Saturday, September 24, 2011

Please Welcome Guest Author Anne Kane!

It's the final day of the blog tour, and to finish things off, author Anne Kane discusses reality versus fiction in sci-fi.  Take it away, Anne!


How much of Science Fiction is Fiction?



I write romance, but it’s rarely set in contemporary times. As my tag line proclaims, I write science-fiction and fantasy with a sensual twist.



As I sat here, wondering what I write about for this blog tour, the term Science Fiction rolled around in my head. It sounds like an oxymoron. Science is generally though to be a method of proving natural laws by observation and careful testing. In other words, Science deals with known things that can be measured and quantified. Fiction on the other hand is entirely a product of the author’s imagination and can be as unlikely as the writer wants it to be. How on earth do we reconcile those?



When we combine the two terms, we come up with Science Fiction. The Encyclopedia Britannica defines science fiction as:



Fiction dealing principally with the impact of actual or imagined science on society or individuals, or more generally, literary fantasy including a scientific factor as an essential orienting component.



Just fifty years ago, a man landing on the moon would have been considered science fiction, but we are all familiar with the images of  Neil Armstrong taking that first step onto the surface of the moon. What was fiction has become reality. Personally, I feel that science fiction combines what is known with what I imagine could become reality at some point in the future. Travel to Mars, or Uranus, or another galaxy may not be a fact right now, but some day, I believe it be as common as plane travel is today.



When I write, I try to keep the universes I build believable. I need to create a feeling that this could happen, that this is a reasonable extrapolation of current trends”. In  my Stargazers series, I’ve combined interstellar travel, which I believe will some day be a reality, with a group of women who have special talents. Those talents are based upon a belief in ley lines and other ancient practices that may or may not be based in fact. It doesn’t matter. What matters is that I convince the reader that the concept is plausible.



And therein lays the challenge; to take the fiction that I create and blend it with a scientific basis in order to entertain. If in the process, I can get people to look beyond our earth-based society and dream of a life among the stars, so much the better!





Sci –Fi and Fantasy with a sensual twist!


BLURB:
When Tarik’s brother is captured by the Intergalactic Council, the handsome cyborg realizes he’ll need the help of a Stargazer if a rescue mission is to succeed. Problem is, as the leader of the rebellion he can’t just advertise for a Stargazer willing to flaunt the Intergalactic Council.
But when he kidnaps Krystal, he is completely unprepared for the irresistibly sexy young woman with a gentle soul. Now he’s torn between rescuing his brother and his growing attraction to the talented witch.



EXCERPT:
“Let me see if I have this straight.” Sarcasm dripped from Krystal’s voice. “You launched an unprovoked attack on my parent’s estate, abducted me, left me cooling my heels in a cold cargo bay holding cell for goddess knows how long, had my hands bound behind me with a set of barbaric and extremely uncomfortable restraints, and then had me brought to what is obviously an interrogation chamber.” She paused to sweep a scornful glance around the room, her gaze lingering on a padded rack with leather straps dangling from the various parts. “And now you’d like me to do a favor for you?” She lifted her chin and fixed him with a glacial stare. “Thanks, but I don’t think so. I’d like to go home now.”
He had to give her credit for poise. Her haughty stance and the way she held her head high, chin tilted just so, gave the impression she was used to giving orders -- and having them obeyed.
            He glanced away from her for a moment and gestured at the guards. “Please remove Ms. de Mylar’s restraints and wait outside the door until I summon you. He was gratified to see a faint shadow of alarm cross her face. She knew he wouldn’t give in quite this easy. He gave her a bland smile. “We need to discuss how best to accommodate her request.”
            The shorter of the two guards stepped forward to remove the restraints. Tarik had to think for a moment before he could place him. Brent was a new recruit, a refugee from the Intergalactic Council’s recent annexation of the Utan home worlds.
            Krystal stepped away from the guard and rubbed her wrists. The restraints hadn’t been that tight, but they’d obviously annoyed her.
A loud click signaled the departure of the guards and Tarik leaned back, stretching his long legs out under the table. “Have a seat.” He nodded toward the empty chair across from him.
“No thank you.”
He shrugged. “Suit yourself. This might take a while.”
The witch raised a brow at him. “I can’t imagine why.”
He didn’t say anything for a moment, letting his gaze wander from the sprinkling of freckles on her nose, down her lithe figure to the foot that she tapped impatiently on the floor. Luckily, the table hid his body’s reaction. He didn’t need her to know she could arouse him with just a glance.
“Fine!” She threw herself into the chair, crossing her arms on her chest and glaring at him. “Discuss away.”
Tarik had to suppress the urge to grin. She certainly had the supercilious attitude down pat. He leaned forward, focusing on her emerald green eyes. Bad idea. A man could drown in those eyes. He shifted his attention lower, only to find himself wondering what those lips would taste like.
 


