Your darkest desires and deepest dreams are brought to life by the pens of twelve talented authors of erotic fiction. Join them for an exploration of their garden of delights as each month a different author delves into the heart of her fantasies.

Together, we cover a number of genres from historical to futuristic, from scary horror to action/adventure, from erotically sensual to pass-the-fire-extinguisher-HOT! As a group, we have written more than 100 novels.

Our newsletter is released on the 15th of each month. We'll always have interesting articles, excerpts, and featured author interviews, as well as recipes, reviews, and answers to any of your questions about our books and your favorite characters. Each month we'll have a contest with lots of good things to give away to our newsletter subscribers.

Congratulations to Cathy, our winner for July!

Now, for August, Lani Aames is offering a download of her book, ETERNAL PASSION, as well as an autographed paperback of STARKISSED writing as Lanette Curington. Also in the drawing are the book "Kama Sutra: The Perfect Bedside Companion", a 2005 "Island Paradise" calendar, and a keyring notepad! Lani is the author of such searing, sexy books as LUSTY CHARMS: INVICTUS, DESPERATE HEARTS, and has a novella in ELLORA'S CAVEMEN: TALES FROM THE TEMPLE I. Don't miss this fabulous contest.

Best of luck for the drawing,
Sam

        

J.C. WILDER: Hi Lani - thanks for sitting down with me. You and I are two of the Ellora's Cave old-timers and we've seen a lot of changes in the past three years. How did you end up writing for Ellora's Cave?

LANI AAMES: Long story, but I'll try to be brief. *g* I was first published in 2000 with another publisher and had three books with them, all published under the name Lanette Curington: STARKISSED, DESPERATE HEARTS, and AT THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT. The company went out of business in early 2001, and I submitted STARKISSED and DESPERATE HEARTS to 2 different pubs. DH came back with a quick rejection, which I sort of expected. The storyline is controversial for what's considered a "romance". Then I got an e-mail from Crissy Brashear (now CCO of EC). She'd read STARKISSED and loved it. She suggested I submit it to Ellora's Cave. At the time, I had heard of EC in passing, but before I could decide to submit anything to them or not, I got an e-mail from Tina Engler, owner of EC, who said she'd heard about STARKISSED and was interested in publishing it. I told her it was still with this other pub, but I had another book, would she like to look at it? I sent her DESPERATE HEARTS, and it was released in July 2001. And the rest, as they say, is history. LOL

I chose to publish DH under the pen name Lani Aames that time because it is contemporary with no paranormal elements and focuses more on the sexual relationship--as well as the emotional relationship--of the couple involved. I thought I'd write more contemporaries like that, but it turns out paranormals are more popular and I enjoy writing them more, so most of what I've written as Lani Aames is paranormal. Now, the definition is Lani Aames writes erotic romance and Lanette Curington writes in the traditional romance style. STARKISSED went on to be published with Amber Quill Press, and AT THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT, a short story, is with DiskUs Publishing.

Well, I wasn't too brief. But it also explains why I've never tried to keep my pen name a secret identity.

JC: Why do you write sensual romances?

LANI: Some stories are naturally more sensual or erotic. And I enjoy describing in detail the sexual tension and intimacy between the hero and heroine. Those elements are as much a part of the story as any other and shouldn't be glossed over.

JC: What defines sexy to you?

LANI: That's hard for me to define. I don't think I have one definition of sexy. Some things I find sexy, others don't and vice versa. And it may change from day to day or according to the mood I'm in. Sorry, I know that's no answer, but it's the best I can do. LOL

JC: Can you tell us about your latest release?

LANI: ETERNAL PASSION, a vampire erotic romance, by Lani Aames, available now from Ellora's Cave.

When she least expects it, Jo meets the most alluring man she has ever seen. Vincenz Cristescu is tall, dark and handsome, and his sexy accent melts her body with the heat of her desire. Boldly, Jo enlists Vincenz to help her deflect the humiliation of meeting her ex-fiance and his new girlfriend in her favorite hangout. When sparks fly, she throws caution to the wind and goes home with him. But Jo’s new lover has a secret, and it overshadows their time together. Neither can deny the fierce attraction that exists between them, nor the doubt and suspicion that arises when tragedy strikes.

Evil now lurks in the darkness in Shadow Valley. Jo’s mundane world has become a thing of nightmares, and Vincenz seems to be right in the middle of the horror. She must face the most difficult choice she will ever make--save the man she loves or destroy the vampire who murdered her best friend.

Unfortunately, they are the same person...

JC: What makes a compelling romance hero?

LANI: Tenderness with the heroine.

JC: What do you hate to see in heroines?

LANI: There's not much I hate to see in any character. I take characters for what they are. If they're "too stupid to live", I accept they are that way. Not everyone is born independent, competent, street-smart, wise, etc. As people, we are all different, so it should be that way with characters. If I read about too many totally competent heroines in a row, they all start sounding the same. I like infinite diversity in infinite combinations, as the Vulcans would say. *g* To me, that means the incompetent are as viable as the competent and just as deserving of finding true love.

JC: What is up next for you?

LANI: Writing as Lani Aames--GILLIAN'S ISLAND, a novella, will be released September 1 from Amber Quill Press. It's a contemporary with paranormal elements. MOONSTONED, a contemporary werewolf, will be out in October from Amber Quill Press as part of their "Creatures of the Night" AmberPax.

Writing as Lanette Curington--I'm in the process of finishing IMMORTAL CONQUEST, my Greek myth romance novel, which has been on the backburner too long. I work on it when I can, but Lani seems to be getting more action than Lanette these days. *g* My goal is to have it completed and submitted by the end of the summer.

JC: Is there anything you'd like to add?

LANI: Readers can read about my books at my websites: http://www.laniaames.com and http://www.lanettecurington.com And they can write to me at lani@laniaames.com or lanette@lanettecurington.com

JC: FUN QUESTIONS: What is your favorite hobby?

LANI: Crocheting and other forms of needlework.

JC: What is something your readers would be surprised to know about you?

LANI: I collect Scooby Doo "stuff". Anything with Scooby on it and I've probably got it. LOL Although I'm a cat person, I love Scooby Doo!

JC: What is your secret vice?

LANI: If I told, it wouldn't be a secret, would it? *g*

Now that the kids are back in school, take advantage of the opportunity to indulge in a little love in the afternoon. Plan an erotic luncheon for just the two of you featuring the following fun recipes!

No summer lunch is complete without a light salad to begin! THIS afternoon delight begins with your PARTNER. Don’t worry guys—this is quick and easy and guaranteed to reap rewards!

1. Rinse the cabbage, removing the outermost layer of leaves to discard. Remove 6-8 of the remaining large outer leaves to set aside for use with the main dish.

2. Using a sharp knife, carefully chop 1/4 inch slices from the cabbage head until you have an amount sufficient for your appetites .

3. Separate cabbage slices into a large bowl—they will resemble crinkly, narrow ribbons. Add 1-2 tablespoons of Italian dressing (enough to coat all the strands). Sprinkle just a dash of the red wine, vinegar and oil dressing over the combination and toss lightly to mix and coat.

4. Coax your naked lady into a prone position on the kitchen table, propping her head up slightly with a pillow. Scoop your salad onto her tummy.

5. Pick up your chopsticks and dig in! Remember to share with your partner. And don’t forget to clean up after yourself—use your tongue to remove ALL traces of oil, vinegar, red wine, etc. from you partner’s abdomen, and be sure not to miss any sinuous little drops that may have trailed their way down along her sides. And don’t neglect that belly button!

Now that you’ve both worked up an appetite, it’s time for the main course:

1. Have your partner mix the bread crumbs, celery, onion, sage and thyme together in a small bowl while you cook and stir the pork sausage in a skillet over medium heat until brown. Remember to wear an apron to protect your naked body!

2. Drain the sausage, then stir in the bread crumb mixture. Add ½ cup of water and heat to boiling, then reduce heat to low and allow to simmer for 10 – 15 minutes.

3. Remove the sausage mixture from skillet onto a separate bowl or platter and set aside. Now, heat the oil, margarine, and a dash of pepper and salt in the skillet on a medium setting.

4. Sautee’ several large cabbage leaves lightly in the oil/butter mixture, removing them when they have softened, but still remain fairly firm. (Can you believe it? We’re actually letting something SOFTEN.)

5. Set cabbage leaves aside. Lure hubby into prone position on kitchen table, setting the sausage mixture, cabbage leaves, and toothpicks within easy reach.

6. Test the temperature of the sausage mixture, ensuring that it is not warm enough to burn tender skin. When cooled appropriately, layer 2-3 of the cabbage leaves on your hand, then and spoon the sausage mixture into the center. Position the leaves facing upward, cradling the sausage mixture, between your significant other’s belly and his now-erect (hopefully!) staff.

7. Fold the leaves around his penis, overlapping the upper ridge – not too tight, though! Leave some slack so that when you fasten the leaves—VERY CAREFULLY—with toothpicks, you will not injure your partner. Once this lunchtime treat is secure, use your mouth to find every last spicy morsel of beef! You won’t know what’s better—HIS sausage or YOURS!

LADIES: Just as bringing a woman to the brink of release, then backing off a bit, and repeating this process several times, can push a woman to reach an incredibly powerful orgasm, the same type of process can lead your man to the most intense orgasm he’s ever experienced!

REQUIREMENTS: One silk tie

INSTRUCTIONS: Have your naked man lie on his back. Wrap the middle of the necktie once around the base of his penis (the ends of the tie should now be crossed. Wrap the ends around your hands and hold them. Now, experiment a little. Pull on the ends, asking your partner to let you know when the pressure becomes too uncomfortable. Make a note of the amount of pressure that is just this side of ‘enough’.

Maintaining your grip on the tie, pleasure your man orally. When you sense he is edging close to orgasm, pause and pull the ends of the necktie, tightening the fabric around his penis to the previously noted pressure point. Hold for several seconds, then release and repeat the process a couple more times. Now, climb on top of your man, riding his penis until it is time to tighten the tie again, this time while he is buried inside you. Each time his orgasm is delayed, the intensity builds. When you finally let him blow, it will be an experience neither of you will ever forget!
 

GENTLEMEN: Okay, the women have heard lots of stories about how wonderful this item of jewelry can be when used properly on a man. Here is your chance to return the favor!

REQUIREMENTS: One pearl necklace - and OF COURSE, REAL pearls are a MUST!

INSTRUCTIONS: Have your naked woman lie on her back with her knees bent and her legs spread wide. Sitting between her legs, make the ‘okay’ sign with one hand. Now, turn it upside down and loop the strand of pearls over your thumb. Keeping your hand upside down, place the tip of your thumb just below her clitoris. If desired , you may place one, two, or all of your last three fingers in her vagina. Grasp the necklace at a point very near the tip of your thumb and use your other hand to pull the strand around your thumb, towards your stomach. Each pearl should be rolling across your woman's clitoris. Once you’ve reached the point nearest your stomach, grasp the strand near your thumb again and repeat. Experiment a bit – vary your rhythm or apply a little more pressure by pulling at a slightly downward angle; OR, when slack, use your fingers to work some of the pearls into her vagina, allowing them to undulate between her slick folds as you continue your tantalizing roundelays. Trust me, her response will be worth every penny you paid for this shiny trinket!

Tira turned and backed up to the bed, pulling him after her. She looked up expectantly as she reached the edge and Hunter lifted her, setting her gently atop the soft fibers. Tira patted the surface next to her. “Lie down,” she commanded.

Hunter’s pupils slitted, and Tira felt a momentary pang of apprehension. She knew now that Sepians had a highly patriarchal society. Females did not tell males what to do. However, they were now venturing into territory unfamiliar to the confrontational Sepians, and Hunter was just going to have to learn to listen to her. She steeled her nerves and smiled. “Hunter, lie down.” She wetted her lips, eyeing his still-erect penis possessively. After a long moment, Hunter melted onto the bed in that majestic, fluid way he had of moving. His pupils were huge again, seeming to drink in the sight of her as she knelt beside him.

Tira began with his brow. Stroking. Massaging. Exploring. Her fingers memorized every nuance of his skull, every dip and bulge. She traced his elfin ears – narrow, pointed, pressed back against his head. To her surprise, the skin flared, creating a carmine-colored, fan-like funnel to capture sound. Tira leaned down and ran her tongue lightly around the outer edge of the funnel. “How’s this?” she purred.

Hunter drew in his breath sharply.

Tira fluttered her tongue down along one rib of the fan, then circled the opening of his auditory canal, blowing gently. “Or this?”

She felt a thrilling sense of power as Hunter’s claws dug into the soft fur beneath them. “More.” His voice was deep and husky, pebbled with desire.

Tira feathered soft kisses across his brow and the sharply defined bridge of his nose, then tasted the flare of his other ear. Hunter groaned, his tongue reaching for her. “Not yet,” Tira whispered, pushing it away. “Patience, Hunter.”

The muscles beneath her hands, which were resting on his shoulders, quivered with the effort of holding back. Tira pressed her lips to his cheek, then drew them lightly across his smooth, silky skin. “This,” she said, “is a kiss.” She pressed her full, yielding lips against his wide, narrow, firm mouth. She parted them slightly, her darting tongue teasing the place where his lips met. Hunter’s own lips parted. As he drew in a sharp breath, Tira slipped her tongue inside his mouth. The sharp peak of a tooth scraped the underside of her tongue and she tasted blood, but she ignored that, although she took greater care as she explored further. $So many teeth – and so sharp!$

Hunter was trembling beneath her. Tira found the forked tip of his tongue and ran her own in and out of the valley between the two tips. Hunter arched. The wet tip of his engorged head prodded her arm where she leaned over him.

Tira drew back, staring into his wide pupils as she scooted herself back and parted his legs so that she could kneel between them. She kissed the base of his quivering cock, and a slender arc of glistening orange fluid decorated his emerald belly. Tira reached out, prying his hands from the bed, lacing her fingers with his as she began kissing her way up his sixteen-inch staff, pausing to explore each valley and rill of his member with her tongue along the way.

“Are you out of your mind?” Lily put her hand on the door, starting to try to slam it shut, but Evan stuck his foot inside before she could complete the movement. The door bounced off his foot and smacked her in the chest.

“This is you, isn’t it?” he asked, a smug smile on his face she would have found attractive if he hadn’t turned out to be such a moron.

At least he’d answered her question. Not just men in Tranquility had been born with the idiot gene. They all had.

She spread her arms out and glared at him, her face reddening as her temper rose. “I don’t know. What do you think?”

Okay, that was a bad question to ask. Very bad. She shook her head. It had sounded more like an invitation, and he obviously took it as such. His gaze traveled over her, up and down, with an excruciating slowness that sent shivers down her spine and made her want to scream. Her mouth went dry when his gaze lingered on her breasts, his lips parting, before he dragged his gaze back up to her face. “Looks like you. Kind of. It’s hard to tell without all the makeup.”

She snorted. “Maybe I should take off my clothes so you can judge.” What’s the matter with you? Did you leave your brain back at the wellness studio?

“Well, I don’t think it’s necessary. But it would be a big help.” The look on his face told her exactly how necessary he thought it was. She narrowed her eyes.

“That’s it. This conversation is over. I don’t need some jerk ogling me—”

“Like you ogle me every morning after my run?”

She froze, her jaw dropping to the floor. Busted.

She let out a harsh breath, shaking her head and hoping he didn’t catch what promised to be a mortified look in her eyes. “You saw me?”

“Every single morning.” He touched her chin with the tip of his index finger, brought her gaze back to his. “Almost every damned morning for two months. Do you have any idea what that kind of rapt attention does to a guy?”

She blinked, taken aback by the husky tone of his voice. “Um, no. And I don’t think I want to find out.”

His deep, rich laugh rumbled through her senses and made her feel all tingly inside. She shook the thought off. Tingly was unacceptable. Hard, angry, ready to beat the crap out of him—that’s what she should feel. Tingling with desire had no place in the equation. The guy was an asshole. He didn’t deserve her lust. He deserved to be castrated. Sti...

“You’re joking about the whole clothes thing, right?” she asked, raising an eyebrow as she crossed her arms over her chest. She wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. She’d been watching the guy for weeks. Months. And despite the brazen and oh-so-chauvinistic attitude, the man was a complete hunk.

“Yeah.” He laughed, and she felt better until she heard his next words. “When I want a woman naked, I don’t usually have to ask.”

Oh, boy. Her pussy clenched at just his tone of voice. “Awfully full of yourself, aren’t you?” As much as she hated to admit it, that one sentence made her angry and dampened her panties at the same time. Get a grip, Lily. He’s just another jerk. Don’t let the melted-dark-chocolate eyes fool you.

