Hot Stuff From Liz

Turning up the HEAT with Jack and Sara

2012-02-12T04:00:00.001-05:00

From Floor Time, the Realtors: Book One.
Now available from Tri-Destiny Publishing.
Set up: Jack and Sara have just spent several hour working to try and justify an appraisal "do over" so that their challenging transaction will close. Work time, however, is over....

“This is really why you wanted me here, right Jack? I mean, we could’ve done this over the phone.” Tension she’d held since the awkward morning meeting he’d invaded ebbed away in spite of her submissive position on her knees. She took a breath, let go, and let the touch of his capable hands on her shoulders relax her. The music changed again and Sara heard laughter in the hall, but somehow, she didn’t care.

“You like this as much as I do--I can tell. Sort of scary really," he stood in front of her now, hand on his bulging zipper.

thanks for following Jack and Sara! One more week and I'll start excerpting the sequel to Floor Time: Sweat Equity!

Be sure and catch all the amazing talent this week at Six Sentence Sunday!

A REALTORS Excerpt-a-Palooza Weekend! (WARNING: potential spoiler)

2012-02-10T09:00:00.014-05:00

Read to the bottom, answer the question, maybe win $15 of ARe Omni book bucks!

So, as you should know IF you are a good little follower I have a hot new series out.
THE REALTORS:

Love is an easy word to use, a hard one to demonstrate, and sometimes impossible to trust.

The Realtors is a sweeping epic, encompassing over ten years in the lives of two people who know how to love with their bodies, how to please and get pleasure, to control and be controlled. When it comes to the deeper meaning of the one word they both need, backgrounds and personalities get in the way and while their physical connection sizzles they continue to disappoint one another emotionally.

Jack Gordon has it all--money, success, a string of women--but with a deep longing for something more. When he thinks he finds it with Sara Jane Thornton, his world is never the same again. Sara releases his natural Dom, a side of him he'd thought buried out of frustration and unhappiness. Sara knows a true submissive must trust implicitly, something she cannot associate with him, no matter how many times she tries, and he fails.

With a rich cast of secondary characters, including a young man who presents a near-perfect foil to Jack's intensity, and who falls hard for Sara; The Realtors series is a romantic saga with an emphasis contemporary life and love, with a healthy dose of white-hot eroticism. Modern, busy, driven characters living lives of purpose and real-time stress, seek the ever-elusive and highly coveted combination --a friend, lover and trusted advisor who will be there for the long haul.

Because I love you, I am gonna highlight THREE Excerpts from the critically acclaimed FLOOR TIME, first of the series.

But first! my latest review....click here (for a major big-time ebook
giveaway)
(here's part of it: ***Did I mention that the sex is beyond hot and you will need a hose? *** Oh wait; if you’ve ever read Liz, then you already know that, right?)
Harlie Reader Loves Jack (hard not to if you are a breathing female) and Sara and wants YOU TO GET A FREE COPY!! CHECK IT OUT! read the review, make your comment. I am sweeting the pot by offering yet another freebie (signed by yours truly). We will run this over the weekend....

And now, let's dive deep into Jack Gordon's head shall we? Post first connection with Sara:

It had been nearly a year since he first saw her—really saw her—when she walked out of that penthouse condo, wearing that fine, just-fucked look on her lovely face. A solid year and his obsession with her had only increased. Usually, when a woman proved to be inaccessible he moved on to the next one. Not this time.

The evening hadn’t gone at all like he had planned. Figuring she’d be dressed for work and would want to go out he had come straight from his own office, and had the night planned from start to finish, not really anticipating his need to take her, right then and there. Something about her had forced him closer, only for a taste. Of course, he’d gotten a lot more than that. Her meeting his need halfway only served to ramp up his urge to take, to own, up against the wall like an animal.

Her early hesitation and shyness reinforced what his research had predicted. The lovely woman had gone a while without a man’s touch. It had only made him want her even more. The usual, smug, self-satisfied feeling eluded him and it pissed him off. That coupled with the twitchy need to have her again, to make her beg for him, made him embarrassed and horny in equal measure.

Shit. What the hell, Gordon?

Jack ran a hand through his hair. He sensed she still had pent up energy. He wanted to release it; wanted more than anything to prove he was the man to do it. But he’d be damned if, for the first time in years, he hadn’t let himself go. Allowed himself orgasm without consciously keeping his distance. When she had reached up to capture his lips at the last moment, he hadn’t even tried to resist. He’d wanted to be completely aware of her as he shared the ultimate connection; her scent, her hair, her lips. It was as if she knew he normally resisted contact at that moment. He had clutched her ass with one hand and relished the firm feel of her skin and muscle underneath as her amazing walls continued to spasm and contract along the length and width of him. It hit him hard, in his gut and between the eyes, not only in his cock.

When she’d gotten embarrassed again after they were done, he’d had to move away from her, or risk acting like a sap. She had looked devastating—her hair disheveled in the back, her color high, and her lips swollen from his kisses. It was one of his favorite looks on a woman—the “Well Fucked by Jack Gordon” face. He knew it well. He would gladly have picked up her and plunked her down on the floor and given it to her again and again to get that connected feeling back. It warred inside him, the need to possess and please, to control and satisfy, all at once.

He shook his head once again as he pulled into the parking lot outside the restaurant. Get hold of yourself man. She’s just another pussy—a pretty sweet one at that. You’ve managed to break that office in, enjoy the afterglow?

He smiled as she pulled in behind him and eased out of her car, long, sexy legs leading the way. Damn, the woman was hot. He held out an arm, she took it with a skeptical look and they walked into the restaurant together.

As for Sara, let's see what she thinks when Mr. Gordon shows up at her Open House, bearing gifts:

She watched as Jack unfolded his tall frame out of the corvette, and walked around to reach into the passenger’s seat. It struck her that she had never seen him in anything but a suit, or at least dress pants, shirt and tie, as she admired his ass in the dark jeans. He looked good enough to eat. Sara pressed her thighs together in anticipation.

Panic replaced her blooming desire. Surely, he didn’t think she would leave her open house an hour early.

What was he doing at her open house? Was there a problem with their deal?

She glimpsed a shopping bag from Whole Foods in one hand. He grinned at her, lighting up his arresting eyes. Her breath caught in her throat.

Shit.

She had made a vow to herself she would not get caught up in the Jack Gordon whirlwind. However, here she was, high and mighty, and yet about to explode with need for his lips on hers.

Double shit. She sighed.

“I thought you might be lonely all the way out here and we should have a picnic, what do you say?” He made his way to the front door. He wore a plain burgundy T-shirt, those jeans that hugged his front as nicely as his rear, and driving shoes. Momentarily blinded by lust, she fought the impulse to pull him into the foyer and make him fuck her until she was spent.

Nice, very nice. The guy brings you a picnic and you want to skip right to the after-play?

Turning on her heel, she headed back into the house without even responding to his suggestion, assuming he would follow her. Sara realized she had to get control of herself before talking or her voice would surely betray her blatant desire. She glanced at her watch. Three p.m.; she had to focus on her job for one more hour. Let him wait.

“Don’t you have an open house of your own?” She sounded a tad more irritable than she intended.

“Nope.” He walked right into her personal space, brushed her hair out of her face and kissed her. His firm lips remained noncommittal. She shivered, and he kept his hand on her neck, under her hair. He caressed her almost absentmindedly as he looked around at the house.

“Well, the view is great,” he admitted, as he strode into the front bedroom suite. Sara watched as he strolled out of that room, looking at the high cathedral ceilings made of light ash wood. He whistled, picked up his grocery bag and walked into the kitchen. His quick eyes took in the skylights, the new gleaming stainless steel appliances and tile floor.

“Nice, but it’s sort of cold in here, isn’t it? Maybe some color, some flowers or something would help?”

“Fuck off Jack; I don’t need your help. Why are you here anyway?”

“Easy, tiger, easy,” he leaned on the counter top. “I know you know what to do. I can’t help it. It’s second nature for me to say something about the house first.” Sara caught herself clenching and unclenching her fists, and stopped. Damn the man anyway. She couldn’t even stay mad at him. She slumped against the doorframe.

“It’s a shit listing. I don’t get any showings and hardly any new buyers from these open houses. The sellers could care less that it sits here and gets stale,” she sighed. She relaxed, only to have her desire for him rush over her like a tidal wave, so she moved away hoping that would help. He attended to his grocery bag, and began setting stuff on the counter.

“What the hell am I going to do when a guest shows up, Jack? Put that crap away.”

“It’s okay babe, we’ll just say we rolled out the red carpet for your potential buyers with these nice strawberries, with cream. He pulled the last container from the bag with a flourish.

“You are insane, you know that?” She stared at the array of stuff on the counter.

“You won’t think that when I show you this amazing bottle of wine I found. I forgot I had it.” He pulled out a green bottle, with a French label of some sort, two wine glasses and a corkscrew.

“Um, yeah, well, I’m not really comfortable doing this here, I mean, it’s not my kitchen.” Sara stammered as she took another step away from him to get his smell out of her nose.

oh....just one more....'cause I KNOW You wanna (buy link is at the bottom, just sayin') this is XXX RATED:

They've had a tough day, and are about to blow of steam the best way they know how!

Jack smiled at her, once again nearly melting what small bit of resolve she had. She stood up straighter. He stepped in closer, cupping her chin in his hand.

“I’m just as afraid of losing mine,” he declared, making her skin flush. His lips hovered just out of her reach. “But I’m willing to risk it.”

Fully realizing she could be getting the “worst thing” just as easily as the “best thing,” Sara succumbed. Jack’s lips, tongue, hands, body, she wanted them all, right there, and desire blinded every logical synapse she possessed.

“That’s my Sara,” she startled at his possessive words. “I know what you need. Let me show you.” She nodded as his lips and teeth found her neck, sucked, bit down and made her yelp and moisture flood her panties. The deep growl of his voice, the way he gripped her, it made her weak and shaky, all reactions new to her in the arms of any man.

He reached back and grabbed the beautiful tie he’d been wearing that morning. He raised an eyebrow and without a second thought, she held out her wrists for him. “No, turn around first.” She trembled as she turned but he held her steady, pulling both arms behind her.

The soft touch of silkiness grazed her flesh. Jack swaddled her skin in the luxurious fabric, then put his hands on her shoulders and pressed her to the floor. He remained behind her, out of her line of vision. Sara tensed, fighting her body’s need.

“You like this as much as I do. I can tell. Sort of scary really,” he stood in front of her now. She licked her lips at the sight of his bulging zipper. He put a hand on it, making her squirm and her thighs clench. He was suddenly eye level with her, his gaze hard. “I haven’t done… this… in a while.” He swallowed hard. “But I think it’s something I need. And I promise you won’t be disappointed.” His hand cupped the back of her neck and drew her in. His lips and tongue were fierce, rough and possessive. Sara moaned and leaned into him. She gasped when he broke away.

