Aphrodisia Authors :: Blog

And by “classics” I’m not talking about Dickens or Hemingway. Not that there’s anything wrong with Dickens or Hemingway, but I’m going for classics in my genre. Romance classics. Even more specifically, I’m not even talking about classic bodice rippers or Old Skool Romance. I’m talking about the romance novels that made me love romance like a fat kid loves cake (note: as a fat kid, I can vouch for the fact that this is a whole lot of love.)

I mentioned last month that I took a much-needed break from writing. In that time I dug out all my old favorites and tried to rejuvenate my writing-love by reminding myself of the books that made me want to write in the first place. I do this occasionally, but not usually for a month solid. I haven’t jumped around the map much this time, I ended up veggies out on all my Linda Howards.

Man, can she write an alpha male. Sometimes a little too alpha for my taste, but always deliciously alpha.

She also writes a pretty wicked suspense, which is good because my next book is both suspense and has an alpha hero, so hey, bonus. Research/inspiration and rejuvenation.

Can’t complain about that.

Okay, this isn’t Dane. But I do have Dane on the brain since the manuscript (officially DANE, THE LORDS OF SATYR) is due to my editor soon.

Since I have no Dane cover yet, I’m celebrating one of my favorite satyr covers–NICHOLAS.  My Kensington editor (Audrey) just told me it went into a 7th reprinting!  A shout out to all you readers who helped make this happen!  I couldn’t keep writing without you, so many many thanks to you all.

WHAT I’M DOING IN SEPTEMBER:
1. Revising Dane!
2. Paying attention to the husband I’ve neglected while working on Dane.
3. Attending Lora Leigh’s RAW: September 25-27, Huntington, WV

http://www.readersappreciationweekend.com/

WHAT I’M DOING IN OCTOBER:
I’ll be at two other conferences in October and would love to meet any of you who’ll be in the neighborhood:

1. Moonlight and Magnolias, Georgia (near Atlanta)

http://www.georgiaromancewriters.org/mm-conference/

I’ll be speaking on: Nailing the High Concept Book Hook, and I’ll be at the big booksigning.

2. Emerald City Writers Conference, Washington (near Seattle)

http://www.gsrwa.org/conferenceregistration.php

I’ll be speaking on: Nailing the High Concept Book Hook, and I’ll be at the big booksigning.

I hope to see some of you there! Please be sure to say hi.

Elizabeth Amber
Nicholas | Raine | Lyon | Dominic : The Lords of Satyr series
Coming in 2010: Dane
erotic historical paranormal romance
Kensington Aphrodisia
www.elizabethamber.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ElizabethAmber/

So Sexy Beast VII is almost out in stores and is already shipping from Amazon and Barnes and Noble (who knows, it may be in some stores already!) I’m so thrilled to be a part of this book with Kate Douglas and Anitra Lynn McLeod!

Big and bold, primal and powerful, these men have a seductive sensuality that no woman can resist. Come enter their world of carnal desires and wanton sexuality…if you dare…

“Chanku Challenge” by Kate Douglas

When Beth and Nick first discovered the amazingly sensual power of their Chanku birthright, the desire to mate was fierce and uncontrollable. But Beth remains haunted by an event from her past, and she must confront it in order to accept her new life and find the happiness she so desperately seeks…

“Eye of the Beholder” by Anitra Lynn McLeod

Terrified at the rumors of her new husband’s hideous disfigurement, Larra of Rellmon fears the night and his approach. But as the hooded Dauer caresses her body Larra’s shivers of terror become quivers of ecstasy, and under cover of darkness she willingly submits to complete sexual surrender…

“His To Reclaim” by Shelli Stevens

Five years ago Gemma gave her heart and soul to a fellow werejaguar only to have him disappear. Now Hunter has come back and kidnapped her on her wedding day in order to make her his again, and he will tempt, tease and taunt her body to the heights of hedonistic pleasure to get exactly what he wants…

So in my story, His to Reclaim, you see that Gemma (the heroine) is confronted with a man from her past. The one that got away so to speak.

For some of us, maybe we have a feeling that there might be that guy that got away (or girl!) and I loved writing this story because it gave me a chance to play with the what if factor. Leave a comment and tell me if you’ve ever had any thoughts or regrets about a special someone from your past. I admit I have! And probably with more than one.

I’ll draw a name from those who leave a comment and send out a signed copy (just by me because I don’t live near the other gals!) of Sexy Beast VII to one randomly drawn winner!

In the mean time, enjoy an excerpt from my story in Sexy Beast VII!

Excerpt from His to Reclaim

“Gemma!” The shrill scream pierced through the woods, filtering past the aged walls of the log cabin. “Oh my God! I can’t believe this. Gemma!”

The sound of feet pounding down the path mingled with the alarmed whimpers and short breaths of the approaching woman.

Gemma’s fingers clenched around the brush in her hand, her pulse quickening as she turned to face the door. Was it too much to hope that it was nothing more than the caterer having encountered a problem?

The door flung open, smashing into the wall. Her younger cousin Megan stepped into the room, eyes wild with panic.

“He’s really coming.”

They were just three words, but they were enough. The brush dropped from Gemma’s hand, and her body went numb with shock.

This was really happening…. No! The room spun and she gripped the vanity table to keep from falling to her knees. No. Was he insane?

“There’s no time.” Megan closed the door, hands shaking. “Shift and then run. Run fast. It’s the only way you can possibly escape him.”

“How far away is he?” Gemma’s voice came out remarkably calm as she fumbled to undo the buttons on her wedding dress.

The cold fear began to subside, and a hot burn of rage blazed through her. How dare he? After five years, how dare he?

Megan grabbed her arm and tugged her toward the door. “A mile. Maybe. And he’s not alone, Gemma. He’s brought friends. You must hurry! There’s no time to change out of your dress. Run, and I’ll find Jeffrey and tell him what’s happened.”

“My dress will be ruined during transition—”

Crash!

The door broke in half, and splinters of wood shot into the interior of the cabin like tiny missiles.

Heart in her throat, Gemma retreated, her body trembling as she stared at the man who now filled the doorway.

The man who’d just made good on the appallingly dark promise he’d made just days ago in an e-mail. She’d been half convinced it was a joke—someone toying with her heart—and had told Megan as much.

But it wasn’t a joke. The proof was standing in front of her eyes. Maybe a couple of years ago she would have wished for this, but not now. Dammit, not now!

Sweat clung to the hard muscles of Hunter’s nude body—it was clear he’d just shifted back to human form. A familiar heat crept through her body, and she hardened her jaw, refusing to acknowledge it. The same way she’d refused to acknowledge it for the last five years.

It was hard not to, though, with his dark hair and tan body. He was tall and broad, a mass of muscles and ridges.
Her gaze dropped, and her cheeks burned hot. She swallowed hard, unable to tear her gaze from his hard thighs and the thick cock that rested between them.

The blood raged through her veins, and she closed her eyes to count to ten. When she opened them again, her gaze was firmly back to his face, unwilling to let her eyes shift any lower than his shoulders this time, for that would be a guaranteed diversion from finding a way out of this situation.

Unfortunately, five years had done nothing but enhance Hunter’s raw sex appeal.

His eyes, burning like dark blue crystals, met hers. And like the devil come to collect his due, he advanced into the room, his face a mask of fierce determination.

Oh, God. She needed to act. Now. Swallowing against the thickness in her throat, Gemma glanced around the room, looking for anything that might be used as a weapon. She grabbed the chair from her vanity table and lifted it above her head with a grunt.

Hunter lunged forward and knocked it from her grasp, sending it crashing to the ground behind her. Before she could draw in a startled breath, he’d circled her wrists with one of his massive hands and pulled her body firmly against the rock hard wall of his chest.

“No!” She growled and lifted her knee to tag him in the groin, but he blocked the shot.

Instead, he pulled her tighter against him and forced his thigh between hers. His thick cock brushed her hip and she stilled, barely able to breathe as her heart slammed against her ribcage.

His soft laugh feathered warmth against her cheek. “You should have listened to your cousin, angel.” He leaned forward and said softly against her ear, “You should have run.”

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I have been an avid reader all my life. It started way back with Green Eggs & Ham and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and have progressed throughout the years into many different genres, styles, authors etc. In fact the saying, “Too many books, so little time!” and “There’s no such thing as too many books!” were made for me. I’m quite an eclectic reader and enjoy anything from an interesting non fiction memoir (no Oprah show snickers in here…the REAL ones…lol) to a book on history, self help books, How To books, sci-fi, fantasy, urban fantasy, mystery, gothic literature, classics, romance, action/adventure, suspense etc, etc. I must admit I can’t do well-written horror because it gives me nightmares (the movies either), but that’s my issue, not the books’! (And to answer your question, poorly written horror isn’t much fun, but just doesn’t give me nightmares…)

Throughout my journey as a devourer of books, I’ve noticed a distinct stigma associated with some types of books.

Now, as a society, we push reading. Reading=good. Even research shows that those who read more have lowered chances of memory diseases, higher IQ’s etc, etc, regardless of what they are reading. It’s basically the equivalent of weight lifting with your mind. So, why the stigma?

Let’s take a scenario here. Let’s say that you’re walking through the mall and you see a woman on a bench reading a book. You can’t help notice that it’s a memoir. What are your impressions? The one I hear most often is something along the lines of, “it’s non fiction, so therefore educational.” Uh huh. Memoirs, like history are told by the winner…er…the subject of the memoir and/or the writer looking to make a buck off said memoir subject, aka ghost writer. (No I’m not knocking ghost writers) And remember, I do enjoy reading some of them, too, so hold off on the hate male for now, we’re just looking at examples.

Okay, now let’s say you walk by the same woman and she’s reading a fantasy book with dragons on the front etc. What’s your impression now? The one I hear usually is, “just an escapist read, no real value to it.” Now for me, fantasies are usually very intricate in detail and description and have definitely broadened my mind as to what’s possible in this world and what’s not, so I don’t agree with the no real value part. But what are YOUR impressions?

Now again, let’s say you walk by the same woman and she’s reading a romance novel, or “worse” yet, a steamy-looking romance novel. Now what is your impression? If you’re a romance writer like me, you’re looking to see if it’s your book or was written by someone you know If not, I’ve heard reactions like, “what a waste of time” or “what trash” or even the ever-popular but totally inaccurate “those demean women, how can she read that?!?”

But wait a minute—all of these people are reading. All of them are exercising their minds, using their logic, their imaginations, expanding their vocabulary, learning something (yes, every book can teach you something and make you think), relaxing and enjoying some “them” time. So what’s the issue? And why are we so judgmental?

To this same point, I’ve seen people actually cover up the front of the book they are reading so no one knows. They’re even ashamed of what they are reading?? How sad that in a supposedly forward thinking society we are so worried about what everyone else thinks of our books and what we read. Remember, Reading = Good. Period.

I’ve even had people approach me and comment on what I’m reading. Now let me preface this by saying I never bother to hide the cover of what I’m reading unless there are yummy naked men on the front and there are children around (bad form to flash the kiddies). I’ve had people ask why I don’t read something worthwhile. My answer is usually to ask if they’ve read the book I’m reading, and when the answer is no, I ask how they know if it’s worthwhile or not. They usually try to pass off everything in that genre as not worthwhile. My next question is if they’ve read everything in that genre—usually not. They just go with the “stigma” and read the books that they are “supposed” to read. Didn’t we all do the “supposed to” thing in high school and college? Don’t get me wrong, I’m one of those weirdos who actually enjoyed Milton’s “Paradise Lost” and anything by Shakespeare and “Catcher in the Rye” etc. But my days of “supposed to” as far as reading are long gone. My reading time is valuable and I won’t waste it reading something I don’t enjoy.

So what’s the problem with that? And why as a society do we feel the need to get others to jump into the “supposed to”, and why aren’t most people comfortable saying “Screw supposed to! I want to read what I enjoy!”?

