Music Mondays: "Came Back Haunted" by Nine Inch Nails

"I came back haunted." -- Nine Inch Nails



Trent Reznor really doesn't have to do much to be sexy. Really, just standing there is good, even if he insists on covering himself with mist and shadow every time he plays a show. That angry whisper of his has done it for me pretty much since the moment I hit puberty. I'm really glad he decided to revive Nine Inch Nails.

Not the Leader of the Pack Goes on Tour

This week, I'm on blog tour for Not the Leader of the Pack, my recent release from Breathless Press. You can see all the stops here.

Today, Adriana Kraft is kind enough to kick off the tour with my post on five ways to have werewolf sex (I figured that if Cosmo can give sex tips, I'm at least as qualified). While we're talking about this, here's a link to Nerve magazine's excellently hilarious send-up of Cosmo sex tips. I literally hurt myself laughing at that one.

In the next several days, I'll be sharing a lot of background on how Not the Leader of the Pack got written. I've also still got my buy one, get one free offer going (see the bottom of my post on Adriana Kraft's blog for more details), so feel free to get in touch!

Icarus Bleeds Cover Reveal

Blurb:
Icarus, a man on the run, dreams of wings, and of taking flight like the surgicaly modified rich and famous of Central City. The hacker who harbors him will do anything to keep him, including paying for the dangerous operation in a back alley chop shop. Neither can imagine how much the wings will truly cost. (M/M)

Every now and then, a writer gets a "bonus story," something that just flows as if it's coming straight out of the collective unconscious. I don't think it's a great idea to wait around for those--I try to show up at the page and do my work whether I feel inspired or not. However, it's nice to be inspired, nice to have the sensation of words burning and flowing and somehow sanctified. It's a rare occurrence for me, and happens maybe once a year.

Icarus Bleeds was that story for me last year. When I read it over now, I'm not even sure how I wrote it. It's a little scary to have a story like this, because I want everyone to read it and like it but it's also a fair bit different from what I normally write (it's only my second m/m piece ever).

In any case, it will be coming out soon. Watch for more information on its story page, here.

The Passenger

And, I'm not done rhapsodizing about Sweetmeats Press yet. I have another piece of news, because "Safekeeping" isn't the only story I wrote for them.

Here are some flashes from "The Passenger," which will be in a future Sweetmeats anthology, Wanderlust:

A night that smells of sex, and a woman caught in a daze of lust. Heat and sawdust and a truck box full of a strange collection. Modified plants. Sexual artifacts from a lost past. Revenge...

Once I can show you cover, links, excerpt, and the like, I won't wait a second. Trust me.

Bounty Hunters, Bail, and Other Odd Facts

Welcome to my little corner in the On the Hunt blog hop! On the Hunt is a series of books published by Ellora's Cave on the theme of bounty hunters. Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post to see links to what my fellow authors have done, and information about what I'm giving away!

For my entry, I thought I'd share some of the research I did on bounty hunting as a profession.

I'd always associated bounty hunting with Boba Fett from Star Wars, so the first thing I did when I decided to write for the series was find out what the job is in the modern (not science fictional) world. I discovered that bounty hunting is illegal in many places, and it's an odd, Wild West sort of thing in the U.S.

When people in the United States get arrested and sent to jail, they often have the option to put up some money as bail. When a person does this, he or she earns the right to go free until the trial, at which point the money gets returned. However, a bail bondsman can put up bail instead, essentially giving the person a loan for that amount. Then, if the person doesn't show up, the bail bondsman forfeits the money they loaned.

Enter bounty hunters. An 1872 Supreme Court decision called Taylor v. Taintor is widely credited with giving bounty hunters the freedom they currently have in the U.S. To paraphrase roughly, that decision determined that the bail bondsman functions like a jailer, and so can do the sorts of things a jailer might, such as seize or imprison a fugitive. By extension, the bail bondsman is able to farm that out to bounty hunters, who have some pretty extraordinary rights in a lot of states. For example, in many places, they're allowed to break into a fugitive's home to retrieve him or her.

Some states don't require any sort of licensing—-all you have to do to be a bounty hunter is say that you are one. My state, Rhode Island, is one of the lenient ones. This post explains:

Bounty hunting in Rhode Island is not governed by any specific legislation... Because of this laxity in legislation concerning fugitive recovery, Rhode Island can be 1 of the easiest states to find employment as a bounty hunter under a properly registered surety agent.

Bounty hunters are freelance workers who typically get paid a percentage of the original bail. According to this post, the average bounty hunter salary is between $25,000 and $50,000 a year. So, while it's a glamorous job, it's not likely to make a person rich and famous. On top of that, because the work is a bit uncertain, it lacks stability. The same post says bounty hunters usually get 5-10% of the original bail. In larger cities, it says average bail is $20,000-$50,000, which would work out to $2,000-$5,000 a job for the bounty hunter. It's not chump change, but it seemed clear to me that it could be a tough life.

