Who Said It Was Easy?

I remember reading a blog post about a year back from a sweet romance writer. I love sweet romance. I read it all the time and have nothing against it. I also have written several sweet romance novels.

What I don't like is someone giving an opinion without actually having tried something themselves. This writer said that erotic romance writers were lazy - that they weren't very good writers who used sex scenes to fill up the page.

I'm a little like a caterpillar undergoing transformation. I started off as a writer in a different form. I actually started off with very chaste inspirational romances and slowly started dipping my feet into the pool of erotic romance. I'm a newbie. Not to romance, but to writing sex. I've written sweet romances - I have five published under another name. Yes, it was hard to get that first publishing contract. It was very hard to edit my books and make them worthwhile but none of them were any bit as hard as writing erotic romance.

I've recently revised one of my novels to resend back to a publisher. They asked me to up the heat - to bring in more sex and longer sex, to add more sexual tension. Whew, it's been a very intense road. I sent off my revisions today but I added and changed things many times before I was ready to send it.

Because you can't just write sex scenes. It goes much deeper than just the technical side. And believe me, the technical side isn't easy also. You don't only have to make it hot, but you have to make it believable and true to life of your characters. Your imagination has to rise to a new level. Your writing skills are put to the ultimate test. You can't use the same overused phrases. You have to come up with something new and fresh without being wacky and stupid.

And technical details aside, you still have to touch the emotions in each sex scene. Every scene has to bring the characters closer to that "happily-ever-after." It's not just sex for the sake of sex. It's part of the plot.

Erotic romance requires weaving in many coloured threads - the romance, the plot, the conflict, the character arc, and the sexual tension.

So, I'd like to say to those who have only written sweet romance and who think that erotic romance writers are lazy, think again. Before you jump to conclusions, try it yourself. You never know, you may get hooked on a new thrilling genre. I know I am.

Cover Reveal of Keeping Secrets by Kiru Taye

Keeping Secrets

By

Kiru Taye

Series: The Essien Trilogy, Book 1

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Multicultural

Length: Full length novel

Release date: May 12, 2014

The Essien Trilogy - Series Blurb

Secrets, Scandals, and Seduction under the African skies.

The Essiens are the kings of African finance. A close-knit family, their father is the patriarch of a finance dynasty that ranges from retail to investment banking spanning the African continent. Yet all is not as it seems as the three brothers—Felix, Mark and Tony—soon discover when their family is rocked by secrets and scandals. Blood ties or not, family is family.

If you like your book boyfriends to be tall, dark and handsome billionaires, then say hello to the Essien brothers.

Keeping Secrets – Blurb

Have you ever loved someone and didn’t even know it?

That’s the dilemma facing Felix Essien when he wakes from a coma to find he is married to the most beautiful and sensual woman he’s ever known. He cannot remember her or their wedding. He who had sworn never to get married or to give his heart to another. Yet he feels an intense bond with her that he intends to explore fully.

Ebony can’t believe her good fortune when her paper husband wakes not remembering the temporary marriage arrangement with no intimacies he’d proposed but is now the adoring husband she’s always dreamt of. She plans to make the most of the passion blossoming between them.

However would he still feel that way when he regains his memory and realises she’s been keeping secrets and their marriage is not what he thinks it is.

Teasers

About the author

A lover of books, as a teenager Kiru Taye used to read novels under the blanket during lights-outs in boarding school. These days, with a young family to take care of, she's still sacrificing sleep for the pleasures of a good book.

During the day though, she transforms her wildly vivid imagination into sensual, atmospheric romance stories with passionate characters.

When she’s not writing or reading, she'd hanging out with family and friends or travelling. Born in Nigeria, she currently lives in the UK with husband and children.

You reach her via her blog, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or Pinterest

Follow her blog for latest news and giveaways: http://kirutayewrites.blogspot.com

Read book excerpts and free short stories on her website: http://www.kirutaye.com

Link to her Amazon author page

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Book Spotlight - Stolen Valentine Kiss

Stolen Valentine Kiss by Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku

Publication Date: Feb 1st 2014

ISBN/EAN 13: 1495237931/9781495237935 (Paperback)

Genre / Categories: Fiction/Romance/Contemporary/Interracial/Multicultural

One broken heart. Two grieving minds.

To Lorna Ibe, Departmental Manager with one of London's multi-channel retailers, Valentine's Day lost its romantic flavour years ago. An unplanned holiday to New Jersey is her perfect getaway from the stress and emotional turmoil locked in her heart, just what she needs to take her mind off her troubles. That's until she runs into Logan.

Magazine publisher, Logan Blake has had his fair share of stress in the past few years. When his sister asks him to drop off old clothes to charity, he has a minor accident in front of the charity shop where Lorna volunteers. When he sets eyes on her bare midriff as she wipes the display window, he clears his busy schedule to volunteer his time. Two burdened hearts afraid to get entwined.

One Stolen Valentine Kiss. Will Valentine season bring them romance or will their fears keep them apart?

Sucking in air, she faced him. ''Don't make me send you home for bad behaviour, Logan Blake.''
He chuckled. ''Have dinner with me tonight, Lorna.''
Her heart frog jumped. ''You're joking right?''
He shrugged, grinning at her, thawing her tough as leather heart pouch. ''I can take you home for you to get changed.''

Too stunned at his invitation, she carried on with work. ''We've got to check the paper roll and ribbon, so that when we print receipt...'' With one hand on top of hers, Logan forced her to stare at him. ''I need an answer.'' Unbelievable warmth surged through her arms, flowed unstopped to her heart, washing away years of grief...making her eyes fly at half mast and her heart hammer within her chest wall.

His arched eyebrows and his enticing clear blue eyes captured her senses, holding her still. Her mouth opened, no words came out. She gulped air.
Very slowly, his head descended. Will he kiss her? Should she allow him? Reasonable questions raced through her stumbling mind.
Stop him, her head sang.
Taste him before you decide, her heart cried out.

Logan Blake

When her knees hit the edge of the wooden table housing the till, she walked free. ''No...I can't. My Aunt is expecting me for dinner.'' She excused, rushing to the kitchenette.
Following closely behind, he suggested, ''Dine with me tomorrow, please?''
Halting her getaway, she faced him. ''Why? I'm not interested in starting a relationship.'' With stiff movements, she made coffee for two.
''Who said anything about a relationship?'' he frowned, his tone turning harsh. ''I'm too busy to engage in a relationship. You interest me. It's only dinner, Lorna.'' She saluted.

''That's reassuring. After dinner, your interest in me will wane and we can concentrate on working together instead of dinning out?''
''Is that a yes?'' he entreated, sipping from his mug.
''Shouldn't you be taking your girlfriend out to dinner?'' his mouth grew compact as he swallowed his drink. ''Leave out the girlfriend bit. We're only going to chat, eat and drink.''

''Aren't you worried she'll come up to us and throw a tantrum? I don't do scenes well. They freak me out.''
''If I had one, then I'll be worried.''
Should she believe him? ''One more question, is there any reason you're still single?''
One hand in his pocket, his eyes searched hers. ''Did I say I was single?'' her hands flew to his fingers. No rings.
''Married?'' she quizzed, her head whirling fast.
''Never been married. Not ready. Don't ask when I'll be ready. Any more question, I'll freak out! Save your questions for dinner.''

I am Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku, a fun loving mother of two, married to my very own gorgeous alpha male. I recently 'retired' from an eighteen stint working as a Quality Assurance Manager. Writing romance novels is an exciting adventure.

In 2010, I created Flirty & Feisty Romance Novels. There are six contemporary romance novels in the kitty, varying from sweet & sensual to spicy hot & steamy - LOITERING SHADOWS, STORMY DEFENSE, BEYOND the LADY, THE GARDNER'S ICE MAIDEN, SPARKLING DAWN and HUSBAND to RENT. STOLEN VALENTINE KISS is my first series and my first Novella.

On my writing desk at the moment, my first historical romance, a trilogy is taking shape. A daunting challenge I must confess, but I love the characters and their journey so far. In my leisure time, I go swimming, read romance novels, go to Cinema, and watch TV.

Website | Smashwords | Amazon | Follow us on Twitter | Follow us on Facebook

Stolen Valentine Kiss on Amazon.com

Stolen Valentine Kiss on Amazon.co.uk

Stolen Valentine Kiss on Smashwords

Stolen Valentine Kiss - paperback

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Spotlight with Landra Graf

Today, I have Landra Graf, fellow Decadent Publishing writer with her erotic romance. This books looks so interesting!

1Night Stand Series

What You Need

by Landra Graf

A sexual submissive, Royce wants a woman who’ll make his fantasies come true. The last thing he expects on his 1Night Stand is to be paired with Victoria, his ex-best friend.  Haunted by their past, he refuses to deny his newfound attraction or his need for answers.  This time, he doesn’t plan to let her go.

Victoria has loved Royce forever, but the sting of his rejection is not so easily forgotten. No longer the naïve girl he knew, she’s matured into a sexual dominant. This domme demands a chance to restart their relationship—on her terms. Knowing that one night will never be enough, she plans a seduction that will last forever.   

What You Need

1Night Stand Series

Amazon | Decadent

About the Author:

Landra Graf consumes at least one book a day, and has always been a sucker for stories where true love conquers all. She believes in the power of the written word, and the joy such words can bring. In between spending time with her family and having book adventures, she writes romance with the goal of giving everyone, fictional or not, their own happily ever after.

Giveaway Details:

To celebrate 2 Lucky Winners have a chance at a $25 Gift Card to PureRomance.com and a free copy of What You Need. To enter to win just comment on this post with your email address. 

Contact Details:

Website: http://riseoftheslush.blogspot.com

Email: landra.graf7@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/landra.graf?ref=tn_tnmn

Twitter: @riseoftheslush

Enjoy the following excerpt for What You Need:

“Hi.” About the only word he managed before a pair of luscious, plump red lips descended on his. One sharp heel spike scratched the skin above his ankle. His trousers were tight and rough on his thighs igniting a pleasurable pain in his pulsing erection. She molded her body to his, and her nibbling bites on his mouth sent his brain reeling. The press of her weight sparked his nerves. Lord, he hadn’t experienced anything like that.

Skin hot and flushed, he moved to embrace her and deepen the kiss. Instead, she grabbed his wrists and anchored them above his head; a simple gesture of dominance and one he’d never thought of as arousing until then. Her ministrations slowed to a crawl, opting for tracing the seams of his lips and he thrusting his own eager tongue forward, desperate for another taste of spice and something familiar…a flavor of summer and sweet lemonade.

She pressed harder, her breasts crushed to his chest, his wrists still restrained, her nails biting into the flesh. Royce’s desire ratcheted up further and as he thought he might succumb to the most embarrassing release ever, she pulled away.

Panting, he tugged at his shirt collar. His date faced the window, out of the fan of illumination from low-lit lamps within the room. Curvy with toned arms and legs, her bare back on display, she stood straight and confident, her profile nothing less than stunning.

He took a deep breath and exhaled hard. What a way to start the night. Chemistry wouldn’t be an issue. But he also wanted a little conversation.

“That’s some way to say hello.” Chuckling, he grabbed his discarded bag and moved farther into the room.

“Yes, it is. But I’ve wanted to do that for a long time.” Her voice sounded sultry and all-too-familiar.

Holy hell.

“Tori?”

Book Review - A Valentine Challenge

I was given a copy of A Valentine Challenge by Kiru Taye for an honest review.

A Valentine Challenge 

by 

Kiru Taye

Contemporary, Multicultural, Romance

Challenge Series – Three friends. Three challenges.
Are they willing to risk everything for love? 

Book 1 – A Valentine Challenge

Life is good for ex-soldier turned entrepreneur Michael Ede. Or so he thinks. When his friends set him a challenge to exorcise the memory of a woman from his past, he expects it to be a walk in the park.

Socialite Kasie Bosa is spitting fire at men. Her long-term boyfriend has asked for a break via text message of all things. Fuming, she’s told him to go take a dive off the nearest bridge. So the next man who crosses her path is at risk of being shredded with her spa manicured nails.

Bad news for Michael who has chosen her as the object of his challenge. But neither of them can deny the sizzling chemistry between them nor control their responses, it seems. It’s the season of love. Will they escape unscathed?

Michael and Kasie's PLAYLIST

P Square featuring Rick Ross - Beautiful Onyinye
 


Brownstone - 5 Miles To Empty



Ne-yo - Let Me Love You

You reach her via her blog, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or Pinterest

Follow her blog for latest news and giveaways: http://kirutayewrites.blogspot.com

Read book excerpts and free short stories on her website: http://www.kirutaye.com

Amazon US | Amazon UK | All Romance eBooks | Barnes and Noble

Add to your Goodreads TBR

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I have actually read this book twice and enjoyed it even more the second time.

Michael Ede is a billionaire entrepreneur but he’s been hurt by women. He’s jaded and agrees to seduce a rich girl to prove to his friends that he’s over the hurt. He knows he isn’t but he thinks that maybe he can get over it once and for all. The deal is – seduce Kasie Bosa or lose his private plane which he worked hard for. He must pose as a chauffeur, not as the self-made man he is. He enters into Kasie’s world as her driver but the attraction is immediate. There is something about her that draws him and he starts to fall in love. There’s too much at stake for both of them though.

What a beautiful love story this was. I cannot fault it in any way. There was passion, conflict and tender, deep romance that touched my heart. The sex scenes were tasteful and filled with romance – not just mechanical descriptions of lovemaking. I loved the sexual tension between the couple, and the hero was gorgeous. Any reader would fall in love with him. I honestly think this is my favourite of Kiru Taye’s books and I’ve read several and love them all. She has the most reverent writing style. She respects her characters and has a fantastic relationship with words and the worlds she creates. She touches the heart of her readers and takes them into exotic locations, bringing to life beautiful characters full of mystery and passion.

What Makes a Good Sex Scene

I've only recently started writing sex scenes. It's a scary thing for me because I do sometimes doubt myself. I've read aplenty but that means nothing. So, to actually write a blog post about this is crazy for a newbie but I'm keen to try. What makes a good sex scene in a romance?

This is my opinion and I think it's very subjective. That's what great about writing. What appeals to one may not appeal to another. Firstly, let there be some affection first. I DO NOT like it when the man and woman jump into bed with one another right near the beginning of the book. I like a bit of sexual tension and build up. That's what makes an awesome sex scene - the feelings that have been simmering in the background while the couple have been discovering things about each other. And not just physical things but things that draw them together. Yes, some men and even fewer women are able to have sex with someone they hardly know. But really, how passionate can it be? What's so romantic about that? Ew, maybe I'm a real prude but I find it rather cheap. How can you trust a guy you hardly know that he's free of STDs or anything else?

Sex is sacred. There has to be a drawing, an attraction, especially from the woman. She needs to feel that she's admired, cared for or loved in some way. Maybe not full on love yet but there has to be a report. I know you get those love-hate relationships and I actually enjoy the dynamics of them but there's a fine line between cheap and hot.

Don't make the sex scene the story. I hate a book that's just filled with one scene after another. The sex scene is to enhance a story. It's like action or dialogue. There must be something that the reader comes away with from the scene - either the characters realise they have this amazing connection or they realise they made a terrible mistake, or even they feel closer and more willing to pursue things further. Sex just for the sake of sex and to make the book "popular" or "modern" just grates me up the wrong way!

Erotic romance is wonderful. It can educate women who otherwise wouldn't know how to work towards their own pleasure. But they can cause one who is struggling to compare herself to these virile, always-sexual women in the books. I wish I could put a big disclaimer on my books to say that they're fiction. Not every woman can orgasm so easily and have no stumbling. Most of the characters in our books are people who are sexually frustrated and haven't been in a relationship for some time. There's been a build-up. Hence the intense sexual need and chemistry. When a couple have been together for some time, the sexual desires may have cooled a little. It doesn't mean the love's not there, but there are benefits to knowing each other well. The love is actually deeper and stronger and sex can be magic.

I know it's fiction but I sometimes wish that in some of the sex scenes, things didn't always go so perfectly. Just for once. But I suppose that wouldn't be very sexy to read. Although a man who's willing to wait patiently until his lady reaches arousal when she's very tired, is a hero in my books.

Lastly, I don't like kinky when it becomes abusive. When domination becomes abuse and one partner has to suffer in the scene. Not nice. At all.

So these are some things I don't like about sex scenes but what makes a good sex scene?

Not going into too much detail of the mechanics but more detail on the emotions and sensations.
Bringing in the thoughts of the characters and all five senses to describe how they feel.
Realistic yet not tacky or too awkward.
Not too long or too short.
A big emphasis on the romantic relationship above all else. Left with either a satisfied feeling that they are immensely happy or some conflict in the end - like a cliffhanger. In other words, either add to the romantic, falling in love feeling or challenge it.

That's all for now. Maybe more later.

Release Day Blitz for Best Fake Day

Release Day Blitz

***

Best Fake Day

by

Tracey Rogers

Contemporary Romance

Available from Beachwalk Press

***

Blurb

Faking it never felt so good.
Wedding photographer and romance lover, Izzy Latham, dreams of finding her own happily-ever-after. When her former teenage crush arrives at her doorstep, looking sexier than ever, and asks to marry her, it should be her dream come true, right? Wrong. It turns out he doesn't want to actually marry her—he only wants to pretend to marry her.

Marriage hater Jack Carter will do anything to close his latest business deal, including finding a wife. The only person who can help him is his childhood friend, Izzy. Except Izzy isn't a little girl anymore. She's definitely all woman, and there's an attraction between them that's hard to ignore.

Jack has to convince Izzy to fake it, but the problem is that she hates to lie. However, she can't deny her feelings for him either. So when Jack makes her an offer she can't refuse, she reluctantly agrees to help him out.

Faking it is the easy part. But what happens when fake starts to feel so real?
Content Warning: contains sensual sex and occasional strong language

Excerpt

"Let me work off the money," Izzy said.

She felt Jack's gaze rake over her body, watched the clench of his jaw. "And how are you planning to work it off, Isabel?" he almost growled. "Is that what all of this is about?" he asked as his hand made an indicating sweep over her body. "Dress to impress so you can pay me in kind?"

"Oh God, no," she spluttered. "This is me showing you I'm not the weak, naïve girl I used to be and I won't be pushed around!"

The hard glint in his eyes softened slightly. "You were never weak. Naïve…" He trailed off. "So how exactly were you planning to pay me back?"

"Working here for you for free until I pay you back. I could collect glasses, work the bar, or clean."
"And you have experience in any of those roles?"

"No. But I could learn."

"But what about the house repairs?"

She shrugged. "I could do that during the daytime and work here at night. Then when I'm earning again from my day job I'll pay you back."

"And what exactly is your day job?"

"I'm a photographer. I could even do that here. Take photographs of the patrons and sell them for you."

"You work freelance?”

"I have my own business." She hesitated before elaborating. "As a wedding photographer," she said quickly, hoping he wouldn't snag the teasing opportunity.

Too late. The corner of his mouth quirked until it bloomed until a grin. "A wedding photographer. How appropriate. I knew playing dress-up with your mother's veil and having teddy bears as your guests would have an influence on you one day."

"You mean like wanting to have a traditional wedding where the groom doesn't have to bribe the bride? Yeah, my childhood messed me up real bad," she said with sarcasm.

"You're not working here, Izzy. And this conversation is over."

"No, it's not. I'm giving you a solution to paying off what I owe. I'll work off the amount Ellie paid for our debts and the rest you get from her. So when do I start?"

"You are not working here."

"Why?"

"Do you really want to have some guy groping you as you serve drinks? Or a group of guys? I run a tight ship and look out for my staff, but sometimes it happens."

"I can look after myself. I have been groped before, you know. I can deal with it."

He slid his chair closer, bending his legs so hers surrounded him without touching, but close, very close. He looked up at her under dark lashes. "So if some guy puts a hand on your leg you wouldn’t mind?"

She shook her head.

"And if that hand strayed beneath your dress?" he asked as his hand reached out to graze the sensitive skin of her inner thigh, making her shudder.

She shook her head slowly, earning a dark look. Of course she would mind. But this was Jack.

He stood abruptly, stepping into the v of her thighs. "And if a guy tried to kiss you?"

"I have been kissed before, remember?" she said, inwardly cringing at how breathless she sounded.

"I remember being a boy kissing you as a girl. If I were to kiss you now I wouldn’t be holding back and I wouldn’t be kissing you as a boy—I’d be kissing you as a man."

"Then do it," she demanded.

Author bio

A devourer of books from an early age, I spent much of my childhood stepping into wardrobes, searching for that magical snowy world where conversing with animals would be expected. When I wasn't searching for those worlds, I wrote about them instead. My first step into the world of romance was when I stole sneak peeks into my nana's books. I'm still in that world and refuse to leave.


I live in Staffordshire, UK, with my husband and three wonderful children. An avid reader and writer of romance, I strongly believe that words make the world go around.

You can find her on her Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Email.

Buy Links

AmazonUK  | Amazon.com | Nook | Beachwalk Press