Hey everyone, Silk Stockings needs your votes! I entered the first chapter from my novella, Off the Shelf to D. Renee Bagby Presents First Chapters, and now it’s time to place your votes.

There are two categories. Vote for:

Best Cover

Best First Chapter

Voting runs until 23rd May – so get your votes in while you can!

Check out my first chapter here, and place your votes here. And of course, you can buy the book here.

Thanks so much for your support! x

Here’s a snog-tastic snippet from my paranormal erotic romance, Love Through Time, from Noble Romance.

Once inside the room, George reached behind Emily and shut the door. Then he shuffled toward it, shoving Emily backward until she was trapped between his large body and the door. As she looked into George’s gorgeous, brown eyes and enjoyed the hardness of him—all of him—pressed against her, she couldn’t think of anywhere she’d rather be.

“At the risk of sounding clichéd,” George said, putting his hands on her hips and slowly sliding them around to her ass, “I’ve wanted you since I first saw you. I was actually planning on asking you out—once I’d made sure you were single—but nothing seems to have gone to plan tonight, does it?”

Emily shook her head. “Nope. And I don’t normally sleep with guys on the first date, let alone the non-date. But I guess these are extenuating circumstances. Or something.”

“Mmm. Or something.”

George leaned down, capturing Emily’s lips in a kiss that made her extremely grateful she was trapped between him and the door. She wasn’t sure her legs would have held her up otherwise. He was slow, gentle, and very, very sensual. As his tongue slid between her lips and sought hers out, Emily felt her pussy grow wet with want. Wrapping her arms around his broad frame, she found her hands at about the right height to rest on his ass—perfect.

Cupping his firm buttocks and pulling him more tightly to her, Emily upped the pace on their kiss. Already the unpleasantness of the evening was receding into the recesses of her mind, and her body was encouraging her to enjoy the here and now.

Breaking off the kiss suddenly, Emily opened her eyes to see George looking confused—and worried. She smiled, giving his ass a playful squeeze. “Don’t worry, I haven’t changed my mind. I just think that we’re wearing far too many clothes. Don’t you?”

You can get your hands on this sweet and sexy paranormal romance here.

Also, don’t forget to head back to Victoria’s site and see what other luscious lip to lip action other authors have posted. Yum!

The one who leaves you star struck…

I’m having fun shining a spot light on main characters in my current novel Restless Spirit. It’s sort of like having a psychotic break, but for a good cause. When you ‘talk to your characters’ folks tend to raise an eyebrow. I’ve covered Stan and Adrian in previous blogs. Today we move on to a bright and shining star—literally.

Sometimes in a novel we bring in a famous character. And by we, I mean (at least, for me as a writer) he shows up unannounced and says, “Hey! I’m here and I’m something else.”

In Restless Spirit, that particular character would be Reed Green—tall,  lean, pretty longish hair. He’s the one that any girl would be star struck over. And yet, Tuesday isn’t so much struck as intrigued. Because she’s much more clever than I am, apparently. I’d be stammering and stalking, but Tuesday is just soaking in the surreal scenario of having former child TV star and current berry farmer Reed Green as a potential lover.

So, let’s see what Reed has to say about Tuesday:

Hey, Reed, might I say you are as hot as you look on TV?

And might I say you are as sweet as the berries on my farm?

You’re quite a bullshitter when need be, eh, Reed?

Only as much as necessary. But I meant it. You are sweet.

I wanted to start in the same place I did with the other men.

[grumbles] Other men, right. Well, where shall we start?

Favorite beverage?

That’s easy. It was a nice Port I had at a dinner party for the president of the network I used to work for. It was a 19-something or other. I’ll have to check in my book.

You keep a book of beverages?

I keep a notebook of everything  I like.

So in that book, said the woman with the ham-handed segue, what is listed as your favorite sexual position.

[laughs]. That’s easy. Whichever one brings the most pleasure at any given moment.

Touché. So now let’s move on to Tuesday. What do you think of Tuesday Cane?

I think she’s the most genuine woman I’ve ever met. A bit broken, a bit angry, a lot passionate and funny as hell. Oh, and I’ve heard she’s wicked with a baseball bat. I like her. A lot. Probably more than I should.

Why do you say that?

Tuesday’s a heartbreaker. Doubly so because she doesn’t realize it.

So what do you think of your chances with her?

As good as anyone’s honestly. But a guy can hope.

Last question, Reed.

Shoot.

Can you sign this picture for me?

Sure. Who should I make it out to?