I'm going so much into financials because these numbers actually turned out to be the main inspiration for my book for On the Hunt, which is called The Fugitive's Sexy Brother. I envisioned a woman (named Emily Boysen in the book) who is determined to be a bounty hunter. However, because she's not entirely confident about competing for the most lucrative jobs, she scrapes by on low-level work, getting paid $500 here and $250 there. When the story begins, Emily is tired of struggling and ready to try something bigger.

Next, I imagined the villain, her ex-boyfriend Matthew Lodi. Matthew made a name for himself years ago with a really big score. He got paid so well for that job that he thought he'd hit the big-time and bought a super-expensive sports car, a Lotus Elise, California Edition. Unfortunately, Matthew soon learned that those kinds of jobs don't come along every day. At the point we meet him in the story, work has dried up to the point that Matthew is resorting to some pretty dirty tactics to keep his car.

Odd as that path is, this is usually how I come up with story ideas. I start learning about the subject I want to write about until something grabs my attention and characters and a story begin to form around it.

Read on for a blurb about the book that resulted from this research, information about the other authors in the series, and a giveaway!

Blurb:

Emily Boysen is sick of low-level bounty hunting jobs that don’t pay her rent, and sick to death of her ex-boyfriend taking credit for her work. Ready to claim her due, she takes on the quarry of a lifetime, the notorious Fernando Bonavita. But instead of the fugitive, she captures his sexy younger brother, Javier.

Javier Bonavita never wanted to know the truth about his older brother’s activities, instead protecting him out of loyalty. When he uses his hacking skills to pose as Fernando, he never expects to uncover crimes he can’t stomach. Beautiful Emily has no idea how glad he is to be in her custody—as long as he’s her prisoner, he doesn’t have to face his brother.

Passion flares between Emily and Javier, and soon he’s putting the handcuffs on her. Suspicion grows along with their feelings, though. A sinister plot centers around Fernando, and untangling it will test their loyalties to the limit.

Buy Links:

All Romance

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Ellora’s Cave



Giveaway:

I'll give away a $5 gift card to Ellora's Cave to one lucky commenter. Please include your e-mail address in the comment so I can get in touch with you, and tell me if you'd rather be the hunter or the hunted. I'll select the winner randomly on June 24, after the blog hop is over. Good luck!

Safekeeping

So, after much hilarity regarding international mail, I can finally announce something I've been dying to tell you for months now. I'm on board for a new anthology published by Sweetmeats Press, Made for Hire. This book, which promises "five stories of domestic service," promises to be a smoking hot one.

Here's the blurb for my story, "Safekeeping":

While house-sitting, a young woman finds herself falling in love with the homeowner. So she sets out on a campaign to make herself an indispensable part of his home…and his life.

I love Sweetmeats Press because publisher Kojo Black embraces the wild, dark, and sensual with the taste and gusto of the best sort of epicure. (And he's the kind of guy who both uses and inspires sentences like that).

I've had the idea for "Safekeeping" brewing in the back of my mind for a long, long time, but sometimes it takes a special kind of permission to really let loose. This isn't erotic romance, it's a tale of obsession and taboo. While I was writing "Safekeeping," I kept thinking to myself, "Is that too much?" Then I would remember other things I've read in books by Sweetmeats and the whole tone of my communication with them, and think, "No way is this too much." I don't know if I can explain how exhilarating it is to write this way. I find that sometimes there's a certain magic that comes about in the combination of subject matter, editor, and author that produces conditions conducive to this sort of writing.

I'm also thrilled to be sharing space with the amazing Kyoko Church again—-her story "Sweet. Sweeter." is also in the book. If you haven't read her stuff, you're really missing out.

I think I've made it clear how excited I am. I'll end with an excerpt, and will post more details once the book goes on sale (which, in ebook form, will be just a few days from now).

This is a little piece from "Safekeeping." Enjoy!

Underneath the money he’d left for me, a slightly curled piece of paper bore his handwriting. Michael always pressed hard when he wrote, and this paper still hadn’t recovered. I skimmed mundane phrases. The only unusual detail was that he’d bought a new collar for the dog, and he told me where to find the old one in case she suffered any chafing.

Frustrated, I picked up the note and peered at it more closely. “Is this all you’re giving me, Michael?” I whispered. Hadn’t he understood? I wanted more. That’s what I’d been trying to tell him.

I ran my fingers over the imprints his pen had made, then stiffened, feeling lines where he hadn’t made marks. This page bore the grooves of a previous effort. Burning with curiosity, I looked closer, tracing the shapes of the letters. If it had said anything else, surely I would have struggled to follow its meaning. Instead, it leapt off the page and straight into my heart.