“Please, Jack. I want you to. I’m,” He cut her off by bringing her to her feet then pressing her into the chair. He grinned as he pulled her shaking knees apart. The hand he pressed against her mound nearly burned, bringing a moan to her lips.

“Yes, I know. That’s the thing. I know exactly what you want me to do.” He slid her skirt up slowly, hooked a finger in her panties and with a jerk, had them ripped in two. “Don’t ever wear these again.” She nodded and leaned back as his lips settled around her clit, tugging it into his mouth, and tried very hard not to scream.

“Ask me.” His voice was low. She shuddered. “Ask me if you can come.”

The room faded. There was only her and the man between her knees. No anger, no stress, no residual discomfort. Only him.

“May I…oh God,” She gripped her hands together, still bound in the tie, as he teased her with his tongue. “Please, may I come? Jack?”

“Yes. You may.” He pressed fingers high inside and sucked her clit back between his lips. The orgasm ripped through her, tearing her in two as effectively as the discarded silk on the floor.

And now just because I'm feeling extra generous and for those of you who want a quick peak into the early days of the next installment, I give you The Proverbial Morning After from Sweat Equity, which will release in about a week from Tri Destiny Publishing:

New Year’s Day

Sara sat, blanket clutched to her breasts, breathing heavy with sweat trickling down her neck. She was shocked the entire resort didn’t awake from her scream. Glancing over at the sleeping man next to her, she tried to let his presence soothe as it normally did. He snored and rolled over onto his side, flinging an arm across her lap.

The tall woman from her dream would not fade. “You can’t trust him Sara. Believe me. He only gave you that ring because he couldn’t have you any other way. He’ll be up to his old tricks soon; mark my words.” The vision of the dream woman turning to a tall, familiar dark-haired man and wrapping her lean body against his, made Sara clench her eyes shut. Dreams were supposed to fade once you woke.

She crawled out from under Jack’s arm and the tangle of sheets and sat on the edge of the bed, letting the ocean air rustling through the sheer window coverings cool her overheated skin. The moonlight caught the diamond she wore, making her wince when it hit her square in the eye with its brilliance. Swallowing hard, she padded over to the enormous bathroom, shut the door and slid to the floor, letting tears roll down her face. Evidence of the intense session they’d shared last night lay all around her. Soft leather restraints, a bottle of expensive champagne, a vibrator and a bottle of lubricant. She squirmed on the floor, sore in places she didn’t know she had.

Jack certainly knew how to throw a party. She brushed the tears away berating herself.

You liked it. Don’t be such a hypocrite. You love giving him control over you this way.

The fact that he’d whisked her away on a surprise New Year’s Eve junket to St. Bart’s, to this remote, secluded and ultra-exclusive resort that “supported” their apparent lifestyle choice had shocked the shit out of her at first. But by the time he’d worked her into a frenzy on the private jet and they’d emerged in the paradise of seventy-degree weather, ocean breezes and more of his fingers, lips, tongue and cock, she gave into it, loving every breathless minute.

“Hey,” a soft knock and the sound of his deep, morning gravelly voice made her startle. “What’s up in there?”

She stood, splashed water on her face and opened the door, smile fixed on her face. He frowned and pulled her into his arms. She sighed, letting the mysterious way he calmed her by his sheer presence work its magic. It was so strange, amazingly erotic, highly charged, and seemingly perfect. But for the dreams.

“I have an idea,” he spoke into her hair.

“Huh, if it involves my ass again, we’d better wait twenty four hours.” She giggled at his groan, felt his cock stir against her and suppressed her own surge of horniness.

. “Seriously, I may not sit for a week. Not that I’m complaining.”

“I’m serious.” He stepped back, took her face between his hands. His deep blue gaze did its usual song and dance on her emotions. “Marry me.”

“I already said yes to that remember?” She flashed the giant ring she still couldn’t adjust to on her finger. “Under duress I might add.”

He smiled, ran a finger over her lips. “No, Today. Here.”

She frowned at him, her brain skipping ahead to what exactly that meant. No big wedding. No parental or brotherly stress. Tying herself to this man forever, without friends or family to witness. Tempting.

“I can’t.” She shrugged his hands off her and walked over to the window, winding a soft robe around her nudity.

“Why not?” His hands on her shoulders, encouraged her to lean against his tall, firm body. “Why go through the torture of planning an event we know will be stressful as hell for everybody involved? Besides, I’m gonna be so busy with this new building thing, I won’t really be much help. And I just think…” he leaned down to brush a kiss against her cheek, making her shiver. “I’m afraid we aren’t cut out for the whole big wedding thing. You know?”

“No, We’ll be fine. I’ll plan. You nod your head at the appropriate moments. I don’t need you to do much more than that, other than show up at the right hour in the right suit.”

He snorted and flopped down in a large leather chair. “Yeah, that and write checks I imagine.”

She rolled her eyes. “No, I told you my dad would pay…”

“Stop. Right there. We discussed this already. See, look at us, fighting already. C’mere you sexy beast,” he yanked her down onto his lap, covered her protests with his lips, letting his hands roam under the robe, pulling it off her shoulders.

“Jack,” she whispered, threading her hands in his thick hair, letting him take her again, away from a potential conflict, with his body. “You may be right, but, I can’t do that to my mom. She wants me to have this moment, the walk-down-the-aisle moment, and I think I do too, okay?”

“Baby, I want whatever you want, as long as it makes you happy.” She pushed his face up off its current mission towards her breasts, making him look at her.

“Do you really mean that?”

He sighed, and wrapped his arms tight around her, holding her so close she heard his beating heart. “I do. There. See? I even know how to say the right words.”

“But…” She stood, unwilling to let this go yet. “I’m still worried, I mean, you sprung this on me and I need to know.”

He stood in front of her, took both her hands. “You can trust me. I promise. Even if you are denying me the simple joy of a quickie wedding in paradise.” His grin was contagious. She shoved the misgivings that cropped up and haunted her for hours every time she had that same dream into a small corner of her mind and wrapped her arms around him , sucked in a deep breath of him, and kissed him, long and deep, making his cock stand at attention between them.

He gripped her ass, pulled her legs up around his body and dove in, no preamble, as he dropped her onto the bed. She gasped. “Wait! No condom.” He sighed and eased in further, silencing her with his lips. Oh well, it wasn’t a dangerous week for that and damn did it feel good. She cried out his name again, and again, logic lost once again in the swirl of physical satisfaction that only Jack could provide.

Whew....those two....but stay tuned. things go a little, as the English say, "pear shaped" not long after this fun get away!

In the Meantime....here is the question:
What kind of car does Jack drive?
Leave you answer....I'll pick one lucky winner for some Omni Bucks. And remember, Harlie is giving away a copy of FLOOR TIME on her review blog!!

Thanks for following

have a great weekend!

Liz

A Second Chance with Debbie and Liz

2012-02-09T04:00:00.003-05:00

Welcome to my Tap Room Debbie!

What can I pour you to start?

How about starting me off easy. what do you have that is similar to Labatte Blue?

Wolverine Premium Lager--my best seller and my official "Gateway Beer." You will love it.

so let me just say now I love the little flamey thingies that follow my cursor around on your website. Did you design that yourself? How long did it take you to jump on the website/blogging wagon? I started my website shortly after my first story was accepted. 2006 I believe. Everyone I talked to said it was a necessity. I did the website myself with the little flamy things, but a good friend revamped it and I love the way it looks now.

What are other things you do to promote yourself?

My writing partner, L.J. Gardner and I have a blog, I am a member of various yahoo groups and try to visit other blogs and comment when I can. The whole promoting thing is hard for me. Believe it or not I tend to be shy, lol.

Tell us about the very first book you got published. Was it a smooth journey?

Mountain's Echo was my baby. Of course I knew nothing about writing or publishing and thought it was going to be a piece of cake. I had it written in 3 months and had no idea where to go from there. So I did some research and came across RWA. Deciding I was serious about this book and writing, I joined RWA and eventually joined a critique group. That was when I really started learning. The crit group was great and so helpful. It was a very boucny road, but about nine months later Mountain's Echo had a home.

ok empty glasses---what can I pour you next?

Hmmmm....okay, how about something a itty bit darker. Ease me in slowly to the dark side, lmao!

Because I am a sheer marketing Genius I predict that you will thoroughly enjoy Wolverine Dark lager. Trust me. I'm the Beer Wench.

You have a new 1NightStand coming out with Decadent Publishing. What's it about?

Second Chance is about an Air Force Special Ops Lieutenant who lost his wife in child birth while he was away on a mission. Two years later he is still punishing himself over the guilt he feels for not being there when his wife needed him. His sister-in-law, Emily, is raising the baby and he has distanced himself from them. He supports them financially and visits, but doesn't feel worthy of his daughters love or the new attraction between himself and Emily so he withdraws from them even more.

Emily, with the help of one of his teammates and Madame Eve, hopes to show him how wrong he is.

It seems that most of your books have a suspenseful element, is that true?

I have a couple short stories, like Second Chance, that are contemporary, but the majority of what I write has the suspense element in it. Is that your favorite sub genre? Very much so, I love romantic suspense and the element of danger. Strong heroines and even stronger hero's are a must. I love military themes and those oh-so-hot cowboys, lol.

What would you say is the heat level of the majority of your books?

Spicy, but not erotic. There is sex in my books, but not just for the sake of sex. It story driven.

nightcap time: What's your poison?

Okay, lets do it. There is some Irish beer that is layered. I think, lol. It's dark, but I have no idea what it's called, I saw my mother order it once in an Irish Tavern and have been curious about it ever since, but never had the balls to order anything like it. Any idea what I'm talking about?

It's called a "black and tan" but because I do not make ales I can't do that. What I can do is offer you something rich and lovely, my newest addition, a Baltic Porter.

But for the record: "black and tan" is a pale ale, blended with a stout.

thanks for stopping by!

attached any and all cover art, photos, links and what not and consider offering a contest for comments.

I will give away a copy of Second Chance to one of the commenters.

Blurb:

Lieutenant Colin Beckett, US Air Force special ops, lost his wife in childbirth while off on a mission. Two years later, he’s still trying to come to grips with the guilt that tortures him. And to complicate matters, he finds himself undeniably attracted to his wife's sister, Emily. Struggling with his desire, he tells himself he doesn’t deserve a second chance with such an amazing woman.

Emily wants Colin in her life and her bed. Enlisting the help of Colin's teammate's and Madame Eve's 1 Night Stand dating service, she plans to prove to Colin he can have everything he lost once again.

Will their one night lead to the happy ending she longs for or the loneliness he thinks he deserves?

