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.
 

What's in a Name?

By Tim Smith (Guest Blogger)

Once upon a time I had an idea for a romantic adventure story. I had a ripped-from-the-headlines plot and the ideal hero, a former CIA spook that walked away from the spy biz to live in Key Largo, Florida. He would be cool, tough and sexy, (something most of us aren’t), and would get involved in cool, tough, sexy adventures (something most of us can’t do). There was only one little problem – what should I call him? I had his first name picked out but needed a surname that was unique and wouldn’t conjure up a preconceived image. That eliminated names like Callahan, Savalas, Columbo, Rambo and Bond. I christened him Nick Seven and his first couple of adventures became best sellers and critical hits.

Then I conceived another series featuring a leading man who was light years removed from this character. I named him Vic Fallon and he’s a former police detective in northern Ohio who was discharged for using unnecessary force. He’s now a private investigator, but with a twist. He doesn’t really have to work and only takes jobs when he’s bored or something intrigues him. He’s also the only recurring character, leaving him free to romance a different woman in each story.

Now comes the hard part. How do I keep these two characters straight when I’m writing about them? There are some similarities but I want each to have their own personality. I recalled that when Mickey Spillane wrote about someone other than Mike Hammer, the names might have been different but they were basically the same person. I didn’t want to stumble over that rabbit hole.

Nick Seven is a rather dark character, due to some past experiences when he worked around the globe as a spy. He’s damaged goods and that usually comes into play in each adventure. He lives with a Barbadian beauty named Felicia, who is a former co-worker. All they want to do is live anonymously in The Keys but their former employer has different ideas and each story has a topical theme. Here’s an example from my newest release, Never Look Back:

* * * *

The last bit of moonlight over Key Largo slowly faded with the arrival of daybreak. The emerging sun was quickly overshadowed by dark clouds rolling in, accompanied by thunder that rumbled over the Gulf of Mexico. Soon the inevitable rain began, pelting the ground with an instant cloudburst, washing away the grime and guilt of the previous night.

Nick Seven watched from the kitchen of his condo that overlooked the Atlantic. He leisurely puffed a cigarette between sips of coffee while his mind wandered, dredging up things from the long ago past.

Pre-dawn has to be the loneliest time of night. It’s worse than midnight, when all the animals come out to play. That’s when you face the ghosts, the bad memories that won’t leave you alone, the ones you can’t exorcise from your soul. Those ghosts are always needy and desperate, like a lot of people. Things happen to average people when they’re desperate. It drives them to do things they’d never think of doing when they’re rational.

Those are the people you watch out for.

* * * *

Vic Fallon, on the other hand, is a throwback to the pulp fiction characters of Chandler, Hammett and Westlake, but in a contemporary setting. Vic is a tough wise-ass who always finds himself in unwanted situations, and his cases can take him anywhere. The women he meets are straight out of an old B movie where the hero takes one on the chin in the name of love. This is the opening from his latest adventure, Lido Key:

* * * * 

I had the craziest damn dream. I was standing on a cloud of white satin while angels strummed their golden harps all around me. I swear one of them looked like Taylor Swift. Then this guy showed up, dressed in a double-breasted blue pinstripe suit and a gray fedora. Looked like he stepped out of an old Bogart movie. No, wait, it wasn’t Bogart, it was Robert Mitchum. Yeah, that’s it. Mitchum handed Taylor a bottle of cheap whiskey and she poured a healthy slug into a tumbler. She smiled when she handed it to me, you know, one of those smiles that tells you everything’s okay even though your gut tells you it isn’t. I drank it down in one swallow then felt lightheaded so I curled up on that satin cloud and fell asleep. Probably shouldn’t have eaten sushi for dinner last night.

Vic Fallon slowly awoke from a deep slumber and looked through one drowsy eye at the clock radio. 8:30. I never sleep this late. Must’ve been more tired than I realized. He stretched his arms and yawned. I never sleep this well in a strange bed the first night away from home, either. He swung his legs over the edge of the bed, blinked a few times to wake up then looked around. His brow furrowed. This isn’t where I fell asleep last night.

* * * *

When I come up with a story idea I have to decide which series it would best fit. If it’s drawn from current events, it would probably work as a Nick Seven spy adventure. If it’s something quirkier I’ll develop it into a Vic Fallon crime caper. The online consequences of sexting inspired Lido Key, and the Wiki-leaks affair served as the jumping off point for Never Look Back.

Someone proposed a wild idea to me recently. They suggested that I put both characters in the same story. Hmm, Nick versus Vic. What a concept! I could also throw in some supporting characters named Rick, Mick and Dick to really confuse things. 

Never Look Back - Buy here!

Lido Key - Buy here!

