Sunday, January 24, 2016

Tell Me You Love Me (Sunday Snog #210)

Less than a week before the release of The Gazillionaire and the Virgin! I can hardly think about anything else! So of course my Sunday Snog today is another snippet from the book, for your delectation. The kiss doesn't last long, but there's enough heat and heart here to satisfy the most dedicated romantic.

Once you've read my snog, head back to Victoria's Sunday Snog signup page for links to lots more sexy kisses!


On the long cab ride from Greenpoint to the upper West Side, we make out in the back seat like teenagers. Theo’s mouth on mine is hungry and demanding. His hands wander in a slow dance over my breasts and along the curve of my hips, as though he’s caressing me for the first time. He clutches me to his chest, pulls me into his lap, grinds his hardness into my bottom. All the while he continues to steal my breath with his fierce kisses.

I’m on fire. I want his touch on my bare skin, his fingers probing my deepest recesses, but when I try to draw his hand up under my top or between my legs, he slaps mine away. Those slaps only kindle a more ferocious need. By the time we’ve made it back to our suite, I’m practically dissolving, so wet I make squelching sounds when I walk.

Taking my hand, he leads me through the sitting area, with its thirtieth story view of glittering Manhattan, to the palatial bedroom.

Don’t move,” he orders. “I’m going to undress you.”

He circles behind me to unzip my skirt. The garment slips over my hips to the floor. Next he hooks his fingers into the waistband of my tights and rolls the clingy material down to my ankles. I imagine him using the elastic garment to bind me—it would be well-suited to that task—but he seems intent only on rendering me naked.

Step out of your shoes. That’s right.” He extricates first one foot and then the other from my hosiery, and tosses the tangled garment away. “Arms over your head,” he commands. In a matter of seconds, my sweater has joined my other clothing on the floor.

He pauses for a moment, apparently to admire me in my state of semi-nudity. My swollen nipples distort the lace of my bra. My sodden panties bunch between my legs. Though I know it’s forbidden, I tense my thighs, seeking some friction to relieve the terrible, pulsing ache between them.

Be still!” I hope he’ll slap my ass as punishment for my infraction, but there’s only his verbal reprimand.

Can’t you speed up a bit, Theo?” His fingers brush my back as he unfastens the bra hooks. Electric currents zap my sex. I moan. “I’m desperate for you.”

That’s good. That’s the way I want you.”

My panties are so wet that they stick to my skin. He chuckles as he removes them. “You’re such a horny slut. I love it.”

Please, sir…I can’t bear much more.”

Ignoring my plea, he stands back to survey the results of his efforts. “Clasp your hands at the back of your neck. Now don’t move. Ah yes! Perfect!”

As I stand there, nude, exposed and hungry, he seats himself on the bed, unzips his fly, and extracts his cock. It juts up from his lap, huge and hard, drooling pre-cum. I’d die for a taste, but I understand he plans to make me wait. He runs his hand lazily up and down the veined shaft, grinning like some feline after an avian snack.

You’re so beautiful. You’re a dream come true. Sometimes I can’t believe you’re real. Any minute, I expect to wake up in my apartment, alone and horny. Totally lost.”

His mood shifts. His voice hitches in a near sob. “I don’t think I could bear that, Rachel. I love you so much…” Then he’s on his feet, holding me close, his starched shirt grazing my nipples, his cock leaving wet trails on my belly. “Tell me you love me,” he murmurs close to my ear, his embrace so tight I can scarcely breathe. “Even if it’s a lie. I need to hear it.”


Saturday, January 23, 2016

The Hunk Factor

[A warm welcome to newly published author Brianna West! She has a super giveaway at the end of this post. Read on for details! ~ Lisabet]


By Brianna West (Guest Blogger)

I’m often asked where my inspiration stems from when I write my boys because let’s face it, they’re hunks. All of them. Nothing reads better than a pile of man-muscles, expressive and raw luminescent eyes, a whole lot of unintentional (or is it intentional?) ab exposure, and personalities to make any girl swoon right where she sits. But anyone can be a hunk if they have that, right?

My boys are an entirely different breed of man. While I would love to tell you that all my characters are inspired by real life men that exist in my everyday life, who ironically feed me syrup slathered pancakes and tell me I need to gain weight because I’m way too skinny, it’s not the reality—I would never write again if that were the case. Inspiration in my case is the result of years and years of reading romances, failed dating escapades, and dedicated in-field experience to piece together the perfect group of men.

Yes, they are hunky. And yes, they are unattainable. Until they meet my main heroines, of course. But most of all, I’ve discovered that what women truly want is a man that is not only devilishly handsome, but has recognizable and realistic flaws. A man besotted from the moment he falls for his heroine. A man that can kick ass and take names, pleasure his woman within an inch of her life, and teach his heroine what true love—one that exceeds her expectations—truly looks like.

So when I write my main characters, they’re always all these things and more. They appeal to every sort of woman. Because every sort of woman wants a man that they can grow with, to learn to love with. Ultimately, my hunks have that special somethin-somethin.

Better yet, the series thus far has not just one or two, it has nine of them! Nine delicious, decadent Guardians just waiting to find their heroine.

Currently, Lucas is mainly featured in my books. His personality is one of my personal favorites—stoic, brooding, and incredibly passionate. My tendency is to navigate towards expressionless characters. It’s my ultimate fantasy to put expression and emotion on that cool, aloof exterior.

Writing the transformation of my hunks is what I look forward to most. The moment when they start to change. The gradual change from hunk who never needed love to hunk now devastated by love. I’m pretty sure that’s the part where I’m rereading my own work three times over just to “make sure it’s right” but is really my own fangirl moment as I reread the moment love changes it all.

So, what is the hunk factor in my books? How does it differ from every other book you’ve read? Mostly, my hunks, while incredibly handsome and exceedingly powerful beings, are believable and realistic. They frustrate you as much as they charm you. Their love is undeniable and profound. They’ll make you wish that they truly existed, and if they did, that they weren’t dating seriously, engaged, married, gay or otherwise.

Because ultimately it’s the same for every woman that reads romance. We want to fall in love with that hunk. He’s our fictional boyfriend for that entire two-hundred-plus pages. And when we’re done with him, we’ll find a new one. But we’ll always remember that one hunk that exceeded them all. Those are my hunks. 

 

Blurb

Izzy is on the fast track to nowhere. Being ordinary really blew sometimes. That's until she meets Lucas--a man that's unlike anyone she's ever met. Mostly because he isn't actually a man. He is a supernatural creature that proclaims to police the Light and Dark in order to protect humans. 
 
And Izzy--well--she isn't the human she thought she was. She is actually a supernatural being as well. And now Lucas is going to do everything in his power to find out what she is and protect her from the Dark lurking around the corner. 

Awakening follows Izzy as she navigates this new world of demons, vampires, angels, and many other supernatural creatures. Recruited by the Promiscus Guardians and partnering with the most brooding and devilishly handsome man she's ever met, Lucas, Izzy is suddenly knee-deep up crap creek. Discover the secret behind her power and why it's such a commodity in her Awakening.

Excerpt

Morning—I still hated it.  

I was still half asleep when I felt the body against my own, cold where I was warm. I attempted to turn, but a large arm imprisoned my body and made movement impossible. I wracked my brain for an explanation.

Did I get down and dirty with someone last night? I only had one whiskey sour, but let's just say, I'm a cheap date.

Let's see…

Last night, I went to the bar looking like a hoochie with Lucas. I noted that I was still in said hoochie dress. We got our information from the Pervert Twins before coming to the hotel—or was it motel? I was still unsure what the place coded as. Then, I got into bed with a delicious Guardian after a small window into his sordid past.

Which meant this was...

Captain Lucas,I whispered.

Mumbling, Lucas pulled me flush against him, my body now spooned entirely with his own. Oh, dear lord. I could not start my day on max!

I attempted to escape the vice-like hold he had on me. First, I pulled the arm about my waist that was probably as heavy as one of my legs.

No good. Moving on...

I pushed myself back against him, ignoring the hardness I felt in my larger-than-I-would-care-to-admit-buns, and attempted to dislodge myself that way.

Dear lord, this bastard slept like the dead—pun fully intended. I laughed minutely at my humorous thoughts, fully aware of how crazed I might look should anyone be unfortunate enough to stumble upon this ridiculous scene, before putting the full weight of me into the futile attempt to escape my current imprisonment.

A hot breath against my neck caused my body to be wracked with delicious shivers. The small thrusting of his hips against my backside was just as delicious but also caused a series of curses from my mouth at the situation I now found myself.

Don't get me wrong. I wanted to jump Lucas' bones—and would have if I were not thinking about the inevitable repercussions. Lucas was not only my boss and the most brooding half-vampire, half-angel I knew—honestly, he was the only one I knew—but he also had a little bit of past when it came to love. His parents were on opposing teams, and let's just say, it didn't end well.

For the love of god,I growled as my attempts led only to my being out of breath.Lucas!I shouted.Get the hell up!

His responding groan and shift of weight caused my nether regions to respond in betrayal. I was all hot and bothered, especially after the dry humping. It had nearly caused me to abandon my conscience and let the good ol' Captain have his way with me.

The arm that had been imprisoning me lifted, and I all but scurried out of the bed like a frightened animal. I pulled down the length of my dress, as it had all but exposed my bottom half, and pulled up the collar in attempts of hiding the cleavage that had turned into full breast exposure during my efforts this morning.

Izzy,Lucas whispered huskily, causing my body to react with renewed lust.

No! Bad girl!

I did my best to appear put out and glare at the man causing my body to shake with need. I needed to jump him, but I wouldn't even if he begged me. Okay, maybe if he begged me since I'm pretty sure even I didn't have that much willpower.


Giveaway! 

I'm feeling really generous, so I'm giving away three ebook copies of the first book in my Guardians series. Just leave me a comment, with your email, telling me what sort of hunk you prefer!

About Brianna

Brianna lives in beautiful Northern California, USA. When she's not attending to the many whims of her three adorable children, she can be found writing or reading everything romance. After spending years on the other side, she's now debuting her first novel. Her hope is that the world she creates captivates her readers everywhere, leaving them desperate for more.



Twitter: @bwest0426


Thursday, January 21, 2016

The Best of My Love

The first few weeks of January have many of us in shock. We've lost so many great artistic talents: David Bowie, Alan Rickman and now, Glenn Frey. This last means the most to me. The Eagles were the soundtrack to my twenties. I can sing most of their lyrics. So many fantastic songs. "Desperado". "Life in the Fast Lane". "Witchy Woman". I know them all.

When I think back to my years in graduate school, which more than any other period of my life determined the person I've become, I hear "Hotel California" playing in the background.




I embroidered cacti and longhorns on a denim shirt as a present for my first real boyfriend, along with the legend "Take it to the limit". It was a gift of my hands and an allusion to the music we both loved. He and I shared a five bedroom house with three other guys--a wild time. Once we threw an all-night Hotel California party. It began at nine PM with pink champagne on ice and ended at dawn, with tequila sunrises.

That was decades ago, of course. But we so often continue to think of ourselves as young, even as we age. When someone from our early years passes, though, reality hits home. Glenn was less than five years older than I am. Death is more than ready to crash my party.

I'm determined not to mourn, however, or to become morbid. I refuse to worry about the end. It will come when it comes, whether I worry or not. Instead, I celebrate the work of artists like Bowie, Rickman and Frey, grateful for what they brought into the world. They left us something of themselves that will endure long after they've gone. The best of their love.

I can only hope that at least a few people will someday think the same about my stories--a labor of love if ever there was one.


Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Drop Me Here!

By Lily Harlem (Guest Blogger)

Hi Lisabet, thank you for inviting me over to your lovely blog today, its great to visit again. Ive been thinking a lot about locations for my stories lately, and the importance of creating an atmosphere for the reader, letting themfeelthe sights and sounds, smells and temperature of where a book is set. Basically how todropa reader into the place you want them to visit in their imagination.

I adore London, thats no secret, and I do set many of my stories there, both novels and short stories. Whenever Im there I get a sense of excitement, its thrilling to be in such a historic yet modern, happening city. I was lucky enough to live in London for a while and although Im a country girl at heart I was sad to leave.

I set Muscling In in London, my couple Coben and Sian (who soon become a threesome this story is MMF) live in a lovely town house, the sort I would adore to call home. I cant resist the majestic white rows of houses that rest almost sleepily in some of Londons busiest areas. The steps up to the front polished doors, the black wrought iron railings and the huge sash windows are irresistible to me. I could never afford one in real lifetheyre millionsbut in my imagination, for my characters, I can move right in.


One place I wouldnt want to move right in would be Wormwood Scrubs prison. Its also in London and full of criminals. My MF novel Rule Breaker starts off here, Lacey, the heroine is a prison nurse and falls for a real bad boy, but oh, hes so charming and gorgeous and sexy and also just about to walk as a free man again. I worked as a nurse before I started writing, though I never worked in a prison. To make my readers feel like they were really there, in the Wormwood Scrubs medical unit, I called an old friend who does work as a prison nurse. She was great and helped me create that feeling of beinglocked inat work and surrounded by potential danger. Rule Breaker doesnt linger in London though and soon the setting becomes a beautiful chateau in France. I picked this location because a couple of years ago Mr H took me to stay in an ancient vineyard and chateau near Bordeaux. We were out of season and had the place almost to ourselves. I was mesmerised by the historyif you read the Rule Breaker youll learn about monks, wine and whoresespecially when I was told The Knights Templar had been there. I soaked up the atmosphere which wasnt so much creepy as still, it was as if time had left the stone walls and hills surrounding it in peace for many years. I hope that I managed to drop my reader into France in Rule Breaker, and a chateau that wasnt all about elegance and lavish décor and sophisticated service but a place to escape to and feel alone in the world.