EXCERPT:
Colin took a step back and cringed. “Aw, shit, Bobby. What’ve you done?”
Bobby punched Zeke in the shoulder and shook his head. “Nothing bad. Actually, it’s so simple you’re gonna kick your ass for not thinking of it first, Ghost.”
He doubted it. More than likely he would kick Bobby’s ass. The man worked overtime to hook him up, like he was a damn charity case. If he wanted to get laid, he could go find his own. Unfortunately, the only woman that spurred his senses in the last year had been Emily. He wanted her so bad he caught himself thinking about her during the day and woke up sweat-soaked and hard at night from dreaming about her.
Shit! Maybe he did need to get laid. “I repeat, what have you done?”
Zeke jumped up. “See, there’s this woman named Madame Eve––”
Colin threw his hands up. “Whoa, whoa, whoa! This is low even for you. I don’t need a freaking prostitute. Damn, Bobby. What the hell are you thinking?”
Bobby laughed. “Not that kind of madame. She runs an elite dating service and sets up one-night stands for consenting adults. It’s a no-strings-attached kind of thing. Just two like-minded adults looking for a night of pleasure. That’s it. You both go in with your eyes open and leave the next more feeling a lot less stressed.”
Colin crossed his arms over his chest and lifted a brow, “And how does she go about finding these people and matching them up?”
“Don’t worry I’ve checked it all out. You go on her website, fill out the application. Then she matches you up with someone who meets your needs. She names the date and place and the rest is on you. It’s all legit.”
“You sound like an infomercial.” Colin shook his head. “This is fucking crazy, ya know. I have no trouble finding my own women.”
“Never said you did, Lieutenant,” Zeke said. “But this way you don’t have to troll the bars, hoping to find a woman who wants to get her rocks off exactly like you. We know that’s not your scene, but this way everyone gets what they want and walks away happy.”
Bobby glared at Zeke. “Where the hell do you come from anyway?” He returned his gaze to Colin. “More like a night of mutual pleasure.”
“I have my own ways of relieving stress.”
Bobby snorted. “Uh, yeah. I’m not talking about whacking off in the shower, dude.”
Colin rubbed his hands over his face. Good God, had he really been reduced to this? "Fine."

Sascha and Liz, Sittin' a....Bar....

2012-02-08T04:00:00.007-05:00

Welcome to my beer bar! What can I pour you to start?
Tell me about your beer. I like hoppy and high in alcohol, but I'm pretty open!

(BEER GEEK MOMENT: "gulo gulo" is the scientific name for the Wolverine....)

*cracks knuckles* FINALLY! okay, here---The Gulo Gulo the world's FIRST "India Pale Lager" about 7% ABV and 70 IBUs and the first of my breweries "Gulo Series". "Gulo Noir" is next, an India Black Lager, coming out in June.

You are a rare bird, a dude writing hot romance! Love it. What got you started in this? Who inspired you?
I have a LOT of anger and aggression inside that needs to come out in a non destructive manner and have carried a huge burden on my shoulders forever. I knew others like me existed and that while I couldn't see a fix for myself, I could attempt to help them. I tried my hand at writing erotica and made a successful career but slowly realized that my stories all had the wonderful HEA with them. That made me happy and gave me courage to continue pursuing romance as a genre. Mistress Koi of Very-Koi.net was the inspiration to start writing erotica but as far as authors are concerned, Emma Holly, Christina Feehan, Diane Whiteside are only a few of the names that inspire me.

What was the first book you had/got published?
That would be "Erotic Flowers - a collection of erotic poetry. Sizzler Editions picked that up in 2000. A year later they picked up Sensualities, a collection of short story erotica. At the same time, eXtasy books had bought A Christmas Favor, a Harlequin style romance novel written for my sister.

Tell us about Decadent Publishing
The folks there are good. I'm pretty thrilled so far to have a release last month and a release this month both in the 1Night Stand series. Both storeis are truly stories of acceptance and trust, but Surrender to Love is really my story for a loved one who needs to see that sometimes, true power comes from within. And that love can come in all shapes and sizes, but unique love comes from those who know you.  .

wow--can't wait! I love serious emotion in my hot romance.
Look! empty Glass! what can I pour you next?
What do YOU like? Let's give that a try!
Oh honey, I like it ALL but because you are YOU and it's February, I'll pour you an early glass of our FAUSTIAN STOUT BALTIC PORTER, a roasty, chocolately, porter-style beer, deep, dark and delicious.

You have a radio show I believe. How does that work (i.e. how does a Wench such as myself snag a spot)?
I do have a radio show on Radio Dentata. The UnNamed Romance Show airs twice monthly now with a huge focus on me and the process of craft, writing and the industry. One show focuses exclusively on the industry, my beefs, towards publishing and towards writers, the other show focuses half on the former and leaves time for a 15 minute excerpt from current or previous work to be read by our lovely and very sexy Oceania. A beer wench should send me a case of what she wants me to try and review (I have another show that does luxury alcohol) and we can definitely get you on. Shows are pre recorded and then edited/aired with promotion on twitter, facebook and newsletter.
(pats Sascha's leg under the table and winks. Count me in. I'm sending beer to both Draft Magazine and All About Beer--2 major national pubs who've finally succumbed to my publicity onslaught and agreed to feature me so I'll put you that list)

What is your favorite sub genre within romance to read and write?
Paranormal romance. The reason being, I have a LOT of anger and angst that needs to come out. Paranormal romance allows me to put the heaviness into perspective and let the reader see that just as the characters suffer, the readers suffer and get to release those emotions safely. Without poisoning their bodies or damaging their minds. They're allowed to heal if they just read the story. Just follow the characters. Pick one, both male and female in my stories are damaged but together they show each other hope. Then they go on the journey. Afraid, just like the human condition.
Again, stories after my own heart. I don't write paranormal and sometimes readers/reviewers are put off by how "real" my real people are, but it's what I enjoy writing so don't plan to stop.
What's on your nightstand/ereader?
Wish I had time to read. I will tell you I look forward to WILDER by Christina Dodd, anything new by Yasmine Galenorn, Carolyn Jewel and Diane Whiteside share special places on my nightstand.

Time for a nightcap! what's your poison?
Bourbon or port with my before bed pipe.
Sorry sweet cheeks. no alcohol but beer hear. Let's share a short pour of my bourbon barrel aged Oktoberfest from last year. Divine.

Erotic Romance Author – http://saschaillyvichauthor.com

Fetishist – http://www.saschaillyvich.com

Radio Dentata - http://shows.radiodentata.com/shows/unnamed-romance-show/

Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/SaschaIllylvich

Erotic Expert – http://www.writesex.net
Surrender to Love: Buy at ARe: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-surrendertolove-677676-144.html

Gettin' Naked with a Professional! Tiffany Lawson Inman Cracks Open Blue Cruise for a Critique!

2012-02-06T04:00:00.001-05:00

Honey Badger Don’t Care About A Well Written Romance…

But I Do. AND SO DO YOUR READERS.

What genre comes to mind when you think about great writing craft? For me, it’s Literary Fiction and Suspense Thriller. Those are the ones that pop into my head straightaway. Forgive me, but it’s usually not…um...Romance.

Until now.

Maybe I’m jaded because I open BIG name romance novels and am crushed to see that some (not all) of the writing is rushed. Writing craft, sloppy. Is it something that happens when you have too many deadlines? When you already have a big name you can ride on?

Here is an example of when it might pay off to be a smaller name. She’s not a clichéd Rock Bottom Brewery. She’s more like that little pub on the corner, on the street that you love, with an absolutely comfortable vibe inside that is unique unto itself.

Liz Crowe.

I happened upon Liz Crowe a few weeks ago while trolling through the Savvy Author loop. Bumping from author blog to author blog. Something about her made me stop and look closer.

· Her blog is fun and informative, interesting brewery theme – and wow – she is working HARD!

· She has several different romance series going on – I like it when writers can wear more than one hat.

· And this is the MOST IMPORTANT – I downloaded a Kindle sample of one of her titles.

She has MUCH MORE than flashy hot flesh in her novels and on her covers – she has a fabulous handle on WRITING CRAFT!

If you already read this blog, you know who she is and what she’s all about. But do you know her writing?? Writing craft is my passion. In my Triple Threat Behind Staging A Scene class, I teach writers how to incorporate several different elements into their scenes in order to make them move and grab their readers. Action scenes with flying fists and hurling hammers aren’t the only scenes that have action. When I say I want more ACTION in a scene– I am talking about emotion, pacing, character power, dialogue, character needs, physicality, setting, AND the choreography. I think I might be missing a few in that list… you will just have to take my class to find out. *cheesy grin

Moving on.

When I cracked open my Kindle Ap on my IPad and started reading Liz Crowe’s Blue Cruise , a romance, with ALL of my favorite scene writing elements –oh boy was I excited!

You want proof and analysis don’t you. No problem. I’m going to let you read an excerpt from Blue Cruise (One Night Stand Series) By Liz Crowe.

I’ll be interrupting from time to time for a NakedEditor dissection.

Honey Badger SHOULD care, because this is where the sweet stuff is. ** If you don’t get the Honey Badger reference, I will share a link at the bottom of the blog. You will get a kick out of it. I promise!

A sudden, piercing pain between his eyes made him grunt and lean up, forcing the woman drooling on his shoulder back into her own seat.

“Jesus.” He rubbed the bridge of his nose. A flight attendant set a bottle of water on his tray. He gulped it down, but instead of helping, the pain spread, making him squint and grab his temples, trying to quell whatever thrashed around behind his eyes. He groaned and sat back, dreading the thought of a migraine on the last three hours of this flight. Then, as quickly as it gripped him, the headache left. For the first time in his memory he literally saw stars. He took deep breaths until his head cleared when a massive wave of panic replaced the pain.

He yanked his seatbelt off and stood. Running a hand over his stubbled face, he tried to fathom what in the hell was happening. It had to be some sort of anxiety attack, brought on by memory, anger, fear, and longing. Jesus, whatever it was it sucked. Shoving his hands in his trouser pockets, he started pacing the aisle, willing the lump away in his throat. He sat again. Got antsy. Stood and paced some more. Flight attendants gave him worried glances.

NakedEditor Dissection Break:

Okay! We have “liftoff!”

· Cadence shows movement, Active Description, Word choice: A sudden, piercing pain between his eyes made him grunt and lean up, forcing the woman drooling on his shoulder back into her own seat.

· Crisp choreography, Smooth transition into internalization, Vivid visceral: “Jesus.” He rubbed the bridge of his nose. A flight attendant set a bottle of water on his tray. He gulped it down, but instead of helping, the pain spread, making him squint and grab his temples, trying to quell whatever thrashed around behind his eyes. He groaned and sat back, dreading the thought of a migraine on the last three hours of this flight. Then, as quickly as it gripped him, the headache left. For the first time in his memory he literally saw stars. He took deep breaths until his head cleared when a massive wave of panic replaced the pain.

· Active description, Self touch visual for reader to see the character, Crisp and Emotive Choreography, Smooth transition into internalization: He yanked his seatbelt off and stood. Running a hand over his stubbled face, he tried to fathom what in the hell was happening. It had to be some sort of anxiety attack, brought on by memory, anger, fear, and longing. Jesus, whatever it was it sucked.