He lifted one shoulder in a casual shrug. His gaze locked with hers as he leaned a hip on the doorframe, the magazine still dangling from his fingers. “Maybe I have a reason to be.”

“And maybe I have a reason for slamming the door in your face.”

“You haven’t yet.”

She blinked at him. “Well...I tried once. You wouldn’t let me. Now I’m just being polite.”

“I think you should stop being so polite.”

“Excuse me?” He wanted her to slam the door in his face?

“I smell something burning. You might want to go check that out.”

Her eyes widened and a cold chill ran through her. Dinner. Damn it. “You know what? Slam the door in your own face for me, will you? I’ve got to go turn the pork before it burns.”

"Y'know." Brandt moved in closer to her and put his arm around her. "I'm not happy about what happened, but since we all came through it okay, I'm glad you and I have a chance to be alone a while."

"Really?" Gillian grinned.

"Yeah. It's kind of nice here on the beach with the fire. No distractions. No Paige barging in every ten minutes. No Tony singing off-key at the top of his lungs. Just you and me."

"What did you have in mind to do with all this privacy?"

Brandt's free hand slid beneath her shirt and cupped a breast, his thumb slipping under the lacy edge of her bra. Her nipple tingled in anticipation of his touch. When he made contact, rubbing the taut tip, a delicious quiver threaded its way through her body to her very core.

Surviving disaster was a total turn-on, Gillian decided, and sex a way of celebrating life. She closed her eyes, enjoying the staccato thrum of her clit in response to Brandt's caress. Her pussy grew wet almost immediately. She moaned...

"Oh, damn, I'm sorry, Gillian." Brandt jerked his hand away from her breast, ending the sweet torture.

Gillian's eyes flew open. "What?"

"I forgot about your ankle. Did I hurt you?"

"You weren't anywhere near my ankle." Gillian took his hand and put it back under her shirt. "But if you stop now, I might hurt you."

"Are you sure? I mean, it starts with a breast then it progresses to other parts of the body..." His voice turned low and sultry, and his fingers trailed over each place as he said the name. "The ribs, the hip, the belly, the pussy, the thighs—"

"Um, back up one," Gillian directed breathlessly.

"The hip?"

"No, silly. That wet place between the belly and the thighs."

His hand unsnapped her shorts and dove inside. When his fingertips nudged her clit, she nearly took flight.

"You mean there?" he asked in mock innocence.

"Oh, yes!"

His fingers swirled around the sensitive nub, and when Gillian's hips rose, they delved deep into her slit. With each thrust of his fingers, her hips rose higher, massaging her clit against the heel of his hand.

"Oh, God, Brandt..." she moaned as her muscles tightened around him.

He, sadistic fiend that he was, suddenly pulled his hand free.

Nearly blinded by the building pleasure, but unable to release it, Gillian squirmed wildly. "What—?"

Brandt took hold of the waistband of her shorts and tugged them and her panties down, carefully pulling them over her injured foot.

"A special night like tonight calls for a special fuck," he said.

"Hmm, you turn me on when you talk dirty," she murmured as he grasped the edge of her shirt and pulled it over her head.

"Then you're going to really enjoy tonight." He leaned in close, his breath tickling her ear, and whispered, "I have an idea if you'd like to play along."

Gillian's eyes widened and she held her breath. Neither of them was adventurous in bed or, until now, had ever expressed an interest in trying anything even slightly beyond the norm. Brandt was conventional in so many ways, she'd never dared to share her fantasies with him.

She exhaled slowly. "What did you have in mind?"

Brandt licked his lips. "Let's pretend I'm a pirate. My ship attacked yours, and I kidnapped you because I had to have you the moment I saw you. Then a storm came up and sank my vessel, drowning everyone aboard except you and me. Now, we're stranded on this island, and there's nothing to stop me from taking what I want."

Gillian's breathing deepened as Brandt's scenario unfolded. She'd never role-played during sex before, but his fantasy of taking her by force dovetailed nicely with hers of being taken. The thought excited her, making her breasts ache and her clit throb.

Still, she wasn't going to be an easy captive. She placed both hands flat on his chest and shoved. "Get away from me, you dastardly brute!"

Brandt landed on his backside, a stunned expression on his face.

"Like that?" she asked in mock innocence.

He grinned. "Yeah, like that...."

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