Archive | Recommendations RSS feed for this section

Sexy Saturday Round-Up

18 May
Photo by Dollen

Photo by Dollen

Hello Sexy! Ever wonder how to keep your sex toys safe? Or who has the best condom? Hmm? We at Lady Smut try to round-up the most pertinent blog posts of the week for you. Keeping it lively, entertaining, and just a little informative. Enjoy!

From Liz Everly

Is Apple the ringmaster in e-book price fixing?

Strong is the new skinny. Huzzah!

Rebuffed woman bites the penis of her boyfriend. Yep that’s right. As in give me some love or I’ll bite it off. heh.

Ever tried to have sex with a hornet’s nest? Why not? Maybe it’s not such a good idea (ya think?)–as one gent in Sweden found out.

From C. Margery Kempe

There’s a new issue of Safeword Magazine, full of fun stuff!

In spite of doom and gloom, the five biggest traditional publishing conglomerates all had healthy profit margins  in 2012–helped by ebook sales.

An Ingram exec says Barnes & Noble could survive if it got rid of the Nook, which is dragging down the entire company. Meanwhile, Barnes & Noble is (bizarrely) launching Nook Press.

Creative people say NO.

From Elizabeth:

So you think toilet seats are gross? They’re nothing compared to your purse.

This girl never takes it off. Makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury about why she sleeps in her makeup.

Keep your sex toys safe. City Girl teaches us about dildology.

Scientific research shows, this is the best condom.

From Madeline:

We love Misty Deitz.  Here’s her great 3 part advice blog post on realistic kink for the girl next door.

Ah-ha! Sex advice from Cougars

News from crazy-town: Let his wife tell you he’s married—even if she’s not at the bar when you meet him. This is a wedding ring that imprints the word married on his finger.  

Love this guy! Mattew Hussey gives you tips on how to instantly tell if a guy really likes you.

Have a great weekend — and follow our Lady Smut blog.  Just click on the follow button to your right. :)

Stay hungry,

Liz

Kirk or Spock?

16 May

by Madeline Iva

Pepsi or Coke? Logolas or Aragorn? (Or are you one of those weirdos out there who prefers Frodo?) We women really seem to line up on different sides when it comes to the types of men we like. Why is that?  Does it all come down to the guys who thrill vs. the guy who’s chill?

Of course Spock.

Spock's hittin' it

Spock’s hittin’ it

Of course Legolas–but I have a sneaking suspicion you won’t agree with me.  [Fist pump with my sisters out there who do.]

Chris Pine you are fine.

Chris Pine you are fine.

My first crush was on Spock. (I won’t even tell you what movie.)  And I’ve been faithful ever since.

Original Spock--accept no substitutes.

Original Spock–accept no substitutes.

And I’d bet money that those women out there who prefer Kirk would also prefer Aragorn.  Don’t know why, it’s just a gut feeling.

--And we--love. Men who talk. Using strange...pauses. In their speech.

–And we–love. Men who talk. Using strange…pauses. In their speech.

The latest Star Trek is coming out.  [Let the summer movie extravaganzas begin!] I’ll be interested in seeing it because I don’t know…ladies, I may be jumping ship.

While Spock’s getting it on with Uhura, I’m going to be checking out a third dark horse in the race for yumminess: Bones.Hot!

Karl Urban was recently in a not-too-bad reboot of the Judge Dredd franchise.  He’s cute, people.  Have you noticed that? And I’m saying that after watching him play Dredd–where we never saw his face.  His side kick was kinda okay too btw.

Damn it Jim, Karl's hawt.

Damn it Jim, Karl’s hawt.

So you tell me in the comments below — Kirk or Spock? (Or have you been reading fan fic where they *ahem* are both together?) Who’s open minded out there and willing to toss Bones into the ring as a contender?

Oh wait! You know what–they should call this movie STAR TRECK: VOYAGE INTO EXPONENTIAL HOTNESS.  Because hey look–Benedict Cumberbach is playing the bad guy.  And B.C. –if you’ve been following the BBC’S SHERLOCK — he’s just riveting.Benedict

So you know where I’ll be Friday night.  Meanwhile, if you’re home over the weekend and you’d rather stay inside in front of your own TV to watch some action adventure, here are two DVD’s to check out:

Dredd — as I told you, it’s not. that. bad.  Harsh, with cool slo-mo effects and a great villian-ness.

