Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy New Year!



I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. I know I did, mostly just kicking back with my family. The wet weather we've been having here was a good excuse to to just stay holed up indoors with some wine and a few good books. Santa has brought me a few new additions to my TBR pile, including Divine By Mistake by P.C. Cast and Graceling by Kristin Cashore, both of which I'm itching to get into. I'm currently halfway through Grave Peril by Jim Butcher which is a cracking good read so far.

I haven't really made any resolutions this time. I'm tempted to could go with "try to read more", but that's not so much a resolution as just doing exactly what I wanted to do anyway. "Get more writing done" might be better. I'll certainly try. Happy holidays everyone!

Monday, December 13, 2010

Bargain E-books

Land of A Thousand Dances is being featured at the moment on Bargain E-books, a site that showcases E-books in any genre costing five dollars or less. It's worth checking out for anyone who's on a budget and wants something new to read.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

And then...

I'm not dead. I've just been struggling to get much writing done lately because other regrettably necessary things keep getting in the way. Of course this is always the case, so it should just be a matter of managing my time properly etc. etc. I'm working on it. As always I have a couple of short stories in the black hole, awaiting editorial responses and more in the draft stages.

In the meantime, I have a shiny link to share. If you've never read this comic you definately should. Platinum Grit rocks my socks. It's by a couple of Australians and it is at times funny, at times poignant and frequently bizarre. The art is awesome and the characters drag you into their world and won't let go. Episode 12 is particularly close to my heart because out of sheer desperation and lack of ideas Kate, the sassy young magazine writer, is trying to write some erotica and finding that it isn't as easy as it looks.

"Her skin was hungry for his touch BECAUSE IT HAD ONLY HAD A SLICE OF TOAST ALL DAY..."

And now that I've posted that I see that there's an issue online that I haven't read yet. Dammit! I will promise it to myself as a reward when I get my latest draft finished. Bye for now!

Friday, December 3, 2010

Oh Me of Little Faith


Having been convinced for most of November that I would never get my novel finished in time I finished with a day to spare. The same thing happened last year. For some reason I can never quite believe in myself when I'm about halfway through. I don't suppose it matters whether I think I can do it or not as long as I keep typing just the same. I just need to accept that self doubt is a necessary part of the process.

This year's book is an as-yet untitled detective novel set in Brisbane, Australia. I plan on editing it, but I'm going to let it lie fallow for a month or so first. In the meantime I have more short stories to be getting on with now that I have time to think of things other than novelling.

Congratulations to everyone who took part in the Nano journey with me, whether you got to 50k, or beyond, or only a couple of hundred words. If you enjoyed Nano and learned from it the time certainly wasn't wasted.

Now, let there be chocolate for the Novelist!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Nanowrimo Woes

I'm still plugging away at Nanowrimo, despite being quite woefully behind at this point. I think it's still possible for me to win, just a bit unlikely. Still, that's what I thought this time last year and I did finish then. We'll see...

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Happy Halloween!



I'm going to be pretty busy tomorrow, so I just wanted to get in early and wish you all a Happy Halloween! The little vampire squid is back for the occasion just because I love him (what? Bizarre sea creatures are cool!)

On a totally unrelated note, for this weekend only the very Giselle Renarde is donating 100% of the proceeds of sales of her ebook Ugly Naked People to the LGBT Youthline. I've just picked up a copy and am it looks like a great read.

Now back to my last-minute novel plotting. Have a great, spooky time!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Procrastination


I need to get my novel plotted out ready for Nanowrimo but instead I have been:


  • Shopping for books

  • I can't stop browsing All Romance Ebooks and Audible. I've also just found a blog called Bargain Ebooks, which seems like a good place to find some cheap reads.

  • Writing Other Stories

  • There seems to be no limit to the ammount of writing I can get done if it's not what I'm supposed to be working on. I have some contemporary lesbian erotica and a scifi/erotic horror story in progress. I'll see how they go.

  • Watching The Guild
  • This isn't even remotly productive, but it is fun.


I'd really better do a least a little plotting before bed. Aaaany minute now...

