Will Read for Sex

Okay, this post was sparked by a Facebook post by Karen Marie Moning a few days ago. She was talking about her psych professor and a person's desire for sex.

Years ago, and we won't get into how many ... I had a university history professor who proclaimed, quite vigorously that the one and only reason people read fiction is for the sex. Being who I am, I argued with him. He never did concede my point, instead he concluded that I was an enigma. He may have been hinting at nut-job, but I refuse to acknowledge that.

While I am more than willing to admit the often I do read fiction, strictly for the erotic thrill it can give. (I"m talking erotica here, not romance.)  But the desire to play voyeur doesn't limit my reading.

I read a lot of sweet romances, and spiritual romances. (I have a thing for Amish romance, and don't know why. I just really enjoy them.) I read a couple of mainstream/contemporary romances a week. I read science fiction, fantasy, a bit of vampire, or shape-shifter too. I used to read a lot of Janet Evanovich, Kathy Reichs, and Patricia Cornwall. My reading tastes are eclectic to say the least. If someone recommends a book to me, I am likely to pick it up and give it a shot.

The same goes for my writing, I write what moves me. Some days, I have a hankering for some steamy ... well, let's not get into detail about my fantasy life. But other days, I'm looking for romance. I believe that my subconscious mind sends me plot blurbs and visuals, depending on what my needs are at that time.

Last night, I had a weird dream about being stranded in a mountain cabin, far from anywhere, during a blizzard. I was invaded by a group of military men trying to make their way back to civilization, on foot, after a failed op. This wasn't your ordinary dream, it was full color, graphic (down to the bleeding broken limbs of one of the soldiers). My mind wove a tale that included what I would say was half a novel. Anyway ... the first thing I did this morning, was pop open my computer and start writing down my dream. I admit, it does have flaws, but it also has the makings of a great story. Maybe a romance, maybe not. Maybe some sort of futuristic, post apocalypse type story. It all depends on where the characters lead me.

The point is, there was no sex in the dream/novel. That could change though ... depending on my thought process and libido.

Today's Question: Is sex the only reason you read fiction? What is your preferred read? Do you have a preferred type of story, or are you like me, and genre hop?

Hugs
Katie

Naughty New Year's Blog Hop: Part Two

I am so excited that I am giving away another copy of Tessa's Trio ... and I am doing it because I am thrilled at how many fabulous blogs are taking part in this blog hop. I had previewed the list and found a number of authors whose work I enjoy. Yesterday (while I was supposed to be working at my day job) I stopped by a number of blogs on the hop. Wow. All I can say is wow, holy hamburgers batman. My to-be-read pile is growing by leaps and bounds. I’ve found new books and books on author’s back lists. New authors, old favourites. How exciting this is for a consummate, addicted reader like myself.

My own list of stories is quite short. I have The Gift, Corralling the Cowboy, and Tessa’s Trio. As a bonus on my blog you will find a short story I wrote for a friend with a foot fetish, Admitting Defeat. If you have time check them out. If you can’t find the format you prefer, by all means let me know and I’ll get it to you somehow.

Blurb For Corralling the Cowboy

City girl Alex wasn’t expecting anything out of the ordinary when she headed off to Buffalo Days with her friends. A bit of rodeo, a few rides on the midway, some corn dogs and maybe a couple of beers. She definitely wasn’t expecting to run smack dab into the sexiest hunk of cowboy she had ever laid eyes or hands on.

Joe came to Buffalo Days to support his ranch hands as they took part in the rodeo, and to watch the bulls he raised in the bull riding events. It was never his intention to spend time with a city girl like Alex. In spite of this, he was unable to stop himself from stepping into her path as an attempt to meet her.

Neither of them was expecting the blazing heat that rose between them, or the unbridled passion that burst into flame as the midway grew dark in late evening. There was definitely something between Alex and Joe, and they couldn’t help but explore each other as they tried to come to grips with it.

Would this cowboy catch a city girl? Would this city girl lasso herself a cowboy?

Excerpt for Corralling the Cowboy (A short story.)

It was nearly full dark, and their car stopped at the top of the Ferris wheel. They sat swaying and enjoying the lights as the evening continued to darken around them. The evening had a feel of fun and frivolity, and the expectation of something exciting to come. An occasional a bark of laughter jumped out of the background of tinkling carnival noises. The moon was nearly full, casting its light over everything and pushing the falling darkness back. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” She asked, looking down at the lights of the midway and the city.

“Yes it is,” he said with a catch in his voice.

When she looked at him, he wasn’t looking at the lights, he was staring at her. Joe slid his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close to his side. His breath was soft in her hair, his fingers gentle but firm as he tipped her face up to look at him. Oh my, she thought, I wasn’t expecting this.

“I’m going to kiss you,” he warned softly, leaning slowly towards her.

“I hardly know you,” she responded, tilting her head to the left, wordlessly inviting him in. His lips brushed, feather like, across hers. She shivered and pushed back against him, deepening the contact. She had been aroused since she bumped into him in the beer garden. Now, she wanted him with a desire that shocked her. Something about this man called to her, sending a pulse of longing racing through her to lodge in her core.

“Kiss me again,” she whispered against his lips. She cupped his face between her hands and pulled him closer, pressing her mouth against his. She obeyed without question when he cupped her head and kissed her deeply, demanding she respond in kind. She wanted this, needed it. Her hands dropped to his shoulders and she explored the rock hard muscles there, tracing each contour and line with her fingers. His arms were like rocks and the sheer power of him was almost overwhelming. Joe’s hand cupped her breast and the Ferris wheel gave a small jerk and started its slow descent, jerking her back to reality.

Oh, she thought, I should be resisting this. They were in public, high above the thinning midway crowd and she knew nothing about this man except his name, if Joe Brooks was his real name. Even as the thought formed, she rejected it. Somehow, she was sure he wasn’t lying to her. She felt something new here, and she wanted this, wanted him. It wasn’t like her to be this attracted to a stranger, but the atmosphere, the beer, and Joe were an overpowering combination and she didn’t want to resist. She wasn’t going to resist. She was going to take everything he offered.

He stroked his palm lightly across her breast, and they moaned in unison when her nipple pebbled against his hand. “I want you Alex,” he whispered against her mouth.

She whimpered and arched her back, pushing her breast against his palm. Her hands ranged everywhere, eager to explore every taut muscle of his body. His body was different from the typical man she dated. Joe was definitely used to physical work, and Alex usually dated suit and tie types who kept in shape by making large monthly payments to the local gym. She decided she liked his tight, hard shape with all its muscles and heat.

Alex was startled when the ride attendant cleared his throat. “Last stop folks,” he said with a laugh. “Ride’s over, I’m shutting ‘er down for the night.”

Chagrined, Alex allowed Joe to take her hand and lead her down the ramp and back onto the midway. The people were few and far between, only the die hard rodeo and midway fans remained. It wouldn’t be long before security starting shooing people home. Alex and Joe strolled through the booths, hand in hand listening to the banter of the carnies and laughter of the few remaining guests. A few of the games and food booths were already shut down. As they walked, his thumb stroked her palm and her wrist, sending her mind whirling to thoughts of what those talented hands would feel like on other parts of her body. Her naked body.

Happy Blog Hopping. Remember to comment to win!

Hugs
Katie.

Click here to buy your copy.

Here we go ladies and gents. It has been a long and arduous task for me to bring this story to you. I’ve battled the flu, missing cover files, a hard drive crash, a new job and major writer’s block. Man, I hate when characters won’t go where I tell them to and insist on taking their own path. It requires me to completely rethink the story. Finally, at long last it is release day. Tessa’s Trio is out! 

Tessa is a steamy, hot, erotic romance story about one woman and the three men who fall in love with her. Hmmm, the idea does have possibilities doesn’t it?

You can find her (or should that be them?) on Amazon by clicking the photograph of her cover.

Coming soon, you’ll be able to purchase a paperback copy on Amazon as well. I'll provide that link when the paperback is ready.

Blurb for Tessa:

Tessa Dupree is tired of being burned by love again and again, so she has sworn off men forever. No dating, no relationships and no one night stands. The last thing she wants is a man.

But fate may have other plans. When Tessa isn’t looking, fate thrusts three handsome, intriguing men into her life.

She’s known Rob since she was a little girl, but has been blind to his love for her. Peter and Mitch have been Rob’s friends for years. All in all, they are one smoking-hot gathering of men who make Tessa’s pulse race and her body thrum. Better than that, they’re all looking for their sole-mates. What are the odds that Tessa could fit the bill for them all?

They make her heart yearn for the love she has given up on. Is she ready to risk her heart again? Will she find love with three fabulous men? Is there any way she can open her heart and risk being hurt again? Does this trio hold the secret to love and happiness for Tessa? Or will she have to choose between them?

Excerpt for Tessa:

“Wow,” she exclaimed looking around the nearly deserted lot. “This place is empty.” She gestured to the far corner of the lot and headed that way. “My car is over here.” She waved towards the far corner of the dark, nearly empty lot.

They walked towards the car, side by side, not touching at all. She stumbled a bit on an unseen rock and his hand shot out to steady her. When she had regained her balance he slipped his arm around her waist, resting his hand against her hip and pulled her tight against his side.

The cool night breeze drifted across her skin, carrying a touch of his cologne. Oh, he smells so good. There was a hint of masculine cologne and something she couldn’t quite identify. Pheromones, a distant part of her mind provided the word. Could a person actually smell pheromones? Her knees went weak and she stumbled against him a bit. How could something as simple as his scent make her feel so, so weak and needy?

“Are you okay to drive,” he asked as they reached her car. “Should I call you a taxi?”

Tessa leaned against the car door and he leaned beside her. “I’m fine. I didn’t even finish one beer. In …” she glanced at her watch, “three hours. Holy cow! I didn’t realize we were talking that long.” She tipped her head sideways to look up at him and smiled. Damned if she didn’t love the way he towered over her. He had to be almost a foot taller than she was. She felt small and feminine beside him as she leaned against his side. Her hand snaked around his waist.

She took a deep breath, then another and felt it shiver through her. It had been a very long time since she had been this aroused and all they were doing was standing side by side against her car.

“Time flies in pleasant company.” He slid his arm around her shoulders, and his fingers pulled gently on one of her corkscrew curls, the slight tugging making her scalp twitch and her body feel…squirmy.

“Thanks,” she whispered, somehow touched by the easy compliment. She dug in her pocket and found her keys, extracted them and rattled them gently. “Well, I should go.” She leaned her head against his shoulder, knowing she had to leave, but loath to move from the heady warmth of his side.

“Yes, you should,” he agreed, his chin nuzzling her hair, his hand drawing idle circles on her arm.

She turned a little more towards him, nestling her head in the curve of his shoulder. She looked up at him. He was so handsome in the shifting shadows of the parking lot. She wanted to kiss him; she bit her bottom lip gently and pushed out a soft sigh wishing she had the courage. She wanted, needed, to feel his lips against hers, to taste him and touch him. Her hands itched to stroke his chest and delve under his shirt to trace the plains of his abdomen and to find the peaks of his nipples. She breathed deeply, inhaling his scent, committing it to memory, saving it to savour later.

The night was cool, but she wasn’t chilled. She was warm in the soft cocoon of his arm. “Okay,” he whispered, “you have to go.” He eased back a bit.

She looked up at him again and he smiled that sexy, very slightly crooked smile at her and she knew he was just as loath to separate as she was. There was something going on here, something between them. It was strong, electric, passionate, almost overpowering. She wiggled a bit and wondered if he knew how deeply he was arousing her just by standing beside her. Tipping her head further back she looked at him, her mind screaming for him to kiss her. He moved forward, his head tilting just a fraction of an inch. He smiled at her again, his eyes flashing in the dark as he lowered his mouth and touched his lips softly to hers.

Happy reading.
Hugs
Katie 

Welcome Sue Lyndon

Today I have a special treat for you. Recently I stumbled upon the writing of Sue Lyndon. I love the worlds she creates with her words, so I've asked her to visit with me on my blog.

So, without further ado, here she is .... lets give a big warm welcome to Sue.

I’m excited to switch blogs with you today, Katie!  Thanks a bunch for having me. 
Hello, everyone!  My name is Sue Lyndon and I’m an erotic romance author.  The end of May is a milestone for me because it marks a year since my first published story.  Since then, I’ve met some awesome publishers and authors and had an all-around fantastic time getting my feet wet in the writing world. 

I remember the moment I decided to become a writer like it was yesterday.  A few friends of mine got together and we rented a cabin deep in the woods of West Virginia for a weekend away.  At the time, I was currently going back to school for nursing – but my heart wasn’t in it.  I could never decide what I wanted to be when I grew up, changed my major way too many times during my first trip to college, and always had this ‘lost’ feeling.  During my weekend away, I took a long walk in the woods and sort of had an epiphany.  A little voice came to me and said, “Hey, why don’t you try writing a book?”  So I wrote a space opera novel.  It’s pretty craptastic and I’ll never show it to anyone, but it taught me how to write.  A few weeks after finishing it, I tried my hand at a few erotic romance pieces and found my niche writing bdsm and spanking romance stories.  I dropped out of nursing school (yay, me!) after my first acceptance.  Not once have I regretted my decision.  (Don’t worry – I kept my day job!)

Since I’m taking a trip down memory lane today, let me tell you about one of my first acceptances.  The lovely folks at Etopia Press accepted my erotic romance novella, MountainDevil, last summer.  Look at the pretty cover:

A Fabulous Read!

MountainDevil was released in January and was the perfect way to start off the New Year.  I have two more erotic romance novellas on the way with Etopia Press, Dark Without You and Surrender (Alien Warriors, book 1).  Look for them in a couple of months.  Better yet – join me on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, or follow my blog.  I always shout my new releases from these social networking mountaintops, and I love to interact with other authors and readers.
Don’t forget to check out my fun interview with Katie O’Conner.

Thanks for stopping by Sue. I think I'll go re-read Mountain Devil. Yummy.

Hugs
Katie
PS: Don't forget to visit me on Sue's blog today too.