It’s no secret that I’m a huge science fiction/fantasy geek, and my love is a well-written, well-crafted futuristic or fantasy romance. I love a good paranormal romance, too. But that’s if the author took the time to craft a world full of richness and depth, to be frank, isn’t often seen in paranormal romance. Too many times, especially given the “vampire bubble” that we’ve experienced the last several years, authors put fangs, or fur, on a mostly human character, pull out a few tropes that have been done, and redone to death, and call it a paranormal. For this geeky girl, that’s not going to fly.

I was discussing a new WIP with one of my authors today, and she was sharing bits and pieces from her writing. And as I read, I learned new things about the world, found new gems, and new riches to discover. The politics, the types of paranormal creatures weren’t static from book to book. In each volume we learn a little bit more, another door is opened, and that is what keeps the reader hungry and coming back for more.

So how do you do that?

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Permanent Ink

by Jaime Samms
erotic gay contemporary romance
novella, 15000 words
ISBN# 978-0-9832624-6-6

Eric has gone through life putting a lot of store in outward appearances, so when his best friend Angel’s cousin, Dwayne comes along, with his tattoos and body piercings, Eric is sure there’s a story behind all that armor. He’s equally sure it’s a story he doesn’t care to hear. He’s already written Dwayne off as a thug and player.

Finding out the truth behind Dwayne’s tough exterior proves Eric really didn’t know anything, not even his very best friend. Learning about Angel and Dwayne’s past gives Eric a good look into his own truth, and he’s not so sure he likes what he sees, but is it too late to change? More important, is it too late to convince Dwayne he was wrong?

EXCERPT:

Eric watched Dwayne stir and taste, bit his lip when the man bent to peer into the oven. He was still staring when Dwayne threw a deviant look over his shoulder and wiggled his ass. “See something you like, Sweetcheeks?”

Eric got up and headed for the door. “Okay, okay!” Dwayne straightened and hurried to cut him off. He was left facing the door, Dwayne’s hand on the handle keeping him from opening it, and his warm, toned body wedging him into the corner. “If I promise not to call you Sweetcheeks, will you have dinner with me?” Eric grunted.

“C’mon. Eating alone is a drag.”

Letting his head fall forward against the door, Eric sighed. “Why would you want to have dinner with me? After I bad mouthed you and all?”

“Because I think,” Dwayne leaned, his chest contacting Eric’s shoulder blades, making Eric realize the man wasn’t that much shorter than he was. At six foot four, that was rare. “I think you said it because secretly, you want me.”

“Huh.”

“Deny it and I’ll open the door.”

Eric closed his eyes, aware of the smell of cooking clinging to Dwayne’s clothes and the scent of soap, warm skin, the musky aroma of maleness and strength.

“Turn around.” Dwayne’s whisper sent a shiver down his spine. Hot breath tickled the nape of his neck, and the heat stole down from his hairline to his tailbone. He pressed his forehead against the door. Something warmer than breath touched the back of his neck. Lips. Then wetness, and Dwayne’s teeth nipped up the skin over the top of his spine.

“Uh.”

Dwayne relinquished his grip on the door knob, but an instant later, his hands were on the collar of Eric’s hoodie. He peeled it down, exposing more skin along the back of his neck and the top of his shoulders where his loose v-neck left him bare. The hoodie dropped to the floor with a little clank of the zipper hitting hardwood, and Dwayne’s hands stole up along Eric’s mid-riff, skimming under his shirt.

Stomach muscles tensed. Eric lifted a hand to stop him, but Dwayne gripped his wrist loosely, pulled his hand away and continued the upward drift of his other hand. Eric tested his hold; it tightened, and the flames of the unfamiliar licked at Eric’s insides. He gasped when Dwayne’s teeth grazed over his back, just above his shoulder blade.

Fingers tweaked his nipple, issuing short, sharp bursts of excitement then smooth, soft caresses while lips roved over the sting of teeth, and tongue lapped at the goose bumps.

“Dwayne…”

“Stay and eat.”