Series: Stargazers
Title: Wanton
ISBN (13): 978-1-60521-179-4
Genres:  Futuristic, Paranormal, Sci-Fi
Themes: Magic and Mayhem
Release Date:  March 13th, 2009
Author: Anne Kane
  
Watch the Book Trailer :  Here

Friday, September 9, 2011

Second Annual Out of This World Blog Tour


Starting next week, the second annual Out of This World Blog tour will feature ten different sci-fi and SFR authors whose recent or upcoming releases take place beyond Earth as we know it.

The lineup:


September 17
Diane Dooley at Amber Norris’ blog

September 18
Gary Starta at Melisse Aires’ blog

September 19
Frances Pauli at Diane Dooley’s blog

September 20
Amber Norris at Greta van der Rol's blog
September 21
Lilly Cain at Anne Kane’s blog

September 22
Greta van der Rol at Frances Pauli’s blog

September 23
Lisa Lane at Gary Starta’s blog

September 24
Melisse Aires at Lilly Cain’s blog


September 25
Anne Kane at Lisa Lane’s blog
http://newsensuality.blogspot.com


Many authors will be giving away prizes to random readers, so stop by each day to check out the discussion and the SWAG.

See you there!

Friday, August 26, 2011

New Release: THREE'S A CHARM


I have a new release to share with you!  Three's a Charm, edited by Lori Perkins, is a hot menage anthology that includes an amazing lineup:


"Witch in the Middle" by Roxanne Rhoads
"Banshee Nights" by Courtney Sheets
"Sensual Apparitions" by Rebecca Leigh
"Angel Blood" by Jay Di Meo
"Trick or Treat" by Alithea Howes
"Super Nova" by Yours Truly
"Mortal Passion" by Garland
"Moonlit Destination" by Trinity Blacio
"The Angels in Room 111" by Sienna Peron

About "Super Nova":
The shape-shifting Nova, mortal enemies of the Gatgars, have joined Space-Corp, and Suxie and Jocar have been sent as representatives for their planets at the installation ceremony and reception.  When a sexy bisexual and hermaphrodite are looking to spice up their relationship, what do they do?  Add a shape-shifter into the mix, of course!

Now available at Ravenous Romance.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Review: UNDER THE KILT, by Kilt Kilpatrick

Under the Kilt is a collection of twelve short stories by erotica author Kilt Kilpatrick. I enjoyed this collection a lot, and I was surprised by Kilpatrick’s versatility as a writer, which this anthology showcases well.


The Tiger’s Tale

Elspeth is married to Clive, a trader for East India Company. Seeing her lonely and isolated, Clive hires Vijaya to be Elspeth’s maid and companion. The two become fast friends and begin to fall for one another. When Clive catches the two together, he orders Vijaya killed and Elspeth runs away from home to save her lover’s life. Also rushing to her aid is the secret weapon neither Clive nor his hired assassins could have anticipated.
“The Tiger’s Tale” is riddled with symbolism and deep insight on religious and sexual tolerance. The story begins slowly, then quickly advances into a brilliant and beautiful story that could stand proudly beside any acclaimed fable. This was my favorite story in this anthology.


