Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Tantalising Tuesday - Last for 2014!

Courtesy of Flickr User Ben Gun
Ash gasped as pain radiated through his body, originating from the gaping wound in his gut. He’d been in plenty of battles before but had never felt such pain. When the towering woman knocked his head, he just about passed out. It was the beauty in her otherwise ordinary looks that kept him conscious as she snapped the shaft of the arrow protruding from his body. 

As the rightful heir to his country’s throne, he shouldn’t have even been in this fight. He knew Bronsen, his valet, would not approve, but Ash was not his father, King Leonhart. Ash wanted to fight for his people. The comradery of the soldiers, the feeling of being just another man, was worth any chiding he might receive when he got back to the palace. Defending his people, however, was the main reason he fought. It was worth any risk to his life. And now, by fighting in this war, he’d found his queen, this strong woman trying to save his life.


His hair fell across his eyes, matted with blood, dirt and sweat. Ash’s strong muscles burned and his usually keen eyesight dimmed from pain. He was in trouble. 

To check out other authors participating, just follow this link.

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Lots of changes to come!

So I'm going to apologise right now in case my posts become a little sporadic over the coming months. I have some busy times ahead that involve a book launch, preparing another book for editing and then editing two others on top of writing, studying, blogging and promoting. Let me tell you, it's going to be one crazy 2015! But in all the good ways, of course. And that's just all my online work, let alone my personal life! Yes, this will be very interesting indeed. Time to learn how to juggle? Hehehe... It's going to be a hectic schedule for a while, that's for sure. So I thought while I think of it, and have a moment, I will say something now. Please bare with me, it will all be worth it, I promise! I will try to keep up with Tantalising Tuesday, Thursday Tastes and Flash Fiction Fridays, but there will be some weeks where I miss one, two or all three posts. I will try my best, though, since Blogger does allow me to schedule posts so far in advance.
Right now, I have to hop back to organising this launch, since I'm back to studying tomorrow. But I can't wait to share with you all my progress!

New Year’s Blog Hop - 2014/15

Merry Christmas 
 and Happy New Year!! 
 Thank you all for joining us! 
My apologies for joining in late!

 Enter the grand prize drawing below and then hop to the author pages at the bottom where you may find other contests to enter this weekend. I'm also doing a giveaway as a thank you to my readers and visitors for stopping by each week to see what's happening here. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


 Grand Prize Entries 
 Rafflecopter Code - Grand Prize: 

Good luck and have a great time! 
 Happy New Year to all of you! 

 Leave this window open, right click on the next blog BELOW and open in a new tab. Close that window after you've finished their contest requirements, come back here and right click the next blog. 

Blog Hop Linky Code:

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Tantalizing Tuesdays - Merry Christmas!

Image courtesy of Flickr user
Jennifer hall

I've thrown a little extra 25% in for you all. Merry Christmas ;) Don't forget that a little naughty can be very nice indeed!

“Is this ok?”
“Everything is great, beautiful. The camera loves you. Just forget I’m here. Make love to the camera.”
Amelia posed and pouted, rolling around on the soft velvet and enjoying the gentle caress of the fabric against her naked curves. Her Santa hat had to be readjusted a few times, but she laughed and began to enjoy herself as she sipped champagne and nibbled on strawberries and chocolates.
It had been a rough break up with her fiancé six months ago, but she was finally able to laugh again without feeling guilty. A friend had sent her a voucher to get the boudoir photo shoot with the message “Time to find your naughty side again!” She had been unsure at first, but Jake, the photographer, was smoking hot and couldn’t keep his eyes off her.
“Work it, sexy, show me those tattoos. Flaunt it, yeah!”
The music blasted in the background, and she was really beginning to have a great time.
A strike of boldness hit her, and with a wink, she sauntered up to the camera.
“Forgive me if I’m too forward, but you’re pretty damn sexy yourself and I’d love to do something about it.”

“You’re not the only one.” He stepped out from behind the camera and kissed her hard. She dropped the velvet and pressed herself against him in all her nude beauty. The photo shoot was the present from her friend. This was her Christmas present to herself.

Friday, December 19, 2014

Flash Fiction Friday

“I really don’t feel comfortable doing this.” She shifted her weight, the tall heels making her feet hurt.
“It’ll be fine, the church has been abandoned for years. Come now, I’ve been a naughty parishioner. I deserve a spanking from a Nun.”
She bit her lip as boldness began to creep back. She slapped the ruler across her lover’s backside, the sound echoing through the empty room.
“Yeah, that’s it. I’ve been very naughty.”
“Confess your sins, and receive your punishment.”

“Oh I like the sound of that. How about you? Do Nuns sin? Do you need to be punished?”

To check out other Flashes, follow this link!

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Thursday Taster

Inspiration for Arabella:
Rachelle Lefevre
This week, I'm giving you a taste of The Coven, a vampire VS warlock novel I'm working on that has a slight Underworld vibe to it... To check out other tastes, follow this link.

Raising her head once more, she looked at Silas through heavy eyelids. His eyes were now hard chips of dark ice as he moved his hands around her body and down to grasp her ass. He gently, yet firmly, guided her hips and an erotic shock jolted through her, making her cry out.
“I thought I said I was in control.”
“What can I say, I’ve waited this long. I can’t wait much longer, my Queen.” The gruffness of his voice aroused her even more.
“Slow, my King. Slow and steady and we will both be rewarded royally for our patience.”
He growled in answer but didn’t stop shifting her hips, just reduced the pace. Arabella sighed in sheer pleasure, letting her head drop back once more. She raised her hips just enough to take control, swaying gently in alternating circles and thrusting motions. Reaching around behind, she lightly toyed with his balls, a grin of wicked delight spreading across her face as Silas bit his lip and grunted, throwing his head back. His exposed neck was enticing, and she felt the itch as her fangs slid down past her lips. She ran her hands up his chest and lowered her head to lick the hot skin stretching across his throat. His moans tickled her tongue and echoed through her own chest as she sprawled across his torso, her hips still rotating and grinding as the pressure built.

Inspiration for Silas: Matt Bomer
Arabella forced her fangs to retract, not wanting to puncture his skin. As soon as they had receded, however, she clamped her teeth on his shoulder, laying claim to what was hers. Silas slapped her ass cheek in response, as he staked his own claim on her. The sting and resulting heat in her backside only heightened her arousal. Releasing her hold, she licked the bite mark, already a deep purple. She kissed him deeply, and he returned it passionately, almost hungrily. His grip on her hips tightened just as the tingling in her toes began to creep up her long, lean legs. Arabella allowed Silas to control things now, holding herself just high enough so he could thrust from beneath her. Throwing her head back, she cupped her own breasts, holding them high and tight together as she tweaked her nipples. 

They weren't supposed to get steamy just yet. Oh well. They'd been separated for years, I'm not about to deny them!

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Tantalizing Tuesday

Courtesy of Flickr User BLACKDEAMON ...By Elika
He was blindfolded, and had been undressed, washed and covered in a heavy velvet cloak. Unseen hands guided him through hallways, around corners and down steep steps. He smelled oil burning, and heard steps echoing against stone. As he was led deeper, he began to sweat under the cloak. Eventually he was brought to a stop as he heard the click of a door being opened, and a sudden breeze threatened to expose his nakedness underneath the robe. He was led into a room, where the unseen hands removed the cloak. A cool wind kissed his slick skin, sending chills through him. His blindfold was removed and he took in the scene before him. The dark room was lit with at least a dozen candles. Tapestries were hanging on the wall. A large canopied bed sat on a raised section of floor. But it was the lounge that drew his attention. Two naked women were lying there, kissing and teasing each other. His arousal was immediate, and he found it hard to swallow as his mouth went dry. This was the last thing he expected when he was kidnapped. The women beckoned to him to join them. He was home!

For other participating authors, follow this link!


Saturday, December 13, 2014

Getting on the soap box

Ok, so normally my posts are about something fun, adult, or deep and meaningful. Today I felt I had to do something different.
Browsing through my personal Facebook newsfeed, I saw an article from Upworthy. Well, I see quite a few articles from UpWorthy and I do share them to try and get whichever worthwhile topic the article is about, out further into the world. The one I saw today was no different. It inspired outrage that this is happening, I shared, and was about to move on, happy that I had done my part.
Except I don't feel that it's enough anymore. Sure, I could donate to charities that support these causes. If I was made of money. There are countless causes out there, how do I decide which ones are more worthy? As a woman, I'm drawn to ones for domestic violence, sex slave trade, breast, ovarian and other typically female cancers. As an animal love, I'm drawn to all causes that are against animal trade, fur trade, ivory trade (the UpWorthy article that sparked this soap box episode of today), animal abuse, puppy mills, hunting endangered animals. As a parent, I'm drawn to those against child abuse, child sex trade, children sickness and, a big one for my family, infant and pregnancy loss organisations. And these are just some of the many worthwhile causes. It's impossible to choose.
My point in this post is this: with so many charities and causes out there, what can we do to help? We can flip a coin, or follow our heart and donate to ones we choose. We can join marches, volunteer for charity organisations, participate in things like Shave or Colour for a Cure, Movember, Red Nose Day, World Morning Tea Day, etc. All of these help us feel good, that we've done our part. But what we mostly need to do is research and make sure that what we are doing is actually making a difference. A lot of charities, the bigger ones usually, keep a large portion of donations made to line their own pockets. We need to make sure that our money is getting where it needs to go, and not to an organisation that is taking more than is required to keep it running. While I understand that it's a lot of hard work to keep a charity going, I don't think it's right for those running the charities to be living on hundreds of thousands of dollars each year, while only a small portion of the money giving to that charity for their cause actually reaches the target. It's high time that those who are running the charities remembered what is actually important: the cause. Take a large pay cut, down to a reasonable amount, and make sure the money is going to where it is actually needed!
Of course, that's not to say people should stop donating, or stop signing petitions or sharing to their social media followers. Keep it up! It all does help. The more you can do the better, of course. I'm hoping to get fit enough to be able to do a run in the latter half of next year to raise money for Bears of Hope or a related charity close to my heart.
I hope I got my point across. To actually make a difference, do more than just click "share". Do whatever you can do to make that cause get out there. We can make the world a better place.

*steps down from soap box*

Friday, December 12, 2014

Flash Fiction Friday

In her dreams, she floated, her white night dress fluttering in the wind. Trees surrounded her, welcomed her. Black birds guarded her as she floated to him.
Every night it was the same dream. She’d never met him, except in her dreams.

She was near, now, and stretched out to him as he came in to view, standing on the balcony, wearing only his white cotton trousers. She felt herself readying for him as their fingertips touched, and he pulled her into his chest. His warmth, his scent, was intoxicating. His hardness pressed against her and she submitted her all.

To check out other Flashes, follow this link!

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Thursday Taster - Jeannie's Cowboys

Courtesy of Flickr user masterdesigner
This week, now that I'm back, I'm going to take a hot scene from my first attempt at m/f/m erotic romance, Jeannie's Cowboys. I'm about to add some more to it, and try to push it over the 10k word mark, but for now, enjoy...

Her heart soared at the admission of returned attraction. Now she had to take the next step to bring her hot dreams into reality. “Chris is a good looking guy, too, you know. I know guys don’t notice each other, but you’re both very attractive.” She fought to keep her voice steady and casual, but found herself rushing as she voiced her dreams. “In fact, I’ve had some interesting dreams of you both. At the same time.” The thought of the dreams made her warm all over, and she was sure that her panties would be soaked.

The silence from Tyler had her biting her lip with worry, concerned she had offended the man she had been enamored with for quite a few years. “At the same time, you say?” he finally asked, his voice slightly husky. “In a particular location?” They were at the door to his little apartment and the look in his eyes when she finally dared to glance up told her that he was far from offended. She shook her head, excited to think that he was interested in fulfilling the dreams that plagued her almost every night. “Well then, maybe you should come tell us both some more about these dreams and see what we can do about them.”

He opened the door and motioned for her to enter first, although he made sure she had to brush against him as she walked past. She breathed in the smell of salt and horse and a soft moan escaped her lips. It was a smell that she had always loved, the musky tang wreaking havoc on her sense of self control. Jeannie couldn’t hear the shower running but movement in the bedroom made her realize that Chris would be getting dressed.

A sudden urge grabbed hold of her, and with a wicked glance back at Tyler, she strode into the bedroom, not bothering to knock. Chris, only wearing a towel, turned around to face her, surprised but excited by the intrusion. He held the towel closed, which disappointed her, but the rash urge that had taken hold of her moments earlier had yet to relinquish its control. Jeannie quickly closed the distance between them and she could see the growing attraction in his eyes. She grabbed the back of his neck, pulling him down to her level, and boldly kissed him. He barely hesitated and his kiss back was deep, hot and passionate.

To read more Thursday Tasters, check out this link for other authors participating.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Cover Reveal for Amy Lynn Garcia's Dark Thief

Title: Dark Thief
Series: The Two Sides of Me
Author: Amy Lynn Garcia

I can feel his ankles brushing against my own. And then I hear a click, what the hell? He’s taking pictures of me! I jump and flip to my back opening my eyes to Evan towering over me with an enormous professional looking camera.

“What the hell Evan? I’m naked!” “I’m well aware baby now close your eyes and relax, I want some of this side.” “Evan! No!” It’s then that I look at my arms, and then propping up I see my legs, hell every inch of me! I’m covered in his signature! Evan Lawson is scrawled across my skin in various sizes but the same name over and over, delicate looking font in some places and bold in others. He’s claimed me, quite literally.

Shocked and confused, mouth agape I look up at him as he stands there awaiting my cooperation. “Close your mouth baby, a bird might…” I cut him off “Evan! Why…why is your name…everywhere?” I lift my arms as if to show him what he’s done. “Because you are mine.” “And you couldn’t think of a better way to show that?” “No, I like you covered in my autograph and I’m taking you out tonight to Dominus for dinner and drinks. I know all too well how my customers gawk and I don’t want anyone’s lustful eyes on you.” I think my mouth is hanging even wider if that’s possible.

He wants me to go out like this, covered in his signature, so that no one will look at me. Ok, he’s totally lost it, I’m not going anywhere like this. “Uh uh, no way, I can’t go out all marked up like this!” “Lay down Mia I want to get a few more shots.”



I am Amy Lynn Garcia, daughter, sister, cousin, mother, nurse, and
grandma...no..no...call me Mimi I'm too young to be a grandma, writer and friend. We are all something to someone, and I love all the hats I wear in my life. I was born in 1969 which is where I lay blame to my compulsion to write erotica and romance, wink. That makes me...uh...yea 45, no way really? My mind is still very young but not naive I've seen a lot and experienced more, you may think I don't know what's going on but be assured this Mama knows what's up! I enjoy creating characters that have something people can relate to, who are real, addictive and intriguing. Love has always been a desire just out of my reach, as it is for many people. I believe that is what draws me into stories with superb happily ever afters. I want to connect with people on that level, let them know they aren't alone, that love can triumph over all, we all long for that special one that takes our breath away.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Tantalising Tuesday

Courtesy of DeviantArt user Sandara
She drifted through the forest aimlessly, touching a flower here, brushing the bark of a tree there. She was just happy to be in the cool peace of nature. Fairies fluttered along next to her chattering incessantly in their tiny voices. Persephone tuned out, letting them argue about whatever it was they were bickering about this time.
She thought about her dearest friend, Hecate. The two women were complete opposites, one of fire, the other of water. Yet never had anyone understood her, the way Hecate understood her. Usually, when she went walking in the forest, Hecate was beside her, keeping watch as Persephone tended to the vegetation and encouraged growth. Today, however, she hadn’t been able to wait for her friend, and instead left by herself. She’d never actually needed protecting.
The snap of a twig set her heart aflutter as the fairies disappeared into nearby bushes. Persephone instantly regretted her impatience as a dark figure stepped out from behind a large tree. She recognized Hades, lord of the Underworld. His black cape waved gently in the morning breeze.

Despite all the warnings against him, she found him beautiful. She reached out towards him, then all she knew was black. 

For other participating authors, follow this link!

Monday, November 24, 2014

Winter Heat Blog Hop - Take care this holiday season

Over forty authors and bloggers have joined together to provide some great posts and giveaways at most every stop, The Naughty Pages included. There are even prizes on the main blog for awesome goodies including jewellery! For the details, just follow the link here, and go win yourself some awesome prizes!

I'm getting a little crazy with activities at the moment. I guess the holiday crazies are hitting me early, as I'm currently involved in two blog hops! This one, and Cranberry and Spice blog hop. But it's all in good fun, and is about supporting other authors, gaining new readers and bringing in the holiday season with cheer. 

So while I discussed how to help others in my Cranberry and Spice post, and asked people what their favourite part of the holidays is, I think here I'll talk about how busy we can get, and how important it is to take a moment, step back and try to remember the little things, in our rush to make this year the perfect year. Really, all we need for a perfect year is to be with those who are still with us, who can be with us, and remember those who can't, and celebrate what we have while we still have it. It's so easy to get caught up in the planning, the shopping and all the excitement. But make sure that you do take a moment to step back, appreciate what you have already, but most importantly, just breathe! Stress is another thing that's rampant this time of year. Try to avoid those holidays blues with some quiet time to yourself, breathe, and let your mind relax. Just a couple times a week, not even for more than 5 minutes if you're that pressed for time. Just be sure to do it. And even in the low temperatures currently hitting America with winter time, keep up your fluids, and don't skip a meal just to save time! It may be the silly season, but
we still need to look after ourselves!

So, on that topic, tell me: what is your favourite way to relax during the festive season? Reading is an all time favourite one of mine. Something I don't get to do anywhere near as much as I'd like to. Reading with a hot cup of tea or coffee (even in the often crazy summer heat we get over Christmas in Australia!), maybe some chocolate, and some peace and quiet. Or some of my music. Can't be beaten. Though swimming comes a close second!
Two lucky commenters will get a copy each of one of my books; The Wolf in the Neighborhood, or The Return of Their Master. Winner's choice. I would also love it if people could go like my Facebook pages, Phoenix Johnson and The Naughty Pages of The Phoenix. If I can hit 400 likes on Phoenix Johnson then I'll be giving another randomly chosen person a copy of their choice of one of my titles as well. So plenty of giving with Christmas just a month away!

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Cranberries and Spice Giveaway - Seasons Greetings and Help Each Other

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Courtesy of Flickr user Chiaralily
The holidays. The Silly Season. The Festive Season. A time for festivity and merriment, family, friends and good memories. For the most part. There are many, however, for whom the holidays are a dark time. I know our Christmas last year was a rough time. This year isn't exactly easy either, but we don't have it as bad as others. We are working it so that there are some presents, we have family, a roof over our heads and, most importantly, we have each other. So in the grand scheme of things, as grim as I feel with the impending holidays and forced cheer, we are lucky.
I especially feel lucky, not just for having my small family, but for my writing family. I know I can always count on help of some sort from one or more of my writing family. And writing itself is something I can always turn to. The publishing community, as a whole, is a great society to be part of. As with any group, there are those only out for themselves, who do play dirty or won't do a thing to help their fellow authors, seeing them only as competition. That's quite sad, and I've unfortunately come across quite a few. However, overall, I've found it to be such a wonderful community to be part of. Blog hops like this serve all who get involved. It's a network of authors, often not all know each other, linking their blogs to help support each other. And with the holidays coming up, what is just fun for some, is deeply meaningful to others.
Participate in the Rafflecopter to win
yourself one of my titles. 2 of each to giveaway!
So I guess my point is this. Don't take anything for granted. What may just be light entertainment for you might just mean the world, or be quite painful, for someone else. Celebrate the holidays in your own way, but take some time, even just a moment, out of your busy festivities to shine a light for someone who might not be feeling the merriment. You'll make them feel so much better, and it'll brighten your own holidays as well.
May you have a peaceful and blessed Thanksgiving, Joyous Kwanzaa, Happy Chanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Blessed Saturnalia, Happy Yule, and a joyous festive season, whatever way you choose to celebrate. Stay wicked and naughty in the right ways, and I hope to see you all again!

To see who else is participating in the Cranberries and Spice Giveaway, check out the link here! There are loads of awesome giveaways from 44 authors, including myself.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Flash Fiction Friday


1 picture prompt. 100 word flash fiction. Several authors participating. Check the others out here.



Royce rubbed his eyes and winced, forgetting the salt on his hands from the sea water. His head pounded, his throat was dry and he had no idea how he’d ended up at the beach in just his boxers, with costume angel wings on his back. The last thing he remembered was having drinks with his mates the night before at his bachelor’s party.

“Morning, handsome!” He recognised the voice of his soon-to-be-dead best man. Royce glanced up, instantly regretting it as he heard the shutter of a camera.

“James, you’re in deep shit as soon as this hangover’s gone!”

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Thursday Taster

This week I've decided to take a snippet from Once Bitten Twice Shy, second book in my Wolf Smitten series. It's heading to edits and will hopefully be out before too much longer. 

He opened the door and was almost knocked backwards as he was rushed by the tall brunette who proceeded to throw her arms around his neck and plant a kiss on his lips. Gently grabbing her by the hips, he stepped back and broke away from a second kiss. Watching her lips move to a pout he fought the urge to sigh in exasperation. He had spent seven years with this woman and had even considered proposal. They had only been apart for six months and he already found her tedious and overbearing. What had changed in that time? He knew the answer to that question; he had found Krissy.
“Darling, tell me why I deserve the cold shoulder? You aren’t still mad that I didn’t wait, are you? Well, I’m here now so we can just forget the past few months and pick up where we left off.” He had forgotten how much hard it was to get a word in once Aubree started talking. It was a quality he had once found endearing, but today, when he had something very important to tell her, it was something that irritated him beyond reason. As his former flame rubbed against his chest and tried to coax another kiss out of him, he glanced at the door across the hall, grateful that it was still closed. He was relieved Krissy had taken his advice and gone back to sleep, instead of coming over to meet his ex. 
“Aubree, please, we need to talk. There’s something really important I need to tell you.” He closed the door and directed her to the dining table. “Let me make us some coffee first, ok? You’ve had a long flight, I’m sure you could use the caffeine.” Entering the kitchen, he boiled the kettle. Buying himself a few minutes while he made their coffees, he wondered just how to break the news to her and decided to be upfront and direct. Putting the mugs and a plate of shortbread biscuits on a tray, he walked out to Aubree and sat down across from her. “I’m sorry, I only have instant coffee. I haven’t had the chance to unpack everything yet.”
“That’s just fine, darling. Now, what is it you wanted to tell me? It sounds serious,” she replied, blowing on her coffee. 

Stay tuned for news on the impending cover reveal, and release date!
For other Thursday Tasters, check out these authors!

Muffy Wilson: http://muffywilson.blogspot.com
J S Morbius: http://morbiussworld.blogspot.co.uk/
Angelica Dawson: http://angelicadawson.blogspot.com
Ray Sostre: http://theafterdarkworld.blogspot.com/
Doris O'Connor: http://thetardisscribbles.blogspot.co.uk/
AuroraRose Andromeda: http://rollingmuseintheroses.blogspot.com/
DK ffrench: http://ffrenchkissing.blogspot.co.uk/
Naomi Shaw: http://www.eroticfantasies.weebly.com/blog


Dariel Raye - http://www.pendarielraye.blogspot.com

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Tantalising Tuesday #2 18/11/2014



1 chosen image. 200 words. That simple. To read other Tantalising Tuesday Teasers, follow this link.

Image courtesy of Flickr user Tamara

Katie reclined in the tub, the cool water lapping at her sides. It was too hot outside to be in the pool, so she settled for relaxing in the privacy of the bathroom. At least here she could be naked and not worry about the neighbors.

Closing her eyes, she shuffled her body down and lifted her legs so that they hung over the side of the tub and her head was partially submerged in the refreshing water. She didn’t notice that she wasn’t alone until she felt a finger tracing a line down her belly. Opening her eyes a fraction, she smiled at Jack leaning over her. She couldn’t see the lower half of his body, but his top half was deliciously devoid of clothing. Katie ran her hand up his arm, the curves of his muscles creating a mountainous path for her to follow, his skin warm under her cool hand. With her eyes closed once more, she relaxed as he explored her body with his hands; gently cupping her breasts, brushing her ribs and down to her hips where he circled her mound. The sudden buzzing pressure against her nub had her gasping. He loved surprising her. 

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Flash Fiction Friday

1 picture prompt. 100 word flash fiction. Several authors participating. Check the others out here.

The morning light drifted through the window. She stood there, wearing a simple satin slip that left little to the imagination, soaking up the early morning rays. He was supposed to come home last night. She'd stayed up all night waiting, anxiety growing each time her calls went to voicemail. This was not like him.
Cars honked in the street below, commuters on their way to work. Laughter drifted up to her, but it sounded wicked this morning. This twisted, unusual morning.
A hesitant knock at her door set her heart pounding. She knew what the door was hiding; Death.

Thursday Taster

My first Thursday Taster, so I'm jumping in head first, straight into something hot! This is from a WIP of a short story I've started, trying to get back to the sultry pull of erotica. To read more Thursday Tasters, follow this link and you'll find several more authors to enjoy.



Katia continued to follow Antonio as he led her down the hallway to a room at the very back of the building. She was incredibly eager to get inside and let this strange, Spanish cowboy ravish her, all the while knowing it was actually her husband. He turned the key in the lock and opened the door to a room lavishly furnished in keeping with the Western style. The four poster bed was glorious, but it was the hall table that caught her eye. It was sturdy, and it was close. That was all she wanted.
As soon as the door was closed, she pushed Antonio’s back to it, pressing against him and picking up where they’d left off downstairs. Their kiss was deep and hot, no longer slow and soft as desire was unleashed. He cupped her breasts through the dress and Katia moaned. Antonio then grabbed hold of the clips keeping the dress together and slowly unclasped each one until the dress was open and it could slide down to the floor, leaving her standing in only panties, stockings and her heeled boots. She loved his hands on her hips, now pushing her gently and turning her until it was her back against the wall.
Holding tightly on to Antonio’s shoulders, as his own hands gripped her ass cheeks, she allowed him to lift her higher, wrapping her legs around his waist. He carried her to the hall table and she was glad that there weren’t any knick knacks on it.
“You must have been reading my mind,” she panted as Antonio nibbled on her neck, his only response a throaty rumble that sent desire pulsing through her. “Who needs a bed when there’s a sturdy table closer?”
“I couldn’t agree more,” he growled, his voice husky with lust.

As he resumed nibbling her neck and earlobe, Katia unbuckled Antonio’s belt and tugged at his waistband. He moved back enough so she could slide his pants and boxers past his hips, gravity taking care of the rest and he kicked them to the side. The clang-thud of the buckle hitting the wooden floor made her flinch; surely that would give away what was happening in this room. The warmth of his erection pressing on the other side of her panties saw her cares fly out the window, however. All she could hear was heavy breathing from both of them as they kissed and ran their hands over each other, teasing.
 

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Tantalising Tuesday

I've decided that yes, I'm finally ready to join in with Tantalising Tuesdays, Thursday Tasters, and Flash Fiction Friday. My muse needs the whip cracked, and here's hoping these exercises get her flexing once more! To read other Tantalizing Tuesday posts, just click here.

An innocent pom pom flower? No...

She lay on her back, completely naked except for the blindfold covering her eyes. A cool breeze from the open window licked her skin and made the satin sheets rustle underneath her. Silk ropes had her tied to the bed posts, and she was squirming well before he even started. She felt the mattress dip as he climbed on to the bed and straddled her leg. His warmth was exciting in itself, but the anticipation of what he had in store for her had her quivering.

A tickle so soft that she almost missed it brushed against her stomach, and sent goose bumps shooting across her body. A second sweep across her abdomen of something delicate and fragrant, and she arched her back, a moan escaping her lips. His large hand was then on her belly, as he gently pushed her back down on the bed. She felt his fingers trace idle lines down to her sensitive nub, and disappointed heat flooded her when he moved away. Tingles replaced her disappointment when he began to sweep the soft something across her skin once more. The feather light tickles ventured down to her center and she was consumed by fiery ecstasy.

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Courtesy of Flickr user Natala Menezes
So yesterday I started on something entirely new and different. I'm not announcing details until I know if it's a go ahead or not, but hopefully it's a project that I'll get thumbs up for by the people I need to discuss it with, and then I'll be head down bum up working on it. I'm not sure when/if I'd be able to announce it if it does go ahead, but just know that my silence means that I am working away between uni and writing, and I haven't just disappeared! Lots of interesting things in the works right now, that's all.

I will try to get back to a routine, though I feel bad for slipping only the second week back I had a complete brain-fog, and the only thing I didn't forget was my study. So bear with me while I shake off this fog and get back into routine!

To make it up to you, here's a nice song to bop along to. It certainly perks me up!
Meghan Trainor - All About That Bass

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Nicky_Destinata_FB2 About the book: Destinata is the first instalment of The Valguard Trilogy. A sci-fi/fantasy packed full of drama, action, beings that aren’t quite human, and of course a little romance. Imagine being eighteen. You've just become an adult, you can do what you like when you like. You should be attending friend’s parties or studying for school. Well that's what Charlie Dawson thought her life would be like when she turned eighteen anyway. Instead she ends up parentless, living with her best friends and working at a nearby café. That is until her curiosity about her new mysterious neighbor gets the better of her. Following Zane into the woods that surround her home town of Tole one night, Charlie gets a little more than she bargains for when he lets her in on Tole’s best kept secrets. The human’s that reside in town aren’t alone. Among them walk the Valguard - a super-human race created by man centuries ago - and though they have been content to lay low in Tole for almost two decades, things are set into motion when Charlie is alerted to their existence that cannot be altered. But perhaps the biggest secret of all is that Charlie herself is part Valguard and also the Destinata - or the chosen one -who is fated to stop the Earth from certain destruction when the humans of the planet discover the truth about the Valguard. In the start of a battle that would surely see the destruction of the Earth, Charlie will have to survive against the odds. In the first instalment of the Valguard trilogy readers will follow Charlie’s adventure along with four of her closest friends that sees her maturing too quickly, losing loved ones, finding new love and having to face down not one but two enemies, because sometimes being born of both races doesn’t ensure your safety among them.
10619970_10152751532541639_1601200589767291579_oAbout the Author: Sunshine, surf and family are the corner stone of Nicky’s world. Being born and raised on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland Australia gave her the opportunity to chase her dream of photography and later novel writing. She fell in love with fantasy and dystopian and crafted stories with strong men and powerful women. Her debut novel Destinata will be released on October 15, 2014 with several short stories following. Her second novel is set to release November 6 and is being published through Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly. When she is not busy being an author, you will find her walking along the water with her husband or chasing after her two children.
 hardbackstandingstraight_890x1110 kindlefire_600x1024
To find out more about Nicole L Daffurn you can head to one of her numerous social media sites, or contact Bitten Press for more information.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Nicole-L Daffurn/240965966096004
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NickyLouise28
Wordpress: https://nickylouiseloveslife.wordpress.com/
Website: http://ndaffurn.wix.com/nicoledaffurn
Author Central: amazon.com/author/nicoledaffurn
Bitten Press: http://www.bitten-press.com/
And don't forget to check out the trailer here!

Friday, October 10, 2014

The difficulties of bad non-romantic relationships

Courtesy of Flickr user Ares Nguyen
We all have rough times in our lives. And it's in those times that we discover who our true friends are, correct? So when people constantly bug us, disappoint us or have us slapping our foreheads on a regular basis, let alone when we're having a tough time, when do we say "enough is enough?"
That's something I've been asking myself quite a lot lately. Those around me know that it's been a tough 14 months, sometimes made more difficult by some of the people in my life. I'm a very private person, in that I keep the deeper concerns and pains close to my chest, and very few people ever really know what's really going on. So I can't expect that people will be mind readers to know that now is not a good time, or that I want some peace, or anything else. However there are some things that are really never called for. And it's people who don't get that other people do have their own lives and problems, sometimes worse, yet they have to constantly bug other people with their own, often petty problems. Or those who know how much a friend wants something and can't currently have it for whatever reason (I'm talking not just material items, but things that are important to them for deeper reasons), and will rub it in that they do have it, or can have it if they felt like it. I mean, seriously. That's just not cool. Especially if the friend you're doing that do is having a really rough time.
Courtesy of Flickr user Giedrius
The easy response is to just cut them out of your life. But it isn't always that easy. Sometimes, those people were once genuine friends, or pretended to be genuine, so have come to know secrets, and over time have become unappreciative of a friendship. So in that case, what do you do? Do you tell them to get out of your life and risk them being vindictive and telling anyone and everyone your deep, dark secrets? Or do you
grin and bear it until you are sure of coming out unscathed? What about if it's family? Could you easily cut ties with a family member that is always making everyone's lives their business and turning every issue around to be about them? It's easy enough to say to someone in a bad relationship (not romantic, but familial or friendly) to get that person out of their lives. But when you're on the outside, you don't know the underlying issues that can prevent someone from removing a stressful person from their lives.
So what do you do when it's someone you care about in a bad non-romantic relationship? Well, having been in bad non-romantic relationships myself, as well as being friends with people who are/have been, I can tell you this; sometimes intervention is needed, to convince your friend that it is necessary to cut ties. Other
times, when there are deeper reasons, then you support them when they're frustrated and give them a shoulder to cry on, without judgement, until it is feasible for the bad relationship to end.
Courtesy of Flickr user Kim Manley Ort
Now, I know this sounds like I condone abusive relationships of any sort. Let's get it straight: I don't. If someone is in a physically abusive relationship, intervention is definitely needed. Psychologically destructive relationships can be harder. And in any case, you can only help those who want to be helped. However, I'm not talking about actual abusive relationships, just friendships with negative, selfish people who are poor friends. Nothing is black and white, straight cut. Especially relationships, romantic and
non-romantic alike. There are many nuances and levels that can make it difficult to cut someone out of your life. So if you have a friend who is in such a relationship, and there are good reasons for them to not have cut ties just yet, then please, don't walk away just yet. Be the good friend that they need so they have the support when the bad relationship does end.

Monday, October 6, 2014

Getting to know my fellow authors

So my wonderful publisher has been setting us challenges lately to try to boost our sense of teamwork, and boost our promotions as well. This week, we're interviewing other Naughty Nights Press authors with whom we don't normally interact with, and to ask questions that aren't usually asked in author interviews. So today, I would like to introduce Denysé Bridger. I hope you enjoy getting to know a little bit more about her, just as I have. 

1. When did you know writing was what you wanted to do?

I think I realized back in high school that I loved to write and create, but it never occurred to me as a career choice. A wonderful high school teacher told me I’d make a great writer and I thought she had to be kidding. Years later, she attended my first book launch, and it was wonderful.

I always wrote in one way or another, poetry, short essays. I wrote my first “real” story as an adult based on a TV series I loved, and that began a 20 year stint as a fan fiction writer, so it’s always been there in one way or another.


2. What do you draw inspiration from? Any from your everyday life?

Inspiration for me comes from everywhere and everyone. Songs, movies, overheard conversations, images I see. I collect images that speak to me, so you can well imagine the files I have in various folders. I think as writers we draw on everything that touches us in some way, good, bad, agonizing hurts, it all plays a part in the way we craft emotions into words and stories for readers.

3. What has been your favourite moment since becoming an author?

I don’t really know if there is a favourite moment. I know it was pretty awesome to see my name on a posted announced as the guest author at signings and stuff like that always makes you feel a bit in awe. Mostly though I think it’s about connecting with readers. I remember the very first review I read, it was a five star from Just Erotic Romance Reviews, and I was just beside myself I was so pleased. Special memories are attached to just about all work that is special to the author in some way.

4. Your least favourite moment? (not necessary if you don't have one, or feel it's too negative/personal)
Least favourite moment has to be the first time I realized my books were being pirated. That didn’t happen until last year, and it’s been an on-going battle ever since. Bad reviews are easy to toss off, theft of your work isn’t so easy to dismiss, at least initially. I’ve reached a point where I pretty much ignore it now. It would be a full-time job for a team of people to keep up with all of it. The other moment that will always be with me is the first time an author attacked me publicly and hunted me all over the internet to rip me apart because I wouldn’t respond to him. Oddly, other authors from that same publishing house took it upon themselves to do the same thing when I refused to “join” them on their crusade against the publishing house. I expect it could be the same again with another of my current publishers.
5. What is one book/series you could read over and over?
Lara Adrian’s Midnight Breed series, and Nalini Singh’s Guild Hunter series. Both are exceptional, inventive, engaging stories, beautifully told. Lori Foster’s Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor is another set that I love.
6. Is there any genre outside of your "comfort zone" that you would like to try to write?
None that I can think of, except possibly hard core science fiction. I just don’t have the imagination for it, and I’m in awe of those who do. I can write fantasy worlds, I just feel very lacking in the knowledge to craft good science fiction.
7. What is your biggest goal for your writing?
These days the biggest goal is to actually write again. I’ve spent most of the past year learning and studying, so there have been few new works. I’ve got several wonderful new books all plotted and outlined and I’m just dying to get back to writing. I have at least two contracts to fulfill on the older stories, then I can look ahead and start over with fresh perspective.
8. What are some everyday challenges you have to contend with when writing?
For me the on-going and ever-present challenge is time. Just finding the time to write is a nightmare some days. I’m a caregiver for an aging parent who is entering early stages of dementia. I never know what’s going to happen next, and the demands are endless. There’s not really an hour of the day that I’m not jumping up to do something for her.
9. And of course where can we find you and your writing?
I’m all over the place, so here’s a list of the main links:

WebsiteMobile websiteFantasy Pages (general)Bound by Passion (adult content)NewsletterTwitterFacebookPinterestLinkedInTumblrGoogle+Romance and Fantasy Google+ PageAmazon Author PageSmashwordsBarnes & NobleKobo BooksARe Romance BooksSensual Treats MagazineRandom Acts of Sex and RomanceInstagramMySpaceGoogle+

Thanks so much for the very interesting interview, Phoenix!

Blessings to all,

Denysé

"Live the Romance, Become the Fantasy..."
** Preditors & Editors Best Author 2012-2013 **
http://www.denysebridger.com
http://www.denysebridger.weebly.com

I don't know about you, but I found that very enlightening! Great to get to know you a bit better, Denysé!

Saturday, October 4, 2014

A little something different and special...

Image Courtesy of Facebook Page
I Am A Mother To An Angel, and member
Katie Meadows for this image.
As most people know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A great cause. I've had 3 aunts fight cancer, and one of them was one of the lucky women who successfully beat Breast Cancer.
What many people don't know is that October is also Pregnancy and Infant/Child Loss Awareness Month. We didn't know about it ourselves until last year, and so now October has a double meaning for us.
So for this month, The Naughty Pages will be Pink and Blue, to raise awareness for both causes. Please spread the awareness of both causes this month. Too many families lose children each day, and too few people are aware of just how common it is. I was surprised to learn just how many people I knew who have lost a child, all of them during pregnancy. It is something that is still a taboo topic in society. We need to break that silence. So please, help me spread the word! And for people who have social media accounts, I challenge you to change your profile picture to something pink and blue to show your support!

Friday, October 3, 2014

Taboo or Not Taboo? That is the question.

This is quite a long post, I will say now. However it is something rather important that needs to be said.

Regardless of what people think of it, “Fifty Shades of Grey” (FSOG) has done a wonderful thing for bringing erotica, erotic romance and BDSM out into the open and the mainstream. The erotic “Twilight” fan-fiction exploded in popularity, and got everyone talking; not all of it good. Most of the controversy was about how it seemed to worship an abusive male partner, and the severe misrepresentation the BDSM lifestyle. I still see memes and articles from friends who actually know what BDSM entails, and they remain outraged. With the movie soon to be released, that outrage isn’t likely to fade.

However it has seen society begin to accept erotica and an openness about sex. Women brag about reading it; people openly buy it from large displays in shopping centres, and gift it to their loved ones; I’m fairly certain it has come up in numerous book clubs, and there is an endless stream of FSOG fan pages, forums, groups and fan fiction. It has made erotica an exciting new trend. According to an article from “The Guardian” in May last year, FSOG boosted book sales overall, and actually got people reading anything and everything, erotica included. It seems the books awoke an insatiable hunger previously left severely unattended, thanks to society’s view that, according to an article in The New York Times, women shouldn’t enjoy porn. FSOG allowed women to openly read and discuss sex.

I know of many authors who write erotica whose sales benefited greatly from the booming popularity that is “Fifty Shades of Grey.” Whether they like it or not, the book was a heaven send. But most of them have been writing erotica and erotic romance for years. Not me.

I never intended to write erotica or erotic romance. Although I’ve always loved being a reader, and I didn’t mind writing, the erotic genre wasn’t really one I’d ever considered. It wasn’t a topic anyone encouraged, and in fact was one that, as a teen, I was made to feel ashamed to be curious about. There was no way I was willing to broach the subject with my parents out of sheer embarrassment; and with school friends who were sexually active, I didn’t want to call attention to the fact that I wasn’t active yet. So, instead, I would avoid the genre altogether until I was eighteen. Yet even then, I kept the fact that I was reading it to myself, as though it was still something to be ashamed of.

Almost ten years later, I not only have a new circle of friends with whom I proudly discuss elements of erotic writing, but I’ve published two erotic titles with numerous others to follow, all ranging in focus on erotic elements. And yet it still feels stigmatized. I write under a pen name and I avoid talking with the other parents at my daughter’s school in case the topic of what I write comes up. Why? Why should I care if they know what I write?

Because writing about sex still has a stigma. It is still considered taboo, and those who write about it are still looked upon as perverted deviants. Fellow authors of erotica have met negative reactions, often to the extreme, from friends and family upon revealing what they write. From husbands and children reacting with disgusted shock, downright wondering what happened to the person they thought they knew, to in-laws attempting to turn other family members against the author, it is understandable when some authors keep their writing lives a complete secret, let alone the subject they
write about.

My own mother supports my writing, but will skip over those scenes altogether. My sisters and aunts are completely supportive, even encouraging, as they know that, despite the stigma, erotic reading is currently very popular, and although I found that an awkward conversation to start off with, I love the support I have from my middle-aged aunts. I’m unsure about what the rest of my family, however. It’s still not a topic I’ll broach with my father, and my grandmother was telling people I write children stories. Ummmm, Nanna? No, please don’t tell people that! That had my cousin just about wetting himself with laughter, at least.
So while I’m lucky, for the most part, in having a supportive, or blissfully oblivious family, I still have to fight back a cringe when I talk to people about what I write. I know that there are people who will judge. Those with whom I’ve discussed my “writing for adults”, as I so diplomatically refer to it, have reacted with interest; sometimes forced out of politeness, sometimes genuine intrigue. Yet I wait for the other shoe to drop; surely not everyone I mention it to will be so positive, right? It sounds silly, but I am waiting for the day my confession is met with outright disgust. It’s bound to happen.

That thought fills me with a mix of fear and nonchalance. The dominant feeling changes
from moment to moment, and depends on how confident I’m feeling at the time. I know I’m a writer, though, and my characters tell me how much detail they want splashed on the pages. It isn’t my fault that sometimes they’re bold and comfortable with their sexuality; that’s not a quality I possess. I personally think that sexual relations belong between a couple, but I also believe that the story isn’t mine to tell, it isn’t mine to censor. So I’ll happily write the words, whether they’re words of horror, terror, erotic or humorous. I’m certainly not going to judge what my characters want to tell me. But I’m left wondering, why is it that, even with the obsession that is FSOG, authors who write about sex are still often reluctant to admit what they write? Those who write horror or about torture, rape, or serial murder in graphic details are bold. Stephen King has made his living off the macabre. The Saw movie franchise, with its grotesque torture
techniques that showed, on-screen, a man cutting his own foot off, were met by an almost audibly salivating audience. Zombies are all the rage at the moment as well. Society is obsessed with macabre gore, blood and guts, people being ripped to pieces in front of them on screen and in print. We have no concern whatsoever about characters dying often slow, painful deaths. But two people being intimate? Forget it, the kids can’t see that, people can’t talk about it. No no no. Unless it’s FSOG, that’s ok. That’s not sex, that’s art.

It makes me wonder if it is maybe the relationship between the characters; Anastasia isn’t the strong, willful character myself and other erotica authors write about. Could that be why FSOG is so popular, while the rest of us authors are made to feel ashamed of what we write? Could it really be as simple as society still not being ready for strong, intelligent women to boldly lay claim to their own lives and their sexuality? Will this ever change? I know that there are many of us who are trying, and we’ll keep trying until that day comes. Until then, do we remain quiet about what we write? No, I say we shout it to the world, and break this taboo surrounding erotica.