Call for Submissions: The Killer Wore Cranberry: A Second Helping

A funny murder mystery featuring a Thanksgiving dish?  Now THAT's a challenge.  For me, at least.  Maybe not for you.  Thanksgiving isn't as big a holiday here in Canada as it is in the states, so I'm up against that blockage too.  Wish me luck, and I'll wish you luck, and we'll all review this call for submissions from Untreed Reads:

The Killer is back!

We had so much fun with The Killer Wore Cranberry back in 2010, that we felt it was time to revisit the anthology. So, we're happy to present The Killer Wore Cranberry: A Second Helping.

As in the previous anthology, all the stories contained within must be about murder and mayhem happening at Thanksgiving, and must feature a typical Thanksgiving dish as a vital part of the story (i.e.: turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie). Most importantly...it must be funny! This anthology is all about making people laugh while enjoying a great mystery short at the same time. The anthology will be edited by Editor-in-Chief Jay Hartman.

And now, the rules:

1. All stories must be between 1500-5000 words.

2. Deadline for submission for consideration is September 1st, 2012. This is a firm date; no submissions after this date will be considered.

3. All submissions should be sent to Jay Hartman at jhartman@untreedreads with the word THANKSGIVING in the subject line.

4. Submissions must be in DOC, RTF or ODT format.

5. Unlike the previous anthology, we will not be publishing the stories individually. Only the anthology will be available.

6. Authors will receive royalty, but not upfront payment. Authors will each receive a share of royalties of 50% of net (net = cover price - vendor commission) based on the number of authors in the final anthology.

7. Characters appearing in other Untreed Reads series or other series not published by us are strongly encouraged (i.e.: Wade J. McMahan's Richard Dick, Beth Mathison'sMobsters or Young at Heart or Albert Tucher's Diana Andrews)

8. Your story MUST have humor in it, feature a Thanksgiving dish and have a great mystery or crime at the heart of the story.

9. Stories not accepted for the anthology may be still be considered for other publication.

10. Previously published works are fine providing that electronic rights have reverted to the author and the story is not currently offered for free anywhere on the Internet or currently published through a self-publishing venue (i.e.: Smashwords, Amazon KDP, etc.).

11. There are no restrictions whatsoever on age, race, sex, sexual orientation, etc in the work.. Just tell us a great story!

Please direct any questions to Jay Hartman at jhartman@untreedreads.com. We recommend looking at the original The Killer Wore Cranberry for an idea of the types of stories we're looking for.

All decisions on material will be made by September 15th, 2012. Every attempt will be made to notify all authors of the status of their submission at that time. Please do not inquire about status prior to September 15th, 2012.

This anthology has an expected publication date of October 15th.

This is an open call, and may be reposted anywhere and everywhere.

Best,

Jay Hartman

Editor-in-Chief

Untreed Reads Publishing

http://www.untreedreads.com

http://store.untreedreads.com

Lisa Fox Guest Post

 A Matter of Lust Release Day Bonanza!!!

I am thrilled to announce the release of my paranormal, erotic romance A MATTER OF LUST!

To celebrate, I am giving away a copy to one lucky commenter on my blog. Head over to LISA
FOX ROMANCE (http://lisafoxromance.wordpress.com/2012/06/29/a-matter-of-lust-release-
day-bonanza/) between now and Sunday, July 1, 2012 to enter!

Trask is a lust demon on the hunt for a playmate, a human exceptional enough to sate some of his
ravenous hunger. When he finds Rena, he knows that she is the one he must have. He makes it
his business to seduce her.

Rena is immediately drawn to Trask. She could easily fall for the dangerously sexy bad boy who
makes her scream every time he makes her come, but the problem with bad boys is that they’re
actually bad. They break girls’ hearts and hers has been broken too many times already. One
more crack might shatter it forever.

Trask claims Rena for his own, but she needs more than just sizzling sex. She wants to trust him,
but can they ever share anything more than lust?

An Excerpt From: A MATTER OF LUST

Copyright © LISA FOX, 2012

All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.

Chapter One

The deep, melodic trance music vibrated through Trask’s body as he prowled the crowded dance
floor. He was hungry, so very, very hungry, and the time had come for him to find a willing
partner for the night. Any one of the mortals undulating around him would have sufficed, but so
far none of them appealed to him. The need gnawed at his insides, but he waited, searching for
the one. Over his long years among the humans, he’d learned that it always paid to be a little bit
discriminating. It made the feast so much more gratifying.

He sidestepped around a young woman, his shoulder accidentally brushing against hers. He felt
her body temperature rise as he passed, the lust that had been simmering just below the surface
swelling to a fevered pitch within her. She grabbed her companion and kissed him ferociously,
shamelessly rubbing herself against him. She wasn’t the only one affected by his presence either.
Potent waves of raw sexual energy radiated from him, infecting the air around him, threatening
to turn the club into one giant orgy. Trask smiled at the thought.

He cruised the dance floor, reveling in the exquisite thrill of his hunt. Human lust was such a
decadent treat, so very different from the desperate lust of the damned in hell, and it filled this
ordinarily dull world with brilliant light and added depth to the darkest shadows. He could feel it
oozing from the dancers, the men and the women, sweating and panting, touching and grinding,
their bodies writhing in time with the music. Tension built in his groin and he welcomed the
pure, straining delight.

He stopped suddenly, the prickling at the base of his spine alerting him to the presence of another
demon nearby. Not a lust demon like himself, but something similar. Pride maybe, or perhaps
wrath? He couldn’t quite get a fix on it. He waited, wondering if it was going to make contact.
Often other demons haunting and hunting the human realm wanted to meet, to plot and plan and
scheme, to “raise some hell” or whatever, but he got the impression that it was occupied with
something else entirely. Which was just fine with him. He’d never been the social sort.

The music changed and a thumping bass beat poured out of the speakers. Trask shook off the
psychic residue of the other and worked his way toward the bar. He ordered a bourbon on the
rocks and leaned back, happily absorbing the intoxicating atmosphere while scanning the crowd
for his potential playmate.

His gaze fell upon a woman on the edge of the dance floor in a short, black dress that hugged
every curve of her luscious body. Her violently dyed red hair was piled high on her head and
sexy tendrils escaped to frame her heart-shaped face. There was a hint of rosy flush on her
smooth, round cheeks and the way her hips swayed to the music made his cock stir.

Trask placed his drink aside and unconsciously ran his tongue over his teeth as he glided toward
her. She was tall, probably close to six feet in her heels, but he still had to lean down to whisper
close to her ear. “Hello,” he purred, breathing in her clean scent of shampoo and roses and
woman.

She turned slowly toward him, her gaze roaming over his face, his body, and he got the distinct
impression that she was mentally undressing him. He certainly hoped she was. She obviously
liked what she saw because a smile blossomed on her glossy, pink lips. “Hi.”

The instant, piercing sexual tension between them made his blood surge. He reached out with
a fine strand of psychic energy and lightly dipped into her primal core. Trask hissed as desire
coiled in his groin. She was sweet ambrosia, a succulent feast just waiting to happen and his
cock ached to sink inside her, to make her come again and again while he fed on all that glorious
lust. “You are very beautiful,” he said, savoring the tiny taste of her fire.

“Uh-huh,” she said, mischief and humor making her eyes sparkle. “Tell me something I don’t
know.”

Trask laughed. He liked this woman. “I think I might be in love with you,” he said, beginning the
game. It was a line that had worked many times before—the humans always seemed enchanted
and amused by the concept, but it was a hollow sentiment, something meant to elicit a grin and
nothing more. But as the words left his mouth, they felt different this time, almost as if they
had…weight.

“Are you sure it’s love you feel?” she asked, a smile dancing along the corners of her mouth. Her
eyes flicked down to his crotch. “Or something else entirely?”

“Now I know I’m in love,” he replied, the lust coursing through his veins. She was perfect. Fun.
Bold. Smoking hot. And she was going to be his. All night long. He reached out and traced the
curve of her cheek with his index finger. Her skin was flawless, warm and silky. “What’s your
name?”

She paused and an odd, little smile formed on her lips. “Does it matter?”

Normally it wouldn’t matter—in fact, there was no reason why it should matter, but for some
reason it did matter. It mattered a lot. “Yes.”

Her smile changed, softened, and Trask was awestruck by just how simply beautiful she
was. “Rena. My name is Rena.”

“Rena.” He liked the way it rolled off his tongue.

“And what about you?” she asked, leaning closer to him. He looked straight down into her very
ample cleavage and took his time enjoying that magnificent view. His fingers itched to caress
that soft skin, to feel the weight of her full, round breasts in his hands. “Do you have a name? Or
should I just call you the sexy Darkman of my dreams?”

“I do like the sound of that.” He wondered if his presence was affecting her, making her more
daring than she’d normally be or if this was just her nature. He had the power to inspire humans

to say and do outrageous things simply by standing beside them. His gaze touched on her
flamboyant red hair and he thought—hoped—that it was her and not a consequence of his
influence. “But Trask is so much shorter and to the point.”

“Trask,” she said, and he had to admit, he liked the way his name sounded on her lips. He
couldn’t wait to hear her scream it. Her eyes trailed over him, her gaze a provocative caress that
sent hot, tingling ripples down his spine. “So, now that you’ve declared your love, what happens
next?”

“Oh, you know, the usual.” He caught hold of a loose strand of her hair and twined it around
his fingers. The tension between them rocketed up a few notches and he inhaled the essence of
her arousal, breathing it deep into his body, relishing the flavor of her. “A whirlwind romance,
storybook marriage, honeymoon in Paris.”

“Followed swiftly by a quickie divorce in Mexico, right?”

Her voice was tinged with unmistakable venom and the bitterness sliced through the hazy, plush
cloud of their lust. Startled by the mental slap in the face, Trask dropped his hand back to his
side. Darkness deepened around him as anger settled in. He did not like this turn of events at
all. “What makes you think I’d do anything quick with you?”

“I see,” she said, and he watched her features soften as her mood shifted. Humans were so
extraordinarily complex. He didn’t think he’d ever understand their ability to feel so much, so
quickly and thoroughly, even when those emotions were completely contradictory. Demons were
defined by their desires, embodiments of the thing they hungered after. There was never a reason
for a demon to feel anything more than his driving need. Everything else just got in the way of
the goal.

Her bitterness ebbed away, gone almost as quickly as it had come, and she favored him with a
dazzling, flirtatious smile. “You’re a slow-and-steady kind of guy then?”

“Oh yes,” he said, returning her grin. “And I always win in the end.”

She laughed, a lovely, musical sound that tugged at his insides. She leaned into him, a whisper of
space between them and he could feel the heat of her body on his skin. “Hmm,” she said, and bit
down on her lower lip. Her fingers flitted over his collarbone. “I do like confidence.”

He caught her hand and brought it to his lips. “Then you’re definitely going to like me.”

BUY LINK: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-10190-a-matter-of-lust.aspx

World-renowned neurosurgeon, jet fighter pilot, secret member of American
royalty, seducer of legions of beautiful, outrageously sexy angels and demons and vampires and
werewolves and the occasional pirate, Lisa Fox has done it all…in her own mind. In reality, she
can generally be found at her desk with a cup of coffee close at hand. Or maybe a martini. It
really depends on the day.

Feedback, comments, opinions, words of wisdom, chocolate cake and the addresses of super hot
men are always appreciated and encouraged. Please feel free to contact Lisa any time.

Email: lisa@lisafoxromance.com
Website: www.lisafoxromance.com
Twitter: @LisaFoxRomance

Taking My Shift at She Shifters

She Shifters is a new anthology of lesbian paranormal erotica.  More specifically, the book features spicy F/F stories about shape-shifters, hence the title.  

Since my mouse shifter story "Sneak" appears in the book, I've taken my turn blogging at She Shifters' devoted website.  I also share an excerpt from my story.  The excerpt isn't sultry or sweet.  Actually, it's pretty rough. That's why I've asked readers to comment about whether they like erotica that pushes their boundaries.

