Halloween in the Castro

I'm thrilled to announce that one of my favorite stories, "Halloween in the Castro," is featured at the ERWA story galleries this month. The story was inspired by my experience at the famously wild San Francisco parade back in 1985. The parade has since been outlawed, but the memories remain!

The Big O: What's Not to Love?

What’s not to love about orgasms? The very word gives a supercharge to the title of an erotica anthology, which is why I’m very excited to have a story included in the hot new ebook, Stories of O: Orgasmic Erotica, edited by Alex Algren. The anthology includes works by Saskia Walker, Kristina Wright, A.D.R. Foret, Sinclair Sexsmith, Thomas Roche and yours truly. If you can’t resist—and why would anyone turn down orgasmic erotica?—Cleis is offering a special two-for-one bonus, buy the book, get another free!

My story, “The Big O,” is about a woman whose lover is away on a six-week meditation retreat. To while away the time, she decides to follow the “Sexercise Prescription” program that she discovered in a women’s magazine. The program promises to tone her sex muscles and improve orgasmic pleasure for both herself and her lover. I can’t resist a spoiler—it works!

I always have a lot of fun writing my erotic stories because I like to play around with our culture’s attitudes about sex, in this case the obsession with sex advice in women’s magazines. But the advice is not always obvious or silly. Unfortunately even in this more enlightened age, women especially are still conditioned to see an orgasm as something a lover “gives” you. Sure you can take charge when you’re alone, but with a partner his skill is what takes you over the top.

I’m glad to say I discovered, with the help of sex advice books over the years, that both women and men have a lot more fun in bed if they take charge of their own pleasure and their own orgasms. Figuring out what works for you, then sharing it with your partner, is crucial part of mutual satisfaction. My protagonist in the “The Big O” learns that the process of discovery can be just as enjoyable as the grand finale.

Here’s a brief excerpt from the story to give you a taste:

"I wouldn’t exactly call it an addiction.  Let’s just say the Sexercise Prescription was one workout routine I had no trouble fitting into my busy schedule.  In fact, as suggested, I did the official three-part series on my way to work and even squeezed in a few during boring meetings.  But I always waited until I got home to do the fourth part of the series.

After a few weeks, I’d settled in a very pleasurable routine.  First I stripped naked and knelt in the middle of the futon.  After I warmed myself up with a set of exercises, I’d close my eyes and take a deep breath.

Suddenly, I was no longer alone in my bedroom.

Instead I’m in a mirrored dance studio, with a dozen students kneeling in a circle around me, all eager to become strong inside just like me.  They are all nude, too, and I take a moment to admire their beauty.  Some have enviably curvy figures—lush hips and full bosoms that beg to be weighed in my hands.  Others are boyish with high, tight buttocks and perky breasts.  The diversity of grooming habits catches my attention, too.  A few wax themselves bare, while others trim their pubic hair in fanciful heart shapes.  One earth mother sports a luxuriant bush of curls I long to comb with my fingers.  I know it’s unprofessional to stare, but their nipples are my weakness, lined up before me like a buffet.  I imagine sucking the dainty raspberry bonbons of one student, then tonguing the generous mocha-colored demitasse saucers of her neighbor.

Discreetly swallowing down the drool, I lead the class efficiently through the warm-up exercises:  slow squeezes, butterfly wings and the elevator.

Squeeze and hold, ladies, squeeze and hold.

By the end our bodies are glistening with sweat, our eyes glow with delicious exertion.  Smiling, I announce a special reward for their hard work—a guest instructor who will help them get in touch with a new level of inner strength.

Adam steps from behind the folding screen in the corner, flourishing his magic brush.  He takes his place before the first student, a small woman whose pale skin flushes when she’s aroused.  Now her chest is covered in tell tale splotches of pink.

Gently I instruct her to lie back and spread her legs for the new teacher.

Brow furrowed in concentration, Adam leans forward and inserts his brush delicately into her vagina.  When he touches the tip to her inner labia, she moans.
'Let’s breathe with her and be one with the sensation,' I urge my other students, who stare with gaping mouths, transfixed by the intimate performance before them.

And so we all breathe together, our own pussies clenching in sympathy, as Adam traces the timeless circle of her flesh.  Yet, again, right before he reaches her clitoris, he stops.

Her eyes shoot open in dismay, but before she can protest, she climaxes, with a dainty, 'oh, oh, oh.'

The next student in line immediately lies back without prompting.  This lusty woman bellows when she comes. Some of the students are now rubbing themselves as they watch.  In this manner, Adam works his way around the circle, stroking each woman to ecstasy with his artist’s touch.

Of course, he saves me for last'

Read more here!

