Readers, if you’re looking to spice up your holiday season, I’m sure you’ll want to check this list… twice!

Vanilla-Free Christmas

This Christmas, the best gifts are waiting for those who have been naughty…

And the toys under the tree are not for children. Sexy Santas, naughty elves, and dominant shifters are ready to spread some very kinky Christmas cheer. It’s a good thing the ladies in our stories are looking for anything but vanilla.

Check out this vanilla-free anthology: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/vanilla-free-christmas/

Holiday Romance Box Set: 3 Multicultural Novellas

Heat up those cold winter nights with three holiday-themed erotic romance novellas featuring a diverse range of characters!

Read an excerpt and buy from: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/

Available as an ebook or in print!

Winner of the 2012 Rainbow Awards
BEST TRANSGENDER ROMANCE

Coming home means coming out…

This is a Christmas of firsts for girlfriends Maisie and Regan. Maisie hasn’t returned to their hometown since beginning her transition from male to female. Regan hasn’t spoken to her hard-drinking Cree father in twice that time. Will family drama, secrets, and new arrivals strengthen their bond or tear Regan and Maisie apart?

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GOL8VXC
CreateSpace: https://www.createspace.com/4521764

Naughty: Full to Bursting

After six months together, Wanda still hasn’t told her children Janelle is more than just a friend. Janelle spends every evening at the house, helping with dinner and homework, but come 10 or 11 at night Wanda always sends her home. Their only chance for debauchery comes one weekend a month, when the kids visit their grandparents. With Christmas on the way, will tensions build too high for Janelle to handle, or will she be fully satisfied by Wanda’s big, sexy gift?

Lesbian erotic romance: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_108&products_id=3475

Vanilla-Free Christmas: Manlove Edition

This Christmas, good will isn’t all these sexy men are going to get…

Ménage loving and chance encounters will make the holidays merry and bright and hot enough to keep out the cold. From a romp in Santa’s candy house to a dinner party where chains and collars are required attire, Christmas for these naughty men is going to be anything but vanilla.

I’ve always had a soft spot for the Albert Kennedy Trust, although my association with them started off for the daftest of reasons. I mean, as a huge fan of Archie Kennedy (from the Hornblower TV series) that name was always going to catch my eye. When I read about Albert, a runaway from a children’s home who fell to his death from the top of a car park in Manchester, having suffered rejection and abuse from the society he lived in, I decided I had to support the cause of getting GLBT youngsters off the streets and into supportive families.

I also got a few other books.. the first being Canal Street Gothic, by David Thame, in support of AKT. It was described as a collection of ten stories set in and around Manchester’s gay village revealing the gothic truths beneath the shiny surfaces of the twenty-first century city.

I enjoyed the first story, “Regulars”, so much I immediately re-read it, savouring the characterisations and noticing all the clues to the denouement I should have picked up first time. From then on, I made sure I read slowly and got the most out of each story; it was a real pleasure to read gay fiction which wasn’t just about sex and that had strong storylines. Like all anthologies, some of these stories are stronger than others, and the stand outs for me were “The Posh Bit of Stockport” and “The New Union” as well as the aforementioned “Regulars”. Overall, I’d recommend it whole heartedly, even if it wasn’t in support of charity, so the Albert Kennedy bit just has to be the deal clincher, doesn’t it?

If you find that you have a moment, and need to put up your feet, I have a free Xmas read available at Musa Publishing – Christmas Crossroad – along with several free reads from Musa authors – so check it out for some holiday reading! click here My story features Leo and Andre from Lover’s Trill.

Have a wonderful holiday! See you next year!

We’re seeking kisses for the 2014 New Year’s Kisses Party!

Last year’s event was a massive success, so we’ve decided to go for it again. This year’s event will be hosted by Tara Lain, Angel Payne, and Kay Berrisford.

Basically, we’re collecting kiss excerpts from as many romance and erotica books as we can. All pairings/ménage and heat levels are welcome. The kisses will be published at the party pages at our blogs between 31st December and 2nd January, and there will be a quiz and prizes to encourage everyone to read YOUR kiss.

If you’d like to take part, please send us a KISS EXCERPT from one of your books – anything from a few lines in the build up to a 500-600 word excerpt, any pairing or heat level.

