Guest Bloggers | Page 129 of 167

An Interview with Tabitha Rayne (@tabithaerotica)

by Lucy Felthouse | Jan 14, 2014 | Guest Bloggers | 0 Comments

I’m delighted to welcome another of the Brit Babes to my site. The lovely Tabitha Rayne is here to dish the dirt on herself, her writing and her obsession with Tom Hardy. Enjoy…

Tell us about yourself. Both your writing self and your non-writing self. What are your interests and hobbies? Do you have a day job, etc?

Well Lucy-Loo I live midway between a town and the countryside – I’m an outdoorsy gal so get very claustrophobic if I have to be hemmed in between buildings for too long. I go running to clear my head and sort out any plot tangles. I love burlesque and have a huge collection of corsets, boas and pasties! 😉

I do indeed have a day job to fund my writing habit! I didn’t used to – when I started to get published, I assumed that my career would be writing. But alas, it wasn’t so… one day perhaps. It’s the dream of many a writer, I guess, that writing be their sustenance both physically and spiritually. I wouldn’t ever stop writing though – my sanity depends on it.

Give us the background on your latest release.

My latest release is Taking Flight – the 2nd book in The Meeting Point trilogy. I guess my inspiration is linked to my love of the wild – I think it combines my 3 obsessions – sex (mais bien sur!), the apocalypse and spirituality (our own inner selves). I like to think of it as an action adventure trilogy – saving the world one bonk at a time! There’s a bit more to it than that, of course – it’s quite a spiritual book – delving into how sex unites us on more than the physical level and how we can transcend our worries, fears and guilt by letting go and feeling the love… 😀

How did you get started with writing? And what was your route to publication like?

I have always written stories but my real first love was painting. I always thought (and possibly still do) of myself as an artist. Though I realised the pictures I was creating just didn’t match the images I had in my mind. It was extremely frustrating and disappointing. It was when I started to think of words as an artistic medium that I began to ‘paint’ the pictures accurately. Does that make sense? Probably sounds totally pretentious but it’s the best way I can describe how I work!

I’ve had things published in different genres under different names but it was only when I started writing erotica that I really felt in my element. It has been the most successful genre for me in terms of publication and satisfaction. I was worried that my work would be too filthy to publish and kept it hidden for a few years until I started reading some books by my fellow Brit Babes especially Kd Grace at the time and some others – Justine Elyot, Lisabet Sarai – that I realised that my particular brand of naughty was indeed not too filthy! 😉 In fact, I really ought to ramp it up! Isn’t that right Lucy 😉

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working through edits for the final book in my Meeting Point trilogy, Finding Unity. I am also determined to finish a novel I started writing last year called The Baker’s Wife – it’s completely different from the trilogy as it is set in the real world on a cruise liner in the 50s. Even so, I guess the same internal battles will be fought in the mind’s of my characters and let’s be honest – it will all be worked out by some sex and a spanking or two…

Do you have a particular Muse for your writing? Do any of your characters bear startling resemblances to sexy celebrities or people you admire?

My muse is my A – my partner of like, a million years! A constant source of inspiration. My Sailor Riply. I watched Wild at Heart when I was about 14 or something and watched it again recently… still my fave – I think my writing is inspired a lot by emotional intensity like in that film. There’s loads of celebs I drool over… wanna list? Christian Bale, Sam Rockwell, Lady Ga Ga, Maggie and Jake Gyllenhaal – (are they related?) Tom Hardy, Jack White, Peaches, Lana Del rey… the list goes on and on!

Where do you see yourself in five years? Both writing-wise and non-writing-wise?

Well, I hope to be sipping margaritas at the beach hut with the Brit Babes being gently fanned with palm fronds by some of the people mentioned above…

Seriously though… I don’t have a five year plan – I’m a complete fly by the seat of my pants kinda gal. I do love learning new skills though – last year I tried surfing and high(ish) diving and I’m determined to learn how to backflip on a trampoline.

As for writing – I will have to see where the muse takes me. Though one of my biggest achievements this year was hosting a book launch and actually reading my filthy words out loud! I might like to try that again as I do love facing my fears and having an excuse to party. But I really ought to get more of these books sold – that would be a plan indeed.

And now for some silly questions…

Muscled or skinny? Muscled

Tall or short? Tall

Boxers or briefs? Neither

Moustache or beard? Moustache – with a sprinkling of beard too – and that’s just the ladies…

Long hair or shaven head? Long hair

Tattoos or piercings? Nah

Intelligent or funny? Don’t they go hand in hand?