The Big Book of Submission: Remaking the Rules

It’s my great pleasure to be today’s blog tour stop for Rachel Kramer Bussel’s The Big Book of Submission: 69 Kinky Tales. This luscious book is a smorgasbord of tales from veteran eroticists and new voices, all less than 1200 words, but packing a powerful punch because you get nothing but “the good parts.” There is definitely something for every taste!

Fifty Shades of Grey has brought the appeal of D/s erotic play into the popular consciousness, but my story, “Perfect Gentleman,” illustrates that rules and restraints are not a fad, but a timeless component of eroticism. I’d argue that the reason themes of dominance and submission are so enthralling to us is that we humans are hierarchical creatures and the negotiation of power is a force as vital to us as water, food, and yes, sexuality.

I came of age in the era when sexual fantasy meant Penthouse letters and Nancy Friday’s My Secret Garden. In my understanding at the time, sexual fantasy was an escape from real life to a place where boundaries are broken so that all of our sexual desires came true in a blaze of pleasure. Think impromptu orgies in college dorms or the mailman popping in for a hot sexual encounter while making his appointed rounds. In that view, it wouldn’t “make sense” to fantasize about frustration or restriction or pain or power exchange. Everything was supposed to be free and equal and beautiful. Of course, I’ve long since come to appreciate the marvelous capacity of sexual fantasy to get the better of simplistic explanation.

What if, rather than merely a means to escape society’s restraints on sexual impulses, our creative minds could play with these rules, twist them around, intensify them, yet still bring us to a satisfyingly pleasurable outcome?

This is why I had so much fun writing “Perfect Gentleman,” indeed, I smiled the whole time! My characters play with old-fashioned rules of conduct for ladies and gentleman, turning propriety on its hypocritical head. I’ll leave you with a very proper excerpt to whet your appetite for a delightfully improper collection of tales:

She narrows her eyes, cat-like.  “Aren’t you going to try to kiss me again?”

“May I?”

She giggles, but opens her mouth to him easily enough.  Their tongues dance.  She makes mewing noises, like she always does when she’s ready to go at it.  Yet whenever he tries to touch her breast, she twists away.  She’s not wearing a bra, either, but some weird, rigid undergarment—a corset?  His penis throbs in his pants.

“Control yourself, please.  Remember that I’m a lady.” 

In spite of her protest, she’s the one who practically pulls him down on top of her. 

“No, please,” she whimpers as she lodges her thigh between his so she’s putting just the right pressure on his cock.

“Come on, let’s do it,” he begs.

“You know I’m saving myself for my honeymoon.”

Cut the crap, he almost blurts out.  Suddenly he understands those suckers in days gone by who proposed in the heat of the moment.  He’s so desperate he’d do anything to get inside her pants.  (Spoiler: the ending is happy for all concerned.)

Check out the rest of the virtual book tour here!

Slave Girls Tour: Passing the Final

When I saw the call for D.L. King's anthology Slave Girls: Erotic Stories of Submission, I knew I had to submit. Not just because D.L. King is an overall fantastic editor--which she is--but because ever since I met her in person at an erotica writers' salon in New York in 2008, she has inspired many idle daydreams and many of my favorite stories.

I've written about that fateful evening here (scroll to the bottom for the spicy part) on my blog before, but since a picture is worth a thousand words, I thought I'd repost my photo of D.L. King's toy closet.

I mean, we all hear about readers of Fifty Shades of Grey buying all the rope in the feed stores of Iowa (an urban legend, I believe), but Madam King is someone who not only talks the talk, she walks the walk. I'm all about authenticity in my writing, and I like that in my editors, too!

I've enjoyed following the Slave Girls blog tour (see a list of sizzling stops here), and am in special agreement with Victoria Behn's comment that submission is really about trust and ultimately gaining control of your pleasure. My story, "Passing the Final," definitely plays with the slippery exchange of power, where things are not always what they seem. Where you give away to get back, where submission to another's rules brings new self-mastery. As I wrote, I had a general path in mind for my tale, but the unfolding was as much a mystery to me as it was to my protagonist. The writing process was a submission of sorts with a very satisfying ending--being part of this wonderful project with so many amazing writers.

In that spirit of mystery and discovery, I'd like to whet your appetite with an excerpt from the story's opening:

From "Passing the Final"

She’d always done well on exams, but this one was different. There was no reviewing of notes or practice questions.  She was simply to prepare herself as if for a date she knew would end in bed—a little extra perfume in secret places and sexy underwear—and report to his house at nine o’clock sharp.  Of course she did exactly as she was told.

Her stomach clutched sweetly as his eyes flicked up and down her body. 

“You look lovely.  Now go into the bedroom, take off your dress, and put on the robe on the bed.  Then lie down and wait for me.”  His tone was as neutral as a beige ceiling, but her pulse leaped.  This was how their games always began.

His bedroom was illuminated only by two thick, round candles arranged like an altar on the nightstand.  A satin robe lay shimmering in the golden shadows across the pillow.  She hung her dress in his closet, kicked off her shoes, and slipped the robe over her lacy, bride-white bra, matching thong and thigh-high stockings.  She paused to check her reflection in the closet mirror.

Don’t be afraid.  The Master said you were ready.

He hadn’t elaborated exactly what she was ready for, but she would find out soon enough....

Get yourself a copy of Slave Girls, and so will you--I know you're ready!

National Write Whatever the Hell You Want Month!

In my February column at ERWA, "Will You Take the NWWTHYWM Challenge?" I invited everyone to participate in an informal month-long indulgence to... write whatever the hell you want for a whole month.

Fellow Writers, that’s one whole month when you can write whatever the hell you want without feeling you have to meet some external standard of worth or profitability. Your ending doesn’t have to be happy or edgy or ambivalent--it can be as many of these things as you can manage. The protagonist doesn’t have to be attractive or likeable or complex or sexy. There can be as much or as little sex as you like and the length can be “too” long or short. The taboos—and isn’t it interesting that supposedly transgressive erotic expression has more publishers’ rules than any other genre?--need not apply because publication and pleasing someone else is not the goal here.

Partially inspired by November's National Novel Writing Month, NWWTHYW Month is somewhat different in that there are no rules or goals for output, unless you set them yourself because... the whole point is to do whatever you want! I had a lot of people say they were interested in trying a month of expectation-free creativity, so we're on for March!

With the help of ERWA blog mistress, Lisabet Sarai, we've set up a NWWTHYWM page where anyone who feels like it can weigh in about the ups and downs and ins and outs of writing whatever the hell they want. Please join us and have some fun!

Amorous Woman is a Top Erotica Pick for 2013

Is there a better way for an author to close out the year? Terrance Aldon Shaw of the well-regarded erotica review site, Erotica for the Big Brain, has chosen Amorous Woman to top his Best of 2013 list.

Here's a sampling of what TAS has to say about the novel:

"At times as luridly salacious as a classic shunga print, at others as subtle and cerebrally engaging as the most exquisitely polysemous kanji, sweet and mystically melodious as the languid interplay of shakuhachi, shamisen, and koto, Amorous Woman is destined to become one of the great erotic classics of the modern era." 

I'm thrilled to be on the list with amazing erotica writers like Jeremy Edwards, D. L. King, and Kristina Wright. Let the party begin!

Amorous Woman at Musings of a Book Maven

I'm happy to be a guest at Rhonda Laurel's Musings of a Book Maven today. The excerpt from Amorous Woman has never appeared online before, but I chose it because it's really one of my favorite scenes from the book. The erotic tension is more subtle, but it really touches on the meeting of cultures, the longing for closeness that exists between the West and Japan. Let me know what you think!

Do You Love Cookies?

I've very excited to announce that I've created a new blog all about cookies called Cookie Passionista. December is the perfect time of year to start this blog, because that's when Cookie Madness happens--crazy days of baking many kinds of holiday cookies to give as gifts. Cookie Madness began today when I baked my famous pecan cookies for my brother-in-law for Hanukkah. They're flying across the country in an Express Mail flat-rate box as I write. If you'd like the recipe for these cookies and my special tricks for making them delicious, hop on over to Cookie Passionista!

Rhonda Laurel's "The Blake Legacy"

Rhonda Laurel is my guest today with news of her hot-off-the-presses novel, The Blake Legacy. So settle in with your glass of holiday eggnog for an excerpt from the book and don't forget to enter the giveaways!

The Blake Legacy (Book 4 in The Blake Boys series)
See the book trailer and buy the novel at Amazon US, Amazon UK, Barnes and Noble and ARe

NFL quarterback Seth Blake is having an unbelievable hot streak—he’s won his third Super Bowl title the same day his wife Morgan gave birth to their son. Life couldn’t be better for the new father and MVP. His contract with the Philadelphia Titans expires in a year, giving him a chance to make a professional dream come true: to play in his home state for the Texas Wildcats and return to his much-missed Twelve Horseshoes Ranch—this time, for good.

Morgan Reed-Blake has never been happier. She’s got the best husband, the cutest baby, and she’s successfully juggling career and family. Her bookstore is expanding, her charitable organization is growing, and she’s been offered her dream job on the literacy council. Everything in her Philadelphia world is coming up roses. Until Seth’s contract with the Titans expires, and his dream of returning home comes close enough to touch…and the powers that be in Texas start romancing Seth in earnest. Morgan and Seth both have dreams. But a choice has to be made…

Excerpt:

As soon as Seth stepped into the crowded amphitheater, his team began chanting their battle cry. Cameras started flashing and reporters fired questions at him from around the room. He moved toward the stage and was greeted by his good friend and team mate Patton Hawkes. Patton gave him a hug and took a seat next to Seth at the center table.

