Today is a day to celebrate...

the 20th anniversary of President George H. W. Bush signing the American Disabilities Act.

Do it by reading a romance with a hero or heroine who has a disability. Now, I admit to not being able to think of any heroines that might fit, but I do know of a hero who does, actually two.

Elvis Donnelly, from Susan Andersen's Exposure, has to be one of my all time favorite heroes. He's gorgeous, sweet, and I adore him. Elvis was concerned about how Emma [heroine] and her daughter would see him, being imperfect, and that made him even more endearing to me the reader.

So, it shouldn't suprise anyone that, when give the chance to write about an Ancient Greek mythological figure - I chose Hephaestus. He may have been physically deformed in the texts, but I gave him a fabulous stick, and a sexy stride in Hephaestus Lays Down the Law.

Can you think of any other wonerful romantic heroes that have a disability that we should read? Inquiring minds want to know.

UPDATED 7.28.10
Well, that will teach me to not open my mail as soon as I get it. Last night I opened the September 2010 issue of RT Book Reviews and on page 10 is a "Trend Watch" article called 'Unconditional Love: How heroes and heroines with disabilities are winning readers' hearts' by Liz French. Great read and at the end is a reading list broken down by challenges faced. Blindness-Eyesight, Deaf-Mute, Mental Disability-Head Trauma, Scarring-Amputee-Disfigurement, Lameness-Limp, and Paraplegic-Wheelchair. It was cool to see titles and/or authors Sherry and Diana both mentioned. There were even a few others I'd read and hadn't remembered the challenge being present. Is that a good thing or not? I'm not sure. I didn't make any effort to hide Hephaestus' issues, but neither did I write it so that was the main focus of the story. It will be interesting to see how I approach the same issues next time [already in progress]. Actually, the bulk of that story is written - an erotic contemporary shapeshifter - and the physical challenges the heroine faces are there, but again, not the thrust of the story or even the romance, simply a part of who she is and unique challenges she faces.

Big Huge Reader Contest - Day 23!

Sex is a major part of the erotic romance genre, it also happens to be a prevelent activity in Ancient Greek mythology, and I put the two together for the Mythological Messes Redux series. Recently I had a reader ask me how I decided who had what kind of sex and it wasn't something I'd ever really thought about. The simple answer would be that the characters tell me what they want to do in the sack and, to a certain extent, that's true, although I generally know who will do what before the characters are fully developed as their sexual proclivity is part of their personalities.

Let me back up and clarify something. Our discussion had started with us talking about the unconventional, non-vanilla [BDSM and Ménages] sex I sometimes write and how they should have a unique page on my website [I've since taken their advice and done this :-)]. So, back to that question, how I decide who has what type of sex, specifically when it came to the Ancient Greek mythological characters. While the gods, goddesses and immortals were all sexually active, that was generally as far as it went, but would they have stretched the repertoire in the boudoir if the opportunity had been presented?

Let's see, shall we?


Hephaestus, god of the Forge, was hated, mistreated and ridiculed by his stepmother [Hera is just as often considered his mother], but he was a good man. He worked hard making important special items for the other Olympians. Things like thunderbolts for Zeus and Hermes' winged hat and shoes. Heph may find it necessary to walk with an aid, a stick, but the work he did meant he was totally buff. The god was big, with well defined muscles and handsome [at least I like to think so]. Wouldn't it be logical for a man who is physically challenged and yet quite comfortable with manipulating steel to be turned on by binding his lover for his focused attention?


Then there's the twins who aren't really twins, Castor and Pollux, the Dioscuri [Sons of Zeus]. Brought up as brothers, they were very close and as grown men, became even better friends. They thought and acted as one. Both men were great horsemen, renowned hunters and the best of boxers who often sought to right a wrong - the brothers protected those who needed it most. On such a mission, Castor [mortal] lay dying when Pollux gave up his immortality to spend eternity with his brother, not completely dead, but existing as the Gemini constellation. Doesn't it make sense that these two men would fall in love with the same woman?


And then there's the feared, one-eyed Cyclopes monsters, they could never have a lover, could they? Agres, Steropes and Brontes have existed forever, are firmly set in their ways and see no reason to change. Humans are annoying and it's fine with them that cower in fear of the brothers. Work keeps them busy and it takes a great deal of attention to keep from sucumbing to their unique personifications. However, their job also happens to shape their bodies into delightfully strong forms, and the one eye, surrounded by long lashes, is gorgeous, especially when focused on a specific woman. Never believing love would never be theirs, it's believeable that these three outcasts would share the one who holds their hearts wants, right?

Bondage and ménages fit these three scenearios, the characters personalities, and could actually have happened if happiness for all had been the goal of the myths, only it wasn't. Lessons were definitely learned from those ancients texts, but in the 21st century, everyone - including the physically challenged, the might as well be dead, and the feared - is entitled to their happy ever after. Right? Of course they are! How they go about finding their pleasure is how the lovers express their deep emotions for each other and if that means tying them down or sharing them with another, so be it.

By the way, tags/labels denoting sub-genres are hints for a reader of what's in a book, and they're important, although there are problems.  Most publishers set a limit for labels and that means there could be problems for readers who don't want to read specific sub-genres.  Also, definition of the tags/labels differ, which adds further complications to picking out a book that suits a reader.  And then, on top of all that, there's the fact that no two authors write sub-genres in the same way.  My advice is twofold.  First, when it comes to sub-genres [mc, bdsm, menage, rubenesque, etc.] be adventurous, and set aside the "I don't read...".  And then I suggest knowing the authors and how they write.  Do this by visiting their websites, blogs, tweet them a query, because you might be missing a great book because of the "I don't read..." limits.

So, that said, for me, when it comes to BDSM and D/s, I don't include pain or humiliation in my books/ebooks - just pleasureable fun and games that all the characters involved want.  And, when it comes to menages, what can I say other than they are not orgies, they fit.

Other books of mine where BDSM and Ménages take place:
Come, Sweet Creature [bondage and D/s]
Extreme Speed, Total Control [one scene ménage a trois]
An Invitation to the World: Russia and New Zealand [D/s and ménage a trois]
The Leather Bride [bondage]
Zandia [bondage and exhibitionism]
Taming Marie Antoinette [bondage, D/s and ménage a trois]
Ride 'em [bondage, D/s and ménage]
The Gilded Cage [bondage and D/s]
Highland Heat [bondage]
Call Me Lucifer [bondage and D/s]
My Angel [bondage]

and...

Mythological Messes Redux series by Tilly Greene
Hephaestus Lays Down the Law [bondage] - (ebook) ARe│Fictionwise and (paperback) Amazon│BN│your local independent bookshop
Together Again? - ARe
Double Punch [ménage a trois] - (ebook) ARe│Fictionwise and (paperback) Amazon│BN
Cyra's Cyclopes [ménage] - ARe│Fictionwise

Tilly Greene Website│Blog│Facebook│Twitter

AUTHOR GIVEAWAY TODAY
Tell me if you think mythological figures would have practiced kinky sex if it had been around back then and you're entered to win a gift certificate to All Romance eBooks [ARe]!


REMEMBER
Commenting and/or asking questions on an author’s blog for the day will enter you into the Big Huge Reader Contest for a Pink Sony eReader or one of three boxes packed full of RT Booklovers Convention goodies. Unfortunately, due to the grand prize being an electronic and weight of the other three boxes, this contest is for US residents only.

RT Booklovers Convention Recap

I've been preparing to go to the RT Booklovers Convention held in Columbus, Ohio for what feels like forever but was more like a few weeks, month at the most. The big question is: Was it worth ignoring everything except it?

Yes and no.

Yes, because it is always nice to get out from beneath the laptop, and talk to like minded folks. Readers! While I met and met again some fantastic authors, it was the aspiring authors, readers, booksellers and librarians that boosted my energy levels.

The "no" comes because of the lack of time. There were some really interesting panels and they were over before they started. Every panel I went to had another one going at the same time.  So that's both good and bad.  Although it would be nice for more fresh - relevant and informative - material.

Frustrating, but totally worth going for having fun. That was short, sweet and to the point of my RT 2010 experience, here the extended version.

I arrived on the second day of the conference, but it was my Day 1 and even though I made it an hour earlier than I'd expected, it was a mad dash. After checking in, dropping luggage off in room, I went down and sat in on a friends panel, saw Eliza Gayle - a great lady and author - and met one of my cover artists - Kendra who did the spectacular Good, Bad & Kinky covers - for the first time, and then went to two more panels, and a third to support a friend. Next was a publisher [Samhain Publishing] event with booksellers [met Bonnie Dee and she's a real sweetheart, caught up a bit with Samantha Sommersby, and found the fabulous Queen JC Wilder sitting outside - she absolutely glowed]. From there, I put on a red sweater, and went to the Ellora's Cave Paint the Town Red party. Luck of the draw gave me a tall handsome man to escort me across the stage [prime place for tripping, but didn't], and then it was off to help man the swag table.

Like I said, it was go, go, go from the minute I landed and that meant I never had a chance to do any of the things I promised the cutie I'd do whilst there - eat, take my medicine or put my feet up. So I wasn't surprised to crash and had to go up early.

My Day 2 went more smoothly and it started with sitting in on a publisher's spotlight that interested me. Will I submit to them?  Maybe, I'll do some more research and we'll see.  From there it was a couple panels with a publisher lunch for its authors in between. Next was the RT Book Reviews ceremony and while I love supporting other authors achievements, I was horribly uncomfortable - the chairs, ugh. The only thing I came out of that event remembering is that Barbara Taylor Bradford gave the Brotherton Library [to the right thanks to Light Night Leeds] at my school, University of Leeds, her archive. Okay, I admit it was hearing Brotherton and Leeds mentioned and that sparked my attention. Later, for the first time ever, I went to the Faery Ball and think Stella Price [horns] and Stephanie Burke [entire costume] were dressed to the tens.

My Day 3 went even better, established my routine and went to two really good panels - maybe because they were handled well, informative and relevant, and coherent. After those two were finished and lunch had, it was off to Club RT and I was late. Hate being late, but thankfully the fabulous Stella Price made it not so bad. I chatted with all sorts and then, while not really paying attention, placed a shoe box on a bigger box and the table toppled over with a huge bang. Silenced the entire room. Didn't loose any toes, but it was close.

From there, it was time for the 'Ebook, Indie Publisher, Multimedia and Graphic Fiction Expo'. The authors I sat with [Cat Grant, LB Gregg, and Kathleen Grieve] were all wonderful. I briefly saw and chatted with C.H, Admirand [local to me author and met her husband] and Alessia Brio [the lady in charge of the Coming Together alturistic series which I strongly support] before the doors were opened.  Last but not least was another party I usually pass on, the Vampire Ball, and again Stella Price [that's her to the right and you can check out her photo album on Facebook] was the cat's meow of costumes. The lady is seriously creative.

My Day 4 was also my last. I checked out and then went to set up for the 'Giant Book Fair'. Before the doors were opened, I caught up with Francesca Hawley, a fabulous lady and author. Unfortunately my latest book, Double Punch, wasn't there but I still had fun talking about Hamish from Highland Heat and Hephaestus from Hephaestus Lays Down the Law from the two books I did have. Sitting beside me was Cat Grant, Kathleen Grieve and Donna Grant - another lovely lady.  Nothing can prepare someone for the wildness that is a Giant Book Fair.  Many people come prepared with not one but two or three suitcases to fill with books - yes, SUITCASES!  My advice is don't get fussed with the crowds, it is what it is - enjoy the experience.

When it was time to go, I said my goodbyes, and shared a cab with Carrie Lofty to the airport. From their it was all good - easy flight, no lost luggage, and we went for a Chinese takeaway on the way home.

I know there were many more people I met and chatted with, trully enjoyed spending time with [Ann and Robin], only I have a sieve of a mind for names - I'm sorry.  All in all, it was fun, great to see and chat with everyone which for me is the best part of events [booksignings to conferences], and it feels so good to be home.

The question now is:  Will I go next year to the one in Los Angeles?  Southern California in the Spring?  Maybe, okay a strong maybe.  It always depends on what else is going on in life, but I am thinking very seriously about it.  Besides, my family is nearby, and a visit to the beach and the total relaxation it offers me, is always wanted.

