Titillating Villains List

SidneyKay here from Kay's Blog

Has this ever happened to you? You’re sitting in a theater watching some pretty boy cavort on the screen, say, oh, Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt, Denzel Washington or maybe an old black and white with Gary Grant, Errol Flynn or Tyrone Power. Suddenly you’re distracted by a deep rough voice with a southern accent (or English or Spanish or whatever). And you take a second look… and find that your eyes are following this man, who usually has greasy hair. You can’t take your eyes off of him, and to top it off, you start to look for him in other movies. Who is this guy? Why, he’s the villain, the sexy villain. Sometimes he’s good looking, but a lot of times he isn’t. But this sleazy, smarmy, creepy guy can certainly make the little ol’ heart beat just a little faster.

Well, over the years I have collected quite a list of these ne’er-do-wells, heels, or sexy scoundrels, and I call it my Titillating Villains List. And, I’m sharing it with you. You may feel free to add to it, cause I know you have them. In no particular order, except for number one.

1. Alan Rickman. First of all, Alan Rickman is the best bad guy… and he is sexy. When I first saw him in Die Hard, I thought…Gads! Who is that guy? Thank goodness, he’s still around. And if you want to see a villain who can knock your socks off, take a gander at Quigley Down Under - bad movie, great villain. Of course, could anyone play Snape the way Mr. Rickman does? Nope! Now, there is a role out there that Alan Rickman plays that is one of my favorites and he’s not a villain, although he is a little sarcastic - Alexander Dane from Galaxy Quest. Great movie, great part! Alan Rickman can also play the hero and has a wonderful romantic turn in Sense and Sensibility. But ya gotta love his villains!

2. Michael Wincott. I hear voices out there asking, who? All I can say is if you ever hear his voice, you will be wiping drool from your chin for a long time. First time I saw him was in the perfectly dreadful movie 1492: Conquest of Paradise. He gallops into camera view, on his horse, his long black hair flapping in the breeze… and I was lost. For more on Mr. Wincott (the voice) check out, Strange Days and The Crow. He also has a website that has sound waves that you can download (I haven’t become quite that silly…yet).

3. William Forsythe. Not really good looking and once again it’s the voice that first draws you in. Usually he uses a southern accent, sometimes he’s a cop, sometimes he’s a killer. Doesn’t matter - he is a scene stealer. He’s in Once Upon a Time in America, Raising Arizona and the one that I first noticed him in, The Gun in Betty Lou’s Handbag. Cute movie… really bad, sexy guy.

4. Jason Isaacs. Really, does anything say sexy more than Lucius Malfroy? Yes, this is supposed to be a young adult movie, but really… talk about throbbing… hearts. I did see Mr. Isaacs in another movie without the long hair, not so throbbing, so, maybe it’s the hair because look at all some of his villainy movies: The Patriot and Peter Pan… long hair… sexy, sneering villain. One of my new favorite bad guys.

5. Sean Bean. Now, Sean Bean has played heroes and villains, and Captain Sharpe is really quite a hunk, but I love him when he’s bad… he’s a very intense actor. There’s Lord of the Rings, The Hitcher, Ronin, Patriot Games… what a great villain.

6. George Sanders. Yes, I said George Sanders. No one, no where, no how plays an oozing, charming bad boy better than George Sanders did. He’s pretty oozy in Rebecca, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, and All About Eve, but I think his best smarmy bad boy role was in The Picture of Dorian Gray. And with the goatee, he’s even kind of good looking.

7. Basil Rathbone. While we are in black and white territory, let me introduce you to a snarling sexy villain, Basil Rathbone. Forget those Sherlock Holmes movies and check out Captain Blood, Zorro, and Robin Hood. In Captain Blood, Robin Hood and Zorro, Rathbone is up against two pretty boys - Errol Flynn and Tyrone Power - but my eyes are always drawn to Rathbone. He’s quite a snarl-er. And if you want to see him really creepy, check out the old David Copperfield and watch a very young Rathbone cast lustful eyes on David’s mother… you won’t forget that look!

8. Tim Curry. Yes, I think Tim Curry makes a sexy bad guy. Am I the only one that thinks Dr. Frank-n-furter (Rocky Horror Picture Show) coming down the elevator in those giant heels is sexy? I bet not! Now’s the time to admit it and not be ashamed. Shout it from the roof tops – Dr. Frank-n-furter is sexy! And, Tim Curry was the best thing to happen in another “what were they thinking” movie - Legend. What more could anyone want than a guy with big horns?

9. Yul Brynner. Whenever I read a romance novel that has a swaggering man in it, I always think of Yul Brynner. Watch him walk across the screen - he doesn’t walk he swaggers. Check out these movies for this wonderful exotic man: The Ten Commandments (a movie filled with ham actors and weird casting - Edward G. Robinson as an Egyptian? Puh-leese) and Westworld (talk about sexy robots). And, he’s bald!!!

10. Wes Studi. Was anyone more of a villain than Magua in Last of the Mohicans? But didn’t we all secretly think he was also quite sexy? Fess up...you know you did!

11. Ben Kinsley. Forget Gandhi. Think Sexy Beast! And, another bald guy. But Kingsley in Sexy Beast… wow! You should also look out for him in Transsiberian. Hubba hubba.

12. Delroy Lindo. Another man, who the first time I saw him, was up against a pretty boy - Denzel Washington (who, by the way, also does a great bad guy). Lindo played a sleazy, sexy gangster in Malcolm X and then turned in what should have been an Oscar winning performance in the same role when he slides down the hill… You were robbed Delroy! Robbed! Check him out in Get Shorty also!

13. Dennis Farina. And while we’re on Get Shorty. No one can fill a silk suit the way Dennis Farina can. Is he pretty? Not really. But when you see this guy play a sleazy villain, you’re not going to forget him for a long time. Be sure to catch one of his early roles in Midnight Run – talk about a bad guy!