“Seth, how’s your wife?” a reporter yelled from the back of the room.

“She’s fine. The baby’s fine. I couldn’t ask for a better day than this.” Seth ran a hand over his face.

“Boy or girl?” someone else shouted.

“A boy. His name is Seth Jacob Blake Jr. And before anyone asks, he will be a quarterback.” Seth grinned and winked.

The room erupted in laughter. Technical questions about the game began to flow, and he was grateful he could answer on autopilot. He congratulated the team and reinforced the group effort involved to win, thanking each of them for playing their best. Everyone agreed that his fifty-five yard pass to Lamont to score the winning touchdown was the greatest play of the game.

“How does it feel to achieve three Super Bowl wins in a row, something no team has ever achieved before?” The million-dollar question came from the back of the room.

Seth tugged on his ear. “It feels great, but it’s also a humbling experience. This achievement shows how dedicated every player was on the team to doing our jobs, and in the process we made a little football history.”

“Being three time MVP ain’t bad either, is it?”

The crowd roared.

“The honor of being named MVP is never to be taken lightly, and I have much respect for it. Somebody thought I was doing something right, and I appreciate that. But if I didn’t work with exceptional people, there would be no title.”

“Seth, what were you thinking when you threw the ball to Lamont?” a sports reporter for Sports Now yelled out.

“I was thinking, Lamont, if you never catch another pass I throw you, this is the one you should catch.” Seth laughed.

“Were you aware your wife was in labor during the game?”

“No. She told my family that under no circumstances was anyone allowed to tell me she was in labor until the game was over.” He shook his head, smiling.

Patton grabbed the microphone off the stand in front of him. “And before anyone asks, I am the godfather to his son.”

There was rumbling among the team about why Patton should have the honor. Seth covered his mic with his hand, leaned over, and whispered to Patton, “Thanks, man.”

“They’ll get over it,” Patton spoke into his microphone.

Damn. The rumblings grew louder. Seth had to defuse the situation before it blew up in his face. “Our wives are good friends. Nina was always there to help Morgan during the pregnancy.”

His teammates kept grumbling but gradually went quiet, and Seth tried not to wipe sweat off his brow. Questions about the game resumed, and Seth fired off responses as quickly as he could, anxious to get back to his family. He didn’t want to miss a minute of the first day of his son’s life. He did his best to be polite, but after forty-five minutes, he informed everyone he was headed back upstairs. After a brief conversation with Daniel and his agent, Luke, Seth slipped out a side door and headed for the elevator.

“Great game today,” a familiar voice said from the direction of the reception area.

Seth turned to see T.K. Holbrook, a friend of his father’s and one of the richest men in Texas. T.K. was also the owner of the football team the Texas Tomcats. T.K. had courted Seth throughout his football career to play for him, but timing was never on their side.

“Thanks, T.K.” Seth shook his hand.

“And congratulations on your baby boy. John Jacob let me get a peek at him; he’s a handsome little devil. I see a Super Bowl in his future.”

Seth laughed. “I’m hopeful.”

“If he does, then maybe a Blake will finally play for the Tomcats.” T.K. winked at him.

The elevator door opened, and Seth held out his hand to keep it ajar.

T.K. hitched up his pants. “I knew you could do it. I knew you would take the Titans to glory when you signed that contract. I regret I couldn’t get to you first.”

“Well, the timing wasn’t right. Things seemed to have fallen into place for a reason.” Seth smiled.

T.K. nodded at Seth’s sentiment. “You’ve given them three Super Bowl wins. I knew you were a champion the first time I saw you play in grade school. Your father and I would talk about that all the time when you were a boy. We both knew you’d be in the Hall of Fame one day.”

“It’s a little early for that. But everything I’ve done in my career was to work toward being an exemplary player and to make my family proud.” Seth held out his hand again when the elevator door began making a jerking movement.

“Well, you’ve definitely done that. Listen, I know you want to get back to your family. Congratulations again.”

“Thank you for stopping by, T.K. I appreciate it.” Seth nodded.

“Your contract with the Titans is up in a year, right?” T.K. rubbed his chin.

Seth had to think about it for a moment. There had been so much going on he’d forgotten about his expiring contract. “Yes,” Seth said as he stepped inside the elevator.

T.K. smiled and tipped his hat.

The elevator doors closed, leaving Seth alone to process T.K’s surprise visit. A few years ago the possibility of playing in Texas would have been his biggest dream come true.

The elevator opened again, and he was surprised to see the corridor leading to Morgan’s room empty. Seth gently opened the door to her room to find her nursing the baby.

Morgan looked up when he walked in. “We were just talking about you.”

“Is that right?” Seth sat on the bed and caressed her cheek.

“I was telling Jake about what a great game his dad played today.”

“Jake? That’s a nice nickname.”

