Big Huge Reader Contest - Day 30!

Today is the last day of the Big Huge Reader Contest and it's been a blast!  I hope everyone has found some books to read or hopefully new to them authors to check out further - I know I have.

These past thirty days have been my way of celebrating five years in the business and since it's the last day of the festivities, thought I'd share a bit about the book that started it all for me: Come, Sweet Creature

Tony DiTerlizzi's The Spider and the Fly [it was the fab illustrations that pulled me in] is what spoke to me the loudest when I happened upon Whiskey Creek Press Torrid's call for twisted takes on fairy tales.  Without waisting any time, I went to my bookshelves [told you above that I liked the book] and reread his flapper version, sought out the original online, and then started writing the contemporary erotic romance with bondage and D/s.

I hear you shouting:  Are you kidding me?  An erotic romance, with bondage and stuff, from a children's poem? 

Yes!  And I ask in return have you read the original 1829 Mary Botham Howitt poem lately?  No, okay, here's the opening stanza [you can find the full poem here]:

"Will you walk into my parlour?" said the Spider to the Fly,
'Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy;
The way into my parlour is up a winding stair,
And I've a many curious things to show when you are there."
Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "to ask me is in vain,
For who goes up your winding stair can ne'er come down again."

It screams naughty things are going to happen in that parlour and not just seduction, so I ran with it!  The challenge was to make my spider and hero, Tilton Spidermach, sexy and loveable.  He's gorgeous and a good-natured player, never promising more than he can offer, and wealthy enough that it doesn't matter when his bedroom escapades are splashed across the media - which happens often.

Something I did change was in regards to my fly and heroine.  While she may be small in height, there is nothing timid or shy about her, just the opposite.  One of the twists I added [and there are a few] was for her to purposely put distance between herself and Tilton.  She may think he's hot, but he's the boss, and that is a line she won't cross - at least not knowingly.

I like write twists in my books and Come, Sweet Creature is full of them.  My first book was fun to write and hopefully fun to read!

Buy eBook from ARe│Amazon│BN│Fictionwise│Whiskey Creek Press Torrid

So, there you have it, thirty days of books - all I want to read. I've bought a few, have others on my list to get for the next reading break, and hope you guys have as well. Thank you all for commenting and making this a specactular month for me and all the authors who came to share.  For the last hurrah, I'm opening the door - go ahead, ask me a question or leave a comment, today is the last day to enter the Big Huge Reader Contest and anything goes.  I'll draw names for the three RT Booklover Convention boxes of goodies and Pink Sony eReader tomorrow - good luck to everyone!

Tilly Greene Website│Blog│Facebook│Twitter



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.

Big Huge Reader Contest - Day 1!

Good, Bad and Kinky Duet by Tilly Greene
Call Me Lucifer
Buy eBooks from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid│ARe│Amazon│Fictionwise
Paranormal Erotic Romance / Bondage and Light D/s

My Angel
Buy eBooks from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid│ARe│Amazon│Fictionwise
Paranormal Erotic Romance / Bondage

Book settings are very important. So important, the entire story won't work if the locations are wrong, unbelieveable, or too convoluted to grasp.

When I'm setting up a book and thinking about the basic details [who, what, and where], I remember a particular book where the author used a place I knew and made a simple logistical mistake. Ultimately, I was pulled not just from the scene, but the book of which I had been enjoying, and the author. I never picked that author up again and I really liked them. Harsh, but if that mistake is still in my head almost 15 years later, I have a feeling it would be there if I were to pick up their latest.

Why not just make it up? You'd think that would be the answer for contemporary or paranormals, but the problem with creating a location is that an author can get too heavily detailed [gasp, horror :-)] or, even worse, over compensate and not offer enough information so the reader has no idea where everything is taking place.

So what is the ultimate solution?

Do what fits. Sounds simple, but it's actually far from it, and to mix the real with the made up is even more of a challenge, and I loved doing it.

You see, the Good, Bad and Kinky duet is, out of necessity, a mix of actual and created. They are paranormals with locations required by their plots that are well known to readers, Heaven and Hell, except they aren't available for research visits and many readers already have their own images set for them. Tricky to work with in those parameters and to up the [unintentional] difficulty, there comes a time in each story when the action moves to the surface, and suddenly they're contemporaries with actual locations used. The opening chapters of Call Me Lucifer dabble in a LA courtroom, moves to Hell, and then ends in a beach front house in Malibu. My Angel begins in Heaven and then shifts to small village, Knaresborough, in the north of England.

For the real settings, I visited each place, and took pictures and notes. Confession time: I knew them both Malibu and Knaresborough quite well, lived in one of the towns, but things change over time. Because I wanted to put the reader there, tempt them to visit if ever given the opportunity, I didn't want to rely on memory alone. Let me give you an example. In My Angel Tom and Ann walk from town to his home on the river:

"They walked through the police station car park and into the castle yard. There were a few people playing lawn bowling and some others walking around the grounds, taking in the view. A train chugged over the impressive viaduct and, as they started the making their way down the steep hill, she discovered with each step how beautiful the small town nestled in the valley truly was." [© Tilly Greene, May 2010 [All Rights Reserved]]

And this is the picture I took during my research trip:



Well? Did I put you there? Make you want to visit Knaresborough if you were ever in England?

Hang on, I hear you, what about the paranormal places, like Hell. Can a writer do anything to make someone want to visit Hell?  Probably not, but I can give you an idea of what this particular version of Hell is like. Confession time 2: Heaven and Hell were both fun settings to play, probably because I was able to twist things around to suit me and my characters, without doing too much to interfer with the set image a reader may have of both places. For instance, in Call Me Lucifer, there are no shrill screams echoing down the hallways or people being tortured with whips, but because this is a romance, there are elegant fireplaces, large enough for Satan to walk through with fires blazing. Cool. Sorry, sizzle hot :-)

Now it's your turn: How do you like your settings? Real? Created? Heavy on the details or showing the reader nothing but what's happening on the bed?

Other books of mine where I made research visits:
Extreme Speed, Total Control [Paris, France, Laguna Beach, CA., and Edinburgh, Scotland]
An Invitation to the World: India [Mumbai and Chennai, India]
The Leather Bride [NYC, NY.]
Taming Marie Antoinette [Paris, France]
OohRah! [Laguna Beach, CA.]
The Gilded Cage [London and York, England]
Highland Heat [London, England and Inverness to the Isle of Skye, Scotland]
Double Punch [San Francisco, CA.]
And She Scores! [Laguna Beach, CA.]

and...
Call Me Lucifer [Malibu, CA.]
Buy eBooks from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid│ARe│Amazon│Fictionwise

My Angel [Knaresborough and Leeds, England]
Buy eBooks from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid│ARe│Amazon│Fictionwise

Tilly Greene Website│Blog│Facebook│Twitter

AUTHOR GIVEAWAY TODAY
Tell me what type of settings you like to read about 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.

My Sexy Signature

Reading the June InStyle magazine, I came across seven pictures with the title Sexy Signatures: a very incomplete history, and it had me thinking what my sexy signature would be. Not for me personally, but in relation to my books.
The seven sexy signatures they offered are:

Lady Godiva - long hair
Bettie Page - blunt bangs
Marilyn Monroe - beauty mark
Sophia Loren - cleavage
Farrah Fawcett - winged hair
Tine Turner - legs
Jennifer Lopez - derriere

Interesting list and I could see what they were focused on.  Each woman and their signature are one. So, what do I write, intentially or not, that is always there?

Body image.

Whether the heroine is skinny, curvy, tall, short, athletic or not, they are all content with their shapes. It's everywhere,women aren't comfortable in their own skin, and often unknowingly pass this displeasure with their body to their daughters, who will likely share it with their daughters. So, with that rotten fruit sitting in my mind, I decided at the onset of writing that my female characters wouldn't be physically perfect and would still be happy.


So, in Ride 'em, Sunny is bone thin and flat chested. Fine, she dresses to enhance what she has, and downplay what she doesn't. Then there's Nia from Call Me Lucifer. She is beyond short, has serious curves, and always wears stiletto's [the higher the better] and will know she's found her man when he looks beyond her bust.

Think about it. A person wears what they want, knows they look good, exudes confidence with every step they take. That's sexy and therefore someone who is comfortable in their skin, no matter what shape, color, or proportion it's in, is sexy.

Best of Torrid Teasers Vol. 2 - Tilly Greene's excerpt #1

AN INVITATION TO THE WORLD:  RUSSIA [Light D/s]

Russian businessman, Vasiliy Beketov, bought an island to be his home away from home. Everything was going his way and suddenly, he was hunted down for no reason other than being a success. Finally back in control of his life, Zura Girard comes to his private sanctuary as a designer, and ends up becoming much more.


Excerpt (G-rated)

Chapter One

Vasiliy Beketov, Russian billionaire businessman detained for more than three years has been released. Leading French lawyer Etienne Girard has been pleading his client’s case of ill treatment at the hands of the Russian government to many influential groups looking for their support. After finagling EU lawyers at The Hague to look into the case the rabid civil rights’ advocate, quickly secured their backing before moving over to the United Nations to gain their support as well. Pressure against the Russians has exponentially built over the past 14 months leading to a plea agreement agreeable to both parties. Vasiliy Beketov is to divest all current holdings within the motherlands borders, be them majority or less than a one millionth of a percent, his name is to be struck out and the billionaire must leave the country for good – exile. In return the accused will admit to a lesser charge and time served for fraud and the harsher claim of treason will be dropped. When contacted for comment of future plans for Beketov, Girard would only state that he would be leaving Moscow’s notorious Matrosskaya Tishina prison for home.  Five Months Later on a Flight

Zura Girard sat in a sumptuous first class seat on her way to Dubai in order to meet a man whom she has never met in person but still feels like she knows him on a deep level. Up to this point the relationship with her client has been derived from their email communications and a rare phone call.

Reputed to be a ruthless businessman would be an expected moniker for a successful man in a country new to capitalism. However, the very unflattering terms applied to him in the media did not match the gentleman she has been working with regarding the decoration of a newly built second residence on his private island.

To own a private island is a dream for everyone, but only a small percentage of society has the means to make such a purchase. One of three hundred manmade islands set in the Arabian Gulf off the coast of Dubai. Before problems with his government gained momentum the purchase for one of The World’s island at over 15 acres had been made and an opulent estate home built. In one of their earlier discussions, her client had let it be known that he was no longer comfortable in the massive structure. A desire was expressed for something with a more personal feeling to it, less confining, and as a person with the means can do, the building of another residence to fulfill these needs was now complete. Lifting the fine crystal glass Zura took a sip of the chilled fizzy water before shifting her seat to further recline. Instantly an airline staff member was at her side.

“Would Mademoiselle like help with her foot rest?” The quiet accented voice of the air host was close but not as to be an invasion of her personal space. With a nod the young man knelt down and helped set it all up so she was comfortable beneath a light blanket. The light was turned off and her glass moved onto the tray further away so as not to be knocked. “Would Mademoiselle like anything else to make her comfortable?” Shaking her head, Zura thanked the host for his assistance then she closed her eyes to try and relax. If she was lucky doze some before landing in the hot dry country she was to be visiting for an undetermined period of time.

She hoped she could sleep but was so excited that at this time it did not seem possible. It was not just the thrill of a traveling or the new job, although the challenges presented by a new commission were always a large part of her eager anticipation. In this case, however, the blame for her heart racing, quick shallow breathing, and an occasionally wicked thought could all be laid quite honestly before her new client, Vasiliy Beketov.

A handsome, strong featured man in a typical dark business suit with his brown hair cut short and sharp, almost piercing, lighter than light blue eyes that rested against a face tan enough to prove he spent time out of doors was the image most depicted in the media. Dark serious suits highlighted shoulders, making them appear broad and strong, capable of taking on the world and winning. One picture she had seen showed him standing next to her father and the other man towered over his lawyer so she guessed he must be comfortably over six foot.

In her dreams she had added more details. He would be tan all over, hard and ripped, as her American friends would say, and in possession of a magnificent cock always hard for her. The bigger problem for her lay with his mind and soul, both drew her as much, if not more, than his body tempted her libido.

The first email had arrived about a month after he had been released from prison and whisked off to parts unknown. It had been short and to the point. Etienne Girard, her papa, had recommended that the recently freed man contact her regarding the decorating of a new residence.

The fact that her father had recommended her was interesting. Normally he took no interest in the career she practiced and excelled in other than the usual parental pride. It did not take long for her to determine it was because of her alternative lifestyle choice that had this interesting man asking for her professional services.


Now available from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid

Best of Torrid Teasers Vol. 2 is OUT!

Tilly Greene

Ever wonder how wild and kinky life can get on a private island?

RUSSIA
Russian businessman, Vasiliy Beketov, bought an island to be his home away from home. Everything was going his way when suddenly, he was hunted down for no reason other than being a success. Finally back in control of his life, Zura Girard comes to his private sanctuary as a designer and ends up becoming much more.

NEW ZEALAND
Kiri Kanawa had been gifted with finding and possessing love. Unfortunately it came in a non-traditional way. The intensity of her feelings, along with her parents’ disapproval, was too much to handle and scared her away from true happiness. Now Timu Tuhaere and Luke McClure have her back on their islands and they’ll do whatever it takes to keep her there.

CHINA
On her lunch break, Jia Li is kidnapped off a busy street in San Francisco's Chinatown and wakes up on an airplane. Terrified and blindfolded, she doesn’t understand what is happening, until her captor reveals himself as her ex-boyfriend Yi Burton. He is determined to save her life and bring her back into his arms, which can only happen on his private island.

INDIA
Bollywood starlet, Sati Chaudhari, has had most of her life controlled by her uncle, except for one thing. He can’t manage who she loves. While away from his authority, she meets and marries Bodhi Burke, a hotel mogul. Unfortunately, their need for secrecy continues, and their busy lives keep them apart. Not satisfied, Bodhi buys a private island, a place for them alone.


Cheri Valmont

Care to take a dare on a future time?

Take a trip to the alien planet of Kazphyr from the technologically advanced country of Kantrer to the wilds of the forbidden country of Velorn: A place where circumstances force inhabitants to improvise when it comes to finding love and keeping it forever.

SEX MACHINE
After repairing a Zand pleasure ’droid, android technician, Teena Andrenas is offered a chance to meet Zand and the first pleasure ’droid ever created. The owner of Zand Robotics, Zand Gorsend, soon realizes Teena is the female for him. Can he convince her he’s real and meant to be her one, true mate?

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY SEDUCTION
The Kazphyrian government is forcing all able-bodied citizens to find a mate. Bradeon Gosh-Ere and Hankren Tereamin want a special female mate who will accept them both and the relationship they share as lovers. When Drendar Kyntrel accepts the temporary position to help, can the males convince the suitable Dren to accept them as her mates for life?

THE COMMANDER’S MATE
Aimee Syncire wakes to find herself a prisoner of the Velornian Legion commander, JarrRon Ry Vere. Aimee’s determination and will to survive draws Jarr from the first. When circumstances force JarrRon to release Aimee, he must find a way to bring her back and convince her to accept him as his true, barbarian mate.

ALIA’S DEBT
When Princess Alia Faddei is bought from slavers as a ‘gift’ for GarinRig Ossur, she is determined to serve the debt of honor due for her rescue. From the moment Alia encounters Garin, she wants him. Alia’s fulfillment of her debt could mean her death. Can Garin and Alia be together without forsaking their honor or their lives?


Susan M Sailors

SHADOWS OVER SEA VIEW
Victoria moves into Sea View expecting to find the ghost her grandmother told her about. She dreams of a man named Quentin, then discovers he is real—and a vampire. She agrees to help him end his curse, hoping it will all end with him in her arms, not the grave.

TREASURE
Katie O’Brien came to the Bluebird Inn hoping for a vacation. But when a pirate named Jack seduces her then confesses he’s a ghost, her plans change drastically. Jack hopes he can convince Katie to give them both the chance to find the true love that could save them both.

STARS AND STRAPS
Tasha left her home world because she’d always felt unfulfilled as a princess. She’d never been sure what she was missing until a bounty hunter named Cade found her. Now Tasha has another mission—convincing Cade that what they’ve found is worth far more than the bounty on her head.

UNFORGETTABLE VOYAGE
Deacon books a cruise on a pleasure ship to make his business partner Lukas happy, but then he meets Romana. Deacon soon begins to believe that, despite his partner’s pleasure-only attitude, love is still a possibility and great sex doesn’t have to be optional in a real relationship.


Now available from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid

Don't you just love visuals!

Hot Couture has three stories in it about women who have a passion for fashion and the men who love them. I'm a rather visual person and like mini book trailers. So, I put the two together and came up with three, that's right, in this case one plus one equals three. Here are the mini book trailers that celebrate:

The Leather Bride


Taming Marie Antoinette


The Gilded Cage


The Leather Bride, Taming Marie Antoinette and The Gilded Cage are available separately or together as Hot Couture from Phaze, Amazon, Barnes & Noble or your local bookstore.

Enjoy!