Blond, brunette or red head? Brunette

Hottest celebrity (tell us why, if you like)? I’m into Tom Hardy right now and Lana Del Rey

Top same-sex crush (or opposite sex if you already like same-sex!) See above!

Most disliked celebrity (tell us why, if you like) – I’m not saying

Favourite food – chilis, dates and liquorice all mixed together

Favourite book (tell us why, if you like) – Oh Lucy – you’re torturing me with these questions! I couldn’t choose a book! Good grief… The Arrival by Shaun Tan perhaps? I’m desperate to read The Lost Girls by Alan Moore and Melinda Gebbe. And choosing a favourite erotica book is like choosing a favourite sister or best friend… come on now…!

Favourite place in the world (tell us why, if you like) – my bed – wherever that may be. I do love Poland and Italy and everywhere I’ve ever been. You may realise I cannot pin something as my favourite anything! There’s just too much stuff to love!

Anything else you’d like to add? Love is everything.

Now give us the blurb, an extract and buy links for your latest release.

Yes ma’am! I liked that bossy tone right there 😉

Taking Flight Book 2 in The Meeting Point trilogy by Tabitha Rayne

“Find me at the meeting point. We are more than the physical.”

Four generations from now, toxins are ravaging the land and the future of mankind is in peril. The surviving men are being rounded up and taken to holding facilities. Research scientist, Dr Deborah Regan is hoping to stabilise the decreasing male population before her lover, Marcus becomes one of those taken away.

When the authorities come looking for Marcus, Deborah abandons her research to go on the run with her lover. They flee to the forests where they stumble across a couple who are intent on finding an ultimate sexual union where at the point of climax their spirits break free from their bodies and unite. Plunged into a life of lust and survival, Deborah soon realises she can easily slip into this trancelike state and she and Marcus set out to create a transcendent bond of their own. Can they achieve the ultimate unity before fate separates them for good?

An erotic dystopian fantasy following a young couple trying to elude capture and separation.

The prequel to A Clockwork Butterfly.

In a dying world – is love the only means of true survival?

Excerpt -This is from a part of the story where my leading lady has voiced her desire to be tied up in the forest…

Anyone could find her here, bandits, guards … She tried to rationalise her fear but her physiology took over, flooding her senses with fight or flight cortisones. The sensation started in her chest and swelled and radiated to every cell, making her soar above herself and stare down at the sight of a naked, dishevelled forest nymph, bound and hanging. The imagined sight made her part her legs and bear down, catching her arousal in her abdomen and forcing it into her pussy, where she tried to focus all the energy that was threatening to send her out of control. It took all her concentration to keep everything centred there – all her fear, desire, lust, euphoria – but she knew it was essential, somehow.

A sharp crack snapped her back to the reality of her situation again; someone was close. She tensed every sinew. Alert and staring, Deborah scoured her surroundings. Something moved in the shrubbery. It darted like an animal, low and erratic, as if cornered, but it didn’t add up. She strained her senses in its direction and tried to catch the scent on the barely breathing breeze. Human. Shuddering, she could feel her body expand to a vast canvass of nakedness. The nasal breathing of someone staring hard at the object of their intent filled her ears. Deborah gripped the strapping on each wrist tight and tensed her muscles in a way that she hoped would alert the watcher to her strength in this situation, not her vulnerability. Her skin flushed with warmth under the scrutiny of the shadowy, hidden figure. They stared at each other; she completely exposed and he – she could smell it was a he – completely obscured. There was a strange control conundrum going on in Deborah’s head: as long as he kept himself hidden and meek, she felt like she was holding the power. She let this thought roll around in her psyche and was amazed to feel her body relax and melt into this newfound confidence. Letting the ropes take her weight, she hung a little, shifting her feet apart and opening her legs to share her wet treasure with the voyeur.

Taking Flight is book 2 in The Meeting Point trilogy – but don’t worry if you haven’t read book one yet (A Clockwork Butterfly) because it doesn’t matter which order you read the first two.

Buy Links for Taking Flight

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Buy links for A Clockwork Butterfly

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Tiny snippet

“If we part ways,” he started but Deborah pressed a finger to his lips, she didn’t want to hear it, speaking it might make it true. He pushed her hand from his face and held it at his chest, his woozy gaze fixed on hers. “Deborah, if we part ways, I’ll find you. I’ll find you at the meeting point. Do everything you can to come. We are more than the physical.”

