Lisabet's August News

New and Upcoming Releases

Yes, it's still August, though just barely. I know many of your are celebrating the Labor Day holiday this weekend, so I'll just run quickly through my latest news.

First of all, my historical BDSM story Challenge To Him is available now as a single title from Total-E-Bound. Furthermore, if you buy it within the next few weeks, you can get a 10% discount. Why wait? TEB can send the book directly to your Kindle or Nook, just like the big guys.

Not sure if this is the book for you? You can read a sizzling excerpt here.

Meanwhile, the Tied to the Billionaire anthology where the story first appeared is a huge hit. If you can't get enough of sexy dominants with money, power and charisma, this is the book for you. Congratulations to Beth, who won first prize (a $50 GC) in our "Meet the Billionaires" blog tour, and Natasha, the runner up, who bagged a six-pack of our books. If you didn't get the chance to read my interview with my billionaire hero Andrew MacIntyre, you can read it here.

Since my last newsletter, Coming Together: Girll on Girl, which includes my story Sundae, Bloody Sundae, has hit the virtual shelves. This charity anthology (available here as well as on Amazon and Barnes and Noble) benefits the National Center for Lesbian Rights. If you believe that people should have the right to love whomever they choose regardless of gender - if you enjoy steamy and romantic lesbian fiction - get yourself a copy of this great book!

Total-E-Bound has accepted my paranormal BDSM novella Rough Weather. Unfortunately the book won't be out until next January, but you can read a snippet here in the meantime.

And the brilliant D.L. King is including my M/F BDSM tale Muse in her upcoming anthology Slave Girls, due out sometime in 2014. I've posted an excerpt from that story, too.

Other News

My free story this month, Trespass has the distinction of being the most-often-rejected story I've ever written. I submitted it to four different editors before it was finally accepted (for the Coming Together: By Hand anthology). I think the rejections were due to the fact that the story is rather dark. However, it is also intensely romantic. How could it not be, based as it is on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet? In this story, I also consider the way obscenity is culturally defined. What if showing a naked hand was more taboo than displaying bare breasts or buttocks?

I've also posted a brand-new poem called The Line. I haven't written poetry in years, but Ashley Lister's monthly writing challenge over at the ERWA blog has inspired me.

Tomorrow, or thereabouts, Victoria Blisse is due to announce the winners of her amazing Smut Al Fresco event. You still have twenty four hours or so to comment, and maybe win a Kindle, plus 50 British pounds worth of TEB credits! If you haven't done so already, check out my post, "The Allure of Extramural Lust"

Speaking of prizes, I've decided that I need to reward those of you who are on my private mailing list.
Starting this month, I will do at least one giveaway per month that is exclusive to individuals who have given me permission to send them emails. Watch your inbox. I'll announce the contest and you'll have forty eight hours to respond. Free books, gift certicates, swag - who knows what prizes I'll come up with!

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. I'll do the first giveaway next week!

Contests!

Congratulations to Joy, who won my "Series" contest. I got quite a few interesting answers to my questions. The majority of individuals who responded told me they prefer series where each book focuses on a different set of characters, but where characters from the previous book also appear. A vivid world that feels real, and a lot of emotional twists and turns were also cited as key features. Anyway, thanks to all of you. You've given me a lot to think about.

For my August contest, I want to know what you think about the current BDSM craze. I've been writing BDSM for more than a decade - why is it suddenly so popular? Do you personally enjoy BDSM stories? Why or why not? Send your answers in an email to contest [at] lisabetsarai [dot] com, with the subject line "BDSM". The prize is a two-pack of print books from my backlist - BDSM or not, depending on your preference!

Lisabet's Pick of the Month

My pick of the month for August is The Erotica Bibliophile (http://www.eroticabibliophile.com/), an ongoing research project on vintage erotica and erotic art published between the 18th and early 20th centuries. Great images, fascinating information, with a very classy presentation. Highly recommended!

A Few Lines from.... Angel De Amor

A Few Lines from Her Betrayal His Lies by Angel De Amor

She moved to her dresser, opened the bottle, and rubbed the lotion all over her body, paying special attention to his two favorite places to nibble - her neck and legs. The butterscotch skin, brown eyes, and petite body that were reflected in the mirror as she massaged her legs made her feel extra sexy. She stood and did a little sensual dance as she opened her underwear drawer, selected a striking red lace thong, and slipped it up her legs.
Some teeny devil must have been  sitting on her shoulder urging her on. "Yeah, this thong is all the clothes
you're going to need."  She pulled her four-inch red pumps out the closet and slid them on her feet. "Sorry, babies," she told her aching feet, "but I gotta look good tonight."
She snatched her wallet out of her purse off the nightstand and her Blackberry off the bed as she walked to the living room closet. Wrapping up in the long, black, fox fur coat would protect her from the chilly November weather.
http://www.bookswelove.net/deAmor.php http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CV7GJ00 

Please stop back next week for a few lines from Connie Vines

Wine, Cheese, Conversation and Caring

My step-mom Nan died last week of cancer, at the age of 84. This wasn't unexpected (cancer deaths are rarely a surprise in this day and age). I had been dreading that call telling me she was gone for several months. What does surprise me is how strongly I still feel that she's here. I look at the clock, calculating the time on the East Coast, and think about picking up the phone, before I remember that she won't answer any more. I see something interesting on the street, and make a mental note to share it with her the next time we talk. I especially remember her when I'm cooking - she loved to cook and we often exchanged recipes, or tackled a family dinner together.

Even when she'd been hospitalized for weeks, she'd always begin our phone calls by asking how I was doing. That's just the sort of person she was. Honestly interested in others. And supremely sociable. Before she got sick, it was often difficult to reach her by telephone, because her line was always busy. She could chat for half an hour with a friend or family member and never notice.

Although she was not a blood relative, I was at least as close to her as I'd been to my own mother (who died when I was in my twenties). Nan was married to my dad for nearly forty years, and they loved to hang out with my husband and me. One of Nan's favorite activities was to bring out a cheese and cracker plate and a bottle of wine, say five or six in the afternoon, and just sit around sharing great conversations. More than once we ate so much cheese that we decided to skip dinner altogether. 

I have so many happy memories of our times together. She had three children of her own, but she always gave my siblings and me as much love and support as she did her own kids. She made us all one family.

Nan wasn't a flashy person. You might not have picked her out in the crowd. She had several successful careers but she always deferred to my father intellectually (which annoyed the heck out of me). Aside from food, books were one of the many things that drew us together. There was never any problem figuring out what she'd like for Christmas or her birthday.

I guess I'm rambling - wandering through my recollections of our years together. I loved her so much - it hurts to realize I'll never tell her that again. And yet, the fact of that love has tremendous value by itself. When I learned she had been put on hospice, I felt as though someone had stabbed me in the chest. I had hoped to spend more time with her, to say goodbye, but at that point, although I made reservations to return to the U.S. as quickly as I could, I had a sinking conviction I'd never see her again. And then it hit me - I should be grateful for a love so powerful that it could generate such pain. Far better to know the hurt that comes from caring, than to remain untouched and alone.

I never told her about my writing. She wasn't a prude by any stretch of the imagination, but I had a suspicion that my work would embarrass her, and even worse, make her feel guilty for being embarrassed. Sure, I wanted to brag, to show her the books with my name on the cover. That would have made me happy. However, it would have put her in conflict, I think.

I've decided that I'm going to dedicate my current WIP to her. Of course she'll never know, but it's particularly appropriate since my main character is a chef. And every time I see the cover, or reread the tale, I'll remember her smile as she raised her glass of chardonnay, and the warm glow of basking in her love.

*****

I'm not going to broadcast or announce this. However, if you read this post and have a story of your own to share, about love or about loss, please leave a comment. For every comment I receive, .
I plan to donate $1 to the American Cancer Society, in Nan's memory

Thanks for reading.