Eric shifted his weight, the growth of his cock uncomfortable, even in his relatively loose shorts. “Who’s eating who?” he asked.

Dwayne laughed and for a moment, the wide curve of his smile pressed against Eric’s back. His fingers tightened momentarily on Eric’s wrist, like he was reminding the bigger man he had that grip, that Eric let him have it, then he was stepping back.

“Food first,” Dwayne said. “Plenty of time to decide the rest.”

Purchase direct from Pink Petal Books.

You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This

by Karenna Colcroft
erotic contemporary romance novella
25000 words
ISBN# 978-0-9832624-5-9

Erin enjoys dancing, but losing her competition partner Scott to a car accident a year ago nearly killed her love of dance. Now she instructs others in West Coast Swing and spends each class lusting after her fellow instructor, Stefan. Stefan’s admission of his feelings thrills Erin and the two begin dating. But when he asks her to partner him in a charity competition honoring the sister he lost to leukemia, Erin doesn’t know if she’s ready. She hasn’t competed since Scott’s death. Is she ready to try again on the dance floor, and try again with love?

EXCERPT:

His bedroom lay at the other end of the short hallway. The place was as spotless as the kitchen, with a neatly made bed covered in a dark green comforter. Erin had no time to notice anything else before Stefan lifted her off her feet and tossed her onto the bed.

Laughing, she held up her arms to him. “I shouldn’t be the only one here.”

“No, definitely not.”

Quickly, he stripped off his shirt and slacks, leaving only a pair of boxer briefs with a large, very attractive bulge in the front. Tan skin with just a hint of hair outlined the dancer’s muscles in his legs. Erin itched to run her hand over his hairless chest. She licked her lips, smiling in anticipation.

He put his hand over his cock. “It would appear you’ve already made me hard.”

“Then it would appear you’d better bring yourself the hell over here and let me do something about it,” she ordered.

“You have too many clothes on,” he pointed out.

She knelt on the bed and yanked her shirt off over her head, then folded it carefully and set it on his nightstand. He tapped his foot impatiently, and she grinned. If teasing him was this easy, they might avoid the typical first-time awkwardness.

She certainly didn’t feel awkward as she continued undressing. She removed her bra, then sat to take off her panty hose. She didn’t have a perfect body, but she had no problem with her looks and had never minded showing off to her lovers. Taking her clothes off in front of Stefan didn’t bother her in the slightest. He hadn’t seen her body before, but he’d certainly felt it against him enough times as they danced. He knew what to expect, and she wanted him to have the full impact.

Balancing carefully, she stood on the bed to remove the skirt she’d worn to class. He applauded as she lifted one foot, then the other, to take off the garment. Arms outstretched, she smiled down at him, a rush going through her at the lust gleaming in his eyes. “Am I naked enough for you now?”

“You still have your panties on,” he pointed out.

“I thought maybe you’d want to help with those.”

“I certainly should be able to manage that.” Suddenly, he lifted her and flipped her over his shoulder into a fireman’s hold. With one hand, he tugged at the panties but had little luck removing them with Erin in that position. Although his efforts made her laugh, her body found them more arousing than humorous. The pulse between her legs beat harder, and she cried out when Stefan’s hand brushed her ass.

“This isn’t working.” He deposited her back on the bed and pulled the panties off. In a slingshot move, he shot them across the room. “That’s better.”

“Hey, I’m going to have to find those afterward!” she protested.

“I’ll help you.” He pushed her onto her back and lay on top of her, propping himself up with his arms. “Afterward.”

She reached up to put her arms around his neck and pulled him down for a deep, hungry kiss, lifting her hips against his to show him exactly what she wanted. Even through his boxer briefs, the touch of his cock on her pussy pushed her so close to climax that she had to swallow the scream which rose in her throat.

She pushed her tongue between his lips, and his mouth curved into a smile. He rolled them onto their sides and slipped a hand between them to toy with her hard nipples. Sparks shot through her straight to her core, and she tried to pull him back on top of her. He laughed as she proved completely unsuccessful at moving him.

She broke the kiss. “You think this is funny?”

“I think this is fucking hot.” He ran his hand up her side, and she shivered. “Very hot. I wanted to do all this incredible foreplay on you and make you scream. I’m not sure I have that much patience right now, Erin.”

Her name came out in a low growl that sent desire through her in waves. She cupped his cock with her hand and squeezed gently. “You don’t need patience. I want you so bad right now I don’t care what you do to me.”

He clamped his lips over one of her nipples, and she bucked. He smiled in satisfaction. “I thought all women like foreplay.”

“We do, unless we’re horny as hell and just want to be fucked.” She squeezed his cock again. “Fuck me, Stefan. Talk later. Foreplay later. Just fuck me.”

Raising himself onto his toes and one hand, Stefan pushed his briefs down with the other hand and shimmied out of them. His cock stood hard at a slight angle from his body, a nearly perfect angle to enter her. A small droplet shimmered at the slit.

On impulse, Erin touched her finger to the bit of moisture, then stuck it in her mouth and sucked softly. Stefan watched, his eyes kindling with twin flames of lust. “Does that taste good?” he asked huskily.

She nodded and made a show of licking her finger clean. Then she slid down the bed to take his cock in her mouth. Seeing how aroused he’d become and tasting his salty fluid, she craved the texture of his shaft against her tongue. His cock twitched, and she suspected he was close to coming. If she sucked him off before they fucked, he would last longer inside her. That was her selfish reason for wanting to suck him. That and the rush of bringing him to climax, of having him under her control. She also wanted him to feel good, to let him know how much she wanted him.

Her lips brushed the head of his cock. Abruptly, he pushed her onto her back again and pinned her arms above her head on the mattress. “I’d love to feel your mouth on me.” He moved onto her and rubbed his cock over her wet pussy. “Later. Right now I want to be inside you.”

His dick bumped her swollen clit and she cried out. Encouraged, he repeated the move, and an explosion built inside her. Okay, he has a point. Fuck now, foreplay later. Her pussy ached to have him inside, and she clutched him and moved her hips, trying to maneuver him into her. At the last second, she mustered barely enough presence of mind to gasp, “Condom.”

“Shit.” He rolled off her and rummaged through the top drawer of his nightstand. After several seconds, he triumphantly held up a small foil packet. “Condom.”

“Good.” She licked her lips and reached for his cock. “Now hurry up and get it on.”

He grinned. “Getting it on is what will happen after I put on the condom.”

She swatted his arm. “Quit making bad jokes.’

He ripped open the packet and unrolled the thin latex onto his cock. As Erin watched, her pussy clenched. Mine.

For tonight, at least.

Stefan knelt between her legs and bent her knees back against her chest. Staring down at her, he ran his finger over her clit. She shook with arousal and reached for his arm. He pulled back “You’re so beautiful,” he murmured. “God, I wish I’d asked you for coffee sooner.”

“Because then you would have had me in bed sooner?” she teased.

He shook his head with a serious look. “Because then I wouldn’t have wasted so much time pretending I didn’t have feelings for you.”

He positioned his cock at her pussy and with one sudden thrust entered her. She gasped and closed her eyes, savoring the sensation of being filled. She hadn’t been to bed with anyone in months. Her pussy grasped eagerly at his cock, and she clutched his arms for leverage as she thrust back against his fast, hard movements.

An ache grew in her core. Not pain, just the desperate desire to climax, to feel the waves crashing over her as she came. That desire spread through her entire body. Everything within her focused on the place where she and Stefan joined.

Nothing had ever felt as good as Stefan’s cock inside her. He pushed down on her knees, pressing her legs back. In that position, she saw him moving in and out of her, which only pushed her closer to the edge. Her clit throbbed and she wanted to beg him to touch her. Coherent words refused to leave her mouth. She managed only moans and cries of pleasure.

Her orgasm hit without warning, a sudden wave of ecstasy so strong she lost her breath for a moment. Her entire body tingled, and she bucked against Stefan, shouting something she hoped was his name. She couldn’t hear herself over the roaring in her ears. The pleasure crashed through her, leaving her limp and languid in its wake. Her arms dropped to her sides, and she stared up at Stefan’s smug grin.

After a second, she gasped and remembered how to draw oxygen into her lungs. Breathing heavily, she smiled. “Fuck.”

“Yeah, that’s what we’re doing.” Stefan moved more slowly now. “Did you like that?”

“Dumb question.” She laughed. “Oh, god, did I like it. Stefan, we’re going to do this a lot more, you know. You won’t be able to get rid of me after making me come like that.”

She stopped herself before she managed to say anything more stalkerish. The intensity of her climax had apparently left her without any brain power.

He thrust into her harder. “I certainly hope that’s true.”

He picked up his pace again and wiped out all curiosity in her mind about what he had meant by that comment. More sensitive now from coming, her pussy tightened around him. He moaned and grasped her hips to pull her hard against him on each thrust.

Purchase direct from Pink Petal Books.

We now have a form where you can report unauthorized download sites. You’re welcome to make the report anonymously, and we appreciate your support of our authors.

Most writers will tell you that the moment the characters start acting beyond planned outline notes or in ways different from the author’s plan, that’s the time the story has become “good.” The characters have become fully fleshed individuals, ready to carry the plot of the story all the way to the finish line. As a writer, I’ve had this experience. The “wow, where did that come from?” moment where you look at your outline and go “oh crap, now how do I get the character out of this mess?”. Personally, that’s when I usually go with the flow, write what happens to my characters–not what I wanted to happen–and in the end, it turns out all right.

There’s a different kind of story flow, the beat and meter of point of view and rhythm of scenes and pacing. Something of which I’m guilty, and what I’ve seen in reading submissions is the switch in point of view a few paragraphs, or even a page before the end of the chapter, and then the new chapter begins in that same, newly switched, point of view. For me, it’s because the natural flow of the scene has come to the close, and in an attempt to “make word count”, instead of breathing, and doing the chapter break right where it’s supposed to be, I switch point of view and round out my chapter to that nice, even number, and then I make the chapter break.

That can work. But it also can create some choppy storytelling, too.

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Permanent Ink

by Jaime Samms
erotic gay contemporary romance
novella, 15000 words
ISBN# 978-0-9832624-6-6

Eric has gone through life putting a lot of store in outward appearances, so when his best friend Angel’s cousin, Dwayne comes along, with his tattoos and body piercings, Eric is sure there’s a story behind all that armor. He’s equally sure it’s a story he doesn’t care to hear. He’s already written Dwayne off as a thug and player.

Finding out the truth behind Dwayne’s tough exterior proves Eric really didn’t know anything, not even his very best friend. Learning about Angel and Dwayne’s past gives Eric a good look into his own truth, and he’s not so sure he likes what he sees, but is it too late to change? More important, is it too late to convince Dwayne he was wrong?

EXCERPT:

“You know,” Marianne said, once again peering at him around her boyfriend and drawing his attention back to the sun-warmed living room and his hang over, “there is someone I can think of who wants you bad. And he’s available.” One manicured eyebrow lifted over her almond shaped eye and she grinned a sharp, wicked little grin. “I hear his tongue isn’t the only thing he has pierced.”

“Oh, fuck, no!” Eric took a deep swallow of his coffee. It burned all the way down, but that didn’t stop his mind shooting straight to the gutter and his heart shooting straight into his throat.

“She’s right.” Angel lolled his head around to look at Eric. “Dwayne’s got a major boner for you, dude.”

“That asshat gets a boner for anyone with a toy to shove up his ass. No thank you. Pierced or not, no idea where that’s been. Ain’t gettin’ anywhere near me.”

Angel sucked in a breath between his teeth. “Harsh.”

“Truth.”

“You aren’t exactly lily-white, there, Eric,” Marianne pointed out. “The Marcus fiasco might have slowed you down some, but you’ve had your fair share.”

“Compared to him? I’m the fucking queen mother.”

“Don’t kid yourself, Annie-baby,” a voice said from behind them, “I bet his ass is plenty white. And, turns nice and pink when it gets whupped, too.”

“Fuck me,” Eric whispered, reluctant to turn around and face Dwayne.

Angel craned around, and Marianne set her tea down.

“Dwayne,” she started to get up as Eric at last turned to face him.

Dwayne waved her back. “No, no, don’t get up, Sweetness. You kids have a nice slagfest.” He was fully dressed and strapping on his bike helmet. “Some of us work for a living. Days like this,” he wiggled his ass, “being a bike courier just sucks, ya know?” he winked at Eric. “I’ll see you later, Sweetcheeks.” He left out the kitchen door, closing it softly behind him.

“Jesus Christ.” Eric flumped back down the right way round on the couch.

“If it’s true,” Angel said quietly, bringing his coffee back to his lips, “no harm saying, it, right?”

Eric snorted. Angel always had a way to point out his mistakes without really saying he’d done anything wrong and still making him feel like shit about it. The last person Eric wanted to owe an apology to was Dwayne Sayer. “Look, Angel—”

“Don’t tell me, Sweetcheeks.” He offered Eric his tightest, meanest grin. “Piercings and tattoos don’t make a hoodlum, Eric.” He stood up, held his hand out to Marianne. “And liking sex doesn’t make one a slut.”

“Bastard.”

Angel shrugged. “Just sayin’.”

Marianne took his hand and got rather more gracefully to her feet. She smiled, leaned over and kissed Eric’s forehead. “You’re all right, hon. Just apologize. I’m sure he’ll not hold it against you.”

Trouble was, part of Eric wanted Dwayne to hold it against him, and stay the hell away. Another part of him wanted Dwayne to hold that hot, hard, bike courier’s body against his. He just wasn’t sure which was the bigger part.

Purchase direct from Pink Petal Books.

You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This

by Karenna Colcroft
erotic contemporary romance novella
25000 words
ISBN# 978-0-9832624-5-9

Erin enjoys dancing, but losing her competition partner Scott to a car accident a year ago nearly killed her love of dance. Now she instructs others in West Coast Swing and spends each class lusting after her fellow instructor, Stefan. Stefan’s admission of his feelings thrills Erin and the two begin dating. But when he asks her to partner him in a charity competition honoring the sister he lost to leukemia, Erin doesn’t know if she’s ready. She hasn’t competed since Scott’s death. Is she ready to try again on the dance floor, and try again with love?

EXCERPT:

“I don’t compete anymore.” Erin swallowed hard. She hadn’t competed in a year, since she’d lost Scott, her competition partner and best friend. After his accident, she hadn’t been sure she’d ever want to dance again. That was why she’d stayed away from the studio for several months, until she was sure she could go there without crying. She hadn’t given up dancing permanently, but she couldn’t imagine competing with anyone else as a partner.

In a few days, she would have to cope with the first anniversary of Scott’s death. Her eyes watered, and she had to turn away from the other woman.

“Oh.” The woman hesitated. “I thought… What about you, Stefan?”

“Not that one.” He glanced at Erin and took a small step sideways as if to shield her from the woman’s view. “I’m gearing up for a competition I help organize every year. A charity thing for cancer research, so I guess you wouldn’t really call it a competition. More of a fun thing with prizes.”

“Oh, that sounds interesting!” the woman said. “Do you participate too?”

Grateful to Stefan for the distraction, Erin nodded and smiled at the woman, along with the three other people standing there and walked out of the room. If she went into the restroom and splashed cold water on her face, maybe she wouldn’t cry.

In the restroom, she stared at her reflection in the mirror above the sink as the first tears trailed down her cheeks. She’d thought she had finished grieving Scott. Now, with the anniversary so close, she missed him nearly as much as she had right after his accident.

Two other women entered the room, and Erin quickly splashed some water on her face and grabbed a paper towel. “Are you all right?” one of the other women asked.

“Yeah, just a headache.” Erin forced a smile. “Thanks.” She hurried out of the room.

Outside the studio, she took a few deep breaths. If going home had been an option, she would have. Her lie about the headache had begun to turn to truth, and no one would mind if she didn’t stay for the entire two-hour dance. She didn’t want to leave, though. She wanted to dance. Dancing had always helped clear her mind.

For the next two hours, she stayed on her feet, moving through the basic West Coast steps with some of the students from that night’s class, and through more elaborate steps with some of the regulars. The music captured her mind as it always did, and she nearly forgot how upset she’d been.

She expected Stefan to ask her to dance. He didn’t. Each time she spotted him, he was either dancing with someone else or standing near the stereo talking to some of the regulars. Of course, he would dance with her if she asked, she knew that. Nearly every class night, she asked him to dance, and he never turned her down.

Tonight, she didn’t want to be the one doing the asking.

Shortly before the end of the night, he finally worked his way over to her. “Thought you planned to dance with me,” he said.

“I’ve been waiting.” She grinned. “What did you think, I’d throw myself at your feet and beg? You want to dance, ask me right, buster.”

He laughed and held out his hand. “May I have this dance?”

“Certainly.”

She let him lead her onto the floor. When the next song began, so did their movements, as if the music controlled their bodies. Dancing with Stefan here was even better than in class. In this setting, they had no limitations on the steps they could do. He led her through advanced steps and variations, and she didn’t miss a beat.

Some of the students nearby stopped to watch. Erin barely noticed. She kept her eyes only on Stefan, holding his gaze with her own. A small smile touched his lips, and something kindled in his eyes. Something she hadn’t seen there before.

He spun her into his arms. Instead of releasing her, he kissed her.

Startled, she looked up at him. Before she managed to speak, he returned to the dance, spinning her back to arms’ length and then leading her through another sequence of basic steps before spinning himself under her arm. He was tall enough that he needed to duck, which brought laughter from those watching.

The song ended, and he walked her back to the side of the floor. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” She narrowed her eyes. “What did you do?”

“Um, it’s called West Coast Swing. You know, the dance we teach here?”

She shook her head. “You know what I mean. You shouldn’t kiss me like that. Everyone saw.”

“And that’s a problem?” He lowered his voice. “I shouldn’t kiss you, huh?”

“Not unless you mean it.” Her heart fluttered. Surely he hadn’t meant anything.

“Who says I don’t?” He grinned. “See you on Tuesday, Erin.”

Without waiting for her response, he walked out the door.

Purchase direct from Pink Petal Books.

Falling Hard And Fast
by Rita Sawyer
very sensual/lightly erotic contemporary holiday romance
$1.69

Two magic wielding warriors (M/F) are torn apart by betrayal, imprisonment, and torture. When a magical heart that formerly belonged to them comes up on the auction block, both fight to win it. Major Marcus (Ren) Renniger was betrayed on a mission and became a POW. All fingers point to the woman he loved. Captain Tait Boland was told Ren had died. Unable to believe it, she set out to find the truth and exact revenge on the man who stole Ren from her. Her revenge comes at the cost of her freedom and her spirit.

Six years later, Ren and Tait have both escaped imprisonment. When they meet at Spellbound Treasure because of the heart, their passions explode. For Tait, knowing that her lover is alive fills her with bittersweet elation. Broken in body and spirit, she knows she has nothing left to give him. Seeing Tait so changed strikes fear in Ren’s heart. He sets out to unravel the mystery surrounding his capture and Tait’s imprisonment. To give her back her future and regain their life together, Ren must figure out how to unbreak Tait’s heart, soul, and spirit.

Purchase direct from Pink Petal Books.

Okay. I love our cover art. I think we have some of the most gorgeous work, thanks to Lex at Winterheart Design. However this one, I’m a little partial to. The concept was my idea. I putter in Photoshop. I’m not nearly as brilliant as Lex, or others who do graphics work. But every once in a while I impress myself. So, when I put these pictures together, hit a button and got the wash over it, I was like OMG! Read more »