“It was not my idea. The family got together and decided that S.J. sounded pretentious. Your father said he looked like a Jake. After that decision was made, they shifted to where he would go to college. I kicked everyone out.” Morgan flashed a cheesy smile.

Seth shook his head. “You didn’t.”

“I love them all, but they were driving me crazy. I threatened to institute a demerit system on visitation tomorrow. How did the press conference go?”

“I told everyone you were holding the next Blake quarterback in your arms.”

Morgan giggled. “No pressure on your son at all. Your dad brought in this man he said was an old friend of the family. His name was T.K. Holbrook. Did you see him?”

“I ran into him downstairs.” Seth moved her bangs out of her eyes for her. Her hands were a bit full after all.

“Good. He seemed anxious to talk to you. I got the feeling it was about more than a congratulatory chat. What did he say?” Morgan furrowed her eyebrows.

“He wanted to congratulate me on the baby and the win today.”

The sound of Jake’s suckling noises echoed through the room.

Seth couldn’t help but grin. “Boy is he hungry.”

“He’s going to have your big appetite.”

Seth kept watching, entranced. Morgan had to cough to bring his attention back to her face.

“Yes?”

“You do know my breasts won’t remain this size?”

He smirked. “They might.”

“Well, if I go back down to my normal cup size, maybe you’ll start looking me in the face again.” Morgan arched her eyebrow.

Seth held his hand to his chest, feigning indignation. “I beg your pardon. I was just admiring the luscious view.”

“Well, I got a spare tire to go with the bigger boobs.” She groaned.

“Morgan Blake, you are beautiful, right now, just the way you are.” Seth kissed her tenderly on the lips.

Check out Rhonda's Giveaways:

The Blake Legacy Trivia Giveaway (11/15 – 12/15, Winner announced 12/16)

The Blake Legacy Unofficial Street Team Swag Giveaway (11/15 – 12/15, Winner announced 12/16)


Thanks for stopping by, Rhonda!

For the Love of Our Furry Friends Blog Tour

 The holiday season is just around the corner--and next week we'll all be braving the grocery stores to buy ingredients for Thanksgiving dinner. I'm making our traditional feast: butternut squash-chestnut risotto, Grand Marnier cranberry sauce, steamed green beans and almond cake for dessert. Talking about food is a great way to get in the holiday mood, but another great way is to start reading some good stories set during the holidays. Today I'm hosting Sharon Kleve and Jennifer Connor on their rounds of For the Love of Our Furry Friends Christmas Blog Tour. Of course, there's raffle with great prizes (scroll to the end for the details).

Book Title: Brenda’s Christmas Desire (Book two in the Dreams Come True Series)
Author: Sharon Kleve
Publisher: Books to Go Now
Genre: Contemporary Christmas Romance
Release Date: 11.20.2013
Length: 50 pages
Heat Rating: Sweet

Like any child Brenda Howser loved Christmas until her parents were killed by a drunk driver during their annual shopping trip. Brenda went to live with her aunt, who blamed their death on everything that represented Christmas; the gifts, the tree, and all the decorations. The festivities' Brenda once cherished became something she dreaded under the shadow of her parents death. She lived in fear of something happening to the people she loved during Christmas. Christmas approaches and Brenda has to decide if she’s going to let the past hold her prisoner for another year or if she can finally enjoy what Christmas used to mean to her—love.

DEA agent, John Smith knows the significance of December fifteenth to Brenda, but when the head of the Nuevo Cartel escapes federal prison he's forced to let her face the day without him, but not quite alone. Can Daisy, a golden Labrador puppy, a huge sale on decorations at the hardware store, and a gift from her aunt restore her love of Christmas?

Excerpt:

December 2013

The weather forecast for the Western Washington area, specifically North Seattle, predicted a good five-to-six inches of snow. Brenda Houser watched the flakes float like cotton balls from the sky as she dipped a tortilla chip into a bowl of thick and chunky salsa and popped the morsel into her mouth. 

Her boss, Corny Myers, tapped her pencil on Brenda's reception desk to the beat of The Little Drummer Boy, which streamed from the Green Hornet Investigations Bose speakers.

"Hey, Brenda. I have bad eating habits but I've never started the day with chips and salsa. What's up?" Corny asked.

"You know how I feel about all the holiday hoopla. I'd rather stick my head in the sand and pull it back out in January."

"Do you really think Mexican food is going to make you feel better?"

"Probably not, but a couple margaritas might help."


Author Bio:

Sharon Kleve was born and raised in Washington and currently lives on the Olympic Peninsula with her husband. Sharon is a writer of paranormal and contemporary romance. She loves romance. She loves reading romance, living romance, and especially loves writing about romance. She gets no greater feeling than watching her characters come alive in each other's arms. Most of all, she loves giving her characters the happily ever after they deserve—with a few bumps and bruises along the way. One of her favorite things to do is picking up a new book and sinking into the story, immersing herself in the emotions between the characters. She hopes to inspire her readers the same way her favorite authors have inspired her. When not writing, she can usually be found either curled up in her recliner with her cat and a good book, or in the kitchen baking sourdough bread or bagels.

Book Title: Central Bark At Christmas (Book one in the Dog Tails Series)
Author: Jennifer Conner
Publisher: Books to Go Now
Genre: Sweet Contemporary Christmas Romance
Release Date: 11.09.2013
Length: 50 pages
Heat Rating: Sweet

When Tennyson’s boyfriend left her for her best friend from high-school, all Tennyson received in the break up was her dog. She’s sworn off men and now is rebuilding her life. The only thing Par does is work. He barely has time to do anything he wants for himself other than take his dog to the dog park. When Par and Tennyson find an abandoned dog at the park named Duke. Will they find room in their hearts to take him in? And can this Christmas season weave some special magic for the two of them?

Book Excerpt:

 “I’m happy this wasn’t your worst date ever, because I had a great time.” He lifted her chin with the tips of his finger. Slowly he lowered his head until she thought she would die of anticipation. He clamped his hands to her waist and gazed into her eyes. “You’re so beautiful…” There was depth and sincerity in the tone of his voice. She felt special. Desired. He dropped his head and kissed her.

Gentle at first and then deep. She couldn’t breathe. He’d sucked all the air from her lungs, but there was no way she wanted him to stop. As she brushed his firm lips to hers, she relished the feel of her blood simmering in her veins. Par slid his fingers through her long hair to cradle and position her head to kiss her even more thoroughly.

His lips pulled away from hers and he stepped back. She reached for the roof of the car to steady herself. Oh. My. God… could this man kiss.

“Not bad for a first date,” he whispered and then kissed her gently again.

Okay… so it was a date. After that kiss it turned into an ‘official date’ and she had no regrets at all.

--> Book Title: Christmas Gift That Keeps Wagging (Book two in the Dog Tails Series)
Author: Jennifer Conner
Publisher: Books to Go Now
Genre: Sweet Contemporary Christmas Romance
Release Date: 11.06.2013
Length: 50 pages
Heat Rating: Sweet

Julian Barrows has his hands full working full time and being a single dad to his kindergarten, special needs son, Gabe. Gabe’s teacher convinces Julian he doesn’t need to do everything on his own and introduces him to a seizure dog trainer, Hanna Acker. Hanna and her sister grew up without any ‘Christmas Cheer’. She’s trying to get her sister through college and doesn’t have time to let anyone too close, especially the handsome single dad with a kid. But, Christmas has a way of changing what we thought we wanted… especially when Santa and an adorable four-legged ‘elf’ are involved.

Book Excerpt:

“What’s this?” Hanna asked, as she ran a hand over the grocery bag wrapping paper.

Julian took her coat and hung it by the door so she could follow Gabe into the living room.

“Daddy saw this in a store window and said that we had to get it for you. Open it!” Gabe said. “I wrapped it myself,” he added proudly.

“But it’s not Christmas.”

“No. This is a before Christmas gift. You have to open it now.”

She pulled off a half-pound of scotch tape and finally the paper fell away. Hanna stared at the gift in disbelief. “A Christmas sock… with my name on it.”

Julian came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “You told me that you’d never had a Christmas stocking of your own when you were growing up. Gabe knew Santa wouldn’t know where you were if you didn’t have you sock hung somewhere.” He winked. “So you needed it.”

“You can take it to your home or you can hang it here!” Gabe shouted almost tripping over Cody.

Author Bio:

Jennifer Conner is a best-selling Northwest author who has over thirty short stories on ebook and three full-length books in print. She writes in Contemporary Romance, Paranormal Romance, Historical Romance, and Erotica.   Shot in the Dark hit Amazon at #1 in Romantic Suspense and Christmas Chaos was #2 in the Romance category.  Her novel Shot in the Dark was a finalist in the Emerald City Opener, Cleveland, and Toronto RWA contests.   Jennifer is an Associate Publisher for the indie e-book company Books to Go Now that resides in the Seattle area. Books to Go Now offers professional editing, cover design, multiple book format file creation, and most important--publicity. Their staff works to help make our author books a success one book at a time.  She lives in a hundred year old house that she grew up in. Her semi- small town holds an interesting mix of resident hillbillies, yuppies and Navy Seals. And of course Seattle, only a few miles away, is the birthplace of Starbucks so coffee is always on the check list. She blows glass beads with a blow torch, (which relieves a lot of stress and people don't bother you).

Rafflecopter Giveaway Prizes:

•    One (1) Winner will receive a $25 gift card to a book seller of their choice
•    One (1) Winner will receive Sharon Kleve’s Book one and two of the Dreams Come True Series.
•    One (1) Winner will receive Jennifer Conner’s Book one and two of the Dog Tails Series.

Click here to enter. And a happy furry holidays to you all!

The Myth of Immortal Prose

This month in my column at the Erotic Readers and Writers Association blog, I talk about "The Myth of Immortal Prose." Back when I first started writing, a workshop leader's highest praise was to say that a story was "writing that will last." But how many published books actually do last and why? Let me know what you think!

Big Book of Orgasms Reading was Awesome!

I wanted to post the photo from last night's erotica reading at the Vibrator Museum at the Good Vibrations store on Polk Street. This standing-room-only event was a celebration for Rachel Kramer Bussel's latest anthology, The Big Book of Orgasms: 69 Sexy Stories, and included nine different writers reading their own short-short stories. All were well-written, fascinating, and most of all HOT. I felt really blessed to be part of such a courageous, talented community. Do check out The Big Book of Orgasms. It's erotica at its best--an array of bonbons for every taste! (With Virgie Tovar, Sinclair Sexsmith, Xan West, Jade A. Waters, Malin James, yours truly in the horizontal stripes, B.D. Swain, Rachel and Lily K. Cho.)

Something Special For Sommer Fundraiser

I've always been so amazed at the creativity, generosity and all-around wonderfulness of the erotica community, even though, you know, a lot of proper people call us other things. Well, the Something Special for Sommer Fundraiser is a particularly wonderful and generous thing. Sommer's husband is going through chemotherapy and insurance doesn't cover it right now. Lots of erotica writers have donated books and other goodies. I donated one of my very last paperback copies of Amorous Woman, which was bought by the awesome erotica writer Teresa Noelle Roberts, so I can no longer try to tempt you with that, but there are plenty of other awesome books and ways to help. Please head over and check it out!

Married Sex Is VERY Hot!

What's the most taboo subject in erotica? For me, the answer is red-hot sex between people who are married to each other! That's why I am especially delighted to be part of Kristina Wright's Bedded Bliss: A Couple's Guide to Lust Ever After. This book is a genuine treasury--each chapter opens with an essay by the editor on topics such has "growing your lust together," "lust after parenthood," and "middle-aged lust" (that's me!), followed by fiction from the A-list of erotica writers (and me!). Spiced with inspiring suggestions, intelligent observations, and delicious eros, Bedded Bliss will bring real joy to your real sex life with your real partner. Imagine that! In fact, reclaiming the pleasure of marital sexuality is a revolutionary act--I have my copy on the nightstand for regular reference. For the revolution!

A Writer's Mid-Career Crisis

I've been going through a bit of a fallow period with my writing for the last several months. In this month's ERWA column, "Validation, Desire, and Other Reasons to Write," I muse about the reasons I wrote at the start of my writing adventure (mostly validation through publication) and how I'm ready for a big change. Let me know what you think!

Sweet 'n' Steamy Reasons to Blog--And Win Great Blog Tour Prizes!

I'm honored to kick off the fall season by hosting Sharon Kleve and Kara Leigh Miller as they stroll around the blog-o-sphere on their Sweet 'n' Steamy Blog Tour. Kara and Sharon have shared a great article below on the benefits of blogging to authors in the Internet age. And once you've been inspired to get out there and blog (I'm already working on my next ERWA column), sign up to enter the generous giveaway, including a $25 gift card to the online bookseller of your choice and lots of great books.

But first, I'd like to introduce these authors' latest books, both of which have the most gorgeous eye-candy covers.

Sharon's latest release Halo's Wish, is Christmas story--I love Christmas stories!--about a pet detective who discovers something more than she bargained for. (Hint: this very sweet holiday tale involves a very handsome veterinarian).

Get yourself a copy of Halo's Wish at Amazon US, Amazon UK, Smashwords, and Barnes and Noble

Kara's new novel has an irresistible hook--should you "ruin" a close friendship with a sexy guy or give in to the overwhelming attraction between you? Hmm, I know what I'm hoping happens....

You can purchase Jilted at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

And now, Sharon and Kara on blogging for authors....

It's all the rage nowadays. Everyone is doing it. Are you?

Authors are encouraged, sometimes required by their publishers to have a blog. But, have you ever stopped and wondered, what's the point? If you have a website, Facebook page, Twitter account, Goodreads profile, Pinterest Account, Google+, Tumblr, and all those other time sucking social media outlets, why add another, right?

Why? Because it's fun!

Okay, seriously, it is fun, but it's more than that. For an author, it means exposure—which in today's publishing world can make or break you. A blog is a place for you to express yourself creatively about things you might not write about in your books. It's a place for you to share your knowledge and experiences and to promote your books. And it's a place for you to connect with other authors and readers in a more in-depth, personal way than Facebook or Twitter allows.