AWOL Inspiration - If Found, Please Return!

By Michaela Rhua (Guest Blogger)

Thank you for having me on your blog Lisabet. I've been having a look around and there are a few books on my TBR list!

Today, the sun is shining and all is well with the world. The Summer holidays are going well, with just over a week to go before we return to school or work. I love this time off, a good few weeks to rest, relax and chill out with friends and family. Life is good, I've just had a new book out (more of that later), yesterday was spent with a bunch of women who I am privileged to call friends and I face a day of chocolates, catch up TV and anything else that I desire to do – the family are away for the day so it's just me!

I love days like this. Okay, so enough of the 'life is fantastic.'

On the other hand – my muse has gone AWOL ! In fact this whole summer, when I have had the time and no day job, no inspiration has hit, nothing, nadda! Why on earth is this? Just when I face an expanse of time ahead of me, when I can write – I find I can't – nothing comes out, no words flow and no character's grab my attention. It is so frustrating! The desire to write is there but not the motivation. Is this something new?

Nope, no sir. This is the usual way for me (big sigh)

However, I can feel something emerging…there are sparks of light ahead, which might illuminate the way ahead. I am getting that itch to write, something is brewing and that fog around the creative side of my brain that I try to use when writing is thinning out. The trouble is, I will be returning to work, and I know I am going to be busy, busy, busy! I wish I was like those fabulous other writers who seem to be able to get down to it (writing! Get your minds out of the gutter) in amongst a multitude of other things. But we are all different and each person has their own way of doing things. I am me…not anyone else so my life won't ebb and flow in the same way as others.

Inspiration strikes when it does and it cannot be ordered or demanded. So what have I learned during my limited time writing…

• Don't be disappointed that you are not like others – be you.
• Find your flow and go with it.
• When your muse had gone AWOL – read, watch films, and just relax.
• Don't wait, just live life and enjoy the everyday stuff.

That last comment could easily apply to Louisa – Lou as she likes to be called. Life has not been easy; after all being into women in a shifter community is a no-no. Her father was a wise man, who understood life would be harder for her, so built her a small cabin on the edges of the community. Love has not come her way either. Yes, she has had short term relationships, but what she wants is that special person. Lou just gets on with her life and lives in hope that maybe one day everything will fall into place. Then one full moon night she catches a scent and…

Well I will leave you with the blurb and an excerpt.

Mated Forever by Michaela Rhua

The full moon is always a time for danger and mating. This month it brings the scent of Louisa's mate. Jorie is on the run and in grave danger. Being rescued by Louisa brings safety and a new temptation. As the girls act on their feelings, and passion overtakes them, they are unaware of the danger surrounding them both. When Jorie is kidnapped, it's a race against time. Will Louisa be able to save her mate, or will the past and all its secrets destroy them before they even have a chance at forever?

Excerpt

"I am so sorry to draw you into all this Lou, I … I didn't mean for it to get this far." Jorie put down the hot mug on the table next to the sofa.

"It's okay. I asked you to stay, you didn't force this on me, so chill," Lou said. "Anyway, I'm going to take a shower."

Lou got up from the sofa and disappeared into the bedroom.

Damn it! Jorie kicked herself mentally. Why did I not just do what I wanted to, just touch her. She knew exactly how she felt about Lou. She wanted her as a lover and mate. Things were so complicated now. Sleeping with Malachi had been a colossal error. Every time she looked into Lou’s beautiful brown eyes something melted inside.

The noise of the shower interrupted her thoughts. Jorie fisted her hands and gritted her teeth. Then, with decisive steps, she walked through the bedroom to the bathroom. The door was ajar, almost inviting her in. Once inside, the hot steam fogged her vision. Her eyes adjusted quickly, and she made out water cascading over golden brown skin. Rivulets journeyed their way down the perfect body, which was all curves. Jorie wanted to stroke Lou’s round ass, and kiss it all over. She stretched out her hands. Her skin tightened, and heat radiated throughout her body. She knew exactly what was happening. Her wolf begged to be let out to play with her mate.

