Intelligence is Sexy

Thanks,  Lisabet Sarai for stopping by.


What kind of heroes do you like? That's a topic that comes up all the time in romance author interviews. Alphas―tall, tough and taciturn, the kind of guys who take over and practically force you to love them? Betas―sensitive, responsible, best-friend type of guys who turn out to have harbored secret passions for years? Anti-heroes―bad boys who break all the rules and maybe even the law, but who are too sexy to resist?



My answer? I like smart guys. How the hero looks doesn't matter nearly as much as whether he's got something special between his ears. In the real world and in fiction (mine and the work of others), I find intelligence to be a turn on.



I'm a sucker for the brilliant nerd type. One reason is that I've known so many. (In fact, I married one!) I spent the first twenty six years of my life in school, getting more degrees than anyone should ever want. In the process, I met and loved my share of near-genius men―guys who could discourse for hours on the subjective nature of reality and the illusion of time, or create a mathematical model of the solar system, or build a functioning computer from bottle caps, paper clips and picture wire.



Why are intelligent men attractive? Well, for one thing, most are less likely to be threatened by an intelligent woman. Instead, they appreciate a companion who doesn't bore them. Insight or intuition often, though not always, accompanies intelligence―my genius guys sometimes knew what I wanted before I did. In addition, my experiences suggest that, contrary to the nerd stereotype, bright men are more highly sexed. Or just possibly they're more desperate, but the end result is the same―more passion!



I've written some alpha heroes, but many of my favorite characters don't fit the mold. One example is Rick Martell in Ruby's Rules. The whole book is a contest of wits, wills and sexual wiles, pitting Rick, a clever, charismatic (but not particularly handsome) entrepreneur against Ruby, the brilliant, subtle young CEO of an international business empire. Despite their fierce competition for ownership of a strategic semiconductor factory, Rick and Ruby find each other irresistibly attractive. In fact, the intellectual games they play only fan the flames of their mutual passion.



Here's a brief excerpt (R-rated), the scene where Ruby first meets Rick:





“Bravo.” A soft, melodious male voice, and then the sound of applause. “I’m extremely impressed.”



I pull myself abruptly upright. Did someone dare to watch me and my medieval servitor?



I have just been finger-fucked to exhaustion, yet my first reaction is a wave of total, incomprehensible lust. Incomprehensible because the man who stands between the parted curtains is not at all my type. He is short and wiry. His hair is scraggly and a bit too long around his ears, and he has a dreadful drooping black mustache. He wears nondescript jeans and a khaki shirt.



Somehow, though, he radiates sexuality. His aura is palpable, the air thick and sticky as syrup. He fixes me with his intense, dark eyes and grins. I feel like I am melting. I want to spread my legs wider, desperately offer my swelling sex for him to use as he will.



I struggle with my impulses, close my legs decisively and try to stare him down. “I gather you were spying on me and my admirer.”



“Indeed. A most entertaining and instructive tableau.” He enters the balcony-space, letting the curtains close behind him, and picks up the flogger. The knotted thongs dangle an inch above my cleavage. “You seem to be quite an expert in the arts of discipline.”



“Hardly,” I say, taking the whip from him, trying to take control of the interaction. “I am just beginning to explore the possibilities. But,” I say, my eyes narrowing to watch his reaction, “I do find myself quite sensitive to my partners’ desires to yield to my power.”



“I could see that. You knew what he wanted, and you gave it to him.” He pauses and searches my face. “But, do you know what I want?”



Truly, I have no idea. He seems fascinated by the flogger, but I sense only a hint of submission in him, a playful curiosity totally different from the aching need of my recent conquest.



His eyes play over my body in a leisurely fashion, appreciative, it seems, but not urgent. Surreptitiously, I glance at his fly: an appealing bulk there, but no indication of arousal.



I, on the other hand, am hornier than I have been in weeks. Maybe months. Or ever. My clit throbs like a sore tooth. I lean forward so that my breasts part invitingly, and lick my painted lips.



“Tell me what you want,” I purr. “I’m feeling generous tonight, and just might grant your request.”



He leans toward me in answer, and grasps my chin. Strange electricity flows from his touch. My breasts ache. My cunt is on fire.



“I want you to take me home with you,” he says with a cryptic smile. And then he kisses me.



I am not sentimental. I am not romantic, susceptible, easily mastered. But I swear, I could drown in this kiss.



His lips are smooth and full, his tongue demanding. He tastes of peppermint, and behind that, an aromatic trace of pipe tobacco. I smell his cologne, something clean, woodsy, Scandinavian.



I do not want to give in, and yet I do. I return his kiss, open my mouth wide to his probing. He senses my partial surrender, and presses his advantage. He has slipped his hand inside my vest, now, and is pinching my nipple hard.



I love it. I am awash with lust. I am dying for him to take me. My sex is liquid, spilling over. My scent rises in the velvet-draped space. I know that I cannot hide my desire, but still I try.



“You seem most enthusiastic,” I say, my voice surprisingly steady. “But why should I allow you into my personal space?”



“Because you want to,” he says, deftly extricating my breast from its leather casing and planting a kiss on its tip. “And because you think that you will have more control on your home territory. As an interloper, I will necessarily be at a disadvantage.”



He is right. Many women would feel vulnerable, bringing a stranger into their home, but I am more confident on my own turf than in some unfamiliar locale. I am astonished at his perspicacity. Who is this man? He appears so ordinary and yet there is both physical attraction, and psychological intrigue.





Of course, Ruby is as intelligent as Rick. That's a major part of the dynamic that propels this novel. I should have mentioned that smart heroines are my favorites, too.



LISABET SARAI writes erotica and erotic romance in a wide range of genres. For more information about her and work, including lots of free samples, visit http://www.lisabetsarai.com/.

-- NECESSARY MADNESS - New M/M paranormal erotic romance from Lisabet Sarai

> Read an excerpt at http://www.lisabetsarai.com/necessarymadnessex.html
> Watch the trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fVZjWpvJEo
> Buy now at http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?P_ID=655
> Venture Beyond Romance: http://lisabetsarai.blogspot.com


Thanks,

Anita

Meet Frances Pauli

Hi everyone,

I wanted you to learn a little about my friend Frances Pauli.

Why do you write speculative romance?

I enjoy reading both Science Fiction and Urban Fantasy, so I write in
those areas. The Romance happens whether I intend it to or not, and
I’ve decided not to fight it. Seriously, though, I love Spec-Rom. It’s
the sort of thing I dream about. I can’t think of any other stories
I’d be this happy writing.

What are you working on now?
I’m in the middle of a holiday story at the moment. The working title
is Lords of Oak and Holly, and my protagonist is an ice sculptor who
falls for the prince of winter. I have an e-book release coming up
this summer. That one is the first in my Dimensional Hotel series, a
humorous, inter-dimensional romance about a small town hotel maid
whose new job is out of this world—literally.

What do you love most about being an author?
I love the stories, the characters and the little surprises that sneak
into my books when I’m not looking. Three years ago I couldn’t fathom
finishing a novel. Today I can’t imagine doing anything else, ever.
What is your favorite book of all time (by another author)?
That’s a close race between Andre Norton’s, Year of the Unicorn and
Christopher Moore’s, Lamb. I think Norton would edge him out, though,
because she has the romance going for her.

As an electronically published author, what advice can you give to
someone looking to dive into the industry? Any warnings or cautionary
tales?
Do a search on everyone you come into contact with. Learn as much as
you can about everything before you even consider submitting. If you
know what industry standards are, you’ll be less likely to fall for
something that doesn’t qualify.

Tell us a little about your latest release.
My first e-book, Roarke, was released in March from Devine Destinies.
The story is a futuristic romance about a mercenary who wakes from the
“dead” with no memory of her past or her identity. While piecing
together her fragmented memories, she has to decide if who she was is
really who she wants to be.

Where can readers find you?
My homepage is at: http://francespauli.com
I write a blog at: http://francespauli.blogspot.com
And offer a free serial at: http://spaceslugserial.blogspot.com
The latter is a humorous space opera about a rather uptight
xeno-biologist, her space harlot sister and all the trouble they can get into and, occasionally, out of.

Roarke is available through Devine Destinies:
http://www.devinedestinies.com/shopdevine/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=ebook_flypage.tpl&product_id=860&category_id=40&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=69
And on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/ylfz9te

I’m also offering a copy of a free-ebook sampler, Temptations, to
anyone who comments on the blog. The sampler features love scenes from
various romance and erotica authors and includes a scene from my
unpublished story, A New Canterbury Affair. The book is 18 and over
only, please. If you’d like a copy, post an email addy in the comments
or send it to me privately.

Thanks, and thanks to Anita for having me stop by!

Anita Philmar's Banished Witch -- Now Available

Blurb-

Once a princess of Ardenia, Danella, left her homeland to warn her childhood sweetheart only to be kidnapped and sold into slavery. Learning the dark magic from her keeper, she grew to accept her role as a witch to protect her family and track down the traitor to the crown. But when Omar Mandel, the love from her past, arrives to bring her home, she realizes she can never go home. That doesn't mean she can't use his assistance in her plan for revenge and, in the meantime, live out a few unfulfilled fantasies.

The queen wants her daughter to come home and Omar’s job is to see that it happens. However, Danella isn’t the same sweet girl he remembers. In her place is a sexy woman who excites his lust and claims his heart. He must teach her to trust in his love and face the sins of the past if they are to have a future together.


Excerpt:

He followed the quick action of her fingers as she loosened her clothes. His blood raced through his veins in anticipation of viewing her luscious breasts. “And what animal do you usually change into?”

She tugged her blouse from the waistband of her skirt. “It varies. If I’m in a hurry, I usually chose a hawk or falcon and take to the sky. Otherwise, I might choose a coyote or jaguar so I can prowl a little on the way.”

When she dropped her shirt to the ground, he marveled at the creamy white swell of her breasts. The rosy tips drawn in tight peaks spoke not only of her arousal but the cool air surrounding them.

He automatically reached for her, but she avoided his touch by stepping back, then shoved her skirt down her legs. After shedding the multi-colored fabric, she wore only a pair of black, lace-up boots. “If you want to make it to my cabin before the light disappears, you better remove your clothes, too.”

The sight of her exquisite body held him prisoner. Full plump breasts lead to a narrow waist then widened into the round curve of her hips. The light bush between her legs revealed her natural blonde hair color. He smiled and grabbed her around the waist. “And what if I can’t wait until then to claim you?”

A sly grin kissed her lips before a tiny pop broke the silence between them. The smooth texture of her skin changed into the soft caress of feathers as she shrank. The tantalizing aroma of her transformation filled his loins with a barbaric thirst for sex.

A loud call pulled his gaze skyward as a hawk soared above his head. Words filtered through his head. Do you know the hawk’s waltz?

He recalled the mating rituals performed above the trees and envisioned the joy of flying.

After a small hop, he flapped his wings and raced after her. With their destination unknown to him, she quickly outdistanced him. He sped through the air and slowly closed the gap between them. Yes.

The wind rushing over his feathers fought to cool his carnivorous hunger, but the brief teasing fragrance of her lust continued to feed his desire. The sun, escaping the pursuit of the night beast, fell below the horizon. Red, yellow, and purple lights filled the evening sky.

Why flee? he called.

Her answer stroked his thoughts. Oh, but if you can’t catch me, what kind of pleasure could you really give me?

Inflamed by her words and the fire burning through his loins, he soared higher and charted the circles she drew beneath his flight’s course.

Marking her position, he took a steep dive through the center of her path and then moved in a sharp angle upwards. He repeated the maneuver several times, coming closer and closer to her until his wing brushed hers. On his climb back to the heavens, he grabbed her talons.

Interlock in a spiraling fall, her hoarse raspy cry echoed around him. The ache in his cock intensified. How much longer would she make him wait?

Find it at http://www.thewildrosepress.com/wilderroses/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=182&products_id=776&zenid=469d893390d6d5c8ce63a6f7dcd9e027

Anita
http://www.anitaphilmar.com/

Danni Achieved Her Goal

 After all of hunting for Dr. Raven, Danni may have found more than she bargained for. Check it out at The Blackraven's Erotic Cafe. Enter to win, and learn why Danni need a doctor.
Tomorrow is the big day. "Banished Witch" will hit the streets.


Anita
http://www.anitaphilmar.com/

Danni Is Closing in on Dr. Raven

Check out the blog today at Blackraven's Reviews between Danni and AJ.





Remember to register to win.


Anita
www.anitaphilmar.com

Winner

Good afternoon everyone,




First, thanks for dropping by yesterday. I hope you had a GREAT time and can't wait for you to read Banished Witch. If you thought Jack was sexy, waiting until you meet Omar. He and Danni definitely set the sheets on fire as they unleash the pent up passion that's been boiling below the surface for years.

Now that I've piqued your curiosity...let's see who the lucky winner is of the $5 GC. Please remember that the winner was selected using the True Random Number Generator from RANDOM.ORG. The generator selected comment #10.


With that said...The lucky winner is...

SINN

Please contact The Blackraven off-line at blackraven.contests {at} gmail {dot} com to claim your prize

Anita
http://www.anitaphilmar.com/

Diva Deb and Dr. Raven

Check out the next stop on the blog tour at Dark Divas





Here is the link:

http://ddrreviews.blogspot.com/2010/06/banished-witch-blog-tour-giveaways-hunt.html

Read an interesting conversation between Diva Deb and Dr. Raven.

And be sure to enter to win, You have until noon tomorrow.
Anita
www.anitaphilmar.com

Danella Starts Her Hunt for Dr. Raven

Danella stormed into her sister’s suite and immediately caught sight of her brother-in-law Jack Avery. “Dr. Raven. Dr. Raven. I’m looking for Dr. Raven.”


A handsome man, she could see at a glance why her sister had decided to marry him. Even if he was a scoundrel, he had a wicked grin that told a woman without words he’d be a powerhouse in bed.

He stared off into space and his eyes took on a lust glare.

“Okay, Jack, I can tell by the dreamy smile on your face you know who she is. Now give. Tell me where I can find her.” Danella waved her fingers in a way to encourage him to confide in him. But as the princess of Ardenia, a practicing witch and his wife’s sister, she’d do whatever necessary to gain the information she sought.

Jack shook his dark head. Hair fell across his handsome face and he brushed it back with a quick swipe of his hand. “Why are you looking for Dr. Raven?”

Danni strolled to the middle of the room, her gaze judging his involuntary movements. The slight stiffening of his shoulders, the tight line of his jaw, he appeared almost protective toward the woman.

“I know you enjoyed the woman, Jack. You spent hours in her bed, enjoying her body and the unique flavor of her sex. She responded to your every desire, but…” Dannie paused, wondering if she should reveal how she watched part of the exchange in her crystal ball. She’d learn a lot about him when Dr. Raven started questioning his desire to find Kitty.

“But what?” Jack pulled her from her musing.

“But you didn’t like her questioning you about Kitty. Why you had to find her? What you plan to do when you found her? You told her how you plan to read Kitty’s desires and then to give them to her. Why? Did she cast a spell over you?”

Jack rose from the couch and paced across the room, then back. His face showed his uncertainty. “No. The lady has a dark diva spirit. With very little effort, she can worm her way into a man’s mind and get him to admit any thing.”

Danella smiled. This was the exact reason why she wanted to talk to Dr. Raven. “And where does the woman reside?”

He glared at her. “She’ll not help, but you should be able to find her where all the dark diva’s hang out at http://www.ddrreviews.blogspot.com/.”

Pleased to have the information she needed, Danella grinned and raced for the door. Time to track down the doctor.


Don't forget to enter to win a $5 GC on each site. Then, the person who gets all of the questions right will also be entered to win a free book of their choice? On the final day, the winner gets a copy of Banished Witch and a $5 GC of their choice.

Question for today - What's the first book in the Anita Philmar's Banished series?

All contests are overnight and the winners will be announced the next day on each blog. The rules are you need to be a follower of each blog, leave an email address, answer the question and state where you would like their GC from should you win.

See you tomorrow at http://www.ddrreviews.blogspot.com/

Anita
www.anitaphilmar.com

The Hunt for the BlackRaven

To celebrate the release of "Banished Witch". My herione from my new book has decided to find Dr. Raven and ask her a few question.

Join her hunt and win prizes.

June 7th  starts on this blog

June 8th Dark Divas





June 9th Blackraven's Reviews




June 10th at The Cafe with an overnight contest.




June 11th The day "Banished Witch" is released.



Entered to win a $5 GC on each site. Then, the person who gets all of the questions right will also be entered to win a free book of their choice? On the final day, the winner gets a copy of Banished Witch and a $5 GC of their choice.

All contests are overnight and the winners will be announced the next day on each blog.

The rules - need to be a follower of each blog, leave an email address, answer the question and state where you would like their GC from should you win.

Check out the fun,
 Anita
www.anitaphilmar.com