Paris Brandon tells all...

On a dark and stormy night—oh, wait—someone has already used that opening. I could start by telling you that even as a child, I made up my own endings to books and movies that disappointed me. That was a long—long—long, time ago but I can’t really remember a time when I wasn’t making up stories. My first mini-epics were penned, or should I say, penciled with great love, if not with great care.

I’m still penning my stories, granted they are much racier and I pay more attention to story structure these days but there’s still one thing that rings true—I absolutely love what I do!

What’s your writing schedule like? Do you strive for a certain amount of words each day?

 I’ve learned that 1K is about my limit. On good days, I’ll double that input but 1K is my usual goal. If the ideas are flowing, I’ll continue after a break or work on a different story but I’m generally devoting about eight hours per day, if not more to my career.

What is the most important thing you do for your career now, as compared to when you first started writing?

When I first started out, I drove myself crazy trying to figure out where to spend my promotional time and money. I couldn’t seem to find the right balance and it was some time before I realized that writing the next book and getting it out there promotes better than any advertisement I’d ever purchased.  

How much of yourself is hidden in your characters?

LOL—quite a bit! Most of my characters are concerned with social issues and several of my heroes and heroines reflect this trait. I think authors tend to identify emotionally with most of their main characters in some respect and it lends an authenticity to their actions.

Of all of your character’s, who’s your favorite and why?

That would have to be Bella Jacienski from HEAD OVER HEELS. Bella lives above her own quirky little thrift shop in the Crossroads art district in Kansas City. She’s fun-loving, passionate and genuinely cares about people. Plus, she doesn’t have to leave home to work. Oh wait, neither do I!  

Do you eat comfort food and/or listen to music when writing?

As much as I love coffee, while writing, I drink herbal tea to stay hydrated and have been known to nibble M & M’s when I need some energy. I usually listen to music that reminds me of the story that I’m writing. While writing ASSASSIN’S KISS, my action/adventure shape-shifter novel, I listened to LAST OF THE MOHICANS, almost non-stop.

Give one advice tip to an aspiring author.

Although the book won’t get written if you don’t sit your butt in the chair, don’t neglect the time you need to rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit. It took me a long time to learn that sometimes story problems worked themselves out if I was less stressed. Take time to lunch with friends, visit a museum or indulge in whatever passion sparks your creativity.

If you could give a younger version of yourself advice, what would it be?

I would definitely tell her to trust her instincts.

What genre would you like to try writing that you haven’t yet tried?

Don’t tempt me. I’d love to try writing a Steampunk romance. I have one in mind but it’s at the tail end of a very long project list right now.

Any part of the book that drives you crazy as you write: beginning, middle or end?

The middle is always the most difficult for me. Carefully weaving the threads of all of the story questions into an interesting conclusion can sometimes be daunting. Believe it or not; I sometimes write the ending before I finish the middle.

I knew both the beginning and ending of HEAD OVER HEELS; it was the middle that required the most work.

Buy Link: http://www.ellorascave.com/head-over-heels.htm

Blurb:

Bella Jacienski literally falls into sexy philanthropist Rhys Vincent’s arms while wearing her “magic” red stilettos, and wonders if the legend attached to the shoes is true. Has she found her heart’s desire—a passionate, lust-crazed lover who wants only her? Always and forever?

Rhys can’t keep his big hands off the curvy shopkeeper. Heated glances and sizzling touches turn into a hot office interlude and wild, break-the-bed sex that only makes him want her more. Bella is all the magic he needs.

Excerpt (R)

He situated the ladder and started climbing.

“I admire a man who’s willing to battle cobwebs and lace doilies to make me happy,” she said, watching him balance three full hatboxes and step back down. The muscles in his legs and ass clenched and her mouth watered. She was going to be a giant puddle before this was over. She hastily cleared the counter.

He set the boxes down between them. “Anymore balancing acts I should know about?”

She shook her head. “Not this week,” she said as he grabbed his coat and hat. She didn’t want him to go but if he didn’t there was a real threat that she’d start rationalizing a quickie, drag him into the storeroom and fuck his brains out among the clutter and cast-off furniture. There was a fainting couch but the upholstery was shot and the stuffing was marginal.

Oh damn. She’d been without sex way too long.

He turned the handle and the door popped open. “I know I locked this.”

She shrugged. “I have to use the deadbolt if I want to lock it securely.”

He frowned. “Were you afraid of being in here alone with me?”

“Not for the reason you might think,” she said, smiling because the thought worried him enough to ask. And he did look worried. “You’re almost too good to be true and I don’t want to screw it up.” He shut the door, deliberately and she cringed. “I open my mouth and—”

He crossed the shop in quick, deliberate strides closing the distance between them.

“Open your mouth, Bella,” he whispered, lowering his head. His soft command swept through her and brushed away any doubt that this was what they both wanted.

Even in the impossibly high stilettos she had to stand on tiptoe until he wrapped his arms around her and lifted her closer. His mouth was warm and sweet, restrained for the second it took her to accept him and then he claimed. His hands were everywhere, around her, caressing her.

She pressed against his erection, hot and ready. The upholstery on the fainting couch in the storeroom wasn’t that bad. She could throw a blanket over it. Or she could lead him upstairs to her delicate, wrought-iron bed. And they could make the bed shake and the windows rattle.

She drew back and took a deep breath. She wanted to reach down and touch all that pulsating energy wedged between them but he pulled away, his fingers trailing down her arms.

“Do you care about any of them enough to want them back?”

Still dazed by his kiss, she shook her head. “I didn’t care enough about any of them to consider how terrific make-up sex would be,” she said, still fixated on his mouth.

He looked stunned for a moment then shook his head. “Let’s not make that our first time,” he rasped, drawing her out of her trance. He pushed his arms into his jacket, put on his hat and slung his scarf around his neck. “I can’t believe there isn’t someone in your past smart enough to want you back,” he said, pinning her with a heated gaze that just missed being a glare.

He unceremoniously grabbed her for another lingering kiss, cradling her head in his big hands and taking her mouth as if he were staking his territory. And then he was gone.

She watched him cross the street between lights, still hungry for his touch, another kiss. Rhys Vincent had to be the most passionate man she’d ever met. Lust was definitely part of the equation—and he wanted her.

Thank you so much for dropping by and taking the time to get to know a little more about little old me. It's always nice to make new friends and say hello to those I only see online. Be sure and leave a comment and a contact email if you’d like a chance to win an XL Romance Books ‘4’ Us tee shirt. 

May 2014 bring you happiness!

Paris Brandon

http://parisbrandon.com

https://www.ellorascave.com/index.php/authors/index/author/slug/paris-brandon/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Paris-Brandon/170137563009674?ref=ts&v=wal

Bend Over, Cowboy-5 Stars, Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

Petting Kitty-Ellora’s Cave

Cross My Heart-NOR Top Pick

Head Over Heels-5 Hearts, The Romance Studio

Assassin’s Kiss-4 Stars Romantic Times Book Review

No Holds Barred-4 Stars JERR

One's Good - Two's That Much Better

As a writer of erotic romances, I’ve always been up for pretty much anything in terms of a plot. As long as the twists and turns make sense and there’s emotional build between the characters, coupled with some very hot sex, I’m a happy camper.

However, for the longest time, I simply couldn’t wrap my head around a ménage…the two men, one female kind of thing. I could picture it, and many times I have during my own fantasies. The thought of having two Alpha hunks drooling over me and no other lady has made many a cold night very warm. And yet, I wasn’t able to bring that kind of daydream alive in my writing.

I kept thinking – won’t the guys be jealous when the lady’s attention strays from one to the other? Won’t they be mentally comparing notes as to which of them is the better lover? Doesn’t a man who’s truly in love want the babe all for himself?

Those questions kept stopping me from exploring the subgenre, until I began to write SiNN, my first contemporary ménage released in October of last year by Ellora’s Cave.



It wasn’t that I planned for SiNN to be a ménage. Far from it. I had the hero and lady firmly in mind, along with the hero’s partner at the US Marshal’s Service. As I began to plot the story, the partner kept nudging his way into the sex scenes. He kept wanting the lady too. I thought my hero would go ballistic, but he didn’t. He and his partner were tight, best friends, they’d die for each other. And with that, I saw the light. Two guys could share a woman’s love, if their friendship made them as close as brothers.

After that, the story just flowed and I couldn’t wait to start another ménage. The interplay between three characters is so complex and deliciously sexy, I couldn’t believe it had taken me so long to get on board.
For my second ménage, I’ve written Sinfully Wicked, available now from Ellora’s Cave. In this story, the heroes are brothers, fraternal twins to be exact. Their bond is unshakeable, but it is tested by a woman from their past, one who betrayed them, which sets up the conflict.



Here’s a brief excerpt to show you what I mean:

Connor pretended to fool with the camera but his attention remained on Nikki. Whatever Mitch had said had her moving toward the mansion at a sleepwalker’s pace, her ass and breasts bouncing within the confines of her clothing. She paused frequently to glance back at them, her lips parted, cheeks rosy, hair fiery in the day’s gloom.

Within minutes, she’d be naked, chained in the gazebo, her mouth and body belonging to Mitch. Connor would direct them making love while he battled his own lust, his weakness to pull her close, smell her hair, hear her say how much she’d missed him.

Goddamn her. Goddamn Mitch. His brother knew better than to have insisted on doing this film with her. As teens, they hadn’t only talked about living with Nikki when they all grew up, taking turns making love with her. They’d discussed the possibility of a threesome. Heady shit for teenage boys.

Even after she was out of their lives, the fantasy had lingered with Connor. More times than not, he imagined the women in his films to be her, while the men were him and Mitch, not just his brother alone.

“Want me to get that?” Alex, his cameraman, reached for the equipment.

Connor handed it over, not caring that he’d screwed up the settings.

Mitch stripped to his skin, then put on one of the period shirts and breeches a crewmember handed over. When he noticed Connor watching, he warned, “Laugh and you’re dead.”

Considering his brother and Nikki were about to fuck up a storm, leaving him pissed and wanting, Connor figured it would be months before he’d be able to crack a smile.

Moving closer so he couldn’t be overheard, Mitch asked, “You going to be all right?”

Connor screwed up his mouth. “Better than you after all of this is over, and believe me, it will be.”

“Don’t be so sure. Look at Nikki. Talk to her. Give her a fucking chance.”

“No way.” He shoved his hands into his back pockets. “I can’t forget what she did.”

“No one’s asking you to, but you might try to understand and consider forgiving her. It’s my guess she wants that more than anything else, including the money you’re so fucking worried about. If we let her know we’re on her side, she might forget this crap that neither of us wants her to do.”

“I’m not holding my breath. “ He moved past, directing the crew to get the props ready.



Both brothers want her, but Connor needs to be coaxed, to forgive. The journey there is what makes it all so worthwhile. 

To give you a taste of the story, here’s the blurb:

Two brothers—one woman—unforgettable passion…

Years before Nikki fell in love with Mitch and Connor, only to ultimately betray them both. Now, she’s back and in need of their help.

Powerful and commanding, Mitch has never stopped craving Nikki. Connor hungers for her as badly, but isn’t ready to forgive. If she needs some fast cash by working at their gentlemen’s club, she’ll have to audition - by stripping for them.

Aroused by their shameless scrutiny, Nikki’s willing to do whatever it takes to be near them again…even being punished in the BDSM room or starring in one of Connor’s erotic films. Mitch won’t have it, however, unless he and Connor are the ones enjoying her body.

On a sultry weekend Nikki surrenders to their lust, reawakening a timeless bond and the beginning of forgiveness.

MORE INFO AND ANOTHER EXCERPT: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9642-sinn.aspx


Email: tina@tinadonahue.com

Website/blog: www.tinadonahue.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/tinadonahue

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LET'S ALL REV! by Adele Dubois

To celebrate the print release of REV ME, the trade paperback issue of my full-length novel REV ME UP and its stand alone sequel REV ME TWICE from Ellora's Cave Publishing, I'm giving away prizes!

--CONTEST ALERT!--

All my life I’ve been fascinated by motorcycles and convertibles. The sensations of wind and speed against the body thrills like nothing else. I love to ride in my convertible with the top down, as do the heroines in almost all of my books. In winter, I miss the warm, sunny days that allow me to indulge this innocent pleasure. On those rare, wonderful February afternoons when the temperature hits sixty, I put on a jacket and take a ride around town with the wind in my hair.

Though I don’t own a motorcycle and never have, my law-enforcement heroes do. They ride hard and fast when they have to solve a crime or sport the heroine away from danger.

I live vicariously through my sexy, fearless characters in REV ME TWICE and it’s stand-alone first REV ME UP. Where better to indulge our fantasies than with fiction?

--CONTEST--

What innocent or guilty pleasure makes your life more fun, and why?

The READERS (not authors, sorry) who provide the most interesting answers will be automatically entered to win a fanciful motorcycle keyring. USA residents only, please. The keyring will be sent first class USPS mail. If enough readers enter the contest to warrant additional prizes, I'll choose two winners!

REV ME TWICE Summary:

Crystal is a bad, bad girl in the most delicious ways. She tries to be good and is tempted to commit to her Navy MP boyfriend, Tomas, but has no experience with an exclusive relationship or healthy family structure. She likes her life as a cable TV stripping weather girl and sex party host, and resists conforming to the traditional lifestyle Tomas craves. Without her weekly ménages and wild orgies, can she become the partner Tomas wants?

When Crystal receives death threats, a media frenzy erupts. During a break-in, the threatening letters are stolen, erasing evidence that thwarts an arrest. Tomas sports Crystal away on his Harley to protect her, but a deadly crash changes everything. Faced with the choice between self-interest and self-sacrifice, Crystal must decide if she will embrace a new life with Tomas or walk away.

Buy The eBook REV ME UP from Ellora's Cave! http://www.jasminejade.com/p-7639-rev-me-up.aspx

Buy The eBook REV ME TWICE from Ellora's Cave! http://www.jasminejade.com/ps-8865-50-rev-me-twice.aspx

Buy The Print Book REV ME from Ellora's Cave! http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9910-rev-me.aspx

REV ME TWICE: Excerpt

Tomas’ deliberations came to a halt as he and Crystal approached the television station. Goddamned press was stuck to the front of the building like slugs on wet rock. He revved the throttle to get their attention, making as much noise as possible. Tomas watched while the paparazzo turned toward the motorcycle. “Hang on, baby!” he shouted. Tomas aimed the Harley straight at the crowd.

At first the press corps showed interest in the bike heading for the front door of the building. Tomas watched as curiosity changed to consternation, then fear. A female reporter ran out of the way and a male jumped to the side. A dozen pairs of eyes went wide and people scattered as the Harley drew close enough to skin knees and elbows, blowing heat and fumes in its path.

“You crazy bastard!” A paparazzi screamed. Tomas only laughed in return, aiming the Harley directly at the front door. When they reached the glass entryway, he slid to a halt and Crystal hopped off the bike. She ran inside before anyone could get to her. Though most of the journalists had moved out of the way, one cameraman caught the entire event on film. A reporter spoke into her microphone.

Tomas turned the Harley around and headed for the parking lot. “Adios!” He waved a hand and disappeared around the side of the building.

*****

Visit Adele Dubois on her Website: www.adeledubois.com/
Like Adele on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adele-Dubois/176785412372531
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A Special Honor

Last month, while I was sweating through my current WIP, the phone rang.


Being cheap, I don't have caller ID. Being focused on my work, I'm not one of those people who jumps on a call, just having to answer it. I like my down time on weekends away from my EDJ and endless phone calls.

So, I let the phone ring and ring and ring.

I was tempted to unplug it, but after the tenth ring voicemail came on.

So, there I was refocused on my WIP when the phone clicked and a soft Southern voice came over the line, saying the call was for Tina Donahue.

Hmmm, I thought. Not a telemarketer as I'd guessed because I live in Southern California and no one has a Southern accent here. Faintly curious, I started to listen. That's when I heard 'RWA', 'competition', 'HOLT Medallion'.

I'll admit, I froze for a second, not understanding. As the woman continued to leave her voice mail, I finally picked up the phone.

Wow, was I glad I did.

My erotic romance Deep, Dark, Delicious had won an Award of Merit in the HOLT Medallion contest in its category - one of the top five entries!!!



To say I was stunned and thrilled is putting it mildly. The Holt Medallion is an extremely prestigious contest and I'm honored that my work was chosen by its judges.

For those of you who have yet to read Deep, Dark, Delicious here's the blurb:

A wickedly sensual feast…

Eden DeCarlo may have narrowly lost Miami’s best chef competition and the prize money she desperately needs, but she has caught the eye of dangerously virile Rafael Zayas, one of the judges and a wealthy restaurateur. Despite her vow not to let any man derail her life, Eden’s captivated by Rafe’s imposing masculinity, then challenged by the business deal he offers. He’ll invest in her new venture if, for one month, she can satisfy his culinary expectations and the sexual attraction they both feel.

Dominant and unashamed, Rafe knows what he wants when it comes to carnal pleasure and will spare no seduction to have Eden in all the ways he demands—naked, wanting, submissive.

Within thirty days, he will teach her the delights of yielding to passion, relinquishing all control to him and fulfilling her deepest, darkest and most delicious desires.

For more information, click here

Sex, Sex and More Sex

Can there be too much sex in a romance?

My thinking is - not really - if the sexual gymnastics have an awesome amount of tension leading up to 'the moment', and if the writing is fresh and inventive.

Trust me, as a writer of erotic romances I know how difficult it is to write these scenes. To me, they're the most challenging part of any book. Give me dialogue any day. However, since readers want those intimate moments, I have to find new ways to bring them about.

In my latest erotic romance Take Me Away, Kyle and Lexi are in his small cabin in Northern California. While it may seen that the locale wouldn't leave a lot of room for invention, believe me - it did.

Take the sex scene by the creek. And the one in the kitchen after she made him a surprise dinner. And what about the one when he was trying to teach her to throw a football? (He's a former NFL quarterback, so the football just had to come in).

By using the locale, his background and hers (she's an actress), I was able to create memorable moments that weren't only hot but had heart.

It wasn't easy. But it's what I do. :)

She's everything he escaped...and all that he desires

Three years ago, Kyle turned his back on a pro-football career and being the target of tabloids or gold-digging groupies. Craving privacy, he gets it at his roadhouse in Northern California until Lexi Sands invades his life. Indulged and surely phony, she’s exactly what Kyle fled.

An actress since childhood, Lexi’s fresh out of an anger management program, court-ordered when she lashed out at a badgering paparazzo. Weary of the press’s harsh scrutiny, she sees Kyle’s secluded cabin as the ideal place to hide out and him as a damn-near perfect alpha male. Deliciously virile. Protective. Principled. She offers him serious cash to let her stay for two weeks, assuring there will be no complications or touching.

Yeah, right. Passion flares, along with tenderness. Kyle recognizes how lonely Lexi really is, while she’s falling hard. Through intimate days and impassioned nights, they explore their most shameless needs, until a cruel betrayal exposes their growing love, forcing a choice neither anticipated.

Let me TAKE YOU AWAY contest!!!

This has been one wild week for me!

Much to my surprise - and delight - my newest erotic romance Take Me Away will be releasing sooner than I expected. In fact, it's coming out today - May 6!
And today, I'm introducing it to you at our beloved RBRU.

Here's the cover, blurb and buy link. And BTW - to one lucky commenter, I'm giving away a copy of one of my backlist that includes:

1. Adored (RWA award-winning; EPIC 2011 Finalist; 4 Stars Romantic Times)
2. Deep Dark Delicious (EPIC 2011 Finalist)
3. Lush Velvet Nights (EPIC 2011 Finalist)
4. In His Arms (SIX - 5 Star Reviews; 4 Stars Romantic Times)
5. Sensual Stranger (Book of the Year 2010 - Erotic Category; 4 Stars Romantic Times)

Blurb:

She’s everything he escaped…and all that he desires


Three years ago, Kyle turned his back on a pro-football career and being the target of tabloids or gold-digging groupies. Craving privacy, he gets it at his roadhouse in Northern California until Lexi Sands invades his life. Indulged and surely phony, she’s exactly what Kyle fled.

An actress since childhood, Lexi’s fresh out of an anger management program, court-ordered when she lashed out at a badgering paparazzo. Weary of the press’s harsh scrutiny, she sees Kyle’s secluded cabin as the ideal place to hide out and him as a damn-near perfect alpha male. Deliciously virile. Protective. Principled. She offers him serious cash to let her stay for two weeks, assuring there will be no complications or touching.

Yeah, right. Passion flares, along with tenderness. Kyle recognizes how lonely Lexi really is, while she’s falling hard. Through intimate days and impassioned nights, they explore their most shameless needs, until a cruel betrayal exposes their growing love, forcing a choice neither anticipated.

Buy link: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9333-take-me-away.aspx
 
Please leave a comment for your chance to win one of my backlist!!!