Another place Ive been to recently in my stories is Southern Spain, the Costa Del Sol to be exact. I love it here, big time! I even try to speak a bit of Spanish when we visitIm not very good! Heat of the Day is set near Marbella and tells the story of a threesome who have been having difficulties and how they make up. I particularly enjoyed writing about the beach, a place Ive enjoyed both lounging on and strolling along hand-in-hand with Mr H. Spain really works for me as a holiday destination, I love the food and drink, the heat, the ocean and inland a real treat last time we visited was a trip to Alhambra, in fact, I must remember the story I dreamed up while wandering around this fabulous place.


Staying in Europe I’ve used Germany for the setting in Accelerated Passion - MF out in February. I’ve been to Germany a couple of times and again I have a go at the language – badly! The Black Forest area is an absolute joy and I’ve visited Bonn too. But Accelerated Passion is about Formula One racing so I needed to go to Hockenheimring – often used on the Grand Prix circuit - and create a fictional holiday home for my couple to be staying in. Think gorgeous wooden chalets, rolling hills, endless flowers and a sunny pool to flirt and take sneaky peeks at a world class racing driver wearing next to nothing!



A few years ago I was fortunate enough to go on a sailing holiday in Greece. I couldnt sail and still cant but travelled with people in the know. It was amazing and I had such a wonderful time. Id never seen blue so blue or been as dazzled by landscapes as I was here, from the quaint ports to the stunning islands rising out of the sea. I decided to set Toy Boy in Greece, actually more than in Greece, on a boat the way Id been - eating, sleeping, diving in to the sea with dolphinsperfect. I wrote Toy Boy during a particularly cold February a few years ago and each day I enjoyed the fact that I was spending my working hours in the sun!


So you can see that I like to use places Ive visited to set my stories, thats not always the case but travelling has certainly influenced by writing. Where too next? Mmm, well Ive just returned from South Africa which was quite an adventure so perhaps Ill be heading up Table Mountain again or to the Wine Region or maybe even a romance on safari. The possibilities are endless.

Thank you for reading, if youd like to keep up to date with my new releases, contests and freebies then sign up for my newsletter and feel free to friend me on Facebooklinks belowas Im usually hanging about chattering, sharing sexy pictures and I hold the odd contest too.

Lily x


Back Cover Information for Heat of the Day

When three become two with no explanation, emotions run high, passions flare and hearts are ripped apart.

Everyone can remember a perfect summer—one with endless blue skies, a heart brimming with true love and nights full of hot, sweaty lust. Well, we’ve just had a summer like that, Piper and I, and it was spent in Spain with a man who had that certain je ne sais quoi that we couldn’t resist.

Seraphim came into our lives and blinded us with his beauty, his charisma and his exotic charm. His generosity with his mind, his affection and his body blew us away and the three of us became a joyously tangled trio who needed nothing more than to be together.

So when he left, when we had no way of tracing him, the despair was black, the pain raw and our only comfort was each other. But why did Sera leave? What would make a man walk away from his lovers? And if he showed up again on the doorstep, what the hell would happen after so much angst? One thing’s for sure, it would be an explosive reunion in many ways. Absence might make the heart grow fonder, but it can make the rest of the body highly volatile as need wars with hurt, and pain collides with desire.

Reader Advisory: This book contains M/M and M/F scenes.

Excerpt 18+

Eventually they wandered up the wooden steps to their two-bedroom mobile home. They’d never slept in the second bedroom, it was just used for storage, but it meant the living area was clear for lounging. Plus they had a nice bit of decking with a BBQ that had been well used during the summer.

Flynn flung open a few windows to let the heat of the day out then pulled the guitar from his back.

Piper switched on the shower then proceeded to strip off her clothes.

He sat and watched, absently tuning and strumming, admiring the sway of her breasts and the way her limbs moved like fluid. Even hot and tired she was the sexiest woman he’d ever seen.

Play while I shower,she said, curling her hair onto the top of her head and securing it with a pin.

Anything you wish, my lady.

She disappeared into the small bathroom.

