Sex.

Friends with benefits.

Doing the dirty.

Intercourse. 

Boink.

Boning.

Doing “it.”

*grins* Do I have your attention yet? ‘Cause trust me, I can go on …

A little over a month ago I wrote about the difference between erotic romance and erotica. I also mentioned a kick-ass, well-loved editor, Bob, with Insatiable Press I met and his challenge on writing erotica. To review: Erotica deals with sex. Not porn, no. Alternatively, to put those words together, a porno. But more so, building a relationship, a connection on sex. It does not matter how it happens, as long as it does. Moreover, with erotica, the more, the better, the sooner, the happier said editor will be.

That being said … as many of you know, or maybe it’s a new announcement, I’m with a group of talented women who write different genres of fiction. Our writer’s group is called Coffee Talk. I tossed the gauntlet down in said group, and challenged my girls to a little erotic action. (Sorry boys, only on paper.)  The response was instantaneous—yes! So the six of us out of the group started immediately on producing some quality erotica material, and the experience so far has been enlightening. However, the research has been fun! *wiggles brows*

We sat down recently and discussed the journey, and I took some notes …

D.C: Alright ladies, for the record, what’s the normal genre you write.

Michaela: So far I've been sticking to Crime Drama and Sci Fi, but I'm excited to be throwing my hat into the erotic ring.

Renea: Erotic romance

Lea: Crime fiction/suspense. Preferably high-speed action scenes that end with a little bit of gore, among other shocking details, he he ;)

Sophia: I have two paranormal romance short stories out on Amazon. I've also completed 20,000 words of a paranormal murder mystery that will someday, someday be a novel. To me, "paranormal" is more of a subgenre, but it seems to be the theme common to my writing. I'm intrigued by all things different and spooky, and I've always had a soft spot for monsters--be they antagonist or steamy male lead.  

Valerie: Paranormal romance

D.C: Hell, sometimes I wonder if I’m still trying to choose what I want to write, but with all the different genres, I seem to be peeking all over the place. I started out with paranormal romance, but I think I will end up sticking to romantic suspense. It is, after all, where the bad boys like to play. *grins* 

Okay, next question. How has your experience writing erotica changed from your normal genre?

Michaela: I've had to try to concentrate on lust rather than emotional connection, and the sex side of the story, instead of "fade to black" so that has been a challenge.

Renea: There is less focus on the elements that lead to sex and more focus on the sex itself. Also in writing erotic romance sex tends to be the result, whereas in erotica it is the catalyst.

Lea: How many times do you think we can get Renea to say sex? *laughs* I wrote graphic sex scenes in my previous work as well, so that isn’t new. What’s changed is the story’s edge level, and the type of characters. While I used to “impersonate” a bad guy and explore his motivations, the people I’m portraying now are quite normal. That’s refreshing. It doesn’t mean they have a clear conscience, but at least their [somewhat horny] personalities are easier to handle.

Sophia: *whispers to Renea* Lea said horny. *chuckles* I've decided to give a first person contemporary story a try. No monsters or cool magic to fall back on, just two characters, two regular human beings and all of the complexity that lies between them. It's going to be a challenge, but a fun one.

Valerie: I was really worried I wouldn’t be able to do this, after all, I’m a romantic at heart and leaving out the love aspect had me a little concerned. I stuck with the same genre since that is my comfort zone and came up with an idea.

Since I’m already used to writing sex, I simply bumped up the heat, tossed in some new terms for body parts and voila!

D.C: Heck, a difference? Is there much with my writing? *chuckles* I will refrain from answering that as besides the love, I really do not see too much of a difference.

Do you notice anything different about writing erotica?

Michaela: I've needed to expand my vocabulary quite a lot!

Renea: It has less of a fantasy filter. That’s not to say that erotica doesn’t play out fantasies but the outcome is more real than ideal.

Lea: What kind of fantasies, Renea? *wiggles brows*

Renea: *blank stare*

Lea: *laughs* While building a classic story with a plot and sub-plots, I keep a constant erotic “awareness”, sort of like considering every word through a smut lens filter before putting it to paper.

Sophia: It's more ... visceral. Sensory details are very important.

Valerie: *looks at Sophia* Sensory? Oh, you mean sex! I’ve found erotica is actually easier because sex is your main focus. A quickie in the kitchen or a long, sensual scene in the bedroom. The rest of the story is simply filler, a way to get from point A to point B.

D.C: *Can barely breathe at this point* Alright, what would you say has been the funnest part about writing erotica? I, for one, like the ability to make that instant lust connection. Well, it does come first in my WIP, but heck, not for long … *sings*

Michaela: Researching and then envisaging the character dynamics and physical positions for the scenes. I'm pretty sure my husband would say that's the best part too :-)

Renea: *smirks at Michaela* I just bet he does. The look on my husband’s face when he reads in print all the naughty stuff that runs through my head. Well… really it was more the devilish smile that followed.

Lea: Incorporating sex into every chapter, one way or the other, to maintain the erotic tension throughout. I’ve found it’s not too hard, and boy is this project a fun ride (every pun intended)!

Sophia: *laughing at Lea* I think you have to have a sense of humor to write erotica. You're writing about sex, SEX, this crazy, instinctive act that drives us all. It's actually pretty profound. As an erotica author, you need to be able to lighten it up by laughing at how many synonyms you've used to describe male genitalia-- for me, that's been the most fun, the terminologies.

Valerie: Trying to figure out how to position my characters. I almost feel as if I need a Ken and Barbie doll. I mean, can people actually bend that way?

D.C: *blinks at Valerie* Did you just say what I think you did? *glances at notes* You sure as hell did! *laughing* What is the one thing that you cringe about? I’m thinking I am about to give my Pops a heart attack. He just can’t read my work! (And no, Dad, I still will not become a sci-fi author. *winks*)

Michaela: Anyone from my family reading it!

Renea: I cringe when writing seems forced or when you can feel in the prose that the writer is uncomfortable with the topic they are exploring. The author needs to be completely comfortable for the story to achieve the suspension of disbelief needed for a truly arousing piece.

Of course, there are topics that make me cringe and for the very reason listed above, you won’t find me writing about them.

Lea: None I can think of. I thoroughly enjoy having free rein in my writing. 

Sophia: Honestly? The P-word for lady bits. I haven't used it in my writing and cringe when I see it elsewhere. You would think multiple viewings of The Vagina Monologues would have cured me of the affliction, but nope.

Valerie: I don’t know why, but being more descriptive had me blushing at first. Oh and how to refer to the female anatomy, I wasn’t used to throwing out the P word. *laughs*

D.C: *takes notes* Okay, so the girls do not like pussy. *dodges some inanimate object flying through the air* Any particular research you've conducted for your erotica piece?

Michaela: I've broadened my reading library to include erotic works, published and from free sites. And some parts are actually based around real people and events in my other life, so I've tried to tease more information out of them on the QT :-)

Renea: Not for this piece.

Lea: Well, as I’ve always been very naïve about the whole gay thing, I’ve had to study photos, videos, and detailed descriptions … Heh, I’m pretty sure with this new in-depth knowledge of mine, so to speak, I could convince any man to want to have it with another guy. *grins*

Sophia: My male lead is from El Salvador. He and his family moved to the US to escape his country's twelve-year civil war. It's important that I get the political and historical facts right, so it's involved a fair amount of research.

Valerie: Absolutely! I’ve been reading erotica. I’ve delved into both erotic romance and straight erotica so I could see the difference.

D.C: I had to research a specific criminal case from a few years back. *makes a face* Alright, ladies, can you tell us a little about your story?

