Monday, June 17, 2013

Juicy Secrets and Luscious Beginnings

Happy Monday! Today is the big day! Luscious Beginnings is now available at Siren-Bookstrand. Luscious Beginnings is the first book in my newest series Love in Luscious, Kansas, which is set in a bohemian town where love knows no boundaries. Now, I know that I've been somewhat secretive about the town of Luscious. But since today is a huge celebration for me and the townspeople, I thought I would finally open up and share some juicy details. So here you go, all the major things you need to know about Luscious, Kansas - in only one blog....



Luscious, Kansas
Luscious Love Knows No Boundaries
Population: 3269



 




Places to Go in Luscious


Food and Beverages

The Grub Pub

The Kosher Counter, Delicatessen

The Luscious Lady, Bar

The Sun, Moon, and Star Cafe

Smoke and Fire Grill

Taste of Paris, French Bistro

Vintage Cuisine, Restaurant and Wine Bar



Shopping

The Accessory Shack

Beethoven and Bachman, Music Instrument Specialty Shop

BiodiversiTEA, Organic Tea Shop

The Book Nook, Bookstore and Coffee House

The Catch All, General Store

Color Me Happy Art Supplies

Eartastic, Music Store

Green Tee, Eco-Friendly T-Shirt Shop

Mother Nature's Body Shop, All-Natural Shop Nurturing Your Inner Goddess

My Body, My Temple, A Vitamin and Herb House

Nature's Garden, Nursery and Garden Center

New Renaissance Art Gallery

Olfactory Emporium, Environmentally-Safe Scent Shop

Second Chance Love, Clothing Exchange

Stones, Baubles, and Beads, Hand-Crafted Jewelry Store

Toe Heaven, Shoe Store

Visions of the Past, Antique Boutique



Places To Stay in Luscious


The Luscious Sleep

Paisley House, Bed & Breakfast

The River Inn



Things to Do in Luscious


Inner Peace Wellness Center, Health Studio


The Ink Stamp, Tattoo Parlor

Luscious's Historical Center and Museum

Schroeder's Theater




People to See in Luscious


Medical Care

Dr. Devlin Grady, Holistic Medicine Specialist

Dr. Brady Parker, Psychologist

Rowena "Winnie" Sawyer, Midwife

Lucinda "Lucie" Sawyer, Travelling Doula


City/County Owned Locations
Cemetery


Courthouse

Fire Department

Public Library


Police Department


Post Office

Unity County Schools (based in Trinity, KS)



Songs That Best Represents Luscious



People Who Live in Luscious


Benjamin Black
Brett Monroe
Cherish Kirkwood
Dean Livingston
Donna Dawson
Dr. Brady Parker
Dr. Devlin Grady
Z. Drake Erickson
Z. Derek Erickson
Eden Thompson
Emberly “Ember” Lawson
Ethan Bartlett
Harper Sunshine Kelley
Haven Moon Kelley
Hayden Frasier
Hunter Olsen
India Thompson
Jagger Blue Star Kelley
Jaxon Allyn
Jeanie (“Just Jeanie like Cher”)
Jeremiah “Miah” Carrington
Lennon (“Lennon No-Last-Name”)
Lucas Schroeder
Lucinda “Lucie” Sawyer
Lyric Michaels
Quinn Rainey
Rowena “Winnie” Sawyer
Ryan “Thom” Carrington
Rylan Hodge
Sam Carrington
Tate Dawson
Tobias “Tobi” Callahan

I hope you enjoyed your short trip to Luscious from the comfort of your own home. Maybe one day, you'll get to go with me and see the real thing in person. You never know. Stranger things have happened...

Love and cherries,
-Mia






Luscious Beginnings
Love in Luscious, Kansas
Book 1
BUY NOW


Blurb


Sometimes what a person wants most has been standing in front of them all along.

Four months ago, an eye-opening discovery drove Sam Carrington away from his best friends, Brett Monroe and Ethan Bartlett. Now he’s beginning his new life in Luscious, Kansas. But still, he longs for the men he loves.

Brett and Ethan were shattered when Sam vanished. Every day since his disappearance has been devoted to finding him. However, their search is in vain because two of Sam’s powerful friends made sure he was impossible to find.

After Sam is stabbed while protecting a friend, he shuts everyone around him out. Concerned for his emotional well-being, one of his protectors turns to Brett and Ethan for help. Once the men know where Sam is, they’ll do whatever it takes to get him back. Only their journey won’t be easy. And the path they must take will lead them to either a luscious beginning or a heartbreaking end.

NOTE: Luscious Beginnings is truly just the beginning for Sam, Brett, and Ethan. After finding their HEA, a new dream will come along in the form of a woman named Athena in Their Luscious Dream(MMMF), to be published later this summer.

Story Excerpt


Wow. That was…surreal. Maybe this place is going to be my new beginning after all.

Ten minutes later, Sam guided his car into the parking lot outside of Tate’s apartment building then pulled into an open spot and switched off the ignition. He felt even more optimistic than he had just a little bit ago. His heart was lighter, his mood brighter. Yes, he’d turned on the wrong eccentrically named road and gotten lost, but he still felt more relaxed than he had in ages. Of course, he figured it was hard to be too uptight in a town like Luscious. Shit, the Summer of Love-esque places would bring a smile to anyone’s face.

Speaking of smiles, a grin crept into Sam’s cheeks when he spotted Tate Dawson sauntering toward him. His friend Ella’s younger brother was cocky as hell. And Sam liked that about him. From the first time they’d met, Tate’s personality had drawn Sam in, and they’d immediately hit it off. Since then, they’d spent a lot of time together in Her Majesty’s Pleasure where Sam used to tend bar. And they’d taken to talking on the phone at least once or twice a week after Sam had left Serenity. Now Sam was grateful they’d gotten to know each other. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be so keen on moving in together, even for a brief period of time.

A knock on the car window had Sam’s grin widening. He turned and grabbed the door handle then slung it open and launched himself out of the car. As Sam shut the door behind him, Tate drawled, “Well tickle my dicklestick. I heard some sweet thing had driven his sexy ass into our weird little town, but I had no clue how bangable he would be.” He raked his laughing eyes up and down Sam’s body. “I would totally do you.Often.”

Sam chuckled. “So you keep telling me.”

Winking brashly, Tate replied, “I would fuck you, Sam-I-Am. I would fuck you in a hall. And I would fuck you against the wall. I would fuck you in your car. And I would fuck you beneath the stars. I would fuck you in the tub. And I would fuck you in a club. I would fuck you here and there. I would fuck you pretty much anywhere.”

Sam couldn’t help himself. A laugh burst from his lips at Tate’s twisted perversion of Dr. Seuss’s Green Eggs and Ham. That was typical Tate—wicked, fun, and outrageously flirty. God, he’d missed being around someone who wasn’t so fucking serious. Cough. Rafaello Speranza. Cough. Sam had missed moments like this, where he didn’t have to think about anything or anyone. He could just live. Yep, Luscious is looking better and better.

Feeling playful, Sam returned Tate’s banter with a wiggle of his eyebrows. “Oh, buddy, you couldn’t handle a man like me.”

“Want to find out?” Tate quipped without hesitation. “If so, I have a room upstairs. But we’ll have to hurry. My new roommate will be here any minute.”

Sam rolled his eyes. “I don’t do quickies. Sorry.”

“You’re missing out,” Tate replied. “Fast and furious is fucking hot.”

“So is soft and slow. But I bet you don’t know how to do that,” Sam teased.

Even in the dim light, Sam could see Tate’s eyes take on a sinister glow. He knew he should be worried. But he wasn’t. Quite the opposite. He was amused, and he couldn’t stop the chuckle escaping the back of his throat.

“Oh no, you didn’t go there,” his friend countered as he tapped his chin with his thick index finger. “Now I have to retaliate.” A contemplative expression settled on Tate’s features before a smirk lightened his handsome face. “I might not know how to fuck soft and slow. But you don’t know how to bang a dude.”

Sam bit the inside of his cheek to keep from howling with laughter. Most guys would be insulted. But he wasn’t, not in the least. If he and Tate weren’t friends, they wouldn’t be joshing around with each other. So Sam was more than happy to play along. Besides, he loved to give it as good as he got it. “It can’t be that much different than…” Sam let the innuendo hang in the air before taking his final punch. “Not that you would know, of course.”

Tate gave Sam a high-five. “Ooh. That’s a good one.” Merriment danced in his friend’s eyes. “I guess that means you win—this round.” His lips twitched. “Now let’s get you inside. Our first time should be in a bed, not on a car in a parking lot for all to see. Well, unless that trips your trigger. In that case, we can negotiate…”

Oh my God. Sam just shook his head indulgently. “Let me get my stuff.” After opening his Range Rover’s rear hatch, Sam removed his duffel bag and suitcase then closed the gate once again. He followed Tate through the front door of the building. Up the stairs, to the left, and down the hall they went. Before long, they were in front of D4 and Tate was letting them into the apartment.

“Welcome home, honey,” Tate drawled. His voice was silky, smooth as a fine wine, as he threw open the door.

“I—” Sam started to say something sarcastic. But when he stepped one foot across the threshold and saw the woman lounging on the couch, he stopped short. Aly Bartlett. “Fuck,” he growled, his expletive flying through the room faster than a speeding bullet.

He’d been found.
Adult Excerpt



“Fuck.” Brett slapped his hands onto the mattress on either side of him. He fisted the comforter, his back arching off the bed. “Sam…”

Sam shook his head but didn’t release Brett from his mouth. He held still, his sensual lips encircling the base of Brett’s cock, his sweltering mouth enveloping the entire shaft. Despite the rapturous feeling of having his cock halfway down Sam’s throat, and in spite of the warmth cocooning his shaft, Brett didn’t want Sam to choke. And inevitably, he would if they stayed like this.

“Pull back,” Brett growled.

Sam did. He pulled back. But before Brett could catch his breath, Sam started to move, fucking Brett with his mouth, as he lowered himself to the bed. As soon as he seemed satisfied with his position, he raised his gaze to Brett’s once again. Their eyes met, and they exchanged looks. Some were loving. Some were lusty. And some of them were love and lust laced together. Those were Brett’s favorites.

While Sam sucked Brett’s cock, Ethan shifted to his knees. He moved forward, just enough to reach Sam’s waistband. He grasped each side of the thick fabric and started to tug. Sam shimmied his hips at all the right times then lifted up when Ethan ordered him to.

Soon, Brett saw Ethan discard Sam’s pants altogether. Then Ethan swung one of his legs over Sam’s legs and straddled them. “I love this ass,” he declared, his announcement as honest as it was succinct. He swooped his head down before kissing first one cheek then the other. “I can’t wait to fuck it.”

Brett groaned. God, he loved when Ethan talked dirty.

Sam lifted his ass off the bed wantonly, wiggling his hips close to Ethan’s face, but he continued to impale himself with Brett’s cock. Invade, retreat. Invade, retreat. Brett shook. He felt powerless, utterly out of control as raw lust flared inside him, scorching him, leaving him writhing and moaning in unparalleled pleasure. Like a drugged man in need of a fix, Brett’s eyes fell to Sam. He couldn’t help but stare as his shaft, from base to tip, disappeared into the hot cavern that was Sam’s mouth then reappeared a millisecond later. Watching his man suck his dick was sensual—the way his languid eyes drifted closed then reopened as though he were under a spell, how his cheeks were rosy with exertion, and how he inhaled and exhaled through his nose in quick, sharp breaths. It was all unbelievably erotic.

“Stop that,” Ethan growled.

Brett’s eyes snapped over to Ethan just as he brought his hand down onto the flesh of Sam’s ass. A loud thwack immediately followed behind.

Pulling back in a hurry, Sam freed Brett’s cock. “What did I do?” he asked, sounding innocent yet devilish at the same time.

“You won’t stop shaking your ass in my face.” Brett suspected Ethan was going for a firm tone, but he failed. 
He sounded amused. “A man can’t think when something that succulent is inches from his mouth.”

“Why are you thinking?” Sam turned his head away from Brett and peered over his left shoulder at Ethan. 
“Better yet, what are you thinking?”

Ethan’s face blushed a ruddy color that somehow looked sexy. “I was thinking about how snug your virgin ass is going to be, how it’s going to wrap around my dick and squeeze tight. And I was thinking about stretching your sweet hole, how good it’ll feel, how much you’re going to love me fucking you, and how loud you’re going to be when you beg for more.”

A groan erupted from Sam. “Oh God.”

Grinning wickedly, Ethan said, “I was imagining what it would feel like to press your body facedown to this bed then crawl on top of you, open your ass, and plunge inside. I was thinking about pounding into you while our favorite voyeur watched. And I was thinking about tying you up, binding you, and leaving you at our mercy.” He leaned forward, slowly slithering along Sam’s spine. “I was fantasizing about spanking you, turning your ass the sexiest shade of red.” He rained kisses up Sam’s back. “Hell, I was even considering what you would do if I took your ass now rather than being a gentleman and waiting.”

While Ethan talked, Brett grasped his cock and started stroking again, his glides steady and sure. The moisture Sam’s mouth had left behind was better than lube. And Brett’s hand moved easily over his shaft.
Sam winked up at Brett, and Brett knew trouble was heading their way. “Since when have you ever been a gentleman, angel boy? And what makes you think I’m some innocent who can’t handle a good pounding?” He grinned, a grin that made Brett squirm. “Trust me when I tell you that I can handle it. The question is, ‘Can you?’”

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Freebie from Lily Harlem



Happy Birthday to me!