Want an Introduction to the Mythological Messes Redux series?

Mistakes aren't bad, they are often something that can be learned from, but what if they are really bad? Cruel. Whatever the original intentions may have been, it's time to set things right, no matter how difficult it is to make things right for everyone involved - mortal or immortal, they're all equal.

Today "Hephaestus Lays Down the Law" is free from All Romance and is the first book in the series, although they don't need to be read in order.  Here is a little snippet to tempt your Ancient Greek senses:

“She is my mate.”

“…my mate.”

Simultaneously, the two men looked at the other with confidence, and spoke from their hearts. Unfortunately, they had come to the same conclusion, and vocalized the same claim. Both Pollux and Castor claimed her as their mate, their other half, their one love, and that couldn’t be right.

It should’ve been a special moment, one they’d looked forward to experiencing, but it wasn’t as grand as it should be. They couldn’t claim the same mate, it wasn’t possible. They could share a woman they wanted, give and receive pleasure and fulfillment, they’d done it plenty of times. However, Castor didn’t think such a lady could possibly complete them both. Not both their hearts and souls, it would take a very special woman to be able to do that. They were twins who weren’t really twins, they were individuals.

For a second, he thought about the history of his homeland, and was coming up blank. Mount Olympus had never had a truly mated trio. There’d been plenty of gods, goddesses, immortals and mortals who explored multiple partners, but as far as he knew, there was only one true love, one mate, for each person. Despite history working against them, a solution to their particular situation needed to be found, and fast. Then it came to him, there was only one option open to them, at least as far as he was concerned.

“I think I know the only solution to our problem. We’ve been attracted to the same women before. Of course, never a mate and never with a timeline, but I think we can move forward from here. Why don’t we let Anissa decide the matter and we’ll both abide by her decision.” Castor quietly and emphatically voiced what he believed to be the best route forward and, knowing his brother, understood he would as well. Privately, he vowed to give up his chance at experiencing the once in a lifetime love for his brother. Letting him have the joy he missed by giving up his immortality to save him, even if for a limited amount of time, it was the best he could offer to make amends for his past mistakes that cost him everything.

“Fine.” Pollux’s agreement was terse. Looking carefully at the other man sitting across the table from him, Castor saw how he didn’t look to be completely satisfied, and that was something for him to worry about. He knew his brother and the man wouldn’t rest until he found what he thought was the best solution.

Fidgeting didn’t help ease the tension between his legs. He drank some of the water he’d requested with the last visit from their waiter and it didn’t help either. Out of the corner of his eye, Castor noticed his brother was in much the same discomfort as he was, and finally confessed what he believed they both were thinking. “She is so beautiful, smart, funny, and definitely adventurous. Anissa George is everything I had hoped my mate would be and so much more.”

“I’ve been hard since she walked into the meeting room. She speaks and my cock throbs like it’s never felt a woman’s wet clinging cunt before.” Pollux whispered, as if anything too loud would break his tenuous control on his passion.

“When she laughs my dick stretches further for her attention. I fear I’ll shame us and come without so much as a touch from her sweet hand, much less the clinch of her pussy.” Castor knew the awe he heard in his voice was etched on his face. Already, without even a touch, she made him feel so much than he had ever felt before, and it sounded like his brother was experiencing the same things.

“Maybe we should stop tag teaming her.” Pollux spoke up with concern. “When she returns, ask her out on a proper date. Anissa should be treated like a goddess, wooed, coddled. After you’ve had your date, then I’ll go out with her. Once she’s had a chance to get to know us as individuals, we’ll then ask her to decide which of us she would like to spend more time with.” Pollux looked to be on edge and kept glancing back to where their date had disappeared.

Castor almost laughed out loud, what stopped him was the essence of what his brother was doing which tugged on his heart. Pollux always had a plan, for everything, and, as was his habit, he was putting him first. Probably, as the eldest, he was used to being in control, but he was an adult. He could make plans and take responsibility for the outcome.

There was something else that could wreck both their plans. It was possible that she wasn’t attracted to either one of them. Castor was sure that, while they liked everything about her and wanted to get closer, the feelings may not be reciprocated. Of course, that was a brief thought, there and gone in a flash, because their desire was always returned.

“Yes, you’re right, Pollux, but I think we need to tell her what’s going on while we’re all together. I don’t want her confused, possibly thinking what we’re offering is a game or concerned one of us will be jealous of the other.”

Pollux nodded an agreement and they both relaxed, a very small bit, and lost themselves for a few moments in their own thoughts. Castor knew the next two weeks weren’t going to be easy. Even if she agreed to go out with them and wanted to get to know one of them better, he wondered if it would be any easier to have a small taste of happiness or would having none at all be less difficult to handle. After a few minutes, his brother voiced the questions that had started to concern him as well. “Did we scare her away?”

“I don’t know, although women do seem to take forever when they go to the bathroom.” Unsure of where they stood with Anissa suddenly made Castor feel edgier than usual. “Should we go make sure she’s all right?”

“No, I see her. She’s coming back to us now.” Pollux’s relief was apparent and he felt some anxiety ease and sensual tension build further.

When she arrived at the table, both men stood and Castor deferred to his brother in assisting her with the chair. Once they were all settled, he looked to Pollux to take the lead and start the important conversation they needed to have with the woman sitting between them.

“Anissa, please know that no matter what you decide within the next few minutes, your professional services are very important to Double Punch. We hope you won’t leave, but what we’d like to discuss with you, we believe, is that important to us both.” The elder twin began with a sense of calm Castor was sure he wasn’t feeling.

Series

Hephaestus Lays Down the Law

Together Again?

Double Punch

Cyra's Cyclopes [coming soon]

Book Talk!

I'm working on 'Double Punch', which will be followed up by 'Cyra's Cyclopes' [you met them in 'Hephaestus Lays Down the Law'], and I suddenly realized that the Ancient Greek Gods and Goddesses have shown up in my writing before, and I don't mean any other book in the Mythological Messes Redux series.

They show up in 'The Painted Lady', part of the Winter Wishes Anthology.

The heroine, Saffron Hoyt, is a model doing a private commission as her last photoshoot. She's retiring because she doesn't want to watch her weight anymore. The gig involves having her body painted so she blends into a variety of paintings/sculpture such as Sandro Botticelli's Birth of Venus, Peter Paul Ruben's Leda and the Swan, and the Venus de Milo.

There is also an important appearance by Janus in 'New Beginnings: Carpe Diem'.

You haven't heard of him? Well, he isn't Greek, he's Roman, but he fit so perfectly, I had to go with him. You see, the escapees need are searching for a name to suit their new piece of paradise and the heroine, Maris, who was a librarian, suggests Janus. Amongst other things, he was the god of civilization, beginnings and endings, and blessed with a benevolent personality. Perfect.

Something New, Again!

Okay, I enjoyed it so much the first time, I'm doing it again!

What is that, you ask?

Candles.

For the 2009 RT Convention in Tampa the Love's Immortal Pantheon anthology authors decided to have special candles created, put them together, and that was a giveaway we offered to celebrate the paperback's release. Hephaestus Lays Down the Law was handled by Jfay at Studio 3B and it has to be one of the best experiences I've had in ages. Hephaestus's scent has been called Hot Blooded and it is my very favorite - cinnamon and red wine. The candle itself is also fabulous looking, I mean, it suits the God of the Forge and Master of Fire.

A few months later and I needed to come up with a something unique as a promotional giveaway at the two conventions I'll be attending in October. Nothing was coming to mind, but each time I walked into my office and was treated to a delightful waft of Hot Blooded, it finally came to me that what I was looking for was sitting right in front of me. You see, Jfay creates these scented wax shapes called chips and, like pot pourri, throw off the chosen smell, only they remain crisp, clean and pretty in appearance.

So, after dashing off an email, it has all been handled, and now I'm even more eager to go to these events. Lucky for me, Jfay will be creating another unique candle, this time for Hamish in Highland Heat. The scent, Scottish Glen, will clearly speak of Scotland, but also perfectly frame the story.

Through this most recent partnership with Jfay, I've joined Wick'd Reads stable of authors, and am looking forward to more candles in the future.

If you can't make it to either the Ellora's Cave RomantiCon [Oct 9-11], where I'll have a basket with Hamish's Scottish Glen candle to giveaway or Authors After Dark Weekend [Oct 23-25], where I'll have a basket with both the Hephaestus Hot Blooded candle and Hamish's Scottish Glen candle to giveaway, then you should know that you can always purchase one through Wick'd Reads.

LIP gets 4 stars!

LIP is actually "Love's Immortal Pantheon Anthology" and it has my story "Hephaestus Lays Down the Law" between its covers.

A snippet from the * * * * review is:

Mythology is the inspiration for this collection, which resonates with lust, love and liaisons. These seven tales offer fresh takes on the gods, portraying them as flawed individuals with the same desires as the mortals they hunger for. Their randy love-play, include menages and orgies, makes for a titillating read.

Reviewed by Gail Pruszkowski, June 2009, RT Book Reviews

Pick up your copy today from Amazon, B&N, BAM, Powell's or your local bookshop

Hump Day Reflections

Here is a side of Hephaestus, Greek God of the Forge and Master of Fire, that no one normally sees. Rather divine, excuse the pun - or not. This is actually from a statue built for the 1904 World Fair in St. Louis. It now resides in the Red Mountain, Birmingham, Alabama.

Go Alabama! Thank you for showcasing a sexy man and his delightful assests for all to see! It is also fitting for him to be in cast iron.

Now, speaking of the man, his story is in Love's Immortal Pantheon and the anthology received a 5 Blue Ribbon Review from Romance Junkies!

Love's Immortal Pantheon
Published by Tease Publishing
isbn: 978-1607670254
$12.99

Paperback is now available on Amazon.

Hephaestus Lays Down the Law is OUT!

Being one of the powerful twelve Olympians, God of the Forge and Master of Fire, meant his life was pretty good, but Hephaestus knew it could be better.

Work was going well, unfortunately his wife was cheating on him, and he can't take it any longer. Known as an even tempered god didn't mean he couldn't start a war.

This particular skirmish is personal, between he and wife. If he wins, then he keeps everything, including his heart intact, but if he loses, then he'll walk away from Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and Beauty, for good.

Could he really walk away from the most beautiful woman to ever exist?

"Hephaestus Lays Down the Law" is now available at All Romance eBook [ARe].

Right now, my mind is in Ancient Greece!

"Hephaestus Lays Down the Law" is now available at All Romance eBook [ARe] for pre-order and will be released on the 15th. This ancient God is eager to see the light of day again :-)

Love's Immortal Pantheon Authors [Dagmar Avery, Cat Johnson, Selena Illyria, Eliza Gayle, Diana Dericci and Tilly Greene] will be talking Gods, Goddesses and Sex on ARe's "What's Hot in Romance" Radio Show on Monday, January 12th, from 9:30-10:30pm.

Stop by, listen or ask questions, either way, it'll be a blast!

A Greek god is coming your way!

Hephaestus, one of the 12 Greek Olympian gods, holds such titles as God of the Forge and Master of Fire, is the hero of "Hephaestus Lays Down the Law" and Tease Publishing will be putting it out this coming January!

How am I celebrating this wonderful news?

By making mini-mince meat pies for a Christmas party tonight. They are dead easy to do, hence my annual offering :-)

I haven't mentioned this one, but guess what?

"Hephaestus Lays Down the Law" has been revamped, expanded, and submitted to a publisher for a place in an anthology full of gods and goddesses called Love's Immortal Pantheon! Fingers crossed everyone, because this sounds like a fabulous grouping.

What is it about? Love, betrayal, and reuniting.

Who is in it? Hephaestus [of course], Aphrodite, a maenad, a trio of Cyclopes, Hermes, and oh yes, Zeus.

Where does it take place? Ummm, Mount Olympus.

Is there anything special that happens? Yup. Oh, you want me to tell you? Not a chance!

There, a few hints to tempt your reading pleasure. Next up is "My Angel" and then "Nazon".