Please email these to kayberrisford@yahoo.co.uk, with the excerpt as a .DOC, .DOCX, .TXT, .RTF, or .ODT attachment, no later than 22nd December. (Please don’t put your excerpt in the body of the email, as the formatting is often ruined, and we won’t necessarily know how to put it back again!)

Later, we will be asking for small donations toward the prize pot (via paypal) or ebook donations for prizes. This is NOT compulsory, but it all adds to the fun.

Just in time for the holidays, I’ve gotten the rights back to my kinky Christmas ginger figging romance, GINGER SNAP. I’ve re-issued it for just 99 cents, a big savings on the original publisher price of $2.69.

So what exactly is ginger figging, or figging? It’s a very (ahem) hot sexual punishment. And as our heroine discovers, with a punishment like that, it’s more fun to be bad. Check out the excerpt below to learn more about just what figging involves….

Ginger Snap by Shoshanna Evers

Blurb
When Holly sits on Tom’s lap to tell him what she wants for Christmas, she knows she’s naughty enough to get a lump of coal—but she never expected to get a hand of ginger root. Peeled ginger in her bottom burns like crazy without causing any actual harm—so the punishment can go on as long as naughty Holly deserves.

Ginger-figging has been used since Victorian times to keep girls from clenching against a proper caning because, as Holly finds out, clenching around ginger has her begging for mercy—and more turned-on than she’s ever been. From now on Holly should be on her best behavior…but with this sort of punishment, it’s more fun to be bad.

This 11,000 word sexy short novella was originally published under the same title by Ellora’s Cave Publishing in 2010.

Here’s what reviewers are saying about GINGER SNAP:

“If you’re looking for a well-written, naughty tale with some D/s play and a truly unique twist on kink, then I’d definitely recommend this book.” – Lucy Felthouse, BlogCritics

“With heart and compassion, Evers shows how Holly and Tom learn about themselves and their respective needs in order to make their relationship work. Tom gets in touch with his inner Dom and determines a proper punishment for Holly is ginger-figging.

This spicy discipline turns the heat up on Holly, getting her in touch with her submissive nature. The bedroom play is intensely sexy, hot, and all the while playful, enticing the reader to keep turning the pages to the perfect Christmas ending.” – Lori, The Jeep Diva
“…fun and sexy with passion and a tantalizing bit of dominance.” – Sizzling Hot Books

“Ginger Snap is smoking hot, it’s seriously naughty but above all it’s a wonderful tale of trust and respect and seeing a couple nurturing the seeds of a healthy, fulfilling D/s relationship.

Ms Evers can sure pull out all the stops in a short story! I highly recommend Ginger Snap and defy anyone to be able to pause halfway through – be warned, this is a one stop read from beginning to end.” – Lynn Marie, Happily Ever After

If you’re into trippy pop culture and vampires, you really ought to check out French Director Jean Rollin’s movies.

The Nude Vampire is a great one to start with. It was in French with English dubbing.I prefer subtitles, but in this case it wouldn’t have mattered much because there are about 6 sentences of dialogue. That’s one reason why you won’t try to watch this while knitting a last minute gift or Facebooking on your phone because you’ll miss pretty much everything. Don’t watch it around kids, either, because there are a lot of naked people and strange clothes. Both of which will require so much explaining that you will miss the slowly developing plotline.

Don’t expect an upbeat ending. It is French.

Do expect a surreal experience.

Suggested accompanying drink: red wine. Of course.

The video clip of the opening scene gives you a pretty good idea of what you’re in for.

Intrigued? I had to order it from the library, but it was worth the wait.

If you have Netflix and need something both sexy and creepy right away, try Fascination. This is also by Jean Rollin. It doesn’t ave the all around swank of The Nude Vampire, but its trippy in its own way.

Like a taste before you commit?

Edits and My Self-Esteem
Written By: Lisa Fox – Dec• 16•13

I like getting edits. I really do. My work is always a million times better after it has gone through the editing process, the story is always stronger, the characters more sincere. My editors have made me better writer and I’ve learned important lessons from them all.

I know all this and yet when I receive revision suggestions, I always go through this period where I feel like I’ve failed my editor in some deep and significant way. The first time I open that Word document and see all that bold color within all I can think is: If only I was a better author, I wouldn’t need to make my poor editor work so hard! Why didn’t I see that? It’s so obvious? How could I have missed that plot hole? What was I thinking when I wrote that sentence? Terrible!

I look over all the comments once, wince and moan, and then I close the document down. For one day, maybe two if the deadline isn’t that tight, I let myself wallow in my failure. I take the time to curse the gods and bemoan my decision to ever think I could be a real and accomplished writer.

And then, the next day, I open the document again and get to work. Because I have to. Because my editor’s right. And because I love this job so, so, so, so much even editing is a treat.

Still, that first hit is KILLER.

How do you all deal with edits? Do they crush you at first or do you receive them happily?

Bull Raleigh doesn’t do twinks, so why can’t he stop thinking about Jamie even while he’s pushing him away.

Here is an excerpt from the fourth novel in the Indiscreet Series, Bull’s Whip:

So, he spent the next week working hard and trying to talk to make friends with Bull. He’d meet him in the kitchen getting coffee and he’d say, “Good morning, Master Bull,” All he’d get for his trouble was a grunt.

He went to Bull’s office and attempted conversation. “Reed and Bear want me to keep track of expenses; could you give me your expense report for the outside training? I’m going to need it for the monthly report?” Then he waited at Bull’s office door, leaning provocatively against the frame. Looking around he saw that Bull’s office was as austere as Bull himself. Nothing was out of place and it was all minimalist.

“Yeah, here.” Bull shoved the report at him and then closed his door.

He tried being helpful knocking on his door Jamie asked, “I’m going to the kitchen to get some coffee and a scone. Sir, would you like me to bring some coffee back for you?” He asked in a bright, cheery tone, smiling broadly at the thought of being able to do something for his man.

“No, if I want coffee I’ll get my own.” Bull said snappishly; then he walked out of his door and down to the kitchen pointedly ignoring Jamie.

He tried flirting. “I’m leaving to spend some time at the bar tonight. I’m looking to do a scene, are you interested; or we could have a drink and get to know each other?” He stood in front of Bull wearing little more than a loin cloth, his armband showing.

“I’m busy tonight. I have a scene set up with Masato.” Bull said. Jamie thought that Bull took great satisfaction in telling him he was busy.

“Maybe next time,” Jamie said, leaving the office.

As he walked down the hall he heard Bull say, “Not if I can help it.”

Damn, he was doing Masato. Masato was a Eurasian who was beautiful to look at. He eyes slanted slightly and his skin was golden. Masato was handsome in the masculine way Jamie knew he was not. Masato was also built. He looked like he could take anything Bull dished out, not like his own small frame which looked delicate but was wiry and very strong.

The next day in frustration, Jamie asked Bull, “Did I ever do or say something to offend you? Every time I speak to you, you barely answer me and you look at me like I’m shit on your shoe.”

Bull answered in a blunt and forceful manner, “I don’t like twinks.” He got up from behind his desk and loomed menacingly over Jamie.

Jamie answered in disgust, “I’m not a twink. If you took the time to get to know me, you’d know that the way I look has nothing to do with who I am inside.” He dared to step into Bull’s space….

Happy Holidays everyone and have a healthy and happy New Year.

Wishing everyone the best holidays ever! I hope you had a Happy Chanukah—or, as we said this year, Happy Thanksgivukkah!  Merry Christmas!  Happy Winter Solstice! Joyous Kwanzaa! Happy New Year! Sending you the best regards as you’re gearing up to celebrate!

During this hectic time, how do you relax from all the shopping, decorating, baking and other seasonal activities? I hope you get the chance to kick back with a good book, the hot beverage of your choice and a gingerbread goodie or three. Here’s are two suggestions for fun reads when you do get a chance to relax—a sexy trilogy and a classic Christmas story.

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In each of the three sensuous contemporary Teach Him Tonight romances, a determined woman provides an essential lesson in love to a deserving guy. This often includes cool, delicious chocolate and hot, sweaty sex: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BOX5YEO

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Photo Finish:  Ambitious attorney Cassandra Harrell is primed to battle her hot, hunky opposing counsel Alex DeLuca—a.k.a. Alexander the Great—in the courtroom. Though she fantasizes about getting him into her bedroom, she’s determined to avoid this bad boy distraction and focus on her career.

Alex spots the author photo on the back cover of a steamy romance and recognizes Cassandra. Who knew the desirable but icy lawyer had such a fascinating sensuous side? When he teases her about the book at a deposition, she furiously denies any connection.