So, have I convinced you yet? If not, check out the article below by Andrew Grant published on July 1, 2013 on why you should have a blog.

Why You Should Have a Blog – 10 Great Reasons

1. Everybody is interested in something

And doing that favorite something is the quickest path to happiness and fulfillment that I know of. Therefore, it’s logical to conclude that writing a blog about that something is probably the most accessible way to make money around your favorite way of spending time.

2. A blog will make you friends

The very essence of a blog is that it will attract people who like the same things as you. They may see them very differently and they may well not agree with everything you say, but they will definitely share your interests. Isn’t that the very definition of friendships?

3. Blogging encourages your creativity

Even if you don’t think of yourself as creative, I am willing to bet that if you set yourself the challenge of writing three short blog posts about something you love, you will be amazed at how creative you can be.

4. Owning a blog gives you motivation

Once you begin to see the fruits of your efforts and especially when you start to get positive feedback from people you have never met, you will find that what looked like an onerous task at the outset is suddenly a pleasure to do – you can’t wait to see what your loyal readers will think of your latest post.

5. Blogging gives you self-discipline

Once you set yourself a schedule to regularly blog, you feel a responsibility to your readers to deliver on your commitment, but it’s a pleasure not a stress, because you know they are enthusiastically waiting for what you give them.

6. Blogging keeps you sharp

If you write a how-to blog, like mine, then you will be honing your skills of research and summation. If your blog is more opinion based, then you need to keep abreast of other views and the latest developments in your field so that you can comment on them with authority. You’ll find your thinking skills get keener and your ability to filter good information from bad gets a lot more efficient.

7. Blogging is rewarding

I guarantee that the best thing you will get from blogging is the satisfaction of making a difference to someone else’s life no matter how minor that difference might be. From a grateful reader telling you how much they enjoyed following one of your patterns to the person making their first few dollars online. The moment when you read their heartfelt email will be one of the high-points of your week.

8. A blog is a test-bed

Once you start to build an audience, your blog will become the place where you can try stuff out. You can ask their opinion on your plans and projects, test different offers with them and best of all you can get them to tell you what they need so you can make a product that suits, safe in the knowledge that as soon as you do, they are going to be the first ones to buy it.

9. You don’t need to be a good writer

No matter how poor you think your writing skills are, I absolutely encourage you to just get stuck in and start writing immediately. There are some great blogs out there written by people who are nowhere near polished, but they write with an intensity that makes that meaningless. In fact if they improved their writing, their blogs probably wouldn’t be as good. Their passion shines through.

10. Google loves bloggers

Every post you write, every picture you link and every comment you receive is another little building brick in the great structure of your credibility. The great bloggers out there have built their authority, their popularity and their credibility, by doing one thing well and doing it regularly. Creating stuff that people want to read, watch, listen to and act upon. Ike the movie said, “If you build it they will come,” and that was never more appropriate than when applied to blogging.

Quite simply, a blog is the best and most long-term profitable way to spend your time on the internet, bar none.

This YouTube video is a simple step-by-step instruction on how to set-up a Blog on Blogger.

Don't forget to sign up for the Sweet 'n' Steamy Blog Tour Giveaway at Rafflecopter.

Is Sexual Fantasy Hazardous to Your Health?

This is the subtext of a lot of media attention given to erotica and sexual fantasy these days. You might say this is ironic given the popularity of the thriving erotic fiction business, but all progress seems to invite a backlash. This month at the ERWA blog, I talk about the "dangers" of sexual fantasy identified by the media and whether we should be worried. Let me know what you think!

What's the Sexiest Movie You've Ever Seen?

Recently I was looking through my writing files and came upon an article I'd clipped from a 2008 issue of Entertainment Weekly: "50 Sexiest Movies." I remember going through the list at the time and agreeing with just a few of the choices, although some of the suggestions led me to some happy viewing! In my ERWA column this month, "The Sexiest Movie You've Ever Seen," I talk about the male gaze, female desire and some sexy movie recommendations for a sultry summer night. I've already gotten some great comments and suggestions from readers as well. Check it out--and weigh in with your recommendations!

Erotic Inspirations

My May column is up at ERWA, Erotic Inspirations: A Very Personal Reading List. This month I talk about the erotic books that first inspired me to start writing my own steamy stories. Check it out and let me know which stories first sparked your erotic fancies!

A "Big Brain" Review of Amorous Woman

One of the main ways a writer can quiet the nasty editorial voices in her head is to imagine the ideal reader who will "get" what she's trying to do. Terrance Aldon Shaw's review of Amorous Woman over at Erotica for the Big Brain showed me that my ideal reader is not just a fantasy--he exists! Check it out, and if you haven't yet read my steamy tale of an American's love affair with Japan, I hope this brainy (and honest) review will give you that little push to download a copy and get reading!