To celebrate I'm going a little topsy turvy and instead of receiving gifts (though I wouldn't mind those three hotties turning up at my doorstep!) I'm giving away my latest release, for this weekend only!

Breathe You In is available on Amazon and if you do pick up this sexy romance that is high on the emotion then please LIKE the purchase page and then tell the world on FB and Twitter if you enjoy Ruben and Katie's steamy brand of loving - spreading the word would be a really cool pressie for me!



And if you want to learn a little more about these characters and my inspiration for Breathe You In, check out this blog post.


Saturday, June 1, 2013

Mia Ashlinn and Chloe Lang's Menage Madness

Hi all you menage-a-licious people out there. It's Mia Ashlinn here with Chloe Lang. We just wanted to let you all know that in honor of our books releasing so closely together, we will be running a dual contest from this coming Monday, June 3rd, through Sunday, June 9th. If you would like more information or to join in the fun, please click the Widget below.


Coming Soon!


Mastered by Mavericks by Chloe Lang
Doms of Destiny, Colorado Book 3
Releases on June 10, 2013


Luscious Beginnings by Mia Ashlinn
Love in Luscious, Kansas Book 1
Releases on June 17, 2013

Good luck to you all and may the best menage-a-holic win!

Sincerely,
Mia and Chloe

Friday, May 31, 2013

A Rough Snippet from my new MFM Story

I just finished writing a great new ménage story. Or at least, I really like it lol. It's got a gritty urban fantasy feel, hot males, and a strong heroine, who at the same time is all too human. I'm not sure of the title yet and when it's going to release, so don't ask lol. It's in the editing stages, but I thought you might enjoy a snippet ( a rough one!) to get you drooling.

***
 
I’d just wrapped a towel around my hair and another around my body when the knock came at my door. It seemed my wolf had returned already. I didn’t bother to peek through the hole before opening. Dumb. I know. City girls should always do things with an eye on safety but then again, I didn’t expect Anthony to come striding in holding a Starbucks coffee and a paper bag.

“Morning,” he said. He took in my attire—towel, wet skin and slightly dazed expression—and smiled. “A very good morning.”

Fuck off with the judgments. I couldn’t help the spurt of pleasure at seeing him, the heat in my crotch or my increased pulse rate. I also couldn’t stop myself from stupidly saying, “What are you doing here?”

“I felt bad about how the evening ended. So I brought amends.” And apparently, he didn’t mean the coffee or treat in the bag.

Only once his lips pressed against mine did it occur to me to protest. Occurred but didn’t happen as he once again melted my resistance, wiped away my reasoning and made me re-evaluate my decision to give him the brush off. When he let me up for air, only because he had to set his offerings down so he could make a proper grab for me, did I dart out of reach with a squeaked, “You shouldn’t be here.”

“Why?” He opened his mouth to say more, then stopped. I think he sniffed, hard to tell because he’d partially turned away from me to face the bedroom. His entire body went rigid, and damn it all, if I didn’t know he’d guessed who spent the night. Forget hand caught in the cookie jar embarrassment, it didn’t compare to pussy caught on another dick one. I blushed beet red when he faced me to say, “I see you didn’t spend the night alone.”

“I—um—that is.” Hold on one second. Why was I embarrassed or even thinking of apologizing? I’d made no promises to this guy. Hell, we weren’t even dating. We’d fucked once. He’d invited himself to dinner. He showed up with Starbucks—my favorite. But those things didn’t mean he owned me. Didn’t make us exclusive. We were nothing to each other. Nothing except extremely compatible in the bedroom.

“Pete spent the night.” There. I’d said it. Take it or leave it. I refused to hide or pretend. Nor did I feel the need to excuse myself. Much. I waited for a jealous outburst and readied myself to blast him with curse words not heard often outside a biker bar. I prepared for him to stalk off, slamming my door in its frame. I even braced myself for possible tears. Not likely given Anthony’s usually dominant attitude, but hey, you never knew. Sometimes the toughest guys ended up the biggest crybabies. He did none of those things. Nope. The bastard went with option D. Drew me back into his arms, and kissed me. Didn’t speak a word. Just kissed me and groped me and next thing I knew the towel hit the floor, his hand slid between my thighs and I rode his fingers on my way to nirvana.

“Gawd. Gawd.” I moaned as he hissed, “That’s it, come for me.” In the midst of a moan, we gained an audience, shattering my almost there orgasm.

“Sorry to interrupt, but I think we’re going to be late for brunch if we don’t get a move on.” Pete’s tight clipped tone threw an effective cold bucket of reality over my actions.

Mortified, I stepped away from Anthony who wore a smug smile, my throbbing pussy not willing to release his still flexing fingers. Red from head to toe, because really, what woman wanted to get found being finger fucked by the guy she’d literally just fucked—oh damn it all, this was getting too damned complicated. Off I stalked, and I mean stomped to my room, muttering under my breath about men with no boundaries and changing locks. Probably not the brightest idea leaving Anthony in a room with a jealous and angry werewolf, but in my ire, I’d gone past the point of caring right into the I-hope-they-kill-each-other zone.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

The Glass Knot - the facts by Lily Harlem



The Glass Knot is a story that came to me slowly to start with but then as the plot unfolded in my mind, became a whirlwind, a rush of need to get it written down.

If I'm ever having a low day I read the reviews on Amazon for Josh, Nick and Laura's story and it always makes me feel better about everything. They were great characters to hang out with even though their sexy journey was a difficult one. The fact that people enjoyed me telling their tale makes the hard days of being a writer worth it and I thank readers with all my heart for leaving reviews.

Here are a few little facts about The Glass Knot...

1. The Glass Knot sat on a Harlequin editor's table for eight months, they wanted to publish it but ultimately didn't think their readers were quite ready for the m/m and m/m/f sex scenes.

2. The village Little Mickleton, where Josh and Nick live, is a real place that I've been to many times with Mr H.



3. I enjoyed the male sex scenes and the m/m aspect of writing this story so much that it gave me the confidence to write High-Sticked, the fifth book in my Hot Ice series. Unlike the other stories this one is about two men and the problems one of them faces with coming out as a gay athlete.



4. I wrote the majority of The Glass Knot sitting in my back garden. We had a nice run of weather and I set up a parasol, a little table and chair and wrote and wrote and wrote. I had a citronella candle burning at my side to keep away the flies and when the sweetpeas came into bloom I had a small jug filled to the brim on my desk.



5. Josh's character is based on a man I used to date. His looks, his easy-going ways and his profession! He wasn't gay or bi though like Josh is, he very much liked women!



6. The Peniche Hotel in Marbella, where the theesome meet, is a fabric of my imagination though I did loosely style it on Don Carlos, a really lovely 5* hotel that Mr H took me to as a treat one weekend a few summers ago.


7. The cover was created by Posh Gosh and I adore the detail at the bottom which shows a hazy Cotswold skyline.




8. I picked cars for Josh and Nick that I hoped reflected their personalities. Nick has a Bentley and Josh a Subaru. Laura has a beaten up old VW Beetle she calls Dumbo. I had this exact car many moons ago.



9. This is the one book of mine that Mr H has never read.

10. This is one of my favourite scenes...



Josh was already getting busy. “Oh, yeah, you’re so wet,” he said, sliding the tip of his cock into my entrance.
As always I willed my pussy to relax. His wide glans stretching tight flesh as it rode in was an enticing mixture of pain and pleasure. “Ah, ah, ah…” I panted, gripping his shoulders and drawing my knees up high. I needed to make myself as open as possible.
“Oh, yeah, take me,” Josh said breathily. “Take all of me.”
I shut my eyes and relished the sensation of his thick cock riding over my G-spot—the hard, flared head stimulated it just right, bring it to life. As I let out a long, juddering breath he reached maximum depth.
“Oh, yeah,” Josh groaned, locking his arms and staring down at our joined bodies. “That’s so hot to see you taking all of me.”
“Tell me about it,” Nick said from behind Josh. He was between our legs, bending over Josh’s back. I saw his jeans flying off to the side then landing on the floor. “I had so many images in my head of you two together, but nothing as amazing as this.” He smoothed his hand over Josh’s shoulder.
Josh twisted to kiss him, a real wet tongue affair with lots of appreciative moans.
I’ve died and gone to heaven.
Being penetrated and watching them kiss at the same time was off-the-scale sexy. I tweaked my breasts and ground my clit against Josh. “You two are so fucking sexy when you kiss,” I groaned.
Josh broke his connection with Nick and stared down at me, as though fascinated by my statement.
I thrust my hips up. “So fucking sexy when you kiss,” I repeated breathlessly.
He dropped over me, and chased for my tongue with his. He tasted a little different now, of Nick, a new enticing flavor lacing his.
He began to rock, pulling in and out just a little, rubbing my G-spot and grinding against my clit. Pressure grew; a lovely warm build-up of sensation that would soon have to be released.
Suddenly Josh ceased all movement. He twisted to look at Nick.
“Just relax,” Nick murmured.
“Oh, God,” Josh groaned, his eyes glazing and his jaw hanging slack. “Really, now?”
“What?” I panted, also stilling.
“Yes,” Nick said in a darkly low voice.
“Oh, oh…” Josh groaned. Beneath my palms his arms tensed to rock, but there was a slight tremble in them.
I shifted to peer over Josh’s shoulder. Nick had his head bent, his fingers busy. I didn’t have to see to know he was fingering Josh’s anus.
Nick lifted his head and looked at me. His eyes were on fire with desire, his face alive with want. In that moment he was more handsome than I’d ever seen him. More real and more open than he’d ever allowed himself to be in front of me. “Laura,” he said, near desperation on his face. “I want…”
“Yes,” I said, “Yes, do it.” What could be hotter than both of us fucking Josh? What would make him come harder than that? We both loved him, we both wanted him. We could both have him. At the same time.




Thanks for reading, you can grab your copy of The Glass Knot from Amazon US or Amazon UK and check out all the reviews there too.


Lily x

PS - Another similar story, The Silk Tie, is starting to rumble around my psyche so watch this space!


Sunday, May 26, 2013

Special Guest - Mary's Menage Whispers

Please join me in welcoming Mary from Mary's Menage Whispers. Mary is a reader, reviewer and blogger and was kind enough to answer a bunch of questions about her love of menage romance that I fired over to her.




Thank you so much for welcoming me, Lily!

How did you first stumble across erotic ménage romance? I was tired to read soft romances. I wanted to read something more spicy. I could not find anything in french so I turned in english. I went to my local library and Laurel K. Hamilton was on the shelf. I started to read the first chapters... read the book in 2 days, was totally stunned to discover that an author detailed a complete sex scene but yet remained classy and mixed it with a strong plot. I went back for the whole series. My local library did not offer much choice in erotic genre, so I went on Amazon. I knew that it was impossible to find only one author writing like her and oh dear how I was right!

Was it love at first book or did this passion take a while to grow? It was definitely love at first read. After Laurel K. Hamilton and Anita's multiple men, I read her Merry Gentry's series, then J.R. Ward's series, although this series is not really erotic. You know what happens on Amazon? you click and you are directed to another place and another place and another place. All of a sudden, it was a huge list of erotic romances books and from MF I jump to another dimension: ménages! Since I consider myself as a non taboo woman with a very open mind, I was intrigued. I read a couple of blurbs and I was totally fascinated that authors could write about multiple partners in a permanent relationships. Threesomes, I knew. On a romance level, it was totally new.



Can you remember the title of the first ménage book you ever read? I will never forget: I was surfing on Amazon and came across Maya Banks and her Colter's woman. I loved the cover book (which changed since then), read it and that was it. I can even tell you my second which was The Devil's Pact by Samantha Cruise and... well, let's just say that I have a good memory! lol I feel in love head over heels with erotic ménage romance and never stopped reading them since then, in 2005. At that time, I did not have any ereader or android, I bought the books in prints.

When did you decide to become a reviewer as well as a reader and what was your motivation for this? I always loved to write but I was not born with the knowledge, passion and talent to be an author. I played here and there but that was not my calling. But I always loved to write and was always on my top class in Literature and Philosophy.  I love to learn and exchange opinions. In 2011, I came across a publisher's site that had a forum where authors could meet their readers. I met a couple, I read them and left some comments. They asked me my opinion and we exchanged ideas. I loved it. At the same time, I needed a challenge and decided to create my first blog. I had no idea if my blog would become popular, I had no wish to become an official reviewer, I just wanted to have fun and share my thoughts. It is still my motivation today.



How do you enjoy your relationship with authors? Along the way, I made friends with numerous ménage authors that encouraged me to review telling me that my reviews were different and they appreciated my views. Since I also decided to read ménage romances exclusively, I started to have a name on twitter and facebook (Goodreads came later) and I am still very surprised about it to be honest. I never thought that a french middle-aged woman would be read or even authors asking me to review their work. Now, I am also an official reviewer for a couple of publishers.  I am very humble to know that people read my ramblings and even subscribe or follow my blog. :)

How do you enjoy your relationship with other readers? Unfortunately, my circle is limited. I know I have many followers on twitter, facebook and goodreads. Unfortunately since I blogged I had issues with my comments. People could not log in and leave comments. I just recently discovered it and was totally upset about it. I just moved today my new blog to WORDPRESS (http://marymenage.wordpress.com) and hopefully I will be able to enjoy more the other readers and share opinions with them. To be able to discuss with another passionate reader about the same book we both read, is just fantastic. 



Have you ever had a go at penning your own erotic romance novel? mmm.... yes. Don't laugh! I wrote two chapters so far that you can find on my blog! lol It is in french and a paranormal menage. I just wanted to know if I could write more than 5 paragraphs you know? Who knows? maybe I will kick my own bottom and finish it one day? Thing is you do not find erotic menage translated in french. I am not sure why but that is a fact. But I do not write it to publish it but more for a challenge.

Any pet peeves when reading erotic romance? yeah, a couple. I guess the first one is a romance labeled ménage, yet ending MF. Either it is a MF with menage sex scenes or it is a menage HEA. When I get to the epilogue and find that the third was just a sex toy, it does not feel right. I do not like it. Another one is BDSM label when in fact the story is only soft domination. I do not call BDSM a little spanking or a man who is a little dominant in the bedroom. A lot of authors do use the label BDSM because it is very fashionable and attract more sells but in the end, they do not know what is fetishism or a real D/s relationship. I am not saying that you need to be a pro or living the lifestyle to write BDSM but it sure helps to know firsthand what you are writing. I do not like amateur or fake. I am very sensible with authenticity and this makes all the difference between a good story and an outstanding story.  Equality and credibility are essential for me. If I do not find them in the story, I am frustrated. In the end, I think those are my big pet peeves of all.



Do you ever worry you might run out of books in your favourite, and now exclusive, genre? OMG no! And I am so thankful about it! I am buying tons per months and read only a third of them! I have a huge collection I started since 2005, in print and then in ebooks. This genre is very popular. It is still kinky enough for readers to become addicted. 

How do you find technology ie Triberr, blog posting, navigating social media? Are you a natural or do you often sit and scratch your head in bemusement?  I guess I think I am a natural. For many years, I created groups and forums in various areas. Once I do not find what I want, I try to find a way to get it. I believe that technology is a wonderful thing. I am not only curious but I love challenges and I get bored easily so this pushes me to find new technologies or ideas. So far the best way to find them is to share a space with people looking for the same thing: twitter, facebook etc are places that have strong community and if you find the right place, you learn and evolve in the direction of your choice.  Triberr is definitely an important social media tool that helped me (and my author friends) to get exposure. I know them since 2011. But like many medias that turned successful, they want now $$ in return of their time and efforts. Triberr did its job for free members, I believe it is time to find another. And I am not worried; another tool will show up soon. I totally believe that social medias are necessary evils to gain exposure. The key is to be wise and do not become their slave :)



What advice would you give to an author trying her hand for the first time at a ménage story?  Definitely read many ménage in different genres: contemporary, paranormal, BDSM, etc. List the authors that they feel the closest emotionally. From there, understand the difficulty to provide equality and credibility. At this point, I strongly suggest to write as close as their own personality as possible. If an author did not experience or does not believe what she is writing, the reader will know it and will disconnect immediately. Authenticity is important. Never try to copy a style or similar characters or plot and be original as much as possible. If an author does not know about a subject, avoid it. The real success in my opinion is to find an equal balance between characters, love, sex and plot. If each elements is equally shared, chances are this will be a great ménage story. My last advice is to find a trusted beta to read them and trust them enough to listen to their comments, maybe not follow them all but analyze them and try. The most important part is to remember that not each book is a Pulitzer and a bad review does not mean the author is bad and should give up. On contrary, if an author is smart and open, she will try to understand where she can be better and with time she will. Not everyone is a genius. People (and this includes authors, readers and reviewers) should remain humble and put their ego on the side. This will make them better person and better author/reviewer... but this is my own opinion.

You have a wonderful  new blog, congratulations. What are the aims of this blog and who are you trying to reach out to? Thank you! I do not have any plan but to have fun to review ménages and share my thoughts. Sometimes I play with the idea to extend my blog and welcome more reviewers but I was a mod in many places as well as a member and in the end I am happy to be on my own and argue with my ole me only! But my ultimate goal I think is to keep continuing to promote this genre I love so much and hoping that I will convert some readers to jump the fence and become addicted too!

How can readers and authors get in touch with you?

BLOG TWITTER

FACEBOOK      GOODREADS


Thank you so much Lily for this interview! I had so much fun with it!

Mary's Ménage Whispers





Thank you for visiting Mary, I loved hearing your thoughts on menage, reviewing and how you found yourself so immersed in the genre. I smiled when you mentioned Maya Banks' Colter's Woman, that was one of the first menage books I read, in print, and loved it, in fact it's still sitting on my shelf, one of those I haven't loaned out for fear of it not coming back.

Friday, May 24, 2013

Reality versus fantasy: poly menages aren't always full of "sexy time."

"Oh, you're so lucky to have a Hubby and a Sir!"

*snort*

I hear that one a lot. No, I'm not kvetching, believe me, but I think people form an unrealistic view of a real-life poly relationship based on what they read. It's not a fraction as sexy as in the books. LOL

For starters, Sir and I are, first and foremost, devoted to our spouses and our marriages. Those always come first, including all the real-world ups and downs. And we're both very busy people. He has an incredibly demanding, high-stress job, and works a lot of hours. I'm a self-employed workaholic writer who works a lot of hours.

Starting to form a picture yet? LOL

I'd say it's safe to estimate that 90% of our relationship has nothing to do with sex. And that's a LOW estimate. It might be closer to 95%. We're friends first and foremost. And yes, we do love each other. If we didn't, we probably would have killed each other by now. LOL Over 75% of our relationship happens via text messages or email, because of our schedules. And the time we spend together, a lot of it is usually in a vanilla context (we shoot skeet once a week with friends, and He might stop by for dinner one night a week and we sit in front of the TV and just talk).

Still jealous? LOL

We have to juggle schedules, and how we feel (He is prone to migraines, I have fibro) and then, once or twice a month, we might be able to fit in some sexy/kinky time.

If we're lucky. LOL

Am I complaining? No, of course not. But if you write about that in a romance book, you won't sell many copies, will you? LOL

In the more than three years since Sir and I have been playing together, I can count on one hand with fingers left over how many times it's been a "menage" situation with Him and Hubby. And even then, that was more a scene with both of them topping me than it was "sexy time."

Again, I'm not complaining.

Here's the thing, we both have spouses who love us and trust us (key point) and know we have our priorities straight. They also understand we have interests that they don't have (kinky and vanilla). Instead of trying to force themselves to do what they don't like to do, they give us permission to go do them without them (again, kinky and vanilla both) and understand that when we come home, we come home happier, meaning our marriages are stronger in the long run for it. Meaning THEY (our spouses) are happier in the long run, because they are also free to pursue what they want without guilt of them holding us back, or resentment at forcing themselves to go along with us.

Make sense?

So yes, it's fun to write about all this wild and crazy smexy time with characters, but don't think everything I write is a reflection of what my sex life is like. LOL Because, believe me, in that regard, I'm pretty boring. :)

--

Tymber Dalton has a new release out today: Triple Trouble 5 - Out of Smoke and Ashes

http://www.bookstrand.com/out-of-smoke-and-ashes

Blurb:

Get books 1 and 2 in the Placida Pod series for $2.75 each when you purchase Out of Smoke and Ashes! All items must be in the cart at the same time when completing the transaction to apply this special offer.

[Siren Ménage Everlasting: Erotic Paranormal Ménage a Quatre Romance, M/F/M/M, shape-shifters, sex in shifted form, consensual BDSM between secondary M/F characters, HEA]

Elain Pardie’s wedding is interrupted when her matron of honor, Lina, goes into labor. Unfortunately, events spiral downhill from there for the Lyalls and their kin when an old foe refuses to roll over and play dead. As everyone suspected, Rodolfo Abernathy won’t give up.

What Abernathy doesn’t know is he’s become more prey than predator. Shifters with grudges of their own enter the fight with their sights set on Abernathy’s downfall.

When the fur hits the fan, it won’t be pretty.

While Elain and Lina struggle to cope with their new roles, various shifter Clans band together to fight their common enemies. Devastating heartaches are finally laid to rest as new love blossoms.

And Baba Yaga isn’t even done with them yet. Elain, Ain, Brodey, and Cail, along with their ever-growing band of friends and adopted family, must still confront those who’d gladly destroy all they love as evil and vengeance once again return from Out of Smoke and Ashes.

Note: There is no sexual relationship or touching for titillation between or among siblings.

A Siren Erotic Romance

Tymber Dalton is a Siren-exclusive author.

--

The correct order to read all of the Triple Trouble books and prequels is:

"Boiling Point" (Tasty Treats, Vol. 3)
Steam
Fire and Ice
Trouble Comes in Threes (Triple Trouble 1)
Storm Warning (Triple Trouble 2)
Three Dog Night (Triple Trouble 3)
Triple Dog Dare (Triple Trouble 4)
Out of Smoke and Ashes (Triple Trouble 5)


You can find all her Siren releases as Tymber Dalton, Lesli Richardson, Macy Largo, and Tessa Monroe on her Siren page at:

http://www.bookstrand.com/tymber-dalton

And you can find her on the web at:

http://tymberdalton.com
http://twitter.com/TymberDalton
http://facebook.com/tymberdalton
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TymberDalton_updates/
https://plus.google.com/118382222849341409443/