I am very, very excited to be guest blogging here for the Romance Man and the BBLs and sharing my debut release day for DEEP AUTUMN HEAT with you. I’ve been following this blog almost from day one, and I have to say that although I don’t get to comment as much as I’d like, I read every single post and almost all of the comments.
When RM asked me to do a guest blog post, I thought, hmmm…this is going to be tough. I don’t swear, and I don’t write about gay wolf sex or toe sucking. Or gay wolf toe sucking. So what could I possibly write about that would be on the naughty side (that isn’t a love scene from my book) that would have the crew interested in what I have to say?
Then I got some inspiration: Naked Massages!!
I had my first professional massage at the tender age of 22 on the resort/gaming island of Macau. I was staying in a five-star hotel with some friends – we were traveling the world, singing (an a cappella group on tour in Asia) – and several of us decided to splurge on massages. I’d never had one and was determined to do it, but didn’t count on my reaction once the session started. As soon as the masseuse—a beautiful young woman—asked me to take off my clothes, I blushed a vivid red, and refused. A stranger! Touching me! Heavens! As I recall, the masseuse reluctantly agreed to give me a massage with me wearing all of my undergarments and a t-shirt that read, “The Black Dog, Martha’s Vineyard.”
I still have that shirt.
Fast forward a decade and I am completely relaxed, lying under crisp white sheets, the aroma of lavender-scented oil permeating the air and new age-y music playing out of speakers that look like rocks, while a woman with strong hands massages my bare skin. I am blissed-out. I am calm.
I am one-hundred percent naked.
What happened in that decade to make me change my mind about naked massages? Did I (a) have a lobotomy; (b) get a rocking hot bod; or (c) just gain some self-awareness?
I’m sure you can guess that the answer is (c) (though I’d love for (b) to be the case). I grew up and realized that massages were not only good for my physical health, they were good for my emotional health, too. I lost some of the self-consciousness of my youth, and realized that I’d get a lot more out of the massage if I let the masseuse actually touch my body. Sure, my first utterly unclothed massage was embarrassing, but I moved past it.
At the start of every story, I see my characters as the 22-year old me—self-conscious, awkward, and more than a little scared (whether they realize it or not). It is my job to take them, and to strip them naked, to force them to confront the aspects of themselves they’d rather not contemplate. And to have their foil—their significant other—help them to figure out who they really are
In DEEP AUTUMN HEAT, my debut novel, Sebastian Grayson is a man with too much hubris and too little humility. He’s a celebrity chef and is happy to let his reputation precede him, wherever he goes. But when he meets Lexie Meyers, he’s forced to check his ego at the door. She could care less that he’s famous—what matters more to her are his manners, which are utterly appalling. It was really fun to write her dressing him down, time after time, and him coming back for more. Celebrity doesn’t interest her, but the man underneath does. And she proves to be inspiring—her passion for cooking is contagious, and Sebastian regains his zeal for doing what he does best. She deconstructs him, and forces him to confront what is really driving him forward—in his career, in his life, and most definitely in love.
Of course, Seb does the same thing for Lexie, but in a completely different way.
And, because I’m on RM’s blog, I need to state that the sex is wicked hot.
Thank you for helping me to celebrate my debut release. I hope you love reading DEEP AUTUMN HEAT as much as I loved writing it!
About Deep Autumn Heat:
In this sexy new Star Harbor romance series, featuring the too-tempting Grayson brothers, a celebrity chef turns up the heat for a local café owner—and things start to sizzle.
Lexie Meyers decides there’s nothing sweeter than watching Sebastian Grayson’s perfect, wicked mouth devour her coconut cake. He’s hot, he’s hungry, and he’s sizing her up like she’s the best thing on the menu. But she’s been burned in the past and flings just aren’t her thing. Too bad Sebastian can’t resist a challenge.
Worldly, famous, and notorious with the ladies, Seb had planned a weekend of fishing and relaxation with his brothers. Until Lexie, with her kissable lips and frosty “get lost” attitude, makes him want to forget his culinary empire and create some magic with her. After he fires up his charm—including challenging her to a televised cook-off to break through her resistance—it’s now hotter in the bedroom than it is in the kitchen and Lexie isn’t sure whether she’s lost her mind . . . or just her heart.
View an excerpt of Deep Autumn Heat on Scribd: Click here
Pre-order Deep Autumn Heat: Kindle | Nook | ITunes | Other Formats
About Elisabeth:
Raised in a sleepy little Connecticut town, Elisabeth draws on her upbringing to write small-town romances. Her summers spent living and working on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard were the inspiration for the Star Harbor series, which kicks off with Deep Autumn Heat and continues with Blaze of Winter (coming September 2012). Currently, Elisabeth lives in Northern California with her husband and three children. She loves getting massages. Naked. Find her online: Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
How about a Giveaway?
One commenter on my blog will be randomly selected to win a NetGalley preview of Deep Autumn Heat. Contest ends July 15th at midnight (EDT).You’ll need a NetGalley account. I know the comments will start to fly fast and furious, but I thought I’d start you all out with a question:
What have you overcome/gotten over that has been the product of self-awareness
Nope, no nekkid massages for me. I have not had the opportunity and HELLO – NEKKID!
Thanks for sharing with us Elisabeth! I’ve been eyeballing our new release and I do believe your excerpt and mention of hot sex may have just pushed me over the top.
Hey, sometimes I just need a great story WITH hot sex. No judging!
Thanks again and I’m glad you are here along with all the other great authors. More need to guest on here – we have lots of love to share!
Wow! what an interesting depiction! It’s definetely something I’d like to read. Besides, I love chefs.
But, what happened with the coconut cake?
I’m not 22 but the only one who’s allowed to give naked massages is my husband!
I’m not 22 either anymore!
well, if someone tempts me with coconut cake, maybe I’d be less self conscious!
Hi Toni! You’re the first one to comment, and since I have the benefit of being on Pacific Daylight time, I’m going to take the opportunity to jump right in.
So, I’m pretty sure there’s no judging allowed, here on TRM. Also, I feel like sometimes, *everyone* needs a great story with hot sex. Just sayin’.
That is exactly why I love this place!
I’ll second that motion that “everyone needs a great story with hot sex”!
And it will be here tomorrow!
Hahah! Yes, I’ve decided to make that my new mantra!
I agree. Everyone needs a good story with hot sex!
It is added to the never ending TBR pile. Thanks Elisabeth!
My TBR pile is so huge, and only some of it is digital. I don’t know how people keep up, unless they forego all other pleasure activities!
My pile is almost all digital now. Between all the freebies and new releases, new authors, and continuing series, it is well, huge!
What I try to do, is keep up with the series’ first,then new releases, and if I can’t find something to catch my eye, I search thru all the others until I find something. So I guess it is kind of like having 3 ever changing lists.
Elizabeth, congratulations on your debut release. I’m a big fan of the Food Network and shows like Top Chef, and Master Chefs, so I already love your premise.
I will definitely put this on my list to buy and I know I’ll enjoy it. I’ll put this on my FB page as well, as I know a lot of my friends and readers love this type of story.
Wishing you much success in your publishing journey, as overwhelming as this business can be, it has more positives, when meeting different writers and reading their thoughts and the passion that comes through, as you have written, about your craft and your story and characters.
Thanks, Selena! I really appreciate it! Part of the reason I wrote the book was because I am also obsessed with the Food Network! Glad I’m not the only one!
I am also a big fan of cooking and cooking shows, your book sounds fun and I can’t wait to read it
That’s about the only channel I’ll watch, and then I go into the kitchen and try to imitate what they did. LOL Doesn’t always work out.
Looking forward to reading your book. Wishing you mega sales.
Great post Elisabeth! Can’t wait for your release party! So excited for you!!!
Thanks, Marina!
i’ve never gotten any farther than down my panties for a massage. And I’ve never had a male masseuse. However, I have had foot and leg massages by men which I really loved. Elizabeth, all the best and much success with your new book!!! So happy for you!
Thanks, Trudy!
Great post, Elizabeth, and congratulations on your debut release! I have added this one to the TBR list. Love stories that include food, and of course the hot sex lol.
Thanks, Sheri! I appreciate it!
I can’t wait to get lost in the book. I am very lucky because my sister is a massuse. But I have to say at 21 I was very innocent girl who went to Ca to be a nanny and came back home a very different person lol
P.s congrats on your book
Were you in NorCal or SoCal?
I was in Burbank California.
I don’t know what you were worried about you did great!! Will definitely be getting me some Deep Autumn Heat (not that we need any more heat outside right now). I’m not a massuse myself, but as a dancer we often go at (or each other’s) muscles to try to loosen up and it can be incredibly hard to actually feel the muscles if their underneath a layer of clothing. They need to be able to identify which specific muscles to focus on without having to smooth down a t-shirt every two seconds. And if you think about it, this is their job they massage plenty of naked people and are probably more than used to it and do it without any judgement. Besides, I’m sure its worse for the guys, what if they get a boner during the massage? No good way to hide that if you’re buckass nekkid *snicker*
I do feel like massage therapists are kind of like doctors in that they’ve “seen it all” a thousand times before. Once I got that in my head, it really helped!
Good Morning Elisabeth. It’s your big day!!!
As far as massages go, I totally love them, but never seem to get a chance to get one! I was exactly like you for the first one, but after a few I figured these people are professionals, seen a LOT of bodies , and mine can’t be the worst!! ( I hope).
Now, onto your book, I will be reading it today!!! You know how much I’ve wanted to read it. I’ve followed you around like a stalker! LOL. Sometimes I worry when I get to a site they’ll say. ” WARNING….leave Elisabeth alone”
Anyway, glad you’ll be spending your release day with RM, Lexie, and the BBL. you ARE one of us after all! <3
I love this warm welcome, Pat, so thank you! I’m so happy to be here celebrating today! BBLs forever!
I love massages, that is my biggest treat to go to a salon for the day and be pampered. I want to do a couples massage with RM, so far no luck in having him participate.
Good luck on the debut of your book.
Haha! I think men approach the massage very differently (unless they’re professional athletes, where it’s kind of par for the course). Mr. B and I once did a couples’ massage. He was not super comfortable before, during or after, and never asked him to do one with me again.
I had a naked massage when I was in the Navy once. I really liked it.
I would LOVE to hear that story!!!! I’m sure Diane would have a great comeback, but sadly she has to work!
Was that the transvestite hooker experience RM?
No sweetie I am talking about the time I first met you and you were on the corner selling naked massages, among other things.
LOL Lexie! Was RM hanging out with Eddie Murphy?
I am interested in hearing more about this transvestite hooker experience. Notice no mention of baking or pies or cakes or anything else domestic
did it have a happy ending, commander?
He keeps blocking out the memory of the transvestite incident, I was on the pole not on the corner
I think my husband feels exactly like yours.
BTW, I love cooking, I made a lot of coconut pies while RM read your book.
Hi Lexie…… Have a good recipe for coconut cake?????
I do! It’ll be published in Blaze of Winter!
No, I will have to get Elisabeth’s recipe, I will put up my coconut pie recipe, it’s fast and easy
Lexie please have RM post your coconut pie recipe – I am in a huge coconut phase – can’t get enough!
Oooh – yummy! I haven’t yet made a coconut pie. The closest “tropical” pie I’ve made is key lime, which is delicious, by the way!
Oooh! Key Lume pie is my favorite! Lexie would love to have your coconut pie recipe and of course your coconut cake recipe Elizabeth. One of my very favoritethings to do is bake
Ok, another reason I want to read Blaze of Winter!!! My last major slip off the WW wagon was coconut cake. We usually always split a piece, but husb. Didn’t want to, so I hate the WHOLE piece myself!! It was delicious, but I felt sooo guilty!
Elisabeth , key lime and lemon meringue are my favorite pies!!!
Yum want Lexie recipe for coconut pie.
I’ve only ever had massages, naked or not, from my hubby. I’ve thought about splurging, but I just can’t justify the money.
BTW: I won a copy of DEEP AUTUMN HEAT and read it immediately. I loved the book and look forward to Theo’s story.
Oh, hooray! I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed the book! And with respect to massages, they can be extremely expensive, especially if you go to a high-end spa. Before I had kids, I got them approximately once per month. Now, it’s more like once per quarter!
I love massages and have no problems getting naked for them. There’s a sheet and it isn’t nearly as uncomfortable as going to the gynecologist. At least there are no stirrups (not where I get my massages
) and they turn the lights down low and have warm blankets and soothing music. Now I need a massage…
I am right there with you Ladybug, I will gladly lay naked on a table with soothing music and warm sheets with an aroma in the air versus the cold, stark white room of my GYN.
At least your GYN was complimentary, Lexie. I was there 2 weeks ago, and that chick didn’t say a word about me looking good for my age. I was so disappointed– if she was going to make me dress up in a paper gown and sheet and freeze me to death while my feet are in stirrups, the least she could have done was throw a compliment or two my way
.
For me, a trip to the gyn is like going to the grocery store. 3 kids in 3.5 years will do that to you.
Good grief! It took me 4 years to recover from the first one. I can’t imagine having 3 in 3.5 years. Do you have a punch card?
Ladybug, for some reason I can’t respond to you directly, so I’m responding up here. After our third kid, I honestly thought I needed a punch card. I was so tired of being pregnant and nursing. We’re done, and it feels awesome!
It’s hard to know how to take a compliment after you are getting out of stirrups,
It is an awkward social situation fraught with unclear rules. I have to go back on Friday. Maybe I will try vajazzling and see if that gets a reaction. I am getting desperate
.
My GYN has a television on the ceiling, as if that’s going to relax me and distract me from what she’s about to do.
That’s awesome! I so wish my GYN had the same thing. Honestly if they would just turn the thermostat up a little above ice age, I would appreciate it. Does anyone know if breast exams are required to be performed at temperatures that induce hypothermia? Is it easier to feel lumps when they are frozen?
Ooh, Ladybug, now I need one too!
I have a sick 4-yr-old today so all of this talk of massages is really making me need one even more. The Kindle fairy downloaded your book this morning. I am super excited to read it
. I am chained to the bedside of the sicky today so I will probably get to read more than normal. Hopefully, I can finish up my current book and start reading about coconut cake (and what else did RM say? oh yeah– sex, vaginas, and penises 
).
…but not all at the same time!
I feel for you, we had sick children in the house last week.
Thanks, ladies. She has been asleep for almost 3 hours, but I have spent most of that time staring at her. She has a stomach bug and I get nervous if she is out of my line of sight. Fortunately, my computer is handy
.
I hope your little bug feels better.
Your book sounds wonderful and I will surely be picking it up to read!!
I have never been in a position for a 100%, white sheet nekkid massage…yet…..BUT I do feel the same way about getting a pedicure. I discovered how wonderful they are about a year ago, up until then I just did the best I could on my own…. NEver again! It does a body and mind good. I look forward to picking out a funky color for my toes! My husband gets such a kick out of listening to my ranting about what color I want for next time that he now tells me when it is time for me to go back! FUN!!
Congratulations on your book!!
See, now this is totally interesting. I’m not comfortable getting pedis. It’s not the foot-factor. It’s the fact that while I’m getting them (or manis, by the way), I feel trapped, and it makes me nervous because I think of the gazillion things I have to do and how I can’t touch anything or do anything and it makes me crazy! Friends ask me to go all the time, and I always decline. If you have any tips for how I can enjoy them, please lay them on me!
I always take a book!! AND, usually I get my Mom or Sister to go with me. The chairs are those vibrating massage kind and usually we end up giggling so hard b/c the chairs have you bouncing all over the place!! I don’t at all feel trapped…..now, if I was nekkid on a table….. I would certainly have no where to run!!
I am so rough on my hands that a mani only will last like a day! So mostly it is pedis for me. I have 3 boys and a full Sports schedule so it is nice to do something girly every now and again!
Good tips. I never took a book, but now with my Nook, I could easily do that (and it’d be easier to read while I’m waiting). Taking a friend is also a good tip! As far as manis, I have a hard time justifying them too, because of the kid factor. I must wash my hands 50 times a day – and hauling them and their gear around? Not good for the hands.
I wash my hands after I pee.
Now you do!
I do too!
I agree about taking a friend. It’s so much fun getting pedis while talking about husbands and kids with someone who understands.
RM, I should hope so! Is there a reason you are sharing this with us?
I never get mani’s but LOVE pedicures. as far as I’m concerned it’s a health need! I go to a salon, ( remember I live in the south like Scarlet ) hi Scarlet, the salon is exactly like Dolly Parton’s in Steel Magnolias. A favorite movie of mine, except the end. I pretty much laugh from the second I get there, till I leave. She likes to pick ” daring nail colors” for me because she thinks I’m too quiet!
Hi Elizabeth! I have always felt way too self-conscious about getting naked and having a stranger rubbing my body. Last year at the suggestion of my chiropractor I worked up the nerve to get a massage. Best thing I ever did. I came out of that room walking on air! To anyone who has never had a massage for whatever reason, please give it a try. You will not regret it!
I’m with you Lexie—I request a spa day every year for Mother’s Day. It is the best gift ever!
Good luck today Elizabeth. Your book is going to be a huge success! I had the privilege of reading an ARC and it was wonderful
Hi Scarlet! So happy to hear from you! I think for some things, the benefits outweigh the detriments. In my case, just like in yours, I finally went for a massage out of necessity – I had really tight wrists, arms and shoulders from typing all the time. And then, carrying around my kids, I *really* needed them for my back.
Hey Scarlet, I wish I did it more often, but once a year is a very nice treat.
I agree Lexie. I walk out of the spa feeling (and looking) like a new woman. It is a fantastic feeling.
Hi again Scarlet….I always laugh when the masseuse says, ” ok, you can get dressed now”. I can’t even get off the table I’m so relaxed.
Lexie…you should have a massage more than once a year!!! You deserve it!
Hey Pat! My masseuse would say “take your time getting up and dressed”. I always felt like saying alright I’m just gonna take a nap and I’ll be out in like an hour
I am lucky because my sister does massages so get spoiled
Hi Elizabeth, with your talk about massages, now I want one. The time I had one was in March right before we headed to Montana. Oh well, you book sounds wonderful. You had to post an excerpt with coconut cake. I might have to make coconut cupcakes. I hope you enjoy your time here.
Mmmm…coconut cupcakes!!!
I really thought this over & hope I don’t shock you commenters…but the thing I gave up to gain more self awareness was “religion”…..I mean the dogmatic/my rules kind. Now I have a more universal outlook on events and their effects on me personally. I do enjoy a good hot book too.
Religion is a very personal thing, and regardless of how observant you choose to be (or not!) there’s someone who will agree or disagree with you. Kudos for putting it out there! And seriously, I doubt you could shock anyone on this blog.
I am shocked by that comment.
I am shocked, absolutely shocked, like the inspector in “Casablanca” (“As of right now Rick’s is shut down, I am shocked, absolutely shocked, to find out gambling is going on here”….”Your winnings, inspector”). Kerygmatic religion (dogma actually is the wrong word, at least according to Bart Ehrman and Karen Armstrong, two great writers on religion IMO) is all about rigid rules and thoult shalt nots, and often end up undermining self confidence and awareness by making something like our own body disgusting (thank you, puritans, too bad your ship didn’t sink…).
To me the problem with religion is when it spends a lot of its time trying to impress you with how strict and awesome its rules are, and it cuts you off from the real power of what it is supposed to preach:)
Okay no nekkid massages here, but just because not much opportunity where I live (in the middle of nowhere) reading is my fantasy life LOL – I had to get over being painfully shy – sounds boring, but..
Thanks for a great interview
kerryjcj@verizon.net
Oops! Missed this one before! Kerry, thanks for your comment!
Elizabeth – I am so intrigued by your book – I am putting it on my list! I leave for vacation in a few weeks and will put it on my Nook to read at the beach! Congratulations on your book!
To take a queue from that movie…”you had me at massage”….I adore massage. I have had lots of different kinds – my first was an extremely expensive one on a cruise ship – but I am hooked! Some women do retail therapy and buy shoes – I get massages!
The college I teach at has a massage program and the students need “clients” to earn their hours – I get a free massage if I give feed back – duh I am there every time they ask…but have you ever had a masseur? I had one male student once my friend told me once you have gone male you won’t go back….DAMN RIGHT.
I *have* had a masseur. He actually gave me the best massage I ever had – a shiatsu massage where he hit every pressure point just perfectly. Heaven! Unfortunately, this was in NYC, and I live in CA, so I wasn’t able to get back to him.
ask around and find a masseur – I am looking for one – the one at my spa left for deployment.