Michaela: Natalie comes home one day to find her arse husband has left her. Her best friend, Chantelle, drags her along to work that night as a makeup artist for a gentlemen's club. Chantelle puts Natalie in costume and send her out on the floor to grab some drinks, and to boost her confidence. Little does Natalie know that her friend is setting her up for much more ...

Renea: A marketing professional becomes the interest of a Noble prize-winning doctor responsible for saving her sister’s life.

Struggling with feelings of admiration, gratefulness and attraction, Elaine must make a choice when the good doctor asks for her participation in a personal matter. Does she agree, knowing she’ll be changed forever or decline and always be haunted by his promises of pleasure beyond her greatest imagination?

Lea: Two handsome bicyclists stop at a bed & breakfast in the French Alps. The young hostess Anne loves her husband Brian, but is a bit disappointed by the lack of sexual excitement in their relationship. It turns out that their guests, grounded by a storm, are more than willing to provide a little drama to their lives!

Sophia: Spanish professor Arturo Salas is a good man. Raised in war-ravaged El Salvador, he's witnessed humankind's capacity for evil firsthand--and as a result vowed to always live a life of honor. He's an educator, a community activist, and attends Mass several times a week. But he's also having an affair with one of his students, a naive girl twenty years his junior.

Valerie: Katrina’s father is dying. His journal tells of a mysterious emerald that holds healing powers hidden in the depths of the rain forest. In order to find it, she must hire Damis, a local demon to take her on a journey through the Amazon. Kat gets more than she bargained for when Damis negotiates sex into the deal.

D.C: Yesterday, she was the bane of his existence. Today, he wants nothing more than to take her to his bed. Tomorrow, he learns her name.

*grins*

Note: All the pieces are works in progress and I know many often either blog about their experiences with these pieces or post about it on Facebook.

To follow along with the girls, check out their websites or Facebook pages listed below. To connect with the rest of the team, be sure to visit us at http://coffeetalkwriters.com. Many have published pieces, and we would all love for you to check them out. They can be found on many different retailers, details listed on each website, and we all would of course, love to hear from you!

Cheers!

D.C. Stone: You're here!

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Michaela Miles:

• Facebook

Renea Mason:

• Facebook
• Website

Sophie Jones:

• Website

Valerie Twombly:

• Facebook
• Website

Lea Bronsen:

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Book Boyfriends...

They can be strong and sexy, dark and dangerous, rebellious and reckless or cute and quirky. We love to fall in love with these irresistible heroes and Evernight Publishing has them all!

The authors of Evernight invite you to a Speed Date challenge. Their cowboys, Doms, detectives, millionaires, royalty, vampires, soldiers, shifters, even steam-powered heroes are waiting to meet you on each author website. 50 heroes in 7 days! Are you up for the challenge?

Pull up a chair and get to know every single one. I’d love to introduce you to my hero...


I’m staring at the screen; trying to possibly think of all the reasons Bari Daxter deserves his spotlight. You see, he is a hard man to explain and more so, there’s no possible way to elucidate who the man is. For one, he’s completely different from who he used to be. And two, Bari is not your average, everyday human. He’s much more and he’s the reason the world continues to spin.

Yeah, no shit.

In order to sum up my meaning as easy as I possibly can, the best description I can give you is Bari is a six-foot, four, two hundred and sixty-five pound, man—a black hair and ice blue eyes, cool as the ice caps of Antarctica, Justice Demon.

(Hands brush aside my fingers)

Bari is a mutherfucking God is what he is.

“Bari! In case you’ve missed it, I’m the one writing here.” For the love of …

“And doing a piss poor job at it, if I might add, D.C.”

Heat creeps over my face.  Really, the gall of this man. “Excuse me,” I begin.

“Did you fart?” he asks.

Sputtering, I stare at him in disbelief. This man truly has no shame. If I did not know any better, I’d think the ass of the past has returned.  However, the twinkle in his cobalt eyes, the slight laughter-lines surrounding his eyes, and the twitching of his lips has understanding dawning as I figure out his plan.