*At the end of the Restless Spirit tour I’ll draw two winners from comments. One print copy winner (I’ll let you know what books are available in print) from my backlist and one ebook winner from my backlist. To see my backlist see my Amazon author page:

http://www.amazon.com/Sommer-Marsden/e/B002BOA7S8/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Please note that only my single author titles are being offered as prizes. When you comment, make sure to leave a contact email! Full tour schedule is here http://www.writermarketing.co.uk/prpromotion/blog-tours/currently-on-tour/sommer-marsden-2/ :)

*****

Tuesday Cane walks out on her life and her abusive man when she inherits her grandmother’s house at Allister Lake. There she finds plenty of distractions to take her mind off her loss with her sexy neighbour and handyman Shepherd, former TV star Reed and her old flame Adrian. But, as time passes, she senses that something is not quite right with her new life. And no amount of steamy sexual encounters can hide her anxiety. Surrounded by so many interesting men and erotic enticements, Tuesday has no intention of committing to one man ever again. But the more she insists she’s nobody’s girl, the more she wants to be somebody’s girl. Will she continue to be a restless spirit and run from love or will she be won over?

*****

Excerpt from Restless Spirit by Sommer Marsden

I pointed to pretty boy with my pen. ‘I’ll get your Dr Pepper … um … Mr …’

‘Reed,’ he said. ‘My name is Reed Green.’

‘Like Mr Green Jeans!’ I said. Then I turned fast and prayed to drop dead. Because that always impresses a good looking man … a Captain Kangaroo reference.

I pulled his Dr Pepper and took his order, fish sandwich with lettuce, mayo and a toasted roll, an order of fries and lemon meringue pie for dessert. When I delivered the pie I blurted, ‘Undercover Father!’

He grinned at me and I felt that curl of heat in my gut again. Which made me think of Shepherd and what he’d done to me. And that made me think of meeting him in an hour and that made me antsy.

‘Good job.’ He tucked into the pie, rolled his eyes, took another bite.

‘And then–’

‘And then some other nothing-special, average TV shows and two movies and I got bored.’ He smiled as if to say end of story.

‘Oh, sure. I’m sorry. And now you …’

Why had I started that sentence?

‘Now, I write screenplays sometimes – if I feel like it – and have a berry picking farm.’

I laughed. ‘A what?’

‘A berry picking farm.’ He gave me a teasing smile.

‘Ah, see, I look at you and immediately think berry farmer.’

The traffic into Irv’s Eats was slowing down and Irv did not clear his throat at me. ‘As you should. Former TV star and now berry man.’

I smiled, realising when I glanced at the clock that in less than an hour I’d be at Shepherds. I had a vision of him on his knees, my fidgety fingers clutching my thighs as I came, water dripping from my hair, rain on the windows. I sighed without thinking about it.

‘You OK?’

‘I am. Sorry. My brain is racing, I just moved here, new job … just new everything.’

‘Ah, let me take you for a drink tonight and calm you down.’ His features were fine and almost delicate. High cheekbones, flawless skin, and Lord, those October sky blue eyes. I almost said yes and then, ‘I can’t. I have plans.’

‘Of course.’ There was that boyish smile, smooth silken voice that wasn’t too deep and manly or too soft and feminine. It was a liquid silver voice that flowed and calmed and made you think happy thoughts. ‘What was I thinking? A gorgeous young thing like you moves to town and I think I’d get first opportunity to woo you? Crazy old man.’

‘Old? Like what? Thirty?’

‘Thirty-three. See? What do you know?’

‘That you’re a whole four years older than me. Are you calling me old, Mr Green?’

‘Would it earn me a drink?’

‘No.’

‘A smack?’

‘Maybe.’ I took the tab and the money he offered.

‘How about you just let me take you for a drink on a night you don’t have plans and I can tell you how you don’t look a day over twenty-two.’

‘Deal,’ I said. ‘I’ll go get your change.’

Buy Links

(print) http://www.amazon.co.uk/Restless-Spirit-Sommer-Marsden/dp/1908262273/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_t_1

UK Kindle:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Restless-Spirit-ebook/dp/B0078OQYZ6/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1335356164&sr=8-12

US Kindle:

http://www.amazon.com/Restless-Spirit-ebook/dp/B0078OQYZ6/ref=sr_1_6?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1335356247&sr=1-6

US print coming August 1, 2012

Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James. If you haven’t heard of it, you’ve probably been living under a rock for the past few months. It’s the erotic book that’s rocketed into the mainstream press and topped the New York Times bestseller list, amongst others. Its popularity is unquestionable, which is why I’m not writing a typical review. I don’t see the point – people will read it whatever reviewers say, just because they want to see what all the fuss is about. How do I know? Because that’s why myself and several of my friends read it. We just wanted to see what the hoohah was all about.

From what I’ve gleaned from conversations with people, and seeing things on Twitter, Facebook, etc, this book seems to be like Marmite. People either love it, or hate it. It’s been called the Twilight of erotica, and I can see why. It’s pulling in a whole new readership to erotica (just as Twilight did to young adult) and is provoking opinions left, right and centre. Some people adore the book and its characters. Others have said that the storyline is good, but the writing itself is very poor. Some just plain despise it.

So, for what it’s worth, here’s my two penneth worth (slight spoilers ahead).

I share the opinion of the person that said it’s a good story, but the writing isn’t very good. I did my best to read the book with no preconceptions about it and make up my own mind, but I still agreed. Why? Because the book had me rolling my eyes on a regular basis. The main character, Anastasia, whose point of view the story is told from, is pretty damn annoying. She’s twenty-one, but she comes across as a very immature girl with some kind of split personality disorder. She has her own thoughts, and on top of that, her inner goddess and her subconscious are always chipping in with their take on things. As well as that, she seems to start the book as a girl who wouldn’t say boo to a goose, but then when she starts seeing Christian who wants to dominate her, she suddenly grows a backbone and seems to delight in defying him.

There’s a lot of repetition. Christian Grey, who is the lead male, has grey eyes. We’re told this very early on in the book. And, just in case we forget, we’re told again on just about every other page. So if you don’t know by the end of the book that Christian has grey eyes, you should probably go and see a doctor about your memory loss.

Christian himself is quite the enigma. It seems the whole point of the novel is to show just how mysterious and domineering Christian Grey is. And sexy, and rich, of course. Unfortunately, I found him just as annoying as Anastasia. Throughout the book, we’re given the impression that something in Christian’s past has made him the way he is – a Dominant who doesn’t like to be touched. That’s fair enough, but I don’t like the way it’s portrayed that there has to be a reason. Why can’t people just be like that? I don’t have to have a reason for being a person who doesn’t like broccoli, do I? I just don’t like it. Worst of it, we’re never really told what that reason is. We’re given hints and we can probably guess, but the writer runs the risk of people getting to the end of this book and deciding they really don’t care.

Fortunately for the next book in the series, James has ended the story with enough of a mystery (I wouldn’t quite call it a cliffhanger) that people will likely want to read the next book. In spite of the fact that the writing and the characters annoyed me, the storyline had enough of a hint as to what happens next to make me buy the next book in the series, just to see if I’m right or not. So I have a strong suspicion that others will feel the same. Some of the sex scenes were pretty hot, too. Though there was some terminology that made me cringe.

In summary, Fifty Shades of Grey will not make it anywhere near my list of favourite books. But it won’t be in my list of horrendous books, either. In some ways it feels like a first draft, but the storyline is compelling enough to make people keep reading. And of course, people will buy the trilogy anyway, just so they can say they’ve read it.

Basically, James is laughing all the way to the bank, and regardless of what I think of the book, I say fair play to her. She’s obviously worked hard at writing these books and it’s always nice to see a fellow writer getting recognition. On a more selfish note, it’s great that the spotlight is now on erotica and erotic romance. Hopefully it means that the genre will slowly become more socially acceptable. I’m not saying that we’ll suddenly see droves of people reading dirty books in public, but they may well buy them for their Kindle, and maybe not care as much if someone peeks over their shoulder. I’m certainly not going to complain if someone buys my entire backlist because they’ve become a fan of erotica on the back of the Fifty Shades of Grey publicity, am I?!

So, do you want to see what all the fuss is about? Bag the book for your Kindle UK, Kindle US, or grab the paperback from Amazon UK or Amazon US, The Book Depository or even your local bookstore or supermarket. Yes, that’s right! Erotica is readily available in your local bookstore (even my local one that carries no other erotica!) or supermarket. Woohoo! Bring on the smut!

Also, if the rumour that Ian Somerhalder will play Christian Grey in the movie is true, I would totally go and see it.

Fem dom mini-anthology Punish Me Good was reviewed by BDSM Book Reviews, and here’s what they had to say:

“Overall I found both flashy stories to be pleasantly sweet. They are a teaser which makes me want to read a full length book by Ms. Felthouse. I recommend this story to those who want to read a bit of light femdom.”

Can’t say much fairer than that! Read the full review here.

Grab the book here.

Also, if you’re dying to know more about Damien, the hero from my erotic romance novella Off the Shelf, then you’re in luck! He’s being interviewed over at Jean Joachim‘s place today – don’t miss it!

I’m also dishing the dirt over at Lovehoney – with the hottest sex scene from Off the Shelf. Check out the post here!

Hurrah, another new release! Dangerous Curves is a rubenesque anthology edited by Rachel Kenley, and it contains my erotic romance story, Miri on the Wall. 

Here’s the book blurb:

A luscious cleavage, hips a lover can hold onto – these are only part of the wondrous qualities of the heroines in this varied and fiery anthology.  With stories from:

Courtney Sheets, Catherine Paulssen, Clarice Clique, Lucy Felthouse, Angel Propps, Maggie Morton, Anna Fondant, Susan Swann, Rachel Kenley

there is something for everyone whether it is newly discovered passion, the deepening of an existing relationship, or some intense f/f action.  There is nothing hotter than a woman who knows the power of her own sexuality – and uses it for her pleasure and that of her partner!

Want more? Check out an excerpt from my story, and the buy links here.

Just lately, I’ve seen lots of authors saying that if people liked Fifty Shades of Grey, then they’ll like one of their books. It’s a great way of getting people interested in their work, but since my only BDSM titles are Punish Me Good and Naughty Delivery, I don’t think I have enough material to jump on that particular bandwagon. I have no idea if my titles are similar to Fifty Shades of Grey or not because I haven’t read it yet, though it’s sitting on my Kindle, waiting for me to finish The Hunger Games trilogy.

However, what I do know are my own books. And I also know which ones seem to sell the most. Therefore I’m going to do some “If You Liked X, Then You’ll Like Y” type stuff myself. So here goes…

If you liked:

Then you’ll like:

If you liked:

Then you’ll like:

If you liked:

Then you’ll like:

If you liked:

Then you’ll like:

So there you have it! I’ve covered lesbian, bisexual, straight and menage stuff, voyeurism, paranormal, erotica and erotic romance. There’s a little bit of something in there for everyone – and plenty more on its way!

Here’s a snog-tastic snippet from my brand new and first ever novella, Off the Shelf, which is one of three novellas in the totally awesome Silk Stockings, from Xcite Books.

He said just one word before leaning down and capturing her mouth in a kiss.

‘Condoms?’

The plural hadn’t been lost on her, and the frisson of heat between her legs sparked into a full flame. Fuuuuuuuuck.

‘Mmm-hmm …’ she replied, twining her arms around his neck and kissing him back. He was a damn good kisser. He had just the right mixture of confidence and skill, which made the butterflies in her tummy transform into crazy zings of lust and zoom wildly throughout her body.

The delicious feelings increased tenfold when Damien opened his lips and she felt his tongue try for access to her mouth. She gladly admitted it, and the hot caress of his tongue against hers caused a trickle of juices to slide from her pussy and soak into the gusset of her pants.

She was suddenly very glad she’d gone with her earlier instinct and worn not only matching, but very sexy lingerie. Not that she was going to be wearing it for much longer …

Annalise shuffled forwards, gently pushing him. Damien took the hint and they moved as one towards her bed, falling onto it with her on top. Just as she leaned down to kiss him again, he stopped her. Removing his glasses, he gave a wicked smile and asked her to put them down on her bedside table.

‘Don’t want them getting in the way, do we?’

Climbing off him, Annalise carefully deposited his glasses on the bedside table. Then, agreeing with Damien’s logic about things getting in the way, she quickly removed her earrings, necklace and bracelet. Finally, she opened her top drawer and retrieved a condom. Turning to face him once more, she saw that he’d moved so he was now positioned with his head on the pillows, and his hands behind his head, waiting. He raised his eyebrows.

‘Oh, I’m sorry,’ Annalise said, her voice dripping with sarcasm, ‘was I taking too long?’

‘Yes,’ Damien replied without hesitation. ‘Now come here.’

Annalise clambered across the bed and straddled Damien. She felt the bulge in his trousers pressing against her arse and wriggled against it. Dropping the condom on his chest, she said, ‘I think you’re going to be needing that.’

‘You think?’

‘Shut up and give me a kiss.’

‘With pleasure, ma’am.’

You can get your hands on my brand new first ever novella (yes, I know I already said that, but I’m excited!) by checking out the buy links here.

Also, don’t forget to head back to Victoria’s site and see what other luscious lip to lip action other authors have posted. Yum!

I just spent a weekend in London, with an extension to go to the London Book Fair yesterday. Sightseeing stuff included a visit to Churchill’s War Rooms and Museum, a mooch around Fortnum & Mason, peering at The Ritz, visiting (and purchasing from) Choccywoccydoodah, a wander through Soho and Chinatown, and of course popping into a couple of book shops.

London Book Fair stuff included meeting up with lovely ladies Jenna Bright and Kitti Bernetti and checking out our gorgeous new books on the Xcite Books stand before heading off to chat and explore the rest of the enormous venue.

It was a fab day, with lots of chat, including The Secret Library (of course!), Smut by the Sea (the anthology and event), Smut in the City, The Book Show and much more. I also came home with a ton of books from the ladies at Ellora’s Cave, and some from Harlequin, too!

I also managed to scare a bloke on a stand when he asked what I wrote. He tried to appear unruffled when I answered, but admitted it was the best answer to that question that he’d had all day!

I’m still awaiting my author copies of Silk Stockings, but the book is available (or coming very soon) to stockists, so check out the links here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 2012, The North, United Kingdom.

Convention for erotica readers and writers to be held in the
seaside town of Scarborough on June 22^nd, 2013.

Do you like to be beside the seaside? Or more specifically, do you like to be smutty beside the seaside? If so, then the Smut by the Sea Convention and Erotic Marketplace is for you!

The brainchild of Victoria Blisse and Kevin Mitnik, with help from their glamorous assistant, Lucy Felthouse, Smut by the Sea promises to be a smut-filled extravaganza in the beautiful seaside setting of Victorian Scarborough. The town’s library will be hosting the event.

Forget fish and chips, candy floss and ice cream – visit the dedicated Erotic Marketplace, including exhibitors Xcite Books and House of Erotica, with many more yet to be confirmed. Buy toys and books and all manner of saucy things. And don’t forget to get those books signed by the authors in attendance!

You’ll be wriggling in your seat when you attend a range of sexy readings from erotic authors including Victoria Blisse, Lucy Felthouse, K D Grace and Lexie Bay.

Or perhaps you’d like to attend informative panels on getting published, marketing your work and other smut related activities? It’s all covered, so you can check out whatever tickles your fancy!

It’s certainly going to be a fun-filled day – but it doesn’t stop there! In the evening will be the official launch of the Smut by the Sea anthology (calls for submissions available at http://smutbythesea.co.uk/call-for-submissions/, closing date 1^st June 2012 – edited by Victoria Blisse and Lucy Felthouse), with readings from the authors, and some seriously saucy swag bags with gifts from sponsors Sh! Women’s Erotic Emporium, Total-E-Bound and Lovehoney, to name but a few.

Just as you’re settling down from hearing all those fabulously naughty stories, your heart rate will be rising once more as the result of an intermission with burlesque dancers!

Finally, there will be a Q&A panel with a range of authors, book signings and some good old fashioned networking and socialising.

It’s still early days so there will be lots more authors, sponsors, exhibitors and attendees coming on board as the conference draws closer, but hopefully this has given you an idea of what to expect from Smut by the Sea.

So, what are you waiting for? Mark your diaries for Smut by the Sea, 22^nd June 2013. Early Bird tickets have been released, and there are less than 200 available at this bargain price, so make sure to grab yours quick, before it’s too late! http://smutbythesea.eventbrite.co.uk/

Keep your eyes on the following links for further information on sponsors, attending authors, exhibitors and more:

Website: http://smutbythesea.co.uk

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

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/smutbythesea

Also, just for a bit of fun, you can share your seaside themed photos on the Pinterest page: http://pinterest.com/mitnik/smut-by-the-sea/

The event is still taking on more exhibitors, sponsors, speakers and readers, so if you’d like to get involved, please http://smutbythesea.co.uk/contact-us/

*****

About Smut by the Sea

The brainchild of Victoria Blisse and Kevin Mitnik, the Smut by the Sea Erotic Readers & Authors Convention & Erotic Marketplace takes place in Scarborough in June 2013. It will be a smut filled extravaganza with readings, burlesque, panels, Q&As, workshops, erotica and more. See http://smutbythesea.co.uk for more details.

About Blisse UK

Blisse UK is the team of Victoria Blisse and Kevin Mitnik. Specialising in bespoke creations, working together they strive to bring originality and excellence into all that they do. Victoria is an award-winning author & Kevin is a twice Webbie winning web designer. They have over 15 years experience of creating successful websites with a portfolio of recent works available on http://blisseuk.com. Smut by the Sea is a new venture as they combine their love of the seaside with a love of erotica.