#WriteTip - Kill Your Darlings by Thea Landen (@TheaLanden), a @DecadentPub #Romance Author
/Fellow Decadent Publishing author Thea Landen has a brand new romance out. In addition to snagging an excerpt from Elysium, I also convinced her to give me a writing tip. As we all know, pacing is important. This author has a tip to bring it up to snuff.
Don't be afraid to cut the words/lines/scenes/chapters that are disrupting the flow of the story. I know it hurts because I know how much we fall in love with our own beautiful prose, but in the long run, pacing is more important! ~ Thea
Elysium
by Thea Landen
1Night Stand series
Two years have passed since April Patterson’s husband was shot and killed in the line of duty, and she’s trapped in a haze of grief and uncertainty. Having grown frustrated by all other efforts to engage her in activities where she could meet new people, her cousin pays for a date via 1Night Stand. Not thrilled with the idea, April nevertheless contacts Madame Eve and requests the impossible: a date with her deceased husband.
Brilliant software engineer Drew Monroe created his company, Elysium, to help give closure to those who have suffered the loss of a loved one, through the use of virtual reality. Though passionate about his work, being constantly surrounded by heartache and death has taken a toll on his mental health. When he accepts the case of a young widow referred to him by Madame Eve, her tragic tale depresses him further, but he commits himself to programming April the romantic date she desires.
April arrives at Elysium and prepares to enter Drew’s virtual realm. Will she find the solace she seeks within? Or will she discover she doesn’t need a fantasy world to discover happiness again?
Amazon | Kobo | iTunes | Google Play | B&N | ARe | Decadent
Excerpt
I licked a path down his neck, dragging my teeth across his skin. Downy hair sprinkled across his chest and I ran my fingers through the golden tufts. Firm planes and sinewy muscle defined his lean physique. Determination inspired me to examine every inch, every angle.
Roaming both hands over his sides, I peppered his pecs with feathery kisses. He was like a museum exhibit, a piece of fine artwork, and I played the curious spectator to study him in detail and show appreciation. My tongue darted out to flick across his nipple and he sucked in a sharp breath.
I teased the flat disc a little more before continuing onward. Working down his body, I flung the blankets back to grant uninhibited access. Skimming my breasts over him, I marked a trail down the center of his torso. With both my fingers and lips, I traced every contour of delicious definition in his abs.
Drew stirred beneath me and a low groan rumbled in his chest. Lower and lower I ventured, arriving at the ultimate destination at long last. His thick, engorged cock begged for attention. I hadn’t done this in quite some time, but only one way to get back in action, right?
I started at the base and used the tip of my tongue to paint a line along his entire length. He groaned again, louder than before. I laved the bulbous head with broad strokes, swirling in wide spirals. His fingers knotted the sheets and his lashes fluttered.
I paused in the ministrations. He was ready for me, yet I wanted to see his hunger. Not only did I need to know how badly he craved that intimate touch, how much he coveted me, but I sought satisfaction for more personal wishes, reassurance that I was desirable.
He opened his eyes when I whispered his name. Sweeping my hair over one shoulder, I turned back to his bulging cock. He watched me ease the tip into my mouth and a gasp left his parted lips. With our gazes locked together, I took more and more of him inside.
About Thea Landen
Thea Landen lives in New York with her husband and a variety of houseplants. A former educator, she strives to encourage creativity and passion in all those around her, and uses writing to help inspire. Though she reads and writes in nearly all genres, she has a special fondness for science fiction, fantasy, and adventure and anything that pushes the imagination beyond its usual limits. When she’s not writing, or thinking about writing, her hands and mind are occupied by either yarn crafts or role-playing games.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads | Amazon | Email: thea@thealanden.com
#NewRelease and Update - #SexytoGo, Vol 2 (including Lip Service, by Yours Truly)
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I had a stealth release this weekend. By stealth, I mean I hadn't quite gotten back on the promotional horse, so this might be the first time you've heard about the story. If you read Punishing the Messenger last month, you'll be familiar with Kailee Chan and Damien Walker. If you skipped volume 1, no biggie–I made sure Lip Service stands on its own two feet.
Sexy to Go is a project spearheaded by the fabulous Eva Lefoy, and the two short stories I've contributed officially marks my return to BDSM fiction. I've boarded a train full of talented authors, all of whom know how to bring a bit of sizzle and spice.
As for where my story falls on the sexy scale, I’ll let this sample speak for itself. Below is the adults-only un-redacted version of the teaser above (you have been warned).
“One day, I will see every inch of you.” He pressed his mouth under her ear. His teeth scraped her flesh. “Touch every inch of you.”
The light sting turned molten as he sucked. Then he tugged her demure neckline down and marked her cleavage. “I want to hear you scream when I bury my cock balls-deep.”
She whimpered.
“I want to keep you naked so I can touch you where I want, when I want.” With a groan, he tore his hands off her and stood. “But until I’m sure you’re ready, I’ll use that pretty mouth to take the edge off.”
P.S. Since Lip Service landed at the front of the file, Amazon's 10% preview should pretty much let you read the entire thing. Check it out, and let me know what you think!
Sexy to Go
VOLUME 2
Sizzling short stories from top-selling authors.
Sexy to Go is back with 11 new stories full of sensuous aliens, shifters, stranded commuters, dominant husbands, and naughty neighbors. Check out what’s new in Volume 2–we promise to tempt, tease, and deliver the hotness you desire!
Lip Service by Tara Quan (Me)
Forced into a marriage of convenience, Damien discovers an intense attraction to his new bride. When Kailee's past prevents their pleasure, this dominant groom must teach her the joys of submission.
TaraQuan.com | Tweet @LaylaTarar | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | Google+ | Pinterest
Neighborhood Watch by Jocelyn Dex
Happily married Astral would never cheat on her husband, but when the moving guy next door sparks her exhibitionist fantasy, will she take it too far and get herself in trouble?
Website | Twitter @JocelynDex | Facebook | Goodreads | Blog
Blackout by Sofia Grey
A breakdown and blackout on the late train home, could be bad news. But for Anton, stuck in a carriage with the sexy stranger of his dreams, it could be the hottest encounter he's ever had.
SofiaGrey.com | Tweet @SofiaGreyAuthor | Facebook | GoodReads | Pinterest
Roman’s Gold by Ann Gimpel
Devon’s been a cop for a long time, but he can’t get his latest target’s stunning body and coppery hair out of his mind. Maybe an afternoon delight will obliterate his fantasies—at least for a while.
AnnGimpel.com | Tweet @AnnGimpel | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | Ann’s blog
Lust in Bloom by Shiloh Saddler
During cotton harvest Daniel and James spend their days picking and nights in each other’s arms. They must guard against a nosy neighbor intent on taking their farm and separating the lovers forever.
Shiloh’s Website | Tweet @ShilohSaddler | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | Pinterest
Roll Against Fantasy by Allyson Lindt
A daring trip to a topless beach goes from hot to scorching for Tasha when Ryan pushes all the right buttons, both physically and through fantasy, and strips away her inhibitions.
AllysonLindt.com | Tweet @AllysonLindt | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon
One More Chance by Nerika Parke
Eleven years ago, Calum was Ella's first love, before her family moved away and they lost each other. With a chance to see him again, she is determined to finally put all thoughts of him in the past. But he proves harder to get over than she'd anticipated.
An Arresting Development by Leigh Ellwood
Shy, geeky Wynton's idea of a good time is a marathon role playing game. After meeting Mitch, he's tempted to put away his seven-sided dice and play something different.
Website | Tweet @LeighEllwood | Facebook | Blog | Leigh @ Amazon
First Contact by Daisy Banks
Clancy hopes to claim first contact with an alien life force. When her dream comes true she agrees development of interstellar relations needs more interaction, and after their first encounter, she can hardly get enough.
Blog | Website | Tweet @DaisyBanks16 | Facebook | Pinterest | TSU
Dreamwalker: Nightscape by Pamela Moran
Reggie and Cliff have a common goal: Keep her patient and his friend from being killed. If they can keep their hands off of each other, they might stand a chance of them all coming out of this alive.
PamelaMoran.com | Tweet @Pam_Moran | Facebook | Goodreads
Bound by the Beta by Eva Lefoy
Casi ventures to the alpine music hall once more, and meets a sexy new wolf. His kisses set her aflame, but after their lovemaking end he demands they mate. Will she run or will curiosity and her desire to see Dahlia again make her stay?
Eva’s Website | Tweet @Eva_Lefoy | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon
