Monday, October 29, 2012

@TatumThrone Brings the Heat to #OhMyMonday

Available from Bookstrand

Are you ready for some man love that will melt your panties off? Well, come on in and gather around the Taboo stage folks. Fellow Siren author Tatum Throne joins me today to talk about herself and her new release High Heat. The cover grabbed my attention and the idea of a chef and a firefighter get together again made me tingle right down to my toes! How about I bring Tatum out so she can tell you all about it.


*Excited Waves* Thank you Lia for having me at The House of Taboo today. 

We're happy to have you with us today. How about you start off telling us a bit about yourself?
I’m Tatum Throne, author of erotic, contemporary and paranormal M/F and M/M romance. I’m a stay at home mom of three school aged boys, all three have severe food allergies and a autoimmune disorder called EoE. I worked for years as a social worker before leaving the field to be a mom and full-time writer. 

Ahhhh. You're living every writer's dream to be able to write full time. Tell us about your latest book.
High Heat is a contemporary M/M. Colin is a chef and Quinn is a firefighter-medic. They made their first appearance in One Hot Night. High Heat picks up two years later. I knew I needed to give my boys their HEA and it needed to be their own story. Here is the back cover blurb.

 Late one night chef, Colin Andrews flips his car off the road into a stream. He is close to death when he’s saved by firefighter-medic Quinn “Cav” Cavanaugh, an ex coworker that could’ve been more. As Colin is pulled from the wreckage, he knows fate is giving him one last chance to have Cav.

Cav is back, and he’s not letting go of Colin. Yes, he walked away two years ago to become a firefighter-medic, but he’s not about to leave again. Cav is a Dom and always wanted Colin as his sub. Now, all he has to do is seduce Colin to his playroom without scaring him with the needs he has.

Colin has always longed to be a sub. Forced to dominate his kitchen, Colin wants to let go in the bedroom. Colin knows he can trust Cav with his body, but can he trust him with his heart too?

 I've asked this question many times and I never tire of hearing the answers from my guests. What makes a great hero in your mind? 
For me, a great hero is one that isn't willing to give up on the heroine (or in this case the other hero!). He’ll go to hell and back for the man or woman he loves. He’s strong and follows his heart. Of course, he’s sexy, but flawed like the rest of us. He isn't looking for love when it finds him. He’s totally off his game when he meets the love of his life.

That's the part I love too. Love just blindsides him and his love interest. It makes for some explosive scenes between them. Do you have anything in common with your characters? 
I’m sassy and mouthy like my heroines. I have a wicked sense of humor and I love to laugh. I’m strong-willed and I don’t like the word NO. My characters are a lot like me. We’re feisty.
                                                                                                   
Are you sure we're not sisters? LOL! 
What are you currently working on, or what’s on the horizon?
I have many open projects at the moment. My muse is speaking really loudly lately. So, I’m trying to keep up with my muse and what I love to write. So expect more of everything. More contemporary and more paranormal.

What’s the strangest (bravest, funniest etc) thing you've ever done? 
I once snuck into a bar when I was underage to see this band I wanted to see. It was a bar/Laundromat and I went in through the back of the Laundromat.  I was fifteen at the time and ran into one of my brother’s friends. He totally wanted to rat me out. I don’t think he ever did. My brother never said a word. I was a bit of a wild child. I ran around a lot with older friends who kept me out late.

My kind of girl! What do you do when you’re not writing? 
 I love to workout, hike, play with the guys, and visit with friends when I’m not working. I work a ton, so it’s often a challenge to balance work/life/family.

How can you fans find you on the net?
 I have three books out on Amazon now, One Hot Night, Hot & Humid, and Rock Hard. I’m on twitter. You can also find me on Facebook. I love hearing from my readers. You can email me at:  tatumthrone@gmail.com.

Hold onto your seats folks. Tatum's not done with you yet. She's brought along an excerpt of High Heat.  If you'll all look at the screen behind me you'll get to see and hear the sexy Cheyenne Jackson read from Tatum's book. 

“Cook for me,” Quinn ordered.

Lust made his cock kick around in Quinn’s hand, and Quinn’s hand tightened down in response. Quinn stroked his dick with his right hand while his other hand caressed his balls. Pre-cum wept out of his cock and dripped down Quinn’s hand. “What do you want?”

“Surprise me with something sweet.”

Colin grinned. “You know the old adage about the cobbler’s son having no shoes?”

Quinn released his cock and slid his hand around his ass to give it a hard squeeze. “Better come up with something, babe, or I’m going to have to punish you.”

Quinn’s teeth nipped at his lips while the heat of his abs rubbed against Colin’s shaft. Colin could feel the silken fibers of his hair tease his cock in the most erotic way. They kissed and it quickly got out of control with Quinn pinching and kneading his ass. His fingers strummed their way up between his cheeks to rub his anus. Quinn was the one to pull away again. There was a sexual storm brewing between them. Colin could feel the heat of it sear all the way through his soul as Quinn moved through his kitchen.

He was looking for something. He opened drawers, cabinets. Quinn’s blue eyes settled on the wall over Colin’s shoulder. Colin didn’t have to look to know what was hanging on the wall.

A chill of seductive anticipation raced through Colin’s blood as Quinn reached for the thin paddle like cutting board hanging by a brown leather strap.

“What are you doing?” Colin asked.

“Something you need me to do.”

Quinn wrapped his hand through the leather strap, pulling it tight to test it with two swings. Colin’s cock clenched tight as Quinn came around the island.

“Turn around.”

Colin swallowed hard as he turned, placing his hands on the countertop. The tip of his penis brushed against the cool steel of the cabinet.

“Eyes forward.”

Colin glanced defiantly over his shoulder. “And if I don’t obey?”
Quinn started to set the paddle onto the counter and turn. “I guess I’ll have to get going.”

“No! Stay.”

Colin’s head whipped back around, his heart raced, and his cock pounded like a base drum against the cabinet door as he stared straight ahead. The sweet anticipation of getting paddled had his knuckles gripping the counter tight.

 He closed his eyes as he heard Quinn move. The back of Quinn’s fingers brushed against the nape of his neck. Colin groaned as Quinn stroked his fingers down his spine. Quinn’s thumb played over his tailbone, causing Colin to arch back into his touch. Quinn’s thumb slipped down over his anus to stroke it up and down.

Colin moaned. “Oh, Quinn.”

“I’m here for you, babe. I know what you need.”

Quinn’s thumb pressed against his anus as the first strike of the paddle hit his ass. The sting spread over his cheeks, warming his ass. The first strike nearly made him come. Colin groaned as another spank came in hard. Pleasure mixed with sensual pain as Quinn kept him balanced on the edge of coming. Another whack hit him on the ass, sending his balls bouncing and his cock hitting up against the steel cabinet. Pre-cum dripped off the steel. The paddle hit Colin again. Heat spread through his ass and his anus tingled with pent up pleasure. Colin bit his lip as Quinn paddled him until he was ready to explode. He was shaking as he tried to keep his spunk inside his hard cock.

Colin heard the sound of wood hitting granite. Quinn came up behind him to kiss the back of his neck. Quinn hand came around fisting Colin’s cock to give it several strokes.

“Find something sweet for me,” Quinn ordered.

Colin only had a few sweet things in the house. He went to the stainless steel refrigerator and got out a six-ounce bottle of pure raspberry syrup. At twenty-five dollars an ounce, it was the most expensive he’d ever bought for himself. He finally felt like he was at a point in his life where he could splurge on something special.

He held up the bottle with the hand-painted label and watched as Quinn’s eyes dilated. Every muscle in Quinn’s body was flexed hard, and those long, powerful legs of his were spread wide as he stroked his hand over his cock to adjust it. Quinn looked like he owned the place. He looked as though he owned Colin, too. Those possessive, hot blue eyes went from the bottle in his hand to Colin’s cock.

“Bring it to me,” he ordered.

A thrill shivered through Colin’s body as he obeyed. Quinn gently removed the lid and swirled his finger over the lip to taste the syrup. He took care to lick every drop off his finger as his heavy-lidded gaze rested on Colin. Then he set the bottle on the marble countertop along with the cap. He stepped back to unzip his tactical pants, peeling back the corners to reveal that he was without boxers or briefs. Dark hair wrapped around the base of Quinn’s dick. His cock sprang out from the corner of his pants where he’d been keeping the muscle bound and in check. Quinn’s penis was thick and his balls hung heavy between his thighs.

“No touching,” Quinn warned.

Colin’s eyes went wide as Quinn’s hand reached for the raspberry syrup and tipped the bottle toward his penis. He drizzled the syrup around his cock and stroked it into his shaft. Quinn arched back as he rubbed he syrup up over his cockhead and back down over his shaft, rubbing it around his balls. Colin went weak-kneed as he watched Quinn pleasure himself.

Quinn sat up on the island, spreading his legs wide. “Come here.”
Colin obeyed, standing between his legs. Quinn braced his legs wide on the counter across from him as he stroked his cock.

“Suck me,” Quinn ordered.

Didn't I tell you? You want more? (the audience erupts in applause and loud cheering.) You'll have to get your own copy and read the whole thing. Maybe you'll even hear Cheyenne's voice reading it too you. ;)  Just click on the book cover at the top of the page and it will take you to Boostrand so you can get High Heat for your very own. Don't worry. You can order any format from them and if you have a Kindle, Bookstrand can even send the book directly to the reader. Just follow the directions and happy reading!




Where to find Tatum






Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Follow the Yellow Brick Road to...BDSM...Oh My!

Welcome everyone to The House of Taboo! I'm thrilled to welcome one of my favorite authors to share her brand new release. In fact, Twisted Ropes (Twisted Oz book 2) was released TODAY and Ms. Bonnie Bliss has squeezed a bit of Taboo into her busy blog hopping schedule. Another reason I'm so excited that Bonnie is sharing with us today is that my alter ego has a part in the book.

Yes, you read that correctly. Tammy is in a hot menage scene right at the beginning of the book! In a bit, I'll give you a few more hints about what part she gets to play. ;) Until then, let's learn some more about Bonnie's new release.




Book Description

After D.G. finds herself swept away to a sexual fueled land of horny munchkins, and sexy dildo shoe wearing good witches—all she wants to do is find her way home. After travelling for hours on the yellow brick road, she comes to a four way crossing and soon realizes her journey is just starting. After watching a heated display of slavery with ropes, floggers, whips and double penetration; she is introduced to a seemingly sweet scarecrow named Hayden. Her first sexual foray with the good witch was only the beginning, but now Hayden is about to teach D.G. how a real Master ties up and owns his slave.

Filled with all things you loved about the original story, twisted into a sexual pleasure that fans of the first will enjoy even more. The continuing story of D.G.’s adventures in Oz is sure to arouse and delight the naughtiest of readers.

Warning: This story is for adult readers, and contains scenes of, but not limited to: forced bondage, double penetration, strong BDSM themes, impact play: floggers, whips, and spankings.

Just by the warning alone, you know I was the first in line for this book! So many taboo themes and toys...sigh...perfect! Would you like to read a bit from Twisted Ropes? Excellent! Bonnie has agreed to share a bit from the opening scenes.


Adult Excerpt

“Follow the yellow brick road, follow the yellow brick road, follow, follow, follow, follow…” Where the song came from, she had no fucking clue. She knew that one moment she was humming, spinning in a circle, and trying to figure out a way to go. Then the next she was diving for cover in the corn fields across the way from her.

As she tried to keep herself unnoticed, she backed into a large wooden pole that staked in the ground. D.G. thought nothing of it. It looked like an obstacle that she would have to sort out later—if she needed. Licking her lips, she parted the tall stalks in front of her. Her eyes locked on the forms of three people. Two very large, powerful looking soldiers, and one generously curved blonde woman.

It took several moments for D.G. to realize what she saw.

Two men pulled a slave.

Sucking in a loud breath, she snapped her mouth shut. D.G. clapped a hand over her mouth.

Hunk number one clad in glossy steel armor on his upper body, it was the only thing that made him look ready for battle. A blonde, his legs fully encased in tight black leather that hid nothing. Not even the huge bulge in his pants that seemed to push against the zipper. She noticed he had rope, and a very imposing black leather whip attached to those tight leathers. His arms, biceps were the size of her head. He stood tall. The only other man she knew taller was Bo Davenport.

Home sickness and longing welled up inside her at the mere thought of his name. D.G. always secretly thought she wasn’t good enough for Bo. Just the fact that she wanted to leave, and that Bo clearly needed a good ole’ fashion wife to be his one and only made her unworthy of all that was Bo Davenport. She made a vow to herself right then and there. When she finally made it home, she would shove all of that bullshit aside, hop on him so fast and beg him to keep her forever. All this time away from Aunt Em, Uncle Henry, and the farm made her wish she hadn’t acted so stupid. Putting everything on hold—school, her future, and dating life. All so she could be some actress in New York on Broadway. Looking back on it now, she realized how silly and immature that sounded.

She would get her life straightened when she returned home.

If, she returned home.

Video Trailer for Twisted Ropes




Ohhhh...don't you all want to read more? This is the scene where Tammy gets to have fun. She is the curvy slave girl with the two soldiers and believe me she gets to have the time of her life! 

If you love the old fairy tales told from a very adult point of view, you will absolutely love Bonnie's version of Oz. Once you enter her world, you won't miss the old Kansas anymore!

Where to find Twisted Ropes

About the Author

Bonnie Bliss is not just a willing submissive, but she is a wife and a mother. By day, she is a busy, stay at home mother. At night, she is a sultry storyteller. Her tastes go towards the dark and the extreme. She loves to twist up fairy tales and sweet stories we all know and love. Her lust for Dominance and submission has taken her into the dark inner workings of Sadomasochism. 

Bonnie is a native of Southern California, and says that everything in the Katy Perry song, California Girls is totally accurate. She has done everything from waitressing, customer service phone rep., Corporate Real Estate, and spent a pretty impressive part of her life working for the Disney Corporation—including as a Disney Princess. When she’s not writing, she is ordering too many custom bows for her daughter, baking the best cupcakes in the world, going to Disneyland, laying on a beach, and sometimes playing hockey for release.







Where to find Bonnie









Saturday, October 13, 2012

#Vampire Erotica Author Maya DeLeina Takes Center Stage


Here we are once again for Taboo's Saturday Spotlight. I'm so happy to welcome Maya DeLeina to the House. Not only is she one of the hottest authors of vampire erotica and erotic romance, she's one of my Siren Sisters. Her very first book Flesh Fantasy came out a few months before my first release as Tammy Dennings Maggy. We found each other on Facebook and as they say, the rest is history! 



Maya's tales grab you from page one and leave you panting and begging for more throughout every book. By the time you finish with one, you are already grabbing for the next to keep the twists, turns and smokin' hot sex rolling. Her Ambrose Heights Vampires series with Siren Publishing has brought her rave reviews and a constant chant for more, more, more! Not one to leave her fans hanging, Maya has been locked in her writing cave pouring out her heart and soul in order to bring her characters to life.

Can you tell I'm a rabid fan? My alter ego will agree with me on this one. "We've" been not so patiently waiting for more from Maya and now I get the pleasure of having her here today to talk about her very first book with Evernight Publishing and the first  of her My Naughty Vampire series.  Blood of Luna has already racked up a number of 5 star reviews. This is one book you don't want to miss. How about we bring Maya out to talk a bit about herself and Luna's story? (the crowd erupts in applause and cheers.) Come on out and join us, Maya!

(The spotlight comes alive just as Maya steps out from the dark purple curtains. From head to toe she's dressed in black...except for...yep! She's wearing the House of Taboo black and purple corset under her leather jacket. Sweet! As she settles down onto one of the over stuffed chairs we set up on stage, she flashes her megawatt smile and winks. Looks like the crowd noticed the corset too and they are lovin' it!)

Welcome to The House of Taboo, Maya. We've been dying to have you here with under the spotlight. It didn't seem fair that Tammy had all the fun with you and your naughty vamps! (the audience laughs. My head bartender, Tony is absolutely smitten with my friend. I have to shake my head as she blows him a kiss and he pretends to pass out.  I love my staff!)

Okay, now that you've completely wrecked Tony for the rest of the night, how about you tell us a bit about you as a writer. What are the recurring core issues in your stories? Why do you think you are drawn to these types of characters/plots again and again?
I only write about vampires. Knowing my life-long intrigue with these mythical creatures has a lot of bearing on why, but the recurring core issue associated with vampires plays a bigger role in the overall why. 

Immortality. 

I like to explore different takes on life after death. Whether it’s reincarnation, a ticket to heaven, a punishment to hell, or even nothingness, it is a subject that can bounce from one extreme to another in a persons mind. Once you enter the realm of a fantasy, adding another layer of immortality to the “life after death” theme takes on an entirely different twist and set of conflicts.   

If immortality was a true option in reality, how many of us would choose it? If you made a list of pros and cons to immortality, how would they stack up? 

The conflicts, sacrifices, choices and deeper philosophy considered with the immorality theme are endless and constantly captivating.  


What inspires you and why? (Art, poetry, music, movie, book, etc. Please share something specific if you like.)
So many things spark inspiration that it is so hard to pinpoint. It can be a melody, a landscape, a person, a life event, a piece of art, a great tasting meal,  a dream or something so minute like the chill in the air, a brief look from a stranger, hearing a brief second laughter or the scent of the rain on a chilly autumn morning. 

My circle of friends always joke about inspiration for writers. There have been times where they’ll say, “Maya, there’s inspiration for your book,” after something funny, strange or crazy happens. And they are exactly right. Some of my friend’s laughter, humor, pets, traits and conversations have sparked inspiration in character development. 

Now for what everyone's been waiting for. Let's talk about your latest release Blood of Luna. In one or two sentences, give the core premise behind your story?
This is where reality and a dream intersect and the lines get tangled. (the crowd murmurs a bit)

Oooooo...tell us more. You know how I love to get the lines all...tangled. ;) What obstacles will Luna encounter in this story?
The biggest obstacle Luna encounters is her own mind. After the accident, she suffers from blackouts that steal time and precious memories from her.  I think the blurb gives a better tease—I mean description.

LOL! Okay, everyone. Turn your attention to the stage on our right. (the lights go down a bit as the video begins. It's the voice of fellow Hawaiian, Jason Momoa we hear reading the teasing blurb from Blood of Luna. I can tell by the look on her face, I've succeeded in surprising my friend with my choice of narrator.)


When is it real? When is it fantasy?
For Luna Kalen, the line between reality and a dream is hard to recognize.

Recovering from a car accident, the solitude at the coast is meant to be therapeutic. But Luna soon finds it more than her idle mind can handle.

After exploring a dangerous stretch of shoreline, Luna returns home with a mysterious man she discovers in a cave. Little does Luna know that this man is about to fill her world with sinful pleasures…and blood-thirsty vampires. 

When reality and fantasy collide, unimaginable dangers lurk, revelations are revealed, and darkest desires are fulfilled. But if you think the happily ever after is the sign of the ending, it’s really only the beginning.

Should Luna have listened to the warning? 

Do not go into the cave.

Now I'm not sure we can top having Jason Momoa tease us with the blurb, but how about we have Maya herself read the excerpt from Blood of Luna? (the crowd is immediately on their feet cheering and whistling. Maya smiles and shakes her head at me, but it's the chanting of her name that slowly rolls from the bar toward the front of the stage that convinces her. One of the stage hands rushes over with an ipad loaded with the excerpt.)

    Flashes of unspeakable pleasure traveled like lightning throughout my body, teasing and torturing me all at the same time. I moaned roughly and screamed in a piercing tone that echoed all along the cave walls.  Mindless vulgarity escaped from my lips. My foul-mouthed voice sounded unfamiliar, raw and naughty. 
    His cock plunged into me slowly, but unrelenting. In and out, bit by bit, he devoured my body. 
    He was a man with an insatiable need and I was the woman who held the key to his release. 
    “You have a nasty mouth on you,” he whispered in a coarse, breathless voice.
    “You do that to me. Make me scream. Take me hard. Take me fast. Take me rough.”
    “Shh, savor, Luna. Savor this right now. This is the last time you’ll ever know the sensations of a cock plunging into your half human, half vampire body. Feel each part of you that I touch.” 
    He bent his knees to drive up into me in a slow rhythm. Unhurried and crafty, his body moved like a dancer, full of untapped sensuality. 
    Away from the carnage and destruction, we were deep in a dark cavern of what seemed like an endless cave system. Wrapped in a world of complete ecstasy, we stood under a sliver of light that pierced through a fissure in the cave. Our bodies sparkled in the silvery glow. 
    Trevor stood with both feet planted firmly on the ground. I balanced on one leg while the other draped over his forearm. Under my bent knee, he secured my position as his hand grasped my thigh. His other hand cradled the rise in my ass, squeezing, rubbing and exploring freely. If it wasn’t for the gentle grade in the cave floor that I stood on, our height difference would never allow for such a sexual position.
    With his face buried at my neck, his fingers dug deeper into my sweat-soaked flesh. His pace was still unhurried, but his thrusts to bury himself completely within me intensified. It was if he were claiming unchartered lands, saying “mine, mine, mine” with each plunge. His lips grazed my ear delicately, making me tremble in delight. 
    “Ickey moving around your naked body in this light is the sexiest thing I’ve ever laid eyes on.” His deep voice sounded seductive and mesmerizing.  
    I threw my head back and moaned as my pussy drenched his cock in more and more silky, hot wetness. 
    I could just imagine what my body looked like. If it was anything like what I was seeing on Trevor, it must’ve been an image straight out of a fantasy. 
    
(Maya put the tablet down and smiled again. She wasn't going to give up anymore of the excerpt tonight. No, she and I had other plans.)

Did you like what you've heard so far? Well, you can get more of this excerpt when Maya visits our sister blog Sassy Vixen Publishing on October 22nd for Oh My! Monday. Not only can your read the rest of this excerpt, you get to meet someone special from Blood of Luna. Now, now. Settle down. You won't get anymore hints out of me tonight.  If you want to pick up your own copy of the book, just choose one of the following links and get lost in Luna and Trevor's story. 

Happy Reading! 
~Lia


About the Author

Maya DeLeina was born and raised on the beautiful and romantic beaches of Oahu, Hawaii. Relocating to Colorado, Maya’s crystal blue oceans and powdery white sands were traded for enchanting forests, mystic mountains and golden plains of promise.

Living just on the outskirts of Manitou Springs, the town’s history of spiritual healing, eclectic flare, fabled underground tunnels and rumored lore of wizardry and witchcraft rekindled Maya’s love for the paranormal, metaphysical and most of all, vampires.

One bite and she was hooked.

With a hint of incense lofting in the air and the majestic Pikes Peak sitting in picture perfect view from her windows, Maya can be found relaxing in the recesses of her comfy couch, sinking her teeth into crafting and weaving seducing and erotic tales of vampires that may or may not roam her beloved town.

One read and you’ll be hooked!

Where to Find Maya




















Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Erotica, Erotic Romance, and Porn OH MY!

I know it's not Monday, but I couldn't help myself. When I started to enter a title for this post, I kept hearing Dorothy chanting "lions and tigers and bears.." you get the picture. But another reason I chose those two little words is to poke a little more fun at the Fifty Shades books. Hell, with so many other authors literally hijacking part of the title and making their own "Fifty Shades of Whoever" books why not take back "oh my?" It's not like E.L. James has the rights to those words, but I'm betting she has her book titles copyrighted. In other words, you aren't going to see a Fifty Shades of anything or anyone from me or my other alter egos.

But I digress...

Today's post was supposed to discuss the difference between erotica, erotic romance, sensual romance and porn.  You would think there are universal definitions for these genres and you would be correct in that assumption. Unfortunately...and this is a big one...many authors don't understand the differences so how the hell do we expect readers to figure out the labels? 


As I look at the whole thing you have a couple different camps here. The first one is both writers and readers who don't want to be associated with anything that could be considered "porn" or even a bit risque. Anything that has the word erotic or erotica in it means they have to keep it secret. No one can know they like to read about two or more people getting it on and heaven help you if you write the "smut." We'll call this group "Smut in the Dark."




The second group is one who wants everyone else to THINK they write and read the hot, explicit stuff and demand to have it all labeled  erotic, erotica, and erotic romance. These folks will often redefine these sub-genres so that their preference is included here, but in actuality what they have in their hot little hands is fantastic sensual romances without the explicit, vulgar language and body part terms needed. They want to be associated with the "cool" group so badly, they try to make everyone believe they are part of it. Unfortunately, these folks are often in for a rude awakening when they try to read true erotica and erotic romances. We will call this group "Smut Wannabes and Posers."




The last group is my personal favorite. Here are the writers and readers who proudly embrace their inner sex gods/goddesses. The sex scenes are SCORCHING hot and leave nothing to the imagination. The love scenes are INTEGRAL parts of the story whether the book ends in a happily ever after or not. This group doesn't cringe when they come across the words "cunt" or "pussy."  These people want to barf when they come across flowery terms such as "love tunnel" and "rod of desire." This group wants their sex hot, dirty and a lot of it. Let's call this group "Vixens of Kink." 

Can you guess which group I fit into? ;)  

So why is there so much confusion and downright heated debates over these labels? Damned if I know. I don't think there is really one or even two good reasons for it. More often than not, it's just the idea of exposure...good or bad...that gets people to label themselves and their work. Look what the media did for Fifty Shades. They labeled it as "mommy porn" and made it out to be this break through in erotic literature.  People who don't know any better jumped on that bandwagon. It became cool to be seen with these books in hand or on your Kindle. Never mind there were and are better books out there that better portray the BDSM lifestyle. If Good Morning America says it will curl your toes and it's the best thing since Lady Chatterley's Lover, the lemmings will believe it and there is nothing you can do to change their minds...

...until they pick up another erotic romance novel thinking they will be getting more of Christian and Ana and get a hell of a lot more than they bargained for. They definitely won't find another heroine constantly talking to her Inner Goddess or referring to her lover eating her out as "kissing her down there."  Yeah, you can stop rolling your eyes and laughing now. Trust me. It's happening more and more. Some people will come over to the "dark side" and become a Vixen of Kink and others will get so turned off and repulsed, they get their ladies church group to harass and stalk erotic romance authors accusing them of being the "reason there is so many teenage pregnancies."  Once again, stop laughing! This actually happened to one of my fellow authors. Nothing like blaming other people for their own parenting failures, right? 

Once again, I have to calm myself and get back on topic. 

How about we take a look at some definitions put out by Passionate Ink. This group is "the Special Interest Chapter of Romance Writers of America for erotic romance writers." Go ahead and click on their link to find out more, but for today's discussion I'd like to focus on how they define erotic romance and the varying levels of "kink" or heat.

PORN: these stories are written for one reason and one reason only...to cause sexual titillation. Those who write this are only concerned with getting the reader aroused and "off." Plot, character development and romance aren't even a part of these stories usually, but if they are included they aren't of any importance. Only the sex.

EROTICA: here the sexual journey of the characters is very important showing all the emotion and character growth throughout the story. There can be a romantic relationship in the story, but it's NOT an integral part and definitely not a requirement to have one. Another key point is that a happily ever after is NOT a requirement either.