14. Ralph Fiennes. Yes, I know he plays good guys! Yes, I know he’s sort of good-looking. But let’s look at his bad guys. Talk about intense! Lord Vordemort in the graveyard, when he is first moving around in his new body and silky robes is pretty hot! And Amon Goeth…is Goeth sexy? Nor really. But he is certainly mesmerizing and intense. And, whenever he is in the scene, your eye is drawn to him. In fact, no one can do intense the way Fiennes does and that makes it sexy. Would I want to hang around him (Fiennes?) Nah, I think it would be too much work; I’ll just enjoy him from afar on the big screen.

15. Anthony Quinn. Forget those silly Oscar winning roles! Who needs a guy dancing on the sand… well, maybe me. However, if you want to see a sexy sneer, check out Road to Singapore (Bob Hope/Bing Crosby road movie.) Yes, I’m a nerd. Yes, I admit it - those road pictures are a guilty pleasure. But a young Anthony Quinn in the giant white hat is truly eye-catching. He also makes a dandy is-he-or-isn’t-he-a-bad-guy in The Ghostbreakers.

16. Queen Margot. This is a movie you say! Yes, I know this is a movie. But let me tell you about this movie. Even though it is filled with a lot of over-acting it is also just swarming with sexy bad guys… and they all have accents! At least for me they have accents! If you’ve never seen this movie, check it out… great costumes. But it also has three guys I just love:
17. Jean-Hugues Anglade (cleans up pretty good), 18. Daniel Auteuil, and 19. Gregory Pascal. I don’t know if it’s the greasy hair or what… but I love this movie and its sexy bad guys (Auteuil is actually a good guy) so much that I own it. Wish it would be released in the extended version. The best bad guy is Pascal! He is truly evil. And watch for the giant kiss scene on the balcony.

20. Goran Visnjc. Jimmy Angelov - need I say more? Oh sure, now Goran's gone on to play good guy doctors, but when I first saw him in one of my favorite guilty pleasure movies, Practical Magic, I thought wow, what a hunk! You go Nicole! Those eyes! Can you be smoldering and hot at the same time? Goran can. Combined with the accent and those beautiful eyes, even when they're silver, he can be sinister and sexy at the same time.

And, that makes my list of 20 Titillating Villains. I’ve often asked myself why these guys/characters jump out at me from the screen, but I’ve never really figured it out. I know I’m not alone in my fascination with bad guys. They’re creepy, smarmy, oily, not particularly good looking, sometimes maniacs, sometimes murderous but most times there is also something sensual about them… they draw your attention away from the hero, and unlike villains in books, they don’t reform. Is it the voice, the greasy hair or the bald head? Is it the actor or the character? The script? What is it? Maybe, it’s a combination of all that. Whatever it is, it makes life interesting. And now, what are some of your favorite ne’er-do-wells?

http://sidneykay.blogspot.com/

Take A Chance On Me - Winner!

Thanks to everyone who commented on my post this week! I've chosen a name at random from all commenters, and the winner of a free copy of Take A Chance on Me is:

Artemis!

Congrats! Please contact me off-blog to let me know which format you prefer. And thanks again for hanging out with me last week!

What kind of Warrior do you Want?

Hi there, Evangeline Anderson author of steamy smut and general all-around naughtiness here and I have a question for you—

What kind of Warrior do you Want?

You can take your pick, ladies. My new series, Brides of the Kindred is about a race of genetic traders who want to establish a trade with Earth. The three genetic trades the Kindred have already made have resulted in three very specific types of Alpha males. But though they take on some of the physical characteristics of the race they are trading with, the Kindred gene always ensures three things: physical prowess, extremely large and muscular body structure, and undying loyalty to the female of their choice.

***Want to read Claimed, the first book in the series for free? See later in the post for my special offer.***

Beast Kindred come from Rageron—a jungle planet full of beautiful but deadly flora and fauna. They have dark hair, golden eyes, and hot tempers but their most defining characteristic is the mating fist. The mating fist is an area at the base of the Beast Kindred’s shaft which engages fully only during bonding sex with his chosen mate. This ensures sex that is both tantric and multiorgasmic for both partners.

Blood Kindred are blond with pale blue eyes and come from Tranq Prime where ice, snow, and arctic-like temperatures are the norm. To combat the severe weather conditions, the Blood Kindred have higher than normal body heat with double the human amount of red blood cells. They have developed specific biting rituals to share their supercharged blood and take the blood of their mates during their own version of bonding sex. They have a set of double fangs located where a human’s canine teeth would be. These fangs do not develop fully or become sharp enough to pierce flesh until a Blood Kindred is with a woman he wishes to mate and bond with.

Twin Kindred come from Twin Moons—a world of vast, stormy oceans dotted with craggy but beautiful islands. True to their namesake, Twin Kindred always come in pairs. The brothers are not identical, however. There is always a light twin and a dark twin. These labels refer not just to skin, hair, and eye coloring but to the twin’s moods and perceptions of the world. The dark twin in the pair is usually more moody and withdrawn while the light twin takes a substantially brighter view of life. The twins are closely linked and able to sense each other’s emotions. They cannot be separated by long distances or for long periods of time without severe pain. They must also share a woman, linking her into their mental and emotional exchange for very intense ménage sex.

Of course if you’d rather have one of the bad guys you can opt for one of…

The Scourge—A genetic trade gone wrong, these menacing outsiders have twisted desires and sexual needs fierce enough to frighten away even the most adventurous. Their need to dominate and possess their women completely has led to a strange prophesy that they must fulfill…or die trying.

I have four books planned for the series,
Claimed
Hunted
Sought
Found

The first book, Claimed, is about Olivia Waterhouse, a regular Earth girl who has just graduated nursing school. She’s all set to begin her life when she finds out that she’s been “drafted” or claimed by a Kindred warrior as his bride. By law she has to go to the Kindred Mothership for a one month Claiming Period. If she can resist the warrior’s advances for that long, she’s allowed to go home and get on with her life. The problem is, he’s allowed to touch her more intimately every week and since the Kindred make it their life’s mission to please their women sexually, holding out is going to be harder than she imagined.
Can you say resistance is futile? ; )

For your (ahem) edification and in case you should be called as a Kindred bride yourself, here are the rules of the Claiming Period.

The Claiming Period lasts for four weeks during which the Kindred warrior attempts to seduce his chosen bride and she tries to resist him:
The Holding Week: the Kindred warrior may hold his bride.
The Bathing Week: the warrior and his bride bathe together and he is allowed to massage her with scented oils and make her come.
The Tasting Week: the warrior is allowed to perform oral sex on his bride.
The Bonding Week: sex is allowed but it is completely up to the bride whether she will take things a step further and allow bonding sex which is a special and specific process to the three different types of Kindred males. (Most women have given in well before this point but a few do resist.)

Well, I think you can see why Olivia is having a hard time resisting her personal Kindred warrior. Not that she isn’t trying her hardest—after all, she doesn’t want to leave her friends and family and she didn’t just go through four years of nursing school to sit around on her tushy eating alien bon-bons and playing housewife to a massive Kindred warrior—no matter how hot he is. Oh and Olivia’s guy? He’s a Beast Kindred which means he can go for hours with no stopping. And that’s exactly what he wants to do to poor Olivia. Ouch. Or yum depending on your viewpoint.

Here’s an excerpt to get you hot and bothered but before I post that, let me tell you about my special offer.

READ THE BOOK FOR FREE

I’ve been an established author with Ellora’s Cave, Loose id, and Samhain for years but I decided I wanted to strike out on my own which is why I wrote Brides of the Kindred. My main market is Amazon Kindle. Now as you may know, a book lives or dies on its reviews on Amazon. I’m willing to give you a free copy of Claimed if you’ll promise to write a review. Of course, this will have to be on the honor system. I can’t come to your house and MAKE you write the review but I hope you’ll like the book so much you’ll want to write one anyway. And if you don’t like it, kindly write me an e-mail instead and tell me how you think I can make Book 2 in the series better. If you’re interested please write me at vangiekitty@aol.com and I’ll get you set up with the book and a link to its page on Amazon. Thanks and now on to the excerpt!

Claimed Excerpt—not suitable for work (unless you have a kinky boss ; )

Suddenly she wished that she’d read the fine print on the contract she’d signed and not just relied on Kat to interpret it for her. All she really knew was that they had to sleep in the same bed and eat at the same table every day and night and he wasn’t allowed to touch her in a sexual way during the first week. Don’t forget you have to start bathing with him during the second week, whispered the little voice in her head. Just the thought of that gave her the shivers again.

So what exactly happened in weeks three and four? What was he allowed to do? How was he allowed to touch her? She knew it was up to her whether she let him have bonding sex with her or not but she still didn’t know exactly what that entailed. Also, what about regular sex? Was he allowed to do that to her? And when? And where? And how?

Head spinning with questions, Liv made a mental note to get a copy of the contract she’d signed and go over it with a fine toothed comb. She needed to know what she’d gotten into if she was ever going to find a way to get out of it again.

“Here we are.” Baird’s deep voice startled her out of her internal daze and Liv looked up to see that he was gesturing to a plain silver door. As he motioned it slid inwards with a soft swoosh revealing a dark space of indeterminate size.

Liv looked up at him nervously. “This is it?”

He nodded. “The back entrance, anyway. Brought you this way so no other male could see you.” He eyed her hungrily again and Liv pulled his dark crimson shirt closer around her body, as though it could shield her from the desire in his eyes.

“Uh, looks nice,” she said, making no move to go it. The dark room or rooms he was indicating were suddenly looking pretty scary. She had the feeling that if she was in a horror movie right now the people in the audience would be screaming “Don’t go in there!” at the top of their lungs.

“Well?” Baird gestured again, obviously waiting for her to precede him but still Liv hung back.

“Uh…I think I forgot something on the ship,” she said, backing away. “Do you mind if I go get it?”

“You didn’t bring anything to forget.” There was a definite hint of impatience in the deep, growling voice. “Are you coming in or not?”

“I choose not.” Liv shook her head. “I just…I don’t think so. No thanks.”

Baird looked at her with obvious disbelief. “You have to come in—this is where I live. Where else would you stay?”

“Um—well, do you guys have guest rooms or anything like that? I mean, it’s a big ship so you must have someplace else, right?” Liv was feeling more and more nervous and it wasn’t just the fact that he was big and dangerous and scary looking. She had a feeling that if she went into his suit, that she might not come out again as the same person. That somehow being near him twenty-four/seven for the next month would change her, make her lose control.

“Olivia, you can’t stay in the guest quarters. You’re my bride and this is our claiming period.” The big warrior was practically growling with impatience. “What’s the problem?”

“How can you ask me that?” she flared at him, crossing her arms protectively over her chest.
“You stand there staring at me like I’m an antelope and you’re a really hungry lion and you’ve told me about twelve times how you can’t wait to get me in bed, or up against the wall, or anywhere at all for that matter. And now you want to know why I’m scared to go into a dark room and be alone with you? What do you think I am—crazy?”

He blew out a breath and ran a hand through his thick black hair. “I can’t believe this. Haven’t I told you I would never hurt you?”

Liv frowned up at him. “Yeah, well, I’m not sure about your definition of ‘hurt.’ I mean, forced sex isn’t always painful but just because it doesn’t hurt doesn’t mean it isn’t rape.”

“Is that what you think of me? That I want to take you by force?” He swooped down on her suddenly, eyes blazing a molten gold. Liv backed up but before she knew it she was pinned against one cold metal wall with his thick, muscular arms on either side of her and his face inches from hers.

“Well what am I supposed to think?” she demanded, hoping her voice didn’t tremble too much.

“You can think whatever you want, Olivia, but you should know one thing.” He leaned even closer, his hot breath stirring her hair as he murmured in her ear. “When I take you—because I will take you—make no mistake about that,” he said, cutting off her protest. “When I do, I promise you’ll want it every bit as bad as I do. You’ll beg for it, Linlenta. Beg to have my shaft inside you, filling you up as I bond you to me forever.”