Her sister wrote the book and, for a prank, used Cassandra’s photo. Outraged at Alex for embarrassing her in front of clients, Cassandra plots a revenge lesson. This teacher comes out on top until her student raises the stakes—and the heat.

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Emergency Ex: “Love is the emotional chocolate of the universe.” Actually, successful chocolatier Brenda Lockheart deals with the sweet brown confection lots better than she does with love. For years she’s been in love with Keith Tarrant, her best friend with benefits. As her thirtieth birthday approaches, hot lovemaking and intense friendship no longer satisfy her. She demands more. It’s time to make a commitment or say good-bye. Keith goes along at first, and she’s hopeful. But as her birthday gets closer, her relationship with Keith hits snags.

Keith loves Brenda and can’t bear to lose her, but he’s got lots of unresolved baggage and a history of being less than she deserves. Though he’ll try to get over his issues in time to make her birthday special, when a new roadblock arises, he’s out of his depth. Can Keith man up and commit to Brenda in time? Or will their relationship crumble and turn her into one more of his many exes?

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After Class: K.C. Corrigan’s book hit all the major best-seller lists. To celebrate this sweet victory, she contacts Todd Marek, the sexy teacher whose writing class she flunked. To her chagrin, he turns her down.

Todd considered K.C. a hot, talented writer—except she put too much romance in her writing. They disagreed, he failed her and she went on to huge success. Now he wants to distance himself from her. To keep his job, however, Todd has to convince K.C. to sign with the school’s agent. Todd’s not big on groveling.

Now that she’s successful, K.C. has lots of new “friends”. She doesn’t need aggro from the teacher who flunked her—and who also keeps showing up in her hottest fantasies. Much as she’d love to teach the teacher lessons in romance, Todd’s the slowest of learners—at first.
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Tingle Bells, http://www.ellorascave.com/tingle-bells.html was one of the most fun stories I’ve ever written.

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Justin Clancy is counting on his new invention to make the holiday season bright for his financially struggling family. With a chime guaranteed to sexually arouse any adult, Tingle Bells are the perfect stocking stuffer – until a cruel hex turns those sexy sounds into ear-splitting croaks. Far more adept at practical sciences than witchcraft, Justin knows he needs expert help fast or the Clancys’ Christmas will go down the tubes.

Trust-fund-wealthy Ramon Ramirez is a private eye certified for metaphysical investigations. He’s also a long-time loner who wishes for connection. Sparks fly between him and Justin the moment they meet, and Ramon falls for Justin – and his whole family. But neither man is quite ready to give up his heart to the other. Ramon has to work on cracking his solitary armor, and the self-conscious Justin isn’t so sure his new man isn’t just slumming – or pitying him.

In the midst of grappling with an eccentric family feud, mangled bells and their own personal baggage, Justin and Ramon vow to make things right. . .and stir up a little magic of their own.
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For stories you enjoy, please consider writing a review!
For all my books and more, please check out my website: http://MardiBallou.com

Happy Reading and Happiest of Holidays!

Overjoyed
Written By: Tracey H. Kitts – Dec• 11•13

I always knew what that word meant, in a technical sense. However, until recently, I never truly “felt” overjoyed before. I’ve experienced happiness, but this goes so far beyond that.

Lately, I have been so excited as 4 of my books climb the charts over at Amazon. I’m not posting this to brag, but to share how I’m feeling right now. It seems that a lot of other writers get angry when they see someone posting about book ratings or good reviews. I think they are missing the point. Being happy for someone else when they succeed is the very best way to assure your own success.

Most people do not share their “wins” to be jerks. They are just thrilled that something good has happened to them. As I watch those numbers climb higher and higher, I don’t want to rub it in anyone’s face. Here’s an example of what’s going through my head.

“I can pay my bills now!”

“So, THIS is what it feels like to make real money doing what you love!.”

“Oh, my GOD. People are actually reading my work and “getting” me.”

“This is amazing!”

“I feel like a real author now.”

There are not words to express how happy I am. That is what being overjoyed feels like. Not only are my book’s rankings improving, so is my author ranking. Right now I’m in the top 100 in Horror and Paranormal Romance. That is freaking amazing! As far as I know those are two of the hardest categories to break into, simply because there is so much horror and paranormal romance out there. LOL

I’m positively giddy right now. I am watching my dreams come to life one day at a time. I wish I had the words to let you know how that feels.