Later Days, Saints

This story is a hilarious first-person account of a young woman’s deflowering of “Elder Steward” and “Elder Harper,” two (naïve) Mormon missionaries who fall easily into her seductive trap. By convincing the two she has spiked their drinks, she leads them on a slippery slope of dirty deeds.


Handsome and Grateful

A witty, erotic retelling of “Handsel and Gretel,” “Handsome and Grateful” follows the brother and sister (both young adults in this version) through their lost trek into the forest. When they happen upon the witch’s gingerbread house, Kilpatrick offers a whole new twist on the hungry witch and helpful woodsman.


Last Times at Ridgemont High

Jeremy, a high school senior, is socially awkward and not at all popular. However, when a zombie outbreak takes out nearly the entire school, he shows the only survivors—sexy cheerleader Dee Dee and hot teacher Ms. Baymiller—how strong and sexy of a man he really is. This is the most bizarre coming of age story I have ever read. I loved it.


Reach Out and Touch Someone

Trini’s “thought experiment” takes first-person narrator Evan on a wild phone sex ride, playing with Dominant/submissive role-play and homoerotic fantasy. The narration moves between the first-person, past tense of Evan’s storytelling and the first-person present tense of Trini’s role-playing. I enjoyed The Manny Diaries, which this story prequels, and I think fans Manny fans will agree that it “Reach Out and Touch Someone” is a fun addition to the mix.


Love Bites: A Survivor’s Guide

Zombies have brought apocalyptic hell on Earth, and Michael is the last living man. Holed up in an old family home on a small island, he’s learned how to cope with the daily struggle of survival. His biggest problem? It could be that he’s running out of supplies and is down to one bullet, with new hoards of zombies coming after him every night. It could be that he’s an adult with an elf-sized imaginary friend—or it could be that he’s fallen for a woman, Tanna, despite the fact that she’s a vampire intent on making him her next meal….


That Afternoon

See my review for The Manny Diaries for my thoughts on this sweet and sexy excerpt and more.


Humuhumunukunukuapua’a

“Humuhumunukunukuapua’a” is the coming of age story of close friends Mila and Mina and the love they find they share for one another. This story is short and sweet, but also very sexy.


Santa Claus Is Coming

Evan Ross is on Santa’s naughty list…. Again, see my review for The Manny Diaries.


Mutated States of America

Humankind has relocated to the moon after a worldwide mutagen meshes the DNA of the plants and animals it comes in contact with. Galina is on a mission to return to Earth and test the atmosphere for continued presence the active mutagen, but when she encounters the four-armed mutant Alex, a series of bad choices between the two of them leaves her stranded. Alex’s people believe Galina has come from the stars bearing a gift from the gods, however, her technology perceived by the now primitive people as magic. When they return to his village, they find out that her purpose there is much less magical—but so much more important—than either of them could have imagined.


Lady Cassiopeia’s Amaranthine Palace; or, the Aerial Xanadu

This story is a mesh of urban fantasy, sci-fi, high fantasy, and erotica. Empyreal Bounty crewmember Tanner enjoys his stay at a space-age brothel containing women of all kinds imaginable.


The Blue Morpheus Inn (with Inara Lavey)

Ben, Skyler, and Mary have been friends since early childhood. When the three take a road trip to Redwood Grove, a missed turn changes the course of their outing and blown tire in front of an old, isolated inn (I loved the Rocky Horror Picture Show reference) leaves the three spending the night with hopes of repairing the tire in the morning.

Each room at the inn has a different theme, but the three find that each theme also comes with the fulfillment of an erotic desire in a similar vein as Fantasy Island: Skyler has a threesome with Betty Rubble and Wilma Flintstone; Mary has one with two pirates; and Ben takes on two of Aphrodite’s man-servants.

Betty and Wilma threw me off, but perhaps may have been easier to swallow had their scene come after Mary’s or Ben’s. Mary’s pirate threesome was very “bodice-ripper,” the rape fantasy and BDSM being a vast contrast to Skyler’s Stone Age encounter. Ben’s scene is very surreal and the erotica well executed; however, I thought it would have been more enjoyable had it not been a “coming out” experience for him.
Overall, the Under the Kilt anthology is excellent. While some of the stories are stronger than others, they’re all fun reads. The anthology includes a handful of genres, which makes expectations between one story to the next vary, but given the caliber of most of the collection, one really can’t complain.

 
Grid Breakdown:
 

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Hidden Cove

Amidst the sea of reality in which we all wade, there lie hidden coves, places where the lines between life and fiction become blurred, where fantasy and horror step in for just a time to alter our rules, terrify and delight us, then slide back into the shadows from whence they came.

Here are some of their stories.


Until next time....

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Review: Best Lover in Town, by Brenda Woody and Steve Tindle

Janet is on a desperate search to find “the one,” which leads her on a lighthearted and kinky journey taking her through the bedrooms of five very different men.  While she feels a definite spark with Nathan, her boss and the first of many one-night flings, a back-stabbing friend convinces each that the other has moved on.  When the fates bring them back together, Janet gives him the night of his life by implementing toys introduced to her from each of her other kinky and adventurous one-night stands.


I thought the erotic aspects to this book were fun, innovative, and well-paced.  I liked the recurring theme, “the best [fill in the blank] in town,” Janet’s lighthearted character, and the chance the authors took by writing the work in present tense.  I did find a handful of editing problems, and I think the prose and dialog could have been tighter, but overall, Best Lover in Town was a fun read and a good debut novel.


Saturday, June 4, 2011

Guest Author Starla Kaye on Ménage a Trois

Today, I'd like to welcome author Starla Kaye, who has some insights to share on writing ménage a trois.  Starla has published 18 novels, 17 novellas, and 5 anthologies with Blushing Books, Black Velvet Seductions, Red Rose Publishing, and iUniverse.  Take it away, Starla!

Writing a Ménage a trois

Any kind of romantic relationship can be tricky. Whenever you combine two people with their unique personal histories, their likes and dislikes, their varying views on life, and everything else encompassed in a relationship it takes patience and compromise. Adding a third person only complicates it all even more.

A ménage a trois, also known as a threesome sometimes, is a fantasy both men and women have about making love to two people at the same time. The most common fantasy situation involves one man and two men, but women tend to fantasize more about making love to two men. Sex between three people at once requires creativity, imagination, and being open minded. Positions used need to guarantee that all three people involved are satisfied.

These stories are intriguing not only for their ability to please each other, but also for that hint of the forbidden. The reader might enjoy the “naughty” idea of doing something that in reality they would never dream of trying. It is the “what if” that fascinates them.

Writing a ménage a trois story can be challenging. The author must weave together the facets of interaction of three complex characters. The reader must be convinced to care about each of the three characters involved in the relationship and be convinced that each of the characters care about each other. This is a balancing act to keep the necessary intensity of dealing with each character separately and all of them together.

And there is the matter of writing a satisfying-to-the-reader sex scene involving three characters. It is more than letting them know that Tab A goes into Slot B and Tab C goes somewhere, too. The reader needs to understand what each of the people is feeling, what they are doing, and how they are concerned about the other two people in the scene.

In my newest release from Black Velvet Seductions, a medieval ménage romance, Their Lady Gloriana, I wanted to create a story about three very unique people and how they managed to find happiness together. Each of the characters (Thomas, Rowan, and Gloriana) had complicated and tragic backgrounds. Each had strong reasons why they didn’t believe they could find true happiness. Yet each character found a person that gave them a small ray of hope, that surprising chance at finding love. Then the three people managed to discover something more amazing…a loving relationship with two other people.
 
For more about Starla Kaye, stop by her website.  Their Lady Gloriana is available through Amazon: