Hump Day Eye Candy, July 13
Jul 13, 2011 
Filed under: bears, eye candy, writing
I’ve been making notes for a story with a bear shifter and this is my inspiration pic.
Guest Blogger: Barbara Elsborg
Jul 12, 2011 Filed under: guest blogger, writing
Barbara Elsborg joins us to day to share some writing secrets. So come on in and see what she has to share with us……
Five Things to Remember When Writing Romance
Only five? I better make it the five things I need to remember when writing a romance. Maybe I need to start with – what is a romance? The story of two (or more) people (or vampires, shifters, angels, faeries, bookends etc) who meet, fall apart and then come back together for the happy ever after – or the happy for now at the very least.
1. The first meeting of the hero and heroine has to be something that resonates with the reader. It has to grip by the heart, by the lungs, by the–every bit of them you can get at. It has to make them gasp or laugh or sigh. If they don’t see that the characters are meant to be together from the start– even if you later drive them apart moments later– then they won’t fall in love with them and carry on reading. One of my books starts with the hero pulling a splinter out of the heroine’s backside. Another has a werewolf falling down a hole and landing on a starving vampire. One of my favorite starts is in a book by Susan Elizabeth Phillips where the bride is getting married and forgets the groom’s name.
2. Make the hero and the heroine flawed. We all love bad boys and most heroes have a dark side but I like my heroines to have faults too. I’m sorry – but I just don’t get the kickass, I’m better than you heroines who waltz through stories with their sassy attitude and perfect everything. I probably make my characters too flawed but I like my heroine to NEED the hero. Doesn’t mean she has to be subservient, just that she’s someone the reader will identify with. And the guys? They have to be larger than life, good-looking (even with that odd scar or too), strong alpha males. The head turning sort, the ones that we all go – yum – to. I don’t mind if they’re nasty tempered, sulky, silent or sarcastic, so long as there is something about them that makes them vulnerable and capable of love with the right woman. I know a lot of writers plot out the characters carefully before starting to write. I don’t. I let the characters develop with the story. It works better for me that way but its just personal preference.
3. Plot matters too! Since I outlined above the basics of a romance as– two meet, fall in love, fall apart and then come back together – what plot is needed other than that, you might cry. There’s not much that hasn’t been done in romance so you have to make your characters interesting enough and different enough to carry the basic plot. Which is why having them flawed helps. Conflict comes into this. I absolutely believe you have to create a strong reason for them to be kept apart – either through their own mistakes or failings, or through the actions of others. Strong conflict keeps readers turning pages and drives the story forward.
4. Humor. I want to read it and I want to write it. I love snappy dialogue. I love men who’re funny and women who give back as good as they get. I want readers to want the hero for themselves and to see themselves as the heroine. I hope readers laugh out loud at some parts of my books. This links to the desire to be entertaining. The whole point of reading anything fictional, let alone romance, is that it takes you away from your ordinary life. It lets you forget for a while that dishes need to be washed, ironing needs to be done, dog needs to be let out – excuse me a minute…so the stories and characters have to transport the reader to another world where everything will – see the next point…..
5. end Happy Ever After. All my stories are HEA. Not for me, the happy for now. I want my hero and heroine together and looking forward to what life is going to bring them. I want their lives to be happy because I want readers to believe that can happen for them too. I know plenty of great love stories end with hero or heroine or both dead – not mine. Ever.
6. Yes, I know I said five but how can I miss out –SEX. The level of sex in a romance can vary from sweet to full on erotic. I’ve noticed a tendency for ALL romances to have more detailed sex in them these days, just less than in an erotic romance and not so varied. Even thrillers and suspense novels seem to insert the obligatory scene or two. It’s hard to please all tastes over the amount of sex in a book. Too much for some, not enough for others. But the golden rule for me is that the story must stand without the sex, that the plot is complex enough, the characters interesting enough to carry the story and make people sigh when it ends.
Learn more about Barbara at her website or her blog.
Another Taste of Sex on the Hoof
Jul 11, 2011 Filed under: book release, excerpts, m/m, paranormal, shapeshifter, vampire
Here’s a never-before-seen scorching excerpt from Sex on the Hoof…….
Protect and Serve: Sex on the Hoof by Silvia Violet
Blurb:
Deer shifter Jason Fleetfoot has turned his life around. After years of taking chances, he’s got a job as a crime lab technician, and he’s determined to forgo the risky behavior of his past.