Flynn listened as the sound of the water became interrupted by her body then he started a lilting melody he knew she adored. The music flowed from his fingertips, the words rolled from his mouth in one long sound. His breathing steadied and his bones relaxed within his skin.

The song was about happy times. Lovers who’d smiled then left. How goodbye was the hardest word.

Halfway through he stopped. A knot of determination twisted his gut. He had to snap out of this and be thankful for the love he had. The woman who made his life the one he wanted to live.

He set down his guitar then quickly shucked off his shorts. He stood in the tiny bathroom and watched Piper holding her face to the stream of water. Her hair was flattened and hung like a long, thin snake down her back. Her breasts jutted upward and her small strip of pubic hair was pressed to her flesh.

He pulled off his T-shirt.

His cock was hard, his heart beating fast. It was time to say goodbye to Sera, for today at least, and claim his woman.

He squeezed into the shower cubicle and circled her with his arms.

Flynn,she said, tensing a little.I was listening to that. Whyd you stop?

Enough listening.He nibbled her earlobe.Time to start doing.

She spun in his arms and pressed close. Her skin was like wet silk, her arms a slender vise as they wound around him. “Okay, so where do you want to start?” Her voice held a tone of humor.

Right here.He slipped down to his knees. His butt touched the cool, steamy wall and he was aware of Piper also pressing against the edge of the tiny cubicle.Open up,he said, his mouth against her belly as he pressed his palms to her inner thighs.Let me in.

She did as he’d asked, widening her stance.

He could see the delicate folds of her pussy, the crease of her lips and the trickle of the water over her mound. He adored tasting her, making her come on his tongue, and it was what he wanted to do right now.

Flynn,she gasped, threading her fingers into his hair.Oh God, yes, please.

Are you begging for it?he asked and glanced upward.

If thats what it takes.She grinned sinfully and tilted her hips.

He’d have taken his tongue to her whether she’d begged or not, but it was nice to know she wanted it as much as he did. He cupped her ass and speared into the crack of her lips, arrowing through sweet skin and onto her clit.

Oh yeah,she said on a moan, her knees giving a little.

He flicked some more, using the flat of his tongue against her sensitive bud. He knew how to make her come in a minute or two like this but he hadn’t yet decided whether to or not. Maybe he’d just get her desperate for it with a fast oral session then toss her onto the bed and feel her come around his cock. God, he loved that, when she was hot and wet, gripping him, spasming around him.

He released her ass and sought her entrance, pushed two fingers in, rejoicing in the tight sweetness that hugged him.

Flynnoh, fuckIm going to…” She hooked one leg over his shoulder.

No, you’re not.

He continued to work her up but lightened the touch of his tongue. He wanted to keep her hovering.

She ground against him and tugged his hair. Her body was hot, writhing, frantic almost. On and on he teased and pleased. Her juices mixed with the water and the scent of soap swirled around them.

Ah, fucking hell, Flynn, dont tease…” She pressed her heel to his back and sank her buttocks onto his cupped hand.Let me come. He would in a minute. But right now he was enjoying the fact that only this miniscule cubicle, the water and his tongue existed for her.

Buy Heat of the Day from Amazon, Amazon UK, Pride and all other good ebook retailers.

Want to read more of my stuff for FREE? Check out Sexy Just Walked into Town, free on Amazon!


About Lily Harlem

Lily Harlem lives in the UK and is an award-winning author of contemporary erotic romance. She writes for publishers on both sides of the Atlantic including HarperCollins, Totally Bound, Pride Publishing, Evernight Publishing, Xcite, and Sweetmeats Press. Her work regularly receives high praise and industry nominations.

Before turning her hand to writing Lily Harlem worked as a trauma nurse and her latest HarperCollins release, Confessions of a Naughty Night Nurse draws on her many experiences while nursing in London. Lily also self-publishes and The Silk Tie, The Glass Knot, In Expert Hands and Scored have been blessed with many 5* reviews since their release.

Lily writes MF, MM and ménage a trois, her books regularly hit the #1 spot on Amazon Best Seller lists and Breathe You In was named a USA Today Reviewers Recommended Read of 2014. Her latest MM novel is Dark Warrior.

Lily also co-authors with Natalie Dae and publishes under the name Harlem Dae - check out the Sexy as Hell Box Set available exclusively on Amazon - The Novice, The Player and The Vixen - and That Filthy Book which has been hailed as a novel 'every woman should read'.

One thing you can be sure of, whatever book you pick up by Ms Harlem, is it will be wildly romantic and down-and-dirty sexy. Enjoy!



Lily Harlem Links