Bio:

Tim Smith is an award-winning, bestselling author whose books range from romantic mystery/thrillers to contemporary erotic romance. His website is www.timsmithauthor.com.

Sunday Snog - The Morning After

I've got a sweet snog for you this Sunday from my holiday M/M paranormal, Necessary Madness. Well, maybe not 100% sweet, but compared to my usual excerpts, it is!

After you've enjoyed Rob's and Kyle's kiss, head over to Victoria Blisse's hangout, for lots more Sunday smooches.

“Good morning, baby.” Rob’s husky voice interrupted Kyle’s musings. “You’re up early.” The cop stepped between Kyle’s splayed thighs and pulled Kyle into a fierce kiss. One hand dropped down to stroke Kyle’s rapidly hardening penis. 

 

Kyle relaxed into Rob’s embrace. Rob’s tongue invaded his mouth, demanding a submission that Kyle was eager to give. Meanwhile, his host’s fingers danced up and down his rigid shaft, sending bolts of pleasure racing up Kyle’s spine. The tightness in his balls told him he’d spurt in moments if Rob continued his massage. He wasn’t sure whether he was glad or sorry when the cop released him.

“Coffee smells great. But I’m so hungry I could eat a horse. Why don’t we get dressed? We’ll hit the Boulevard Diner before I go to work.”

Kyle reached for Rob’s half-hard dick. “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather go back to bed?”

“Ah, Kyle…” Rob favoured him with an affectionate grin. “Of course I would. But, unfortunately, the force doesn’t give me time off to butt-fuck gorgeous young men.”

Kyle’s sphincter clenched. Ripples of pain turned to aching pleasure by the time they reached his cock. He rubbed his thumb over the bulb of Rob’s cock, then slid two fingers down the length. The rod jerked and swelled in his hand. “Seems like we need to take a shower first, don’t you think?” He squeezed. Rob gasped. “You might get some people upset if you come in to work smelling like cum.”

“True. I suppose that we do have time for a quick shower.” Rob didn’t resist as Kyle led him by his cock toward the bathroom.

****

After they had consumed more coffee, and unhealthy quantities of bacon, eggs, and home fries, Rob dropped Kyle back at the apartment. He leant across the gear shift to offer a solid kiss. Kyle relished the tang of the Tabasco in which Rob drowned his over-easies.

“I’ll be home in the early afternoon,” Rob said, finally breaking the clinch. “And I don’t want you going anywhere, do you understand?”

“What about lunch?”

“We’ll eat when I get back.”

“I’ll have a cock sandwich, then,” Kyle teased.

“Please, have some mercy. My cock is practically hard-boiled from that last shower.”

“Well, as long as it’s hard…”

“You little wretch! Behave yourself. I’m late already.”

“Okay, okay. I know when I’m not wanted.”

“You’re wanted, boy. I would think you’d understand that by now.” This kiss was gentle, wistful, with an underlying reluctance. Kyle sensed Rob fighting against himself. The cop still couldn’t completely accept his tender feelings. 

****** 

By the way, I never heard from my winner from last week's snog, so I've drawn a new name. Congratulations to Laurel! I'll be contacting you to send you your autographed copy of Quarantine!

Authors Like Me

In the last few months, I've been lucky to read two truly outstanding books - the kind of books that remind me of my childhood, when reading was the biggest adventure I knew. The first, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, is a lusciously imagined fantasy about magic, creativity, and the power of love. The second, The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi, is quite a different animal, a brilliant dystopic science fiction opus set in Bangkok, which demonstrates an incredibly perceptive understanding of Thai culture and the Thai psyche. I was so impressed by both these books that I've already bought three copies of the first and one of the second as gifts for other people who I think will appreciate them.

This post isn't about those books, though. I've already reviewed The Night Circus on Goodreads, and I'll definitely be doing the same for The Windup Girl. I want to say a bit about the authors of those books.

Both Erin Morgenstern and Paolo Bacigalupi have rocketed to fame in their respective genres, on the strength of their first published novels. When you read interviews with them, both sound slightly bemused by their successes. The Night Circus began its life as a Nanowrimo project, believe it or not. It's fascinating to read Ms. Morgenstern's comments about how different that initial draft was from the final book, and how many years of work it required to reshape it into its final form.

Meanwhile, Mr. Bacigalupi had four unpublished novels under his belt when he finally managed to find someone to buy The Windup Girl. Much to his astonishment (at least if one believes his interview), the book went on to win both the Nebula and the Hugo awards in 2010, as well as a number of other prestigious prizes.    