Then he meets Drew Danvers, the only undead detective in the city. Jason hates vampires, or does he? Drew defies all the stereotypes of his kind and something about him has taken hold of Jason and won’t let go.
Will Jason take a chance on a man others would label a risk to his health if not his very life?
Excerpt:
I wake to the sensation of a hot mouth swallowing my cock. My eyes fly open. The sight of Jason’s lips stretched around me makes me gasp. He glances up at me, smiles, and goes back to his work, sucking, licking, making me crazy. One of his hands lifts my balls, gently squeezing, his thumb slowly caressing me in time to the rhythm of his mouth. His other hand slides over my abdomen and across my chest until he finds one of my nipples. I suck in my breath as he rolls it between his fingers.
I mean to let him choose the pace, play with me any way he wants, but my hips have a mind of their own, bucking up against his mouth. He moans and pulls back to lick at my cockhead, like it’s his favorite flavor of lollipop.
“Don’t hold back,” he demands, before swallowing me whole.
How can I deny him? I fist my hands in his hair, holding him in place as I thrust upwards into his mouth. It takes him a moment to adjust to my pace but then he starts doing things with his tongue that defy description.
The sight of my cock disappearing into his mouth is making me crazy. He glances up at me, eyes sparkling with obvious enjoyment. I groan and thrust deeper into him. He slides a finger between my legs and circles my hole. I bite my lip to keep from whimpering. He pushes into me as he sucks me even harder.
I don’t want it to end but after a few more seconds I can’t hold back the hot rush of climax. With a shout, I let go and shoot my load down his throat. He takes every last drop, continuing to lick and suck after I collapse against the mattress.
“You’re fucking amazing,” I say as he gives me a final kiss and lays his head on my stomach. I feel him smile against me.
He draws circles on my thighs with his fingers. After a few moments, he glances up at me and licks his lips. “You taste so damn good.” He closes his eyes, a dreamy look on his face. “Like the woods after a rain or early morning after the first snow. I could suck you all day.”
My chest constricts, and it takes me several seconds to find my voice. “I won’t stop you.”
He laughs and tries to sit up, but I push him down, pinning him to the bed. I wrap a hand around his erection. “You’re not going anywhere until we do something about this.”
Sex on the Hoof is out now!
Jul 7, 2011 Filed under: book release, erotica, m/m, paranormal, shapeshifter, vampire
Protect and Serve: Sex on the Hoof has been released by Changeling Press. I’m so excited about sharing this story with readers!
Blurb:
Deer shifter Jason Fleetfoot has turned his life around. After years of taking chances, he’s got a job as a crime lab technician, and he’s determined to forgo the risky behavior of his past.
Then he meets Drew Danvers, the only undead detective in the city. Jason hates vampires, or does he? Drew defies all the stereotypes of his kind and something about him has taken hold of Jason and won’t let go.
Will Jason take a chance on a man others would label a risk to his health if not his very life?
Hump Day Eye Candy, July 6
Jul 6, 2011 Filed under: eye candy
Such lickable arms!
Celebrate the 4th with a FREE story – NSFW
Jul 4, 2011 Filed under: book release, eye candy, free story, m/m
My story, Time to Tell, is now available as a FREE read at the m/m romance group at Goodreads. By becoming a member of this group you can read over 100 free stories this summer. Look through discussions under the Hot July Days section to find it.
Each story is based on a prompt and a photo. Here’s mine, provided by the lovely Patricia Farrington,
We grew up together, best friends and all that.
Joined the Army, damn the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” crap!
We almost lost one another on a special mission….how does our story play out?
Hot Cover Art for Sex on the Hoof!
Jul 1, 2011 Filed under: book release, erotica, eye candy, m/m, paranormal, shapeshifter, vampire
I’m so excited about my cover for Sex on the Hoof. Check out the hotness!
Protect and Serve: Sex on the Hoof by Silvia Violet
Blurb:
Deer shifter Jason Fleetfoot has turned his life around. After years of taking chances, he’s got a job as a crime lab technician, and he’s determined to forgo the risky behavior of his past.
Then he meets Drew Danvers, the only undead detective in the city. Jason hates vampires, or does he? Drew defies all the stereotypes of his kind and something about him has taken hold of Jason and won’t let go.
Will Jason take a chance on a man others would label a risk to his health if not his very life?
Excerpt:
I’m Jason Fleetfoot. I’ve made a lot of stupid mistakes in my life. The stupidest of all was taking a job with some assholes intent on manufacturing illegal chemical weapons.
My sister, Natalie, lost her job when her company folded, and I lost mine because my fucking boss was a bastard. I’ve got authority issues. And control issues. Alright, I’m seriously fucked up, but I wasn’t going to let my sister starve because I couldn’t keep it together.
So I made a deal with the devil and damn near got myself and Natalie killed. She saved me, she and her cop boyfriend, Wolf. The name’s not a joke. He’s a werewolf. Did I mention we’re shifters, Natalie and I. Deer shifters. If you think my human form is impressive, you should see me as a ten point buck. So yeah, a werewolf and a deer shifter. Somehow they’re making it work.
As much as I hate being beholden to Wolf, I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for him. Once the cops cleared me, Wolf helped me get a job in the crime lab where I can use my knowledge of chemistry and computers for the good guys.
As the newest hire, I work nights, babysitting the equipment and working on what comes in during the wee hours. For the most part, I like it. It’s quiet and I get a chance to play around with new techniques and do a bit of programming. There’s only one problem, Detective Drew Danvers.
He works nights too. Not because he’s new, because he’s a God-damned vampire. They say he was Changed against his will. But what the hell was he doing picking up a vampire at a bar? I certainly have no intention of fucking a vampire. No matter how damn fuckable Drew is. Yeah, I like men, what of it? And Drew is a fine specimen of a man, like some Viking warrior. He’s at least 6’3” with sculpted arms and pecs that make him look like he could lift a truck one-handed. Considering he’s a vamp, he probably can.
Getting involved with Drew would be stupid on too many levels to count. And I’m finished with making stupid decisions. So why does my body want so desperately to be impaled on him – his cock, his fangs, anything he’d like to stick in me. Natalie’s right, my dick really doesn’t communicate with my brain. I don’t just want to fuck him, I want to be taken by him, and I never want that. Like I said, I have control issues. But with Drew . . . No, there’s never going to be anything with Drew.
I hear the buzz that signals someone entering the lab. I glance around from behind the mass spec machine. Shit! Speak of the devil or in this case his undead minion.
My pride will not let me hide even though I want to. I’m not afraid of him, even if I should be. I’m just afraid my unruly cock will give away my interest.
His gaze slides up and down my body. He’s looked at me like this before. But I have never been sure whether it’s sexual interest or him salivating over me like I’m a piece of the lush chocolate cake my grandma used to make on Sundays. “You alone in here, Fleetfoot?”
Shit, maybe he does mean to make a meal out of me. No point in lying though. He probably already knows the answer. Aren’t vampires supposed to be damn near omnipotent? “Newton called in sick, and everyone else is out in the field.
“Good.” Danvers smiles, still eyeing me like I’m prey. If I was in deer form I’d bolt, white tail flagging danger. But I’m a man and his ice blue gaze has me glued to the spot. God above, he’s gorgeous when he smiles. My cock is starting to get uncomfortable in my jeans.
My heart pounds as I try to interpret his response. Does he mean “good I’m going to give you to the best fuck of your life” or “good I’m going to drain your blood and leave you for dead”.
Sweet Treats: Brownies
Jun 30, 2011 Filed under: recipes
Thanks to Xavier, I’ve been on quite a brownie kick recently. I’ve made Oreo Brownies which are orgasmic in the extreme and next up I want to make these sea salt caramel brownies. But today I’m going to share my recipe for plain old regular brownies because sometimes a brownie is just a simple comfort. And sometimes I just need to eat a spoonful, okay several spoonfuls, of the batter so much that I make these up just to indulge myself. And if some get cooked, so be it. I like my brownies dense and very chocolatety so my secret ingredient is coffee which in small quantities brings out the flavor of chocolate without adding the taste of coffee, not that I mind a nice espresso brownie on occasion.
Silvia’s Brownies
4 oz unsweetened chocolate
3/4 cup (1.5 sticks) butter
1.5 cups sugar
1/4 cup strong brewed coffee
3 eggs
1t vanilla
1 1/4 c flour
Preheat oven to 350F. Grease a 9x13in pan. Melt butter and chocolate together in microwave. I heat about a min and stir and then continue heating in 20 second intervals until everything is melted. Stir in sugar, coffee, eggs, and vanilla until well combined. Then stir in flour. Spread evenly in pan and bake approximately 30 minutes, less if you like them gooey and not quite done like I do.
Hump Day Eye Candy, June 29
Jun 29, 2011 Filed under: eye candy
Striking!
Guest Blogger – Amber Skyze
Jun 28, 2011 Filed under: erotica, guest blogger
Today we welcome Amber Skyze. Come on in and see what she has to tell us about herself and her writing….
Tell us about your latest release.
My newest release Chasing Forever, is about two best friends crossing that line and becoming lovers and the struggles it can cause.
What is your favorite genre to write? What other genres do you enjoy?
My favorite is contemporary erotic romance. I also enjoy adding suspense to a few of my books.
Do you have a favorite character from one of your books? My favorite character is the hero, Nathan Donovan from Splashing Good Time. It was my second published book, but this hero still holds my heart.
Is there a style or genre of writing that you haven’t tired yet but you’d like to explore?
I’d like to try a shape shifter one day. I love white tigers and would love to write a story around one.
How do you make time in your life for writing?
I get up extra early, usually around 4am, when the house is quiet. I write until it’s time to get my teen up for school. Now that school is out I may sleep an extra hour. :o)
What do you like to read? Do you have some favorite authors?
I read a variety of books from historical to chick-lit and non-fiction.
If you decide to take a Saturday off, what are we likely to find you doing?
If it’s summer I’m at the ocean or floating around my pool.
Choose six adjectives to describe yourself.
Hmmm, shy, quiet, inquisitive, protective, caring, and passionate
Describe the perfect meal.
Surf and Turf – a nice filet and lobster tails…yes, plural I can eat two tails. :o)
If you were a dessert what would you be and why?
My favorite – strawberry cheesecake!
Thank you for joining us, Amber. Learn more about Amber and her writing at her website or her blog.
Chasing Forever by Amber Skyze
Blurb:
Jordyn has longed to make her relationship with best friend Diego more than platonic. Her body drips with need to know what it would feel like to have his lips kissing every inch of her skin. Desire to wrap her legs around his waist and plunge into deep waters with him fills her every dream.
Diego is one with the ocean. His passion is surfing and chasing that ultimate wave. He doesn’t have time for a relationship. Or does he?
A storm is brewing and when a tragedy occurs, Diego and Jordyn need to decide if they’re both chasing the same dreams.
Excerpt:
An Excerpt From: CHASING FOREVER
Copyright © AMBER SKYZE, 2011
All Rights Reserved, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.
Chapter One
Jordyn sat on the beach towel watching Diego riding out the waves. Her pulse raced. He knew he shouldn’t be out there. Hurricane Ivan was heading inland and the weatherman had warned of the dangerous undertow. She’d attempted to chase a few waves, but once she’d swum a few yards she knew it was a mistake. She’d quickly swum back to shore and waited while her best friend tried to prove he was smarter than the ocean.
The waters had turned mean and ugly over the last twenty minutes and the sky was an ominous gray. The hurricane was moving closer. A breeze came in off the water and a chill passed through her body. She’d unzipped her wet suit down to her waist, exposing her bikini top when she exited the water. She should cover up again in case the rains poured down.
She scanned the waters. Someone on a Jet Ski buzzed around, stopping every so often to take some pictures. She hoped he would keep away from the jagged rocks. The razor-sharp rocks were Jordyn’s bigger fear with Diego being out on the water. One wrong move and a wave could drag him under and throw him against the rocks, ending his life.
Jet skis were prohibited at any time on this part of the beach, but it didn’t stop them, especially on a day like today. They’d swarm around the surfers—in this case, just Diego—hoping to get a great shot of him nailing a thirty-foot wave.
Hopefully that’s all he catches.
She scanned the beach looking for any other fools. People with cameras hoping to click the ideal picture of the perfect storm peppered the sand.
“Dumbasses,” she muttered. What did that make her? She was on the beach too. Why had she allowed Diego to convince her this was a good idea?
“Because I’m a fool too.” She buried her foot in the sand and watched how the tiny particles glided between her toes. If she was smart she’d grab her board, jump in her Jeep and hightail it back to her place. Common sense flew out the window when it came to Diego, because she was head over heels in love with him.
Too bad he doesn’t feel the same. He loved her like a sister he’d said a few too many times, especially on drunken occasions.
If she’d had a nickel for all the times he’d said, “If you weren’t like a sister to me, I’d fuck you.”
How her pussy moistened with the thought. A few times she’d been tempted to sock him one and other times she’d wanted to tackle him and show him the woman inside waiting for him to fill that void deep within.
Instead she’d sat back and waited.
