Novella, Reviews and Stuff

My work-in-progress, a hot vampire urban fantasy novella, has been requested by an epub. I love when that happens. I told the editor it wasn't finished, so I'll have to type my little butt off to finish it! And, if they pass on it, at least it will be all ready to be sent to the next pub! I think it's pretty good, if I say so myself.

I'm really looking forward to 2007 because I have the feeling it's going to be a great year for me. So many stories to write -- so little time!!

Here are some reviews by CK2S Kwips and Kritiques:

"Trick or Treat"

A black rose and a spooky old mansion… what more could a woman ask for on a first date with a mysterious man? Natasha’s excitement at this bold adventure is tempered by a bit of anxiety. And then she sees him. Victor is absolutely gorgeous and he’s about to show Natasha a truly spectacular and unforgettable first date together.

TRICK OR TREAT is a bit of a misnomer as this hauntingly beautiful tale transcends any holiday theme. The attraction between the couple is instantaneous and sizzling hot. While very short, TRICK OR TREAT manages to convey a very believable level of sensuality between Natasha and Victor. Not much information is given on either character initially, but this adds a layer of mystique and makes the ending’s twist so much more fulfilling.

TRICK OR TREAT is a cleverly written tale. The storyline does contain very explicit scenes but the attraction just simmering off the pages is undeniably realistic. Hera St. Aubyn is to be commended for crafting such an ingenious tale in so few words. TRICK OR TREAT is the sort of story that, once the reader has completed, he or she will read and reread multiple times to capture each little detail that was woven into the storyline. Kudos to Hera St. Aubyn for the haunting atmosphere and the clever ending of this very spicy tale!
Reviewed by Anne

Review of "Vampire of my Dreams":

Hera St. Aubyn has a gift at incorporating sizzling sensuality in the most unusual of situations. VAMPIRE IN MY DREAMS has an almost dreamlike quality that lures the reader in before taking a rather unique turn in the plot. Some of the unusual twists in this tale may make sensitive readers a bit uncomfortable but all of the pieces fit together and are appropriate in context. Atmosphere is critical for VAMPIRE OF MY DREAMS to work and the haunting ambiance is well interspersed between the instant chemistry between Alana and Winston.

VAMPIRE IN MY DREAMS is an enthralling tale that should please fans of this genre. While Hera St. Aubyn does require the reader to suspend disbelief quite a bit, the overall tone makes this possible and therefore makes VAMPIRE IN MY DREAMS believable. Hera St. Aubyn is certainly an author to keep an eye on as she crafts quite an interesting little story!
Reviewed by Anne

What turns you on?

Gift Certificate Winner: Elaine Breault. Congratulations, Elaine!!

I've been thinking about why certain passages in certain books really DO it for me, and others -- perhaps much more graphic -- don't. For me, I think it's a combination of vulnerability (nothing more of a turn-on for me than a strong male figure who is willing to acknowledge his inner world), intimacy (emotional/mental rather than only physical) and sensuous word/sentence choices. And, the long hair thing, of course.

While I've been known to write graphic things (the heroine in my novella -- now being subbed to publishers -- swears like a . . . well, a swearer), as a reader, if the strong language and graphic body motions don't come tied up with the aforementioned turn-on things, I tend to skim.

I've probably said this before, but some of the most arousing sections of books I've read have been about Jean-Claude, Laurell K. Hamilton's multi-layered vampire. I don't want to see the new comic book she has out because I don't want anyone else's interpretation of what JC looks like in my head.

Just to make things fun, I'll pick a comment on the Winter Solstice (Dec. 21) and give away a $5 gift certificate to The Wild Rose Press.

What turns you on?

Fallen Angel Review of "Trick or Treat" (Not just a Halloween story!)

Each has their reasons for agreeing to the first date, but can a meeting that begins in a deserted house really lead to anything? Natasha is about to find out when she steps foot into the house and then into the arms of Victor.

I have to admit I am impressed that Hera St. Aubyn was able to create this story in a mere eight pages. While not an overly original idea, Ms. St. Aubyn still puts her own unique touch to the story. She conveys a descriptive setting that intensifies the attraction between Natasha and Victor. The foreplay and sensual liaison is nothing short of pure heat. The author’s expressive phrasing will pull readers into the story as she captures Natasha’s emotional and physical reaction to Victor. As the story comes to a close, readers will be left with a satisfying read.

Reviewed by: Amanda

"Vampire of my Dreams" is for sale today!!!

You can purchase my latest at The Wild Rose Press: www.thewildrosepress.com

Review of "Trick or Treat" from The Romance Studio

Trick or Treat is a quirky Halloween-oriented tale about a couple's very odd first date. Natasha has received a black rose, her favourite, with a note promising her an unforgettable night! What woman could resist such an invitation? Natasha dresses in Halloween sexy mode for the meeting in an abandoned, deserted, dusty mansion. Once there, she encounters a gorgeous hunk, with platinum hair, a huge erection, and eyes that constantly change colour.

Their interaction is immediate and very arousing and fulfilling to both; but it's the twist in the denouement that will incite readers to return to this story again and again! Natasha has secrets of her own, as does her lover, and coming together can make them both whole and eternal.

