Celebrate Valentine's Day With an Erotic Encore

(from usatoday.com
by Joyce Lamb)


Here are some newer erotic romance and eroticas, compiled for you and HEA by some of our favorite authors (info provided by publishers and/or their websites):

Private Encore by Christie Butler (Ellora's Cave). Sequel to Private Viewing. Free spirit Dani, a yoga instructor whose last relationship was with a married couple, has been sharing her bed with rich and sexy-as-hell Grayson. Gray has a great job, money and his pick of gorgeous socialites, but he loves that Dani is different from his usual women. Plus, her sexual history intrigues him. Raging hormones swirl whenever Dani and Gray get together with Gray's next-door neighbors. Gray shared an evening of erotic excess with Nick and Claire months earlier, and now he can't the image of Dani kissing Claire—everywhere—out of his mind. Dani would do anything for Gray. It doesn't hurt that she's turned-on by the idea of being with Claire. Or Nick. And Nick and Claire think that sounds just fine.

Prince's Valentine by Hunter Raines (Ellora's Cave). Life's been lonely for Gabe. Broke, working as a barista and sharing an apartment with four men, life isn't all he'd hoped it would be. He can't help but miss the family that disowned him. There's one bright spot—Damian Costas is charming, classy and wickedly hot. Everything about the man encourages Gabe to embrace the part of himself he's so long denied. With each encounter more sizzling than the last, Gabe is starting to think things are finally looking up—and just in time for Valentine's Day. Damian fled his country and his royal birthright when his father made it clear that being gay was unacceptable. For the first time Damian embraces life without palace scrutiny following his every move. Sweet, shy and completely unaware of Damian's title, Gabe affects Damian in ways he never expected. But Damian cannot run from duty forever. When he's called home, dragging Gabe in tow, he's going to need a Valentine's miracle to merge two broken pasts into one bright future.

Enthralled in Silver by Vivien Dean (Ellora's Cave). For over half a century, lovers Seth and Simon have been trapped in service to one of the most dangerous vampires on the West Coast—who abuses them severely when she's displeased. When they discover there's a way to break the spell that binds them, getting free becomes their only desire. Until they meet Claire, the granddaughter of the mage who enslaved them. Suddenly, seducing her seems like a much more pleasurable alternative. If they can convince her to use the magic she inherited, everybody wins. All they have to do is survive long enough to make it happen.

Dangerous Gentlemen by Beverley Oakley (Ellora's Cave). Sequel to Her Gilded Prison. Shy, self-effacing Henrietta knows her place—in her dazzling older sister's shadow. She's a little brown peahen to Araminta's bird of paradise. But when Hetty mistakenly becomes embroiled in the Regency underworld, the innocent debutante finds herself shockingly compromised by the dashing, dangerous Sir Aubrey, the very gentleman her heart desires. And the man Araminta has in her cold, calculating sights. Branded an enemy of the Crown, bitter over the loss of his wife, Sir Aubrey wants only to lose himself in the warm, willing body of the young "prostitute" Hetty. As he tutors her in the art of lovemaking, Aubrey is pleased to find Hetty not only an ardent student, but a bright, witty and charming companion. Despite a spoiled Araminta plotting for a marriage offer and a powerful political enemy damaging his reputation, Aubrey may suffer the greatest betrayal at the hands of the little "concubine" who's managed to breach the stony exterior of his heart.

Dark Duke by Sabrina York (Ellora's Cave). Noble Passions, Book Three. Edward Wyeth, the Dark Duke of Moncrieff's life has been turned on its end. His well-ordered home has been invaded. By destitute relatives. From Scotland. How on earth can he write Lord Hedon's salacious novels with hellions battling in the garden and starting fires in the library? But with the onslaught has come a delicious diversion. His cousin's companion, the surprisingly intriguing Kaitlin MacAllister. He is determined to seduce her. Using her desperate need for funds and her talents as an artist, he convinces her to draw naughty pictures for his naughtier books…and he draws her into his decadent web. But Kaitlin has a secret. She's fled Scotland—and a very determined betrothed. When Edward's cousin is kidnapped and held in her stead, Kaitlin is honor-bound to return to her homeland and rescue her—much to Edward's chagrin. Because suddenly he can't bear the thought of Kaitlin marrying another man. He can't bear the thought of losing her at all.