Dredd and his girly side-kick.

Dredd and his girly side-kick.

I thought that Lena Headey (see my Bad Mommy post) was an awesome–practically stole the movie.  Funnily enough her character’s name was ‘Mama’.

Lena rocks it as the villain--of course.

Lena rocks it as the villain–of course.

Check out John Carter as well.  It got panned quickly for no real good reason that I can see.  Really, it’s just fine.  And the princess isn’t a size zero–that was refreshing.  It’s long though,–so make sure to settle in with a snack–but it’s honest, bouncing fun.  Makes up for the last few wretched Star Wars flicks.

Johnny Boy & a princess

Johnny Boy & a princess

 

Remember you can follow this blog — just hit the button to your right. :)

Sexy Saturday Round-Up

11 May

By Liz Everly, with the Lady Smut Bloggers

Photo by Dollen

Photo by Dollen

Hello, sexy! What a week. I’m done with my travels for now and back at work. Once again, we’ve gotten some fascinating blogs and even a video for you to check out this week. Sit back, relax, and happy reading.

I sat in on the RITA-nominees Shindig event on Thursday night and this post was brought up several times: Should we allow the historical genre to die?

Nathan Bransford on how publisher should empower their authors.

Writers breaking the “rules” of good writing.

This from the strange, but true. An man dies in Nigeria after being raped by his wives.

Charlaine Harris on killing off a series.

Another from the strange but true. A question about changing the sheets between lovers.

From Madeline:

Always looking for how to manage your time more productively? Me too! Here are 9 tips on managing your time from Colleen Trombley-VanHoogstraat posted on the Washington Romance Writers blog.

“It’s hard to explain or describe how a woman feels about her body—it’s either her friend or her enemy.” If you’re moved by this statement, maybe it’s time to call a truce.  Meanwhile, this fascinating account of post-baby plastic surgery is as soul searching as it is provocative.

How to write fast from the master of writing fast.

Kate Worth shared these links to the latest Harlequin fail– Part 1) Joe Conrath explains the backstory on the lawsuit. Part 2) The Judge Dismisses the Case. Part 3) Snarky commentary on The Harlequin Survey that followed. (You might read this if only for Bob Mayer’s response in the comments section.)

Alma Katzu’s edgy social media blog ENDPAPER NOTES is not for the faint of heart.  But her think tank expert’s take on cutting edge social media is where you’ll find the good stuff.

From Elizabeth:

Sure, Sunday’s Mother’s Day, but it’s also National Limerick Day! Celebrate by reading a brief history of the limerick.

At last, a definitive guide to buying and wearing a properly sized bra.

Beach time! Publishers’ Weekly is out with their list of best summer books for 2013. Stock up!

A Free Taste

10 May

Man City Lizzieby C. Margery Kempe
I thought as I am (or should be) at present running around London having fun before I head back to my sweetie up north in Scotland, that I would give you a little freebie teaser of my latest book, Man City: Lizzie. Like the original Man City, it’s a ménage story. At the center is the red-headed Lizzie, an art historian. But Lizzie’s being pressured into a choice:

Lizzie had been grateful for the impromptu docent duties that morning as it had mostly kept her from thinking about her own potential trap. Seated behind her desk once more with a lot of paperwork waiting, it became impossible not to ruminate on ‘the Nigel problem’ as she had begun to think of it.

Six little words.

“I want us to be exclusive,” he had said to her last night, taking her hand across the table. She hoped the dismay didn’t show too clearly on her face, but he had at least recognized surprise. Studying his earnest face, Lizzie had to admit not many women would say no to that offer.

Nigel was tall, dark and handsome for sure. He cooked like a dream and he had a laugh that warmed like a stove on a winter’s afternoon. Lizzie enjoyed the strength of his arms and the concentration in his face when they made love. Nigel made sure she was satisfied, whether he was preparing dinner or eating her out.

So why in the world wouldn’t she want to have that all to herself?

Her phone buzzed and Lizzie saw the number she had been half-expecting to flash there.

He was why.

“Hello, Jake,” Lizzie could almost hear herself purr.

“Can you meet for lunch?” His tone was casual, but that didn’t fool her.

“Where?”

“My place.”

She snorted. “Will I get any food out of this?”

“You could pick something up on the way!” He rang off without even saying good-bye.

That was Jake: impetuous, fun-filled, demanding and unpredictable.

And that was why she didn’t immediately agree to Nigel’s proposal. She had strong feelings for both of them; why did she have to choose? A gorgeous guy who cooks? A life-of-the-party guy who thrilled her? She had three favourite restaurants and at least a dozen favourite artists. Why only one boyfriend? It made her want to stomp her foot and cry in her best two-year-old voice, “It’s not fair!”

These thoughts were still churning in her head when she got to Jake’s. He lived on the top floor of a gorgeous nineteenth century building. The stair was narrow and dark but when you got to the top, it was all light and windows. He had an enviable view of the cathedral and town centre.

If he asked me to be exclusive, would I have leaned toward yes just because of this flat? Lizzie wondered, but then immediately laughed to herself. Jake could never be exclusive to anyone!

As she rang the buzzer Lizzie realised she had forgotten to pick up any food. Ah well, Cup-a-Soup back at the office. But when Jake opened the door, she smelled something delicious. She saw something pretty delicious, too. His loose tie and his work shirt half unbuttoned invited her hand to slip inside and caress his chest as they kissed. His cowlicked hair stuck up in fashionable disarray. No doubt about it, Jake was a dish—even paler than she was with jet black hair and eyes the colour of Caribbean waters.

He pulled her close as he shut the door behind her, running his hands down her back to her bum and giving the cheeks a squeeze. The warm kiss became something hotter as his tongue thrust deep into her open mouth. Lizzie felt the stress of the morning slip away as her skin thrilled to his touch…

Check out more on my author page at Tirgearr Publishing.

The Lusty Month of May: Three Recommendations

9 May
Spring

I’m getting high on beauty.

By Madeline Iva

“That lovely month when ev’ry one goes–blissfully astray.”

March is when spring comes–ha! For a week out in the West maybe.  And all March brings to the Northeast is a mini-winter.

Even in the South–where the lucky folk get a glorious burst of tulips and daffodils that smite the eyes with beauty–March and April are flirty, edgy and inconstant.  It’s not until May that spring truly arrives.  It’s not until May when the deep promise of fertility roams across the land. May is green.  May is warm.  May is lusty.

What's she doing with those hands? Collecting flowers? Right.

What’s she doing with those hands? Collecting flowers? Right.

Botticelli’s Primavera, also known as the Allegory of Spring presents the arrival of spring. The three graces dance: they are beauty, joy, and charm.  In my garden the three graces are peonies, daisies, and roses. All of them have started to bloom and the garden is at its best in this month.

Here are some other welcome spring arrivals to my TBR pile.  Two authors I like, doing what they do best and one new author to try:

Graces

Beauty, Joy, and Charm. In my garden otherwise known as peonies, daisies, and roses.

Curve Ball by Charlotte Stein (and hey!–it’s only .99 cents!) When Judy Myers is offered a relaxing vacation to get away from her latest heartbreak, she can’t say no. A cruise on her brother’s yacht sounds like heaven…until she realises her brother’s best friend has been invited along for the ride. Steven Stark is big, he’s loud, and he’s obviously not interested in the plump, plain little sister he used to tease unmercifully. In fact, he’s still quite happy to tease her – until she turns the tables on him.

Soul Possession by Maya Banks  Jessie spends a hot night with two sexy-as-sin detectives, only to be accused of murder the very next day. But when Jessie becomes the target of a serial killer, her two detectives will risk everything to have her back in their arms—and in their bed…

and

Primavera

“Bite me, Zephryus”. That’s the nymph Chloris speaking to the March winds. Later they marry and he turns her into the goddess of spring, who scatters roses on the ground.

Agent of Desire by Charlie Evans (Jessica Booker #1–in a series)*An Erotic Spy Thriller* Adrenaline junkie Jessica Booker joined the CIA to take on bad guys and flirt with danger. And with perks like sleeping with hot foreign men added into the mix, well…it’s a pretty sweet deal. Now in Paris, she’s about to take on her second assignment as an official agent but is caught off guard when her new handler turns out to be Sims, a sexy CIA instructor. Sims was hard enough to resist in the classroom—in the field, he’s a dangerous distraction. To make matters worse, Jessica’s target is a gorgeous Frenchman who manages to put her in the most compromising positions—positions she doesn’t altogether mind.

Sexy Saturday Round-Up

27 Apr
Photo by Dollen

Photo by Dollen

Greetings, sexy! What a week. I’m still in lala land over my blog post on USA Today’s Happy Ever After column. It’s been so busy at home that I barely have time to eat! The next thing ya know it’s time to round-up some blog posts. So we have a group of very interesting posts this week. Sit back, grab a cuppa or glass of whatevah, and enjoy!

From Liz:

Jody Hedlund on tips for finding competent, compatible critique partners.

Forced seduction and its place in romance (or not).

The value of a writer’s life experience.

From Madeline:

Stephanie Frasco tells us how to Market like a Kardashian. Hate them if you will, but you gotta admit–this is their one true area of genius.  (Thanks to Alma Katsu for the blog rec.)

It’s not too late to vote for your favorite ROMANCE CRACK.

Older woman, younger man–yes, it’s a hot sub-genre in erotic romance, but how well does it work in real life? 

Yet again Cosmo gives the worst sex advice EVAH.  (I still recall with helpless giggles the column on trying out BDSM. “take a fork and stick him with it all over.” Hahahahahahaha! ) This one is on how to take that hot new sexy relationship and make it awkward as F***.  (Who are the people who write this stuff and what’s wrong with them???)

Margie Lawson give great examples of writers injecting their words with emotion at Writers In The Storm Blog this week.

From Elizabeth

Is your voice affecting the way others perceive you?

You. Being sexy. In 3D. Oh yes, ladies, it’s here.

Make your break-ups that much more perfect with these handy suggestions for break-up wine pairings.

From Margery:

Book marketing ideas that will change your life.

James Patterson thinks the sky is falling!

How some devious editors tried to remove all the “lady writers” from Wikipedia pages.

An amazing artist who never shared her incredible photographs.

Sexy Saturday Round-Up

20 Apr
Photo by Dollen

Photo by Dollen

Hello, sexy! We’ve got a fascinating group of blogs lined up for your weekend reading. Once again, we bring you a group of diverse and lively topics. Yep, we’ve got posts on penises, vampire facials, and the psychology of love. Where else are you going to see Kim Kardashian’s name in the same post with Brain Pickings? Hmmm? Kick back and enjoy!

From Liz:

Do you still need an agent?

Bella Andre and her story.

Why you might choose NOT to self-publish.

Great post from Misty Dietz on seeing and loving yourself.

Science proves women want men with bigger penises?

Growing a mid-list author. Robyn Carr.

From Elizabeth:

In the wake of the Boston Marathon tragedy, a beautiful article by Time Magazine’s Jeffrey Kluger on why heroes risk it all for strangers.

Need a little comic relief? The annual results from the Bulwer-Lytton fiction contest are out.

Lighten your hair the natural way, using cinnamon.

Say it isn’t so! Death of the cupcake.

From Madeline:

I was definitely saddened and even felt anxious after the horrible news from Boston this week.  If you find it hard to get out of that anxious/sad mode once you’re in it–here are 16 ways to feel not so sad.

Still worried about what photos you can use on your blog without getting sued? Not to fear, the answer is here.

Are you sexy and you know it?

I love guest blogging–here are 9 tips for being a good guest.

No she didn’t–did you hear about Kim Kardashian’s vampire facial?

From C. Margery:

The best muse EVAH! She’s fierce.

Frida Kahlo: not just a great artist, but turning everything around her into art.

I reviewed a gorgeous book of fairy tales aimed at YA but totally satisfying for grown-ups too; this is why print books will not disappear. We want beautiful books!

From Brain Pickings: 5 Must Read Books on the Psychology of Love

Stay hungry,

Liz

Sexy Saturday Round-Up

13 Apr
Photo by Dollen

Photo by Dollen

Hello , Sexy! This week it’s just Madeline Iva and myself coming up with a few awesome blog posts for you to check out. But still the variety is fun, yummy, and fascinating. So sit back and enjoy!

From Liz:

Elizabeth Naughton on why she self-publishes. (And she make a great living at it. Check it out. You go, girl!)

Talli Rolland asks to Blog or Not?

Pondering writing erotica.

Vaginas of Science and Justice.

News of the weird. Getting nabbed having sex (after church) in the Kroger parking lot.

From Madeline:

What’s a Review Crew? Sarah Wendell explains it all for you.

Jezebel.com commentary on Reddit’s guide to a rape-y teeth gritted first kiss.  No, I couldn’t look away, I read the whole thing.

Alma Katsu waves bye-bye to Google Alerts and points you towards a brave new social media world.