Reading these accounts of unexpected literary notoriety makes me realize that the people who win this crazy publishing lottery aren't necessarily superstars. They're authors, just like me (and possibly like you). Certainly in the case of these two writers, the accolades they've received are well deserved. However, there's a lot of chance that comes into play in determining who becomes a best-seller and who remains obscure. It's not (I've come to realize) something fundamental. I usually assume that my work isn't best-seller material. But then, who knows?

A common theme in the commentary I've read by these two authors is that now, everyone wants them to write a sequel, or at least another book in the same general style. Both appear to be quite resistant to this, and I applaud their independence. That's one problem with writing a best seller. You get a lot of pressure to produce more of the same, even if that isn't where your muse is leading you.

Anyway, next time you find yourself daydreaming about meeting and kowtowing to Stephen King, or Anne Rice, or Danielle Steele, or whomever you personally worship as a literary god, remember - they're just writers like the rest of us. They have the same problems banging out books. They face the same competition we all struggle against. They have to do promo when they'd rather be writing, just like you and me.

There's nothing magic about success. It's a combination of skill, luck, and damned hard work.

Who knows which of us might be the next E.L. James?

New and Naughty

“Anybody know of any blog hops?”

My friend and fellow author Jen Wright asked this question on one of my author lists about a week ago. Actually, I'd just finished participating in a great hop (Nicole Morgan's Hot Winter Nights), but I hadn't heard about any that were coming up.

“Nah, sorry.” I wrote back. “But we could create one. My mother always told me 'If you want something done, do it yourself.”

“Why not?” she replied. “My dad says the same thing.”

From these humble beginnings rose our New Year's blog hop extravaganza, “Something New, Something Naughty”.

It was Jen who came up with the title. Meanwhile, I wanted to offer a grand prize that would be a bit different, something more unusual than a bookstore voucher. “How about a gift certificate from EdenFantasys?,” I suggested. “That seems appropriate to the 'new and naughty' theme.”

What's EdenFantasys? My very favorite adult emporium. EdenFantasys has every sort of erotic product you can imagine – not just sex toys (though their variety in this realm is impressive – maybe even a bit scary!) but also bath, beauty and massage products, lingerie and fetish wear (many available in plus sizes), hilarious adult games and party favors, and erotic books (including lots of collections that include my stories, I'm pleased to note!). After Jen and I decided to do the hop, I spent some time (way too much time, actually) browsing at edenfantasys.com, drooling over the corsets and the restraints, reading the contributor profiles, and wondering whether I might incorporate some of the more exotic devices on offer into the BDSM steampunk novel I'm currently working on.

The site is more than a on-line store, though. EF is a community of everyday people who are interested in all things sexual - sort of a sexual social network. There are forums, videos, and an online magazine. The product reviews seem to be written by real customers, not sales folk. You can tell because sometimes the comments are not 100% positive. (“I can't really figure out how to use this...”, began one post that I read!)

One feature I just noticed on this visit is the interview section (many with authors and editors I know personally). EF has adopted an unusual format in which different members of the EF community each ask one question of the interview subject – similar to a chat or a press conference. Normally I find interviews a bit boring, but this is a new twist on a well-trod idea.

Anyway...trust me, if you win the grand prize in our blog hop – a $50 gift voucher - you will not be disappointed! Fifty bucks goes quite a long way at EF. In addition, we're giving away two $25 bookstore gift certificates, to your choice of Amazon, B&N, All Romance Ebooks, or Total-E-Bound (a publisher Jen and I share). Plus every single author participating in the hop will be giving away his or her own prize to someone who comments on that individual post.

So when is all this happening? January 10^th through 13^th of next year. We wanted to give you something to look forward to, after all the parties and celebrations were over.

If you're an author and you want to participate, click here to sign up. Registration will close on the 3^rd of January, so you have a bit of time to think about whether you really want to get involved in this madness. (You do! Believe me, you do!) Jen has a more detailed instructions over at her blog.

If you're a reader, keep your eyes and ears open. We'll be posting reminders on our blogs, on readers loops, and anywhere else we can think of.

Come join in the fun! If being naughty is new to you – try it. You'll like it!

Lust After Death

[Daisy Harris is back - you know, the fabulous author who wrote about the poor guy with the oversized schlong?  Anyway, I'm featuring her new book today, Lust After Death. Enjoy! ~Lisabet]

Lust After Death (Love Bots Book 1) by Daisy Harris

Blurb

In the Pacific Northwest, where life hurries to keep pace with technology, a re-animated bride named Josie struggles to escape her creator and to find her identity in the half-erased circuitry of her mind and body.

Assassin Bane Connor just wants to get the girl to the Zombie Underground and receive his payoff-a mental reset that will erase his memories as well as his guilt. But an attack by a rival faction derails his rescue, and the wide-eyed female whose circuitry requires a husband tears at his hardened heart and ignites desire like he's never known.