Now give us your author bio and website/social media links.

Tabitha Rayne has been told she is quirky, lovely and kinky – not necessarily in that order or by the same person. She writes erotic romance and as long as there’s a love scene – she’ll explore any genre.

Her short stories are included in anthologies from Xcite, Oysters & Chocolate, Cleis, Ravenous Romance, Mischief, and House of Erotica. She has novels with Beachwalk Press and Xcite Books.

TabithaRayne.co.uk
Facebook
Twitter
Brit Babes Blog
Spicy Author Blog

Amazon Author Page UK
Amazon Author Page US – provides an up to date book list
Goodreads

Thanks again for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed this interview and wish you the best of luck with your latest release. Many sales!

And with you Lucy-Loo! Thank you for having me x x x

Justine Elyot (@justineelyot) Talks Swash and Buckle With Your Slap and Tickle

by Lucy Felthouse | Jan 13, 2014 | Guest Bloggers | 0 Comments

It’s wonderful to be here with Lucy who, for my money, must surely be in the top ten of hardest working and most energetically inspiring people on the erotica scene. Thanks for having me, Lucy!

I’m here to talk about my new fantasy erotic romance, Princess In Chains. It’s book one in a trilogy, and just as well, because I realised pretty soon into writing it that one book wasn’t going to be enough. So when the amazing Elizabeth at Xcite asked if there was any chance of making it a three-book story, I was more than ready to say yes. I’d been having so much fun in this world of my own making that I wanted to spend more time there with the characters.

This book focuses on Princess Leonore of Ystra, and her quest to right a wrong she has done her beloved handmaiden and bosom companion, Asta. This wrong has resulted in Asta’s capture by rebels fighting against their unpopular King. Leonore has quite a task ahead of her – but she is helped by handsome strangers and mysterious charismatic scholars along the way.

I had a fantastic ride writing the story of Leonore’s adventures, and I’m having just as enjoyable one right now, writing a sequel that focuses on some of the other members of the rebel band. If you like a bit of swash and buckle with your slap and tickle, maybe this book’s for you!

Here’s the blurb:

Leonore, heiress to the Kingdom of Ystra, is promised in marriage to Corvin, unpopular monarch of the neighbouring Kingdom of Vala. When their first meeting ends in disaster, she is tempted to take her handmaiden, Asta, out of the castle to sample an evening of common delights in the city – but forces she hasn’t reckoned with are against her, and Leonore finds her destiny taken from her hands.

She must embark on a quest to undo the wrong she has accidentally done, accompanied only by a handsome cooper’s boy and the address of a mysterious alchemist whom, she hopes, will be the key to her success.

But nothing is as it seems, least of all Leonore’s own heart.

The book is available from all ebook retailers, including Waterstones, Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Thank you for reading!

Doris O’Connor (@mamad8) Discusses Bad Boys and The Bear Project

by Lucy Felthouse | Jan 10, 2014 | Guest Bloggers | 1 Comment

Thanks so much for having me here today. 🙂

We all love a bad boy, right? That cocksure attitude, the swagger, the single minded determination to get the heroine into his bed. That element of danger that surrounds them is like the cake you know you shouldn’t eat, but you can’t but help and indulge anyway.

Now, imagine you’re stranded in a little hicky town, with no means of getting away, a town full of rumors and strange happenings, and one of those sex-on-legs bad boys comes up to you and claims you’re his.

What would you do? Would you tell him to take a hike, or would you give into that instant and explosive chemistry between you?

Such is the dilemma Emmi faces when she meets Cole. Never in all her life has she been this attracted to a guy, and she does need a place to crash for the night, so why not take advantage of what he offers. It’s simply a case of scratching an itch, right? What could possibly go wrong?

Well… when you’re chosen bedmate is a Bear shifter intent on claiming you for his mate, a hell of a lot can and does go wrong. Especially, when it looks as though this particular bad boy is some sort of assassin too…

Emmi does what any reasonable person would do. She runs after their night of passion, determined to forget all about Cole. However, Cole is a hard person to forget, not least because she is left with a permanent reminder that throws her right into the world and blood line politics of shifters.

Shifters in London, blood lines, council, rules, mating bond – say what?

It’s enough to leave you dizzy. Add in the return of Cole, who isn’t at all what he seems to be and Emmi is in for the ride of her life.