I’d love to hear your thoughts…

Cassie

P.S. Don’t forget to check out my newest release, the third book in the Seduction Trilogy, Trio of Seduction

SIMPLY WICKED, the fourth on my Regency erotic romances set in the House of Pleasure comes out in about 6 weeks and I just got my author copies of the book. The book is about Lord Anthony Sokorvsky, Val’s half-brother and Marguerite Lockwood, Helene’s oldest daughter. It’s always an exciting moment to open that box and hold a copy of your own book in your hands. Somehow it makes it all seem real.

Of course, this particular book is the one everyone expected to come third instead of fourth in the series, and to be honest, so did I-until I realized that Anthony’s heroine had to appear in the third book…so I explained to my editor why I’d like to reverse the order of the two books and he was fine about it. Then, of course, I felt quite a bit of responsibility for getting Anthony right. He’s always been a favorite of my readers and writing his book wasn’t easy. He’s not exactly your conventional romance hero. He isn’t an alpha male, he’s annoying sometimes and could even be perceived as weak-but by the end of the book he’s finding out who he is, growing up and looking forward to a different future with a woman he loves, and who loves him just as he is.

How do you all feel about less than Alpha-male romance heroes? Do you like them or loathe them?

I’m giving away a signed copy of the book to one commenter here today.

love Kate x

As I write this, DEVOUR ME is headed for the shelves! Yippee!! In case I haven’t told you, it’s the latest in my vampire stories. In the first novella, “Dark Obsession,” set on the east coast north of Boston, Benjamin Bartlett is a sea captain turned vampire. In fact, he was the captain chosed to lead the raid on Nova Scotia in 1690, but he lost his ship and all hands just before he was supposed to set sail. At least, he thinks he lost all hands, but I can’t tell you what really happened. So here’s the blurb:

For three centuries, Benjamin Bartlett’s desire for blood – and for the woman who granted him eternity – has consumed him. But when he discovers a group of four people taking refuge in his home after their van breaks down, he’s immediately drawn to Star Reid – and soon she drives him over the edge in a white-hot lust that won’t be denied…

This is my modern gothic vampire story.

The second novella, “Blood Lust,” is set in the Yucatan and stars a somewhat reluctant vampire. Here’s the blurb:

Vampire Christopher Marsh has searched for years for the talisman that could make him mortal again and give him the chance to fall in love. On the archeological dig he’s supervising, beautiful professor Nicole Stephenson reminds him daily of what he wants but can’t have. But when he abandons all control and gives in to his explosive desires, his quest takes on more urgency – for he can’t lost the woman he’s been waiting so long for…

Too bad I can’t take credit for the blurbs!

I hope you all enjoy the vampires. I just love writing them, and look forward to the next one. I’m now working on something more contemporary (without the vamps). It’s strange, but interesting. (More on that later.) I’m also anxious to work on more Siberian shamans, as started in SEXY BEAST VI. So many ideas … so little time!

So you who are reading this obviously enjoy the hot stuff. Do you prefer vamps, shapeshifters, contemporary (not paranormal), or something else? What would you write if you could write anything … and get paid for it?

Warning, this isn't going to be one of those light and fluffy blogs. I won't be pimping any books (except, maybe, in a backhanded way). Instead, I want to praddle on about something I've been wrestling with for awhile.

Anyone who has gone to my website or read any of my books knows I do a lot of bondage and capture stories. My epublishers Ellora's Press and Loose-Id have a BDSM category and that's where my stories hang out but so far I haven't done what I consider true BDSM. My mind flat out rebels at the notion of writing about the pain element that's part of the 'scene'. I admit I read some pretty dark BDSM stories (Not available at any of my three publishers) but writing that is another story--and not my story, at least so far.

Apologies to those who embrace BDSM and understand that there can be a connection between pain and sexual arousal, but that's not something I want my characters doing to each other. I suppose I could create a hero who uses his expertise as a dom to give his submissive the ultimate in sexual pleasure via pain, but up until now, that character hasn't come knocking and I don't foresee that coming. I have no trouble creating heroes from aggressive or predatory cultures (just finishing one right now) but in the context of those stories, he always realizes that his captive/prisoner/etc is a thinking and feeling human being, something he didn't realize at the beginning. My heroes don't start out thinking they'd like nothing more than take a whip to their helpless victim. Most times, their culture has raised them to be a warrior and a fighter. To them, outsiders are the enemy--until a woman with courage, spirit, an a to-die-for body changes their mind.

What I'm interested in finding out is readers' comfort levels. Are you good with the BDSM lifestyle, at least in your reading, or is capture/bondage more to your liking and do you understand the difference, at least the way I've tried to explain it.
Thanks, Vonna
www.VonnaHarper.com

Last week, it was my turn to pick the next title my book club would read. The ladies tend toward literary fiction (it’s a Canadian thing ) so I dutifully suggested two rather intriguing literary novels. But I offered a third option, because I had a craving . . . to read an old James Bond novel. So I suggested that we each read a Bond book and, much to my surprise, that’s what my book club decided, unanimously, to do. Thus illustrating the amazing appeal of 007!

Okay, what is it about Bond? Why is he such a powerful hero image?

When I was a teen, I loved those old Ian Fleming books, and thought James Bond was the hottest guy on the planet. Sean Connery brought him to sexy life for millions of women, as did the actors who followed him, up through Pierce Brosnan and now, of course, the (gasp!) blue-eyed, blond-haired Bond, Daniel Craig. James Bond is a hero who seems to have timeless appeal.

We all have our favorite Bonds, and mine happens to be Sean Connery. To me, his Bond is the perfect mix of skill, debonair charm, killer (pun intended) looks, and edge. Pierce’s Bond is charming, no question, but to me he didn’t have the same dangerous edge. Daniel’s has plenty of that edge, but in my opinion his charm just can’t match the Connery 007 for sophistication and worldliness.

How about you? Are you a Bond fan? What appeals to you about the character? Which actor’s interpretation is your favorite – i.e., which version of Bond would be most likely to seduce you to tell your deepest secrets? And why, in your opinion, has Bond remained one of the world’s most popular heroes?

Ebony, Caramel and Ivory plue pixie, vampire, shapeshifter…etc.  Love–Should there be a limit? Not in MY world…now.

A few years ago, I was just browsing through all the erotica/romantica subgenres and found it amazing at who…and what…is doing this…and that…with whom. LOL.  Of course, watching “TruBlood” on HBO where they’ve married the fantasy with reality and made one visually understand how the sex looks…WHEW! Mind blowing indeed.

And what’s more amazing is the great response I’ve gotten when I’ve “dipped my toes in the water” AKA had a sexual mind expansion and written in one of these genres. When I wrote “Matinee” in Satisfy Me Tonight…my agent couldn’t wait to tell me how great this ‘different direction’ was…even though she initally thought focusing on the contemporary, urban 30ish woman of color should be my niche. Ha!  Somebody let the genie out of the bottle and she’s not going back in willingly.

I shake my head at my lagging behind…just where have I been? Here is the answer/excuse/crutch LOL: Small town Mississippian who married a small town Mississippian who–even though he’d travelled the world (trust, you would never have had a clue) had no interest in deviating from his small town MS roots to expand his mind…and I conformed.  BUT that was then…and this is now.

Anywho, you guys get ready for my next drop, Bodacious. Now…I’ve got to go see a kid about some mothering.

Peace out

Syd

When you read this, I’ll be on the road to my father-in-law’s 90th birthday party! I’m the Queen of punch, mints and nuts, and I’m ready to feed 300! Don’t I look calm and collected (and don’t I wish I were truly limber enough to suck a toe? Well, maybe not!)

Meanwhile, as I concentrate on this revision of my main draft, I’m going to share a few images I’ve saved from emails about, oh, bunches of subjects. Visuals like these take me to my “imagination’s other place,”–and sometimes to scenes in stories–so I hope you’ll enjoy a few ooh and ahhh moments here on our blog while I keep working! How about we start with a bit of local color?