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Scribbling away...



I'm busily jotting down ideas for Nanowrimo. Once again this year I will be joining the folks from the Often Inspiredforum to share the madness that is speed novelling. They're a friendly bunch, so if you're signing up for Nano you should come and join us. There is a competition running over there with a $100 purse to be split between those who sign up to the forum contest and succeed at completing their 50k. A little extra incentive can't hurt.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

It's that time of year again!



That's right, it's Spring and a young woman's fancy turns lightly to thoughts of writing. I have signed up once again. This year I am trying something a bit different and having a go at a crime novel. It's bound to absorb all my writing time for the duration of November so I will be working hard to get some more short stories written and either shared here or sent off into the black hole before that happens. Wish me luck!

Monday, September 20, 2010

Monday: What Are You Reading?

This is a fun weekly meme hosted by Book Journey.


Current Read:

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

I seem to be late to this bandwagon. I'm only a little way into this one, but I'm enjoying it so far. The mysterious pressed flowers in the first chapter have me intrigued.


Just Finished:

Heaven: Season 4: Wasteland
~Mur Lafferty

This one is part of a series of podiobooks (serialised audiobooks) by Mur, of the Geek Fu Action Grip podcast. Heaven is the story of Daniel and Kate, two friends who die suddenly in a car accident and go to Heaven only to find that it isn't at all like they expected. In the first of the books they leave the Christian Heaven in search of somewhere more satisfying to spend eternity, but unbeknownst to Kate, Daniel has another agenda. They travel through various different afterlifes (some of them hilarious and bizarre), suffer and ultimately (by this volume) become gods themselves. Just when I think I know where this series is going it heads off in a different direction.


Up Next:

I'm not sure. Possibly Alison's Wonderland edited by Alison Tyler. It's a collection of smutty fairytales by various authors, which looks like a good volume to curl up with before bed.

Happy reading everyone!

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Coming Soon


Land of A Thousand Dances is now listed on the Coming Soon page at Logical Lust. It's a sexy lesbian romance with a paranormal twist. Click here to check it out!

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Land of A Thousand Dances


I'm pleased to announce the upcoming release of my short story, Land of A Thousand Dances through Logical Lust publishing on the first of October. I'm so in love with the cover art! Please do judge the book by it. ;)

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

"Holding your stomach in when your clothes are off is not fuckable. Slapping your ample behind and inviting him to ride the wobble is". -Belle de Jour, The Intimate Adventures of a London Call Girl

I just love that quote so much I felt moved to share it. It kind of struck home this week when I had to go shopping for bras again due to change in size. I don't mind a little wobble. I firmly believe it's all in the presentation, and a little bit of satin and lace certainly doesn't hurt.

I know it's been a while between updates. I didn't end up making it past round two of the Smut Marathon, but participating was fun and I am going to stick around and see how it ends. Round three's theme is 'Stilettos", which spell check tells me has one 'l' and two 't's and not the other way around. How could I call myself a lover of fine shoes and not know that? Anyway, go there, enjoy the free stories and vote, and be proud of your wobbly bits if you have them.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Twist Contest Results

Round One of Alison Tyler's Smut Marathon has come to an end and I didn't get eliminated. In fact I did okay. Many thanks to those who voted for me!

Calling it the Twist Contest keeps making me think of this:



That's just how my mind works. So, now, on to round two. Wish me luck!

Monday, June 7, 2010

Twist

Round One of Alison Tyler's Smut Marathon is under way! I more than a little nervous about it, since the story I've put in is a little different from what I'd usually write, (kinkier and smuttier), and I really don't want to get eliminated in the first round. On the other hand, somebody has to be eliminated, and there are some pretty awesome writers taking part so I guess I'll just have to be philosophical if this is it for me.

There are fifteen sexy flash stories up there to read, so please visit and vote for your favourite.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

What Are You Reading?


What Are You Reading is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila of One Person's Journey Through A World of Books. It's supposed to be a Monday meme, but this is close enough, especially since Sheila's about 10 hours behind me.

In the last couple of weeks I read more of a variety of genres than usual, which was fun.


I have just finished:

Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane
Genre:
Length: Novel
Format: Print
Did this guy get paid by the plot twist or what?! The atmosphere was chilling and I didn't see the ending coming at all.


Beautiful Malice by Rebecca James
Genre: Young adult, thriller
Length: Novel
Format: Print

A brief excerpt from the publisher:

"'Truth or dare?' she asks.

I hesitate. I have so many secrets, so many things I don't want to reveal, but this is only a game, only a bit of fun. 'Truth,' I say finally. 'I can imagine one of your dares, and I don't fancy running down Oxford Street naked tonight.'

'Truth,' Alice says slowly, drawing out the vowel sound as if she's savouring the word. 'Are you sure? Are you sure you can be completely honest?'

'I think so. Try me.'

'Okay.' And then she looks at me curiously. 'So. Were you glad, deep down? Were you glad to be rid of her? Your perfect sister? Were you secretly glad when she was killed?'

Katherine has moved away from her shattered once-perfect family to start a new life in Sydney. There she keeps her head down until she is befriended by the charismatic Alice, and her life takes her in new directions. But there is a dark side to Alice, and as we learn the truth of Katherine's sister's death and Alice's background their story spirals to an explosive finale."


This one was the kind of book that you keep thinking about for a while after you finish it. I got sucked in to the character's world and (much to the amusement of my boyfriend) kept muttering to myself as I read about what an evil bitch Alice was, though ultimately I felt sorry for her (but not too much). I can relate to the moral dilemma of whether it is ever acceptable to 'drop' someone because they bring too much negativity into your life, or whether you just stick by your friends no matter what. I was impressed by the way the reflections on the grieving process and parenthood seem so authentic and the dialogue so natural. It's the best book I've read so far this year.


Underneath by Alison Tyler
Genre: Erotica
Length: Short story
Format: eBook

It's unusual to read an erotic story that is both sexy and also kind of sweet. There seems to be an underlying message in it about learning to be comfortable in your own skin. At least that's what I took from it.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Smut Marathon


You might remember me posting a while back about house-hunting. Well, eventually I found a place, and everything happened pretty quickly with signing the lease etc. but it's taken me a while to get settled in at the other end. I've only just got internet set up back at home have finally had a chance to sit back with a cuppa and catch up on all the blog posts and new stories I have been missing.

It seems I am back in Internet Land just in time, because Alison Tyler has the blog for her Smut Marathon up and running. Yours truly will be taking part in the contest and it looks like it'll be a lot of fun. Stay tuned for smutty goodness!

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Meet Kevin

Archie comics have introduced a gay character. That's right, a sympathetic gay character in a mainstream comic! Neato, isn't it! Here's hoping this will lead the way for other comic artists and writers.

Incidentally, if anyone has any recommendations of comics/graphic novels with LGBT characters, I'm interested. Especially if they're anything like Strangers in Paradise, which is awesome. I'd buy the omnibus if it didn't cost $85 just for the shipping (ouch!).

Monday, April 26, 2010

Beautiful Malice

Daisy Chain Book reviews are giving away 5 copies of Beautiful Malice by Rebecca James. It sounds exciting, and the contest is international, which makes a nice change. This one is a young adult book. A bit different from my usual fare but I find I enjoy some variety now and then.


*Edited so that the post actually makes sense. Lack of coffee makes Evie's brain not work good...*

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Alison Tyler's Smut Marathon

This sounds like so much fun! I've been enjoying Alison's flash contests, but latest idea of hers will take the competition to a new level.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Vice


I have a new perfume. It's called 'Vice' which seems appropriate for me, and it smells like a mixture of Turkish coffee, chocolate and sugar. When I wear it people sniff the air and ask whether someone is baking a cake. I shouldn't really go to Etsy. Something there always catches my eye and dents my budget.

In other news, there is more writing underway, I swear! Soon I will know the release date for my first eBook short story, Land of A Thousand Dances, a paranormal lesbian romance I am just itching to share with the world. In the meantime there will be some reviews up soon.

