Sage is Out

I'm over at Blak Rayne's blog today, talking about Newborn. Drop by, say hi and explore Blak's blog: http://www.blakrayneblog.com/?zx=219bade3afe78fb

 

 

Pre-Order: Re-Submission

Well, hey, hey, look what's available to pre-order - Re-Submission, the almost-but-not-quite follow-up to Sub-Mission (did I just type a sentence containing seven dashes? *shakes head*)



Rubbing a toppy sub, a submissive Top and a Dom with attitude together is guaranteed to send sparks flying — but what will they ignite?

Meet Tyler Kane. Ballsy and headstrong, he's far from being the submissive type. Francis Hollister, Dom and proud owner of a BDSM club, couldn't agree more — and yet, as Tyler carelessly suggests a bet, Francis sees an opportunity arise and decides to take him up on it.

Soon Tyler finds himself in Francis' club and about to be trained as a sub. When Shae, the gorgeous Top Francis has assigned to teach him, doesn't appear to be quite as dominant as his role would lead to believe and Francis turns out to be a rather versatile Dom, Tyler sees a perfect match just waiting to be made happen. Too bad though that he's the only one who sees it. Or maybe he isn’t?

Curious to find out what happens when you rub a submissive Top, a toppy sub and a Dom with attitude together and what exactly the sparks from that explosive combination ignite, Tyler enlists the help of Pierce, Francis' brother, and his partner Noah, and sets out on a mission.

While Tyler's plan seems to work out astonishingly well, it seems that there's more than one man in the club who is pursuing a hidden agenda…

 

Reader Advisory: While this book stands alone, it features Noah and Pierce from 'Sub-Mission' and follows up on their story, so you might wish to read that first.

Here's your link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=1887
Re-Submission is currently available at a massive 15% discount, so hurry!

I'm sorry you'll have to wait for release date a little longer, but at least you'll get it in time for Christmas ;) Why don't you grab a copy of Sub-Mission in the meantime if you haven't done so already?

Get it here: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?P_ID=1652&strPageHistory=related
Sub-Mission is also available on Amazon & Barnes and Noble - even in print, if you'd like to hold a bit more in your hand while reading ;)

Author Banner

You may or may not have noticed the bits and pieces of sexy male flesh in the background of my blog. Yeah, well, that's my new author banner. Here it is in all its beauty:

I had so much fun doing this - I spent the best part of an evening ogling and assessing semi-nude men. And all for professional reasons. Sometimes I really love this job ;)

So, what do you think? Thoughts, comments?

Special Guest: Mystical Press - Creating Realistic Characters

I'm thrilled to give this space over today to the lovely ladies from Mystical Press Services, Arial and AJ. They've brought some valuable advice on how to create realistic characters, along with kisses for me and a prize for you ;)

A special thank you to Sage for having us as her guest today. She was very gracious to squeeze us in on her calendar! Mwah!

Nothing gets a rejection faster than unrealistic characters. From the opening page, everything revealed about them builds expectations. And a story falls flat when the characters fail to uphold those expectations. The result is a contrived story that will make readers put your book down…and that’s the last thing we want!

Behold, 3 Valuable Tips for Creating Realistic Characters

Tip #1—Give Your Character Personal Motivation

Only one thing drives a story forward: Character motivation. A plethora of authors make the mistake of drafting detailed storylines and plugging their characters into place. Though a storyline may give direction, Alan Watt advises we should hold our stories loosely in his book The 90-Day Novel: Unlocking the Story Within.

 

 

If the character isn’t motivated to achieve something personal, the story drags. In other words, if your characters don’t care, neither will your readers.

Storyline with No Character Motivation: Tad Smith is determined to follow family tradition and climb Mount Everest—both his father and grandfather tried and succeeded. Tad and his crew encounter trials and tribulations on the treacherous journey and Tad even loses his best friend George along the way. In the end, he reaches the top…but at what price? Tad learns a hard-knock lesson in priorities that forever changes his life.

 

While this is nice, there’s not really anything driving us to read this story. A bunch of guys climb a mountain, stuff happens to them along the way and in the end they learn a lesson. But there’s nothing to care about. Let’s revise a little, shall we?

 

Storyline with Character Motivation: Tad Smith’s father believes he isn’t strong enough to carry on the family tradition of climbing Mount Everest…but Tad is determined to prove his father wrong and gathers a crew who are just as resolute. With his best friend George at his side, Tad and his crew encounter trials and tribulations on the treacherous journey, but giving up is not an option. If Tad accepts defeat, his father will be right, and the crew is determined to conquer the mountain for fortune and glory. George is fatally injured and, with his dying breath, tells Tad he can do anything…he just needs to believe in himself. Tad demands his crew turn back. He won’t lose anyone else to his personal ambitions and vows to continue alone. George’s sacrifice will not be in vain. The crew refuses to abandon Tad and they all agree to continue. In the end, they reach the top and Tad can finally gain the respect of his father...but his father doesn’t care and refuses to acknowledge Tad’s achievement. Only then does Tad realize the truth—he didn’t need his father to believe in him; he needed to believe in himself. The crew receives honor, glory and riches for their efforts, but their victory is bittersweet as they toast to George’s empty chair.

 

This revised storyline is more about the characters’ relationships versus a bunch of guys climbing a mountain. It’s about brotherhood and learning how to believe in yourself. The story has potential because the character motivation is linked to personal goals.

Tip #2—KNOW Your Characters

Many authors make their characters do things with the sole purpose of driving the storyline in a certain direction. All authors should ask themselves one question as they write: “How would my character respond in this situation?” Let’s say you’re writing a sci-fi story and a vicious, drooling alien is about to attack a defenseless child. Your shy, bookworm heroine suddenly finds hidden courage, draws the nearby Samurai swords on display and hacks the alien into sushi. You may need your character to do this, but unless you establish a hidden strength in your shy character early in the story, the actions come off as phony.

Here’s another way of putting it. Imagine someone you’ve known most of your life (e.g., your overprotective, neat-freak grandmother) and plug them into your latest story. Now rephrase the question, “How would Grandma respond in this situation?” Grandma might glance at the swords, but in reality she would pick up her trusty broom, stand like a lioness in front of the child and scold the alien for the slimy mess it’s making before whacking it into submission. The point is you wouldn’t have Grandma wielding Samurai swords and hacking the alien into sushi because you know Grandma hates sushi. All joking aside, you get the point?

This is the level of depth you must establish when creating your characters. You must know them—inside and out.

Tip #3—Listen to Real Dialogue between Real People

Dialogue is a great way to reveal information in a story. However, a lot of authors take this tip to an unrealistic level. Let’s use Tad for our example and engage him in some dialogue with his father.

“I’ve told you a hundred times, Tad, you’re not strong enough to climb Mount Everest. You’ll never have the honor of achieving the family tradition your grandfather and I obtained.”

Tad clenched his fists at his side. “You’re wrong, Dad! I’ve been training for years, just like you and Grandpa did. I’m going to make you proud. You’ll see!”

“It has less to do with physical strength, son.” Jeremy poked his finger into Tad’s chest. “Have you forgotten you were in therapy for three years trying to recover from your mother’s death? Don’t you remember how your grandfather almost died climbing that mountain? He trained for ten years and had two failed attempts before he succeeded. Everest changed him. He experienced hallucinations, lost friends!”

 

Question:  if Tad’s whole purpose is to follow in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps, doesn’t he know all this already? Two people don’t rehash information they both already know. The only purpose of this dialogue is to inform the reader about their history. It sounds stilted, forced and contrived. Also, there’s no mystery to make the readers want to keep flipping pages. Let’s try again:

Jeremy crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes. “I talked Bradley out of sponsoring you.”

 “You did what?” Tad clenched his jaw, waiting for an explanation, but his father offered none. He steadied his breath. “I have plenty of other sponsors I can—”

“And I’ll talk them out of it, too.” Jeremy stalked forward until he was nose-to-nose with Tad. “You know how I feel about this.”

“What more can I do prove I’m ready for this? Don’t you think I’ve trained hard enough over the last ten years?” Tad crossed his own arms in defiance. “I’ve endured—”

“You don’t get it!” Jeremy threw his hands in the air. “Conquering Everest isn’t about physical strength, son!” He stabbed his index finger into Tad’s chest. “You’re not strong here! You’re not like me, and that mountain will kill you like it almost killed your grandfather. That’s why he was never the same after he came home.”

Tad fought the stinging in his eyes and inwardly cursed when tears slipped down his cheek.

“See what I mean? You can’t even handle a simple truth about yourself. You couldn’t even deal with your mother’s death.” Jeremy stomped to the door. “You’re not going,” he said over his shoulder. “That’s final.”

 

This dialogue reveals their feelings for each other while leaving many things unsaid that scream through the undertones of their behavior. Also, keep in mind the information left out can be woven into the story later where it’s more appropriate. The most important thing is to let the dialogue unfold naturally.

We Can Help!

There is so much more that contributes to realistic, believable and even memorable characters: backstory, foundational behavior that establishes a character’s personality through actions, psychology and human nature. The list goes on and on.

This fall, Mystical Press Services is releasing a list of classes geared toward character development: Character Development Essentials (CDE) Power Class (coming soon) and Crafting Believable Characters (CBC) Class Series (available for pre-order now). We have another class coming in early 2013 titled Creating Memorable Characters (CMC). Why so many? Because crafting believable characters is paramount to writing a great story. When you register on our site, be sure to let us know which blog referred you so your hostess will be recognized. Registered users will be informed when new classes are added to the catalogue.

Prizes!!!

We encourage you to share some of your experiences with creating characters or valuable tips you may have learned along the way. If you have any questions, please ask! Leave a comment or question and we’ll enter you in a drawing for a $25 eGift good toward any services or classes at our website. Good luck and thanks for participating!

Editor Bios

 

 

 

Mystical Press Services is the culmination of two authors and professionally trained editors—Arial Burnz and AJ Nuest—who help authors bridge the gap between the form rejection letter and publication. In fact, we believe in this venture so passionately, our tagline is “Helping authors achieve their dreams.” We also assist authors for self-publication. Come dream with us! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Snog: First Kiss from "Newborn"

If what you love the most and what you hate the most become the same, which emotion will win?


I'm still celebrating yesterday's release of "Newborn"- which has already entered Bookstrand's Bestseller List, by the way - and what better way to party could there be than to make it a Sunday Snog? Even more so since Victoria Blisse is having a special event: Blisse Kiss After Dark, which is all about the things that go bump in the night. So, as soon as you've read this snog excerpt, be sure to head over to Sunday Snog Central and check out Victoria's and all the other great snogs - Oh, did I mention Victoria's giving away a prize?


 

Newborn (MM)
By: Sage Marlowe | Other books by Sage Marlowe Categories: Erotic Romance, Alternative (M/M or F/F), Older H/h, Vampires/Werewolves Word Count: 53,492 Heat Level: SCORCHING Published By: Siren-BookStrand, Inc. This title is offered at a 15% discount. Offer ends midnight CST, October 27th.[Siren Allure ManLove: Erotic Alternative Paranormal Romance, M/M, vampires, older hero, HEA] Parker Rowe has hated vampires with a passion ever since his family was murdered by a gang of malicious vampires, and he has been trying to hunt down the culprits for years. A promising clue leads him into a small, secluded town where he meets Josh Summers. Sweet and innocent, Josh is as much out of place in Parker’s world of revenge and violence as he is in his own narrow-minded community, but he can give Parker the peace of mind he craves. When the vampires Parker is chasing use Josh to deliver a very special message, Parker finds himself facing the ultimate dilemma. If what he loves and what he hates the most become the same, which emotion will win? While Parker struggles to accept the changes his lover goes through, he comes closer than ever to detecting the truth about his family’s deaths—but then his own life takes a dramatic turn… A Siren Erotic Romance www.bookstrand.com/newborn		Newborn (MM) Available in: Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Reader, HTML, Mobipocket, EPUB Price: $5.50 $4.68

Excerpt from "Newborn"

This scene finds Parker and Josh at one of my favourite moments in a relationship - that magical first kiss...

Parker leaned in close enough to stir the short hairs behind Josh’s ear with his breath as he spoke. “I want to fuck you, Josh. You do know that, right?” He raised his hand, cupped Josh’s cheek, and tilted his face up so he could look into those soft chocolate eyes. “So what do you think?” His free hand landed on Josh’s hip, just an inch or so from the tempting curves of his buttocks. Josh made a soft, helpless sound somewhere between a nervous laugh and a moan. He pulled his head back a little at the same time as he flexed his hips to push into Parker’s touch.

“Shh,” Parker soothed. “I’m not going to hurt you.” Placing his thumb under Josh’s chin, he held his head in place. Parker let his gaze wander from the lovely brown eyes to the full, moist lips that were parted just a little, so invitingly. Lowering his head, he brushed a first gentle, tentative kiss on Josh’s startled mouth. When Josh didn’t exactly respond but didn’t pull back, either, Parker took it as the permission to go further. He found Josh in a second, more intense kiss. This time, he didn’t settle for just a brush of lips. He caressed Josh’s bottom lip with his tongue before he licked that little cleft at the corner of his mouth then, at last, dipped into the sweet, velvety opening. Josh tasted nice. Minty, clean, and so excitingly new. Fresh and pure, and nothing like the shady figures Parker normally did this kind of activity with.

Parker explored the inside of Josh’s mouth and trailed his tongue along the sharp ridges of teeth to where Josh’s tongue waited to be awoken from its slumber. Josh responded at last. His kiss was still reluctant but all the sweeter for its shyness. Parker groaned into their kiss. This was good, but it wasn’t enough. Leaning back a little, he nibbled Josh’s lips briefly then started a trail of tiny kisses along Josh’s jaw to his neck. Josh shuddered delicately, and Parker felt goose bumps rise under his touch. He gripped Josh’s earlobe with his teeth, biting gently and drawing a choked moan from Josh. The sound was lost in the silence of the kitchen, but, at last, Josh leaned into Parker’s hold. Parker kissed a line down Josh’s neck to his collarbone, as always a little disconcerted when he felt the pulse under his lips. This one was strong, so full of life, and undeniably excited.

Still holding Josh’s head in place with one hand, Parker started investigating Josh’s lower regions. When his fingers brushed Josh’s fly, he was pleased to feel the hard bulge of an erection behind it. Cupping it, he gave it a teasing squeeze. Josh moaned and melted against him. Parker undid his fly, swallowing whatever weak attempt at protest Josh made in another kiss.

"Newborn" - available from Siren-BookStrand now: www.bookstrand.com/newborn

This title is offered at a 15% discount. Offer ends midnight CST, October 27th.

 

 

 

 

And now it's time to head over to check out Victoria's and all the other sexy snogs! Off you go!

 

 

http://victoriablisse.co.uk/blog/sunday-snog/blisse-kiss-after-dark-the-vampires-choice-free-read-giveaway

 

Inside: Newborn

Newborn (MM)
By: Sage Marlowe | Other books by Sage Marlowe Categories: Erotic Romance, Alternative (M/M or F/F), Older H/h, Vampires/Werewolves Word Count: 53,492 Heat Level: SCORCHING Published By: Siren-BookStrand, Inc. This title is offered at a 15% discount. Offer ends midnight CST, October 27th.[Siren Allure ManLove: Erotic Alternative Paranormal Romance, M/M, vampires, older hero, HEA] Parker Rowe has hated vampires with a passion ever since his family was murdered by a gang of malicious vampires, and he has been trying to hunt down the culprits for years. A promising clue leads him into a small, secluded town where he meets Josh Summers. Sweet and innocent, Josh is as much out of place in Parker’s world of revenge and violence as he is in his own narrow-minded community, but he can give Parker the peace of mind he craves. When the vampires Parker is chasing use Josh to deliver a very special message, Parker finds himself facing the ultimate dilemma. If what he loves and what he hates the most become the same, which emotion will win? While Parker struggles to accept the changes his lover goes through, he comes closer than ever to detecting the truth about his family’s deaths—but then his own life takes a dramatic turn… A Siren Erotic Romance		Newborn (MM) Available in: Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Reader, HTML, Mobipocket, EPUB Price: $5.50 $4.68

Inside Newborn

 

If what you love the most and what you hate the most become the same, which emotion will win?

This is the tag line for my latest release, Newborn, and I'm going to give you a little insight to what it means. 

Those of you who have read some of my books probably know that my guys quite often have some emotional issues to deal with. First there was Noah in Sub-Mission, who has to battle his own inner demons to be able to appreciate the loving and supportive partner he has found in Pierce. Then Sheridan, in Knives & Feathers, who is so riddled with guilt and self-hatred that the only way he can vent his feelings is by hurting himself. 





www.bookstrand.com/newborn

In Newborn, Parker Rowe finds himself faced with the ultimate dilemma: He hates vampires with an intensity that has made him chase and slay every single one of them he could track down for years. He is filled with bitterness, hatred and the burning need for revenge. Those are the only emotions he has been capable of feeling for almost a decade - until he meets Josh. Josh Summer is everything Parker isn't, or rather, the parts he has lost. Josh is pure, innocent, and sweet-natured. He is also quite a bit younger than Parker and sexually inexperienced, but very happy to change that. In short, he is the one who finally brings the summer back into Parker's heart and replaces the darkness and void in it with feelings of love and affection.

I can't tell you what happens next without spoiling the story for you, but something happens that makes it practically impossible for Parker to even be around Josh, let alone continue to have a relationship with him. And yet, the spark of love this sweet boy has ignited in him simply refuses to die, little by little lacing Parkers' world of black and white, good and evil with rays of sunshine and the warmth of love. Once opened to positive feelings, his heart and soul crave more - but will this spark be enough to make him overcome all the walls he has put up or will it take more to make him understand that nothing is ever only what it appears to be at first?

Excerpt from "Newborn"

This scene finds Parker and Josh at one of my favourite moments in a relationship - that magical first kiss...

Parker leaned in close enough to stir the short hairs behind Josh’s ear with his breath as he spoke. “I want to fuck you, Josh. You do know that, right?” He raised his hand, cupped Josh’s cheek, and tilted his face up so he could look into those soft chocolate eyes. “So what do you think?” His free hand landed on Josh’s hip, just an inch or so from the tempting curves of his buttocks. Josh made a soft, helpless sound somewhere between a nervous laugh and a moan. He pulled his head back a little at the same time as he flexed his hips to push into Parker’s touch.

“Shh,” Parker soothed. “I’m not going to hurt you.” Placing his thumb under Josh’s chin, he held his head in place. Parker let his gaze wander from the lovely brown eyes to the full, moist lips that were parted just a little, so invitingly. Lowering his head, he brushed a first gentle, tentative kiss on Josh’s startled mouth. When Josh didn’t exactly respond but didn’t pull back, either, Parker took it as the permission to go further. He found Josh in a second, more intense kiss. This time, he didn’t settle for just a brush of lips. He caressed Josh’s bottom lip with his tongue before he licked that little cleft at the corner of his mouth then, at last, dipped into the sweet, velvety opening. Josh tasted nice. Minty, clean, and so excitingly new. Fresh and pure, and nothing like the shady figures Parker normally did this kind of activity with.

Parker explored the inside of Josh’s mouth and trailed his tongue along the sharp ridges of teeth to where Josh’s tongue waited to be awoken from its slumber. Josh responded at last. His kiss was still reluctant but all the sweeter for its shyness. Parker groaned into their kiss. This was good, but it wasn’t enough. Leaning back a little, he nibbled Josh’s lips briefly then started a trail of tiny kisses along Josh’s jaw to his neck. Josh shuddered delicately, and Parker felt goose bumps rise under his touch. He gripped Josh’s earlobe with his teeth, biting gently and drawing a choked moan from Josh. The sound was lost in the silence of the kitchen, but, at last, Josh leaned into Parker’s hold. Parker kissed a line down Josh’s neck to his collarbone, as always a little disconcerted when he felt the pulse under his lips. This one was strong, so full of life, and undeniably excited.

Still holding Josh’s head in place with one hand, Parker started investigating Josh’s lower regions. When his fingers brushed Josh’s fly, he was pleased to feel the hard bulge of an erection behind it. Cupping it, he gave it a teasing squeeze. Josh moaned and melted against him. Parker undid his fly, swallowing whatever weak attempt at protest Josh made in another kiss.

Buy links:

Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon Ca
Bookstrand

Pre-order: Newborn

Oooh, got a nice surprise last night. Newborn is available to pre-order - ta-daaa!

Newborn (MM)
By: Sage Marlowe | Other books by Sage Marlowe Categories: Erotic Romance, Alternative (M/M or F/F), Older H/h, Vampires/Werewolves Word Count: 53,492 Heat Level: SCORCHING Published By: Siren-BookStrand, Inc. www.bookstrand.com/newborn PRE-ORDER! AVAILABLE: Saturday, October 20th This title is offered at a 15% discount. Offer ends midnight CST, October 27th. [Siren Allure ManLove: Erotic Alternative Paranormal Romance, M/M, vampires, older hero, HEA] Parker Rowe has hated vampires with a passion ever since his family was murdered by a gang of malicious vampires, and he has been trying to hunt down the culprits for years. A promising clue leads him into a small, secluded town where he meets Josh Summers. Sweet and innocent, Josh is as much out of place in Parker’s world of revenge and violence as he is in his own narrow-minded community, but he can give Parker the peace of mind he craves. When the vampires Parker is chasing use Josh to deliver a very special message, Parker finds himself facing the ultimate dilemma. If what he loves and what he hates the most become the same, which emotion will win? While Parker struggles to accept the changes his lover goes through, he comes closer than ever to detecting the truth about his family’s deaths—but then his own life takes a dramatic turn… A Siren Erotic Romance Story Excerpt (G) Parker froze mid-motion, listening. He felt the familiar cold clasp of fear claw up his spine and settle in that spot right at the base of his skull, but he ignored it. So what. He’d grown used to it. Fear didn’t frighten him anymore because fear couldn’t hurt him. They, however, could hurt him. Tilting his head, he willed his feeble senses to provide him with more information. Information that might be vital for his survival, but, little surprisingly, his senses failed him. He could hear nothing, see nothing, and fuck, smell nothing. Well, of course that wasn’t true. He could hear the soft, almost melodic rushing noise, the faint thuds of the falling rain. He could see it as silvery threads, reflected by the dim light of a the singular street lantern at the end of the road. He could even smell it in the air around him, the moisture it brought, and the damp earth it stirred. Rain. Water. One of the major sources of life but entirely meaningless to him. Just like life itself had lost its meaning. There. A movement to his right. A slight disturbance of the air, gone as fast as a shadow and just as impossible to catch. Well, nearly as impossible to catch, Parker thought grimly as he tightened his grip around the gun he was holding. The secret was knowing how to do it—and having the right equipment. Turning slowly around his own axis, he stared into the ghostly darkness that surrounded him. He knew he was at a mighty disadvantage here, but he didn’t exactly have a reputation for his clear-headed approach to pursuing his goal. His quarry. Some might say it was what made him so good at what he did. Some certainly said it was what was going to get him killed. Parker didn’t care about either of them. He didn’t care about anyone or anything apart from what was needed to bring him closer to his enemies. He never even heard his attacker approach. With the sudden, unforeseeable power of a lightning strike, Parker was grabbed, lifted up, and whirled through the air before he hit the ground with a nasty thud. That would have been his skull breaking, he mused with an eerie detachedness, even as bright pain exploded in his brain and nausea threatened to overwhelm him. He ignored both. Like fear, pain was something he’d learned to ignore. It only told him he was still alive. Which he wouldn’t be much longer if he didn’t get a grip on himself and start fighting back. Except, there was nothing to fight. He raised his head gingerly to look around and take stock. A moan slipped out of his mouth before he could stop it. Fuck, but his head did hurt. So much it affected his vision, so maybe the damage was worse than he’d thought. Blinking furiously, he tried to make his eyes focus, but the world around him remained blurry. This time he stifled the sound that wanted out, a little sigh. If it was still around, then tonight might well be the end of it—the end of Parker, to be precise. Shivering from a sudden gush of cold air, Parker reached into his pocket and curled his fingers around the familiar, smooth round shape. The metal had warmed from the heat his body was radiating. It felt quite nice now, actually. Comforting, friendly, and nothing like the deadly tool it was. “Take your hand out of your pocket,” a voice said right behind Parker’s left ear. “Slowly, and be sure to leave whatever’s inside it where it is.” Parker let out a sarcastic chuckle. “Now why would I do that?” he asked, clenching his fingers around the bulbous piece of metal. If he was to part with it, it would have to rip his arm off. “If that’s what you want,” the voice said casually, and Parker knew it had figured out exactly what his plan was and found a way to keep him from putting it into effect. Which meant he’d failed, so maybe whatever was about to happen served him right. The creature behind him laughed softly. “Yeah, right. You’re quite the hero, aren’t you?” It must have leaned in, because the voice was closer now, and Parker could feel the air the thing expelled with its words stir the hairs at the nape of his neck. “But let me tell you, Parker—tonight isn’t the end of it. At least not the way you think it will be. No, for you, tonight is the beginning.”   Adult excerpt  Josh held Parker’s gaze for a moment before he looked away. “I’m not sure there’s much you can do at this time of night.” “There’s always one thing,” Parker said softly and reached out to take the towel from Josh’s clenched hand, stroking the back of his fist with his fingertips. Josh flinched but let it happen, staring at their hands like a startled deer. “W–what’s that?” he asked after a moment. “Can’t you guess by now?” “I, um, I–I’m n–not sure,” Josh stammered. Parker leaned in close enough to stir the short hairs behind Josh’s ear with his breath as he spoke. “I want to fuck you, Josh. You do know that, right?” He raised his hand, cupped Josh’s cheek, and tilted his face up so he could look into those soft chocolate eyes. “So what do you think?” His free hand landed on Josh’s hip, just an inch or so from the tempting curves of his buttocks. Josh made a soft, helpless sound somewhere between a nervous laugh and a moan. He pulled his head back a little at the same time as he flexed his hips to push into Parker’s touch. “Shh,” Parker soothed. “I’m not going to hurt you.” Placing his thumb under Josh’s chin, he held his head in place. Parker let his gaze wander from the lovely brown eyes to the full, moist lips that were parted just a little, so invitingly. Lowering his head, he brushed a first gentle, tentative kiss on Josh’s startled mouth. When Josh didn’t exactly respond but didn’t pull back, either, Parker took it as the permission to go further. He found Josh in a second, more intense kiss. This time, he didn’t settle for just a brush of lips. He caressed Josh’s bottom lip with his tongue before he licked that little cleft at the corner of his mouth then, at last, dipped into the sweet, velvety opening. Josh tasted nice. Minty, clean, and so excitingly new. Fresh and pure, and nothing like the shady figures Parker normally did this kind of activity with. Parker explored the inside of Josh’s mouth and trailed his tongue along the sharp ridges of teeth to where Josh’s tongue waited to be awoken from its slumber. Josh responded at last. His kiss was still reluctant but all the sweeter for its shyness. Parker groaned into their kiss. This was good, but it wasn’t enough. Leaning back a little, he nibbled Josh’s lips briefly then started a trail of tiny kisses along Josh’s jaw to his neck. Josh shuddered delicately, and Parker felt goose bumps rise under his touch. He gripped Josh’s earlobe with his teeth, biting gently and drawing a choked moan from Josh. The sound was lost in the silence of the kitchen, but, at last, Josh leaned into Parker’s hold. Parker kissed a line down Josh’s neck to his collarbone, as always a little disconcerted when he felt the pulse under his lips. This one was strong, so full of life, and undeniably excited. Still holding Josh’s head in place with one hand, Parker started investigating Josh’s lower regions. When his fingers brushed Josh’s fly, he was pleased to feel the hard bulge of an erection behind it. Cupping it, he gave it a teasing squeeze. Josh moaned and melted against him. Parker undid his fly, swallowing whatever weak attempt at protest Josh made in another kiss. He sneaked his fingers into the waistband of Josh’s boxers, found the eager cock beneath it, and freed it. It leapt into his hand gratefully. Josh let out a needy whimper as Parker tightened his fist around his shaft, and he pushed into the tight channel Parker offered him. “That’s it, baby,” Parker whispered. “Show me what you like. Take what you need.” He turned Josh around, one arm wrapped around his shoulders to hold him steady, and used his other hand to jerk him off. Josh reflexively thrust into his grip, panting as he did so. His head dropped back against Parker’s shoulder, baring the smooth curve of his throat as he leaned on him for support. About two inches shorter and of a much lighter build, he was a perfect fit for Parker’s body. Parker smiled into his neck. It was so easy. Just a few more strokes and Josh went still in his hold. “Oh.” Josh sounded endearingly surprised when he came. His cock was pulsing in Parker’s hand, and soon his knees buckled, and he went limp in Parker’s grip. “Steady, sweetheart.” Parker chuckled as he easily took most of Josh’s weight to hold him upright. “How do you feel?” “Pretty, um, good,” Josh answered, his voice rough with post-orgasmic tightness. He turned around and timidly looked up at Parker. “Do you want me to...uh...?” “I think we ought to clean up first.” “Huh?” Bewildered, Josh looked around the kitchen he’d just cleaned so thoroughly. “Not that,” Parker grinned. “This.” Holding up his hand, he showed Josh the creamy white cum on his fingers. “Oh.” Josh turned almost crimson. “Oh, gosh, I’m sorry, I’ll just...” His eyed darted to and fro, frantically searching for a cloth. “Just lick it off,” Parker suggested and brought his hand to Josh’s lips. Pulling a face, Josh turned his head away. “Never sampled it?” Josh looked appalled. “No, of course not.” “Why not? It’s just spunk. There’s nothing wrong with it,” Parker teased. “Because...well, you–you just don’t d–do that,” Josh answered a little helplessly. “Do you?” he added, almost as an afterthought.  “All right, baby.” Parker smiled reassuringly and shrugged, leaving the question unanswered. “Nothing you’re not comfortable with.” Turning away, he washed his hands in the sink. “I’d like to take you to bed now,” he said gently. “Is that okay for you?” 0 Ratings		Newborn (MM) Available in: Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Reader, HTML, Mobipocket, EPUB Price: $5.50 $4.68     Cover Art by Christine Kirchoff

Exclusive excerpt from "Yet More Ink, Sweat and Tears"

 
Happy Sunday, everyone!

Here's a little exclusive excerpt from "Yet More Ink, Sweat and Tears". It's part of Victoria Blisse's Sunday Snog, so don't forget to check out all the other sexy snogs on her blog when you're done here!



This scene finds Caelan and Dean on a well-deserved holiday to recover from everything they've been through, and well - lots of sunshine, the beach and some exercise quickly get them in the right mood - Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

Ignoring the comment, Dean reached for Caelan’s hand and pulled it up to his mouth. He kissed the tip of each finger before gently sucking them in. It was an easy enough distraction, and it didn’t fail to have its usual effect on Caelan. Breathing heavily, he watched Dean flick his tongue and nibble for a while before he said, “You know, we could go back to our room before dinner.”

“Mmh, s’pose we could indeed,” Dean mumbled around his mouthful of slender, fine-boned fingers. “But I quite like it here.”

“So I see,” Caelan said dryly. “It’s just that this bloody wet suit is way too tight for that kind of activity.”

“What kind of activity?” Dean looked up innocently and nipped the fleshy bit at the base of Caelan’s thumb. 

“As if you didn’t know exactly what I’m talking about.” Caelan was clearly making an effort to keep his tone light and casual, but he was just as clearly losing the fight. The rough tinge of arousal had already crept into his voice, and the angle at which he held his leg was little befitting a comfortable position but reasonably effective for hiding the growing bulge at the front of his skin-tight wet suit. That problem had also been overcome, as a very delighted Dean had found out the night of their arrival. 

Dean wasn’t done playing yet, though. “Hmm, sorry, I’ve no idea.” He licked the satiny inside of Caelan’s wrist with his tongue, right above the spot where he could feel the vein throbbing underneath. He hovered over the pulsing patch of skin for a moment, feeling Caelan’s excited heartbeat under his lips. So strong, so very much alive. His thoughts trailed to that other part of Caelan’s anatomy, which must have been throbbing by now, and suddenly, he could barely hold back. He wanted Caelan, wanted him so badly it hurt. Talk about throbbing body parts. His own trousers had gone far too tight, and his cock fought its prison determinedly. 

“Let’s go,” he groaned. Caelan let out a throaty chuckle, having probably picked up on the urgency in Dean’s voice, but Dean couldn’t seem to care. So what if Caelan knew he was hot for him? Being desired wasn’t a bad thing, was it?

You can get "Yet More Ink, Sweat and Tears" here: www.bookstrand.com/yet-more-ink-sweat-and-tears


And here's where you can read lots of Sunday Snogs: http://victoriablisse.co.uk/blog/sunday-snog/sunday-snog-the-point-by-victoria-blisse

Yet More Ink, Sweat and Tears - Release Day!

 

Hi everyone!

Today is the release day of Yet More Ink, Sweat and Tears, the last book in my Ink, Sweat and Tears series about sexy tattoo artist Caelan and hunky tax accountant Dean! And it’s currently offered at a discount – good, eh?

Here’s what happens in this part of Caelan and Dean’s story:

Yet again, Caelan and Dean’s relationship is put to the test as old dreams get shattered, new dreams are built, and loose ends are tied up.

Caelan and Dean’s relationship is yet again put to the test by the ups and downs of life. Caelan is forced to take an extended time off his beloved job as a tattoo artist due to an injury and Dean finds his dreams of a quiet office job and a peaceful suburban home about to be shattered once and for all. While Caelan is struggling along on the road to recovery, Dean seizes his chance and snatches him away on a long-overdue holiday. Although he is hoping that this change of scenery may just be what his husband needs to tie up a few loose ends in his life, Dean is surprised by the outcome. 

Back home, they find that there are yet more pieces waiting to fall into place and that sometimes, when dreams get shattered, new dreams can be built on the ruins of the old ones.


Click here to go directly to the publisher’s site www.bookstrand.com/yet-more-ink-sweat-and-tears


Or keep reading and enjoy these two excerpts: 

Story Excerpt (G)

Dean sighed. Strange what you started thinking about when your thoughts were left to roam freely. He got up and went to the kitchen to check everything once again. The food smelled delicious and a well-chilled bottle of fruity Chardonnay sat in its cooler. Beads of condensation were collecting on its sleek outside, lending it a glossy wet sheen like the perspiration on a lover’s exhausted body after a night full of passion. Dean huffed sarcastically. If only. 
The table was laid and he’d even dug out the pristine white table cloth his mother had given them—as a wedding present, no less. It had never been used and, in all probability, would never have been used, but the sight of the polished kitchen table had become a painful reminder of what had happened on it during that significant evening a couple of weeks ago. Not that it was to blame as such. The disc in Caelan’s back could have herniated any time, but now the connection was there in both of their minds.
Of course, Dean could have chosen their formal dining room as the setting for his plan instead, but the big, carefully decorated space was just too…well, formal. It would serve well to host a group of friends or, more likely, Dean’s parents when they came to visit, but it wasn’t the place for an intimate, candlelit dinner that was supposed to set the mood for delightful things to come.
Just as he was stirring the sauce once more, Dean heard the scratching of a key in the front door. The sound sent a little jolt of hopeful excitement through him and yes, his cock actually gave a little twitch of anticipation. The poor thing hadn’t had much fun lately and was beginning to be frighteningly easy to stir. So much so that Dean had even taken it out to play an hour earlier, just so he wouldn’t be running the risk of putting an untimely end to the evening. But touching himself just wasn’t the same as doing it with Caelan, his sinfully sexy and delightfully naughty husband. And what a sight he was.
Previous relief or not, Dean’s cock gave another curious twitch when Caelan’s slender shape appeared in the doorframe. Leaning his shoulder on it, he hesitated, sniffing the air carefully with an expression that was half-amusement, half-pleasant surprise on his beautiful face.
“Something smells nice here,” he observed. The corners of his mouth were tilted up in a faint smile and suddenly, Dean was so turned on, he could have happily forgotten all about dinner and just taken Caelan right there and then.
Instead, he cleared his throat a little awkwardly. “I was hoping it would.”
“What is it?”
“Chicken filet in a creamy lemon-and-coconut sauce with asparagus and rice.”
Caelan raised his eyebrows. “Wow. You’ve gone all out, haven’t you? What’s the special occasion?”
Dean shrugged and took a step closer to Caelan. “Nothing special,” he said quietly. “Apart from the fact that every day I get to be with you is special.”
“Oh.” Caelan looked a little surprised and self-conscious, as always when openly praised, but the soft smile was still there.
“I’d just like us to have a nice evening. Eat, drink a glass of wine, chat and relax. Think you’re up for that?”
Caelan’s gaze flicked to the stove for a moment before he looked at Dean again. This time, a hint of discomfort had crept into his striking grey-green eyes. “Well, I am quite exhausted, to be honest. Therapy was hell and I’m longing for a soak in the bath ‘cause my back aches and—”
“Caelan,” Dean said gently and closed the distance between them. Raising his hands, he cupped Caelan’s head and made him meet his eyes. “It’s just dinner. I know you’re not… comfortable with the way things are right now, but you can’t keep your distance from me forever. I love you. I don’t care if you’re a little damaged or not. Well, I mean, obviously I do care, but…Oh, you know what I’m trying to say, right?”
“Dean…” Falling silent, Caelan dropped his gaze. He didn’t quite pull away, but had gone rigid in Dean’s hold.
“Please, love. I know you’re having a hard time adapting, but avoiding me isn’t going to change anything. And it’s not as though you are disfigured or scarred or something like that.”
Caelan heaved a sigh. “No. No, I’m not disfigured, that’s right. But…” He trailed off again, biting his lip and looking troubled.
“But what?” Dean prompted.
“But I’ve changed. It won’t be like what we’re used to,” Caelan blurted out. “Hell, I’m having a fucking hard time just moving my legs and…” He closed his eyes and his voice had dropped to a shameful whisper when he added, “It… doesn’t quite work the way it used to.”
“What do you mean it doesn’t…?” Dean started but, understanding, shut up. “Oh,” he said after a moment. “You mean you…?”
Uh-huh.” Caelan nodded gravely.


Adult excerpt

“That’s my boy.” Dean grinned and sat up, leaning forwards once more to kiss the pout right off Caelan’s mouth. By the time they surfaced from an increasingly passionate tangling of tongues, Dean was feeling more than a little turned on himself. The relaxing effect of the climax he’d given his body earlier was wearing off, it seemed. He used some of the lube to slick himself up, then spread the rest of it in and around the entrance to Caelan’s body.
Caelan looked a little put out at being handled so unceremoniously, but he seemed to enjoy the touch anyway and it wasn’t as though they always took the time for a thorough foreplay either. Sometimes it was all just about a quick fuck, and right now, it was going to be about only that. Just a fuck, but there was so much more to it.
Pushing Caelan’s legs further apart, Dean made room for himself. He didn’t bother preparing Caelan any more than he already had by dipping two lube-coated fingers into him and making sure everything was nicely slick to let him slide easily. After a month, Caelan’s muscles were not quite as welcoming as they usually were, but the increase in friction would hopefully heighten the effect the stimulation had on Caelan. Besides, it would be simply cruel to tease him and make him wait even longer.
Dean gave his cock a few long, leisurely strokes to brace it for the task ahead. It was fully erect now, heavy and hot in his hand. Hard as steel, but smooth as silk to the touch. A tool designed to bring his lover the pleasure and relief he craved. Dean could only hope it would be enough.
Lowering himself, he entered Caelan’s body. There was the brief resistance of unwilling muscles, then the usual sudden jolt forwards when they yielded. Caelan gasped and twitched underneath him, readjusting his position. Dean didn’t need to ask to know why and he was only too happy to comply.
Tilting his hips, he changed the angle a few times, rubbing the sensitive head of his cock along Caelan’s insides as he singled out the right spot. He could feel the ring embedded in his flesh shift, intensifying the sensations for both him and his lover. He knew he had the position right when Caelan jerked as if electrified and let out the adorable little whimper he always seemed to make when his prostate was stimulated. After well over a year of frequent sex, Dean knew the noises Caelan made when they were at it. And he knew just what to do to draw the sounds from him he was longing to hear.
Grabbing Caelan’s hips, Dean dug his fingers into the lean-muscled flesh to hold him in place. He pulled back, almost all the way out, then slammed right back in, nailing Caelan’s gland full-on. Caelan screamed. Dean pulled out once again, repeating the motion, once, twice, then over and over again, fucking Caelan with firm, fast thrusts that had him pant with the effort it took him to keep the pace up. But it was good. So hard it nearly hurt and certainly nothing he would be able to be doing for much longer, but apparently that wasn’t necessary. Slowing down a little, he took a moment to catch his breath and watch Caelan.
Covered in sweat, Caelan was moaning almost constantly now in between snatching shallow, ragged gasps of air. His eyes were screwed shut and his head was tilted back as he was clawing the sheets in raw need, meeting each of Dean’s thrusts eagerly. For the second time that night, he was on the verge to orgasm and Dean, despite what he had planned, was right there with him. He couldn’t hold back anymore. The sights and sounds and above all, the feel of Caelan’s body throbbing with arousal underneath him were too much to bear and he could only hope that Caelan would be there with him when he went over the edge. His cock and groin were already tingling with the bittersweet burn of a beginning climax. He was faintly aware of Caelan’s dick, trapped between their bellies, spasming in a way that gave him reason to hope, then his own body required all of his attention.
Or rather, the sensations it was experiencing blocked his mind to everything but the pure, near-painful explosion in his groin that sent liquid fire through his veins and caused supernovas to burst behind his closed eyelids.
Afterwards, caught in the blissful, cleansed twilight only a strong climax could bring, Dean needed a moment to come to his senses. In fact, he could have happily just lain there forever, wrapped up tightly in Caelan’s strong arms, his face buried in the crook of his lover’s neck. He was inhaling Caelan’s warm, spicy, scent with every breath he took, and what a delicious smell it was. The smell of the man he loved, tinted with the sharp tang of male sex, sweat, and semen. Only now there was something in it that he’d never noticed before, something…
“Oh, fuck!” Caelan yelled suddenly, jerking underneath him and frantically pushing against his shoulders to make him get up.


Want more? Get it here: www.bookstrand.com/yet-more-ink-sweat-and-tears

Wednesday Wisdoms

 

This one is for all the writers out there - you are not alone ;) After all, we're the ones who not only hear voices in our heads, we even write down what they're saying...

 

 

 

 

 

“Writing is a socially acceptable form of schizophrenia.”
E.L. Doctorow

Tuesday Teaser - Lover's Tussle by India-Jean Louwe (guest)

India-Jean Louwe starts off my new guest blog series called "Tuesday Teasers" with a seriously hot-hot-hot excerpt of her latest release Lover's Tussle - enjoy! Oh, and you might wanna keep some ice cubes within reach...

Lovers' Tussle (MFM)
Word Count: 43,905
Heat Level: SEXTREME
[Ménage Amour: Erotic Historical Paranormal Ménage a Trois, werewolves]

Being torn between a suave gentleman rogue and a dangerous unholy knave can turn any woman traitor.
Tienna Sterling is forced into a choice that is tearing her apart. Aiden James Marquis of Kendrick, the dapper gentleman cloaked in soft, dashing, pure-white fur, will steal her body and soul with sensual, sweet kisses and tender caresses. Roth Demount, the blackguard and beast, a compelling Alpha male beneath a lush gray feral coat, will force his will, demanding and conquering her passions in one fell swoop. She will have them both but the cost is high. She must uncover their secrets, defy convention, forsake her family, and eventually turn traitor.

***adult alert***

ADULT EXCERPT
He grabbed her waist and lowered her over his cock. Her pussy clenched as she was slid each delicious inch to his base. Roth held on to her, lifting her up and down until she comprehended. Her body took over as her mind went reeling toward a distant edge. But before she could take the final plunge, Roth grabbed her nipples and tweaked the tips. He rolled and pulled at the taut buds until she was forced to lower her head to his awaiting mouth.

Her annoyance at the interruption of her pumping evaporated as his tongue plunged into her mouth. The scent of her sex, the taste lingered on him. She purred deeply as she lapped at him greedily.

Aiden’s deep baritone grated across her mind like rough sand just before she felt his hands on her ass. Tienna stiffened. Her behind was open and vulnerable due to this position. As she tried to right herself, Roth’s arms looped around her. “Stay.” His command was a clear warning. “You wanted us both, Tienna.”

Panic had her rearing against his hold.

Aiden’s voice was soothing. “Hush, Tienna. You will enjoy this.”

Roth cut in, “Know what it is to have your pussy and ass filled by two cocks.”

The words were like magic. She wanted to experience this new delight. And she trusted her lovers. She melted against Roth’s hard chest, willing her heartbeat to a tamer beat.

Her action was taken as her surrender. Roth stroked her hair tenderly. “That’s a good puss. We won’t hurt you. That’s why Aiden has the honor again.”

Tienna swallowed down her tears of gratitude. Yet again her hard, unbending lover was forced to turn over the reins of his dominance for her pleasure, fearing he would hurt her. She whispered softly against his lips, “Thank you.”

The words ended on a hiss as Aiden fingered the opening of her anus. He spread her sticky moisture and massaged the stiff muscles patiently. He worried the tender tissue into pliancy before slowly sliding a finger into her. Tienna whimpered in Roth’s mouth. He fed her gentling words. “Relax, sweetheart.” His hands pulled her thighs higher against his sides, opening her further to the invasion behind.

The tip of Aiden’s cock was suddenly huge at her sensitive entrance. She cried out as he slipped the swollen tip in. Roth quickly squeezed his hand between their bodies and fingered her weeping clit. He rubbed the folds until he latched on to her tiny bud. Tienna moaned as he teased it into tautness.

Aiden used her distraction and slipped further in. Tienna froze. Her shout echoed through the dark woods. Aiden was panting hard against her nape. “Almost there, love. Just a little more.”

It was a lot more. She felt torn apart as he pushed the remainder of the way in. He held perfectly still, as did Roth. Tienna’s breath whistled out between her teeth. Her senses dipped and swayed even more alarmingly than when she’d been upside down. The burning around her impaled ass made her dizzy. She did not think she could bear any more.

But Roth lifted his hips, and his cock pumped slowly. Aiden remained motionless as Roth picked up the pace. Moisture rushed to greet his plunging cock, and Tienna was once again overwhelmed by the tide of passion.

Her eyes widened as Aiden made his first move. It was extraordinary. It was amazing. Roth’s lips curved in a devilish grin. “Does my pet like being fucked by two cocks?”

His crude words flamed the fires of desire within her. She loved it. Words deserted her, so she pushed against Aiden in need. He did not disappoint. His arms corded at her sides as he thrust into her ass with long, even strokes. Roth held her hips slightly elevated to aid his own lusty hammering.
Tienna growled and sank her teeth into Roth’s shoulder. All sense of time and purpose slipped away. All that existed was need and fulfillment. She raced with them, like predators on a hunt. Their breaths and sweat mingled as they ground against each other selfishly. Each stroke of Roth’s cock in her pussy had Tienna’s lining contracting. Every plunge of Aiden’s savage thrusting had her ass burning with fever. She yelled her delight as they rammed into her welcoming body in unison. “Oh, God, yes!”


More snippets: http://www.bookstrand.com/lovers-tussle

All India-Jean's books: http://www.bookstrand.com/india-jean-louwe

Manic Monday - Social Media

Welcome to my first Manic Monday. MMs (read "Manic Mondays" for once, not male/male - gosh, you've got a one-track mind *rolls eyes*) are my space to vent my spleens from now on. Not that I'd do that often. Hell, no - I do it very often. And one of the best ways to get me started is usually connected to the internet in one way or other, which is why you can expect to read a lot about website construction and the use of various software (Yes, Blogger, there will be a post just about you!), electronic gadgets and the likes.

 But today, it's going to be all about social media, and here's why:

Up until very recently, my working day would look like this:
Sage snatches laptop, opens lid, presses on-button and sits down. Waits impatiently for computer to boot. Waits for Internet Explorer to launch. Waits for Yahoo! home screen to open. Checks email - you get the gist.
So far, so good. The next step would be accesses word-files and starts working on latest WIP / edits / cover questionnaire - but not anymore, no-ooo! And you know why? Uh-huh. I'm on Facebook, so for the past couple of weeks, there's been a lot of switches windows to check Facebook updates. Scribbles frantic messages on other people's walls. Ogles hunky guys and sometimes even drools a bit. Tries to figure out which one of the roughly 500 entries for Matt Bomer is the real man. Concludes he isn't on FB after all and decides to stick within the author circle. Oops, sorry, I might have got a bit sidetracked there but, uh, if you happen to know which profile page is his, you'll tell me, right? Pretty please?

So that's me and Facebook. Against my expectations, I like it. I really, really do. I enjoy the easy exchange with people, I like finding friends I would never have met in real life and I'm still in awe of the fact that some of the authors I used to secretly admire are now on my friends list. Love it. But all this chatting and keeping up-to-date, not to mention the drooling over piccies is also a huge time suck and to make matters worse, I've finally taken the step to open up a Twitter account. And you know what? I'm beginning to feel REALLY overwhelmed. How can people keep track of all the information floating around? Honestly, CAN people keep track of all the information floating around? While still getting some work done, I mean.

What's it like for you? Are you into social media and what's your playground? Facebook? Twitter? Or any of the others I have yet to explore, like Pinterest and all those I have never even heard of?