As you'll see in my post, I'm running a contest over there, so hop over to the site and leave me a comment:
http://www.she-shifters.com/2012/06/28/sneaking-around-and-a-contest/

Hugs,

Giselle

Guest Post: Abby Hayes "Finding Paradise"

Abby Hayes Guest Post – Sex on Facebook

FaceBook. What does the word mean to you? Keeping up with old friends or far away relatives or business associates or, just maybe, reconnecting with an old friend or even an old boyfriend? Yes, we hear these stories, usually in a negative light though due to broken marriages, etc. But, what I want to hear are the good Facebook stories! No, let me rephrase that, the sexy FaceBook stories…something like FaceBook confessions. Now there is a concept.

The endless possibilities here is what I was thinking about when I wrote one of my novellas. I mean there is the obvious tale, the single gal, maybe with a broken heart, who is healed after catching up with the one that got away on FaceBook, and then meeting for that hot steamy sex, a first time for them after all of these years. Nice, and probably very hot, but again, not what I was going for. I wanted modern and unusual for my story.

Let me ask you then, do you know of anyone who using FaceBook’s chat or messages who has had FaceBook sex – you know rather than phone sex, I’m coining a new term here I think. *giggles*  Because if they used messaging they could include pictures or even videos. I mean in this day and age of webcams, we can watch someone on the other side of the globe masturbate, play with sex toys, live as they are talking to us.

Here is the situation I came up with though. How about two old girlfriends meet? Well, friends is being used loosely as they were friends when young, but then went different paths in high school, one of them gaining that questionable reputation. What we end up with then, is an online friendship, one woman now a stay at home mom with sexual frustrations and the other a newly married woman who prior had lived a life right out of some erotic novel. The more experienced of the two at first starts sharing her sexual escapades in short statements on FaceBook chat at the begging and pleading of the stay-at-home mother. But, when the new FaceBook friends meet days before their high school reunion, now that is when the fun starts…from the girlfriends playing together in the dressing room of an adult store, to including one husband, to including both husbands. All of this yumminess from a few FaceBook chats about sex? Why not?

So, here is an excerpt from one of the chats in my novella, Finding Paradise:

Nevaeh Knollinger Wade Led him to room, soon as we got in he pressed me against the wall, his hands felt huge when he ran them down my sides, was wet instantly – god, should I have said that? How many details you want?

Kelly Carver Gordon More details. Spare me nothing. Get graphic! Cock – pussy – wet – I don’t care!

Nevaeh Knollinger Wade LOL!!!! Okay. You asked for it! He tore off my sweater, forced my back harder against the wall, bra disappeared, one nipple he rolled between his fingers, the other he took into his warm mouth, he sucked me in, greedy

Kelly Carver Gordon Like a man desperate for nourishment! No, I don’t read it too much!

Kelly felt her own nipples tighten into stiff peaks. She found herself becoming more aroused noticing the way Nevaeh’s two tiny mounds presented themselves under her dress in her profile picture Then, she quickly turned her eyes to her mug of tea as if she would get caught.

Nevaeh Knollinger Wade Sorry. I’m not being poetic enough for you.

Kelly Carver Gordon No, I was just being goofy trying to make sure you feel comfortable, kept telling me the story :)

Nevaeh Knollinger Wade Okay. Continuing! Threw head back expecting him to go to the other nipple, instead his mouth trailed down over my stomach, pressure was intense, my stomach clenched, his other hand squeezed my other breast at the same time… make sense?

Kelly Carver Gordon I think I get the picture quite clear ;)

Nevaeh Knollinger Wade His touches were pure pleasure bordering on pain, he placed

a kiss on my jean-covered mound, undid my jeans, tore the denim off me in seconds, then he surprised me again, he bit at the cloth of my panties, tugged them away from my flesh with is teeth, then let them snap back against me, several times before pushing aside with his fingers, he spread me open, licked me. I am no writer, but this is fun trying to come up with the words. Maybe I should’ve said, spread open my throbbing pussy lips – I’ve read an erotic romance or two in my day!

Kelly Carver Gordon You are doing an excellent job.

Nevaeh Knollinger Wade Are you wet, my old neighbor/new friend? Are your nipples

hard? Mine are.

Kelly had a moment of feeling weirded-out, and worried about how she would now feel face to face with Nevaeh at the reunion. But, she’d promised she would go. What the hell, now. She continued to play along.

Kelly Carver Gordon Yes. I am wet.

End of excerpt!

So tell me, does this really happen? Any stories you’ve heard of FaceBook and Sex? If so, add them in the comments here. They can always be about a “friend” *winks*

Finding Paradise  Blurb:
Days before her high school reunion, Kelly reconnects on Facebook with childhood friend, Nevaeh—a woman who, rumor has it, has lived a life straight out of some erotic novel. And, Kelly has a lot of erotica on her ereader! Ménages, slave fantasies, strangers and BDSM are all included in the stories Nevaeh has to share.

This sexy, world traveler incites Kelly to forge a friendship unlike any she’s ever had before. She never knew a shopping trip could be so educational, especially in an adult store. With her head spinning and her panties damp, Kelly embarks on a crusade to reignite the passion her and her husband, Nate, once had with a few new toys and other surprises. When he surprises her by being a more than willing participant, she decides to test a few boundaries, push a few limits...

Kelly becomes determined to find out if her old neighbor is right, if
paradise can be found within your own four walls with the man you married. But, what happens when Kelly’s husband finds out about all of her time spent with Nevaeh? What will happen when Nevaeh’s husband, Hayden, comes into town for the reunion? Will her marriage be in trouble, or will things go further than Kelly ever dreamed they could go?

Reviews:

"Warning: please refrain from reading Finding Paradise while in the presence of others, as frequent relief may be required. Holy smokes this book is HOT! From Nevaeh’s stories to Kelly, to the women experimenting with one another in a sex shop dressing room, Finding Paradise is one book that I will be reading over and over again instead of putting in a sexy movie. Ms. Hayes has done a few remarkable things with this book: first, she’s written the online chatting scenes as they would be written by any one of us, with a lot of shorthand and some “real life” cringing and questioning after typing something off the wall. Secondly, Ms. Hayes has really included something for everyone in this short story, I won’t ruin the surprise by discussing the amazingly indulgent final sex scene, but let’s just say my husband and I may have to have a serious talk about sex pretty soon! Both the erotic and the mundane are terrifically portrayed in Finding Paradise, and I truly hope that Ms. Hayes decides to put out a follow up book with more tantalizing and playful encounters between Kelly, Nevaeh and their husbands. For exquisite sex scenes, amazing writing and the "real talk" feel for online chat, Finding Paradise is certainly deserving of a JERR Silver Star Award. Bottom line, find your own bit of paradise and pick up Finding ParadiseASAP!" - Silver Star Award at Just Erotic Romance Reviews (5/5 Stars)

"Finding Paradise is a scorching hot read... Kelly and Nevaeh, as well as their respective husbands, are very believable characters. Ms. Hayes has portrayed them in a way that any reader can relate to the emotions and actions of them... Finding Paradise is a unique story that will sit on my shelves for years to come. There is a lot of passion and excitement as some characters explore new sexual adventures and others share their adventures. This story is one of those rare finds that comes across as unique, sexy, hot, and adventurous all rolled into very few pages!" - 4/5 Paddles at BDSM Book Reviews, Reviewed by Star

“This is the first book I have read by Abby Hayes and to say I was intrigued with where the story was going is an understatement. I was expected a little girl on girl, perhaps a menage but a full fledged partner swamp and orgy...I was tickled beyond belief. Hayes built believable characters with Kelly and Navaeh, Nate and Hayden.  All in all, Hayes approach was fun, lively and gave a little insight into how a couple can re-kindle a romance by introducing safe avenues into their love life.” – 4/5 Cups at Coffee Beans & Love Scenes Reviews

Available Now at Amazon, All Romance Ebooks and Smashwords

Abby Hayes

By day, Abby is what the world tells her to be. By night, alone with her imagination, she is who she wants to be. Giving into the breathy voices who pant new and exciting sexual scenarios inside of her head, she pounds away at her keyboard. Abby’s only goal is to have her readers free their own minds, grab their ereaders, and go away with her into a world where no one judges what the body wants, instead they explore what the flesh is capable of.

Website: http://abbyhayes.info/

Blog: http://abby-hayes-author.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorAbbyHayes

Hot Summer Nights and Wedding Heat

So, erotica writer Skye Warren had this brilliant idea to create the Hot Summer Nights Erotica Bloghop and I was more than happy to join in the fun.  And, as with most blog hops, there are prizes! Like a grand prize of a $100 gift certificate at eden fantasys!

The theme of this hop is kinktastic summer erotica, and I have just the series to feature.

Those who are new to the Donuts & Desires blog might not be familiar with my Wedding Heat series.  The stories are all centered around Maggie and Ed’s summer wedding at a luxury woodland resort, but forget the happy couple—it’s the guests that make this wedding sizzle! There are family, friends, and co-workers of all genders and sexual preferences attending Maggie and Ed’s wedding. Some are looking for love, some for new experiences, but nobody anticipated the kind of sexual release they would find in the woods.

Lots of readers LOVE weddings, so why not a whole SERIES dedicated to the naughty goings-on at one wedding? Sure the bride and groom get in on the action, but weddings are about so much more than the happy couple. Guests flock to weddings with their own expectations, their own baggage, and their own desires. So, as much as the Wedding Heat series is anchored by the happy couple, it’s really an ongoing tale of the wedding as a whole. I’m sure most of us have attended more weddings as guests than we have as brides or grooms.

Take the third ebook in the series as an example.  Wedding Heat: Skinny Dipping is about Joey, who is the bride's cousin.  He's a virgin--unlike Greg, who is a cousin of the groom's.  A bunch of the guys go midnight skinny dipping (a classic summer activity, right?) but it's only Joey and Greg who take their nakedness to the next level:

EXCERPT:

“What about you?” Greg asked.  “You ever knocked a girl up?”

“Yeah right.”  They very idea made Joey laugh.  “Not even close.”

“Ahh, you’re a virgin,” Greg said, understandingly, not goading or teasing.

“Yeah.”  Joey would have lied to anybody else, but there was something about Greg, maybe just the fact that he was gay, that made it easy to be honest.  “Are you?”

“What do you think?”

Something touched Joey’s dick underwater, and he jumped, squealing like a little kid.  “Oh my god, what was that?”

“My hand, you dumb fuck.”  Greg shook his head, and Joey laughed, feeling like a total idiot.  “No wonder you’re still a virgin.”

This time when Greg found his cock underwater, Joey didn’t squeal or squirm.  He turned to face Greg, holding the guy’s shoulder to steady himself.  When Greg wrapped a fist around the base of his shaft, his thighs and ass muscles tensed.  His breath staggered now, rattling in his chest before bursting past his lips.

“I’m not really…”  Joey stopped himself, trying to figure out what he wanted to say.  “I mean, it’s not every day I’m attracted to someone.  I’m not like that.”

The way Greg nodded, it seemed like he understood better than Joey did.  God, it felt good the way Greg stroked his dick—firm, hard, forceful but not rough.  Rough would come later.  Joey always liked to work up to the ultimate sensation.

“I’ve got your cock,” Greg said.  “Don’t you want to touch mine?”

ooooh *tingles*

So, summer sex can be pretty awesome, right?  That's why instead of holding a contest where there's only a *chance* you might get something for nothing, I want to GIVE you all a copy of the FIRST story in the collection, Wedding Heat: One in the Hand. I figured the easiest way to handle distribution would be to make it FREE at ARe for the duration of the blog hop, so get your copy here: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-weddingheatoneinthehand-785976-149.html

For more information about the blog hop, including other sites on the tour, check:  http://skyewarren.com/summerhop/

If you want to be entered in Skye's grand prize contest for a $100 gift certificate to Eden Fantasys or the second prize of a whole bunch of free ebooks, leave a comment below, and do include your email address.  If you're not sure what to say, why not tell us what you wore to the last wedding you went to?

Thanks for stopping by!  And for all the news about the Wedding Heat series, visit: http://weddingheat.wordpress.com/

Giselle Renarde
Canada just got hotter!

New Anthology! Pleasure Me from Xcite Books

Enter a world where every fantasy is naughtier than the next.

We all need more pleasure in our lives, and these twenty tales reveal the explicit exploits of those who devote themselves to enjoying sex to the full. From wicked wives putting on a show for their lusty husbands, to sex in the great outdoors, intimate seductions, wild one-night stands and kinky games of dominance and submission, you’ll find stories here to tease and please you.

Surrender to the ultimate in pleasure.

Finger Music by Kay Jaybee

The early arrival of one part of the jazz trio due to play at the restaurant where Sally works, transfixes her. The dance of his fingertips over the fret of his instrument wreaks havoc with the waitress’s imagination, as she mentally replaces her body with the expertly plucked double bass. When the musician asks Sally if she would like to try and play, she soon learns how it feels to create beautiful finger music …

Watch Me, Watch You by Lynn Lake

Catherine is into voyeurism. She watches a neighbour pleasure himself, while pleasuring herself; shows off her form to a dirty window-washer staring in from the outside; encourages her boyfriend to jack by the public pool, and her husband to fuck their babysitter on-camera – while she watches. Catherine just can’t keep her eyes to herself.

Read My Lips by Elizabeth Cage

Becky doesn’t want a boyfriend and she’s not sure she wants sex after her last guy cheated on her – big time. So when her good mate Maz sets her up with the enigmatic Kyle, she is initially annoyed. But it turns out that Kyle has a special talent , which Becky soon discovers when they agree to an unusual businesslike arrangement. She gets the chance to explore and enact her most thrilling and edgiest fantasies. Has she got the nerve to follow it through? When it comes to intense, mind-blowing satisfaction, it seems no words are needed …

A Woman of Pleasure by Izzy French

Natalie is a thoroughly modern girl who takes her thrills wherever she can, and arranges them illicitly at work. Her email is hot! And her IT-phobic boss is blind to her sexy goings on. But following a particularly passionate night spent with a couple, Liza and John, back at their place, Natalie is called to the brand new IT manager’s office in the morning. He’s read her messages and he’s not a happy man. He gives Natalie a choice – and she needs to decide how she is going to take her punishment. Will it be the hard way?

New Heights by Jenna Bright

It’s not that Pollie doesn’t enjoy sex – she just thinks she’s missing out on the really good stuff. Somewhere out there are new pinnacles of pleasure, new heights that take sex from something fun to something sublime – and she’s determined to find them. Fortunately for her, she has her best friends, Lee and Rob, on hand, willing to do whatever it takes to help her find perfect pleasure.

About to Come by Maxine Marsh

Judith has been dating Wes for a long six months and they still haven’t screwed. It’s all a part of Wes’s philosophy – waiting makes it better, and if she really wants him, she’ll wait. But the day has finally arrived, and Judith’s about to find out just how hungry the wait has made her...

Hiking by Penelope Friday

Kate isn’t sure she’s going to enjoy hiking with her boyfriend Alex, but she’s willing to give it a go – if she does it in her own way. When she admits to Alex that she has “forgotten” her knickers, their hike through secluded hillside takes an erotic turn. But it turns out the hillside isn’t as secluded as the passionate couple originally thought ...

The Crinoline by Brian M. Powell

The woman suggested, as a game, that all men at the party describe their most secret sexual fantasy. Everyone agreed my fantasy was impossible and it was voted the worst fantasy. Only the woman who had suggested the game was interested in it. But when she called and ordered me to meet her at Forest Hall I did not know what to expect. I discovered she had arranged an extreme scene that allowed me to act out my fantasy with her as its object. It gave us the most intense erotic experience of our lives.

The Mirror by J R Roberts

Sam is in the enviable position of having a lover who knows exactly what turns her on. But Scott is a tease and uses his skills and the fact that he knows how much she desires him to persuade her to be a naughty girl. Reflections in the mirror allow Sam a view usually denied to women and brings a new and exciting dimension to their lovemaking.

Penthouse Sweet by Kate Dominic

A married woman enjoys California heat by sunbathing naked on her penthouse balcony, then indulging in an anniversary gift arranged by her husband -- sharing her freshly-shaved, sun-warmed pussy with another woman for the first time.

The Heat in Greece by Bel Anderson

‘Don’t open your eyes,’ he says softly, his Greek accent sending shivers down my spine and his hand warm but persistent in the small of my back. ‘Trust me. Do not be afraid.’ How could a girl resist? Sun, sea, sand and … a virile young Adonis who is feeling just as maddeningly sexy as I am on this scorching Greek afternoon. Recklessly, I put my trust in this husky-voiced stranger and let him lead me blindly away from the beach and into the most deliciously sensual and orgasmic experience of my life. An experience that turns out to be all my fantasies rolled into one …

By Design by Elise Hepner

The last thing Elena, a bored, hotel desk clerk, expects on a slow day at work is a salacious note commanding her to meet a stranger in his room. The anonymous “Frank” describes in detail how he wants to watch Elena get off in front of him. The erotic possibilities are dangerous ‑ and wicked. Swayed by her recent break-up and her intense need to do something interesting with her life, Elena follows orders. And what she walks into changes her sexually forever.

As You Wish by Maggie Morton

Bari has given his wife a lovely anniversary gift ‑ complete sexual power over him for one night. It will be a night full of power and sex, a night where the power she receives over her partner shows Bari’s wife everything she’s been missing until then, including the right to do as she wishes to her husband, no matter what those wishes involve. But Bari doesn’t mind giving up his power, not in the least, and maybe, just maybe, his wife won’t mind taking it from him either.

Play It Again by Heidi Champa

The only way to celebrate your divorce is with a “re-bachelorette” party, or at least that’s what her friend Tammy has convinced her. But she really isn’t having a good time, surrounded by so many happy brides-to-be reminding her of what she once had. That’s until a handsome groomsman offers to reintroduce her to the sweetest of pleasure…

Melonhead by Giselle Renarde

When you’re a guy with brown skin, you don’t make it through airport security too easily. Jai’s luggage seems to get rifled through forty times per trip and that’s why he never brings along any of his sex toys. But Jai is a planner, and he knows a warm cantaloupe is heaven. His hotel room doesn’t have a microwave, so he reluctantly takes up the receptionist’s offer to heat up the contents of his big paper bag and bring it to his room. When she arrives, she isn’t alone. Jai has two female spectators, and they aren’t about to leave without a show.

Torture by Pleasure by Bella Marks

Where is the line between pleasure and suffering? A sub finds out, and crosses the line, as her master delivers a well-deserved punishment. He tortures her with pleasure and teases her to within an inch of her sanity. Using his fingers, his cock and some evil little brushes, he brings her to the edge over and over again. But will she get to come? It’s up to him.

Getting Ready for Mick by Jodie Johnson-Smith

Sent to the country to finish her book, Fiona is soon feeling lonely. The only visitor she has is Penny, the busty campaigner, who is hell-bent on stopping the council from building on the field behind Fiona’s cottage. When three guys arrive to start the work, Fiona decides to get to know them better. But although getting ready for Mick is highly pleasurable, all is not as it seems and Fiona knows that the guys will soon be leaving. Meanwhile, Penny has decided on a new campaign ...

Oil, Wine, Miles and Dreaming by Ms Peach

Waking from a deliciously erotic dream, Amy expects another dull day in her job as a doctor’s receptionist. But Michael has other ideas. He’s the hunky patient she’s lusted after for ever, and when she accepts his offer of a dinner date, she doesn’t realise it’ll lead to a night of unforgettable pleasure.

Glow by Sommer Marsden

Adam is Irene’s perfect man, offering her everything she could possibly need – except his love. But she keeps making the trip to his home, where a lantern glows in the window, a sign of how much he wants her, because the pleasure he gives her is far too good to ignore. And maybe tonight will be the night he goes that one step further and gives her his heart, too…

Someone Borrowed, Something Blue by Elizabeth Coldwell

Melanie’s husband-to-be has the kinkiest fantasies about watching her with another man. She has fantasies about being dominated by a horny stranger. And with the aid of a willing wedding photographer and a second-hand dress, she’s about to make every single one of those fantasies come true.

From Xcite: http://www.xcitebooks.co.uk/Book/6802/Pleasure-Me.html

From Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Pleasure-Me-collection-stories-ebook/dp/B0087PJNJY/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1338669989&sr=1-9

#SixSunday Dennis and Dad

Well, this is timely! Today I'm posting six sentences from my gay father's day story "Dennis and Dad."  This is one of my few non-erotic titles, focused on family events rather than sex and romance.  Although, come to think of it, there's an eternal romance in this story that moves me to tears--between Dennis and Chris's father, who is aging faster than either of these men can bear.

The scene I've chosed to showcase is a subdued but emotional moment between Chris and his dad's partner Dennis as they begin a difficult discussion about Dad's apparent oncoming dementia:

***
Dennis bent down in front of an herb garden full of weeds and some parsley. Chris bent down, too, and helped pull out the errant grasses and clover.

“I’m worried,” Dennis said. His tone of voice was casual as always, but Chris was troubled by the statement.

Chris nodded even though Dennis wasn’t looking at him. “Me too.”
***

Dennis and Dad is available now, and on sale this month for only $0.74 at Untreed Reads: http://store.untreedreads.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11&products_id=425

Hugs,
Giselle

Trans Rights Become Law in Ontario

Today the Ontario legislature unanimously passed an Act to amend the Human Rights Code, protecting the rights of trans people like my girlfriend.  Ontario is the first Canadian province to do so.

This change in the law prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression.

In April, the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal struck down the former rule stating that trans people had to undergo SRS before the sex designation on their birth certificates could be changed.

It's been a big year for trans rights here in the province of Ontario, at least at a legislative level.  But it's only June, right?  We've got the whole rest of the year to work harder on the front lines, in real life, to ensure that "we the people" aren't discriminating against trans folks or anyone else--in our hearts, in our minds, and in practice.

Laws are hugely important, but nothing elevates a society like a change of heart.

Hugs,
Giselle

FREE Cocktales, Anyone?

Today I came across an erotic collection from the extraordinary people at Xcite.  I happen to have a story in this Cocktales collection AND it happens to be free.  I'm not sure if free is its permanent state of being or if it will cost money at some point in the future, but at the moment it's $0.00 so... buy now?

Enjoy a varied selection of erotic short stories by bestselling authors including Sommer Marsden, Elizabeth Coldwell, Justine Elyot, K D Grace and Charlotte Stein in this fantastic 3 book bundle from Xcite Books, winners of ETO Best Erotic Book Brand 2010 & 2011.

Originally published as three separate books you can now enjoy all twenty-four stories as a single ebook.

The Deepest Dig by Sylvia Lowry
Heat It Up by Shashauna P Thomas
Just Watch Me by Justine Elyot
Two Girls, One Cop by Elizabeth Coldwell
Making the Most of all in New Zealand by Eva Hore
Productivity by K D Grace
Just Like Your Father by Sommer Marsden
You Get What You Pay For by J Smith
The Clearing by Chris Ross
Cowgirl Honeymoon by Tamsin Flowers
Would You Like Fries With That? by Sommer Marsden
Under the Desk by Charlotte Stein
All You Can Eat by Josie Jordan
One Item or Fewer by Elizabeth Coldwell
Star-Fucker by Jade Taylor
Have Your Cake and Eat It by Jeremy Smith
Deeds of Mercy by Giselle Renarde <=IS ME! IS ME!
Tropical Paradise by Velvet Tripp
Exemplary Employee by Charlotte Stein
Retail Seduction by Tabitha Rayne
You’re My Toy by Sommer Marsden
Date Night by Ariel Graham
Splendide Girl by Courtney James
Cardboard by Kay Jaybee

Clickity-click-click!

Rufus Wainwright WOWs Luminato #YAMLGBT

Every year, the Luminato festival here in Toronto WOWs me just a little bit harder.  Not only does this June arts festival showcase incredible Canadian acts (for FREE in many cases), but it seems to have an eye forward to Pride, bringing us some of the world's greatest LGBT performers.

Last year around this time, I was sharing my (crappy) pics (I'm a sucky photographer) from the free k.d. lang concert held at David Picaut Square, which serves as Luminato's "Hub."

This year (last night, in fact--June 10, 2012), Rufus Wainwright hit the stage, performing his first number a cappella AND in absolute darkness.

When the lights came up, they were hot pink and Rufus was dressed in a black top stitched with black sequins in the shape of a skeleton.  This was overlaid with a  combination denim and printed silk jacket.  His pants were also patterned like a crazazy and he had on his feet what he referred to as "sneakers," though I'd have called them silver spectacular moon boots (potato, potahto).

I've wanted to see Rufus Wainwright in concert for years, and the fact that it happened to coincide with YAM Magazine's LGBT Blogathon seemed totally serendipitous.  Rufus is a gay icon, after all.  The Luminato concert was slated as a showcase for his latest album, Out of the Game, but happily included many old favourites as well.

When Rufus performed his song "The One You Love" (one of my MANY personal faves), he mentioned this song was a little sad for him to sing, as he'd recorded it years ago with the late Levon Helm.  Next, he surprised the crowd by summoning his sister Martha Wainwright up on stage for one of their mother's (the late Kate McGarrigle) songs, "I am a Diamond."  It was truly a family affair when he also performed a song by his father, Loudon Wainwright III.

Rufus is an hilarious performer, and I'm not quite sure if that's intentional or simply a happy accident.  He's a diva and a ditz, and I say that in the kindest way possible.  One of my favourite aspects of his performance was the abundance of false starts--like in one number when he started singing before the guitars came on stage, and in another duet when he forgot to start singing... or when he twice forgot the lyrics to the first verse of "Going to a Town" (which I think I can safely call my best-loved of his songs).  All these little events add to the fun of the concert because it doesn't feel too polished and reminds you that you're watching a live performance.  It's unique.  It will never be repeated.  Plus, Rufus doesn't seem to take himself too seriously on stage, and that made me enjoy watching him all the more.

And every reminder that this is a one of a kind event, a live performance, not a recording, is important because it drives home how powerful a vocalist Rufus Wainwright truly is.  Not only is he a talented songwriter who produces complex music and even more intricate lyrics, he can sing his own songs better than anyone.

It's almost impossible to be critical of Rufus.  He's like an adorable puppy who is also a musical genius (hey, someone should make a movie about that!), and I find I love his songs more and more as I hear them over and over.  I think that goes back to the complexity and intricacy of his music. It's stuff that must be savoured repeatedly in order to get the full effect and comprehend it on multiple levels.  No wonder Elton John referred to him as “the greatest songwriter on the planet.”

My favourite of the new songs showcased in this concert was "Montauk," which I'd never heard before.  It was written for his daughter Viva, conceived with a friend who just happens to be Leonard Cohen's daughter (yes, everybody knows everybody here in Canada).  "Montauk" struck me deep in my queer heart, because it got me thinking about gay parenting (which just happens to be the topic of a newly-released short story I wrote called Dennis and Dad), and also about relationships, love, family... as I've said (repeatedly), Rufus Wainwright's songbook is complex.

Montauk lyrics (excerpt) by Rufus Wainwright:

One day you will come to Montauk
And see your dad trying to be funny
And see your other dad seeing through me
Hope that you will protect your dad

One day you will come to Montauk
And see your dad trying to be evil
And see your other dad feeling lonely
Hope that you will protect him

Every song seems to open itself to a process of endless signification.  You can really get into your head with Rufus.  That's why it's best to end a concert with a dance party:

Final word?  If you ever get to see Rufus Wainwright in concert, GO!
Hugs,
Giselle Renarde
Canada just got hotter!

 (Oops, almost forgot: to follow the YAM Magazine LGBT Blogathon, check out their website here: http://www.yam-mag.com/features/2012-lgbt-blogathon/ )

The Forgotten Ones (books, that is)

Authors: have you ever written a book and then totally forgotten about it?

Today I stumbled upon a little ebook of mine called Good Bi Valentine, and I was sort of like... oh yeah... THAT.  It's not like it came out a long time ago.  Good Bi Valentine hit the shelves in early February of this year (am I a marketing genius or what?) and it's sold a few copies at Barnes & Noble and some other retailers, but by and large it hasn't made waves.

Oh wait... except that it kind of has.  Good Bi Valentine made quiet waves by quietly being taken off the quiet shelves of quiet All Romance Ebooks.  Apparently, it was too (fill in the blanks--your guess is as good as mine).

And, although Good Bi Valentine was newly released this year, it's actually the first erotic story I wrote with the intention of publishing.

It was published, originally under the hefty name "All in a Valentine Day's Work."  After the contract with its first publisher ceased to be, I decided to shorten the title and highlight the fact that lovely Lexi the Sexi Super is bisexual.  (The book isn't about a break-up or a "goodbye" but rather a gay old time, an enjoyable bisexual Valentine's Day)

Anyway, the point I wanted to make was that, until today, I'd totally forgotten this book existed.

My question to other authors is... is it just me?  Do you guys ever stumble across one of your books online and have that moment I described above?  Which of your books have you forgotten about?

Do comment, my friends!

Hugs,
Giselle

(Oh yeah, and Good Bi Valentine is published by eXcessica and available at Amazon and a whole bunch of other places)

New Title: DENNIS AND DAD (Father's Day/Gay Parenting/Short Fiction)

Here's me, the fatherless one, writing a heartrending and supremely father-full story about gay parenting and Father's Day.

DENNIS AND DAD is one of my rare non-erotic titles. It's a Father's Day short story that involves gay parents, aging parents and fathering beyond the boundaries of a conventional family unit. It's the snapshot you can't stop staring at.  I cry every time I read it.

I cry because it's a pretty challenging little piece.  As you'll see, the excerpt begins with Chris's father using a racial epithet--totally uncharacteristic, totally "not dad," totally disappointing.  This gets Chris wondering what the hell's going on with his father.  Dad's life partner has some answers, and when Dennis gets Chris alone their conversation... actually, their conversation is my personal tipping point.  That's what makes me cry.  Dennis adores Dad so much, and is so committed to him, so resolved to do what's best for the man he loves, that Chris just knows Dad is in good hands.

What inspired me to write Dennis and Dad?  Actually, a big part of the inspiration came from my mother. I went to visit her one Sunday, and I was making us tea and sandwiches, only when I poured the milk it was chunky.  "That's fine, it's fine."  And when I took out the bread, it was GREEN.  Seriously.  It was a big loaf of mould.  I threw it in the trash, but she pulled it out.  "It's fine, it's fine."

That was the first time I thought of my mother as... old?  Aging?  You hear about meals on wheels recipients getting sick after leaving food sitting out for days, and that's what it reminded me of.  Green bread and chunky milk are not fine.  It was such a jarring experience, because it was the first time I felt like someone should be supervising her.

This experience, for adults of aging parents, draws a parallel to that childhood moment... the first time you realize your parent isn't perfect.  We go through that psychic trauma all over again as adults when we realize parents aren't as capable of caring for themselves as they once were.

Actually, that parent-child/child-parent experiential parallel is the reason I included so many children as characters in this story.  But I won't go in to their significant role, because I've talked enough as it is.  DENNIS AND DAD is a very inexpensive ebook, so you can take a look for yourself.

Description:

During this year's Father's Day visit, Chris realizes his dad is aging fast. When Chris notices his father's confusion and strange behavior, Dad's long-term partner Dennis expresses his own concern that these are more than just "senior moments." Chris's dad refuses to see a doctor, but with the impending issues around hospitalization and next-of-kin legalities, Dennis and Dad have made a big decision about their future together. A short story.

Excerpt:

And then, from the stairs: “Who’s the darkie?”

Chris’ blood curdled, and for some reason he looked to Dennis, whose eyes were just as wide. “Dad?” Chris asked, unable to process that statement or its intent. A joke? Why? “Dad…what the hell?”

His father glanced slowly at the group of people in the front hall, and screwed up his eyebrows like he was surprised to see them. Nodding toward the window, Dad asked, “You got a new kid?” He laughed, but he was the only one.

“Becky’s friend came along,” Kim said. Her tone seemed reluctant, to Chris, like she just wanted to turn tail and run. Chris knew the feeling. “Remember, Ron? I told you on the phone. I asked if you wouldn’t mind an extra visitor.”

Dad grimaced like he was searching his brain for this information and not finding it. His expression went blank for a moment, and then a scowl took over. “I remember,” he snapped. “But you didn’t tell me she was a coloured girl.”

“Dad!” Chris couldn’t believe his ears. He’d never in his life heard his father talk this way. Never. He really didn’t know how to react, and obviously no one else did either, because the lot of them stood in silence. He found himself looking to Dennis for some kind of explanation, but Dennis averted his gaze, sheepishly, or nervously. Chris wasn’t sure which.

Thank God for Kim. “Oh, we brought gifts,” she said, holding up the matching shiny gift bags. “Happy Father’s Day, you two.”

Dennis recovered at last and said, “We haven’t even invited you in! Come on, we’ve got a whole brunch spread laid out in the kitchen. What do you want to drink?” He took the bags from Kim and led the way.

“You two always have the best coffee brewing,” Chris said. He wanted to forget his father’s uncharacteristic comments, but he felt disjointed now, like nobody was who they were supposed to be.

DENNIS AND DAD is on sale for the month of June at Untreed Reads (only $0.74!): http://store.untreedreads.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11&products_id=425

It's also available at a bunch of other e-tailers, including Amazon and Amazon UK.

Hugs,
Giselle

'Take Me There' Wins Lambda Literary Award

What an honour!

When Tristan Taormino's anthology Take Me There: Trans and Genderqueer Erotica hit the shelves, I mentioned here on the blog that my story "The Therapist and The Whore" was included in the collection.

Today I share the wonderful news that Take Me There has WON a Lambda Literary Award in the category of Transgender Fiction.

Tristan Taormino (@tristantaormino) tweeted a little thank you speech that I will post right here:

Thank you so much Lambda Literary for this amazing award. I dedicate it to Cleis Press for publishing visionary books, the contributors for writing brave, sexy pieces, and all the trans, genderqueer, and gender variant folks who may pick up the book and see themselves in it as sex symbols.

I was particularly moved by Tristan's words because they reminded me why I started writing trans fiction in the first place.  If you read my blog religiously, you know my girlfriend is a trans woman.  When we first fell in love and began our relationship... well, things were complicated.  She acknowledged that she was blocked sexually.  She was afraid I might fetishize her trans body, or view her as a "guy in a dress," or view her in any other way that didn't speak the truth of who she is within herself.  In fact, when we began this relationship four years ago, she pretty much guaranteed we would never have sex.

Yikes!  And me an erotica writer!

Actually, erotica figured in to this conversation (and conversion and transformation) around sex and representation and being trans.  My Sweet really hates erotica that portrays trans women as brainless cardboard cut-outs who are good for nothing but sex--and, as far as she was concerned, all trans erotica was like that.  It was for her that I began crafting stories involving trans characters who weren't other, weren't alien, who were both sexual and valuable, socially and personally... who were human.

When Sweet started reading my trans fiction, I was actually surprised that she loved my work and could relate to my characters.  (I don't know why that surprised me. I guess I was just nervous.)  The comment she made that stuck with me was, "You don't write about sex, you write about people."  For her, that made all the difference.

If you haven't read Take Me There... well, now is as good a time as any!  I know the public library system here in Toronto has copies available.  If you don't happen to be inside a library in Toronto at the moment (and considering it's midnight as I write this, chances are you're not), the anthology is available from Cleis Press and Amazon.

And if you've already read Take Me There and you're looking for another anthology to take a bite out of, I'll get in a little plug for My Mistress' Thighs.  That's my single-author anthology of transgender fiction and poetry.  You might like it.  It's published by loveyoudivine, and also available from Amazon in print or as an ebook.

Congratulations to Tristan Taormino, to Cleis Press, and to all other winners and nominees in this year's Lambda Literary Awards.  What you do changes lives in ways you probably can't even imagine!

Hugs,
Giselle

Find Giselle Renarde at:
Her blog: http://donutsdesires.blogspot.com
Her website: http://www.wix.com/gisellerenarde/erotica
Twitter: http://twitter.com/GiselleRenarde