Is it tacky to sing at your own wedding? What if it’s Oh Canada!? Avril Lavrine lays down her wedding do’s n don’ts.

Stay hungry, my friends,

Liz

Sexy Saturday Round-Up

6 Apr
Photo by Dollen

Photo by Dollen

Hello, sexy! We’ve got an interesting line-up of blog posts for you this week. Once again, a wide variety of writers and reads. The Lady Smut writers have covered much ground this week—blogs posts from Kristin Higgins, Rachelle Gardner, and Kathy Kulig. (Not sure where else you’d see those three names together!) We also have some advice posts on vibrators and how to make a million dollars from your writing.

Enjoy!

From Liz:

Kristan Higgins on upping the stakes in your writing or “just kill someone already.”

Fun list from the Washington Post about some hot new romance novels for spring.

How not to write smut.

Rachelle Gardner on what happens when the sales guys run the company. Great responses on this post.

On respecting your process.

From Elizabeth:

Erotic romance author Kathy Kulig on why erotica is not a dirty word.

Shop talk on the best vibrators.

A video (!) on what guys think about cleavage.

From Madeline:

On the kindness of strangers in Paris when you need some lube.

Jennifer Armentrout made a million dollars from her writing.  Here’s how.

We romance folk aren’t writing “rape-tastic” any more.  How Romance Embraced Feminism.
From C. Margery:
Stay hungry, my friends,
Liz

A Lifetime of of Lust and Longing

2 Apr

I’ve just finished reading a novel that I think you might enjoy—BEFORE I FORGET, A NOVEL OF LUST AND LONGING by Andre Brink. The author brilliantly weaves his main character’s erotic memories of all of his lovers, while giving the reader a glimpse into the struggles of South Africa. The way in which he describes sex and female body parts, in particular, is artful, respectful, and extraordinary.
I am touched by the poetic ways in which the character considers his lovers. At the beginning of the book, for example, there is this passage: “Each separate limb, as it touches or responds to touch, becomes a miracle beyond flesh and blood, illuminated by its own light, its own lambent fire, but without being consumed….Eye, mouth, ear, shoulder, elbow, hand, hip, back, each the opening line of a poem, casting a spell, lifting a veil. Toe , foot, ankle, knee. Thigh. I pronounce you. You utter me utterly. “

books
One of the most unique and exciting qualities to this book is his treatment of older women lovers. Let’s face it, most contemporary novels sort of skim over the aging, but still sensual, bodies that make up a large portion of the world’s population. At one point he writes something like this…I am paraphrasing…but something like “it wasn’t just that I could see she was beautiful as a young woman, but that she is beautiful. Here and now.”
It is not necessarily an easy read. But if you stick with it, you will be glad you did.
By the way, there are several sex and food scenes—the most delicious, I think, was a scene during which he poured champagne into his lover’s navel and drank it from her. Mmmm…

Sorry got a wee bit distracted there. Grin. But reading this novel made me start to think of the romance genre and how for many years MOST main female characters are in their twenties now many are in their thirties.

One the best contemporary books I’ve read lately is  “Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand ” by Helen Simonson, and one of my favorite parts of the story was the romance between retired folks.

51zwJw2zPzL

Let’s hope that romance, love, and sex continue to be a part of our lives as we age. According to  a blog post on Heros and Heartbreakers, which cites DearAuthor.com, the average age of heroines in romance fiction written in the U.S. ranges from 24-26. The average romance reader is a generation older, 44.6, to be exact, says RWA. The breakdown of readership by age is no longer available on RWA’s statistics page, but earlier figures placed the number of romance readers over 45 at 44%. But Harlequin’s Next and Everlasting Love lines which frequently featured heroines over 40 are defunct. Which begs the question: is part of the romance fantasy also a part of our longing for our youth? On the one hand, I get that, but on the other hand, I think it’s kind of sad. Once again, romance, love, and sex continue to be a part of our lives as we age, so why isn’t is more a part of what we read? I’m not coming from a place of judgement, here, I’m as guilty as the next reader and writer, I’m just curious. (Just for the record, my main characters are in their late twenties/mid-thirties.)

I’d like to read more romances with characters in their forties and beyond—not that I DON’T want to read romances with younger characters. Do they exist? I searched for them and found a list someone came up with on Goodreads. I’ve not checked out each book, but it looks promising. Does anybody have any recommendations?

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 6,313 other followers

%d bloggers like this: