Tag Archives: Ellora’s Cave

Why Men Write Romance and Why You Should Be Reading It! #Giveaway

Carlene Love Flores, Guy Day, Interview, Motivation, Writing, , , , , ,

Mermaid-Carlene-300x225Hello, fishy friends! Carlene Mermaid here. How are we all doing? Read any good books lately? How about any sexy smart romances written by men? No??? Let’s remedy that! Some of you might be familiar with my regular “Guy Day” posts. These usually come about when I can find a gentleman who is willing to answer in-depth questions about how he would respond, think, and feel in different situations, thereby giving us a genuine male perspective. The purpose of these posts is to help women writers craft realistic and believable male characters in our stories. Some of our brave guests in the past have included a musician, firefighter, waiter, gamer and one of my favorites, a fashion blogger. But today I figured what could be more beneficial than going straight to the source–men who are actually writing romance. Rather than doing the traditional Guy Day interview, I thought it would be best to let our guests’ work speak for itself because ultimately, their writing is their truest male perspective.

man_writing

This past February, I was inspired to pick up my first romance written by a man, Primal Desire. The hero and heroine fought so hard to earn their happily ever after. It was completely sigh-worthy and now I’m hooked on this author. I then treated myself to Heart of a Hero (blushing over here) and I have to say what I appreciate most about these books written by our guests is how direct they are. These writers know how to jump in, give a quick yet thorough set up and then whisk us off to sexy, adventurous romance land. It’s quite a ride! What was so interesting and why I highly encourage you to give them a try, is that not only are they great stories, but you become intrigued by how the authors are going to handle each situation by virtue of being a man. What will be their take on things? Will they lead with emotion or action? Are the love scenes going to be harder and possibly sexier but will they lack in the sweeter moments?  During both of these reads, I became very invested in not just the story they were telling but the subtle nuances of how they went about telling it. It made for a very refreshing reading experience, sometimes hard and sometimes emotional but always good.

So it’s without further ado that I’d like to introduce you to two talented authors who just happen to be men AND bonafide romance writers. I met Mr. Axl Goode at a recent romance conference where we talked about his writing process and he was even kind enough to school me on Scrivener. And, I’m fortunate to be an Evernight-mate of the prolific Mr. James Cox who I just counted and has published 24 books, including his newest, Underneath His Armor!  I’ll be giving away a copy of both Primal Desire and Heart of a Hero or Underneath His Armor to one lucky commenter as part of today’s post but I encourage everyone to check them out, regardless.

As an added bonus, I asked these gentlemen what it is they love about writing romance and their answers were even romantic!

Carlene Mermaid: Axl, why do you love writing romance?

10492439_332299803640630_3606742841388341978_nMr. Goode: It’s pretty simple, I enjoy writing stories where people overcome their fears, take a leap of faith, and ultimately are inspired to be a better person than who they were. I think this is important because so many people struggle to live an idealistic life or the life they truly want. It’s scary to put yourself on the line knowing that failure is possible, but what I think so many people miss is that they automatically win by simply trying. If I inspire my readers to put themselves on the line, and to go after life with tenacity and a bright spirit then I’ve succeeded in my mission. Ultimately, I’d like them to see not just the romance in my stories, but in life in general. Life is romantic, so why not romanticize it and live an amazing one?

Well said, Mr. Goode. I couldn’t agree more! Your writing is very inspiring.

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Carlene Mermaid: James, what is it you love most about writing romance?672903

Mr. Cox: Let’s see. Romance to me is all about hope. Hope that one day I’ll fall in love like my characters. I love writing these men that are incomplete and looking for that last piece to make their life perfect. And if they happen to be in space or another planet or a futuristic world, all the better. Lol.

Let’s see … I love this! Mr. Cox, here is to hope and adventure! Your stories definitely reflect that. 

 

Friends, let’s check out these books!!

pdPrimal Desire by Axl Goode…

Money manager Brenley has always dated intelligent and stimulating guys who could keep up with her both mentally and in the bedroom. She’s the best in her field and she owes that to her keen insight and understanding of people. That’s why when she meets playboy actor Zane Anthony she knows instantly he’s not worth her time.

There’s more to Zane than meets the eye. He’s wealthy, intelligent and completely enthralled with the aloof blonde who seems to cut him down with her every glance. Fueled by a need he doesn’t quite understand, he’s determined to get over her walls and under the sexy suits she wears that drive him crazy.

Brenley doesn’t know if she can trust Zane or the electric chemistry that sizzles between them. But when she finds herself in hot water with powerful enemies, she realizes he could be her only ally.

A bit about Axl:

Axl Goode found his calling for writing after spending time with other inspiring authors of Ellora’s Cave. He currently lives in Dallas. He is spending more and more time writing but also has an accounting degree, is a model and an exotic dancer. He finds his inspiration through being surrounded by women and listening to their fantasies. He also has quite a few fantasies of his own that he enjoys through writing.

Connect with Axl: Facebook / Website / Goodreads

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6769264Heart of a Hero by James Cox…

He made it to paradise on a lie…

Kallen is a hero. He single-handed ended the war. At least, that’s what everyone thinks. The truth is that he was at the right place at the right time. As the hero, he gets a room in the heavenly triple towers and enough mouths on his body to please him every hour of every day. However, guilt and danger rise when a man starts searching for the truth. When the investigator is this sexy, he may just blow his secret, among other things.

Lorn is furious when the spy among them is named as his dead younger brother. He is determined to find the truth of what happened even if it means destroying the nation’s hero or the man he’s slowly falling for.

In Kallen’s world, bravery will get a person killed, so how exactly is he supposed to prove to Lorn that he has the heart of a hero?

Be Warned: m/m sex, rimming, sex toys, spanking, bondage

A bit about James:

James is rather hard to define. He’s obviously into men, but also finds women alluring. To him reading gay fiction is so stimulating he’s taken up a pen (keyboard) and started writing. The stories in his head are edgy, hot enough to embarrass him at work and meant to entertain.

James’ day job is pathetic but a means to get the green. He lusts after his straight boss and always longed to paint nude men.

Connect with James: Facebook / Website / Blog / Goodreads

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Big fishy hugs to our honorary mermen, Axl and James, for sharing their love of romance today! CarleneLoveOkay readers, feel free to leave a little love for our authors and also share your thoughts on reading romance written by men. Does it intrigue you? Are you still a little leery? Do you already have a favorite male romance author? I will be picking one lucky commenter to go home with e-copies of both Primal Desire and your choice of Heart of a Hero or Under His Armor. Looking forward to hearing what you have to say!

Happy reading!

Fishy kisses,

Carlene Mermaid

photo credit: http://www.americanenglish.state.gov/national-poetry-month-celebration

Lynne Silver Swims with the Mermaids…Hot Science!

Interview, , ,

Well have I got a Thursday treat for you!  Lynne Silver, author of the newly released and super-hot novel, HEATED MATCH, (Ellora’s Cave Publishing) is swimming with us today!  She’s such a great lady and a tremendous sport.  When I asked her to pretty please come to Waterworld Mermaids so we could talk about her awesome book, I believe I said, “If I interview you, the questions will probably be weird and random, so what do you say?”  Well, not only did she happily and bravely agree…she’s brought the super-irresistible couple from HEATED MATCH, Adam and Loren, to the pond to help answer.  Did I mention Adam’s a genetically enhanced soldier?  Yep, yummy!  Enjoy 😉

                                                                                     

Me: Hi there!  Diving in to the nitty gritty…I love the genetic matching idea behind your new CODED FOR LOVE series.  What sparked your interest in mixing DNA with steamy romance?  What did you do to get a good handle on the scientific aspect?

Lynne: Every year around Valentines Day, newspapers run articles telling that there is a science to falling in love- at least there’s a science to finding someone who will make beautiful babies with you. A lot of it is based on smell, I kid you not. This intrigued me, and then I also found a newspaper article talking about genetic enhancement, and how our science is already there.

Designer babies are on the horizon.  On one hand, this freaks me out, why should we play God? On the other, every parent deserves a healthy child, and if we could eradicate genetic diseases in-utero, maybe we should. It’s a tough question for me, and one that I clearly struggle with throughout the book, and much more so in book 3, Chase’s book.

 

Me: In an excerpt on your website, it is clear these two are matched by something deep and raw.  When Adam says, “The damn door doesn’t lock. Back. Away.”, I got goose bumps!  It’s obvious he absolutely does not believe he can control himself in such close quarters with Loren (Lucky girl!).  I’d like to ask the two of them what they were thinking in that very instant (one of my favorites in the book) but they look a little…preoccupied…with each other right now.  Can you tell us what each was thinking?  Adam, while he was trying to stay locked away in the bathroom that wouldn’t lock and Loren, trapped in the small conference room with a growling man ready to pounce.   

Lynne: Adam is thinking he’s never been more aroused, but since he fully understands the implications of following through, he fights his desire. Loren has no clue what the heck is going on other than she’s locked in a room on a military compound and kind of wants to have sex with a total stranger.

 

Me: Should a kiss be more romantic or more heroic?  Lynne, as the romance specialist, I know you could handle this one on your own, but I hear Adam may have an opinion on the subject.   Can you pry him away from Loren for a second?  Thanks!  So which is it, Adam?  A romantic kiss letting the woman know you are capable of being a pleasing and caring suitor or the heroic kiss, stating without question that you are there to stake a claim on her and protect her against all?

Adam: A kiss shouldn’t really involve thinking at all. But I’ll say my kisses are more heroic.  Loren knows I’ve got the goods to take care of her. Hang on, she’s  laughing her ass off at my answer.  *sigh* Fine, she says my kisses rock her world and are both heroic and romantic. Good  ‘nuff.

 

Me: Random Question: Think fast Lynne, what do you do when a friend tries to eat an edamame pod in a nice restaurant?

Lynne: LOL- I’d remind her not to eat the shells! They’re sharp and tasteless.

(the friend, who shall remain nameless, winks and waves thanks)

 

Me: As an experienced romance writer, what’s the best explanation you can give for that sudden onset of heated passion at first glance?  Of course, if Adam would like to chime in, that would be fantastic and highly entertaining.

Adam:  When I saw Loren, it was like my engine kicked on to full power for the first time in my life. Of course, Loren was my genetic match at the DNA level. Does that happen for the rest of you? Sucks if it doesn’t, cause the connection rocks.

 

Me: Random Question: Quick Lynne, what do you do when your kindly relative asks how things are going in the Erotica YA genre?

Lynne: Erotic Young Adult, yeah, that would be my well intentioned father doing his best to get me arrested. He’s so excited that I’m published, and thinks the erotic part is funny, but he doesn’t get the market at all.

 

Me: If you could wire every human male with one DNA trait, what would it be?  And for the females? 

Lynne: All males should have 6 pack abs, and females get perky c-cup boobs that will never sag and don’t need a bra.

No seriously, I’d wipe out the genetic diseases- Tay sachs, MS, Sickle cell, cystic fibrosis, etc… cause they suck, and knowing that it’s in your family and that you or your off-spring could have it, is scary.

 

Me: HEATED MATCH “Bred for love, coded for war”- Awesome-sauce tagline!  Lynne, How do you come up with these??

Lynne: My editor gave me 2 days to come up with a list of possible series names. I panicked, did a list of 20 and came up with Coded for Love.

 

Me: Rapid fire question: What do you do when your boss locks you in a room with your genetic match and you find out she drank the special water?  I think I’m going to step out on a limb and beg you to let Adam answer this one!

Adam:  I tried to blockade myself in the bathroom with a cold shower. When that failed, I gave Loren a night to remember. Shit, she’s laughing again.

 

Me: Adam and Loren, you are on lockdown with nothing to do…on your nightstand you find a rose and a condom.  Who gets what and why?

Adam:  I obviously bought the rose for Loren, cause I’m that kind of guy. As for the condom… <turns to Loren, can I tell honey?> Cool, well, we’re kinda trying to have kids, so the condom gets tossed to the side.

 

Me: What genetic enhancement, if any, would you be up for?  As a mermaid, I am super thankful for my awesome lung capacity and super resilient hair that never dries out in the saltwater.  Any chance there might be a mermaid in line for any of your super-hot Coded for Love boys?

Lynne: I want super fast metabolism, so I can eat anything I want and maintain my svelte figure. Also- I’m kind of freaked out about memory loss as you get older. I’d want a brain that doesn’t go spongy.

 

Me: Can you tell us how many books you have planned for this delicious, irresistible series? 

Lynne: I’ll write as many as the readers want and Ellora’s Cave will publish! Conquered Match is already sold and should be coming out at the end of the summer. This is a very short story that’s kind of a prequel. I think all the guys deserve to find their match, so Chase, Gavin, Xander and Rowan will get books.

(I will dutifully go ahead and take the podium for the readers out there and beg for all these books!!!! Loved meeting these irresistible guys in Heated Match!) 😉

 

Me: I noticed that Adam and Loren have been eyeing the pond this whole time, if it’s okay with you, I say we let them have a private swim before they have to get back to the compound.

Lynne: Thanks for letting me swim in the pond, Mermaids! – Lynne

It was my absolute pleasure, Lynne, Adam and Loren!  Find out more about Lynne and the CODED FOR LOVE series here!  🙂