1. Introduction

April Contest Winner

Last month's winner of an autographed paperback copy of PLEASURE PLANET (an anthology including works by Siren Beverly Havlir and Claire Thompson), a promo pen and notepad, and a bookmark is:

lchristi99_smile

Congrats, lchristi99_smile! Please contact Beverly at bev_havlir@yahoo.com by the publication of the June 15, 2006 newsletter to receive your great prizes.*

May Contest

The Siren for the month of May is Elisa Adams. She'll be giving away a signed copy of MIDNIGHT and a $15 gift certificate to Samhain Publishing. Good luck to all subscribers!

*Subscribers, please note our contest rules have changed: Winners must now contact the Siren/author of the month named in each issue to redeem prizes. The author must be contacted by the winner before the publication of the following month's newsletter to be eligible to win, or forfeit prize(s).

2. Siren News

Rachel Bo
http://webpages.charter.net/rachelbo

LONG TALL FURRY by Rachel Bo - available now at http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=277

FOUR Tattoes!
"I found LONG TALL FURRY to be an excellent story full of fun and passion. Goss was such a sweet Yeti displaying a very gentle dominance...I am really looking forward to reading more books by Ms. Bo in the future."
~ Megan, http://www.erotic-escapades.com/LongTallFurry.html

"...a very entertaining story, fast-paced and exciting!...real and believable. I enjoyed LONG TALL FURRY very much and recommend it to anyone looking for a quick read!"
~ Klarissa, http://joyfullyreviewed.com/reviews/ParanormalMatesSocietyLongTallFurry.html


Beverly Havlir
http://www.beverlyhavlir.com

IRRESISTIBLE
now available at www.ellorascave.com
http://www.ellorascave.com/productpage.asp?ISBN=1-4199-0615-1
"…the intensity of feeling that Maddie and Gavin have for each other is unquestionable. The love scenes were erotic and further illustrated the depth of their connection. The combination of sizzling sex and deep emotions qualified this book for a spot on my "keeper" shelf!" ~ Kerin, EuroReviews http://euroreviews.eu.funpic.de/bookdetails.php?book_id=185

5 Stars!
"With no unncecessary build up, Beverly Havlir lit the fuse and told a story that delivered interesting characters, intense emotional conflict and scandalous sex. Presented within the context of Ms. Havlir's talented writing, Madison and Gavin are a realistic couple with believable flaws and insecurities. The writing is magnificent and Ms. Havlir knows how to tell a story that plays like a movie across your mind." ~ Sin St. Luke, Just Erotic Romance Reviews www.justeroticromancereviews.com

"Irresistible is loving and heart-warming."
~ Nanette, Joyfully Reviewed
www.joyfullyreviewed.com

"Ms Havlir writes one hot novel. Gavin and Madison have such wonderful chemistry together that they will steam up your reading glasses. Enjoy and savor Irresistible. Congrats to Beverly Havlir for a great job and I know I will look forward to more of her fantastic stories in the future."
~ Elise Lyn, EcataRomance
http://sensual.ecataromance.com/reviews?type=&id=126


Katherine Kingston
http://www.katherinekingston.com

GARGOYLE'S CHRISTMAS

Rating: 8.7
"Wow! Gargoyle's Christmas is an amazing story. Kingston writes with grace and passion, infusing Eric and Tricia with life and believability. One cannot help falling in love and hoping for a happy ending. The eroticism in this tale is unbelievable, from the scene where Tricia feeds him Chinese food to the spanking scenes; it never stops. Don't miss!"
-- Sharon McGinty, In The Library Reviews
http://www.inthelibraryreviews.net/KingstonKatherine.html#gargoyleschristmas


Judy Mays
http://www.judymays.com

CELESTIAL PASSIONS 2: SHEALA
ISBN: 1-4199-0485-X
Available at www.ellorascave.com

5 Stars - Sizzling!
"Celestial Passions: Sheala by Judy Mays is like good "Old Faithful" in that everything quietly builds up pressure out of sight until finally everything gushes forth in an amazingly beautiful display that leaves you inspired and smiling. Sheala is smart, sexy, tough and sweet as sugar. Marljas can be summed up with just one phrase "finger-licking-good." Toss in the returning characters from the preceding book with a few new ones to round out the mix and you get all the information you need to adore Sheala and Marljas as circumstances bring them together. Then there are the love scenes . . . I suggest large quantities of icy beverage; maybe even a large block of ice to sit upon in a effort to avoid catching the furniture on fire as you read. Ms. Mays creates an amazing plot rife with complexities, surprises and delicious moments of clarity...Ms. Mays certainly rocketed to being one of my favorite authors complete with the honor of prominent positioning on my bedside table."
~ Keely Skillman EcataRomance Reviews

3. Presenting our featured author for this month - Elisa Adams

Interviewed by Rachel Bo

Reading, Food & Inventive Fun
By Samantha Winston
http://www.samanthawinston.com

Chocolate balls of LOVE

Chocolate! Did you know eating chocolate provokes a reaction similar to love and lust? We're wondering what happens when two people in love try this recipe - we think it might cause some sparks to fly!

Ingredients:

2 cans of condensed milk
1 stick of butter
1 cup chocolate powder (sweetened)
1 cup of chocolate sprinkles
Mini cupcake holders

In a saucepan, melt half of the butter. When melted, add the condensed milk and chocolate powder and mix well and simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes until the mix achieves the right consistency (this happens when you pass the spoon across the middle of the pan and the space you created stays for a few seconds). Turn off the heat and set aside.

Prepare your work station. We recommend covering a table surface with newspaper. On this place a large plate or tray and a bowl. Fill the bowl with the chocolate sprinkles. Also, put the remaining butter on a small plate which provides easy access.

When the chocolate mixture has cooled and is warm enough to handle, bring the saucepan to your work station. Butter your hands thoroughly. Pick out a small bit of the mixture from the pan using your thumb, forefinger and middle finger. Roll this into a ball using both hands and toss into the bowl of sprinkles. Roll the ball in the sprinkles until it is coated and then place into one of the mini-cupcake holders or directly onto your tray or plate.

Repeat until you've finished the mixture buttering your hands as often as necessary to prevent the mixture from sticking to them. Allow the chocolate balls of Love to sit for about one hour at room temperature (if you refrigerate they will get hard and very sticky, like toffee).

Serves all the people who need some lovin'


Note: The work surface can also be the floor - covered with newspaper - and the workers can be naked, with buttery, chocolate hands and fingers, no telling what you can think of doing…

May I recommend a butter massage, with chocolate nibbles, and maybe some lively country music on the radio, the lights down low, and licking the chocolate sprinkles off your partner's lips…

Don't forget to save some butter and chocolate for the recipe…

And let us know if you had a chocolate orgasm with sparks flying!

5. Enticing Excerpts

   

Elisa Adams
http://www.elisaadams.com

Immortal Games: Betrayal
Available from Changeling Press
Purchase link: http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=343

He stepped closer until he had her backed up against the doorframe, his big body crowding hers and setting off all kinds of riots in her nerves. She swallowed hard, trying to wet her suddenly dry throat. His erection pressed against her through the layers of their clothes and she bit back a whimper. Her panties went damp and her nipples pebbled. All those times she'd dreamed about him touching her and they didn't even compare to the real thing. Of course, this could all be a product of the wine, too. It tended to completely erase her inhibitions.

"Would you like that, Adriana?" Alec asked softly, his voice deep and mesmerizing. "Would you like to live forever?"

"You're speaking figuratively, right?"

"No. I'm speaking quite literally. I can give you the gift of eternal life. All you have to do is say the word."

She frowned up at him, ready to tell him to take his crazy notions and shove them, but then she caught a glimpse of something that made her realize he wasn't as crazy as she'd thought. She swallowed hard. Oh, shit.

The guy had fangs.

Sure, she'd heard stories growing up about vampires, werewolves, and other assorted beasties. Her father and mother had believed, but Adriana had been a little more skeptical. Until now.

She pushed him away and rushed out the door, her head spinning and her stomach threatening to heave. Vampires drank blood. Human blood. And as far as she could tell, there weren't any other humans in the vicinity -- unless she counted the odd woman who had let her in, but Adriana now had doubts about that one's humanity. "I think I really need to go now."

"You're not leaving."

The words were barely above a whisper, but they hauled her to a stop as effectively as if she'd backed up against a brick wall. She sucked in a breath and pushed her hair off her face. "Are you planning on keeping me prisoner here?"

"No." He moved toward her until he had her up against the hallway wall. "I won't have to."

What an arrogant jerk he was. At least in her fantasies she could make him a little less alpha. As if she'd really stay here just because he told her she would.

She wanted to stay, had dreamed about being with him for years, but he didn't need to know that. "Um, yeah, I think you will. I want to go on record now as saying, I have no interest in hanging around this place for another second."

"You're lying."

No. But she didn't say the word. It would have been a lie. She'd always known there was something different about Alec, something otherworldly, but had passed it off as her imagination. He'd fascinated her right from the start, but lately fantasies of him had started to take over her life. Dark, lurid fantasies that kept her up at night. She'd blamed in on her sickness, but what if he'd had something to do with it?

"Can you read my mind?" she asked, wincing in preparation for an answer she didn't really want.

"No, not really. I can't read your thoughts."

"But you can somehow plant suggestions in my head."

"They're much more than suggestions. We have a connection. What happened between us is just as real to me as it is to you. I know you screamed my name on more than one occasion."

She opened her mouth to deny it, but couldn't. Her face flamed and she glanced toward the floor. "You couldn't have known that."

"Then explain how I did."

She closed her eyes and shook her head. This had to be the most twisted situation she'd ever found herself in, but at the same time it was exhilarating. Seeing the fangs explained a lot. "I don't know. Do you have video cameras all over my apartment or something?"

"I don't need cameras."

"So you're what, fucking my mind?" A little jolt of pleasure rushed through her at the thought. It was wrong, and that was half the reason it felt so right. He laughed. "I guess that's one way of putting it. But, I have to admit, there are other things I'd rather be fucking."

Her panties dampened even more. Another few words out of his mouth and her pussy would be drenched. She opened her eyes. She wanted him. He obviously wanted her. What had she objected to again?

There was his attitude, for one thing. The whole high and mighty act didn't usually do anything for her, but she could look past it just this once. Then there was his insistence that they make a trade. It was an odd way to talk her into bed, but as far as pickup lines went, she'd heard worse. Not much worse, but there'd been a few.

"Why didn't you tell me? All these weeks and you never tried to contact me before the invitation you sent yesterday."

"I thought you'd send me away."

"You thought wrong." She shook her head. Men could be so thick sometimes.

"I've wanted you forever. If I'd known…"

She raised her hand and placed her palm on his chest. "You're warm."

"What did you expect?"

"You're a vampire. I thought you'd be cold. You know, dead."

"As you can see, I'm neither." His hand came up to cover hers and she shivered. The heat of his cock reached her through their clothes.

"I'm very much aware of that." She stood on tiptoe and kissed his lips gently before settling back on her feet. His lips were warm, too, and soft. She felt the breath catch in his chest and his hand tightened over hers. She smiled. The control freak that he apparently was, he thought he had it all worked out. He thought everything would go the way he'd planned it.

He really didn't know her as well as he thought.

She skimmed the fingernails of her free hand over one of his nipples, dragging a groan from him. His reaction urged her to do it again, with the same results.

Alec dropped his hand from hers and cupped her chin in his palm. "Don't tease."

"I'm not." She fully intended to carry through, but she did plan to take a while getting there. He deserved it for breaking into her mind and not telling her the truth about it, though she could forgive him that -- eventually -- since he'd made it worth her while every single time.

Adriana glanced down so he didn't see her smile. She might not know much about him, but she knew he was a man used to having complete control over everything. The way he'd brought her here and told her she was staying showed her that. How would he feel if he knew she was anything but compliant?

A wave of dizziness washed over her and she dug her fingers into his shoulders to keep herself upright. The wave passed within seconds, leaving her stronger than before. "Remind me never to drink again. No matter how much you insist. My body just can't handle it."

He frowned. "What's the matter?"

"Nothing. I got dizzy for a second, but I'm fine now." More than fine. She rubbed up against him and licked her lips. "Should we maybe move this somewhere more private? Someone could walk by. And who's that woman who was here earlier, anyway? Please don't tell me you're married or something."

"She's no one important. And no, I'm not married."

He said the word as if it left a bad taste in his mouth, and she nearly laughed. But her humor soon evaporated. Alec grabbed her wrists and pressed her arms against the wall over her head. She pushed against his touch, but he was too strong and though she felt stronger tonight than she had in a while, her illness left her weak. So she let her head drop back and she stared up at him, into dark eyes filled with heat and passion and a mix of emotions she couldn't identify. He held her wrists in place with one hand and used the other hand to tilt her chin up. Then he leaned down and his lips skimmed her neck.

She thought for a second about pushing against his hold, but the thought was gone almost as soon as it entered her head. It felt so good to finally feel his weight against her, his lips and tongue trailing a path from her chin to her collarbone. She wouldn't deny herself the pleasure, not when she'd been wanting it for so long.

Alec's teeth nipped at her collarbone and he started gathering her dress in his hand. The material rose up her legs, but apparently not fast enough for him, since he dropped her wrists to free his other hand up to tug at the fabric. She lifted his chin and tried to kiss him, but he shook his head.

"Why won't you kiss me?" she asked, aching for his lips on hers. A tiny brush didn't count as a real kiss, and no way was she letting this go any further if he didn't at least give her that.

He glanced down at her with a worried expression. "I don't want to hurt you."

"I really don't care if you do."

Beverly Havlir
http://www.beverlyhavlir.com

Excerpt from "The Abduction of Emma" by Beverly Havlir
Insatiable print anthology now available from Ellora's Cave
www.ellorascave.com

"What can I do for you?" Damn it, where did that huskiness lacing her voice come from? And why did he just continue to stare at her without saying anything? Suddenly, her dress felt too tight, the neckline too low. She felt too exposed.

To hell with being polite. Emma made a show of looking pointedly at her watch. "I was on my way out."

Thick silence descended in the room as Luke stood unmoving. Emma marshaled her defenses, realizing their years apart still hadn't prepared her for the impact of seeing him again.

"You're not thrilled to see me," he concluded with wry amusement.

Emma shrugged, wanting to match his casual attitude. "It's been four years. We didn't part under the best circumstances."

"There was a time when you would have been eager to see me."

Her eyes flashed in irritation. "That was a long time ago. In case you haven't noticed, I've grown up Luke."

The look he gave her seared her skin. "Oh, I've noticed."

She flushed and went on the offensive. "Why are you here Luke? To apologize? I got over you a long time ago."

He frowned. "I hear you're engaged."

Her eyebrow lifted. "I don't see how that concerns you," she said coolly.

"Answer the question."

Emma crossed her arms, anger flaring inside her. She hated feeling so unbalanced-and resented the fact that he so easily did that to her.

Luke stared at the ring glinting on her finger, his eyes flashing something strongly resembling…anger? "So it's true."

The man had quite a set of balls there. "Yes," she said tartly, extending her arm. "I have a ring on my finger, Luke. That means I'm engaged to be married. In fact, my parents are giving us an engagement party on Friday-you're more than welcome to attend." She gave him a false smile. "I'm sure the whole family would be happy to see you."

He straightened and moved closer to her. Trapped by the door, Emma was unable to move. She swallowed the lump in her throat. "I hate to be rude, but I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

"Why are you marrying him?"

Emma leaned back, feeling hemmed in. She fought to control her body's instinctive reaction to his nearness. The smoldering look in his eyes had an answering heat curling low in her belly, trapping the breath in her lungs. She couldn't stop the shiver that coursed through her. Fire licked at her pussy, the muscles clenching in hot anticipation. Pushing away from the door, she sidestepped around him and edged farther away. "You know what Luke? That's none of your business."

He followed her. Gritting her teeth, she strove to put more room between them. It didn't work. He stalked her like some damn hunter. With a deep breath, Emma stood her ground and faced him.

With a light touch, Luke traced the scooped neckline of her dress. She held her breath as he came dangerously close to her nipples. Just like that, the tips visibly hardened beneath the silky material of her dress.

He gave her a faintly mocking smile. "Even now, your nipples recognize my touch."

She pushed his hand away defiantly, trembling. "It's cold in here."

Luke snorted. He abruptly gathered her hands and effortlessly held them behind her back, arching her body toward his. He pushed her dress down and bared her breast.

Emma froze in shock. She was helpless to stop him as he palmed and fondled her. Heat flared instantly in her pussy.
She struggled. His hold on her was firm, though not ungentle. Looking into her eyes, he backed her against the wall. This action pushed her chest out further, making her more accessible to his touch. He lowered his lips and kissed her hungrily. No preliminaries. His mouth just opened on hers, his tongue slipping inside her lips to plunder and conquer.
Emma was swept into a wave of wanting so quick, so sudden, she could only respond to his kiss. Heat pooled in her lower abdomen, settling in her vagina. She had ceased to struggle, all too willing to follow his lead. She knew she should stop him, but Luke on a mission was unstoppable. Besides, she didn't want to…later…

Her eyes drifted shut as he changed the angle of the kiss without breaking contact. The small voice in her head, screaming that she shouldn't let him do this, went unheeded. Emma was lost.

© 2004 Beverly Havlir

From the print anthology Insatiable by Beverly Havlir
Available now at Ellora's Cave Ebay Store, Amazon and other bookstores!
Excerpt from "Taming Alex"


She just grinned and took his glass, placing it on a nearby table along with hers. To his surprise, she pulled him out to the dance floor and went smoothly into his arms. After a moment's hesitation, he pulled her closer and gripped her hips as she swayed sinuously to the slow, jazzy music. It felt good to hold her. The soft brush of her body against his only whetted his appetite. Soon he was steeped in her scent and lost in the feel of her voluptuous curves. He boldly slid a hand over her rounded buttocks. No panty line. What the hell did she have on underneath?

Somehow they ended up in a secluded corner, hidden by a couple of huge potted plants. A soft hand came up to touch his face. "Kiss me."

He held her steady when she shifted closer to him. Unbelievable. In the middle of his mother's party, in a crowded ballroom, he was sporting a raging hard-on. What's worse, the little minx knew it. Her sexy pouting smile told him so.

"You're asking for trouble." None too gently, he put her from him and headed for the French doors. Once outside, he pulled air into his parched lungs. Seeking solitude, he stalked around the length of the swimming pool to a shadowed corner of the backyard. He jammed his hands deep into his pockets and surveyed the pale reflection of the moonlight on the tranquil water.

The cool evening quickly enveloped him in its embrace. The heady smell of late-blooming flowers was redolent in the thick night air. Perfect for seduction. If he was a superstitious man, he would think nature was conspiring to aid in his downfall.

A great shuddering breath squeezed from his lungs. He'd wanted Alex for years-but she was untouchable, forbidden. It was an implicit rule-don't sleep with your little sister's best friend. Tonight was different. Tonight he was feeling none of the usual reticence. Tonight he wanted to take. He was on the verge of falling headlong into her willing arms. I'm sick of walking around with a fucking hard-on.

"Are you afraid that once you kiss me you won't be able to stop?" Alex's soft voice floated into the silence, heavy with challenge. He'd been so lost in thought he hadn't even heard her approach.

He slowly turned to face her. "You're playing with fire."

She brushed against him, igniting the flames. "Play with me, Ethan. Let's burn together." She took his hand and placed it on her breast.

He cursed softly. He was no more able to stop himself from curving around the plump mound, than from brushing the turgid tip that pushed insistently against her silk dress. "Go, Alex."

She lifted her chin. "Why won't you admit you want me, too?"

"Take my advice. Leave me," he repeated in a strangled voice.

She stepped closer, trapping his hand between them. "You're a fraud, Ethan. How many times have I caught you looking at me when you thought I didn't notice? Just tonight you couldn't take your eyes off me."

He clenched his jaw tight and didn't answer.

Alex reached up and gave him an openmouthed kiss. He held himself rigid, but could only do it for a few seconds before he allowed his lips to soften against hers. The kiss was slow and full of heat. With her tongue, she skillfully drew him into an erotic dueling game that knocked him off his feet. He was dazed when it ended.

Her sweet breath fanned gently against his lips. "It's only fair to warn you. I don't give up easily." She turned and sashayed the few feet to the pool house. He followed her with his gaze as she opened the door and quietly shut it behind her. Moments later, lights came on in the bungalow and cast distorted shadows on the swimming pool.

His fists clenched. He couldn't go on like this much longer. He needed to take care of this simmering attraction between them. Simmering? It was a fucking furnace, ready to explode. She was one hell of a package, sexy as all get out and not afraid to show it.

His eyes locked on the closed door. What am I going to do with you, Alex? But deep down inside, he was afraid it was a foregone conclusion. He was a goner, ready to succumb and lose himself in her delicious body.

He froze as the door opened once again. The evening temperature instantly rose several degrees as she appeared on the threshold. One shapely leg was propped up on an antique chair. Ensnared, knowing he shouldn't, but unable to stop himself, he watched eagerly as she rolled down her thigh-high stocking. He greedily devoured every inch of skin she revealed. The other stocking followed the first.

He drew in a shaky breath. Any minute now, somebody was going to come out of the French doors and witness her little striptease. The words he was about to say stuck in his throat when she lowered her dress and pushed it down her hips. His tongue wedged to the roof of his mouth and he couldn't look away as she shimmied seductively out of it.

© 2004 Beverly Havlir