“You arrogant bastard.” Liv narrowed her eyes at him. “You must have a pretty high opinion of yourself if you think I’ll welcome you with open arms and beg for more.”

“It’s not an opinion, it’s a fact.” He drew back so that his lips were hovering over hers, close enough to kiss but not quite touching. Liv could almost taste the exotic cinnamon spice of his breath and his scent, the wild musk that she kept noticing when she was near him, seemed to invade all her senses at once, making her dizzy.

“You…I…What makes you think that?” She wished she could think of a wittier comeback but somehow her brain didn’t seem to be working right. All she could think about was how close he was, all she could feel was the heat radiating from his big body and bare chest against her own mostly bare skin.

“The reason I know how you’ll react is because I’m going to spend hours getting you ready, driving you crazy with my mouth and hands.” His eyes were blazing and half lidded with lust as he spoke.

“Get…getting me ready?” Liv faltered.

Slowly, he nodded. “I can’t wait to touch you. Can’t wait to taste you—to spread your sweet, creamy thighs and put my tongue in your hot little pussy until you beg for more. Beg to have me inside you, filling you all night.”

“I—” Liv began but he cut her off with a kiss. And not a butterfly-soft kiss like the one he’d given her at the HKR building, either. This time his mouth on hers was hard and demanding—as hard and demanding as the rigid shaft that was suddenly branding her belly. Liv fought him at first and then, panic making her heart race. And then, somehow she was kissing him back. His mouth was hot and forceful and his lips delicious—like sucking cinnamon candy. Baird reached down and she felt big, warm hands encircling her bare thighs. Then she was being lifted and carried into the dark room that had seemed so frightening just a few minutes ago.

Oh God, what am I doing? Where are we going? screamed the practical part of her brain. But her body overruled it as his tongue darted between her lips, licking with surprising delicacy at the roof of her mouth. Moaning, Liv licked back and before she knew it he was sucking her tongue in a way that made her faint with desire.

**That’s all for now but if you go to Smashwords http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/41592 you can read 15% of the book for free. And since it’s a plus length novel, 15% is a good amount. Or if you're a Kindle reader, you can find it on Amazon as well http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004N62M26/ref=cm_cd_asin_lnk


You can find me at my website http://www.evangelineanderson.com/
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#%21/profile.php?id=745272455
Twitter http://twitter.com/EvangelineA
MySpace http://www.myspace.com/evangelineanderson

Many thanks to the lovely ladies at Desert Island keepers for letting me post here today. It’s been a great pleasure and if anyone has questions about Claimed or the Brides of the Kindred (how exactly DOES the Beast Kindred’s mating fist work? And do the Twin Kindred REALLY have to have sex with their chosen bride at the same time?) feel free to comment and I’ll be happy to answer.
Evangeline

Kate Davies Drops In

Nice place you've got here!

Thanks so much for inviting me to drop by. It's chilly/slushy/snowy in my neck of the woods at the moment, so a visit to a tropical climate is much appreciated!

As is the view.

(What? He's totally an island boy.)

My name's Kate Davies, and my new release, Take A Chance On Me, is out this week from Samhain. I have a feeling my heroine, Jessica, could use a break right about now, too. See, she's just started her first teaching position, as a long-term substitute, and everything's pretty much going to hell.


The kids won't listen. The paperwork is insane. She's discovered that directing the school play is part of her responsibilities, which doesn't thrill her. And Tom, the school security officer, is messing with her head, showing up on a regular basis in her thoughts, her daydreams... her fantasies...


(Of course, if he insists on walking around looking like this, who's going to blame her?)

She knows that falling for a co-worker isn't the best idea she's ever had, but then neither was choosing Shakespeare for the first play she'll ever direct. So a time-out, especially when it holds the promise of suntan lotion and a drink with an umbrella in it, would be very much welcome.

Sadly for Jessica, there won't be any island-hopping anytime soon. Hard to get a permanent teaching contract if you drop everything for an unplanned vacation. On the other hand, Tom's hanging around, making everything at work just a little more interesting.

Hmmm... maybe there are some benefits to sticking close to home as well.

So I'll let Tom and Jessica sort things out at school while I get a refill on my margarita and watch the surfers do their thing. Won't you join me?

What's your take on co-workers dating? Yes, no, maybe? Would you take a chance on a relationship with someone you met on the job? Post a comment and be entered to win a copy of Take A Chance On Me!

Smexy's Books

I’m back for my last day at the island to talk about the books I have drafted to bring with me. For as much as I like my half nekkid heroes strutting about, what really entertains me are the books they come from. Here are my picks:


One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost – Yes, this has the infamous chapter 32 ;) But even better, this book (and series) has an amazing heroine and some of the best supporting characters in uf/pnr. Action, humor, and such great romance. LOVE.


Fatal Shadows by Josh Lanyon – I don’t remember where I first heard about Josh Lanyon – but whatever blog or forum I was reading directed me to Fatal Shadows, the first book in his Adrien English series. I was completely mesmerized by this book – and the subsequent four books in this series. Adrien and Jake – oh the torture of their relationship. Easily one of my favorite books/series.

Unholy Magic by Stacia Kane – There was so much hype this past summer when this series debuted (three books in three months.) I was a little late to the party, but I finally read them. The first book, Unholy Ghosts was good, but then I read the second, Unholy Magic and said – OH – I GET IT. Wow. Love the heroine. Love our hero, Terrible. The world is unique. I really can’t get enough of it.

Unveiled by Courtney Milan – This is another recent book, but has gone straight to my favorite list. It is just an extremely well written romance book. And when Ash calls Margaret a “magnificent creature” I swooned on the spot.


Moon Called by Patricia Briggs – This book was one of the first real urban fantasy books I read – and I was hooked. The dynamics between the pack, Mercy and Adam, coupled with the trouble Mercy always finds herself always impresses me.


As Shadows Fade by Colleen Gleason – This is book five (the final book) of Gleason’s Gardella Vampire series. I remember starting book one, The Rest Falls Away, and putting it down for some reason. It wasn’t until a friend called me up and convinced me to read this series with her – and I’m so glad she gave me that nudge. Max! Victoria! Sebastian! A wonderful love triangle, and a great end.