· Good cadence showing rising emotion, Strong Pacing, Vivid Visceral: Shoving his hands in his trouser pockets, he started pacing the aisle, willing the lump away in his throat. He sat again. Got antsy. Stood and paced some more. Flight attendants gave him worried glances.

Ready for more Blue Cruise? Okay!

Nothing helped. If anything, he became short of breath. His heart pounded in his ears and he tried to lecture himself into calmness. Attempted to picture Tarkan’s soft eyes, imagine his hands on his shoulders, rubbing, soothing away Caleb’s Type-A stress. For some reason, for the first time in years, he couldn’t conjure mental images of his lover at all. That tore it. He took four long strides to the flight attendant’s area. He had to be quite a sight, eyes wild, hair standing up where he’d pulled at it for the last hour, but he no longer cared. Something was seriously wrong.

No one acknowledged his presence. That was odd. First class passengers typically wouldn’t tolerate being ignored. Caleb cleared his throat. The group stayed clustered around a small screen in their kitchen area. He muscled past them. Someone in the group quickly flicked off the screen. The attendant who’d been bringing him drinks fixed a smile on her face, but he saw the fear in her eyes.

“What.” His jaw ached from clenching it.

NakedEditor Dissection Break!

· Vivid visceral, Visual and smooth internalization: Nothing helped. If anything, he became short of breath. His heart pounded in his ears and he tried to lecture himself into calmness. Attempted to picture Tarkan’s soft eyes, imagine his hands on his shoulders, rubbing, soothing away Caleb’s Type-A stress. For some reason, for the first time in years, he couldn’t conjure mental images of his lover at all. That tore it.

· Crisp choreography, Active character description, Sharp powerful mood change: He took four long strides to the flight attendant’s area. He had to be quite a sight, eyes wild, hair standing up where he’d pulled at it for the last hour, but he no longer cared. Something was seriously wrong.

· Fast and simple transition, Clear incorporation of secondary characters, Emotive body language for POV character. No one acknowledged his presence. That was odd. First class passengers typically wouldn’t tolerate being ignored. Caleb cleared his throat. The group stayed clustered around a small screen in their kitchen area. He muscled past them. Someone in the group quickly flicked off the screen. The attendant who’d been bringing him drinks fixed a smile on her face, but he saw the fear in her eyes.

“What.” His jaw ached from clenching it.

Okay, okay, I won’t interrupt anymore…if I can help it. This time YOU dissect and tell me what sweet writing you see!

“Nothing sir, can I get you anything else?” The group disbanded, doing their jobs, completely silent. He used all he had not to yell with frustration. Obviously whatever had happened, no one planned to share it with passengers who might panic. His gut rolled again.

“Water,” he croaked. “Can I…?”

Someone shoved a piss-warm glass of water into his hand—again, very unlike the formerly polite and attentive crew. He took a deep breath, tried to catch the eye of the uniformed woman now carefully ignoring him. Giving up, he stumbled back to his seat, his knees suddenly unreliable. What in hell is going on? Whatever it was, he didn’t want to face it, hoped the flight would simply go on and on forever, never setting down and forcing him deal with the utter devastation that must have occurred. Was it an earthquake? Was Istanbul hit by terrorists? He talked himself out of the doomsday scenarios playing in his head, popped an aspirin, and concentrated on getting some sleep. Anything to hold at bay what was about to make him throw up the bourbon, food, and water he’d had that day. He settled for fuzzy daydreams about Tarkan, their smoking hot beginning, turbulent early days, and the moment he gave in to his true heart and admitted how he felt. He sighed, ignoring the niggling sharp pain that had developed behind his eyes again and drifted. Memories crowded his medicated brain, tumbling around and bringing home the very first time he realized he’d found the love of his life in Turkey.

********

Caleb startled awake, his lover’s soft brown eyes appearing to him the moment the plane touched down in the U.S. As soon as they appeared, they were gone, making his gasp with anxiety. Yanking his leather bag down from the overhead bin, he shouldered his way out, setting his face such that no one questioned his rudeness. One foot in front of the other, one more foot and I’ll be out in the terminal, find a fucking television and see….

“Sir!”

He spun around, annoyed. The attendant was there, holding his phone. “You left this.” He yanked it from her hand. Her eyes were full of tears.

He gritted his teeth and continued the endless journey out of the plane, up the jet way and out into the hustle and bustle of LAX. People milled around, eating, drinking, going about their business. Caleb found someone in a uniform.

“Where is the nearest television?” The man frowned at him. He must look and sound like a crazy person, but he didn’t care. The uniform pointed to the massive screen right behind him. He heard it before he saw it, the calm tone of the CNN talking head booming out over the gate area.

“The Turkish capital Ankara has come under terrorist attack. Parliamentary offices were bombed and nearly destroyed. Hundreds are feared dead. It is believed the military was the target of the attack as details are emerging about an entire Turkish military battalion stationed there being completely decimated.”

The screen was awash with devastation. The camera jerked, jiggled, and showed the same image over and over again. A dazed-looking woman, covered in dust and blood wandered in front of the camera as a policeman intercepted her, rushing her away from what used to be the Parliament building. Her wail of utter terror and pain, on an endless loop on the huge screen reflected exactly how Caleb felt.

His vision darkened from the edges inward. Hands guided him into the nearest seat. For the next thirty minutes, he stared at the screen and watched his life end, over and over again.

Are you sitting forward in your seat?

Gripping the laptop?

Heart racing just a little bit?

Are you worried about this character?

Yes you are!

This is what GOOD WRITING CRAFT will do for your fiction. It will bring on the passion.

Want to learn how to do this? HEY YOU WRITERS - Leave a comment and your name will be added to a drawing to WIN a spot in The Triple Threat Behind Staging a Scene: An Actor’s Take on Writing Physicality, Choreography, and Action Quick – it starts this week!

Comment below and tell us what grabbed you the most from Crowe’s writing! Or, what part of your fiction you think needs some Action and Passion. Or, just say “Hi!”

WAIT! ---------WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU ARE GOING?

Pop down to the bottom to comment, if you think you will forget, or stay here for a MINI-INTERVIEW with Liz – she answers some interesting questions here!

------How do you approach an action scene? Action scene, meaning: actual action between two or more characters, OR, emotional action, back and forth dialogue between two or more characters. A.B. or C.

A. You have a big conflict in mind and you tackle the piece as a whole, writing it as it comes to you. Explain this process.

B. You have several actions or emotional hits to make and you tackle it Dwight Swain style (Motivation Reaction Units.) cause/effect, stimulus/response. Explain this process.

C. None of the above. Explain your process.

I am a notorious Pantser, and not only that, I’m a “marathoner” once I have head written to the point that I’m nearly insane with the need to get the story out there.

I’m also very linear---I’ve tried to leap over a difficult scene to something already “done” in my head, but I just cannot do it. Scenes, dialogue, and overall plot flow fairly organically for me and if they don’t, I will stop, walk away and come back, usually within the hour, the thing sorted out thanks to a run, walk, or something designed to force my brain to “rest.”

While I typically do know how a story/novel will end, I fill in the middle as I go including the major conflicts.

-------How important do you think it is to connect the characters to the setting and description actively and emotionally? Do you have a list of descriptive elements you want to showcase in the scene before you start writing, or do you go in after you’ve started writing and add it in?

My books/novels are typically set outside the norm. My “Brewing Passion” series is set in the craft beer industry, meaning brewery, attached “tap room” and the environs owners of a brewery will find themselves in like brewing conventions and on distributor sales days. Therefore, I find myself doing world building for readers in a way that will hopefully draw them in, keep them interested with just enough detail without boring them cross eyed. I use the unique settings to create characters in equally unique situations.

I have 2 upcoming novels both set in the same “world” and so must balance the need to explain the setting with the urgency to move the story forward without too much detail.

I have a series that is mostly set in Istanbul, Turkey as well, which required a fair bit of intensive “back story” and setting description to pull the readers into it. The setting of these (Turkish Delights) truly IS a character, to my mind, and my human characters interact with and within it (as either natives, or expats who fall in love with it—and with the natives). My natives sometimes “hate” their country, and want to escape but it pulls them back, ultimately. My expats “love” the place and the people/person in it, but usually must leave.

---------Writing your way through relationship growing scenes often come with a dose of anxiety for most writers. Do you find these scenes easy to write, in comparison to a scene between two people without a love connection? What is your process while writing your characters into a relationship? Body language, types of dialogue?

I’ve been told by readers and reviewers alike that my characters are some of the most “natural” they’ve encountered. I build a lot of secondary stories into my longer narrative, giving my main characters close friends, family members, even co workers that they interact with and find personal interaction some of the easiest writing to do. I’m annoyed by stories with people who only act or react to one or maybe 2 other people. That’s not realistic to me and I like my romance/erotica/chick lit or mainstream fiction as realistic as I can get it.

To dial it back to the basics, I typically take the 2 people involved in my story (if there is a 3^rd they come later), plop them into a situation wherein they must deal with each other, be it via a work situation, awkward family setting or otherwise and …. Make them deal. That brings out a lot of their true selves as it were, especially to me. Many (most?) times that “situation” involves intimacy, typically physical. That scene will sometimes end up at the beginning of the story but it’s been known to get moved around to the middle or end, depending on how things shake out in the revision process.

I love characterization—creating fictional people so bloody compelling based on the way they interact with others and come through in their own heads via their Point of View that my readers are salivating to actually meet them in person. I’m told I’m fairly good at that.

----- Is there any part of writing craft that you struggle with? Or a struggle that you have overcome?

My struggle right now to be perfectly honest is a “where do I go next” dilemma. I have had some fairly stellar successes this year, publishing 3 shorts stories and 4 novels, and in 2012 I will publish 7 novels/novellas and sold my first one to one of my targeted publishers Ellora’s Cave (“Lust On Tap” is a brewery based ménage romance novel slated for a late 2012 release).

I have 2 more projects in mind for the year, one brewery based time travel and another hot soccer m/m love story one for each of my bigger publishers.

What I’m thinking right now, is “time to find and agent?”

I want to grasp the brass ring of NY contracts. I’m a voracious reader, I study the market, I think I have some stories that would fly. But how to take the time from the round of writing/editing/promotion necessary to make even the smallest dent in the huge machine of writers out there in order to find an agent?

Somehow I don’t think you will have a problem getting an agent – you are a GOOD writer! I’ll make you a tee-shirt, in case you forget *snicker snicker!

Well, thank you Liz, for letting me SHOW OFF YOUR WRITING, and for answering questions a lot of writers out there are asking themselves.