Excerpt

She peered down at her wet fingers, confusion etched on her angelic face, and then she gave her digit a tentative lick. Eyes wide with surprise, the girl fed her finger farther into the bow of her mouth.

Ho-ly shit! His body sprung to attention, his nerve endings strung taut as a bow.

Feeling like a peeping tom, Bane looked away from the window, assessing the pebbles below his crates and a nearby bank of leaves and weeds he could land on quietly. Then he gave a last glance through the window and noticed her hand caressing the water’s surface.

A fascinated smile played at her lips. Damn, she was beautiful, and not in some fake plastic surgery and programming way. She was fresh, shiny, new—like she held the keys to paradise.

Fuck, he was drunk. The crates wobbled underneath him and Bane let go of the windowsill with one hand, readying to jump. Really, he was leaving.

Her ivory hand slid up her hospital gown and tugged at the tie. The blue-striped, papery material sank from her shoulders to the floor, revealing a pale, slender body that seemed to shimmer under the bright bathroom lights.

Bane bit his bottom lip to stop from groaning out loud. His hips bucked forward of their own accord. The crates tilted to the side and he grabbed at the windowsill’s metal edging to right himself. His arms supported his weight and he trapped the top crate between his legs and pulled the pile back under his body, desperate for one more look. By the time he righted himself, the girl had turned her back on him to step into the tub.

If he’d thought the front of her was nice… Her back was long and delicate, her ass spectacular. Goose bumps rose on her skin and he could almost imagine the feel of them under his fingertips. The girl must have wondered about the water's temperature, because she bent forward at the hips to test it.

His right hand dropped to cup the bulge in his pants. He was a douche and a pervert. And he would jack off to this image for the rest of his undead life. Which, now that he thought about it, would only be a few more days.

Bio

Birkenstock-wearing glamour girl and mother of two by immaculate conception, Daisy Harris still isn't sure if she writes erotica. Her romances start out innocently enough. However, her characters behave like complete sluts. Much to Miss Harris's dismay the sex tends to get completely out of hand.

She writes about fantastical creatures and about young men getting their freak on, and she's never missed an episode of The Walking Dead.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thedaisyharris

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Daisy-Harris/185042351535537

Website: www.thedaisyharris.com

Ellora’s Cave buy link:http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9442-lust-after-death.aspx

A Visit from Mistress Nicole - and the Twelve Days of SeXmas!

In the spirit of the season (and of my chosen genre), I recently wrote an erotic riff on the classic holiday poem, "A Visit from Saint Nicholas". I thought you might enjoy it.

And speaking of enjoyment - Total-E-Bound is running a fabulous contest between now and Christmas, entitled "The Twelve Days of SeXmas".  Every day you can win a bigger, and better, prize. Enter the first day's drawing here:

http://www.total-e-bound.com/1stdos.asp

 

Visit the TEB Home Page every day between now and Christmas for the links to succeeding day's prizes.

http://www.total-e-bound.com/default.asp

 And now for the poem...

A Visit from Mistress Nicole
By Lisabet Sarai

'Twas the night before Christmas.
Outside the snow fell,
But inside Club O,
It was hotter than hell.
The slaves were all hung
on their crosses with care
in hopes that their dominants
soon would be there.
The Doms were preparing
the racks and nail beds
with visions of ropework
and chains in their heads.
My pet wore her collar
and I with my tawse
was laying down stripes
red as old Mr. Claus.

When out at the entrance
arose such a clatter
I left my cuffed slut
to see what was the matter.

The light on her breasts
was like new-fallen snow
when compared to the crimson
silk corset below.
Her hair was like fire,
her lips were like cherries,
a ruby stud winked
in the dip of her belly.
Her black leather boots
clasped her legs to the thigh.
Her emerald eyes twinkling,
she raised her whip high.

"I've come to reward
all the masochist perverts
for all the year's humble
and diligent service."
Though as purely a top
as you're likely to meet,
I admit I was tempted
to kneel at her feet.

She strode into the dungeon
with oiled single tail.
Her lash made the subbies
all quiver and quail.
To each bottom's lips
the delicious Domme bent;
she wouldn't do more
till she had their consent.

But then she let loose
while we tops watched in awe
as she happily flogged
half a dozen subs raw.
"Now, baby - oh, boyo!
Breathe, girly - Now, Pet!
Take this now! Don't move!
Are you hard? Are you wet?"
As her whip kissed their flesh
we all thrilled at the sight,
while their asses turned scarlet,
their spirits took flight.

Till at last she relented,
the ritual done,
and we Doms found that we,
like our slaves, had all come.

And we heard her exclaim
as she vanished from sight:
"Merry Kinkmas to all!
May your bonds remain tight!"