Tata for now. Stay full of vice! I'm planning to.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Blog Hop!


This week I'm joining the Blog Hop. Like an eejit I didn't read the instructions there properly, so my link info isn't quite right but hopefully my fellow bloggers won't hold it against me. I should have written that I'm technically an 'old' blogger, since I've been blogging for more than three months, but really I feel I'm very much a newbie at this.

This blog is mainly a place to post about my writing but it's also a book blog with reviews of books in genres I enjoy, mainly erotica and romance, but I'm keen to check out blogs about other genres too.

To join in, drop by Crazy For Books!

Friday, April 9, 2010

Sapphistocated


Sapphistocated byYeva Wiest, Jolie DuPre, Alessia Brio and Beth Wylde
Subgenre/ themes: Contemporary, lesbian
Format: Ebook
Rating: Four stars
Available from Phaze.

This anthology is comprised of four short stories by four talented authors. My personal favourite from this collection was the first story, Double Decker by Alessia Brio. It's the story of a young butch lesbian named Tess who is seeking to win not only a Kareoke Contest but the heart of the woman of her dreams. This one had me flicking through my cd collection to listen to some old favourites. I felt immersed in Tess's world and was anxious when she was anxious and excited when she was excited, and found myself sorry when the story ended. I think I'll check out some more of Alessia's work soon and I am going to have to remember the term "SOL day".

I Know What I Want by Jolie DuPre is about a beautiful young waitress who is trying to break into modelling and is intrigued to find herself hired by a wealthy older lady to act as a 'centrepiece' at a party. The story didn't go where I expected it to, which was a pleasant surprise, but I felt that it ended a bit abruptly, leaving me wondering what happened next.

Better With Age by Beth Wylde was a heartwarming story about Olivia, a single mother who is reunited with her first love, Aleesha, after decades apart. Olivia's relationship with her college age daughter, and the way she deals with an awkward situation many teenagers and parents of teens will surely relate to, is touching.

Finally, Drawn by Yeva Wiest is the tale of manga artist Sydney, who finds herself attracted to her own creation, the buxom, two-headed Kisha. At the same time Sydney finds herself attracted to two very different real women; the BBW Alice and the slim, athletic Beth. Her attempts to get to know them both lead her to finally question her assumptions about beauty and what is truly sexy. The use of toys in this one was different from anything I have read before, and the fantasy element was intriguing.

All in all this anthology is well worth a read.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Bloody Rose



This image is the most tasteful thing that came up when I searched for 'blood'. Apparently it's a 'bloody rose'. Well there ya go.

It's that time of the month again for me (too much information? Grow up!), which might go some way towards explaining last night's dirty dream about Storm Large (I find myself more attracted to women just before, after and during my period. It's like my body goes "Not reproducing this month eh? Fine. Go get some pussy then."). Or it could just be that she's gorgeous. This cover broke my brain, appropriately enough.



Next week begins the 'Spring' part of the cycle for me, which hopefully will have me in a creative frenzy again. For the time being I'm resting and wasting time on Youtube.
Here's another little flash piece from one of Alison Tyler's contests. This time I tied for first. :)
The prize was a scarf by Etsy seller The Opposite of Om, and entrants had to choose a colour from the sixty odd different yarns available as a starting point for their story. One of the yarns was called 'Regency', so I wrote this:

Tea and Sympathy

“Oh, Mr Hambly, it was so very good of you to rescue my dear sister and bring her home to us,” said Lara Chadwick, nibbling daintily on a piece of shortbread.

“Nonsense Miss Chadwick! I merely did what any gentleman would have done under the circumstances. I could hardly leave her to perish in the swamp,” Hambly replied.

“True,” Lara conceded, “But staying to comfort me afterwards was a little beyond the requirements of duty. Would you care for more tea?” Her cornflower blue eyes twinkled.

“Not at present, thankyou Miss Chadwick. Perhaps later.” Hambly’s arm shook a little as he gripped the edge of the table.

“And as for comforting you, I do not do it out of duty.”