WRITERS DON’T forget to leave a comment! Your name will be added to a drawing to WIN a spot in The Triple Threat Behind Staging a Scene: An Actor’s Take on Writing Physicality, Choreography, and Action

Quick – it starts this week! Buy 2 of MY classes, get 1 FREE! See the Pre-Valentines deal at: http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100002828888002

LEARN MORE FROM NAKED EDITOR! Join me for my February class at Lawson Writer’s Academy: The Triple Threat Behind Staging a Scene: An Actor’s Take on Writing Physicality, Choreography, and Action AND I have a new class starting in April – Madness to Method: No matter where you are in the writing process – this class will crack open your psyche to reveal dynamic character, motivation, and reaction; showing you how to activate emotion you never knew you had. ** What was the Honey Badger all about?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r7wHMg5Yjg

Tiffany Lawson Inman is a freelance fiction editor and writing instructor. Find out where she’s been guest blogging, where she’s going to be next, writing/editing tips, and her EDITING SERVICES at: http://bit.ly/NakedEditorFictionWritingBlog

Sara Bites....Jack Listens....Six more from Floor Time

2012-02-05T03:00:00.000-05:00

Greetings and welcome to six more from my newest release "Floor Time, The Realtors: Book One" available from Tri Destiny Publishing now.

Jack and Sara....what can we say?

“Ow! Son of a…” he stepped away holding a hand over his mouth. Sara’s body shook and she had to sink to her heels. She could taste blood and knew she’d bitten hard, and meant it. But her brain had shut down, leaving her alone with raw regret and a sharp kernel of unmet need. She knew at that moment she’d do whatever he wanted although part of her tried to fight it. He pulled her to her feet, his midnight blue eyes gentle and concerned.

Read More blurbs and such here.

And yet MORE from amazing talented writers at www.sixsunday.com

thanks for your time and comments.
Liz

Chatting and Signing and Selling, OH MY!

2012-02-03T03:00:00.003-05:00

I'll bet anything that when you wrote That Novel, be it romance, mystery, crime, sci fi, western, chick lit, mainstream whatever you never thought you'd be a salesman.

Nope.

You are an Artist. You Create. You are Above the Fray. Not inclined to Enter the Yammering Hoards.

Let someone else handle that, slightly unpleasant task. The Selling.

For those of who have cut our professional teeth on selling, this part is pretty easy. I sold "warm fuzzy feelings" as a United Way acolyte for several years right out of college, armed with my English degree and a "anything but teach" mentality as relates to my career. Then, I worked in non profit fund raising, event planning, donor schmoozing--the real hard sales of sales.

THEN I sold myself as a marketing consultant a few years until the golden moment when one of my architect clients said to me: "You are really good at this. You should get your real estate license." I did. And I did it well.

As many of you really good followers know, I was approached about applying my aforementioned sales skills to a new venture. A craft microbrewery in a sea of same. So I jumped, about the same time I leapt into writing erotic romance.

I've been clamoring to be heard above the fray ever since.

Figures I would take the leap into 2 highly (newly) popular venues at the same time.

But I slog on, relentlessly seeking opportunity for book promotion, beer promotion and otherwise shameless self promotion. To that end I did a fun thing today: a "Spreecast" for a "virtual book signing thanks to my INCREDIBLY CREATIVE NEW PUBLISHER
Tri Destiny.....Click here for submission guidelines.

All you newbs and rooks and folks with manuscripts floundering on slush piles: you owe it to yourselves to polish up your subs and send them in to these folks. They are bound and determined to find all the tricks, use all the tools, work all the angles so that you are not left to flounder around in your new role as "book salesman." Because like it or not, that is what you are.

That brings me to the gist of my post here. To Agent, or not to Agent?

I have had a fair bit of success and 2012 promises to be pretty sweet in terms of releases (and yet more book selling on my part). But is it time to step up? Do I NEED the assistance of an agent? Are the "big 6" still the only legitimate path to success? Can an agent take me the next step or is it a waste of time?

I know, I know, it all depends on what I want. On my goals. On my dreams.

I will tell you flat out: I want to write a book, or a series of books that gets optioned for either a premium cable series or a movie. And within all the loud, clamoring, yowling throng of "romance/chick lit/semi-mainstream sexy novels" out here, is the only way to be truly heard via the mouthpiece of Another?

I wanna know.
have a good day chickens.
Liz

Across the Beer Bar with Doris O'Connor

2012-02-02T03:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my Tap Room Doris! What can I pour you to start?

Hi Liz, so great to be here. A beer would be wonderful, even better if you have anything German!

Okay, BEER SCHOOL MOMENT: the word “lager” means “to store”….in German. Germans invented lagers. I ONLY make lagers. So, yeah, you’re good. Here, try this one. Wolverine Dark Lager---roasty, rich, but with a clean finish characteristic of lagers in general.

I'm just gonna say now, I love your book covers....that fireman one? Too Hot To Handle---whew. awesome...

Yeah, Alex is pretty sexy. Well, fire fighter and half Italian, what more can a girl want! Kitty and he have some awesome chemistry ;-)

Tell us about the first book you got accepted. How long did it take? How did you handle getting those first edits?

The first book I ever had accepted was Scandinavian Scandal. The day will be edged in my memory forever. I was heavily pregnant at the time and when I got the e-mail I screeched so much hubby and the kids thought I’d gone into labour. Lol. Still amuses me that I didn't!

My sexy Swede was first born in September 2010. Mills and Boon were running their New Voices competition so I fired off a first chapter and submitted. I didn't get anywhere with it, but I finished that first version of Scandinavian Scandal, submitted and again didn't get far. I put it to one side for a bit, wrote other things and after I'd written Awakening, which was my first erotic piece, I decided I was going to turn into an Erotic Romance. I completely re-wrote it and Noble picked it up J That same week Breathless picked up Awakening. The rest is history as they say.

My first edits were actually for Awakening and I did them all with a two week old baby either attached or on my lap. Now that was an experience, lol. I clearly remember, opening the word doc, hyperventilating at the amount of comments and shutting it again, thinking Oh God, I can't do this. Then I told myself I was a big girl and just got on with it. I learned tons, during those edits and Mason, my editor, was and is fabulous. She was incredibly encouraging and really helped me to make the story shine. I re-wrote the ending and it's soooo much better now than it was.

You have paranormals and contemporaries published it seems. Which do you like writing best?

If I had to pick, then probably paranormals. I love paranormals because you can torture your characters so much more and I do love to torture them, my heroes in particular, lol. And the whole world building that goes with them is pretty cool. Lure Of The Blood started off as an Erotic, shortie contemporary, actually, but my characters had other ideas and it took on a life of its own, like my stories always do, it seems.

Contemporaries are fun to write for other reasons. At the moment my stories are pretty evenly split between contemporary and paranormal. Time will tell. I just do as I'm told and write what they tell me to. Resistance is futile, it seems, so I don’t even try anymore, lol.

If you had to name one writer for inspiration who would it be?

Just one? Man that's tough. Probably Charlaine Harris. I fell utterly in love with her Sookie Stackhouse Series and still re-read it often. Eric, mmmm, lol. Of course she is paranormal. Hmm I'm sensing a theme here…

Though to be honest any book that I've read and liked inspires me in some way. Heck, even the ones I didn't like, inspired me, in a 'I can do better than that' kinda way. And my list of favourite authors grows daily. I'm a voracious reader and will read all sorts.

Yeah I read them but frankly I like how HBO sexed it up and changed some of the hokier aspects of the story. One of the few successful translations book to screen I’ve seen. Mmmmmmm……Erik……

Oops, glass is empty, what can I get you next?

Another one of these will do, it's very nice!

Okay, speaking of GREAT COVERS, your Breathless Press release, Awakening is totally eye catching and gorgeous. What's it about?

Isn't it just! Between you and me, it is my favourite cover. It's just so WOW worthy. And him, that stare. Heck I wrote the story and I must say the art dept got him so well.

Astrid is a straight laced school teacher, who is sent to a sexual fantasy island by her best friend as a birthday treat. She goes kicking and screaming, cause she doesn't do fantasies. Famous last words and all that. The few sexual encounters she's had have not been satisfying, shall we say.

She wakes up in her very own Arabian fantasy and is ordered to pleasure Prince Rashid. He's a hard man to resist and she discovers that submission is the key to ultimate pleasure. You have to read the story to find out how it all ends ;-)

What are you working on now?

I'm almost done with Lucas' story. Readers will have met him in Lure Of The Blood. So many people have said to me that Lucas needs his own story, so being the obliging girl that I am, I thought I best pen it. Ion and Marnie and a few of the other characters make a re-appearance too J

I also have two Anthologies and a naughty nursery rhyme coming out soon and numerous story ideas flitting around in my murky mind ;-)

nightcap time--what's your poison?

Make it a large Baileys or two or three…

Aiyeeeeeee and we were doing SO WELL.

Beer dear, that’s it. I like you so I’ll share some of our just released Faustian Stout Baltic Porter you lucky girl you.

Thanks so much for having me. Whoops, shouldn't have worn those heels and errr why is the floor spinning?

Oh Lord, after 3 beers? You people are lightweights….or cheap dates.

I gotta train you up!

Links

Website http://www.dorisoconnor.com/

Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/mamaD8

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Doris-OConnor-Romance-Author/241366635885432

Buy links

https://www.nobleromance.com/Books/363/Scandanavian-Scandal

http://www.breathlesspress.com/awakening-0

http://www.evernightpublishing.com/lure-of-the-blood-by-doris-oconnor/

Got ebook? Get it e-signed! Plus Hot Soccer men video.....

2012-01-30T09:36:00.000-05:00

We've come a long way haven't we?

I mean, I guess all those "big time writers" can still jet set around places like Cincinnati (No, I'll read my Lover, Reborn book without whatshername's signature on it, thanks), Milwaukee, New York, wherever and sit in boring book stores and actually sign books with ink.

Not us! No siree! We have high faultin' technology at our grubby fingertips and will use it...THIS WEEK!

Thanks to the smart folks at AUTOGRAHPY LLC and my shiny new publisher TRI-DESTINY and their new line of erotic romance: SIZZLIN BOOKS I am gonna meet my fans (yes, mom I see you) all around the world (yes, dear brother I see you too) virtually. We are gonna chat about all manner of stuff including but not limited to
My Writing Process

I made him put on a shirt---only I get to be inspired by his six-pack.

Hans, my lederhosen-wearing yet shirtless 6'5" blond haired blue eyed muse who is currently pouting in a thoroughly adorable fashion 'cause I won't let him whisper any more details of our 2 new projects in my eager ear....

My life as a realtor that inspired the epic series
Why I like poodles

Craft Beer (yeah, I own a brewery)

Soccer men and their torsos, ah, talent

Floor Time, and why you will LOVE Jack Gordon and his nemesis/love of his life Sara Thornton
Sweat Equity and Closing Costs and what you can expect from the continuing saga

Why Turkish men are the hottest on the planet

Upcoming projects (see Hans? I'll let you whisper a little but only if you massage my shoulders at the same time)
And more

PLUS I'll give away a few signed copies of Floor Time, The Realtors: Book One

all details and how to login, join me are here:

http://www.sizzlinbooks.com/

it's a cool, fun, new thing.
Join me!
I promise a lively conversation!
Liz

Realtor Banter....six more from Jack and Sara

2012-01-29T01:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome back to The Realtors: Life in the House Lane Book One

Floor Time.