Breathing deeply, Jorie stepped forward. The steam cleared at little more and Lou turned around. Jorie stared at Lou's round breasts topped off with dark chocolate nipples, and licked her lips. Lou glanced up. Her eyes deepened then a ring of copper formed around her pupils. Lou continued to soap her body. Jorie watched Lou's hand circle down to her bare pussy with the sponge. Her own pussy ached with need. Lou dropped the sponge and leaned her body into the water, washing the suds off her skin. Jorie wanted to touch her so badly.

Lou turned off the water, and stepped out of the shower. Jorie took a deep breath, trying to get her wolf under control. She wanted Lou in human form, to delight in her body. In her wolf form it would be fucking. Her animal instincts would take over like it had with Malachi. There had been little tenderness. When he’d realized she was willing, it became all about taking her quickly. The act had been painful and cold. Where she’d wanted to take it slow, this would be about making love. She wanted to experience love, an all-consuming love. Tender and soft, not hard and fast.

"You're so beautiful, Lou. I want you so much. I've never felt this way before," Jorie whispered.

"I want you, too, Jorie. Only if you’re sure?" Lou gave her a tentative smile.

"Yes, so sure, like never before," Jorie said.

Jorie unbuttoned her shirt. Lou came closer still, helping Jorie to release her arms. Warm hands massaged her breasts. Jorie untwisted Lou's hair and let those dark curls loose. They were silky smooth, and Jorie massaged Lou's head then cupped her face.

Their lips met. Heat surged through Jorie, the air hot and heavy. Lou pushed her toward the bedroom. Jorie delved deeply into Lou's mouth with her tongue, tasting and licking. Her beast growled with delight. This was good, this was right.

"You taste so good, Lou," she said.

Lou pushed her onto the bed then stood over her. A flicker of hesitation registered in her eyes. Jorie undid her jeans, ridding herself of any clothing to reassure Lou this was what she wanted. Words were irrelevant. Lou seemed like watching her strip because intensity deepened her gaze. Once bare, Jorie sat up and held out her hand. Nothing happened. Lou looked at the offered hand. Afraid Lou would back away, Jorie slowly opened her legs. She wasn’t fully bare as Lou, but she hoped Lou would understand.

"I can't wait, Jorie, I have to taste you." Lou licked her lips.

She watched Lou lower her head and inhale the scent of her arousal. Lou growled then pounced on her.

"Get ready, honey." Lou winked.

Buy Links:

Evernight Publishing

Amazon US

Amazon UK

All Romance ebooks

Bookstrand

Author Bio

Michaela Rhua always dreamed of writing but this never happened until she met the lovely group of ladies known as UCW. Their passion for writing and encouragement inspired her to see if she could do it too. Now she loves writing!

She has teenage children and a husband, who also keep her busy. However, it is whilst travelling into work that she has time to create her characters and imagine other places in which they exist as her world skims by the window. Conversations overheard often lead to the birth of new ideas that she scribbles down in her trusty notebook.

Michaela is a multi-published author with Breathless Press, Evernight Publishing and a self-published anthology with authors from The Nuthouse Scribblers.

Feel Free to Stalk here:

Website

Blog

Twitter

Pinterest

Facebook

A Kiss to Die For

[It's sneak peek time again. Today I'm featuring a romantic suspense called A Kiss to Die For, by Gail Barrett. This is part of Gail's Book Blast blog tour. See the end of the post for details about her prize! ~ Lisabet]

Blurb

Homeless Army veteran Sullivan Turner is nobody’s hero. His failure to save his fallen comrades proved that. So when a gutsy social worker gets caught in a drug gang’s crosshairs, he knows he’s the last man who can safeguard her and the pregnant teenagers she’s trying to protect.