Michael had written my name, over and over. At the bottom of the paper, I found a large question mark.

I reread the note carefully, forwards and backwards, word by word. Then it clicked. He mentioned he’d bought a new collar for the dog, but was she really likely to need the old one as a backup? Clearly, that was a gift for me.

You can learn more about the book here.

Music Mondays: "Reptilia" by The Strokes

"I said, 'Please don't slow me down if I'm going too fast.'" -- Julian Casablancas



God, this song makes me want to go too fast. With Julian Casablancas? Maybe... He's got a weird sort of appeal. In this video, he has a really pure rock star feeling, like he came from some rock planet that exists outside of time.

Too Much to Give

My anal masturbation short-short story, "Too Much to Give," will be in Dirty Little Numbers, forthcoming from Go Deeper Press.

I'm thrilled, because I check their e-books page about twice a day hoping I somehow missed an announcement of a new book they've put up. They only have four books out now (they're pretty new), but I loved all four. Go Deeper's crew puts out literary, smart, hot, surprising erotica in beautifully designed books, and I only wish they would do it faster.

I'll have more details when I've got them.

On Writers and Worry

Writer and editor extraordinaire Kristine Kathryn Rusch on writers and worry:

They worry that they’re writing too fast. They worry that they’re not writing fast enough. They worry that they’re not spending enough time with their families. They worry that they’re not spending enough time writing. They worry that they’re not spending enough time promoting. They worry that they’re not spending enough time learning book design. They worry…

Well, they’re writers. Of course they worry.

That’s what writers do.

It’s normal. It’s healthy. It’s part of being a writer.

I had to laugh about this, because I so often worry that I'm writing too fast/not writing fast enough. It amuses me when I notice how worries comes in contradictory pairs.

This is from a post on the stages of being a writer, from Rusch's regular series, The Business Rusch. I often find this series to be a source of hope, inspiration, and vital information. I highly recommend it.

Rock Your Soul by Sara Brookes

Sara Brookes is a fellow author in Ellora's Cave's On the Hunt series of bounty hunter-themed erotic romance. I jumped at the chance to learn more about her other work, such as her recent release, Rock Your Soul. Here's the blurb:

Beth has been scarred both inside and out by a sadistic Dom and has worked hard to put the pieces of her life back together. However, the successful disc jockey knows one piece doesn’t quite align. She yearns to submit and searches for the one Dom she’s convinced will help bring her to lusty new heights.

When Ryan agrees to assist Beth, he’s surprised by her determination to persevere. Intrigued, he pushes her limits by using his gifted carpenter’s hands to bring her wild, erotic pleasure. Ryan, though, has scars of his own, and a tragic past filled with death keeps him at a distance.

Two broken souls will find a way to heal together. Beth discovers what she needs in Ryan, and her journey mends Ryan’s heart. But when the life Beth abandoned rises from the shadows, Ryan realizes there’s something far worse than his tortuous past—a future without Beth.

Warning: Get your world rocked by two very tortured souls who come together in a blinding explosion of sensual passion that knows no bounds. Except when there are ropes, custom-carved floggers, glass dildos and motorcycle sex involved. Oh, and did I mention the m/f/m ménage scene? One can never have too many skilled men ready to lend a…hand.

Buy the book at Ellora's Cave.

Excerpt:

“To your knees.”

She blinked, stunned at the power and command in his voice. As the control washed over her, she wanted to respond, but she found herself too annoyed things weren’t going according to plan. While she’d expected him to ask her questions to find out what he was in store for, she didn’t expect anything of this magnitude.

Angry, she returned his glare.

He smirked. The reaction caused her insides to turn to jelly, her vitriolic thoughts vanishing on the chilly night air. Why did he have to be so goddamned handsome and annoying at the same time?

“I suggest you listen if you want me to consider taking you on as I don’t like repeating myself. To. Your. Knees.”

She opened her mouth to protest and he tilted his head down just enough to give her another message. A very stern one she couldn’t help but listen to. He would not be ignored.

She dropped her hands to her sides and slowly lowered to her knees. The rough rocks immediately bit into her shins, but she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of showing him she was in pain. She heard the unmistakable sound of buttons popping on his jeans and looked up just in time to see him part the denim. What in the Sam hell did he intend to do? If he expected her to suck his dick right here and now, he’d better think again.

“Eyes down.”

The authority behind those two words coursed through her, compelling her to obey. It had been a long time since she’d had this kind of reaction. Swallowing the lump in her throat, she complied. The denim pooled around his ankles and she found herself staring at the pile.
Just as she started to wonder if Elena had been out of her mind to recommend this man, his hand slid against the top of her head. His touch was almost calming and, despite her annoyance, a feeling of tranquility washed over her. His fingers combed her hair, catching the elastic holder from her ponytail, pulling it free. He continued to run his fingers through the strands, fanning out her hair. She relaxed under his persistent touch. The pain in her legs melted away and she gave a soft sigh as her body started to quietly buzz.