Jack Gordon is a bit of a know it all, but has he met his match in Sara? He's interrupted her open house, where she'd been sitting and fantasizing about him anyway...

“Fuck off Jack, I don’t need your help--why are you here anyway?”

“Easy, tiger, easy,” he leaned on the counter top. “I know you know what to do--I can’t help it. It’s second nature for me to say something about the house first.” Sara caught herself clenching and unclenching her fists, and stopped. Damn the man anyway--she couldn’t even stay mad at him.

Thanks for stopping by and for your comments. Floor Time is NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON, ARe, and on the Sizzlin' Books Website!

Be sure and check out all the amazing talent at the Six Sentence Sunday site today!

The Good. The Bad. The Utterly Horrific.

2012-01-27T02:00:00.004-05:00

Boy has it been One Of Those Weeks...I suppose it's a sign of how busy and interesting one's life is when so many events of magnitude occur in a 10 day span but that whole "may you lead an interesting life" thing is not meant as a blessing.

Here is some good stuff:

Hey! I sold a novel to ELLORA'S CAVE! Yep, Jasmine the Queen of the erotic novel has deemed one of my scribblings worthy and after a fall spent in the doldrums of rejection I did it! For those of you who know damn good and well how hard that was, I accept your kudos. For those of you still trying, don't give up! For those (few I'm sure) of you who think "well, anyone can do that" I say---nothing.

"Lust on Tap" is a brewery-based, menage love story. That's all I'll say for now. I have a revision project in my inbox blinking in neon that precludes me even giving a blurb yet!

I'm psyched.

Also, the City of Ann Arbor in its infinite wisdom and in support of a successful small business (or whatever) has given me the green light to expand my brewery! AND I don't have to pay a "tap in" fee for a bigger water service. It's a long, boring story of "capacities per square inch" and "fire rated doors" I could recite in my sleep but I'll spare you. All you need to know is by getting creative, and having an equally creative architect in my corner I saved my company $100,000 and will be moving forward ASAP to add another 100 to my Tap Room capacity and another 270 barrels of fermentation space to my brewery plus a bunch of other fun "toys" and projects that will keep my brewers leaping about in happiness for days.

AND....my latest and most heartfelt series of novels: The Realtors is on the verge of release. We will be hosting a "virtual book signing" party at the Tri Destiny site for Floor Time, the first of the series on February 1st. Details to emerge but you can buy a signed version that day....

Blurb:

Love is an easy word to use, a hard one to demonstrate, and sometimes impossible to trust.

Now for the Bad:

I have effed up my upper back somehow, likely slinging cases of beer combined with long stretches sitting at a computer. I can barely move it! Chiropractor time, I guess. Ick.

And, my aunt died over the weekend. My mom's older sister, she had moved to Florida a few years ago, but continued to live an unhealthy lifestyle as a heavy smoker and by the time she had a stroke between Xmas and New Years probably weighed 80 pounds and was five foot eight. We were not close. But I have been talking with my cousins a lot, and it's given a bit of a window into how hard it will be in the coming years.

Plus: I have had to fire my cable in internet provider AT&T Uverse after 4 years of fabulous reliability they've obviously cut the budget or there is a gremlin in their lines or something as I have had spotty AT BEST and completely useless AT WORST coverage since November. Comcast has been re-hired with the caveat: Don't Fuck This Up or it's Direct TV for me.

And the utterly horrific:

My teenage daughter has been suffering from chronic UTIs for months. She has lived with pain "down there" more or less non stop since late September. We've done ER visits, had ultra sounds, xrays, invasive gynecologist exams, endless visits with pediatricians, urologists, said gynecologists. She's taken four different types of antibiotics, we've tried aggressive supplement therapies, laxatives, relaxation, nothing is working. We have 2 very invasive diagnostic tests yet to go, one today, one on Feb. 6 for which she has to go under general anesthesia. But I am very much afraid that the diagnosis will be: Interstitial Cystitis. Or: "We have no idea what this is but you will be in pain the rest of your life so deal with it thanks, see ya later."

No lie. Of course she already thinks that is what we will be told and is beside herself, trying to have final exams, take ACT/SAT prep classes, consider college. How can you consider college, or any sort of life beyond the "right now" or incredible pain? I am at a loss and it's killing me.

It is at best a life of constant pain, without any hope of a sex life at worst, completely debilitating. but maybe that's redundant.

I would never in a million years compare this to a diagnosis of cancer but I can tell you she is facing the rest of her life as someone who looks well on the outside but is suffering unbelieably on the inside. And there is absolutely no "cure" merely "pain management" which has its own scary pitfalls. Being the aggressive individual that I am I have already researched holistic therapies, practitioners, acupuncturists, talk therapists and more and will launch THAT wave of attack once we have the cytoscopy and hydrodistention in February.

But what do you say to a formerly completely healthy teenager when she cries when she reads things like "you have to alter your idea of what a sex life will be." Not that that is her major concern. But wouldn't it be, for you? Children are likely out of the question as well, much less anything resembling a normal relationship.

Life.

What doesn't kill you....drives you to drink.

thanks for listening.

Liz

Across the Beer Bar with Berengaria Brown

2012-01-26T03:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my Tap Room Berengaria!

What can I pour you to start?

I’ll let you choose the beer since you’re the expert, as long as it’s a big glass, and ice-cold.

well, they are lagers so they are supposed to be ice cold (as opposed to ales which, if you receive one served by cold by a stupid waiter or bartender, you should let warm up a little before you drink it in order to fully appreciate its complexity). Here, try my Wolverine Amber, it's a traditional Vienna style amber with a great balance of malt and hops.

I hear you've been dabbling in self publishing...tell us about that journey.

I’ve been writing for a while now, and some of my earliest books are now finishing their contracts. Self publishing definitely seems to be the path of the future, and some of my author friends encouraged me to begin Indi publishing. So I decided to try it on two books for which I have the rights back, “Noticing Nigel”, and “Sappho’s Sisters”.

I had them re-edited, and new cover art designed, then formatted them, and now they’re on the virtual shelves at All Romance ebooks and Smashwords.

“Noticing Nigel” blurb: Matthew is singing in a choir for a special Christmas presentation of the oratorio, “Messiah” by Handel. He’s a tenor soloist. But his eyes are on one of the basses, Nigel, a deliciously muscular and well-built man with sparkling eyes and golden-brown hair.

Matthew takes his courage in both hands at the full-dress rehearsal, and invites Nigel out to lunch, then to dinner.

But can this be more than a one-night stand?

Buy Link: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-noticingnigel-667901-144.html

oooooooo-I love the concept of a romance about a singer who's NOT a rock star. My father was an opera singer and regionally famous choral director. One of the toughest men I've ever sung my soprano part of the Messiah for...

Blurb “Sappho’s Sisters”: Lady Eustacia Lumley is the only child of the Earl of Wentworth. It’s her duty to marry well and ensure the succession.

Margaret Durrell is the fourth daughter of a gently born, but near penniless Vicar. She has no option but to marry a man who can provide for her and possibly for some of her sisters as well.

Both young women are very interested in Sappho’s poetry and ideas. One evening, Margaret has a headache and Eustacia offers to massage her scalp. This leads to sex, and Margaret’s very first orgasm.

They fall deeply in love, but is there any hope for them? Or will they both have to conform to the rigid rules of Regency society?

Buy Link: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-sappho039ssisters-667905-144.html

Okay I'm the first to admit I am horrifically jealous of all you LRC nominees! And you nabbed not one but 2 categories! Way to go! Seriously I will attempt not to claw your eyes out.

Tell us about those books.

Hell, yes! I was stunned to be nominated for Best Ménage (“Untamable”) and Best Futuristic (“Raw Want”.

“Untamable” blurb: Jewel, Donovan, and Oscar live together, but the excitement has gone out of their relationship. She makes holiday plans to spice things up, using the theme of a "White Christmas". Jewel has thought of everything, but will Donovan and Oscar rise to the challenge? Buy link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/new-release-c-1/untamable-ebook-p-677

“Raw Want” blurb: Yuri, Jed, and Lucas claim Ruth as their woman after rescuing her. The men demonstrate their love for her by helping her to prepare herself for the dangers and stress of their journey. Can the foursome learn to become a unit, while searching for more survivors? Weeks of searching reveal no survivors and no clean water either. How can people live under such conditions? Mind-blowing orgasms form a contrast to days of fear and tension. Will their travels cement their relationship or drive them farther apart than ever? Is shared danger and awesome sex enough of a foundation on which to build a long-term relationship? Buy link: http://www.bookstrand.com/raw-want

Yeah, "Untamable" by the way? the most beautiful man cover I've seen in a while, well, since my own Turkish Delights which I have as my computer desk top.

Oh yes, very pretty *wipes drool from corner of mouth*

Oops glass is empty! What's next to drink?

That was awesome, thank you. I will have another!

Speaking of next, will you continue to self pub now that you've done it? I mean I have very seriously considered it as I have the marketing headset for it already. Why not keep all the proceeds? Give some insight into how you plan to go forth from here.

I’ll definitely self publish my books as they come out of contract. Regarding writing something specifically to self publish, I’ll wait to see how the sales go. If these previously published books get a new lease of life, I’ll try something brand new. If not, I’ll need to think more about it. I do like the concept of choosing exactly when to have a book release. Ideally, I’ll like to have a book out every month, and because I write shorter length books, that is (mostly) achievable. But publishers have to fit editing and release dates around their own considerations, which means there can be long gaps between books in a series, or even worse, two books out in the same week, and then I’m left scrambling to try to promote them while working at the day job!

What is your favorite book you ever wrote?

“Shared Possession”. I put a lot of effort into the world-building for this ménage series, and it’s the first book in the series. Shared Possession” blurb: Chevaunne is abducted by three brothers who take her to a new world where brothers share one wife, who is their treasured possession. Jim, Sam, and Paul have waited years to find the perfect woman, and when they see Chevaunne, they know immediately she is the one for them.

After a mind-blowing night with the three men, Chevaunne marries them the next day in front of the entire community. Now she has to learn a totally new life—a new culture, new ways of doing everything. But the sex is amazing, her men are considerate and loving, and Chevaunne is making friends and settling in.

Soon, though, she begins to wonder if she’s losing her mind. No matter how happy she is, she was kidnapped, after all! What was she thinking when she agreed to stay? Buy Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/shared-possession

Okay, a nightcap--what's your poison?

Anything that comes with chocolate!

Okay, you'll like our Neapolitan Porter I'm guessing.

Thanks for stopping by!

Thank you for having me. *hic!*

Berengaria Brown

http://berengariasblog.blogspot.com/

http://berengariabrown.webs.com/

Pasta Anyone? Jessica Subject says "yes please!"