Blurb:

When Animal conservationist Emmi Layne meets bad boy Cole Jackson there is no denying the instant lust between them. She has a thing for bears, after all. However, you cannot build a relationship on awesome sex alone, especially when you live on different continents, and have nothing in common.

Everything changes, when Emmi discovers that their night of passion has left her with more than erotic memories. She has no means of contacting him, even if she wanted to, but she hasn’t counted on this bear shifter’s determination.

Cole is not what he seems, and he will stop at nothing to claim what’s his—even if that means breaking all the rules.

Can he trust the mating bond to deliver, or will it spell the end of an ancient blood line?

With the odds stacked against them, can this unlikely duo find happiness together?

Excerpt:

A moan slipped out from Emmi, and his balls drew tight in anticipation, as she, too, lost what cover his old shirt afforded her. She licked her lips, her gaze riveted on his erection, and he grinned. A primitive sense of ownership grabbed him, and he bent down, and grabbing her ankles, pulled her down the bed until her ass was half hanging off it and he could step right between her legs.

This position opened her cunt for his inspection, and her scent grew in potency as her juices coated her pussy lips. Cole stroked himself harder in response to that sight, and she whimpered. That tiny sound pitched his need to claim her to new heights, but he wanted her begging for his cock and so wet and ready that she couldn’t stand it anymore.

A vision of keeping her like this, naked and at his mercy, filled his vision. Her curves would look so beautiful bound by Shibari rope, as she begged him for her orgasm.

His dick jumped at the thought, and he used the natural lubrication of his pre-cum to aid the ever faster up and downward glide of his hand.

“Cole, let me…”

Emmi looked up at him, her eyes so dark with her own need it took his breath away.

“No, I want to watch you come for me.” A fierce blush spread all over her skin at his husky words, and she bit her lips hard enough to draw blood. The metallic smell filled his nostrils, and his bear roared. “Use your fingers to spread yourself wider, so that I can see what you’re doing. Tell me what it feels like, and how much you want my cock, sugar.”

Emmi shivered and closed her eyes, but her hands did slowly slide down to the apex of her thighs.

“Use your words, baby. I want to hear you.”

“Oh God.” Her groan matched his when she spread her labia wide and circled her clit with one finger. The little nubbin swelled under her ministrations as all the blood rushed to the surface.

“That’s my girl. Fill your hole with your fingers, and imagine it’s my cock, sugar.”

Emmi complied, and the little needy sounds she made at the back of her throat were pure music to his ears.

“Words, Emmi, use them.”

“I … I can’t. I just … I want to come so badly. My fingers are not enough. I’m gripping them imagining they’re your cock filling me, thrusting in. I want you so badly.”

He growled, and she pumped her fingers faster until the wet sounds of her greedy pussy filled the room. The trembles started as her orgasm took hold, and Cole grabbed her thighs and took over.

Emmi screamed when his tongue replaced her fingers, and her essence flowed freely into his waiting mouth. His bear grunted his approval, and Cole blew against her slit and then bit down on her clit. The action sent Emmi over the edge, and he pushed two of his fingers into her clenching pussy hole. She rode those fingers as her whole body bowed off the bed and tightened before she slumped back down, moaning and writhing under his fingers and tongue.

Cole kept up his assault until the last tremors stopped and then crawled up her limp and sweat slicked body to kiss her.

“You’re not playing fair.” She mumbled the words and ran her hands over his chest, up to his shoulders and then down his back until she could reach his ass. With his body cocooned between her thighs, his cock slid up and down her wet slit and he indulged himself by thrusting into her just once.

Her cunt closed around him like a velvet fist, and Emmi pushed her feet into his calves and lifted up to meet his thrust. Their gazes locked when he pulled out and then pushed into her wet heat again.

“Oh, God, Cole, you’re driving me insane.”

His little human bucked against him, and her vaginal muscles clenched and released around his dick in an effort to hurry him along. It took all of Cole’s willpower and self-control to not simply give her what she wanted, but he withdrew again until just the tip of his dick remained inside her entrance.

Emmi shook and groaned and pleaded, and he ground his teeth to stop himself form coming.

“No, we’ll do this my way. Stop trying to hurry me, sugar, or I’ll tie you to this bed and leave you hanging.”

Her sharp intake of breath made him smile, and he paused half in half out of her sweet cunt, until he could nudge her sweet spot with short, shallow thrusts that had her luscious body climbing again. He could see it in the way her eyes clouded over, and her breathing quickened. Her fingernails scored his skin hard enough to draw blood, and Cole welcomed the slight pain, as he pushed her over that edge again.

“That’s my girl. Come for me again. Beautiful.”

He withdrew and flipped her over, so that she was bent over the side off the bed. With her knees on the floor, and her legs spread wide, her ass was there for him to play with, and Cole smacked one cheek and then pushed his fingers back into her vagina.

A rush of air escaped Emmi’s lungs, and she groaned into the bed covers and lifted her ass up to give him better access.

Cole rubbed his stubble along her shoulder blades and kissed her spine. A shudder went through her body, and she sighed his name when he withdrew.

“What, baby? Do you want me to spank you again?”

He delivered another open handed swat to her other cheek with enough force to leave a bright mark on her pale flesh as the blood rushed to the surface. His possessive bear urged him to do it again, to mark her body with his hands and claws and teeth, but the man needed to be sure she was on board with this.

“Yes, God, yes, please, Cole, anything. That feels so fucking good.”

For all buy links check out this link: http://www.dorisoconnor.com/the-bear-project.html

****

Author Bio:

Glutton for punishment would be a good description for Doris… at least that’s what she hears on an almost daily basis when people find out that she has a brood of nine children, ranging from adult to toddler and lives happily in a far too small house, cluttered with children, pets, dust bunnies, and one very understanding and supportive husband. Domestic goddess she is not.

There is always something better to do after all, like working on the latest manuscript and trying not to scare the locals even more than usual by talking out loud to the voices in her head. Her characters tend to be pretty insistent to get their stories told, and you will find Doris burning the midnight oil on a regular basis. Only time to get any peace and quiet and besides, sleep is for wimps.

She likes to spin sensual, sassy, and sexy tales involving alpha heroes to die for, and heroines who give as good as they get. From contemporary to paranormal, BDSM to F/F, and Ménage, haunting love stories are guaranteed.

Stalking Links

Website Blog Twitter Facebook Pinterest Evernight Publishing
Amazon All Romance E-Books BookStrand Barnes&Noble

How I Came to Write an Erotic Horror Novel by Gail Bridges (@GailWBridges)

by Lucy Felthouse | Jan 9, 2014 | Guest Bloggers | 0 Comments

You’re Writing WHAT?

Not long ago, a friend asked about my new novel, Inn on the Edge. She wanted to know: Why erotic horror? Why not straight-up romance? Good question! It made me sit down and think about the genesis of my story, way back when the idea was nothing but wisps of unformed ideas, insubstantial yet demanding attention. My friend had good timing – the release date for Inn on the Edge was finally within shouting distance.

The story goes like this:

Soon after my first erotic novel was published, I had a conversation with Carrie Jackson, a lovely editor from Ellora’s Cave. I was lucky enough to sit and speak with her at the Emerald City Writer’s Conference in Bellevue, Washington in October of 2013. Although she is not my personal Ellora’s Cave editor, she took the time to share with me what the publisher most wanted to see – at the top of their wish list: erotic horror.

Apparently, erotic horror is fiendishly difficult to write. Carrie told me that authors are daunted at the prospect. Ellora’s Cave doesn’t get nearly the submissions they would like in the genre. “How about you write one?” Carrie asked.

As if that would happen.

But I couldn’t stop thinking about what Carrie had told me. Erotic Horror? What a difficult, wonderful combination! How to combine two such opposite-seeming things in the same story? How could I create a scenario where the main characters are scared shitless, fearing for their lives … and yet have plenty of time for hot, wild sex? How could I write such a story and make it realistic?

I had to try.

First, I needed a great setting. It didn’t take long to think of the wonderful old lodge on the Washington Coast where, long ago, I’d spent a romantic weekend. Such a place would be the ideal atmospheric setting for a horror novel.

Once I had the setting, the story came together piece by piece. I’d populate the Lodge (re-cast as a Bed-and-Breakfast Inn) with eager, bright-eyed newlywed couples. My story would be rife with erotic, passionate undercurrents – who better to get things going than four couples gathering together just after their weddings?

Next, I needed a bad guy. He’d be horrible and likable at the same time, a demon who would lure my unsuspecting main characters to his Inn and keep them captive. My antagonist slowly took form in my mind: he’d be a new kind of sex demon, scary, charming, charismatic, yet unable to touch his captives. But now I had a new problem – who was this demon who would play such a large part in my novel?