Yes.

The crunch of rocks jolted her back to the moment. She listened to him move away, leaving her alone on the rock path in front of his house.

What in the hell?

Beth looked to the left and her eyes widened in surprise as she spotted him. He strolled toward the small lake at the front corner of the field, towel swinging in his hand as he walked. Those jeans of his were at her feet and she now had an unobstructed view of his bare ass.
A very firm, very tan, perfectly formed ass.

Christ on a slinky going down an up escalator if he doesn’t look even better out of those jeans. Transfixed by the bunch and pull of the muscles in his thighs and butt as he walked over the uneven ground, she forgot her place and openly gawked.

When he reached the bank at the water’s edge, he dropped the towel and walked right into the lake. She expected him to dive under the surface, but instead he slowly moved until the water lapped as his hips. He sunk as if he were a knife cutting through the water, disappearing with no more than a quiet ripple disturbing the surface. The lake smoothed in seconds.

The only indication she ever had company were those damn jeans on the ground in front of her.

Author Bio:

Sara Brookes is an award-winning author who has always been fascinated by the strange, the unusual, the twisted and the lost (tortured heroes are her personal favorite). She is an action movie junkie, addicted to coffee and has been known to stay up until the wee hours of the morning playing RPG video games. Despite all this, she is a romantic at heart and is always a sucker for an excellent love story. Born and bred in Virginia, Sara still lives there with her husband and daughter. The entire family is owned by two cats, Galahad and Loki, who graciously allow the family to cater to their every desire.

Author Links:

Website
Twitter
Facebook
Facebook Author Page
Announcement List

Under the Slippers

Pretty soon now, Mischief Books will release its next collection including a story of mine, Ladies Who Love. My story, "Under the Slippers," is a lesbian menage foot fetish story that I can't wait to share.

I'll post more details when they're available. In the meantime, you can pre-order the collection here.

Bonus Music Post: "Someday" by The Strokes

"I'm working so I won't have to try so hard." -- The Strokes



I'm not really sure what the line I quoted above means, I only know it moves me every time I hear it. I feel like I've been working hard lately, and trying hard at the same time -- maybe too much in both cases. Sometimes, the right song can become a companion, even when I'm not sure where I'm going.

Brazilian Fantasy

I've been remiss in posting about Smut by the Sea Volume 2, which released recently and includes my story, "Brazilian Fantasy." This is a collection of fun, sexy stories with a seaside feeling.

My story is about a woman who's fantasized for years about going to Trancoso in Bahia, Brazil, after reading some magazine articles about an amazing resort there. She goes before she's quite ready, so she can't afford the resort. What she finds instead is a man who fulfills much deeper fantasies. This is a sweet, romantic story.

I had a great time writing it because it gave me an excuse to look at lots of pictures of sexy men doing capoeira (the hero is an amateur capoeirista).



Also, I've read several articles myself about this incredible place and its beaches (including a piece on the natural spa treatments that can be performed using the clay from a cove in the area).

So, basically, this was some pretty fun story research. I just wish I could have gone to Brazil myself...

If you'd like to read this and a bunch of other great stories, pick up Smut by the Sea Volume 2 in paperback or ebook editions.

Music Mondays: "Get Lucky" by Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Williams

"We're up all night to get lucky." -- Pharrell Williams



I don't know which is hotter, Pharrell or the robots. Clearly, this song was made for me (and, like, everyone else in the world, considering how popular it is).

Out Today: The Fugitive's Sexy Brother

My first book for Ellora's Cave, The Fugitive's Sexy Brother, is out today!

Here's the blurb:

Emily Boysen is sick of low-level bounty hunting jobs that don’t pay her rent, and sick to death of her ex-boyfriend taking credit for her work. Ready to claim her due, she takes on the quarry of a lifetime, the notorious Fernando Bonavita. But instead of the fugitive, she captures his sexy younger brother, Javier.

Javier Bonavita never wanted to know the truth about his older brother’s activities, instead protecting him out of loyalty. When he uses his hacking skills to pose as Fernando, he never expects to uncover crimes he can’t stomach. Beautiful Emily has no idea how glad he is to be in her custody—as long as he’s her prisoner, he doesn’t have to face his brother.

Passion flares between Emily and Javier, and soon he’s putting the handcuffs on her. Suspicion grows along with their feelings, though. A sinister plot centers around Fernando, and untangling it will test their loyalties to the limit.

A Romantica® suspense erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

So far, it's only available on the publisher's site, here (but the site allows people to purchase using PayPal, without needing to have an account). I'll post more buy links once they're available. I'll also be going on tour later in the month, at which point I'll share the stories behind the story! Enjoy!