Slide Down On Me by Lissa Matthews (Ellora's Cave). Small-town mechanic and tattooed bad boy Travis keeps his profile low, his needs satisfied outside the city limits, and his business running smoothly. He doesn't cause trouble and he certainly doesn't want any. Trouble finds him one scorching afternoon, however, in the form of the equally scorching Arabella Drake. The former heiress owes Travis for car repairs, money she can't readily pay. Their situation requires a creative solution, and while most of the town rejects Bella, Travis wants to ravish her. He offers a proposal, one that will soften the repair costs—and satisfy Travis' longstanding wish to have Bella Drake naked, writhing and sliding down on every inch of him.

Summer Girl, Winter Boy by Barbara Elsborg (Ellora's Cave). Jai Winter is trying to do the right thing, even though he knows it's wrong. Forced to participate in kinky sex games, the renowned model spends his spare moments creating an impressive list of suicide options. Until a snowy day provides a bit of Summer…a pink-haired burst of sunshine with a ready smile. What begins as the hottest sex of his life turns into a ray of hope. Summer Dey has baggage of her own—literally. Having spent eighteen months in South America trying to escape a shocking accident, Summer finds an illegal nightmare hidden in her suitcase. She doesn't want to put Jai in danger, but his gorgeous face and killer bod prove hard to resist. Boy meets girl, girl falls for boy, and everything would be perfect if it wasn't for blackmail, drug dealers and tragic events in both their pasts. Staying together could be their salvation—or their ultimate undoing.

Hostile Intent by Chandra Ryan (Ellora's Cave). Universal Defiance, Book Four. A few hours of passionate, meaningless sex is all Renee needs to take the edge off before her next reconnaissance mission. And the dangerously handsome stranger she meets on the space station docks is more than happy to give it to her. But her quickie turns out to be a Coalition soldier who's been ordered to kidnap her. Adam has no idea how tempting his new mission will be or how quickly his intended victim will work her way under his skin. And when someone tries to kill her, he must decide where his loyalties lie. If they're going to survive, they'll need help from Renee's longtime lover. As an investigative reporter, Michael has the contacts and access to information they need. He also has a raw sexual chemistry with women and men alike, and Adam can't resist.

Touched by Lightning by Danica Avet (Ellora's Cave). Book one in the Love's Defenders series. When empath Gyda St. Germaine is rescued from a sex-trafficking ring, she vows vengeance on her tormentors. Aided by two distinct personalities who bolster her powers, she becomes a vigilante, hungry for revenge. Her path of retribution tosses her into the arms of an Order of Themis Siphon and her world is turned upside down. Fighting her past takes a backseat to her all-consuming desire for the man whose honor and sense of justice go against everything she believes. The moment electricity manipulator Brit Harper stumbled across a feral woman with a bloody knife, his life changed. Black and white becomes gray as the scales of justice tip. Fascinated by her strength and the darkness in her eyes, he vows to teach her the true meaning of justice and help her explore the passion sizzling between them. But when the evil haunting Gyda's dreams returns in the flesh, he'll have to choose between his beliefs and the woman he loves.

River's Biker Heroes by Marla Monroe (Siren-Bookstrand). River knows who she is but can't remember the last few months of her life. She must know something that someone wants to keep a secret. When they find River close to death on the side of the road, Merrick and Cassius know she is special to them and claim her as theirs, and therefore, under the protection of The Ghost Riders. The club rallies around them and helps the two men keep her safe as they try to find out who is after her.

Capturing His Heart by Jessica Anderson (JK Publishing). In book four of Stealing a Pirate's Heart: Hector was born into a family that loved the sea and everything to do with it. He followed in their footsteps, but never content with his choice. An injury sent him on a different path than that of his family. Hector chooses to train as a doctor, finding out quickly that it is much harder keeping people from death than facing his own as a pirate. Amelia finds herself in a situation that has her injured more than not. She is put in a position of visiting different doctors to keep her secret of how she comes by the injuries, well, until she meets Hector. She finds herself drawn to him and unable to stay away, risking him learning her secrets. Will Hector find out in time what is really going on with Amelia before it's too late? Will Amelia finally trust the ones trying to help her?

Lucky Fall by MK Schiller (Totally Bound). Julianne Brenan was living her life like a nun without a church. Suffering from a betrayal she let define her, she chooses to live in solitude. Then a chance encounter on her birthday with a younger, handsome, billionaire leads to a night of passion like she's never experienced. Victor Ivanov releases all her inhibitions and makes her feel alive. Julianne is thankful for the experience and chooses to cherish the memory of Victor's gentle but demanding touch. But Victor has no intention of being a memory for Julianne. She's a beautiful but bashful bookseller, and he's no ordinary billionaire.

Maestro by Elizabeth Coldwell (Totally Bound). Opera is Jaclyn 'Jax' Wiltshire's great passion, and she loves her job as chief costume designer for the prestigious London Opera Company. However, at 40 she's still single, and she can't help but envy her best friend Helen's happy home life with her husband and children. Jaclyn's world is turned on its head when world-renowned tenor Kieran Vale arrives at the opera house. The company's artistic director sees the chance to stage a production he hopes will be talked about for years, with a scene that requires Kieran to strip naked on stage. The handsome, demanding Kieran is very comfortable in his own skin, and when Jax begins to fit him for costumes, she realises what a great body he has, and how attracted she is to him. Kieran enjoys flirting with her. Their teasing develops into something more intimate as she begins to realise he has a distinctly dominant side. But she can't really believe that a man eleven years her junior could be seriously interested in her?

Raspberries and Wine by Ayla Ruse (Totally Bound). It's Valentine's Day and newly liberated divorcee Stacy Dalton has a plan: seduce her former classmate and end the post-divorce intimacy drought. She's cooked a meal, she's dressed to the nines, and she is crossing her fingers that tonight she will not go to bed alone. There is a slight hiccup in the plan when it's not her former classmate that shows up with an easy smile and a hungry look--but his drop-dead gorgeous son. Twenty-nine year old Graham Rosen has always been attracted to older women. So making last-minute plans to take out his father's cancelled date seems an effortless and enjoyable task--especially when he sees the sable-haired beauty who opens the door. Unfortunately, Stacy seems hung up on their age. Even after giving in to Graham's erotic attentions, the beautiful cook refuses to acknowledge any possible future to their relationship.

Re-Awakening by Ashe Barker (Totally Bound). Too busy trying to make a living out of her guest house in the Yorkshire Dales, Imogen hadn't time to be lonely, or even think about having fun. And surrender to her innermost submissive desires is just a distant memory. A widow for six years, Imogen is not looking for another lover, let alone a Master. She had one of those, once, and no-one could ever compare. Certainly not a handsome, cocky young man, passing through the area and needing a room for the weekend. But when sexy Zack Latimer turns up on her doorstep he instantly recognises the underlying grief cocooning Imogen from the world outside. The intuitive young Dom makes himself at home in her house, and quickly exposes her most private needs and fears. He sees straight through her facade of self-sufficiency to expose the yearning she tries so hard to stifle. Unable to deny or resist the intense attraction she feels for her sensual guest, Imogen is quickly drawn in as he invites her to rediscover her submissive nature.

Starring Role by Morticia Knight (Totally Bound). Book four in the Gin & Jazz series. Alone once again, Jack believes that he will never have lasting love. But a tragedy unexpectedly paves the way to more happiness than he would ever have thought possible. No longer held prisoner by Roman Pasquale's obsessive love, Jack struggles with being truly alone for the first time in his life. The only thing he is certain of is his desire to get away from Hollywood as soon as possible. But first, he has to make sure that his loyal driver Juan is provided for, and understands that the two of them can never be together. Then, once he finishes his latest film he will finally be free of the town of broken dreams. Right as Jack feels that his future is looking brighter, a terrible tragedy occurs. But out of his despair a new hope is born.

Talk Sexy Part Three by Nichelle Gregory (Totally Bound). Book three in the Talk Sexy serial. Peyton has to make some tough decisions when her erotic phone play fantasies collide with her real life. Peyton delights in the erotic challenges Ian presents to her when they talk. She continues to struggle with Jace's idea of who she should be in their relationship while sharing erotic moments with Ian over the phone. Ian mentions how much he'd like to meet her and Peyton verbally balks at the idea, but fantasies about what it might be like to see him person. When Jace finds out Peyton is a phone sex operator, he gives her an ultimatum. He walks away from their relationship when she doesn't back down, leaving Peyton to wonder if she shouldn't reach out to Ian after all to find out if the sizzling chemistry between them only works over phone.

Wicked Pursuit by Talia Carmichael (Totally Bound). Book three in the Bonds of Justice series. Giovanni Murray speeds home after hearing his house is on fire. When he gets there, a man behind him captures his attention. The stranger claims to be there to help, which rings true, but when the man's persistence causes an altercation between them, Gio becomes intrigued. Trusting his instinct, Gio is willing to explore where their meeting might lead. Now he just needs to convince the man who has captured his interest. Mercer Nelson knows fires—he's good at his job as a fire investigator. The fire he calls in seems suspicious, however the man who owns the house seems even more so. A look in Gio's eyes makes Mercer struggle—should he reach for his gun or kiss him? Even after the fire, Mercer he finds himself at odds with his instincts. He is still captivated by Giovanni Murray and wonders what is beneath his suspicious exterior.

The following new releases were compiled for HEA by Desiree Holt, author of Quarterback Sneak. Her website is desireeholt.com.

Exposing Ellen by Skylar Kade (Decadent Publishing). Ellen Porter is a stranger to the single life--as much a stranger as she is to facing her same-sex desires. The recent divorcee, desperate to prove that her attraction to women is just a phase, enlists the help of Madame Eve for one night of "getting it out of her system." Aimee Tran has had enough of the Los Angeles bar-hopping scene. In pursuit of a genuine romantic connection, she discovers Madame Eve and decides that maybe, just maybe, a one-night stand will tide her over until she finds The One. Neither woman expects lust to burn down their preconceived notions—or to crave more than one desperate tryst.

One Night Ride by Jennah Scott (Decadent Publishing). Brett Colson's ready to get back into the dating game. Competing in rodeos across the country kept him out of the game, so when he hears about the 1Night Stand service from a friend, he takes a chance. Bull rider Jace Peterson lost his first love over a year before to another man. Hitting his thirtieth birthday, Jace listens to his friends' concerns; he needs to end his self-imposed dry spell and enlist the help of Madame Eve. Brett and Jace expect nothing more than a satisfying one-night ride. But they're wrong.

Stealing Cupid's Bow by Jewel Quinlan (Decadent Publishing). Recently heartbroken, Raine Daniels arrives home in Las Vegas, Nevada, to help with her parents' fortieth anniversary party only to discover they are planning to separate as soon as the last guest walks out the door. Everything she thought she knew—her very foundation is rocked to the core. When she learns that Alexander, the sexy stranger she'd sat next to on the plane, is really the god of love, Cupid—she asks for his help, but he declines. The god of love, now long divorced from Psyche and living on earth among mortals, no longer believes in love. Raine decides to take matters into her own hands, even if a god tells her she's wrong. With her life falling apart around her and the solution seemingly within her reach she dares to try and make everything better. Unfortunately, she's unprepared for the consequences of stealing Cupid's bow…

Cowboy Dreamin' by Starla Kaye (Decadent Publishing). Kendra spends her days and nights running a business, sculpting, and leading a Tahitian dance group in Kauai. She can't squeeze anything else into her life, but she dreams of cowboys. Sexy, hot cowboys in tight jeans, low-tipped Stetsons, and dusty boots. Men who know all about how to please a woman. She enjoys her fantasies, but can't imagine ever settling down. But one night with one would be so nice. Surely that would get her dreams of a white knight cowboy sweeping her off her feet out of her system. Because of an accident that Shane believes left him "less of a man," he doesn't see a wife and children in his future. Carson, his ranching partner—and sometimes lover—thinks Shane is wrong. Carson refuses to let Shane settle for a life of rodeo bunnies who only want a romp in bed with a bull rider. Shane deserves more than that. He manages to sign Shane up with a matchmaking service to, hopefully, meet another kind of woman, maybe someone who will appreciate Shane for the man he is. Except Madame Evangeline expects both of the cowboys to go on this special one night date. It doesn't take long for either cowboy to realize that one night with the purple-haired, hip-shaking beauty in Kauai might not be enough….

What You Need by Landra Graf (Decadent Publishing). A sexual submissive, Royce wants a woman who'll make his fantasies come true. The last thing he expects on his 1Night Stand is to be paired with Victoria, his ex-best friend. Haunted by their past, he refuses to deny his newfound attraction or his need for answers. This time, he doesn't plan to let her go. Victoria has loved Royce forever, but the sting of his rejection is not so easily forgotten. No longer the naïve girl he knew, she's matured into a sexual dominant. This domme demands a chance to restart their relationship—on her terms. Knowing that one night will never be enough, she plans a seduction that will last forever.

The following new releases were compiled for HEA by Tara Sue Me, author of The Submissive Trilogy. You can visit her at www.tarasueme.com.

Safe Harbor 2: Hiding in Plain Sight by Cassandra Carr (Loose Id). Vladimir Gusev exists in a living hell. A year ago in the Olympics he was forced to use a homophobic slur during a game, and guilt is eating him from the inside out. Not only is Vladimir not a homophobe, but in the aftermath of the Olympics, he was finally able to admit his true nature to himself. Yet he's been taught homosexuality is a sin, so he tries to push away his feelings, but to no avail. Joe Bufford is an out gay man and an ex-Delta Force member who was medically discharged after an injury to his hand leaves him no longer able to perform his duties. His job as a mechanic at the airport is hardly a long-term career choice, but Joe has no idea where he can utilize the skills he learned in the Army. Vladimir and Joe meet, and Joe instantly recognizes Vladimir as a terrified closet case. Before he knows it, Joe is offering to help Vladimir figure out what he is and what he wants. As time goes on, Joe begins to hope more and more that the answers to those questions lie with him.

If Wishes Were Horses by JM Cartwright (Loose Id). Hot-tempered Angel and sexy, easy-going Brandon are pretty happy. Brandon's baseball career is over, Angel's no longer missing LA, and the guys are living in a vintage house in southern Oregon. Well, Angel thinks the house is just damned old. Marisa and Trey have adjusted to the men as substitute parents, and Angel and Brandon have figured out how to have regular sex even with kids in the house. Angel's even loving his marketing job at the winery. But when Brandon gets an offer of a new job back in California, is their new life going to fall apart? Tough and scrappy Angel is afraid that their hot sex life and the family they've built won't be enough to keep Brandon in the confoundedly cold Pacific Northwest. And being afraid pisses him off. Brandon's really keen on the job, and not at all keen on the cold. Will hot and sunny California call Brandon home again?

OGs: Deep Down by Elle Aycart (Loose Id). Mike Haddican, proud small-town gym owner and renowned karate instructor, is an all-around good guy. He's never needed much to be happy. Only his family, his friends, his girl. Especially his girl. So when that girl up and left him seven years ago to chase her dreams, she all but destroyed him. Sure, contemporary dancer Kyra Brims made it big, but it cost her dearly. Now her life and career are in shambles. She doesn't need a do-over; she needs a miracle. Injured, broke, and out of options, she returns to Alden, the town she swore she'd never see again -- and home of Mike Haddican, the man who ripped her soul to pieces -- to lick her wounds and recover. Forgetting and letting go proved impossible when they were worlds apart; now that they're stuck together they don't stand a chance, especially with Mike's grandma and her partners in crime plotting, meddling and refusing to give up on them. But as the passion that never died burns out of control, so do old hurts and unresolved issues. They're going to have to dig deep down to find forgiveness and the wisdom to move on.

Lumber & Law by Jena Wade (Loose Id). A few months after his brother's accident, Jesse Brody can't stop thinking about Troy Evans, the police office that helped solve the case. Even though Troy almost had to arrest him, Jesse is sure he has a shot at a date. The two meet by chance and share a nice dinner at Jesse's apartment, which ends with Jesse all over Troy's lap. Though he isn't out at work, Troy agrees to give a relationship with Jesse a chance. Everything is fine, until the two are seen in public together by some of Troy's coworkers. Out of panic, Troy ends the relationship. Of course he regrets his decision, but it will take more than just an apology to win Jesse back.

The following new releases were compiled for HEA by Patricia C. Lee, author of Destiny's Present. Her website is www.patriciaclee.com.

Redtail: An Erotic Paranormal Romance Western Mystery by Devon Layne. Cole Bell gets jerked out of his body and planted in the mind of a youth in the 1888. As he starts to adjust, he's jerked back into his 21st century body. And so it goes for five years, randomly jumping from one body to the other. The answer to his 21st century ranch's problems is found in the arms of his great-great grandmother. With two bodies and half a dozen girlfriends spread out over 120 years, Cole's work is cut out for him and the love of his life is waiting - for the cry of the redtail hawk.

Time Tattoo (Various Dimensions) by MKF Soundread. Jade does not know what she wants until her path is chosen for her. She meets the man of her future. Or is it her past? She endures tremendous heartache and danger in her journey and during her love affair with the Turner Brothers. Her strange and twisted future becomes her obsession and as much she tries to control it... She soon realises that she never had control in the first place.

The following new releases were compiled for HEA by Beth Williamson (Emma Lang), author of The Fortune (Malloy series, book nine). Her website is www.bethwilliamson.com.

Contemporary Nights, Volume 1 by C.J. Ellisson, Allie K. Adams, Hildie McQueen, Jami Davenport, Lila Dubois (TBR eBooks). USA TODAY and New York Times bestselling author C.J. Ellisson along with four other bestselling authors, have put together their hottest contemporary romances guaranteed to heat up your e-readers. Over 700 pages of international lovers, college geeks, sexy number crunchers, and playboy bachelors sweep you away to island hideaways, hot nights in Vegas, haunted Irish castles, and secret trysts.

Tiny by Sam Crescent (Evernight Publishing). Tiny is the leader of The Skulls and the main protector of Fort Wills, but that wasn't always the case. He has a dark past, and it's about to come and bite him in the ass. Eva cannot stay with a man who'll keep her in the dark. She's the daughter of the man who runs the underground fighting circuit in Vegas, and there is iron in her that none of the Skulls suspects. Backing down from what she wants has never been in her nature, but Tiny is too far gone. There's no hope of holding him. When Tiny and his boys are attacked on a drug run, he has no choice but to head to the woman he loves. Tiny doesn't know which of his men are alive or dead. He only knows his past has finally caught up with him. But how can he go back home without his daughter's man? Lives will be tested, and lives will be lost. Tiny will be pushed to the breaking point, and he'll have to make a choice. Who can he save when all seems lost?

Chance Encounter by Tabitha Marks (Blushing Books). Two months ago Kevin had his heart broken in a very public, and embarrassing, break up. After that experience he swore he'd always be in control in his future relationships, if he ever had another one. Two chance meetings with Angie make him want to try again, but this time according to his rules. Angie was trying to focus on getting her life under control and stop her partying ways. Then she runs into Kevin, twice, and soon they start having friendly dinners. When he doesn't make a move she wonders if she's read the signals wrong, but Kevin soon clears up her confusion and lets her know exactly what he wants from her. Can this free spirited party girl accept a man who needs to be in charge, and wants to punish her if she misbehaves? Will their chance encounters prove to be the start of something wonderful, or end in heartbreak?