It took a while to find my demon. My bad guy didn’t take shape until about a month later when my husband, my grown daughter, and I were eating take-out Thai food. I mentioned my Demon-in-the-Inn idea.

“Sounds interesting,” said my daughter.

“But I’m having a problem getting a handle on the demon character,” I said around a mouthful of noodles.

“What’s his name?” asked my husband, “Start with a name.”

I just stared at him blankly.

“It ought to be something foreign-sounding!” said my daughter.

“Yeah – like this…” said my husband, shoving the Pad Thai container toward me.

My daughter shook her head. “Pad Thai? Are you kidding? Not good enough.”

“Okay.” He thought for a moment, then grinned. “What was the name of that Ethiopian place we ate lunch at last week? That sounded foreign!”

We looked it up. Adey Abeba.

And that was it. I knew immediately, no looking back. It was the name of the capitol of Ethiopia, and referred to a certain charming yellow flower that grew abundantly there (which plays a small part in my novel).

I changed the spelling: Adi Abiba. He was now Mr. Adi Abiba, proprietor of the unique Bed-and-Breakfast destination Inn on the Edge. I could see my demon clearly, so very clearly! He was tall and imposing and he wore flowing robes. He had an infectious laugh and a gaze that could skewer you. It took only a moment for Mr. Abiba to became a fully-formed character.

And then … I was off to the races! I now had everything I needed for my erotic horror novel, Inn on the Edge. All I had to do was write it.

****

Buy Links for Inn on the Edge:
Ellora’s Cave
Amazon US
Amazon UK

Find Gail Bridges Online:

Website: www.gailbridges.com

Blog: http://gailbridges.blogspot.com/

Author Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gailbridgeswriter?ref=hl

Twitter: GailWBridges

****

Blurb:

Angela and her brand-new husband Josh have just arrived at their honeymoon destination, a romantic bed-and-breakfast hotel on the breath-taking Washington coast—the Inn on the Edge.

But everything isn’t as it seems. The lessons that come free with the room aren’t for painting the lovely coastal scenery—the lessons are for better sex. Angie and Josh, shocked and titillated, immerse themselves in every sensual offering.

It doesn’t take long for things to go horribly wrong. They discover that the old man running the place is a sex demon, who has been stealing their sensual energy. Worse, he’s dangerously in love with Angie and he has plans for her—plans involving an heirloom wedding ring.

Inside Scoop: This book contains scenes of unbridled demon-inspired passion—girls with girls, boys with boys, twosomes, threesomes and more! A Romantica erotic horror romance from Ellora’s Cave.

Famous First Words by Ashe Barker (@ashebarker)

by Lucy Felthouse | Jan 8, 2014 | Guest Bloggers | 0 Comments

We all know the importance of having the last word, and making it a good one. History is full of examples of profound statements or sparkling wit in the directs of circumstances – ‘Et tu Brute’, ‘Thank God, I have done my duty.’ ‘I told you I was ill’. There are countless others, but I’ll allow Julius Caesar, Lord Nelson and the late great Spike Milligan to prove the point for me.

But for authors I suspect the first words are the hardest. Not only do the opening sentences need to introduce the characters, the situation, the story, but they must also draw in the reader, engage them pretty much instantly. And hang on to the audience long enough for the plot to start flowing. Readers look at the blurb on the back of the book, maybe admire your beautifully designed cover art, but their next step will be to open the book and scan the first few lines. This is the acid test – well, it is for me. That’s the point when I either head for the counter or the one click button, or move on to the next offering. The competition is fierce, so those immortal opening lines are crucial.

The greats of literature knew this, and some had it down to a fine art. My own personal favourite is the wonderful Jane Austen whose immortal opening line to Pride and Prejudice is always my inspiration.

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”

Austen manages to entangle the mundane and the profound, the serious and the plainly ridiculous in just a few words. Would that I could match it. In my own stories I usually aim to immediately throw the reader into the middle of a dramatic situation – a disastrous BDSM scene, a crime in progress, some sort of conflict or confrontation. I always try to convince the reader that the next few seconds are vital – it only takes a few seconds to read the first few sentences, then we’re in business.

With a series of course, things shift a little. A reader opening book two or three is probably already committed. They’ve read the first book(s), engaged with the story, the characters and. we assume, now they want to know what happens next. But there’s still no harm in getting off to a flying start. No excuse for letting the drama fade, for taking the reader’s continued interest for granted. Sure Thing, the second book in my Sure Mastery trilogy opens with the heroine, Ashley, stranded on the wild Bronte moors, in the middle of winter, ill, and alone apart from a dog. It’s dark, bitterly cold, there’s no prospect of rescue that she knows of. And it’s snowing. Her chances of surviving the night are slim.

Clearly she does survive – it would be a short story otherwise – but the point remains valid I hope.

How do you like to see a story open? What is it that grabs you, and holds your interest? What are your personal favourite opening lines?

Unsure

The first two books in the Sure Mastery trilogy are on general release. You can get your hands on Unsure and Sure Thing from the usual places – Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com Totally Bound Barnes and Noble All Romance Sony Kobo

The third book, Surefire, is available for early download from Totally Bound, and will be on general release from 31 January 2014.

Excerpt from Sure Thing :-

I meet Tom at the top of the stairs as I come out of the bathroom, clutching a mug of steaming coffee. His head is cocked to one side, his eyebrows raised in some surprise but obvious appreciation that I’m naked and wandering shamelessly around his house. I pad wordlessly past him, back into his bedroom, and he follows me in. He sets the mug down on the bedside table, only just in time as I launch myself at him.

Startled, he catches me as I straddle his waist, clutching his wonderful latter-day Viking face between my hands and sink my lips onto his. In true Viking fashion he recovers from the surprise admirably and within seconds his tongue is in my mouth. I have a moment’s relief that I had the foresight to clean my teeth when I went to the bathroom just now, then I’m bouncing backwards onto the bed.

“Bugger off, Barney, find your own lady.” Tom’s voice is gruff, urgent, and the dog gets the message, lumbers off the bed and out onto the landing. Then it’s just us.

Maybe it was the shock of nearly dying just yesterday, but all I can feel is desperation to have him inside me. And I can’t wait. I need the life-affirming impact of hard, fast, deep sex. And I need it now. When Tom would have likely stroked, caressed, made me ready, I pull at his belt impatiently, tearing his work jeans open and reach greedily for his cock. He’s already rising to the occasion, solid and hard and thick. My fist around his huge erection, I push him off me, onto his back. I suppose he could have it his way if he decides to insist, but he simply lets me take charge.

I climb on top of him, my thighs spread, place my knees on either side of him. He’s still fully dressed and I’m naked but it doesn’t matter for what I have in mind right now, it heightens the pleasure if anything. One hand on his chest to steady myself, I use my other hand to position him at my entrance. But he rolls to one side, stops me from sinking onto him as I intended. At first I think, dismayed, disappointed, that he’s going to throw me off, that he’s going to roll on top and take over after all. But no, he just reaches into the back pocket of his jeans and pulls out a foil packet, hands it to me.

“Be prepared, sweetheart.” His grin quirks up the edges of his mouth as he lies still, waiting for me to do the honours.

And I realise that I’ve never actually put a condom on a man before. Perceptive, he sees my indecision, my uncertainty, and takes the foil pack back. He rips it open, then hands me the rolled up condom.

“Just nip the end between your thumb and finger, like this”—he demonstrates—“and then put it on. Just roll it down slowly.”

My desperation mounting, there’s no time to waste. I shift back a little to sit astride his legs, his jeans crumpled beneath my thighs, and concentrate on my task. It’s remarkably easy, thank God. Complicated would be quite beyond me at this moment. The condom safely in position, I glance back at his face to see that his eyes are now closed. He’s grimacing, but I’m sure he’s not in pain.

“It’s done,” I whisper.

He opens his eyes. “Then, baby, I’m all yours.”

With no further ado I wriggle back up him, and with a soft moan lower myself gratefully onto his shaft. I groan. The sensation feels wonderful. Fabulous. I’m stretched, tight, almost to the point of pain. It’s near, but it’s not quite painful, not really. It’s more that I’m—full, complete. And in control.