This is an arousing tiny tale with a Halloween theme which also makes for a great read-at-bedtime tale. The sensuality is graphic and very fiery; this is a couple that really makes good music together! I recommend this one both for the sensual nature and for the quirky plot twists.

Sensuality rating: Explicit
Reviewer: Annie, The Romance Studio
November 14, 2006

Excerpt: "Vampire of my Dreams"

As she stood there, lost in her painful reverie, she had the eerie feeling that someone was watching her. Chills crawled up and down her arms. Snapping out of her tortured recollections, she lifted her head, searching the area for the presence she sensed. Holding her breath, she steeled herself for yet another terrible thing to happen at this spot. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a flutter of movement. She swiveled toward the disturbance. Nobody was there.

She took a few tentative steps, still braced for danger. Half expecting the same murdering drug addicts to jump out and grab her, she readied herself to pull the dagger out of her pocket. Her heart thumped so forcefully in her chest that she swore she could hear it. Sweat broke out on her forehead. There it was again. That ripple of movement at the edge of her vision. And a soft sound, like breathing.

Walking suddenly seemed difficult – as if lifting one foot, then the other, was more complicated than she could manage. She felt too tired to take another step. Her head was filled with cotton, her mind fuzzy. Stumbling over to the iron fence, she leaned back, resting her head against the bars. A wave of heat poured through her body and she opened the front of her cloak. It didn’t make any sense to her that she was burning up out in the cold night air. Maybe she was having one of those hot flashes Vivian always talked about.

"Trick or Treat" Available Today!

My short story, Trick or Treat, is available for sale!

Excerpt:

Just as she passed a set of etched-glass windows, the full moon emerged from behind a cloud and illuminated the room.

She gasped, pressing a hand to her breast.


A man stood before her. And what a man. He was over six feet tall, with broad shoulders and a muscular chest. The state of his chest was apparent because he wasn’t wearing a shirt. His hair was very light and long enough to brush his elbows. He had amazing eyes. They seemed to shift in the ever-changing moonlight that played over his face, flowing from blue to silver and back again. She’d never seen their like before.

He smiled, the corners of his lush lips rising.

Her heart beat like a ritual drum, the rhythm escalating as her breathing quickened. What an astoundingly-desirable man. Almost unnaturally so. Hot juices dampened the silk thong she’d purchased for this special occasion. Her bra-less nipples hardened and pushed through the fabric of her black velvet blouse as her breasts swelled in anticipation.

(Of course, if this yummy fellow was really a vampire, he'd have combusted by now. But let's pretend . . .)

October Contest! Friday the 13th through Halloween!

Winners! I picked two names from the comments for the contest and the winners are:
Jenny brat
Teresa

Congratulations, ladies! Would you please contact me, so I can find out which one of the stories (mine or Lynda's) you'd like?



Lynda Hilburn and Hera St. Aubyn are having a contest!

Imagine that your Fairy Godmother pops in and says she’s going to grant you one incredible Halloween night. She says you can select the spooky location and activity of your choice, and you get to take the luscious male of your dreams with you. (Hey! Be wild and crazy, this is a fantasy!)

So, leave a comment here telling us:
Where’s the spooky location you wish to visit?
What’s your planned activity? (As if we didn’t know!)
Which bewitchingly gorgeous male are you taking with you and why?

We’ll choose 2 names from Lynda’s blog and 2 names from Hera’s blog to receive a free download of any of our stories from The Wild Rose Press. Winners will be selected on Halloween night and posted on our blogs.

The Wild Rose Press Bought Another Story from Hera!

Vampire of my Dreams has been purchased! It's a spicy/hot short-story about my favorite topic: vampire love. Hera loves being an author! Here's a blurb:

Alana Fairfax wrapped her cloak tightly around her as she hurried down the dark, empty street toward home. The full moon cast long, eerie shadows as she passed the old, nightmarish cemetery surrounding the gothic mansion she’d avoided for the last four years. The place her husband had died. As if her feet had a will of their own, she found herself standing in front of the hated place. Overcome and feeling strangely dizzy, she slumped against the cold bars of the iron fence. Struggling to rouse herself, she gasped as imaginary hands caressed her body and a sensuous voice whispered in her mind. Surrendering to the otherworldly seduction, she opened her eyes to discover an extraordinarily handsome stranger only inches away. He lifted her into his arms, and Alana’s life changed forever.

Excerpt from "Trick or Treat"

He eased his pants down his legs and kicked them aside, finally giving her a full view of his long, muscular body. His beautiful form reminded her of an alabaster statue of one of the gods she’d seen in Europe years ago. But this god was hers for the taking.

The Infamous Pumpkin Butt

What would Halloween be without him?
Yes, you're right. Hera has a very strange
sense of humor.

Coming Soon From The Wild Rose Press!

Just in time for Halloween!

A Taste of Things to Come

This delightful photo is just to get you in the mood for what's to come. And to show you what's on Hera's mind these days.

Welcome to My World!

You have entered the magical, paranormal, wicked world of author Hera St. Aubyn. Put on something comfortable, unplug the phone, send the kids next door and relax a while. Life can be so . . . exciting. So . . . arousing. Don't you think? Check back often. This is a new blog and I'll be adding posts quickly as soon as my stories are available. Don't do anything I wouldn't do.