EROTIC ROMANCE: these novels and short stories show the development of a romantic relationship through sexual interaction. Let me say this another way. The sex is a CRUCIAL part of the entire story, character and relationship development. You can't remove the sex scenes without ruining the storyline. Since it is a ROMANCE, a happily ever after or at least a happy for now is a REQUIREMENT.

SEXY/SEXUAL ROMANCE: here is where our Smut Wannabes and Posers should characterize themselves. These stories concentrate on the romance and how it develops. The characters just so happen to have a little more explicit sex than say a sweet or mainstream romance. Here the sex is not a requirement or an integral part of the story development. It can be toned down or cut out all together without destroying the plot/storyline. As with all romances, a happily ever after is required.

Not every author can write explicit sex scenes, nor should they. You should write what your muse tells you and what you are comfortable doing. You shouldn't market your sensual/sexy romances as erotica or erotic romance if you can't find it in you to type those "dirty" words. Believe me. If you just throw in the F-bomb over and over, you are NOT doing yourself or your readers any favors.

Not every reader will enjoy every sub-genre of erotic romance, and that's just fine. What I don't like to see is a reader totally trash a book because it wasn't their cup of tea. Really? Why pick up a M/F erotic romance when all you enjoy reading are M/M? 

So what are the lessons here? Write where your muse takes you and not to fit into a specific label because it's "cool" or "in" at the moment. Make sure you promote your book appropriately so you find your audience. As a reader, find what you love and don't be ashamed to admit it. Whether you only want to read the sweet romances or are into the hot kinky stuff, enjoy it all and tell your favorite authors what you think. 

Okay, it's time to turn the stage over to a group of ladies I've adored for many years. Put you hands together and welcome Salt-N-Pepa!


Saturday, October 6, 2012

The House Special Spotlight is on Josie from Illusion

Hurry on in folks! I've got a special treat for you today on Taboo's center stage. Author Alexandra Anthony is back once again, but this time she's brought Josephine...Josie. For those of you who don't know who she is, let's just say you are in for a real treat. Josie is the heroine of Alexandra's Vampire Destiny series and the fated mate of one HAWT vampire Stefan. 

Today I'm going to sit back and let Alexandra do the interrogating...er..interviewing. I may throw in a comment or two, since you know I can't sit still or keep quiet for very long! ;)

So let's get this party started! Please help me welcome to the stage Alexandra and Josie!

(Alexandra walks out onto the stage smiling and waving at the standing room crowd surrounding Taboo's center stage. Josie sort of hangs back, unsure of her footing on the stage. The bright spotlight seems to blind her a little bit. I signal to Mike our stage hand to switch to the violet light. As soon as the pale purple glow is on her, Josie appears to relax and follows Alexandra to the overstuffed chairs the stage hands had set up for them.)

Go ahead, Alexandra. The stage belongs to you now. How about you just start out by letting us know why you decided to bring Josephine with you today?

With Book 2 of the Vampire Destiny Series being launched last month, I thought I'd sit down with our heroine from the series, Josephine to talk to her about her relationship with Stefan, finding out about her real father and other revelations to come in Book 3, Awakening.  Thanks for sitting down with me, Josephine.
Please, call me Josie.  Only vampires seem to want to call me Josephine.

(Several murmurs and giggles erupt through the crowd. Seems like many in the audience know exactly what she's referring to!)

That's true.  I’m going to get down to the nitty gritty.  Josie, catch everyone up to date.  Well, as much as you can anyway.
Where do I begin?  At the end of Book 1, I met my birth father, Kian.

That had to be a shocker!
It was.  Especially when you find out he's also a vampire.  It was not what I was expecting.


What were you expecting?
Something boring, I suppose.  I didn't realize immortality was already in my back pocket.

But you're still human?
I get the best of both worlds.  A human that never ages.  
Did I mention I still haven't wrapped my mind around that little fact?

It has to be a perk.  Another perk is the main vampire in your life.  Let's talk about Stefan.
(A cheer goes up from the back of the room. I'm thinking Team Stefan is in attendance here tonight too!)
Stefan seems to be on every woman's mind that's read and liked the books!  Ask away.

What's it like being with a vampire as powerful as Stefan?
And by powerful you mean sexy, right?

Well...
(uh oh! Looks like Josie caught here there! And by the sound of the group around my table, everyone agrees with the sexy statement.)
I'm joking!  I know what the man can do to a girl. I have eyes! But back to Stefan...he's way too smart for his own good-and too gorgeous.  In Illusion, I find out a lot more about his human past as I start digging through my own.  There's more to Stefan than meets the eye.  He may be a vampire, but he's more than just a predator.  After all, we were fated to be together.

Illusion ends with a cliff-hanger.  Can you give us any spoilers about what's going to happen in Book 3, Awakening?
Hmmm.  At the end of Illusion, one person meets their death and another person's life hangs in the balance.  I can't say more about that, sorry!
(I chuckle. Josie has learned a lot from Alexandra about keeping a few things secret. If you tell them too much, they won't want to read the next books! Of course by the sound of the groans coming from Team Stefan near the bar, I'm betting they were hoping for a few more spoilers. Keep them begging for more, ladies!)
As for Book 3, I find out more about Kian and my deceased uncle, Garrett.  An important new character close to Stefan and Lukas is introduced.  This vampire is extremely powerful and vital to the future of the vampire hierarchy.  Let's just say Stefan is stacking the deck a little in our favor.

It sounds exciting and hectic.  I hope you've had time for some down time.
with Stefan around, you make the time to have fun.  Trust me!

Thanks for sitting down and chatting.
Anytime.  Stefan did insist on being included the next time.  I think you've created a monster!
(applause erupt throughout the club and a chant of Stefan! Stefan! starts up near the bar. I look back toward Taylor serving his own version of Sex on The Beach to several members of the very rowdy  group and smile. I know he's also a big fan of Stefan. I stand and join the ladies on the stage.)

Oh did you all really think Taboo wouldn't have sexy Stefan in the House soon? You'll have to keep watching our coming soon notices to find out when he will take his turn in the spotlight, but until then how about an excerpt from Illusion to tide you over? Yeah?
I can't hear you!
(the entire club erupts into ear piercing cheers and whistles.)
That's better!  Grab your drinks, take your seats, and get ready for another peek at Stefan and Josie's world.


Excerpt

“That’s all you want?  For me to live with you?” I stammered.  I expected more from him, some complicated stipulation that would put me on the offense.  Once again, he surprised me with how little he wanted from me.  And I was once again stunned at how much more I would be willing to give him.

“That would be a good beginning point.  There are many benefits to us living together, Josephine.” I felt his quick fingers begin to unbutton my shirt.  His voice was sensual and smooth as he leaned to whisper against my ear.  “We can do this.  Whenever we want… wherever we want.”

His hands pushed the shirt over my shoulders and it dropped to the floor around my feet, leaving me naked against him.  My overheated skin came in contact with his much cooler flesh, sending a crackle of energy between us.  He wound my long hair in one of his hands, pulling my head slightly back to rest against his chest.  His lips lowered to my neck and he ran his tongue slowly up the length of my neck, tasting me. He didn’t stop until he licked over the shell of my ear.  I shivered against him and a low moan slipped past my lips, a husky helpless sound of want.  His hard cock pressed against my back and I unconsciously pushed back against him.

“De saker du gör för mig och vacker,” he murmured softly.  He still had the presence of mind to translate for me. “The things you do to me, beautiful one.”

He released my hair and spun me around to face him.  I looked up, marveling at the magnificence of the man in front of me.  His blue eyes had darkened like the ocean at night and his lips were slightly parted.  Stefan’s golden hair had fallen forward over his forehead as he captured my lips in a demanding kiss.  His mouth opened against mine and his tongue boldly swept in, effectively igniting a fire that spread through my blood like wildfire, burning me alive from the inside out.  Feeling wetness pool between my thighs, I pushed him back against the wall with strength I didn’t know I had, pulling my mouth away from his.

“You’re overdressed for the party, älskling.”  I watched as his already dark eyes glazed over as I spoke to him in his native tongue.  Gripping the drawstring to his sleep pants, I untied them and pushed them over his hips.  My hands slid up his muscled stomach to lightly caress his chest.  I licked one nipple and moved to the other, laving it with my tongue and then closing my mouth over it, lightly biting him.

“Fuck!  More of that… and harder,” he growled.  His blond head fell back against his shoulders, lost in a combination of agony and ecstasy.

Feeling powerful and sexy, my mouth continued an assault on his chest, my tongue traveling over the sharp lines of his collarbones.  I nibbled his skin with my teeth, making him cry out in pleasure.  I ran my palm down his body and gripped his cock in my hand, lightly stroking the length of his shaft.  His hips jutted towards me, encouraging me to continue.

Stefan grabbed a handful of my hair and turned us around so I was pinned between himself and the wall, the predator inside of him resurfacing.  My hand tightened around him as my teeth finally broke through the skin around his nipple, drawing blood.

There you go folks! For those of you who haven't yet picked up your copy of Illusion, you can find it at the following links.

For more about Alexandra