For long moments I don’t move, and neither does he. My eyes are closed as I savour this—connection—between us. Then I open my eyes, look down into his glittering, emerald gaze. He smiles up at me, his eyes warm as he reaches up, the back of his knuckles delicately tracing my nipples, first one, then the other. He takes one between his finger and thumb and rolls it, gentle at first then firming his touch. His smile still light, he squeezes the hard little bud. I gasp, and startled out of my reverie I begin to move. I use my thighs to raise myself up then sink back each time, revelling in the feeling of being stretched, filled entirely. I concentrate on sliding up and down on his hard, thick shaft as I settle into my rhythm. I use my inner muscles to squeeze him, to clench around him. He groans, releases my nipple to take firm hold of my hips. And I’m no longer the one controlling this, I’m no longer alone in setting our rhythm. He holds my body as I continue to move on him, but he’s now thrusting upwards to meet me, filling me each time, angling the thrusts to hit my most sensitive spot. The pleasure builds and I share my power willingly—I arch, scream with the mindless delight of it.

I feel the boil of orgasm starting, deep within, bubbling, simmering, gathering heat, gurgling upwards and outwards like a volcano. It’s new, unfamiliar, as though I’ve never been so thoroughly fucked before.

And maybe I haven’t. At least, I’m only just starting to become accustomed to being fucked by a man I love.

With that realisation comes release. I pitch forward, collapsing boneless, on top of Tom’s chest as my orgasm pulses through me.

More about me : I live in the UK, in northern England, on the edge of the wonderful Bronte moors in West Yorkshire. Until 2010 I was a director of a regeneration company before becoming convinced there must be more to life. I left to work as an independent consultant, and still do some of that though most of my time is now spent writing. At last I’ve been able to realise my dream of writing erotic romance myself. I’ve been an avid reader of fiction for many years, erotic and other genres, and I still love reading historical and contemporary romances – the hotter the better. But now I have a good excuse – research.

In my own writing I usually draw on settings and anecdotes from my own experience to lend colour, detail and realism to my plots and characters, but my stories of love, challenge, resilience and compassion are the conjurings of my own lurid imagination.

When not writing – which is not very often – my time is divided between my role as resident taxi driver for my teenage daughter, and caring for a menagerie of dogs, rabbits, tortoises. And most recently a very grumpy cockatiel. I’m a rural parish councillor, and I’m passionate about evolving rural traditions and values to suit twenty first century lifestyles.

I’ve just completed my third trilogy in the Black Combe ‘family’ and I’m working on a fourth. Currently in the publication pipeline are a novella, a short story, and a stand-alone novel for Totally Bound’s ‘What’s Her Secret?’ imprint. All are due for release over the next few months.

One Night with the Bridesmaid – New Release from Sara Daniel (@SSaraDaniel)

by Lucy Felthouse | Jan 6, 2014 | Guest Bloggers | 0 Comments

I’m celebrating the release of One Night with the Bridesmaid, a 1Night Stand novella that follows the maid of honor from One Night with the Bride. This is a short, super-sexy, stand-alone read. I hope you have as much fun reading Sabrina and Rob’s story as I had writing it.

Gifted with a 1Night Stand, Sabrina Lopez decides to use the chance to hook up with a man who knows how to give a woman pleasure—a man she’d never have the nerve to approach in real life. Madame Eve exceeds her expectations with the opportunity of a lifetime—and the man of her dreams, movie director Rob Wellington. He might be out of her league, but she’s willing to risk it all for one night.

Believing Sabrina responsible for breaking up his brother’s wedding, Rob sets out to stop her from scamming her way into the groom’s bed—even if he has to take his brother’s place. The last thing he expected to discover was a woman he could love and hold for the rest of his life—if he can convince her that he wants more than one night….

If you missed One Night with the Bride, here’s a peek at it. (Both books are stand-alone, so you can jump into either story and feel right at home!)

When her society matron mother presents Caroline with a one-night stand date a week before her wedding, she’s appalled. Even worse, the encounter will take place at the fantasy ranch resort operated by her high school lover, Javier Alvarado. Although determined to remain faithful to her fiancé, she’s tempted and intrigued to see her first love again. It’s not like she has to sleep with him.

But one look and kiss later, she yearns for the man she walked away from so long ago. Unfortunately, when Javier discovers Caroline is engaged, all he can see is deception and heartbreak all over again.

Can a 1Night Stand from Madame Eve reunite them or will one night with the bride sever their ties forever?

To celebrate the release of One Night with the Bridesmaid, enter the Rafflecopter for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card or a Captivating the CEO key chain.

Connect with Sara Daniel

Website: http://www.saradaniel.com

Blog: http://saradanielromance.blogspot.com

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/SaraDanielSaraShafer

Facebook profile: http://www.facebook.com/SaraShaferDaniel

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/SSaraDaniel

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/SaraDaniel

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