Lady of Light and Shadows by C.L. Wilson – Book two of one of my favorite series ever! I picked this book because there are so many awesome moments – I remember I literally had to put the book down because I became so anxious. Book five, Crown of Crystal Flame, concluded this series this year, and is an excellent end to this series.

Before I retire to my cabana with my men and books, I want to give a little shout-out to Tracy for all of her hard work organizing the draft and her patience when I picked a hero or book (more than once) that was already chosen. You rock girl!

Smexy's Heroes

(If I could frolic with him on an island I would)

One of the fun things you get to do when you join DIK is to draft eight fictional men to bring to the island with you! Now, since there are already veteran DIK members, not all of my favorite boys were available. But due to some people leaving the island, a few hotties opened up. So here are the boys I will be sexing up frolicking with on the island:


Bones (Jeaniene Frost)– Oh Bones, you British sex on a stick vampire. We shall reenact Chapter 32 (One Foot in the Grave) AND Chapter 21 (This Side of the Grave) all day and all night.


Adam Hauptman (Patricia Briggs)– *pets* He is my big, growly werewolf. So what if he will drown if he falls in the water – I don’t plan on swimming with him. We will roll around far from the edge of the ocean.


Terrible (Stacia Kane) – Yes! I drafted Terrible. He may not be the type to indulge himself with whimsical island adventures but he has my back. And he can talk to me in Downspeak all he wants.


Packard (Carolyn Crane) – Poor Packard, he is in dire need of a vacation after being stuck in that restaurant for so many years. He will be in charge of grilling and making me drinks. In return we get to zap each other *waggles eyebrows*


Marcus Worth (Kate Noble) – My sweet beta. Every girl needs at least one beta hero in her collection clutches life. Marcus may not growl when he gets angry, but he knows his way around a woman. And he can teach the other boys manners.


Dan Albright (LB Gregg) – Every girl also needs a gay boyfriend. Maybe I’ll invite Caesar along to the island for a wee bit of voyeurism. What?


Qhuinn (JR Ward) – Oh right – I also drafted Qhuinn! The durty, durty boy. He will give Dan a run for his money. And don’t worry – After I have my way with him I will return him back to the mainland so he can have his HEA with Blay. Qhuay forever!


Bran (Patricia Briggs) – The head honcho. The quiet yet deadly werewolf. I will roll over and show him my neck…among other body parts. He can have is way with me. And if he wants to get in a fight with Adam over me – that would be okay too.

So those are my picks. I’m quite pleased. Tomorrow I will be back to talk about the books I have chosen to bring with me to the island. Until then – I have to make the rounds. Oh boys….

Hello From the Land of Smexy

Sup y’all?

This is Smexy aka Mandi.  I’m so happy to be part of DIK, even though it took a last minute email from Tracy to remind me that it was my turn to post. (Srsly, how awesome is Tracy?!) I enjoy this blog and I’m excited I’m a part of it now! (Even though Kris has already tried to throw me off! – I kid, I kid – But I’m watching my back).


I thought I would talk a little bit about myself today for those who don’t know me. First and foremost I blog at Smexy Books. I review romance books and talk about my lust for all fictional men. But there is more to me than just my blog! I think.

I’m addicted to Twitter. A little while ago hubs said to me – “what would you do if you woke up one morning and Twitter just wasn’t there anymore?” Excuse me hubs?? What kind of sick question is that? I need this connection to other adults. I’m a stay at home mom. Most of my friends work. I get the kidlets off to school and then it is time to scrub the toilets (I live with all males) and steam the floors. Go to Walmart and the grocery store (I make a mean crockpot dinner.)

Hmmm, what else do I do? Let’s see, I blog, Tweet, mother, clean..Ah – I receive and send pervy emails. Just now as I’m typing this post I received my Daily Dickmail – just an innocent picture of Richard Armitage! Get your dirty minds out of the gutter.

When I’m not cleaning, mothering, online or receiving Dickmail, I’m reading. I read all genres of romance and urban fantasy. Some of my favorite authors include JR Ward, Nalini Singh, Illona Andrews, LB Gregg, Courtney Milan and Jeaniene Frost.

So that is a recap of my very exciting, fulfilling life. I honestly don’t think I would have it any other way. Tomorrow I will be back to discuss the boys I drafted to bring to the island with me. And oh boy did I get some studs ;)

US Only Competitions - A Whine.

I saw a link to a book competition the other week which sounded very cool. Until I saw the US only bit. How stink was that? I think US only competitions are a bit rubbish and it's an issue worthy of a bit of discussion.

The economy, postage costs etc, I get it. It's not that great out there. And apparently there is some new safety postage cost that makes it even worse. But seriously? Tell me about postage! Getting books into NZ, that aren't sold here, can cost a small fortune. Our dollar is worth a little less that the US, but it can still cost me up to 30$ or more to get a new paperback. (Which is why the Book Depository has been a godsend, but it doesn't always have everything!)

US only competitions are not a new thing either, this has been going on for a donkeys age, not just the last few years since the global downturn. But, either way, I really do think it's a little stink. Are fans outside the US a little less important? Or is it that US readers are have more influence when recommending books to others, or is it simply that the cost is too great for some authors? Personally, I don't get it.

Any thoughts?

Urban Fantasy Glom

Out summer starts around November/December and usually through to late March, sometimes early April (if we're lucky) here in the Antipodes. Although admittedly, it's been a bit crap lately. I've had some lovely, long days in the sun, listening to the dulcet tones of the fucking cicadas that start up at 6 each morning with my nose firmly planted in a book. People here in NZ often have loads of January off, which has meant plenty of time to trawl through book stores, in the city and online.

After reading mainly gay fiction for a year or three, I've finally picked up some vamp, were and ghost fiction with kick ass heroines and stories that unfold gorgeously over several novels. Augh. Its kinda cool, because I've not read this genre for ages, there have been authors back lists to glom my way through. How neat is that?

Thanks to Kris, I picked up the Ilona Andrews Kate Danile's series which is brilliant. Slow, rich and a book that has really rekindled my love of Urban Fantasy. The latest book in the series is to die for. She is so clever and I adore Curren. Merow. I did have to get the poxy UK covers unfortunately. Bleh. And the 4th book has a different cover, so they don't all look the same on my shelf. HORRORS. But, books I highly recommend. Her new series is cool too, quite different and all contained in one novel, not over several. But, loved them too.

The next series I've got into is Jennifer Estep's Elemental Assassin series. It's a little different, less romance, but the heroine Gin kicks ass and the overarching story is engrossing. While some of the plots of the individual books are perhaps not as innovative as Ilona Andrew's books, they still awesome reads and I am really looking forward to the 4th book which is out later this year.

Stacia Kane's Downside Ghosts series was often hard going and grim, but I'm a fan. I feel so conflicted about like Chess, the heroine. She's a drug addict and kinda self centered, and I deplore some of her choices. The world building is grim and gritty and the speech takes a little getting used to. It took a little getting into, but it feels very fresh and something just a little bit different. I think one of my current favourite heroes ever has to be Terrible. He's so cool!

Chicagoland Vampires by Chloe Neil is a little lighter, but not too fluffy. The characters are super engaging and there is plenty of interesting secondary folk. Again, I've really enjoyed a story that unfolds over several books. Something to get my teeth into.

Finally, Karen Marie Monings final book in the Fever series. Throughly enjoyed it! I LOVE these books. I'm dying to know what she's going to release next. Any clues?

If you've any recs, do leave a comment. I'm on a binge, so feel free to feed my credit card bill. Enabling is a good thing. Truly.

Goodreads

I think I've reached new heights of zealotry for Goodreads in the last few months. I've started banging on about it at social occasions and even found myself earnestly extolling its virtues to a salesman in my local book store. All unwillingly, captive audiences to be sure. Nerd.

But seriously, it is just so cool. The community aspect is great and there is always someone willing to recommend a new author or genre. The compare libraries function and friend options make sure you're not sharing your pornalicious reads with a poor, aged nana or some knob trolling for followers. I've also enjoyed the groups area, although I am useless at posting anything remotely interesting and prefer to often just lurk and steal book recs.

I started my online catalog of books with Librarything a few years ago with my partner. We're both huge book geeks and have loads of them. It was a good way to keep track of what we'd brought and read from the library. But, as I started to read more and more ebooks, I found adding them to be rather painful. I'd have to manually type in most of the book data whereas Goodreads is a quick click of Add Book. Becoming a Goodreads librarian was pretty painless, but librarything seems to hold the reigns a little tighter. I do wonder if this is down to making sure content is correct on the site, but to be honest I don't imagine that there is a more anal bunch of people than bibliophiles. One only has to look at these entries for Archangel's Consort to see happy book nerds all over the world love cataloging, adding detail, finding covers and making sure everything is just SO!

The iPhone app for Goodreads really floats my boat. No more being limited to being nerdy in the privacy of my own home! Reading reviews on the go, checking that the book I'm reading has a point and that someone did say it was good! The only thing they could add is a notifications section and more access to your profile stuff, but I am sure they'll sort that at some point. It's marvy. The barcode scanner within the app is magic too, although I must admit to feeling a little weird and shifty wandering round scanning books in Borders the other week. But, it's quick and has picked up everything I've scanned to look at later.

So, geek much? Are you on Goodreads? Love it? Truly, it is awesomesauce and if you're keen, come friend me and yak about books! Do check out the Goodreads blog for more stuff too, they have some great links to reading challenges and other geekery.

further warnings about that lovey dovey crap, squared

To prove to you all that I'm not completely negative about this over-commercialised,  pro-beingpartofacoupleistheonlywayyou'lleverbehappy time of year...

Kris' Top 5 Romance Heroes You Would Never, Ever Want An HEA With But Would Totally Bonk On Valentine's Day If Given The Chance (in no particular order):

1.  Prince Charming is a romance hero meant for meaningless sex.  Why?  Foot fetish.  Who the hell knows where his hands have been!  At least you can "helpfully" give him a antibacterial hand wipe post-dinner and pre-sex, otherwise...  Ewww.  Case closed.

2.  The Beast is a romance hero meant for meaningless sex.  Why?  The Beast, despite the icky shifted sex factor, was the awesomesaucest of the dark, tortured heroes.  However, after his transformation to the oh so Beautiful Prince?  Fucking boring.  Case closed.

3.  Edward Rochester is a romance hero meant for meaningless sex.  Why?  You really have to ask??  The guy locked up his wife, screwed around, and then lied to Jane who was supposedly the one true love of his life!  You do not want to go there.  Trust me on this.  Case closed.

4.  Robin Hood is a romance hero meant for meaningless sex.  Why?  Camping.  *shudder*  Also, giving away all that potential book buying money is just wrong.  Case closed.

5.  Vishous aka V is a romance hero meant for meaningless sex.  Why?  Well, this might come as a shock to some of you, but...  He's gay.  Case closed.

So, which romance hero would you hook up with, but avoid like the plague if he wanted an actual 'Relationship' with you?  Enquiring minds, blah, blah.

further warnings about that lovey dovey crap

We You poor misguided fools who read romance and sigh with happiness every time a unicorn poos out another rainbow-coloured twu wuv story.

You're all living in a butterfly-farting fantasy world where Valentine's Day provides the means and opportunity for so-called lovers to try and maim or kill one another.

And as for all those heroes and heroines that you love reading about??

Yeah, so not going to last.

Kris' Top 5 Romance Couples That Would Never, Ever Make It And You Know It (in no particular order):

1.  Romeo and Juliet wouldn't have lasted.  Why?  Child marriage always ends up in a trailer park with one of the spouses running off and leaving the other with the kids.  It's like a law or something.  Case closed.

2.  Adam and Eve wouldn't have lasted.  Why?  As the Mumma said, if Adam had a go at Eve for eating an apple, God only knows what he would have done if she'd tried chocolate.  Case closed.

3.  Heathcliffe and Catherine wouldn't have lasted.  Why?  Let's face it, they were both psychos and their relationship would have ended up with one or both of them in a mental institution or in prison for murder.  Case closed.

4.  Darcy and Elizabeth wouldn't have lasted.  Why?  Oh, c'mon.  The pride and the prejudice thing??  Hello.  Case closed.

5.  Rhett and Scarlet wouldn't have last-... hang on a minute... they didn't.  Case closed.

That's me.  Which romance couple do you think wouldn't have lasted?

kris' valentine's day warning

Me: I got stuck with Valentine's Day last year!  I don't see why I have to do it again.  *poutmope*

Tracy: *points at schedule*

Me: Fine!  *mutterdildoheadofaschedulemutter*  But I'm not talking about lovey dovey stuff and someone needs to get rid of all this crap.  *kicks teddy out of the way*

Yeah, it's me.  Back again.  Just in time for Valentine's Day.  Again.  Oh.  Joy.

Yeah, I'm still single.  No, that's got nothing to do with my opinion about the day and the fact that I've yet to find my soul mate.

Thanks for reminding me though.

Fuckers.

Actually, I think all those peeps out there who are billing and cooing and leaving droppings all over the place need to seriously reconsider what they're about to get themselves into.

I mean, think about it...

There's a stalker with a crossbow.

Rich food you feel obliged to eat even when you know it's going to screw with your diet and give you zits... or the shits.  One of the two.

Chocolates hiding things like peanuts which makes you glad you remembered to squeeze that epi-pen in your ridiculously small bag.

Sprained ankles and blisters from the new high heel shoes you're never going to wear again.

Enough cutesy stuffed toys for you to feature in your own show of The Hoarders.

Hayfever from the stupid, damned flowers.

Plus, who the hell can afford to spend all that $$ in this economy?  Let alone want to waste it on someone you may not be with next year or you only tolerate most of the time anyways because, hello, you don't want to be alone for Valentine's now, do you.

Oh, and also...

Ever noticed how Valentine's Day has the same initials as Venereal Disease??

Yeah.

Warning:  Valentine's Day may cause severe ill health or death.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

Masochists.

Laurie London Winner!

Congrats to the winner of the Laurie London drawing!

Helena (Comment #12)

Please email Laurie at Laurie at LaurieLondonBooks dot com with your mailing address and she'll send you your winnings!

Congrats, Helena and thanks Laurie for visiting!

Coming in the Summer-DETENTION By: Stephanie Williams

Title: Detention
Genre: Interracial/Light bondage/Role Play/May/December

Blurb:

Brett Wyndam seems like your typical senior high school jock. He’s a troublemaker and is always in detention—at least four times a month. He gets into trouble on purpose. He’s willing to risk putting his academic achievements in jeopardy. He’s the smartest kid at school, top athlete on the football team and has a chance to be valedictorian, but there’s method to his madness. He has the hots for the Vice Principal who keeps him for detention. And it’s more than a schoolboy crush. He has a deep seeded need to turn the tables and dominate her for her change. But that would have to wait, and he’s very patient.

Mia Bradford is Vice Principal of Fremont High and she still teaches. She has enough problems dealing with school politics; she doesn’t need the troublemaker Brett Wyndam after school every week. She’s’ more than happy to see him on his way after graduation and hopes the best for him. Seven years later, he returns to Fremont high a grown man. A grown sexy, hot man, that Mia can’t ignore, but tries. Brett’s not going to allow that, he’s got plans for her.

A lot has happened to the both of them in those seven years, but what threatens a future between them is the past. Can they break through the mental barrier that is keeping a potential relationship from growing?

Coming this Summer- Detention from Decadent Publishing

More titles from Author Stephanie Williams

Marty and Jerry gets more than Lacy’s creative juices flowing!

Lacy Cunningham is a prolific writer in the romance and erotica industry. However, for the first time, she is stumped by her latest project. A Ménage a trois. She’s done everything to help get her creative juice flowing. Reading others works, buying non-fiction books on the subject and renting DVDs. Everything short of participating in the act itself.

Marty, her boyfriend and Jerry her first crush from college are more than willing to help her with her research. When Marty mentions the possibilities and Jerry arrives in town for vacation, Lacy begins to mull over taking her studies a bit further. But it’s going to take a lot of prodding on the guys’ part before she indulges in that kind of research.

Coming soon... For Research Purposes Only from Decadent Publishing

Introducing Author Stephanie Williams!

My name is Stephanie Williams. I am a native of Los Angeles, born 45 years ago. I am a full-time home business owner in the export/import trade as well as a contract Purchasing Agent for a medical facility. I enjoy opera, classical music and am a huge history buff. Reading is my passion and it’s not unusual for me to read a book a week whether it’s War and Peace or short stories by Poe and of course romance and erotica. I’ve traveled extensively and it’s not unusual to find me celebrating Christmas in the Land Down Under with a shrimp on the Barbie.

My true passion however is writing. Creating a world that I would like to escape to (or escape from). I write of all things Interracial. That includes erotica, romance, mysteries and anything in-between. I write in different genres, but all of my books have IR characters. I've been writing since my early 20s and I think I got the hang of it!

The reason I write in the interracial genre is simple: I believe we are all one race, the human race. But love, as in people come in many different hues.

Most of my ebooks are of an erotic nature, but all of them are fun and done in good humor. I try not to get too deep. LOL! But one thing you can count on, the sex will be hot and sometimes pushes the envelope.

When I first started writing, my plots and characters were simple but cute. As I’ve matured in my writing and seeing what my audience wants (and willing to go outside the box for myself), I have explored other genres, which include BDSM and Ménage. I’m finding them quite enjoyable too!

I am now writing Mysteries and espionage, which is another passion of mine. These books will be in the New York market. Yes, they are interracial, but not erotic, HOWEVER they will all have a romantic undertone to them. Either the detective will fall for the suspects, or the spy will fall for his prey!

So welcome to my world and check out my blog for updates, WIPs and musings.

http://missstephaniewilliams.blogspot.com/

Coming soon... House Arrest from Decadent Publishing:

BLURB

Judge Fernando Gonzales has a secret. Besides being the judge known for putting the mafia behind bars, he has a passion for complete control outside of the courtroom as well. He has his eyes on the beautiful and defiant reporter Janet Harrison. She has a reputation for being the mouthpiece for the mob: they come to her to rat on other members on the mafia. She’s in his courtroom, facing contempt charges because she won’t reveal her sources. Judge Gonzales is more than happy to punish her.

Janet Harrison has had the hots for Judge Gonzales since the day she first saw him in court. When she is put under house arrest, she is appalled, but at the same time, she’s shocked to find herself turned on. She’s secretly wanted to be under his control and it looks likes she’s going to get her wish.

However, things don’t go so smoothly. A terrifying mobster with a grudge is released on a technicality, and wants to even the score with the reporter and the judge who put him away. If they work together, Janet and Fernando may survive the threat of death, but can they survive their unconventional relationship?

And an excerpt!

This had to be the finest moment of Fernando’s life. Not going to law school, not passing the bar, and not becoming a judge. No, this moment, right here and now, was what he’d been waiting for his entire life.

Was Janet the woman for him? That remained to be seen. He was willing to expose himself to her, to confess his secret lifestyle, and even go a step further and bring her into that lifestyle. But he could only hope she would respond.

“Janet, I’m going to share something with you that cannot leave this house.”

“Oh?” She leaned against the wall.

He saw her reporter’s ears perk up. She probably figured she was about to get the scoop of the century, some tit-for-tat secret about the Valinci family, or some past, high-profile case.

“Let’s get this straight, Janet. This isn’t a breaking news story for you to stick in your reporter’s cap and toss on your editor’s desk. This is on a personal and private level, just between you and me.”

She crossed her arms and glared at him as if he’d just ruined her freshly-mopped floors. Too bad. This couldn’t get out and he was taking a huge risk by bringing her here.

“Fine, what is it?”

“Do I have your word? Will you at least give me the same courtesy you gave the rat, and not speak a word of this?”

Her eyes softened, and she stood up straight. “You have my word.”

“Come into the other room and I’ll explain. Would you like something to drink?”

“A soda if you have one. Non-diet.”

“Great.” He went into the fridge and took out two sodas. He then filled two glasses with ice.

“Come on.” He nodded to the living room.

They sat down. Janet took a gulp of soda while looking at the judge from the corner of her eyes.

“Janet, what I have to tell you involves my lifestyle. One that is based on trust, commitment, utter privacy, and being non-judgmental.”

“Whoa, are you sure you want to tell me this? I barely know you except for ‘hi’ and ‘bye’ and a talk here and there about the weather.”

“Yes, because I want to share it with you. And we’ve talked more than just about the weather. I have always felt that I can trust you.”

“Trust me?” She scooted back on the couch a bit. She was dumbfounded. “How do you know I want to know this, let alone share in it?”

“Because I know you. You may not think I do, but I know your nature very well. I’ve talked to you enough, seen you interact with others, and I saw how you reacted in my courtroom. This is something you’ll fully enjoy. You might protest at first and that’s fine. But I know you will eventually submit.”

“Submit?” She gave him the meanest scowl, and yet even that didn’t affect her beautiful face.

“Yes.” He got up and paced in front of her a bit. The next few sentences had to be carefully worded. “Have you ever heard of BDSM?”

“Yes, of course. I… you don’t mean…?” She pointed at him, her mouth hanging open.

“I’m heavy on the bondage side, although I will occasionally spank or paddle my partner, and sometimes withhold her orgasm if she’s disobedient.”

Her eyes were so huge now, they took up most of her face. He could only imagine what was going through her mind. Would she tell, or worse, leave him, before he had a chance to show her how pleasurable this could be? He wanted more than anything for her to accept him, as well as his way of life.

“Am I hearing correctly? You engage in… BDSM? You actually tie women up and spank them?”

“You make it sound kinky,” he said mockingly.

“Well, duh!”

“It’s not as freaky as it sounds and you can’t tell me you’ve never fantasized about a lover taking you and having his way with you, on his terms.”

She squirmed, and tried crossing her legs. Then it looked like she thought better of it. Instead, she sat on her hands. Fernando suppressed the smile it brought to his lips.

“You have thought of it, haven’t you?” He knew the answer to that: her personality screamed it. Control freak from the top of that pretty head to the bottom of her cute little feet. And she did have cute-looking feet.

“That’s kinda personal, don’t you think?”

“So is what I’m sharing with you.”

“Again, why are you sharing this with me?”

“I just don’t want to share the information. I want to share the experience. Come on Janet, like I said, I know you. You want this from me as bad as I want to give it to you.”

He walked over to her and stood over her, looking down at her. She tried to look defiant, but it was hard to do with a quivering, pouty lip. “Fess up, Janet. You have thought about it.” He reached out and smoothed the back of his hand over her face. “Tell me, any of those times, did you think about me? Was I ever one of the men in your fantasies? Was I the only man in your fantasies?”

He must have hit a nerve, because she jumped up and tried to leave. He grabbed her by the shoulders and pushed her back down on the couch. “So you have thought about me. That’s good. Care to share some of those thoughts? Fantasies?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I haven’t thought about you.” Her cheeks flared a deep red.

“Liar.” He leaned in closer to her. He kissed her cheek, then whispered in her ear. “What would you do if I pulled down your pants and panties, and put you over my knee right now and spanked you? Would you cry out? Would you cream on my lap?”

“No!” She stood up again, but this time, he wrapped his arms tightly around her and kissed her hard. She tried pushing him away, but after several seconds, her body went limp in his embrace. He broke the kiss, breathing heavily. Her eyes were shut, but her breathing was labored, too.

She then slowly reached with her hands and gently placed them on his chest. Fernando relaxed his arms, just a little, and watched her. When she opened her eyes, her pupils were dilated.

“You like that, don’t you? You want me to take you. Well, you’re in luck. I’m going to make both our dreams come true.”