2012-01-24T03:00:00.000-05:00

What I have in common with Flavia (V)

Many readers ask if any of my characters are like me. The answer is always yes and no. Take Flavia from Unknown Futures, for instance:

Flavia lives on a space station found at the edge of our galaxy. She speaks five different Earth languages and several more interstellar ones. Not only does she live in the space station, but she works at the hotel located inside as a concierge. She is blonde, very tall, and outspoken. We couldn’t be more different.

But we do have one thing in common, our love for pasta. When the guests from Earth arrive, Flavia is asked to escort them around the space station, and she also receives a care package from home, including all of the ingredients to make spaghetti. Along with a glass of Canadian Ice Wine, this is the meal she shares with Jewel.

Here’s an excerpt:

V grabbed the tote full of Earth food, which had come up through the cargo tube with Jewel’s luggage. Inside she found pasta, bread, cheese, garlic, red sauce and—oh yeah!—strawberries. Her stomach growled already. She hadn’t had anything besides replicator food in months, the portal being too expensive to start up for only Terran food.

A beautiful woman and delicious food? Perfect. No! She couldn’t have lustful feelings for her charge. She’d make dinner—anything to distract her from slipping into the bedroom and crawling into bed with her houseguest.

It had been so long since she’d been with anyone. Gar, a Phantie she worked with at the hotel, had asked her several times to be one of his bedmates, but she’d turned him down. He didn’t understand monogamy. When she chose a partner, whether male or female, she didn’t want to share them with anyone else. Gar’s current collection of bedmates consisted of five females, each from a different planet.

She started a pot of water boiling for the pasta then opened her last bottle of Canadian Ice Wine and poured herself a glass. She had found a reason to drink it. Now, if only she could figure out a way to get Jewel to the club without making her turn green again.

Unknown Futures Blurb

Attacked as a young adult, Jewel is left scarred and alone. She applies to the 1Night Stand service, believing no one can see past her appearance to love her. But she doesn’t expect to be sent to a space station where her date could be any number of unusual alien species.

Flavia left everything behind to be one of five humans working for the Space Service space station. Extremely homesick, she is excited to learn she will be a guide to a woman from Earth visiting the station for a couple days. She is immediately drawn to the petite woman, seeing past her scars to her true inner beauty, stirring unforeseen desires.

Unfortunately, Jewel is there for a date which Flavia hasn’t been told about. Can she contain her lust and simply show her a good time? Or will she let her desire lead them into an unknown future?

Book trailer: http://youtu.be/HOBmZ9vKwYE

Available from Decadent Publishing and other ebook retailers.

Buy Links here: http://www.markofthestars.com/wp/?page_id=7671

Bio:

Jessica Subject started writing to encourage her daughter to read. Now she writes to keep herself grounded. Although she reads many genres, she enjoys writing Science Fiction Romance the most and believes everyone in the universe deserves a happily ever after. She lives Southwestern Ontario, Canada with her husband and two kids and loves to hear from anyone who has enjoyed her stories.

Website/Blog: http://www.markofthestars.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/jsubject

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica-E-Subject-author/205759796126370

Who's Controlling Who??

2012-01-22T03:00:00.000-05:00

A new snippet from FLOOR TIME, first of The Realtors Series, releasing from Tri Destiny Publishing to launch their "Sizzlin'" Line of erotic fiction:

“Sorry I went off, baby.” He turned her chair around quickly before she could react, so that they sat like passengers on a bus. He rubbed her shoulders as her brain started its usual “resist Jack” mantra. She hated the game he had played with her this morning, hated his easy use of the word “baby” around her, and absolutely despised how much she wanted to hear it again.

She had to get this thing under control.

But maybe you shouldn’t?

More from some great authors at www.sixsunday.com

Covers 'n Blurbs 'n Excerpts OH MY!

2012-01-20T03:00:00.005-05:00

Happy Weekend Everyone!

I am bouncing around like a sleep-deprived whack job today, after spending the past 5 straight days finalizing the 3rd of The Realtors Trilogy: Closing Costs. Not only did I polish the 2nd one last week (Sweat Equity) I got edits for the first one (Floor Time) back to editing and did a MAJOR REWRITE--yeah, essentially I took what I'd fleshed out back in the days before I understood "head hop" or "passive voice" and wrote the sonofabitch completely from scratch. Nearly 40,000 words, started Friday morning, finished Tuesday night.

This series is deeply emotional, you get way into the lives of my H/h and that of their families (yes, there are some side stories that beg telling--I'll let you guess which ones). Here are the OFFICIAL thingies:
SERIES BLURB:

The Realtors: Life in the House Lane

Love is an easy word to use, a hard one to demonstrate, and sometimes impossible to trust.

Jack Gordon is Ann Arbor's most delectable bachelor. At age thirty-five, he's made millions as a top-selling Ann Arbor real estate broker and has the right connections to close a deal by any means necessary. With his rugged good looks and compelling personality, he has a virtual black book most men would kill for and he uses it often, never settling for one woman for very long.

While his D/s past remains buried, exactly where he wants it, an undercurrent of boredom and dissatisfaction runs through his life now. Disastrous experience years earlier made him swear off the whole scene, but the more Jack suppresses his natural Dom, the more his frustration grows.

Sara Thornton, just a rookie in the field, has fast-tracked herself to the top of the Ann Arbor real estate market. Her life evolves into a disciplined and focused routine, exactly what she wants. However, as her career takes off, the fulfillment she seeks remains inexplicably out of reach. The one thing she knows for sure, she will not join the Jack Gordon groupies in her company, no matter how tempting that might seem.

A chance encounter, then a difficult transaction, throw Jack and Sara together and the sparks fly high and hot and often. Forced to confront the compulsions that gain momentum with each sizzling encounter, their relationship seems to spiral out of control until Jack finally admits what he needs, and shows Sara what she's been missing.

SWEAT EQUITY. Book 2:

Jack Gordon thought he’d finally made it. He had a wildly successful career, money in the bank and even returned to his life as Dom, putting an end to a string of unfulfilling sexual encounters. Now that he's made the ultimate commitment to Sara Thornton, he believes all is right in their world. However, a series of misunderstandings and a dose of self-fulfilling prophesy bring his perfectly crafted house of cards tumbling down around him, forcing him to confront lingering misgivings about marriage and trust. Could those be the only two things he can never achieve?

Sara struggles with her intense need for Jack and her desire for less volatility in her busy life, two goals which appear to be mutually exclusive. Although willing to put in the time and emotional effort to make their relationship work, she finds it futile and frustrating, littered with clashes thanks to near-identical personalities and temperaments. Given Sara’s history, easing back into the comfortable status quo becomes easier than fighting a war with the one person who should be her safe haven. But will the easier choice satisfy her the way only Jack can? Is her "war" one that comes from without or within?

Buffeted by circumstance, temptation and distraction, Jack and Sara’s tenuous relationship crumbles, sparking a continuous quest for the ever elusive: trust, love and acceptance. By the time they rebuild a foundation for renewal, fate has other plans. This leaves them both reeling, once again questioning their destiny.

CLOSING COSTS. Book 3:

Love conquers all? Not likely, according to Sara Thornton. She's spent eight years coming to terms with the new parameters of her life while resigning herself to the idea that “happily ever afters” are best left to fairytales. Sales manager for her successful real estate office and juggling an added element of responsibility she never thought she'd face, Sara continues to struggle with the men in her life. Love, for her, has only meant hurt, broken trust and anger; all of which she’s completely banished from her life, so she claims.

Jack Gordon has come a long way since his earlier days of obsession with Sara. As the general manager of Stewart Realty, his own level of responsibility for the well-being of others has ramped up. He’s even honed his caretaking skills, now that he has someone who loves him unconditionally.

Continuing to invest effort and rebuild their relationship, he and Sara grow close as friends. Despite this, his ultimate question remains unanswered; the one he keeps asking, no matter how many times she says no. Sara isn't prepared for the keen focus of his need--to have her back, once and for all. Her stubborn resistance nearly rips both lives apart

The epic conclusion to The Realtors series, Closing Costs brings Jack and Sara truly full circle. Proving that the heat of lust and obsession; the need for control and to be mastered in many areas of life can lead to love —surprising you when you least expect it – if you will only allow it.

A PG EXCERPT FROM FLOOR TIME, releasing January 30. 2012 from Tri-Destiny Publishing:

“Ok, we finished the inspection and there are some issues, as you might expect.” Sara closed her eyes prepared for an earful.

“I don’t doubt it.”

Jack seemed quieter than usual, not filling the phone line with his usual poor me, why can’t you control your people bullshit. Her suspicions grew, wondering if he was messing with her, trying to catch her off guard somehow.

“Well, um, I’ll get back with you, probably tonight, with our conditions for contingency removal.”

“That’s fine. By now I’m used to getting screamed at by her anyway.” A deep sigh filled Sara’s ears. “Let’s hold this one together, shall we,” he finally asked. “I can’t take much more of this seller.”

“Fine, talk soon. She hung up without letting him respond.

Sara put her hands on the steering wheel before starting her car, trying to control her shakes. Why did she let him get to her anyway? Hell, he was just a guy for crying out loud. All guys were complete assholes as far as she was concerned.

Focus, Sara, focus. You’ve been fine since Adam, no need to fall back into this game with anyone now, much less a guy like Jack.

Jack leaned back in his chair after she hung up on him once again. He stared up at the familiar ceiling of his office, sighed, and stretched his arms over his head. His mind drifted back, as it had so many times, to the moment he’d first laid eyes on Sara Jane Thornton.

His assistant Jason stuck his head in the door, nearly making Jack dump himself backward onto the floor. His eyes sprung open erasing the image of Sara’s deep green gaze—and gorgeous tight ass—from his mind.

“Jack,” Jason fiddled with his earpiece. “She’s calling again—where are you this time?”

He groaned. “Fucking-A, why can’t the woman take a hint?”

He’d had gone a lot of years able to escape serious commitment. The one time he’d allowed himself that luxury he had got bitten on the ass so hard he’d been reluctant to sit much since. The fact that the ass-biter had been his first foray into a Dom/sub relationship had made her betrayal that much worse for his ego. Now, he’d miscalculated once again; had severely misread the blonde woman’s motives.

Jason shrugged, already taking the next call. He’d been Jack’s assistant for ten years, and was used to his boss’ love life. He’d proven himself invaluable more than once, deflecting one woman or another. Plus, he was a spot-on, licensed assistant when it came to the business of real estate. Jack leaned into his keyboard, ignoring Jason again. The young man waved a hand in front of his face.

“Dude, what the hell am I supposed to tell her?”

“Tell her I joined the Peace Corps, moved to Outer Mongolia and am unavailable for the next ten years. Christ, I don’t know. That’s why I hired you; make some shit up.”

“I’m on it,” Jason turned and moved down the hallway towards his office, already making excuses.

Jason was worth his weight in salary. He’d come up with something. He always did. For about the millionth time that week, Jack wished he’d never, ever met the crazy blonde client.

Now, in the most perfect of ironies, thanks to Sara, he got to deal with her daily. Jack looked back at his computer screen. Images of Sara covered the monitor—from her real estate website and blog mostly. She had a real handle on using social networking, a pro at keeping fresh photos and testimonials from happy clients.

Jack ran a hand through his hair. Never in his adult life had he felt so attracted to a woman who had no apparent interest in him beyond professional. Now he got stuck dealing with a crazed bitch of a seller he’d been trying to ditch, just so he could stay in contact with the woman he’d give anything to get the time of day from. An alien state of affairs for Jack—not one he liked much. His phone buzzed.

Sara. He smiled and answered, already planning his next move.

AN NC17 EXCERPT from FLOOR TIME:

She turned away from him, hoping to marshal her strength and tell him to leave. As she made her way down the office hallway she knew by heart even in the darkness, she could smell him on her and knew at that moment, without a doubt, she would fuck him, right then in that office.

They had been building towards it for too long. Her brain knew to keep quiet; it would not be heard over her body’s clamor. Her baser need for him took over, and when he put a hand on her shirt and firmly tugged her back to him, she let him, shutting her eyes and praying she wasn’t making a huge mistake.

She started to turn but he grabbed her from behind.

“Don’t turn around,” he whispered. “Let me show you what happens next. Just leave it all to me.”

She relented and leaned back into his body. His lips claimed her neck. His hands rubbed both nipples at once. She bent her knees and moaned, raised her arms and put them behind her, around his head. He managed at some point to lose his expensive cufflinks and roll up his sleeves exposing tanned, strong forearms. He released each breast from their cup; caressed, rubbed, and pinched the aching, hard nubs of sensitive flesh. His lips and teeth remained on her damp skin.

She began to move, rubbing against the heat of his erection pressed against her back. He groaned, and increased attention to her nipples, continued to use his lips to caress the back of her neck. A small fire burned wherever he touched her. She imagined she could come against the seam of her jeans, the pressure of his straining zipper against her, both of his hands on her nipples and his mouth in her ear and on her neck.

“Mmm… I have been dreaming of doing this to you for weeks.” The words caused every nerve in her body to tingle. She closed her eyes.

He turned her around to face him, his hands on her upper arms. Before she could whimper about her poor lonely nipples he crushed his mouth on hers, pushing her up against the wall. Her left leg lifted and encircled his waist as her engorged clit begged for contact.

Oh my God, I am dry humping this grown man in my office.

He reached down and slowly unzipped her shorts, never removing his lips from the skin of her neck. He was muttering, something about “You smell exactly like I thought you would,” but she couldn’t be certain as her brain started fogging up like the inside of a car window, obscuring all rational thought.

Jack reached a hand down, brushed the outside of her panties. She moaned and leaned her head back against the wall. Sweat dripped slowly between her breasts as her breath caught in her throat. She sensed him grin against her skin as he leaned down to find the moisture and lap at it, his fingers lightly teasing her clit.

“Somebody is really happy to see me.” His voice had an edge to it she loved.

Sara realized that she was moving her hips, thrusting toward him as though drawn by a magnet. She started to reach down, needing to feel his flesh, but he grabbed her hands, lifted them up over her head, pinned her wrists against the wall.

“No, baby, let me. Just lean back and relax. I’m in charge.”

Everything in her struggled against him, tried to resist, but the firm grasp he kept on her wrists was one of the most erotic sensations she’d ever experienced. She bit her lip as Jack slid her shorts down. He reached inside her panties, forming two of his fingers and thumb into a delicious double stimulator. Slowly, he moved against her swollen nub and slipped into her pussy as his lips traveled from her mouth, to her neck.

He manipulated her and maintained his control, seemingly without much effort, still holding her wrists captive over her head. She started lifting off, becoming as light as air, reaching the edge of extreme pleasure, while part of her tried to maintain her control. The man she’d been dreaming about for months was there, touching her, holding her captive against her office wall, and his lips, dear God... Eyes closed, head and arms up against the wall, she finally gave in to the pure, shuddering pleasure of it. Ignoring how much further she’d be willing to go with him; her usual reservations abandoned in his arms.

LEAVE ME A COMMENT! I MIGHT SEND YOU A PRIZE....
Love
Liz

Across the Beer Bar with GINA GORDON!

2012-01-19T02:00:00.003-05:00

Welcome to my Beer Bar Gina! What can I pour you to start?

Oh, I definitely picked the right woman to sit down with today!! I love your Tap Room. I'll try some of your Wolverine Winter Lager please.

Good choice, it's my best seller and nice place to begin your craft beer journey.

Tell us a little about Passionate Ink. How did you get involved?

Passionate Ink is the Erotic Romance chapter of the Romance Writers of America (RWA). We're a group of smut writers (: It's a forum where published and unpublished writers can mingle and share knowledge. I became Vice President of the chapter and Contest Coordinator in 2011 and will continue through 2012. It's been a very positive experience so far and we have a dedicated and hard working Board of Directors. But I will say I was bullied into it. LOL It isn't something I would have pursued on my own so I thank my friend Cristal Ryder--the PI President--for coercing me.

I must say, Her 5 Favorite Words has one of THE hottest covers around. Tell us about those words....

Justyn Perry did a fantastic job with my cover!! As for the 5 words, they are the 5 least sexy words on the planet LOL. Everyone thinks the words have something to do with sex but they don't. I won't give them away (: but they are my 5 favorite words! Can't go a day without saying them.

Huh, mine would be:

Beer

Sex

.....

um.....anyway

How many books have you had published?

I've had 2 short stories and 2 novellas published with Breathless Press and 3 novellas published with Lyrical Press.

I see you got in with Entangled. Congrats. I think they are among the hottest e publishers around. I have a little stack of rejections with their name on it (sad face). And for the record I LIKE the title Fire and Icing. Good luck with them. I'm sure they will really launch you into the stratosphere. Tell us about the cupcake inspiration.

Thanks! I'm so happy to finally sign a contract with Entangled. Took me a while (: They have a very welcoming and supportive group of authors and I’m really excited about the direction the company is going.

As for my inspiration, on my list of favorite things in the world are cupcakes. The heroine in my novel, Liv, is actually following my secret dream. If I wasn't a writer, I'd be baking cupcakes.

I also have set a 5-year goal of getting a NY contract. But honestly, I wonder, do we need one? Tell me why you think you do.

Gah! It's a tricky question in a tricky business. But a business that I love. Romance readers have embraced ebooks so wholeheartedly and so many authors make a living writing ebooks. Personally, I think you have to dip your pen into more than one avenue. Digital and NY print or Self publishing and Digital. The choice is yours. And that’s the best part about this industry right now, the possibility. You just have to make sure that you’re making the right decision for you…not what you think you should be doing.

oh my, empty glass---what's next in there for you?

I’ll try another one of your brews please. How about the California Common.

Good choice....I'll have another Gulo Gulo myself...

Yeah, Justin Timberlake: Hunk thank you very much.

LOL JT is a major hunk. He's definitely on my freebie 5 (:

Ahem, Did you get your Mac?

I DID!! And I'm in love!!

How long have you been writing/getting published?

I have been published since 2010 and I made the decision to seriously write for publication in 2009. To be honest, writing has always been in the back of my mind and I wrote a lot when I was a younger when the real world didn't get in the way.

What is coming up next for you?

Well, I have my contemporary romance novel coming out with Entangled Publishing in late 2012. I'm also working on a few category romances so we'll see where that leads.

nightcap time! what's your poison?

Hmmm….can I stick with beer? That one went down well (:

I'll pour you a special from our secret stash of bourbon barrel aged Oktoberfest....divine.

thanks for stopping by! best of luck! you are one of my favorites I will admit it---keep us posted on your progress.

I will! Thanks so much for having me Liz. Your beer is delicious!

Contest: 1 lucky person will win all three novellas in my Bare Naked Designs series. All you have to do is comment on this posting. Be sure to leave your e-mail address.

Forever In Lingerie

How far would you go to hold on to forever?  

Martina Jackson spent the last two years running from her past. Through the practice of Holistic Medicine she has meticulously transformed into a self-fulfilled woman, with one tiny exception…hot, steamy sex with no strings.   While she waits for the job offer of a lifetime, why not quench her sexual desires with an eager man willing to push her to the limit? What she doesn’t plan for is, the fling is exactly what she’s been running from.  

Rob Taylor has been waiting his whole life to find the woman he can call forever. He didn’t expect to find her in his parents' living room wearing nothing but white lace and stockings. When he overhears her discussing her secret sexual fantasies, Rob decides to give her what she’s been missing.   

As they play out each fantasy he connects with Martina on a deeper level, confirming what he knew the very first moment he heard her voice…that she is the one he’s been waiting for.   

Content warning; explicit sex, ménage and the use of Holistic Medicine as foreplay.

Temptation In Lingerie

Are you willing to risk it all and give in to temptation?

Carrie Taylor can't believe her luck. Along with her own lingerie line she's now the proud owner of Satin and Lace, a specialty lingerie store. She has everything she’s ever wanted...except Aleks Turko. After a lifetime spent pining over the man she can never have, Carrie decides to take back her love life. Vowing to get him out of her system once and for all, she propositions Aleks for a one night stand.

Growing up without a mother and with an uncommunicative father, Aleks Turko sought comfort in the arms of the Taylor family. As an adult, he now has everything he needs - a second family, good friends, and a bottomless barrel of women. But over the last few months vivid, sexual thoughts about Carrie have become a regular occurrence. He's managed to keep his urges at bay, but when he walks in on her wearing one of her lacy designs, all bets are off.

When what was supposed to be a one-time affair snowballs into a battle of wills, Carrie and Aleks must decide if they should risk everything and give in to temptation.

Contains explicit language, sex and an unorthodox use of a fitting room.

Bound In Lingerie

Being bound together was never part of the plan.

Amie Woods is living the life she wants, but her search for a man who can keep up with her sexual demands has tested her faith in Happily Ever After. Milton Campbell bears the weight of the world on his shoulders, but when he has the opportunity to re-ignite old friendships, it reminds him of a time in his life when he knew how to have fun.

When the two meet, sparks fly--and not the good kind. Their dislike for one another is second only to the sexual attraction simmering between them. A twist of circumstance lands them in the same bed, and Milton jumps at the opportunity to put his pleasure in Amie's hands. A two-week fling might be exactly what he needs to bring back his love of life, and Amie can’t throw away the opportunity to be herself--both in and out of the bedroom.

At first, they seemed all wrong for each other. But when "casual" builds into something more, Amie and Milton must decide if they're willing to risk being bound together by love.

Contains explicit language, sex and a torturous strip tease in leather.

Gina Gordon loves spinning contemporary tales of knee-bending first kisses, unconditional love and super-hot sex scenes. She loves all things cupcakes and is addicted to Starbucks. Gina lives in Toronto, Canada with her husband and lovable dog. You can reach Gina at gina@ginagordon.net.