“No? Why, then, do you stay so long? ”

“My dear Miss Chadwick, I was aggrieved to see you in such distress, and wished to return the delightful flush to your cheek.”

“So all of this you have done solely for my benefit, Mr Hambly?”

“Not entirely, Miss Chadwick. I must confess that I find a certain satisfaction in my efforts.”

“Indeed?” Lara had finished the biscuit and gestured towards the plate. “Are you sure you won’t have one? They are really so very good.” She leaned into the wall giving her hips a tiny jerk for emphasis on the last three words.

“No thankyou. In point of fact, I believe I will be feeling satisfaction shortly.”

As he drove deeper into her Lara let out a soft, ladylike moan .

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Let Me Clear My Throat

I've been neglecting this blog again, mainly because I am currently experiencing the joy that is
househunting during what the newspapers are calling a housing crisis (which is probably an exaggeration, but not much of one). Hopefully I will find somewhere that is cheap and not too nasty before my lease is up. In the meantime I am not getting a whole lot of reading, let alone writing, done.

I'm still waiting to hear back about a few stories, and will hopefully be able to link to some more of my stuff online, or places you can buy it, soon. For now, enjoy this video. It has nothing to do with anything but it cheered me up:

Thursday, March 11, 2010


This is another story for one of Alison Tyler's contests. This time I tied for second place, which I was pretty happy about.

I'm also working on some longer stories and should have one out in ebook form soon. I'll post more details when I know what's happening. In the meantime, here is...






Better Late Than Never

“Sorry I’m late honey!” said Martin, coming inside. His wife sat at the table in a frilly apron patterned with red cherries, and as he came around the table to kiss her he realised to his surprise that she had nothing on beneath it. Inwardly he cursed his own tardiness. He’d been going over the Jenkins account while he could have been back here caressing his wife’s bare shoulders and hips as she stood at the stove cooking. Or dispensed with dinner altogether and just carried her into the bedroom. He felt himself stiffen at the thought.

“Never mind. Sit down.” Lucy gestured towards what looked to be a delicious roast chicken dinner. “It’ll be cold, but edible.” Martin had been married long enough to know that he was not yet forgiven for his misconduct. He took a couple of bites of chicken. “Lucy this is delicious! I really am sorry. I didn’t realise you’d go to so much trouble. I mean, the food, the wine, the candles-.“

He stopped and looked at the two brass candlesticks in the middle of the table. The right one held a tall white candle, producing a dim romantic glow. The left was empty.

“What happened to the other candle?”

“Oh that.” Lucy affected a casual air. “You were late and I got a bit impatient so I used it.”

“Used it? How?”

“Let me show you.”

She put one bare foot up on the edge of the table and reached for the candle.

Friday, March 5, 2010

"Like a penis, but reversible..."

I love this but it's dangerous if, like me, you often find yourself singing little snatches (no pun intended) of songs to yourself in public.


Sorry about the video quality. There was a better version but I couldn't embed it.
Also, I why don't I own a leopard print evening dress?

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Number Three

This is another free flash story written for one of Alison Tyler's contests.

Number Three


“You’re not serious.” The genie started at him incredulously. In three thousand years no-one had ever asked for this. Oh they had wished for sex, but always with the Sultana, or Pamela Anderson or their best friend’s wife or whatever unobtainable goddess they’d had in mind before they stumbled on the magic ring she called home. They never had so much as a second glance for the skinny dark-haired girl who would make it all happen for them.

“Perfectly serious,” the man replied. “I’ve got my youth and vitality back and all the money I could want. Now I want somebody to share it with, at least for a little while. Besides, I’ve heard the stories. There’s always some catch with these deals, some moral lesson you’re supposed to get out of it. It never works out if all the wishes are totally selfish.”

The genie looked at the silken bondage ropes he held.
“You know, in the Aladin’s last wish was to free the genie, not tie her up,” she said suspiciously.
“You’ll be free to go at any time if you want to. I’m just banking on you not wanting to.”
He cleared his throat and said solemnly “I wish for you to stay with me as long as you’re enjoying yourself.”
The genie looked over his newly restored, nineteen year old body, her gaze lingering on his crotch where his trousers had formed a tent big enough to house a whole tribe of Bedouin.
“Wish granted.”


Inspired by this pendant by GwenDelicious

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39242792

Sit Pretty

Sit Pretty ~Julia Talbot
Length: Short Story
Subgenre/themes: M/M, werewolf, shapeshifter
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Torquere Press
Rating: ****

I've been meaning to read some more werewolf stories, and am still looking for recommendations if anyone has any. Julia Talbot has written quite a few, so I thought I'd try this short and see whether I liked her style. I was not disapointed. The writing is fresh and exciting and I thought the idea of a werecat and a werewolf in love was a nice quirky touch. The m/m sex is fairly full on, so this one is probably best avoided if you're not really into that sort of thing but if you are you'll love it.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

For the Girls

My Flash story Hair will be appearing on For The Girls, an Aussie erotica site and ezine created by women for women. It's a quirky little story that I like to think is a little feminist.

That brightened my morning. My day job has been (as always) interfering with my writing and it's reassuring to know that at least some of what I do get finished will actually be out there where people can read it. I have four different stories in progress at the moment and I keep switching between them whenever I get bored or have an idea for one of the others but I think I need to knuckle down and get one of them finished so I can submit something again. I'd better get back to it!

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Lucky Last


Here is my entry in Alison Tyler's Lover Boy Contest. This time I had the distinction of coming last (well coming first is rude, isn't it?). There are so many stories about earth-shatteringly good sex that I wanted to write about bad sex for a change, although I had a fair idea that no-one would want to read about it. I'm contrary that way. This contest was inspired by Phoebe Marie's Conversation Heart necklaces. Contestants had to choose one and write 250 words. This offered so much scope that I think I might use some of the other necklaces as starting points for stories when I'm stuck.



Entry #2: Love Me

He perched on the arm of the couch where she lay sprawled, still clutching her gin and tonic.
“I’m sorry,” he said.
“You said that already.”
“What do you want me to do?”
“Love me.”
He sighed. “It’s just not that simple, babe.”
“Well then fuck me.”
“Really?”
“It’s better than nothing.”

She put down the glass, spread her legs and began to hike up her skirt, then stopped.
“I don’t want to see you while you do it. I don’t want to see the way you look at me.”
She yanked down her panties and turned around, kneeling on the couch with her head resting on the cushion at one end and her bare arse raised into the air. He didn’t move, and after a moment she looked up.

“What are you waiting for?”
He hesitated. “Are you sure this is what you want?”
“Come on! If you’re going to leave me the least you can do is give me a good fuck first. One for the road.”

He stood and unbuckled his pants, lowering them enough to let his cock slip free, feeling it hardening at the sight of her waiting naked arse. Kneeling behind her he slid his hands around to feel for her clit.
“Don’t!” she said curtly, her voice muffled by the cushion. “Just fuck me.”
“All right!” he snapped. Gripping her waist he plunged into her. She was bone dry but so tight he came quickly. She was right. It was better than nothing.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Loving Lucas


Loving Lucas by Lisa Marie Kiefer
Subgenre/Themes: m/m erotic romance, contemporary
Length: Novella
Format:
audio book
Rating: ****
Available from Dreamspinner Press

I'm pretty new to m/m romance and this book makes a good introduction to it. It's a sweet love story with believeable, likeable characters and well written sex scenes. It's the story of a former teacher named Lucas who is haunted by his memories of being assaulted by a deluded lovesick pupil. Nicholas, the local sheriff, befriends Lucas and obviously wants to be more than friends, but Lucas pushes him away, having been rejected by his last boyfriend because of his scars from the assault. Fortunately, Nicholas is nothing if he's not persistant. I got really caught up in the story and listened to it all in one go. I especially enjoyed reading (or rather hearing) about Lucus' decision to cease to be a victim and take control of his life. I give it four stars, the highest rating I've given out so far in this challenge.

Saturday, February 6, 2010



Finally here is some of that free flash I've been promising. I wrote this one for the Glowing Tart Pink Contest on Alison Tyler's Trollop With a Laptop blog. It didn't win, I think probably partly because it isn't explicit, but I had fun writing it and was pretty chuffed by Alison's comment that she "fucking loved it". The title doesn't really have anything to do with the story. I chose it because I wanted a shade of pink that suggested something both beautiful and poisonous.

For the record, my own vote in the contest went to the very sexy Rose Comes For Desert by Erobintica.

So...without further ado:


Coral

Ariana finished the little toe, and with an elegant flourish that kept the polish from dripping, she returned the brush to the bottle.
“There.” Glowing with satisfaction, she lifted her left foot and wriggled her toes to show of her work. “Like it? It’s called ‘Tart Pink’”

She stood, slipped out of her robe and slipped on the white lace panties and bra she had laid out on the bench. She didn’t really expect Mark to respond. He’d never taken much of an interest in her toilette before and he wasn’t about to start now.
“Usually for semi-formal I’d go with something darker,” she continued. “Like maybe a Deep Purple or Crimson Dawn, but I wanted something a little playful. But not too much. Something zestier than Ballet Slipper, but just a bit more subtle than Flamingo Flush.” She leaned forward, easing her breasts into the soft cups of her bra and deftly fastening the clasp.

“Of course being a man, Stavro isn’t going to notice the nails. Not at dinner anyway. I’ve always found that the best way to get a man to notice your toes is to put them behind your ears.”
Ariana took her gown from the hanger and tugged it over her head.
“You’re not even listening, are you?” she asked petulantly.
She glanced over into the tub.
Marcus’s glazed eyes stared stupidly up at her. His lips were tinged a gorgeous Arctic Ice Blue
“Pity. I could use a hand with this zipper.”

Friday, February 5, 2010

By the Moonlight



By the Moonlight by Jaxx Steele
Sub-genre: Vampire, m/m romance, m/m/f
Length: Novella
Format: audio book
Rating: ***
Available from: Dreamspinner Press

This is my second read (or rather listen in this case) for Erotic Horizon's Erotic Romance Reading Challange. I had mixed feelings about this one. Vampire stories are always fun, and this is the first I've read with two male vampires getting together (that shouldn't be too much of a spoiler since this is a romance) so that was refreshing. One thing I really liked was the idea of vampires who can have sex, which I prefer to the impotent vampires or bloodlust-as-a-metaphor-for-sex type of vampire story like Anne Rice's series.

Unfortunately, though, while I can suspend disbelief about bloodsucking creatures of the night, I found the characters in this book a bit hard to believe in. I could just about buy the unlikely scenario that that a man, (vampire or otherwise) who has slept with strangers on a regular basis for some years (I'm not sure how old he's supposed to be, maybe I missed it) had never thought of oral sex before, but for him to have never had a proper wank in his life until the events of this story just stretches credibility too far. I mean, presumably at some point before he was a vampire he was a teenage boy!

The plot is fine, and the sex scenes are sexy, but the dialogue is a bit clunky. I understand why Byron, a centuries old vampire might be stuck in his ways and refuse to learn modern slang, but why does a random woman the two vampires encounter talk in the same old-fashioned, stilted way? It was as though they all suddenly and inexplicably slipped back in time.

Since this one's an audiobook I ought to also mention the reader. I couldn't find his name credited, but whoever he is he has a sexy voice and did a great job of making the book come to life.

All in all By the Moonlight is not bad, and listening to it as I went about the housework certainly made doing the dishes a lot more interesting.

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Sin Eater


The Sin Eater by Evangeline Anderson
Length: Short Story
Genre: Erotica romance, fantasy, Bondage
Format: E-book
Rating: ***
Available free from Ellora's Cave.

This is the first of my reads for the Erotic Romance Reading Challenge. Okay, it isn't novel-length, but I want to choose my books for the challenge by whether they sound interesting rather than by length, so some will be long and some will be short. What I'm going for is a variety of themes and genres. I will try and read straight, gay and lesbian stories, some contempory, some historical, some paranormal and some Sci Fi or fantasy.

Sin eater, which by the way has no connection whatsoever with the spooky Heath Ledger film of the same name (apparently it was called The Order in the States), is arguably erotica rather than erotic romance, but the 'l' word is invoked, so I reckon it counts. It's erotic fantasy set in a kingdom ruled by the God-King Karn the Insatiable (yes, really). The main character, Lena, is in training to become a 'Sin Eater'- a royal consort with certain special skills, such as the ability to take on another's lust and broadcast it back to them and a magical ability to retain her...um...tightness, and forced to wear a completely transparent outfit permeable to bodily fluids. As you are. There's some bondage, but nothing too full on. The story is pretty well written, but it's probably best not to take it to seriously. Just sit back and enjoy the naughtiness.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Reading Challenge


I'm joining the Erotica Romance Reading Challenge for 2010. The idea is to read ten erotic romances in a year. Since erotic romance is my genre of choice (or rather one of them- I do like a bit of variety and I go on the odd crime fiction kick) anyway that might not sound like much of a challenge, but I have been having a little trouble getting through entire novels lately due to other commitments and hopefully this will encourage me to make time to read and to reflect on what I'm reading so I can review it. Plus, it will be interesting to read other people's reviews of a range of different books. I'm a sucker for a naughty fairy story soI think I'll start with Marla by Philip Sweeny. Updates to follow as I keep reading.

Edit: Okay, having said that I ended up starting with something else. Marla will come later...

1. Sin Eater ~Evangeline Anderson
2. By the Moonlight ~Jaxx Steele
3. Loving Lucas ~Lisa Marie Kiefer
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Thursday, January 21, 2010

One Act Erotica


Having vowed to put some more content on (in?) this blog this year, I am now planning to post up a series of One Act Erotica stories. They'll be little flash pieces- 1000 words or less. Some will be previously published stories, others may be written just for the blog. This will give me something to post about in between trying to get longer stories written and published and help keep me writing regularly. Apologies that I have none to post up today. This is just a 'coming attractions' post. Watch this space!

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Kraken are the New Vampires


I hear they're remaking The Clash of the Titans. Quite why they want to mess with the awesomeness that is Harryhausen I can't understand, but I'll probably go and see it if only for the Kraken. I hear Kraken are the new vampires. ;)

The critter in the picture is a vampire squid. Yes, really. Now I'd better stop blog-hopping and get on with some writing. Damn you Internet and your fiendish distractions!

Friday, January 15, 2010

Five Reasons Why Sex Can Make You Healthier

Five Reasons Why Sex Can Make You Healthier

Not that you need an excuse, but it's nice to feel good about what you were planning to do anyway. ;)

Posted using ShareThis

Friday, January 8, 2010

Portuguese Parliament Votes to Permit Gay Marriage

I'm glad they're permitting it somewhere!
(Edit: Yes, I know it's legal in half a dozen countries already, but you know what I mean).

Link courtesy of Deliciously Naughty.





Saturday, January 2, 2010

Happy New Year!


I hope you've all had a good time over the holiday season. I had a pretty relaxing Christmas and New Years, just staying in with my family and enjoying good food and lots of it.

As far as resolutions go, this year I am going to try and update this blog more regularly. I'm currently in the process of revamping it. Well, maybe just 'vamping', since it wasn't much to start with, but I have plans for it. You'll see.

In the meantime, here are some more of my recent reads:

Shopaholic and Baby by Sophie Kinsella (novel, chicklit)
This one is easier to relate to if you either have had a baby recently or are close to someone who did. I love the crazy situations the heroine gets herself into, and the scene at the pre-natal class is just spot on. It's a nice, light holiday read, just the thing for this time of year.

Affinity by Sarah Waters. (novel, supernatural thriller/romance, lesbian)
I always enjoy books set in the Victorian era, and I found the segments of the novel about spiritualism fascinating. The ending is fantastic! Waters has a knack for lulling the reader into a false sense of security then at the last minute pulling the rug out from under them. I liked this one even better than Fingersmith. I think I'll seek out some more of her books.

Photo from Bigfoto.com.