A Girl's Guide to Sex Toys - Part Five

I know I have stated on several occasions - "and there is an anal version, but we will get to that later."

It's later.

So this week is all about anal play.  Not for the squeamish, it is what I can best call an acquired taste.  For as long as there have been sex toys, there have been anal sex toys.  It is believed that many of the dildo-esque items found in excavation sites up to 30,000 years ago could have potentially been used in anal play, and from some ancient cave paintings found, anal sex and anal play have been around since the dawn of man.

Leave it to the good old Greeks to use their art to show anal sex and anal sex play - items have been found as old as 500 B.C. that show their love for all things anal.  In the picture below, date unsure, it proof via the man in the center, that the Greeks loved anal toy play. 

 Of course, as Christianity spread a few centuries later, the minds closed, and anal sex, and anal play along with it, became a sin.
 
As the sexual revolution hit, a new wave of interest occurred in anal toys.

In 1995, a survey was conducted that showed only 12% of women ages 18-35 had indulged in anal sex/play.  The same survey was conducted in 2005 - and the percentage jumped to 40% in the same age range.  Though still not everyone's cup of tea - and the potential for discomfort doesn't help, anal sex/play is still sometimes considered a fetish.

As far as toys, the typical vaginal type are available for anal use - dildos and vibrators, but if made specifically for anal use are usually smaller.  Vaginal toys can be used anally, but there are some rules that need to be followed that we will discuss below.

There are a few specific toys made especially for the anal play - the butt plug and anal beads.

A butt plug is similar to a dildo, but it is tapered for ease of entry, and near the base, there is what is known as the "waist", a narrowing before the base widens like a set of hips on a female body.  The reasoning for this is simple - the vagina has a cervix that closes off the channel, whereas the anus does not have such an orifice.  A device used carelessly that is not flared could potentially get "stuck up in dere" and require medical attention to be removed, plus there is the chances for perforation of the rectum which can cause DEATH.  Just as Mr. Hand - who died of a perforated rectum after being mounted by a live HORSE.  He bled to death because he was too ashamed to seek medical attention until it was too late.  Yeah, I think he made the RIGHT CHOICE, because he probably would have died from the shame anyway.

Anal beads are typically a string of beads on either rope or a plastic length that have beads of varying size along the length.  Many start smaller, getting larger as they move to the ring at the end, whereas some stay the same size throughout.  The ring on the end is for the same reason as the "waist" on the plug, to ensure they do not get lost and for ease of removal.  As a person is orgasming, the beads should be removed slowly to help lengthen the release, the bead removal heightening pleasure.

Now, a quick anatomy lesson to explain a few key points.  A woman has a band of nerves inside the vagina - under her urethra (where you pee, silly) that is highly sensitive and called the "G-spot".  It DOES exist.  The "G-spot" has what is called "legs" thin strips of sensitive nerves that extend to the anus.  In men, they have the equivalent of a "G-spot" -- the Prostrate.  Located in the rectum, anal play can help heighten a male orgasm, if your man can get past the homosexual undertones, if that is a concern for him.

Either sex can benefit from anal play, but there are some rules I mentioned earlier that need to be followed.

1.  Anal play can be messy, and hard to clean up.  I think we allllll know what I am talking about, so I am not spelling it out here.  Even after a good bath, a anal toy can be a breeding ground for bacteria.  Using a condom to cover all anal toys is highly recommended -- it will keep the toy clean and can be easily disposed of afterwards.

2.  If a toy is used vaginally as well, the toy MUST be covered with a condom.  Before a toy used anally can be inserted vaginally, the condom should be switched out to prevent harmful bacteria from entering the vagina - and this goes for penises too!  If riding bareback, wash before going from butt to vag!!

3.  If you got the itch to try anal toys from watching porn - keep a couple of things in mind.  A.) These are pros - a 13" butt plug is going to hurt.  B.) Anal beads should not be ripped out quickly as in porn, especially if you are a newbie.  Anal tissues are tender and can be delicate to ripping and tearing.

4.  LUBRICATE!!!  As stated in the last rule, tissues there are tender.  Help ease the fun (and lessen the potential sting) by using lube.

5.  And this last rule is more of a suggestion.  Try any anal toy for the first time alone.  It can ease the awkwardness and allow you to know what feels good and what doesn't before your partner gets involved.

And before I can end this, I have to go into the world of the weird a little...some of the most interesting anal toys I found in my searching - the pony play butt plug with attached tail, the anal balloon with pump, the plug with gem stone base ("for extended wear and beauty during showing"), the "Doublefister" (OUCH),  and finally the "Anal Impaler"-- a get up that locks around the ankles and has a post between the feet.

And don't even get me started on the enema stuff I found.  I shit you not.

NEWS! NEWS! NEWS! NEWS!

I just received word last night that my novel, which was tentatively titled Eros's War, was accepted by.....drum-roll please.....SIREN PUBLISHING!!!

**Theme song to The Jeffersons playing in the background.  We'll, we're moving on up....to the East Side....**

As soon as I know more, so will you.  All I can say now is that they weren't crazy about the title, and I have offered two new ones, so it will NOT be Eros's War when pubbed.

So I will have three new releases coming out between now and Halloween - one each in August, September, and October.  And I have a new novella that is 99% done about to sub, so who knows, I might even tackle November too...

:P
~Alex

New Evernight Publishing Facebook Group

The Lottery by Alexandra O'Hurley

Join the BRAND NEW Evernight Facebook Reader's Group and get your name added ti the hat to win a FREE e-copy of THE LOTTERY, by yours truly!

Here is how to get entered:

1.  Join the FB Group and Comment BELOW.

2.  Ask someone to join the group and have them post YOUR NAME in the Group.  Then Comment BELOW.  (Yep, means you can double dip as often as you want!!)

Six Sentence Sunday Two

Okay, giving this a second shot. These six come from my newly contracted novella, Night of the Dragon. Our heroine, Karli, has just met one of her heroes (yes, I said one of...).

****

The man inhaled, deeply, lowering his head until it was level with her own. She felt his hot breath on her neck, and she arched her back slightly, her traitorous body demanding more of his touch.

Which never came.

Opening the eyes she hadn't even realized she had closed, she looked up into his hooded gaze, the one that screamed an arousal that equaled her own. Tapping his long finger on her nametag, the tugging blossomed into a full smile. "Well, Karli of Scream Town, I will be seeing you soon."

Look for Night of the Dragon in August from Evernight Publishing!

And click the image if you are interested in reading more entries into today's Six Sentence Sunday

A Girl's Guide to Sex Toys - Part Four

Yes, I know, I know, I missed Tuesday. So sue me.

I shall make up for it by discussing the favorite and best known sex toys - the Vibrator.

The vibrator was created during the very non-sexual time frame of the Victorian Era - to treat what they called "female hysteria." "Pelvic manipulations" were conducted to help induce "relief" from such hysteria, but the (male) doctors realized that it was too much work and too time consuming to continue to manually manipulate - so in 1869 American physician George Taylor, M.D. created the first steam powered device (right) he called "The Manipulator"


The first electromagnetic vibrator was patented in 1880 by Dr. Joseph Mortimer Granville, and then in 1902 good old Hamilton Beach patented the first electric vibrator for retail sale. You will never look at your toaster or blender the same way again.

These vibrators were even sold in the Sears and Roebuck Catalog (below, bottom center three ads) - as well as - many other fine upstanding establishments, until their use in pornography in the 1920's made it pretty much impossible for the fine upstanding Victorian ladies admit it was for sexual gratification.



Again, just like the dildo, the vibrator saw a second life with the 1960's with the Sexual Revolution. Many trademarks and patents abounded, many of the items were sold, but it wasn't until the 1990's that many women felt that they could come out of the vibrator closet and admit to owning one of the devices. Thank you Samantha Jones!

Now of course, thanks to a world full of dirty minds, there is a vibrator in just about every shape, size, color, speed, and make. For a woman just coming into her sexual prime - or finally realizing the fact that only 30% of women can orgasm from penetration alone - the vibrator world can be a very, very overwhelming place.

From rabbits (left) to dolphins to beavers to bears - the animal world is also a large part of vibrator makeup. Clitoral stimulation is a huge addition to vibrators in the last twenty years - and these stimulators come in many shapes and sizes - often as an animal. Starting with the rabbit "ears" and moving on, these attachments really are the cats meow.

Bullets (right) are also a great small vibe, easy to hide, and easier to share, and can often be put into other toys, like cock rings, for shared enjoyment. But they are just as fun alone as with a friend. The ones in the picture are glow in the dark, perhaps useful if your partner doesn't know where in the hell they are going when they head south of the border.

And manufacturers are getting very good at hiding vibes as everyday household items - rubber duckies, lipstick cases, fun octopussies....even found a picture (below) of a Hello Kitty one! Oh geeze!


Now the one on my personal wish list after doing this research is the We Vibe II (below). I don't even think I could coherently expound on what I think this handy little device could do to a female without getting too excited to continue typing. Just look at it and I am absolutely sure you will understand why.

Plus I seriously doubt many would know what in the hell it was, so if I got caught with it in my room - I'm golden.



Now, for the sex toy newbies - a word of advice. Do not start with an overly large toy, or one with too many bells and whistles. Most sexperts agree that starting with a basic vibe, perhaps even one with a clitoral stimulator is fine, but do not get it much larger than the largest man you have ever been with. Sex toys tend to hit certain parts of an anatomy that men do not due to the harder surface of the toy.

My only other word of advice? Once you get your first one - make sure you come out for air and food during the first week.

Now, learning that our great grandmothers somehow found relief in a heavily sexually repressed era makes me respect them a little more. And look how far we've come, baby!

Guest Blogger - Avery Flynn

Welcome fellow Evernight author, Avery Flynn, who's new release Up a Dry Creek - the first of a series - was just published last week. I sat down and talked to her, and here's a sneak peek of that conversation!

Claire Layton expects the usual busy Saturday night at Harvest Bistro to be killer on her stilletto shod feet. She never imagines there’d be an actual murderer on the loose at her restaurant in rural Dry Creek, Nebraska. But when she discovers a customer dead in a dumpster, the killer demands she find the victim’s phone and flash drive or face fatal consequenses.

Jake Warrick, a cocky and mind-numbingly hot private investigator, becomes Claire’s unlikely ally in the search. Jake just wants to solve the case and get out of this hick town, but the diminutive and curvaceous Claire turns his plan upside down as they uncover a more complex crime than they ever imagined. The two bicker and banter like Tracy and Hepburn caught in a whirlwind of intense sexual attraction as they try to find the killer before it’s too late.

BUY HERE

Alexandra O'Hurley: I’m talking to Avery Flynn today, author of her first novel, Up a Dry Creek .

Avery Flynn: Hi! Just turned on X-Men Wolverine so I have a little eye candy during the discussion. :)

AOH: LOL...nothing like eye candy, and that is definitely some there! Ryan Reynolds or Hugh Jackman fan?

AF: Ohhh. I like them both but I have to go with Hugh. Ryan seems a little young.

AOH: They are both gorgeous, but I am partial to Ryan.

AF: My real pick would be Liev Schreiber. (Fans self with laptop)

AOH: Liev, oh yes....and he often plays the bad boy which helps...

AF: Ha, we smoke the same crack. :)

AOH: Suppose so! Another thing it seems we have in common, which I read in another conversation recently are snagging our mom’s old VC Andrews and that started us on the road to debauchery. Going back to those novels we both grew up on, the old historicals, and the heaving bosoms...the sex was implied. But nowadays the language is so much more detailed...frank, and sexual...do you think that perhaps the idea that romance is addictive has any merit?

AF: No. We have preferences. Everyone does. I think romance novels - be they inspirational or erotic - speak to the basis of what makes us human. Passion. That passion can be turned into sex, love, violence, greed, envy, etc. But to call it an addiction means we lack the ability to control it and it takes over our lives. I think that's bull.

AOH: Agreed. But playing devil's advocate here - do you think that romance novels set the bar too high? That women end up with a sense of what romance and men and sex should be and real men struggle to meet that expectation?

AF: To a degree. I will admit I expected rainbows and kittens and a toe-curling orgasm the first time I had sex. But I was young and stupid. :) However, as we grow as human beings we stop trying to live the fantasy. I don't expect to find a romance hero on the street any more than a mature man expects to find a Playboy centerfold in their living rooms. There's a lot more sexy found in reality than between the covers of a romance novel or on the Internet.

AOH: Well put. But I do believe that there are men out there that DO expect the playboy centerfold in their living rooms, unfortunately. But on to the topic we really want to get down to - sex. Did you find it hard to write your first sex scenes?

AF: Oh yeah. It took a while to ... um ... build up to it. :) But once I just forgot that someday someone would read it (like my mom) and I turned on some Prince, it went much better. Sort of like real sex, the more I did it and the more free I let myself be, the better it was.

AOH: Prince, hmm? I typically turn on the 70's soul music, some Marvin Gay or the like, lol. Might have to pop in my Best of Prince album next time - maybe some Rick James - Superfreak. Might turn up the heat a little more!

AF: Ha. Marvin Gay, love it. What's Going On is one of my all time favorite concept albums.

AOH: So, the obvious question. I have been asked this before, and I usually lie. But did you get turned on when you wrote in the sex scenes? Yeah, lookin' for some dirt! LOL

AF: Oh hell yes. I'm lucky my hubby works strange hours. He has been awakened from a dead sleep with a naked and needy wife in his bed. :)

AOH: LOL...some of the time I do, some of the time I don't. But usually I get asked that by the men I date. Which is why I usually lie. I learned early on that you do NOT tell men that you write erotic romance until you KNOW them a little bit better.

AF: Ha. I could see that. But then again I'm married to a totally conservative republican and he just loves it. He doesn't want anyone else to know, but he likes it. Boys.

Of course, if I met a mystery/suspense writer who started going all Dexter while writing a murders scene - well, lets just say it would give me pause. :)

AOH: So what does hubby think of the writing? The rest of the family? Do they all know the genre? There are so many people who look down their noses at Romance authors in general. Throw in the erotic part, and you might as well be a leper. I am very selective who I tell, and even then, I may omit some parts. Is the main reason I use a pen name.

AF: His family does not know. I came out to my mom a few weeks ago. That was awkward. But she was so supportive. By the end of the call we were both crying happy tears.

And just because you write it doesn't mean you are going to act it out and be their one woman walking fantasy. And amen to the Dexter comment....but men hear sex and then suddenly their brains stop.

AOH: Do you think your mom would read your book? Would you want her to?

AF: Considering my mom and I live half a country away from each other, I'm good with her reading the book. You know, its a good book and I'm proud of it. So it has sex in it. Well, so does life. :)

AOH: My mother refuses to read mine, unless I black out all the juicy stuff. But she did admit to me this weekend how proud she was. That was huge, especially coming from her. Glad you got that moment with your mom too. A good cry is a good thing.

AF: Yeah. Moms. They're scary as shit and awesome all at the same time.

AOH: So tell us a little about Up a Dry Creek.

AF: Oh, it's so much fun. I really fell in love with Jake and Claire while writing it. They're both alphas so that made the sparks really fly between them. I think my favorite thing about the book is the mix of humor, action and romance.

AOH: It is out now from Evernight Publishing, correct? How does it feel to be a published author?

AF: Yes. Evernight Publishing is a wonderful independent publisher who is committed to supporting its authors and readers. Being a published author is amazing. I still get goosebumps when I think about it.

AOH: (Smile) So what's up next?

AF: The second book in the Dry Creek series, A Dry Creek Bed. Expect more smart ass humor, more fun and more sex, of course.

AOH: Couldn't ask for more! Well, I think I have kept you for much longer than I originally anticipated. Thanks for being a good sport! Congratulations on your first publication, and I hope you are incredibly successful :)

AF: Thank you!

Excerpt - Up a Dry Creek by Avery Flynn

Desperate to put something in her mouth before she said something stupid, Claire reached for another slice of pizza but hesitated. Her hand hovered over the only piece left.

“We can arm wrestle for the last slice.” Jake’s voice warmed her skin as if he’d touched her.

Claire took in his thick biceps. Without thinking, she reached out toward him, but squashed the impulse. Memories of Brett had her on guard again. Jake was the definition of eye candy; pretty to look at, bad for her heart. Her hand switched course. She grabbed her beer and took a swig.

A mouthful of the dark liquid went down the wrong pipe. Coughing, she gasped for breath. Jake patted her back until she regained her normal breathing ability.

But his hand didn’t move. It stayed between her shoulder blades, fingers spread wide. Sparks shot outward from his palm through her body.

Her breath slowed. Awareness prickled her skin. She yearned for his touch. Everywhere. Her lips parted. Slowly, she turned around. His hand left a trail of fire as it slid down and around her body until it landed on the curve of her hip.

He brought up his other hand to brush a stray hair from her face. His slate blue eyes drew her in to his sexual orbit.

“You have some sauce right here.” His voice’s deep timbre sent an unmistakable signal to which her body responded. Her breasts became full and heavy. Her clit demanded attention.

He wiped the spot by the corner of her mouth with his thumb, then tracked the red liquid across her bottom lip. His head dipped lower. Hers moved up. When their lips met, thoughts of Brett and the Voice of Doom disappeared.

His firm tongue stroked her lips and begged to be let in. She opened and his tongue swept in. She wrapped her tongue around his, dared him to taste his fill. The hand on her hip tightened, and pulled her closer to his hard body. In return, her fingers found their way to the bottom of his T-shirt and started an upward exploration. His coarse chest hair tickled her palm, so alien and enticing at the same time.

His lips left hers and traced down her neck. He arrived at that sweet spot where her throat met her shoulder. Her spine dissolved as he sucked and nibbled.

“You taste so good,” he said, his breath hot against her skin.

The feel of his hands cupping her ass made it impossible to respond verbally other than to moan her appreciation. Her body slid up against his as he lifted her to sit on the kitchen counter. He yanked her closer. The hard bulge in his jeans rubbed against her in the perfect spot.

Every part of her, relaxed only a few minutes before, hummed with tension. Her nipples stiffened into tight nubs. She squeezed her legs around Jake’s waist, her wet core snug against him. She clutched at his shirt, desperate to touch his skin. She needed him closer. Her body demanded it. The endorphins wrapped around her brain gave the go ahead.

She hiked up his shirt and ran her hands up his strong back, felt the tension within him. He tugged her scoop necked T-shirt lower and his lips descended to the top of her cleavage. He licked and kissed above her teal bra.

Claire’s butt started to vibrate.

Not Jake making my ass vibrate.

It was her phone stuffed into her back pocket. She had to stop to answer. Her body screamed no.

“Phone,” Claire panted. She pushed against Jake’s shoulders. “Have… to… answer… my… phone.”

He groaned into her breasts, put his hands on the counter on either side of her hips and lifted his head. The dark look in his eyes showed he hated this interruption as much as she did.

She got lost for a moment in those slate blue eyes. She wanted him. Now. Here on the counter next to the almost empty pizza box. The vibration stopped, but began again a second later. Jake swung her down so she stood again on the kitchen’s taupe tile.

“You’d better answer that.” He backed away, his desire palpable.

Claire reached into her back pocket, warm from Jake’s touch, and pulled out the scarlet phone.

“Hello?” Her voice sounded breathy to her own ears.

“You know, I don’t like to work this hard for the things I want. Do you understand what I’m telling you?”

Panic exploded in her stomach at the first syllable from the Voice of Doom. Claire looked up at Jake, who cocked his head in question.

“I understand. You want the phone and flash drive, but I don’t have them. I looked everywhere.”

Jake stepped closer. He leaned his head toward the phone. She angled it outward so he could listen.

“Your lack of results have, well… Sweetheart, I’m not the kind of guy you want angry.” His voice pitched lower. “Lucky for me, I’m not angry. I. Am. Furious.”

Claire’s temper snapped. Again. This nutcase killed Kendall. He threatened her and her family. He trashed her house. And he had the gall to go all drama king on her for something she didn’t have and couldn’t find? She’d had enough.

“Welcome to the club asshole, because I’m not too happy myself after the job you did on my house.”

“Just wait, Kitten, you haven’t seen anything yet.” He hung up on her. Again.

Guest Blogger Desiree Holt

A huge thank you to Alexandra O’Hurley for having me as a guest on her blog and helping me celebrate the release today! of Night Seekers Book Three: Lust Undone. Leave me a comment and you could win a book.

Night Seekers

The Chupacabra has been a legend for decades, stretching from South America to North America, sighted in many place. Ranchers swore they’d killed it only to have it turn out to be a mutated goat or coyote. And the killing spree continued—animals and humans alike. Was it a wolf because of the way the bodies were mutilated? Or a vampire, because each body and three puncture wounds at the neck and was drained of blood? Each time someone was sure he had killed the beast it turned out to be a false alarm, because the killings continued. And the legend continued to grow.

When billionaire Jason Stafford’s wife and daughter were killed by the legendary bloodthirsty Chupacabra and none of the state or federal agencies could trace the half man/half animal, he funded his own team. He chose carefully from the best law enforcement agencies as well as the private sector across the country. Six of the eight selected are shifters themselves, each representing a wolf pack whose members had fallen prey to killers. Each one of them had also been affected by the beast and so had personal reasons to find and kill it. Known simply as The Night Seekers (because they hunt most effectively at night), they work from an isolated ranch property in Texas, with all the latest high tech equipment and any other resources they might need. Their only mission: find and stop the Chupacabra, the bloodthirsty animal who not only kills but literally destroys his victims with his teeth and nails, and has given rise to so many legends.

Book Three: Lust Undone

Returning to her home state of Maine to investigate a possible Chupacabra killing, Sophia Black meets Clint Beltaire, lean, dark and sexy. From the moment she meets him the heat between them is incendiary, the sex erotic and the pleasure beyond her imagination. Clint takes her in ways that fulfill all of her fantasies and teaches her ways to please him. The Maine air might be cold but in Sophia’s motel room it’s beyond boiling. Clint works to help her with her case, using his knowledge of the area in which he grew up. And as they learn each others secrets it’s obvious to both of them that they are meant to be together. Mated.

Prologue

“I’d like to propose a toast.”

Craig Stafford raised his champagne flute and looked at the people gathered around him.

“We look entirely too somber for a wedding party.”

“You’re right.” Logan Tanner, former Montana deputy sheriff, chimed in. “This is an important occasion and we should be celebrating it.”

“To Chloe and Mark.” Craig smiled at the couple standing near him. “Sunshine in darkness. May you have a long and happy life together.”

The others echoed him and then lifted their glasses to drink to Mark Guitron and Chloe Hansen. Mark’s arm was tight around the shoulders of his very new bride, the gesture both loving and protective.

This very specialized group of people called Night Seekers were all standing on the patio of Desolation Ranch,. Set up as their headquarters, the ranch had been purchased by Stafford, the reclusive billionaire who was dedicating his life to the eradication of the Chupacabra. The devil beast.

El Chupacabra!

The name of the creature inspired a combination of rage and frustration in every one of the eight members of the Night Seekers. Each of them had lost at least one person close to them to the beast who killed in a horrendous way. Victims’ throats were punctured, blood drained and internal organs ripped from their bodies.

Twice now, in two different locations in Texas, the members of the team had thought they’d killed the Chupacabra, only to have a report of new killings pop up not long after that.

Each time the team was sure it had killed the murderous creation, Stafford maneuvered to get the body whisked away to his secret lab. There his scientists did their best to identify where this abomination had derived from. For years, before Stafford became involved, other scientists had operated on the theory that it was the result of two distinct species mating. Now they were slowly coming to the realization that, while that may have been the origin, it was much more than that. Possibly even the result of human genetic engineering.

There was no readily identifiable DNA. And circumstance had led them to also believe the creature was some sort of shifter, able to assume other forms, not just human.

The legend of the Chupacabra was one that had been handed down for decades, the stories stretching from South America to North America. Sightings were recorded in many places and it had been written about and speculated over extensively. Sophia Black, former detective with the Maine State Police, had read all about the ranchers who swore they’d killed it only to have it turn out to be a mutated goat or coyote.

But the killing spree continued—animals and humans alike. Was it a wild animal of some sort because of the way the bodies were mutilated, sliced open with the entrails pulled out? Or a vampire, as some thought, because each body had three puncture wounds at the neck and was drained of blood? Talk about your way-out-there theories. And each time someone was sure the beast had been killed it turned out to be a false alarm, just as it had for the Night Seekers in Maverick and Zapata counties in Texas. Because the killings continued and the bodies piled up.

And the legend continued to grow.

Every member of the team was frustrated by the inability to track the beast to its actual lair. Since the Night Seekers had been formed there had been nine more killings—three in Georgia and six in Texas. A depressing thought for everyone. Twice now they’d thought they’d had it, only to learn it was still loose. Or another one like it. And that was an even scarier thought. That someone, somewhere, was breeding these creatures who could assume different shapes at will.

If there was a bright spot in all the pain, it was the knowledge that on the first Night Seeker mission, in Maverick County, former FBI agent Jonah Grey had found Dakota Furcal, now Dakota Grey. An herbalist, among the things she grew were the special herbs that six members of the group needed to maintain their genetic balance. The six who themselves were shapeshifters. Wolves.

The most recent mission had brought Chloe and Mark together and she had returned to the ranch with him when he finished in Zapata County.

The event tonight should have been a joyous one. Weddings were supposed to be a time of festivity and filled with merriment. But an underlying sense of anguish gripped everyone and unfortunately took the edge off the celebration. Subdued the happiness.

Mark Guitron and Chloe Hansen stood in the fading sunlight accepting the good wishes of their teammates.

It wasn’t difficult, however, to read the sadness in Chloe’s eyes. Despite the best efforts of the team her friend Melinda was still missing. Her disappearance in Zapata County in Southwest Texas on the Mexican border had been too coincidentally close to new Chupacabra killings not to tie them together.

While no one except Chloe wanted to say it out loud, they all suspected that if humans were behind the latest evolution of the devil beast they had captured Melinda for their own devious purposes. That her fate might be worse than death.

Stafford, standing to one side of the patio, put down his empty champagne flute. Everyone knew the story of his wife and child, killed by the Chupacabra when they were all vacationing in Mexico. Now he dedicated his life and his billions to wiping the beast off the face of the earth. Night Seekers had been his idea. All the members, from various states and various law enforcement agencies, had been specifically chosen by him.

“I hate to bring this up at a wedding party,” he began, “but I think we need to put something on the table that everyone’s thinking and no one wants to say.”

“I’ll say it.” Chloe removed her hand from her husband’s arm and stepped forward. “It’s my wedding—well, Mark’s and mine—and my friend everyone’s thinking about.” She glanced over her shoulder at Mark who smiled and stepped up beside her. He put his arm around her and pulled her into his side.

“Everyone’s thinking it,” she repeated, “and so am I. It’s obvious there are more of these creatures out there than anyone ever suspected. So either they’re cross-breeding with other species or someone’s screwing around with genetics. And Melinda’s been taken to wherever this hellhole is.”

“I think we’re all aware,” Craig agreed, “that we’re seeking something far beyond what we originally thought when we started this project. It’s not only impossible for one creature to be in so many far flung places, but we’ve killed two and yet the destruction still continues.”

“I can’t imagine what kind of deranged human being would breed creatures like this.” Logan Tanner, the former Montana sheriff, had seen more of the Chupacabra death trail when Craig sent him to check out bodies in Georgia. The horrific pictures he’d brought back were now scanned into the main file on the computer. “And to what purpose?”

“To kill,” Craig said. “To destroy. Think of the power someone would have if they had an army of these devil beasts.”

Jonah Grey swallowed the last of his champagne. Next to him stood his wife, Dakota. Now he linked his fingers with hers.

“Those of us who are shifters know that around the world there are others like us who live only for power and control, and are driven by a blood lust. It’s obvious one of them has decided to harness that power and enhance it.”

“Are you sure it’s a shifter?” Chloe asked.

Jonah nodded. “I’d say that odds are weighted in that direction. A shifter who knows the power he or she controls would want to crossbreed and enhance it. With an army of shifter killers at his or her disposal that person could wreak havoc on society.”

“You’d be amazed at what some people will do,” Logan agreed. “Or maybe not. In Montana we had a bunch of what you’d call mountain men. Guys who lived at the back of beyond and thought civilization was a dirty word. Three brothers, for example, used to kidnap people and take them up on the mountain they owned and chase them for sport. With rifles. And kill them.”

Ric Garza, the de facto leader of Night Seekers, refilled his champagne flute. “So it seems someone’s decided to create their own wild animals. Shifters, maybe with human DNA if they can achieve it. And what? Turn them loose?”

Craig shook his head. “Sell them. Look at any of your Third World countries with vicious dictators. Think what they could do with a pack of these devil beasts to exert control over the people. And if they can assume not just human form but that of domestic animals, people would never know when there was one in their midst.”

Everyone stood quietly absorbing the enormity of that statement. The silence was broken only when a cell phone played The Maine Stein Song. Sophia Black’s phone. A former investigator with the Maine State Police, she used the state song as her ringtone. Everyone looked at her as she pulled it from the pocket of her slacks and pressed Talk.

“This is Sophia.”

They all watched as she listened, the color slowly leeching from her face. Her twin nephews had been killed by El Chupacabra and she was viciously dedicated to its eradication. She’d been one of the first to be convinced that, rather than migrating to other states from Texas and the South American countries there were indeed more than one of the creatures. Now, with the increased number of killings all over the country, the entire team was convinced.

“All right. I’ll get back to you shortly.” She disconnected the call and shoved the phone back in her pocket. She looked around at everyone. “That was my sister, Rebecca. Sorry to break up the party but there’s been another killing. Up in the woods in Northern Maine. And as before, no one there seems to have a clue what they’re dealing with.”

“There’ll be plenty of time to celebrate when we bring this to an end,” Mark said.

“And when we find Melinda,” Chloe added. “I’m for anything that brings us a step closer.”

“Then let’s go into the command center,” Craig said, “and see what we have.”

Buy it here: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9352-lust-undone.aspx

Visit me at: www.desireeholt.com

www.desireeholttellsall.com

www.facebook.com/desireeholt

www.twitter.com/desireeholt

Thanks for coming to join us here today Desiree, and good luck with your new release!

~Alex

A Girl's Guide to Sex Toys - Part Three

Thus far, we have covered a toy each specifically geared towards one of each of the sexes - even though both can be used with a partner for mutual pleasure. So for this week, I decided to go a little further outside the box and pick something that would definitely be an item that would have to be enjoyed together.

Sex furniture.

No, I am not talking beds, sofas, chairs and the like, even though all can be used within the bounds of sex play. I am talking furniture which is designed and produced specifically to heighten pleasure during intercourse.

As far as the history of sexually specific furniture, it is a bit harder to tackle. The earliest notation I could find was a comment about a chair (above) specifically made for King Edward VII of England. As he was rather portly, it was harder for him to have sex, so the chair was made for him sometime between 1860-1900 AD for when he visited a Parisian brothel. The chair is still on display in a museum in France to this day.



Many of us are familiar with the sex swing as being the preeminent piece of sex furniture, whether hanging from the ceiling or on it's own swing-set like posts - this piece of furniture is definitely not for the kiddos.


Now quite a few of the pieces I found I had never seen before. And to be quite frank, they look almost clinical. I'm not sure if I would get too into the mood sitting in one of these puppies, but to each his, or her, own. Place your feet in the stirrups ma'am, and this may feel a little cold. Relax, relax....ah, yes.














And don't even ask me how the big red and blue monstrosity works, because I am not completely sure. I mean, I get the gist, and according to the website, the entire thing vibrates, at least I think it does. It is made in China - the website was filled with mistaken English, so hopefully the instruction manual is a little better.

There are pieces that are now being made that could easily fit in with any decor, and most visitors would not know they were looking at erotic furniture. Most are designed with lush curves, replicating the arches of the body, helping a couple fit together better during the deed, allowing for deeper penetration and less stress on the body.













So loving the optional Cuffkit. I want one of these like you just don't know.

But of course, none of these items would be considered cheap...so for those of us who are just interested in trying out this new dimension in their sexual lives, there are items called "props". They look somewhat like the gym wedges you used in gymnastics while in elementary school, but they absolutely work in what it is they are trying to accomplish...getting you into the right angle for the perfect stroke and deeper penetration.

Investing in erotic furniture is something I would really only recommend to committed partners who enjoy trying new sexual adventures with each other, and have the money and space to appreciate this type of apparatus. And of course, a few fluffy pillows can work just as well in certain cases, but since they have a tendency to wander, well, a stable piece of furniture might come in handy if your partner is a little rough.

Now of course, stocks and pillories used in BDSM can also be considered sexual furniture to a point, but I think we will leave those for another day.

Now, go buy a lot of my books. I want that $400 black esse with the cuffs. And thank you very much.

**UPDATED**
My favorite toy lady, Brenda Sours with Tasteful Treasures saw the post and is willing to give a $40 discount to any one of my followers or FB friends interested in purchasing a sex swing. Her email is intamitt@aol.com and you can check out the link to the swing here: http://www.tastefultreasures.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=90 . But remember, online orders will NOT get the $40 discount, only ones placed directly to Brenda.

Another great review!

Book Lovers, Inc was kind enough to read and review The Lottery....


Here is the review :)

A Girl's Guide to Sex Toys - Part Two

After last week's stroll down dildo lane, I bet you all thought I would jump to the very next best thing, the vibrator.

Well, you were wrong! Today's edutainment will be alllll about the cockring.

Multifunctional, the cockring has medical and all out pleasurable uses.

The first known use of a cockring was documented in ancient China. The Chinese cockring was made from the eyelid of a goat with the eyelashes still connected. The flexible eyelid was positioned on the base of the penis and apparently the hardened lashes would increase the male's satisfaction during lovemaking. In the Ming Dynasty around 1368 and 1644, cockrings were produced from jade and ivory and at times covered with gems, which heightened the pleasure.

Marco Polo came to the orient, and it is widely believed that he brought the custom back with him to Europe upon his return.

Of course, in the mid 19th century, some people got it wrong - creating a cockring like straight jacket to to encourage young males to NOT masturbate. And then sometime in the 1950's another product - a ring with metal spikes on the underside - was used to prevent erections from even occurring.

The sexual revolution brought about a new wave of interest in all that is sex toy, and the popularity of this item increased, and then even more so as the baby boomers aged a little bit more, and needed, er, some help in the ED department.

Used medically, the cockring helps a man sustain an erection (as long as there are no spikes of course! OUCH!), the flow of blood allowing for thicker, fuller erections that last longer. Of course, this can also be said for men who do not have ED issues, and this extended sustained erection can benefit both partners.
Now, of course, thanks to modern know-how, the cockring has been given many variations to make it justthatmuchmore interesting. Small vibes have been added, an attachable penis for double penetration, and of course, the good old stand-by, the tickler addition.
***Now as a safety precaution - it is advised by most manufacturers to not wear any cockring longer than 30 minutes, and to absolutely NOT fall asleep with one of these items on, so ladies and gentleman, please be careful if you choose to use this toy at home. Wearing longer than that time frame can cause nerve damage or priapism. Don't say I didn't warn you!

Now go, have fun, and get some blood flowing ;)
~Alex