You see, long gone is the tortured man of the past, one who was lost in a world so big. A man who led a team of Special Forces through the dry deserts of Iraq, who ran away from home, tearing out his heart in the process. One who had vivid, painful memories—more so nightmares, if you ask me—of his mother being killed before his eyes. If all of that wasn’t bad enough, he had to watch as his mother was slain by the only hero he had known, one meant to protect and cherish their child—his father.

But things always have a way of growing complicated just when you thought they couldn’t get any worse, right?

Sensing a presence inside his body, something he’d suspected for so long, this inner company rose to the surface—the demon—after he was shot trying to protect his best friend, Mike.

(The chair spins away from the desk.)

I’m a fucking hero. Yeah, people, you’re reading right. Bari Daxter is not only one good-looking hunk of a man. But, he’s also a hero, a God, and he has a really big co--

I hold up the plug for the keyboard, scowling at him. For real now, he has absolutely no shame. 

He frowns at the screen, and then glances over at me.  Dark indigo eyes widen, then narrow on the cord I dangle in my hand.  Bari straightens, rising to his full height.  He turns toward me.

“D.C …” he croons.

Okay, the guy is intimidating as hell.  I step back and force down the lump of fear in my throat. It’s not just Bari’s power, which I feel sliding along my skin like little sparks of electricity, the kind of shock you get when you drag your feet across the carpet during dry, winter months.  But, it’s because even without saying a word, he emits a raw kind of sensuality, one that calls to the submissive in any one, regardless of their gender.

“Don’t D.C. me,” I stammer, attempting, but failing to mimic his voice.  Clearing my parched throat, I try again. “Where’s Mackenzie? Don’t you have somewhere else to be?”

He smiles and it spreads across his face like a slow sunrise. Just because the expression is on the features of a harden male, it makes it no less beautiful. Bari’s a gorgeous man.

“Come on,” he says. “They all want to hear about it.”

“They?” I ask. “It?”  Really, I should know better by now, but yeah, I really did ask.

He crosses his arms across his chest, the smile turning too smug for my liking.  Oh hell …

“Yeah, the guys want something to compare themselves to, and the ladies all love my coc—”

“Bari!” I shout over the last word, my face on fire now.  Laughter dances in his eyes. The sigh that escapes my mouth cannot be contained. This man has done a complete one-eighty in such a short amount of time. Whereas before I was scared he’d bury himself under the hate and despair sitting on his shoulders, he now stands tall, eyes stress-free, laughter open and unrestrained. 

I know the reason for this change, too. It includes a green eyed, petite, yet curvy woman. 

But really, Mackenzie could bring out the best in anyone.  Trust me on this.

Sitting back at the desk, keyboard once again connected, I try to ignore the menacing presence behind me. It’s pretty hard to concentrate though. The weight of him watching me is almost too much.

Unease skitters across my skin like a million spiders picking their way across a field. Sweat pops along my temples, and the screen in front of me goes blurry. Words slide together until it’s a jumble of figures vying for attention.

“Breathe, D.C!”

His words snap my mind and body. I inhale a long gulp of air noisily.  It takes me several moments to get my body under control, but once the oxygen is flowing smooth again, I turn in the chair and face him, crossing one leg over the other.  His gaze dropping to the action does not escape my notice and I raise a brow, and fold my arms across my chest.  I’m not concerned about his wandering eyes though, I know this guy is head-over-heels.

“I need you to leave. Scamper, take off,” I say.

He matches my brow. “Why? You love me.”

I let out a deep breath and pull my eyes from his intense gaze. “I do love you. I love each one of you so much. But right now, I’m trying to make you shine. This is your spotlight and because I adore you so much, I want to make sure I can give you justice. Make sure I show just how bad ass and delectable you are to those who’ll be reading your story.”

“Really, D.C. You don’t have to do much to make me shine. Two minutes into my book, they’ll see it for themselves.”

The arrogant ass.  “Ego, Bari!  Careful, you might not fit your head through the door.”

“Confidence, D.C. But my coc …”

He stops speaking and gives another heart-wrenching smile. “You sure I can’t stick around and help?”

Oh hell, when he asks like that, it kills me to turn him away.

“You’re distracting, Bari.  I can’t concentrate with you here. Intensity is something you’re definitely not lacking in.”

He crosses the floor, takes my chair, and spins me back toward the computer screen. His breath washes over the side of my face as he leans down.

“Then get writing, D.C. And one more thing …”

I’m losing the ability to think with him so close, but I manage a, “What?”

It may have come out all airy, and he laughs in his knowing way, but leans in to give a chaste kiss on my cheek.

“Thank you, and we love you, too.”

With those parting words, I don’t have to look to know he’s done that flashy thing and gone off to terrorize someone else—Tyler most likely. Bari’s words give me pause as my heart turns into melted dark chocolate, all warm and smooth. When he shows affection, really, that’s why I think he would make the best boyfriend. Because when he gives you his full attention, he makes you feel like you are his world.

Settling back at the desk, I take a deep breath and start typing: “All the reasons why Bari would and does make the best boyfriend …”


What’s up for grabs?

•              One lucky hopper will win a KINDLE PAPERWHITE eREADER sponsored by Evernight Publishing.

•              Every book blogger/reviewer site is giving away one free eBook from Evernight (winner’s choice of any eBook from Evernight Publishing’s website).

•              Plus, each author offers their own unique prize! So visit each blog hop stop for a host of fabulous prizes to win.

How to enter?

Who's life did Bari save in Iraq? Be sure you leave the answer and your email address in the comments below to be eligible to win a prize.

Keep hopping to the next author or blogger. After you’ve met each hero click here to vote for your favorite book boyfriend. You’ll earn an extra grand prize entry!

You’re one step closer to meeting your next Book Boyfriend...

(Alright folks, if you want to vote for Bari, then let me help you out toward winning that grand prize, which is listed through Evernight.  You must not only comment, but you must leave your email address below.  

For my main prize I'm giving away, I've created a basket full of items, to include Bari's book, Feral Craving, a bag of dark chocolate, and a $5 gift card to Evernight Publishing's website.  In order to win this, all you gotta do is follow me on Twitter, if you have it, or Facebook, or share the giveaway. Links are below for easy access!  When you comment with your answer to the question above, be sure to remember to leave your email so I can get in contact with the winner! 

Best of luck!)

(Squeals!  I've got Sandra stopping by today to tell us all about her new release, The Submission of a Mafia Princess.  Being a fellow Jersey girl ... well, read on and find out all about this!)

Duty, Respect and Honor thy Family...

As the only child of notorious mob boss, Tony “The Chief” Azzari, Antonietta lives her life by this mantra. Toni never questions the world where decisions are made for her, until she meets Harley-Davidson riding bad boy, Braxton Malone. Ever since their fiery first kiss all those years ago, she can’t deny the desire to submit to his control.

Brax always knew he’d be walking a dangerous tightrope if he fell for Toni, but like a moth to a flame, he couldn't stay away. Barely surviving the wrath of the mob within an inch of his life, a scorned Brax has vowed never again to allow a woman under his skin.

Three years later, Brax is a top Dom at The Satin Rose Experience, New York’s posh BDSM club. When Toni shows up to fulfill her fantasy of submission before being forced into a loveless marriage, that vow is in just as much jeopardy as his life. Can they overcome the crimes of passion from their past and change Toni’s fate forever?

Excerpt:

            Toni lay in darkness, left alone with her thoughts and listening to the air flowing in through her nose and out through her mouth as Mia had instructed. Candles were one of Toni’s demands, especially when she discovered the submissive pose would push her ass high in the air. She couldn’t handle a harsh spotlight on her full cheeks. Even though she didn’t want to admit it, the dim lights also served the purpose of keeping her Dom of choice, Mick, as anonymous as possible. Not that she needed candles for that; his last minute demand was to blindfold her. Something that they hadn’t talked about while reviewing her soft and hard limits.

            Toni wasn’t sure how much time had passed since Mia left the room after preparing her for the scene. She tested the restraints connected to her wrist bindings. Only an inch or two of slack allowed her to shift slightly on the sumptuous bed. Crisp linens cradled her shins, which were spread slightly. Deep breaths pushed her leather-covered breasts into the soft mattress. Her position of submission caused the leather strap between her backside cheeks to tighten against her sensitized folds.

            The click of the lock and slide of the door caused every nerve ending to stand at attention. Heavy footfalls sounded on the suite’s plush carpeting. Concentrating on her breathing, Toni willed her heart to stay within the confines of her chest.

            Inhale through her nose. Fingers caressed the back of her calf and eased her shoe off her right foot.

            Exhale through her mouth. Her other shoe slid from her foot and a single finger drew a slow line down the bottom of her foot.

            Inhale. The ticking of a zipper filled her ears.

            Exhale. Shit, the breathing thing wasn’t working.

            Inhale and hold. She squeezed her eyes shut. I can do this. I can do this.

            The floodgates opened with a sobbing exhale. “Fire! Fire. I’m sorry. I can’t. I just...can’t. I thought I could. I thought it would be like before. But it’s not.”

            “Before?” a low voice whispered. There was something about that voice.

            “Yes, before. With Brax. I’m sorry. I just can’t, not like this." A sob wracked her chest and tears soaked her blindfold.

            “Shh, it’s okay,” Hands stroked her hair enveloping her into a comforting sensation that was as familiar as breathing. She picked her head up and perked her ears toward the source.

            “Brax?”

            “It’s me, Antonietta. You’re safe.”

            The bed dipped next to her and the blindfold slipped off her head. She blinked a few times to focus her eyes.

            “Hello, sunshine.”

            “What are you doing here?”

            “Come on, you know me a little better than to think I’d sit back idly and allow some random man have his way with you.”

            Toni sat up on her heels causing her tethered hands to rise awkwardly.

            “Here. Let’s get you out of these.” Brax unhooked the restraints from her bindings and took her hands into his. He untied the satin cords and slowly uncoiled them from her wrists. Rubbing them in between his hands, memories came flooding back. Back when she was his.

            “You look beautiful,” he said, surveying her body.

            She focused on his face, attempting to sear every feature of him into her memory: the planes and light stubble of his cheeks, his tousled hair, and his eyes that had always been able to read her like a book from the first day they met.

            There was so much she wanted to say, but it was pointless. “One night is all we have.”

            Brax took her chin between his thumb and index finger and pulled her close. “I know. Get up and get dressed.”

            “Where are we going?”

            “Your fantasy of submission starts now. No questions,” he said and playfully slapped her ass. Grabbed his jacket from the chair, he strode to the door before turning around.

            “You have ten minutes. Wear a dress and these.” He pulled a flash of red and lace from the jacket’s pocket and tossed it to Toni.

Find THE SUBMISSION OF A MAFIA PRINCESS here:

Evernight Publishing / Amazon / AllRomance eBooks / Bookstrand

Author Bio:

Sandra Bunino is a numbers crunching business professional by day who stays up past her bedtime thanks to her oh-so-sexy imagination. Who needs sleep, anyway? Sandra is constantly searching for different ways to achieve a heart-pumping, stomach-flipping, breath-catching reaction from her readers.

These days, Sandra lives on a wooded mountaintop not far from New York City with her family. She always looks forward to hearing from her readers and she may be contacted at sbunino@gmail.com. As a social media junkie in need of a ten-step program, you can also follow her on Facebook and Twitter (@sandrabunino).

Stalk Sandra here:

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