revelry release parties are great fun - I had one myself - and there are lots of chances to meet fantastic authors and win great prizes.

Odds and Ends

Well, it looks like I've been stood up!

Saturday is normally one of the days when I host guests, but the author I had scheduled never replied to my reminders about sending me her post. In the past, I would have been frustrated and upset, but now I just shrug. I'm too busy to worry about chasing her down. In any case, it may not be her fault. Every so often my email host gets put on some Internet-wide black list, and all my messages get tagged as spam. Sigh. Don't you love technology?

Anyway, I thought I'd take this opportunity to share a few bits of news with you.

First, check out this cute Christmas trailer from Books We Love. It really shows off the fabulous cover art of the BWL art director Michelle Lee.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0coq4YPAR3k

I hope it inspires you to buy books for your holiday gifts. Ebooks, in particular, are a great present if you're concerned about the environment!

Second, I want to remind you that Her Secret Ingredient comes out next Friday, the 15th of November. On Saturday, I'm planning a super contest to celebrate, with multiple winners. Stay tuned for more details!

In case you've forgotten, here's the blurb:

Stir in a pinch to stir up his passion…

When the Tastes of France food channel offers Mei Lee “Emily” Wong a series of guest spots, she jumps at the opportunity to take her culinary career to a whole new level. Ultimately, she wants a show of her own, but first she has to prove herself to Michelin-starred network founder and effective dictator, Etienne Duvalier. A legend in the world of classic French cuisine as well as a domineering perfectionist, Etienne is sceptical about the culinary abilities of a woman from Hong Kong. To make things more difficult, the master chef is also so gorgeous that Emily can't help being attracted to him.

Emily tries to solve both problems by spiking her luscious profiteroles with an ancient Oriental aphrodisiac. Unfortunately, Harry Sanborne, the low-key, bespectacled producer for Emily's show, samples the delicacies she intends for Etienne's consumption. His powerful reaction to her secret ingredient comes as a pleasant surprise to them both. Harry turns out to be far more impressive in bed than on the set. However, he can't do nearly as much to advance her ambitions as Etienne. Emily tries once more to tempt the exacting M. Duvalier with her special cooking as well as her feminine charms. The outrageous results threaten to end her TV career forever—until Harry steps in to save her reputation and claim her heart.

The buy link is here:  https://www.totallybound.com/her-secret-ingredient

Remember that if you buy from Totally Bound, you get my exclusive extra chapter - hotter than all the rest of the story put together, and available only to TB VIP members!

Finally, I wanted to let you know that TB has lots of new goodies for loyal readers. Everything you buy earns you points toward free books. In addition, you can earn points by writing reviews on the buy pages of your favorite books. If you refer a friend to TB, and he or she buys something, you both receive vouchers for free books!

October News

Love Hurts

Happy Halloween!

 

New and Upcoming Releases 

Welcome to the October - that is, the Halloween - edition of my newsletter. I'll make it quick, so you can get back to working on your costumes and cooking up your caramel apples...!

My only new release since last newsletter is my BDSM free read A Case of You , available now from the newly revamped Totally Bound website. Their stellar art department has come up with new covers for all the free books. I love this one!

Speaking of covers, though, I've received the cover for Rough Weather, which will be out in January. I'm thrilled with it; it really captures the feeling of the story. Read an excerpt here and you'll see what I mean.

I've also got the cover for my next release, Her Secret Ingredient. This lively, sexy romp will be out next month as part of Totally Bound's new What's Her Secret? line.

When the Tastes of France food channel offers Mei Lee “Emily” Wong a series of guest spots, she jumps at the opportunity to take her culinary career to a whole new level. Ultimately, she wants a show of her own, but first she has to prove herself to Michelin-starred network founder and effective dictator, Etienne Duvalier. A legend in the world of classic French cuisine as well as a domineering perfectionist, Etienne is sceptical about the culinary abilities of a woman from Hong Kong. To make things more difficult, the master chef is also irresistibly gorgeous.

Emily tries to solve both problems by spiking her luscious profiteroles with an ancient Oriental aphrodisiac. Unfortunately, Harry Sanborne, the low-key, bespectacled producer for Emily's show, samples the delicacies she intends for Etienne's consumption. His powerful reaction to her secret ingredient comes as a pleasant surprise to them both. Harry turns out to be far more impressive in bed than on the set. However, he can't do nearly as much to advance her ambitions as Etienne. Emily tries once more to tempt the exacting M. Duvalier with her special cooking as well as her feminine charms. The outrageous results threaten to end her TV career forever - until Harry steps in to save her reputation and claim her heart.

I had so much fun writing this tale that I'm planning a follow-up novel, which will take Emily, Harry and Etienne to France for further adventures. Meanwhile, you can read an excerpt from the story here. Of course, I'll be doing some giveaways to celebrate the release. Stay tuned for more information!

Oh, I nearly forgot! If you're an old-fashioned type like me, a person who still likes to read physical books, you might like to snag a copy of Rajasthani Moon in paperback. It will be available next Friday, the 25th of October.

Other News

For free reading this month, I've added the next chapter of my CatToy shifter serial. To read the book from the beginning, go to the free reading index page and scroll down to the "paranormal" category.
I've also added a brand new poem. In the last few months, I've been inspired by Ashley Lister's writing exercises at the Erotica Readers & Writers Association blog to try out some new poetic forms. This month's poem, Galatea, is my first attempt at the rather complicated form known as a vilanelle.

Tomorrow I'll be guest blogging at H.C. Brown's and on Friday, at Normandie Alleman's. The following week, on Halloween, I've got a guest appearance at H.K. Carlton's blog. I'll be giving away a bookstore gift certificate in conjunction with these appearances. For details, keep an eye on my blog, or sign up to be on my private mailing list.

Speaking of my mailing list, I'll be sending out information about this month's exclusive drawing next Friday. Only people on my list are eligible to enter!

If you're not on my email list but would like to be, just send an email to contest [at] lisabetsarai [dot] com with the subject line "Add Me", from the email you want added
.
Contests!

Congratulations to Juliana, who won my "BDSM" contest. She started her email with the sentence "I LOVE BDSM Stories!". That's not why I picked her, though - honest! Random.org selected her name, not me! Thanks to everyone who entered.

I've decided that people are getting bored with my monthly Newsletter contests. For one thing, they go on too long. You enter and then have to wait for a month - sometimes two! - to discover whether you're the winner. Instead, I'll do contests here on my blog, at least twice a month. I'll announce them, of course. Keep your eyes and ears open.

Lisabet's Pick of the Month

My pick of the month for October is Nobilis Erotica, the longest running erotica podcast on the Web. Nobilis offers dozens of free audio tales, including a couple by me. Many, but certainly not all, are science fiction or speculative fiction. The site has Android or iPhone podcast apps for download too! Intelligent, well-written, professionally recorded audio-erotica, for free... What's not to love?

Lisabet's July News

New and Upcoming Releases

Jeez! What happened to June? Oh, I remember. I spent all month blogging about Rajasthani Moon and giving away prizes. No wonder I forgot to do my newsletter!

Anyway - my big news this month is the release of the fabulous anthology Tied to the Billionaire, which includes my historical BDSM story Challenge To Him. The book is available now from Total-E-Bound - just click here - with general release scheduled for the 16th of August. But why wait? You can get the book at a 10% discount from TEB this very instant in whatever format you prefer. And they can send it directly to your Kindle or Nook, just like the big guys.

By the way, I've finally put an excerpt from Challenge To Him on this site. Just click here.

To celebrate the general release, the anthology authors - Amy Armstrong, Sam Crescent, Tanith Davenport, Cheryl Dragon, Willa Edwards and yours truly - are planning a fabulous blog tour entitled "Meet the Billionaires". Each of us will have an interview with our fabulously wealthy hero. One lucky commenter during the week will get a $50 bookstore gift certificate. A second winner will recieve an ebook from each author's backlist. The fun starts on release day, August 16th, and runs through the 23rd. Keep your eye on my blog for details, or join my Yahoo group, Lisabet's List.

I'm waiting eagerly for the release of Coming Together: Girl on Girl, the new charity anthology edited by Leigh Ellwood and benefiting the National Center for Lesbian Rights. The book includes my F/F BDSM tale Sundae, Bloody Sundae. For a quick snippet, click here.

Meanwhile, I just submitted a new paranormal Lust Bite entitled Rough Weather. It's a sort of prequel to my tale Hot Spell, about the Water Elemental Ondine and the Air Elemental Marut. I'll let you know as soon as I hear whether it has been accepted.

Other News

I've posted Chapter 7 in my free cat-shifter serial Cat Toy, my cat-shifter serial. You can read the latest installment, in which the villain makes her appearance, here. Or to read the entire story so far, start here

In mid-August I'll be participating in Victoria Blisse' amazing Smut Al Fresco event. In fact, I'll be posting my excerpt of outdoor loving on the 16th of August, the same day the Billionaire tour begins. No rest for the weary!

You read the button right. We are giving away a Kindle, plus 50 British pounds worth of TEB credit to fill that baby up!

Contests!

I only received two entries to my last contest, so rather than drawing a winner, I'm throwing those entries in with this month's contest. You can win a pack of two autographed print books from my back list. All you have to do send an email to contest [at] lisabetsarai.com with the subject line "Series Contest". In the email, tell me what you think is the secret to a great series. Should each book in the series feature the same characters, or do you prefer a series set in a single world but where each book focuses on different characters? How important is it that you be able to read the series in any order? How long should a series be?

Each email counts as an entry. I'll announce the winner in my next newsletter, in the second half of August.

Lisabet's Pick of the Month

My pick of the month for July is Melissa Snark's blog, The Snarkology of an Erotic Romance Author. Melissa was one of my hosts for my Rajasthani Moon blog tour, and I realy liked her site, which features a lot of information about her and her causes, as well as some great cartoons.

Lisabet's May News - and a Snog, too!

New and Upcoming Releases

I'm back! After some seriously nerdy activity on my part, I've got my website up and running again, with somewhat better protection against hackers. And I've got lots of news to share.

At the bottom of this post, you'll find my traditional Sunday Snog, an intense kiss from Cat Toy.

Top news billing goes to my new release Rajasthani Moon. The multi-genre novel is available now from Total-E-Bound (at a 10% discount) and will go to general release (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, All Romance Ebooks, and all your other favorite bookstores) on Friday May 31st.

I've got lots of fun promotional events planned for this book - which means a raft of great prizes for you. On June 8th, I'm hosting a Revelry! Release Party at Coffee Time Romance's new steampunk site. I'll be giving away prizes to everyone who participates, as well as a couple of great grand prizes.


Then from June 10th through the 21st, I've got a blog tour where you can win a $50 bookstore gift certificate, plus free books at each stop. You can find the full schedule for that tour here. But don't worry, I'll remind you...


I also have guest appearances set up all over the place, talking about the book and tossing out prizes left and right. To stay up to date about all my contests and other events, join my Yahoo Group Lisabet's List, or (if you want somewhat less mail) email me to be added to my private list.

My story Layover now out, as part of the femdom anthology Under Her Thumb, edited by the award-winning D.L. King. I also have a story (The Antidote) in the Mammoth Book of Best New Erotica Volume 11 edited by Maxim Jakubowski. Actually Maxim just informed me that he'd like to publish my erotic story Fleshpot in the next MBBNE, which should be available in late 2013. Also, Leigh Ellwood has accepted my lesbian BDSM erotic tale Sundae, Bloody Sundae for the charity anthology Coming Together: Girl on Girl, which will benefit the National Center for Lesbian Rights.

Other News

This month in my free reading section, I've got a brand new installment of Cat Toy, my cat-shifter serial. I know I've been away from the book for a while, but I'm going to try to post new content every month from now on, until I finish the book. Read the new chapter here. Or to read the entire story so far, start here.

I finished and submitted The Gilded Cage but haven't heard yet whether it has been accepted. Meanwhile, I'm working on Rough Weather, a sort of prequel to my paranormal novella Hot Spell. The book shows the genesis of the relationship between the water elemental Ondine and the air elemental Marut, two characters who show up at the very end of Hot Spell. It's set on the lovely island of Martha's Vineyard. Oh, and it will very likely include some BDSM. (Surprise, surprise!)

Tomorrow, May 20th, marks the start of Skye Warren's incredible Wet and Wild Blog Hop. Drop by Beyond Romance for a chance to win a couple of autographed print books from me, plus Skye's grand prize - a $100 gift certificate from Victoria's Secret. Almost 200 authors are participating in this hop, and every single one is an opportunity for more wonderful gifts.

Contests!

Congratulations to Colleen, who was the winner of my Back List Blast contest during April. She snagged a $25 Amazon Gift Certificate.

I'm giving away so many other prizes over the few weeks as part of my Rajasthani Moon promotions, I don't know if I really need a monthly contest, but hey, what the heck!

This month you can win a print book prize pack that includes an autographed copy of my steamy first novel Raw Silk plus Cream: The Best of the Erotica Readers & Writers Association, an anthology I edited back in 2006. To enter, send an email to contest [at] lisabetsarai.com with the subject line "Social Media Contest". In the email, answer the following questions:

1. Do you use Twitter to follow any authors? If so, how many?
2. Do you interact with your favorite authors on Facebook? If so, how many?
3. Do you belong to and spend any time at Goodreads?
4. Have you ever bought a book specifically because you learned about it through one of the above sources (Twitter, Facebook or Goodreads)?

Every complete set of answers counts as an entry. I'll announce the winner in my next newsletter, in the second half of June.

Lisabet's Pick of the Month 

My pick of the month for May is the delicious Sexy Reads site, the brainchild of Kev Mitnick (otherwise known as Mr. Victoria Blisse). With interviews, news, flash fiction, hot covers, cool reviews, Sexy Reads is just plain fun for anyone who enjoys the erotic. Oh, and the site works like a dream, fast and smooth - just as you'd expect from a super-nerd code-slave like Kevin! Check it out!

And now for the Snog...

Since my newsletter day happens to coincide with Snog Day, I'll share a kiss from Cat Toy, my free shifter serial, just updated this month. Once you've enjoyed my kiss, please click over to Blissekiss.co.uk for lots more delicious kisses.

****

Tom set down his glass. His eyes narrowed. "Are you that frightened of me?" Sorrow took over his handsome face. "Very well. I'll leave, then. I had hoped..." The sadness painting his features morphed to terrible fury for an instant. I shrank back against the wall. "But I should know better than to hope, cursed as I am." A deep sigh scattered his evil mood. Once more I read only regret and pain in his eyes.

He rose, heading for me and the exit. His impossible grace made me ache to touch him. Although he was fully dressed, in jeans, a tee shirt, and scuffed trainers, something about the way he moved made me imagine him naked. I remembered the rush of lust he'd kindled back in the park. A pang of desire arced through me.
Before I could stop him, he was standing in front of me, looming over me. I had no sense of threat, though. I caught the heady scent of male sweat, woven with the sharpness of crushed vegetation. I felt the warmth radiating from his body. I felt his power, sheathed, hidden, bubbling beneath the surface.

"You're blocking the door, Shaina. You'll have to move if you want me to go."

Wordless, lost in the storm of emotion swirling through me, I stepped aside. He flipped open the deadbolt.

"Goodbye, beautiful one."

"No..."

I didn't intend to speak. The one word plea emerged without any conscious decision. I reached for him, to hold him back. Some part of me knew that I shouldn't, couldn't allow him to leave.


Electricity shot through my arm, sizzled down my spine and ignited in my sex. I gasped.

"You feel it too, don't you?" With one finger, he tipped my face toward his. His eyes were emeralds set in ebony. They were so familiar...I knew this stranger, recognized him at some fundamental level below rational thought.

Heat hummed through me, rippling out from that tiny spot on my chin where our skin met. I was acutely aware of my bare flesh under the thin cotton, my nipples gathered into tight, throbbing knots, my thighs damp with fluid leaking from my cleft.

I held his gaze, allowing him to see the raw need he inspired. I was totally naked, open, silently inviting him to take me.

He bent to me. His breath warmed my cheek as I held my own in anticipation. Then his lips met mine and reality exploded into a riot of lush sensation. Colors flared around us, scarlet, vermillion, grass-green, velvety jet. A thousand scents teased my nostrils - the sweetness of fallen blossoms and ripe earth, summer-baked hay and rust-tinged water running over smooth stone. Sparks danced across my skin and burrowed beneath, racing through my blood to swell and soak me.

Just the chaste press of his closed lips had this effect. When he opened to slide his tongue into my mouth, a dizzy fever swept over me. I grabbed him, wrapping my arms around his back, plastering my body against his, mashing my hungry breasts against his solid chest. I wanted total contact. The parts of me that weren't touching him felt lost, abandoned. A rigid bulk prodded my belly. I squirmed against him, thrilled by the promise of that hardness.

His tongue flicked across mine, rougher than I'd expected. He devoured me as though he was starved, gnawing on my lips then plunging deep inside. I felt every move in my pussy, as if that agile tongue rasped over my pulsing clit instead of my palate. My nipples were so tight they hurt. I ground my pubis against him, already trembling on the edge of orgasm.

Happy Snog Day! Don't forget to enter my contest!

Lisabet's December News

New and Upcoming Releases

I've been busy this past month, writing, blogging, and doing lots of giveaways. And it looks like next month is going to be even busier.

In early December, Books We Love, Ltd. brought out my BDSM romantic erotica novel, Nasty Business, in all your favorite ebook formats. This edited and expanded edition of Ruby's Rules includes a bonus short story about how Ruby first got a taste for dominance. If you've never read this book - believe me, it's scalding! Don't believe me? Check out a brand new M/f excerpt here. Or, if you're a fan of F/m, try this one... I'm giving away a copy to one lucky reader in my monthly contest. See the details below.


The Switch anthology received a five star review from Whipped Cream, and was nominated for Book of the Month in November. And I forgot to mention in my last newsletter that Spank Me Again, Stranger was up for Best Book in October. Read the five star review here!


I've finished the editing for Coming Together: In Vein, my charity vampire anthology. It should be out any day now. If you have any vampire-lovers on your holiday gift list, this book may be the perfect solution. The book has something for everyone: GLBT, BDSM, science fiction, ménage and blood-tinted sexy romance. And of course, every copy you buy goes to support the essential work of Doctors Without Borders.



And last - but certainly not least - I'm still celebrating the fact that Quarantine received an Honorable Mention for Best Gay SciFi/Fantasy in the prestigious Rainbow Awards. Yes, I know that if you're on my mailing list, this is old news. Bear with me, okay?
 
Other News

Just for you this holiday season, I've written a brand new M/M story entitled Last Minute Gift. Scott is royally annoyed by the fact that he has to work on Christmas Eve. However, the lone customer who visits the store where Scott clerks definitely changes his perspective.

You can find other free holiday reading on my site, too. Easy is a sweet and sexy tale that captures the spirit of Christmas. A Kiss at Midnight celebrates the magic of New Year's Eve. And for some New Year's humor, sample Snow Bound

If you haven't yet received your free PDF of my M/M/F ménage story Something Borrowed - all you have to do is ask! Send me email at contest - at - lisabetsarai.com with the subject line "Free Story", from the email where you want the PDF sent.

From January 10th through the 13th, my fellow author Jennifer Wright and I will be hosting the "Something New, Something Naughty" blog hop. Every single author who participates will have a prize for you, plus Jen and I are giving away a $50 gift certificate to adult emporium EdenFantasys and several bookstore gift certificates. For more information - and for instructions on how you can participate, if you're an author - just click here!
 
Contests!

Congratulations to Mel and Tammy, the first and second prize winners of my November "Gratitude" contest. It's always worthwhile to count our blessings.

For my December contest, I'm giving away an ebook copy of Nasty Business. All you need to do is 1) read my free story Last Minute Gift and 2) send me an email at contest -- at -- lisabetsarai.com with the subject line "Last Minute Gift". In the email, tell me which of the two main characters in the story you liked the most, and why. I'll draw a winner some time in mid January.
 
Lisabet's Pick of the Month

My pick of the month for December is Kayelle Allen's web site. Check out her tour of the Tarthian Empire, the world where many of her books are set. Grab some of her wallpaper images, featuring her breath-taking heroes and heroines. Sample her free reads, including her sweet holiday tale, "A Romance for Christmas". Kayelle promises Unstoppable Heroes, Uncompromising Love, Unforgettable passion.
 

November Newsletter

New and Upcoming Releases

I'm sorry to have deserted you last month! I was away for much of October, so I figured I would just defer my next newsletter until November.

Mastering Maya is available now as a stand-alone title at Total-E-Bound. It will be at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and all your other favorite booksellers next Monday, November 19th. But if you buy it this week, as a VIP pre-release title, you get 10% off the list price!

Meanwhile, the Switch anthology, which includes "Mastering Maya" as well as great stories from Desiree Holt, Elizabeth Coldwell, Wendy Zwaduk, Amy Valenti and Lauren Gallagher, is out in print. Want to win an autographed copy? Enter my monthly contest!

I've been working on edits for Coming Together: In Vein, my charity vampire anthology scheduled for December release. It is - if I may humbly say so - a sensational book, and will support one of my favorite causes, Doctors Without Borders. Did you know that DWB are running clinics for victims of Hurricane Sandy? For more information about their critically important work, click here. Are there any fans of the undead on your holiday gift list? This volume may be just the thing!

And for zombie fans... Check out the latest Coming Together collection Coming Together: Hungry for Love, edited by Sommer Marsden. I don't have a story in the book, but it features some of my favorite authors and benefits a wonderful cause - the American Diabetes Association.

Other News

My last free read was M/M, so this month I'm sharing a sizzling snippet of lesbian erotica called entitled Architecture of Desire - a classic case of opposites attracting. I also have an addition to the poetry section, a bittersweet erotic haiku cycle entitled Boston Rendezvous.

To thank my readers, I'm also giving away a free PDF of my M/M/F ménage story Something Borrowed, complete with a cover designed by me. All you have to do is ask! Send me email at contest - at - lisabetsarai.com with the subject line "Free Story", from the email where you want the PDF sent. It's as easy as that!

At the Erotica Readers & Writers Association this month, I'm talking about mobile computing and what it means to authors in the latest column in my Erotogeek series, "App-y Together: Straight Talk about Mobile Madness". If you've ever wondered exactly how an app works, I explain this (and more) in simple terms.

My major work in progress, Rajasthani Moon, is starting to look like it will be novel length. I'm having a fabulous time penning the adventures of Cecily Harrowsmith, secret agent for Her Majesty Queen Victoria - Amir, the Rajah of Rajasthan - and Pratan, his shape-shifting half brother. In Rajasthan, anything can happen!
 
I've also got a couple of shorter works simmering on the back burner. Given how long it takes me to finish a novel, I may try to bang those out first.

Contests!

Congratulations to Kaylyn and Anne, the two winners of my September "Buying Books" contest. And thanks to all of you who shared their book-buying preferences. The answers were quite varied. I was pleased to read that some of you still actually visit brick and mortar bookstores! (For a glimpse of one of my favorite bookstores, read my recent blog post.)

Since November is the traditional time for gratitude, I'm running a contest with that theme. The prize? An autographed print copy of Switch (first prize) and a PDF copy of Mastering Maya (second prize). All you have to do is send me an email at contest - at - lisabetsarai.com, using the subject line "Gratitude". In the email, tell me the top three three things you're thankful for this November. That's all there is to it!
I'll tell you my list (although I have so many blessings, it's a bit difficult to choose):

1. My health
2. My husband
3. My readers

Lisabet's Pick of the Month

My pick of the month for November is Erzabet Bishop's review blog Erzabet's Enchantments. Looking for something sexy to read? Erzabet's blog is a great place to browse, particularly if you're partial to BDSM and related themes. In fact, as I was wandering around, starry-eyed, I discovered that the site had reviewed the Switch anthology - and gave it 5 out of 5!

Lisabet's September News

New and Upcoming Releases

Good heavens! I've got three new releases this month - and September is only half over!

If Fifty Shades has whet your appetite for stories about dominance and submission, get yourself a copy of my new BDSM short story collection, Spank Me Again, Stranger. The ebook collects ten sublimely perverse tales of power and pain, desire and surrender, many of them new. The stories vary in tone and intensity, from a light-hearted public spanking on a woman's thirtieth birthday to the intimate extremity of blood sports, but all of them focus as much on the relationship between the characters as on the physical trappings of BDSM.

Also out this month is the Total-E-Bound anthology Switch, six novellas by your favorite romance authors: Desiree Holt, Elizabeth Coldwell, Amy Valenti, Wendi Zwaduk, plus newcomer Lauren Gallagher - and of course, me! My contribution, Mastering Maya, centers on the relationship of an experienced dominatrix and the arrogant young Dom who challenges her to give in to her submissive side. You can find a sexy, romantic excerpt here. Want your own copy? Buy now from Total-E-Bound and save 10% off the list price!

Finally, the charity anthology Coming Together: Arm in Arm in Arm, edited by the inimitable Nobilis Reed, is now available. This collection of tentacle erotica (yes, you read that right!) benefits Oceana, the world's largest international organization focusing solely on ocean concentration. Arm in Arm in Arm includes my erotic horror tale "Fleshpot" as well as tales by some of my favorite authors. Get your copy today and do your part to save the watery world.

Other News

My free story this month is a piece of M/M erotica entitled Labrinth. It doesn't exactly have a happy ending, but you might enjoy it anyway.

At the Erotica Readers & Writers Association this month, I consider the topic of social networking in the latest column in my Erotogeek series, "Social Butterfly: Databases, Graphs and Connection-based Marketing". If you missed any of the previous columns, which dealt with issues from HTML to privacy, just click on the ERWA Archives link.

After my exhausting marathon of marketing for Quarantine (which is now available in print, by the way), I've eased up on guest blogging a bit, but next Tuesday I'll be over at Vijaya Schartz' blog, talking about science fiction (and giving away a copy of Bodies of Light) and on Wednesday I'll be featured at Trashionista online magazine. Don't worry, if you're on my mailing list, I'll send you reminders. And if you're not - why not hop over to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lisabets_list/ and sign up?

I've finished reading submissions for the anthology I'm editing, Coming Together: In Vein. I'll be sending out acceptances soon, and hope to have the book out before Christmas. Vampires for the holidays? Why not?

Contests!

Congratulations to Juliana, the winner of my August "Custom Story" contest. Actually, she offered several different ideas; she has quite a lively imagination!

For September, I'm going to pick two winners and give away two prizes: a copy of Spank Me Again, Stranger and a print copy of Quarantine. What do you need to do to get in on the action? Send an email to contest - at - lisabetsarai.com, using the subject line "Book Buying". In the email, tell me the top three places (physical or virtual, in order of preference) where you buy your books. And let me know which of the two books up for grabs you would prefer. It's as easy as that!

I won't be able to pick a winner until after the 20th of September, because I'll be traveling. So you have longer than usual to enter - but why wait?

Lisabet's Pick of the Month

My pick of the month for September is H.K. Carlton's blog Pick a Genre Already. I had H.K. as my guest recently, to talk about her first release, and I kind of fell in love with her. (Not in that way!) Anyway, she's just getting started in the publishing biz, so I hope you'll pop over and read some of her lively posts.

Odds and Ends of News

Greetings!

I have a couple of news items to share with you.

First, I got a very nice review of Hot Spell on Romance Junkies, Four Ribbons. Chrissy writes:

Lisabet Sarai’s descriptions of the nature surrounding this couple seem to blend in perfectly with the sheer eroticism of their actions

You can read the full review at:

http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artman/publish/paranormal/LSHot_Spell.shtml

Second, I now have the release date for Quarantine. If all goes according to plan, Total-E-Bound will publish my M/M sci fi novel on July 9th! I'm planning a big release blitz, with lots of prizes (of course), so stay tuned!

Third, I just got my first month's royalties for Just a Spanking and while I don't want to brag - I was pretty blown away. If you're one of the folks who bought the book - THANK YOU! And if you're not...well, what are you waiting for?

Finally, I'm going to be editing an charity anthology of vampire erotica and erotic romance called Coming Together: In Vein, to benefit Doctors Without Borders. I'll have the details for you soon!

Lisabet's January Newsletter

Happy New Year to all my readers! I've got lots of exciting things to share this month, including several chances to win free books and gift certificates.

New and Upcoming Releases

I have two new releases since last month. The first is a collection of my BDSM short stories, entitled Just a Spanking. Is a pure spanking, stripped of any sexual manipulation, enough to make a submissive come? Can a Dom turn a woman into his slave using just his voice? Can a banana split be an instrument of torture? Find out in this lively, arousing collection. The book is available exclusively for Amazon Kindle and can be borrowed for free by Amazon Prime members.

The second is a re-release of Incognito, bundled with Iona Blair's scorching Sins of Susan into a super-sized sexy ebook entitled Taboo. It's also on Kindle Select. You can read an excerpt here.

Both my Books We Love collections Just a Spanking and Body Electric will be free for every one on specific days from now through April. I'll announce the days on my blog and Yahoo list a day or two before. Meanwhile you can get either of these books free from me. All you have to do is review the other on Amazon, then send me the review link.

I heard from Maxim Jakubowski that my story The Antidote will be included in the next Mammoth Book of Best New Erotica. And my erotic fairy tale Shorn comes out in May as part of Kristina Wright's collection Lustfully Ever After

Finally, I've signed the contract for Quarantine. The book is scheduled for July. I really don't know how I'm going to wait that long! Meanwhile I've posted a short excerpt to whet your appetite.

Other News

Want to read some sexy excerpts and win lots of prizes? Dumb question, right? February is Coming Together "Share the Love" month here at Beyond Romance.

In case you haven't been paying attention (grin), Coming Together is a publisher of erotic fiction for charity. We've raised thousands of dollars for causes like breast cancer research, AIDS research, conservation and social justice, as well as supporting victims of disasters including Hurricane Katrina and the 2007 California wildfires. During February, I'm turning my blog over to Coming Together authors, who will be sharing the hottest snippets from their charity stories. Most will offer giveaways to people who comment, and at the end of the blog bash, we'll choose a grand prize winner, who will receive a $50 gift certificate to All Romance Ebooks. We're also giving away a Kindle Fire to a reader who comments every day! I hope you'll visit and comment often. We're going to have a great time!

In my free reading section this month, I've added the full length romantic BDSM tale Reunion. The story has been published in several collections, but remains one of my favorites.

Starting in February, at the Erotica Readers & Writers Association website, I'll be writing a new column entitled Naught Bits: The Erotogeek's Guide for Technologically Challenged Authors. I'll be trying to provide enough background on computers, software and related topics to help authors cope with the demands of publishing and promotion in the Internet age.

And speaking of ERWA, we've revamped and re-energized the ERWA Blog. Every few days you'll find a new post about writing or life, romance or sex, from our top-notch authors. Check out my post from a few days ago, Intimacy with Strangers. It's not what you expect!

Contests!

Thanks to all of you who entered my "Favorite Cover" contest last month, and congratulations to my randomly chosen winner Tammy R. Her favorite cover was Ruby's Rules. I was interested to see that there was a great deal of variety in people's responses.

For January, I'm doing market research again! I'd like to know how you feel about ebook prices. To enter, send an email to contest [at] LisabetSarai.com with the subject line "Prices Contest". In the body of the email, answer the following questions:

• When you shop for ebooks, does the price make much of a difference in your decisions?
• If you see a book priced at only 99 cents, does that influence your perception of its quality?
• What do you think is a fair price for an ebook novella (20,000 words or 50 pages)?
• What do you think is a fair price for an ebook novel (50,000 words or 150 pages, or more)?

If you have other comments about ebook pricing, I'm happy to hear them.

Around the 20th of February, I'll randomly draw a winner from all the entries. He or she can choose to receive either of my two recent romance releases, Hot Spell or Wild About That Thing.

Lisabet's Pick of the Month

My January Pick of the Month is Nicole Morgan's blog. Nicole writes satisfying, sexy erotic romance that will have you clamoring for more. Drop by and say hello - and tell her Lisabet sent you!

Three Sexy Stories (Free, of course)

In case you didn't get a chance to look at my newsletter, you might like to know that I have three full length free reads for you this month.

Red Eye is erotica with a touch of romance (rated XXX) thrown in.

Vegas is bittersweet, rated PG, and just might bring tears to your eyes.

Finally Something Borrowed is a naughty M/M/F ménage that's based (rather loosely, alas!) on a real experience.

My newsletter also includes information about new releases, reviews, my monthly contest, and my Pick of the Month. If you have a minute, check it out at http://www.lisabetsarai.com/news.html!

Double Happiness

Romance readers and writers everywhere--today's your day! Every romance blog is celebrating St. Valentine's Day. I thought I'd be a bit different and wish you a Happy Chinese New Year. Welcome to the Year of the Tiger!

As you probably know, the Tiger is one of the twelve animals that define the Chinese Zodiac (also influential in Japan and Southeast Asia). Each animal is associated with different personality characteristics. Thus, as in western astrology, your nature is determined by when you were born. In the case of the Chinese zodiac, your primary nature is determined by the year rather than the month of your birth.

According to Wikipedia, the twelve different types of personalities as follows.

1. Rat: Forthright, tenacious, intense, meticulous, charismatic, sensitive, hardworking, industrious, charming, eloquent, sociable, artistic, shrewd. Can be manipulative, vindictive, self-destructive, mendacious, venal, selfish, obstinate, critical, over-ambitious, ruthless, intolerant, scheming.
2. Ox (Water buffalo in Vietnam): Dependable, calm, methodical, born leader, patient, hardworking, conventional, steady, modest, logical, resolute, tenacious. Can be stubborn, narrow-minded, materialistic, rigid, demanding.
3. Tiger: Unpredictable, rebellious, colorful, powerful, passionate, daring, impulsive, vigorous, stimulating, sincere, affectionate, humanitarian, generous. Can be cold, restless, reckless, impatient, quick-tempered, obstinate, ruthless, selfish, aggressive, unpredictable, moody.
4. Rabbit: ambitious, gracious, good friend, kind, sensitive, soft-spoken, amiable, elegant, reserved, cautious, artistic, thorough, tender, self-assured, shy, astute, compassionate, flexible. Can be moody, detached, superficial, self-indulgent, opportunistic, stubborn.
5. Dragon (Snail in Kazakhstan): Magnanimous, stately, vigorous, strong, self-assured, proud, noble, direct, dignified, jealous, eccentric, intellectual, fiery, passionate, decisive, pioneering, artistic, generous, loyal. Can be tactless, arrogant, imperious, tyrannical, demanding, intolerant, dogmatic, violent, impetuous, brash.
6. Snake: Deep thinker, wise, mystic, graceful, soft-spoken, sensual, creative, prudent, shrewd, elegant, cautious, responsible, calm, strong, constant, purposeful. Can be loner, bad communicator, possessive, hedonistic, self-doubting, distrustful, mendacious, suffocating, cold.
7. Horse: Cheerful, popular, quick-witted, changeable, earthy, perceptive, talkative, agile - mentally and physically, magnetic, intelligent, astute, flexible, open-minded. Can be fickle, arrogant, childish, anxious, rude, gullible, stubborn.
8. Goat, or Sheep: Righteous, sincere, sympathetic, mild-mannered, shy, artistic, creative, gentle, compassionate, understanding, mothering, determined, peaceful, generous, seeks security. Can be moody, indecisive, over-passive, worrier, pessimistic, over-sensitive, complainer, weak-willed.
9. Monkey: Inventor, motivator, improviser, quick-witted, inquisitive, flexible, innovative, problem solver, self-assured, sociable, artistic, polite, dignified, competitive, objective, factual, intellectual. Can be egotistical, vain, selfish, reckless, snobbish, deceptive, manipulative, cunning, jealous, suspicious.
10. Rooster: Acute, neat, meticulous, organized, self-assured, decisive, conservative, critical, perfectionist, alert, zealous, practical, scientific, responsible. Can be over zealous and critical, puritanical, egotistical, abrasive, opinionated, given to empty bravado.
11. Dog: Honest, intelligent, straightforward, loyal, sense of justice and fair play, attractive, amicable, unpretentious, sociable, open-minded, idealistic, moralistic, practical, affectionate, sensitive, easy going. Can be cynical, lazy, cold, judgmental, pessimistic, worrier, stubborn, quarrelsome.
12. Pig (Wild boar in Japan and Elephant in Northern Thailand) (Yin, 4th Trine, Fixed Element Water): Honest, gallant, sturdy, sociable, peace-loving, patient, loyal, hard-working, trusting, sincere, calm, understanding, thoughtful, scrupulous, passionate, intelligent. Can be naïve, over-reliant, self-indulgent, gullible, fatalistic, materialistic.

In Chinese astrology the animal signs assigned by year represent what others perceive you as being or how you present yourself. It is a common misconception that the animals assigned by year are the only signs, and many western descriptions of Chinese astrology draw solely on this system. In fact, there are also animal signs assigned by month (called inner animals) and hours of the day (called secret animals).

So while a person might appear to be a dragon because they were born in the year of the dragon, they might also be a snake internally and an ox secretively. In total, this makes for 8,640 possible combinations (60 year cycle (5 elements x 12 animals) x 12 months x 12 times of day) that a person might be.

According to my research, I am a Dragon. Remember that you cannot rely just on the numeric year of your birth; a particular animal/year doesn't start until Chinese New Year. Since my birthday is in January, sometimes it occurs before the start of the Chinese Year and sometimes after (the Chinese calendar is lunar). 1953 is normally reported as year of the Snake, and in fact I have quite a few "snake-like" traits. However, the year of the Snake in 1953 did not begin until February.

The animal signs might be an interesting method for coming up with characters. Tigers, in particular, sound like great alpha heroes: powerful, passionate, impulsive, vigorous, affectionate and generous.

In any case, I hope that you enjoy both your Valentine's Day and your New Year. As for me, I'm off to dinner and a movie with my DH. Maybe not the most romantic celebration you could imagine, but it doesn't really matter what we do as long as we're together.

By the way: I just posted my monthly newsletter at http://www.lisabetsarai.com/news.html, with all the latest on my releases, reviews, free reads and upcoming appearances, plus two easy contests. AND some great tiger pictures! Check it out.

Tasty Tidbits

I'm rushing off to work this morning, but I've got a variety of tasty tidbits to share with you.

Cookbook

You have until the end of the month to download my free cookbook, Recipes from an International Kitchen. The twenty six page ebook combines photos from my travels with recipes that they inspired. To get your own copy, just go to http://www.lisabetsarai.com/cookbook.html.

Guest Blogging

Today, the 12th of January, I'm the Terrific Tuesdays guest at Molly Daniel's blog http://www.mjdaniels.blogspot.com. Drop by and say hello!

Also, next Monday the 18th, I'm guesting with Anna Kathryn Lanier, where my topic will be "Playing with Words". Her blog is http://annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com/.

Newsletter and Contest

My monthly web site update and newsletter will be posted around the 15th. So you still have a few days to enter my easy contest from last month and win a free copy of Necessary Madness. Visit my news page for details. I'll have a new contest for you when the January newsletter goes up.

New Release

Monday the 18th, Total-E-Bound releases Gaymes, a new M/M anthology featuring my story "Crossed Hearts". Find out more here!

My Birthday

The 31st of January is my birthday and I'm planning a party here, with fun and prizes. Stay tuned for more information.