Former debutant Haley Barnes learned the hard way how to survive. After witnessing a cold-blooded murder, the terrified teenaged runaway changed her identity and hid to save her life. But when the killer tracks her down and attacks the girls in the homeless shelter she now runs, Haley knows the time has come to stand and fight. But to bring down the powerful killer she must confront her high-society family’s darkest secrets -- and convince wounded warrior Sully Turner he’s the hero she believes.

Excerpt

“Then you’ll do what they say? You’ll go to a safe house?”

“No. Not yet. I can’t,” she added when he hissed. “I have to try to get answers. If my parents won’t talk, if I don’t learn anything at the fundraiser, then I’ll reconsider my plan. But I have to give it a shot.”

Frustrated, he gripped the back of his neck. He was starting to realize how she’d survived the streets -- she was too damned stubborn to quit. “Then at least take a cop as your bodyguard.”

“No. It’s either you or no one. I won’t change my mind about that. I can’t. I’ll never figure out who’s involved if I tip him off.”

His jaw clenched. Dread mingled with desperation at the thought of her taking on the killer alone. “That’s not fair.”

A sad smile curved her lips. “Don’t worry, Sully. I don’t blame you for not wanting to do this. I’ve already involved you enough.”

Suddenly feeling cornered, Sully turned to the window and scowled out at the city lights. She’d just given him an out. He should leave right now while he still could. But he couldn’t let her go to that fundraiser alone. He’d never forgive himself if she got killed.

But how could he protect her? He was the worst possible man for the job. He swung around to face her again. “For God’s sakes, Haley. Why can’t you understand this? I’m not the man you need.”

“But you’re the one I want.”

About Gail

Gail Barrett is the award-winning author of thirteen romantic suspense novels. A former RITA® and Daphne finalist, Gail has received the Book Buyer’s Best Award, the Holt Medallion, the Booksellers Best, The National Readers’ Choice Award, and numerous other awards. She lives with her husband in Western Maryland. For more information, visit her website: www.gailbarrett.com.

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Romantic-Suspense-Buried-Secrets-ebook/dp/B00BNRHMWI/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1375097894&sr=1-1&keywords=a+kiss+to+die+for

BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-kiss-to-die-for-gail-barrett/1114668433?ean=9780373278367

Gail will be awarding a $25 Amazon gift certificate and either a signed print copy (US ONLY) or an electronic copy of Fatal Exposure (Buried Secrets book one) to one randomly drawn commenter during this tour and her other Super Book Blast on August 21st.

For details on the other stops today, just go here:

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/07/virtual-super-book-blast-kiss-to-die_29.html

Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho...

It's Tuesday, which means it's off to work I go...


If you've ever noticed that my presence on-line is very irregular, there's a reason. My job tends to have days when I leave in the morning and don't get back until very late at night. I can't do anything related to Lisabet while I'm at work, not only because I'm pretty much busy non-stop, but also because that would be career suicide...

Some days I work at home, and then I can interleave my Lisabet activities with more socially acceptable tasks. Right now, though, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are pretty much lost days as far as writing and marketing are concerned. (This week, Thursday too.)

If you send me email and I don't reply for a couple of days, that's probably because you hit me during my busy period. My apologies.

Anyway, it's early Tuesday morning here, so I've got to run...!

See you at the mines!

Sunday Snog #91: Fire in the Blood

Greetings, readers!

I took a trip back in time looking for my snog today, looking for a juicy kiss to share with you. Today's offering is from my 2010 M/M/F vampire ménage, Fire in the Blood.

Maddy and Troy hope that a carefree vacation in tropical Jamaica will re-ignite the passion in their five year relationship. On a scenic mountain trail ride, Maddy's horse bolts and carries her deep into the jungle. Injured and lost, she is saved by a seductive giant of a man whose mere presence kindles unbearable lust. By the time she understands his dark nature, it is far too late for her to escape.

Bitter and alone, Etienne de Rémorcy haunts the forest around the ruined plantation of Fin d'Espoir. He has sworn to never again taste taste human blood, but when slender, raven-haired Madeleine begs him to take her, he cannot resist.

Troy is hugely relieved when Maddy makes her way back to their hotel after her ordeal in the mountains. But he finds her greatly changed - fiercely passionate in bed, restless and disturbed at other times. The tall, elegant stranger he meets on the beach holds the key to her transformation - and soon has seduced Troy as well.  Even Etienne's most potent magic can't extinguish the fire in Troy's and Madeleine's blood.

After you've finished with my snog, head on back to Blisse Kiss Central for more delicious kisses. And get ready for Victoria's huge 100th Sunday Snog blog hop, starting on the 22nd of September. Dozens of authors, dozens of prizes - just for enjoying our kisses!

By the time she got back to the hotel, it was past noon. The manager of the stable looked more relieved to see his horse than its rider. With a combination of pleas and threats, Maddy succeeded in convincing him to give her a lift back to the resort. She knocked on the door of the room, not wanting to shock Troy too badly. Nevertheless, he gave a little yelp when he saw her standing there, filthy, sweaty and smeared with dried blood.

“Maddy! Oh God, you’re okay!” He held her tightly to his chest, as though he was afraid she’d vanish. “I was so worried. We tried to follow your horse, but we couldn’t see anything in the storm… The guide wouldn’t go into the woods after it got dark, no matter how much I offered to pay. The police just smiled and had me fill in a report, but other than that, they haven’t done a damned thing. ‘She’ll come back,’ they kept saying. ‘No problem, man.’”

“Well, I guess in some sense they were right.” Maddy buried her face in Troy’s neck, breathing his fresh, clean scent. His body was warm and hard against hers. She relaxed into his strength as he stroked her hair and murmured endearments. He raised her face to his and started to nibble at her bruised lips.

He felt so incredibly good. Her nipples peaked under her shirt. Moisture gathered between her thighs. She rubbed her chest against his. The friction sent sparks skittering from her breasts down to her sex. He captured her in a deep kiss. She forced her tongue into his mouth, relishing the familiar peppermint flavour of his toothpaste.

Troy groaned, responding to her sudden ardour. She groped blindly between his legs, seeking the swelling bulk she knew she’d find there. He was hard already, his cock straining against his zipper. With dexterity borne of practice, she unbuttoned his waistband and opened his fly. His eager erection sprang out into her waiting hand.

She stroked up and down his rigid shaft, swirling her thumb across the slippery bulb each time she reached the tip. He moaned into her mouth, jerking back and forth inside her circling fingers. He seemed bigger and harder than normal. His velvet-soft skin sheathed a pillar of stone.

Maddy broke the kiss. Still holding Troy’s penis, she pulled her jersey over her head with the other hand. The fabric caught for a moment on her distended nipples. Pleasure arced through her. Liquid welled up in her cunt.

“I want you.” Her voice was husky with lust. “Now.” Using his cock like a handle, she dragged him to the bed and pushed him down onto his back. He lay there, his cock bobbing, obviously fascinated by her uncommon passion, as she struggled to remove her shorts.

The sweat-damp fabric stuck to her skin. Her clit beat inside the crotch like a fiery heart. Frustrated and impatient, she tugged hard. The garment tore away from her hips and fluttered to the floor, a useless rag.

Maddy didn’t care. She crawled onto the bed and straddled Troy’s rampant cock. With a throaty growl, she sank down onto his body, impaling herself. Troy arched towards her, meeting her halfway. Hands on his shoulders, she forced him back against the pillow. “Let—me—ride—you,” she managed to gasp, driving his cock deeper into her cunt with each word. She clenched his swollen stalk and ground her clit against his pubic bone. Fierce pleasure raged through her.

Troy reached for her breasts, moulding their fullness with both hands. He brushed his fingertips across her taut nipples. “Harder,” she growled between clenched teeth as she bounced up and down on his cock. Her lover obeyed, capturing and pinching the tight knots between his thumb and forefinger. She moaned her encouragement. He dug his fingernails into her flesh. The pain added a high note to the symphony of sensation ringing through her body.