Have you ever had a hot stone massage? I had one and could not relax, the sound of the rocks moving in and out of that roaster (the thing they used to heat them up) would get me out of my relaxed mood.
I adore FoodNetwork too – love their magazine. Who is your favorite?
Hot stones are the WORST! They burn me and totally take me out of the zone. Ick!
There are a couple of Food Network people I love – Ina Garten (her food is awesome!), Bobby Flay (although I didn’t at first; he’s totally grown on me); Michael Simon (love his laugh!); and Duff (from Ace of Cakes).
Elisabeth (sorry I realized I spelled it wrong above) we could be twins – I feel so the same about hot stone, and Ina is a FAV of mine, Love Bobby, Duff and Michael. I miss Ace of Cakes…My sis got me an autographed Rachael Ray book – she walked into a store in CA and saw her signing books had no idea who she was but saw the Food Network symbol.
That’s funny you say that about stone massage my sister hate doing them she does deep tissue and thinks stones are a waist of time.
Why is everyone named Lexie? Lol. I am one of the too-shy-no-nekkid-middle-of-nowhere-wish-I-was-that-comfortable gang. But I love the naked massage analogy for explaining what you do to your characters. Sexy sex scenes are great, but unless the characters struggle or grow or are somehow challenged, a book doesn’t really hold my interest. That being said, everything I’ve read that was recommended on this blog – I have loved! Can’t wait to read Deep Autumn Heat!
Thanks for your comment, Mary! I also want to see some character growth during a sex scene. No pun intended. Well, maybe a little pun.
Great blog entry Elisabeth!
I liked what you’d said about your book. I then read the sample you’d posted. Sucked me right in……then onto Amazon and the book is now residing in my Kindle and will be read after I finish my current book. I truly hope the book is successful and I promise to leave a review on Amazon. Keep writing!! Thanks for the blog.
Hooray! Thanks, Skeletor Vixen. Btw, love your name.
Hmmmm…..What have I overcome/gotten over that has been the product of self-awareness? I guess I would have to say the apron strings of my religion. My Mom raised me to be a modest, conservative Christian. I was constantly asking her about sex from an early age but she never had “the talk” with me so I thought sex was forbidden. That made me want it more as I got older. I soon realized that sex sucks until my husband came along and helped me find true freedom in my feminine sexual needs. I soon learned that sex was a beautiful thing and meant to be enjoyed. As a Christian I resent that sex isn’t talked about more. I have gradually cut the apron strings on feeling self conscious of my sexuality and feeling more and more liberated as a woman. I am currently writing a romance that will include hot sex scenes and a few of my church friends are actually looking forward to reading it. Others condemn me because sex is “meant for marriage”. It makes me feel good to share my thoughts on sex with other women and overcome a stereotype. Yes, I am a Christian, and Yes, I have loved sex inside of marriage but I am not ashamed of the sex I had outside of marriage because it taught me the difference between screwing and making love.
Thanks Lulu. This was a tough (and awesome) thing to share! Good luck with your own romance – I can’t wait to hear more about it!
Thanks Elisabeth! I am looking forward to reading your book! Hope I win one!
Lulu-
Good for you! While sex in marriage is something awesome, with the person you love, what I don’t quite fully understand is how people can recognize how much sex means in a relationship, yet condemn people for doing something (having sex) before marriage that will teach them what they need and what works and so forth. Unfortunately, religion seems tied up with the notion that sex is only about procreation (please) or can’t understand that the proscriptions about sex before marriage were practical in an age where birth control wasn’t available.
I kind of wonder when I read stats that talk about how many women have trouble having an orgasm or people break up because of sexual compatibility and wonder if maybe, just maybe, more then a bit of that is because they never learned before plunging into marriage? (Yeah, I realize there are a lot of clueless people out there before marriage; still, do you think a virgin couple is going to know much about sex or how to please each other?).
It reminds me of some of the criticism I have seen levelled at 50 shades of gray or at the kind of books we are talking about, hearing the religiously stupid saying things like ‘it promotes lust’, ‘it promotes recreational sex’ or ‘sex without love’…meanwhile, what am I reading about..married women, empowered to go to adult boutiques and good ole home depot, and try the things they read about…and that is a bad thing? If I don’t lust after my wife, what use do I have other then changing the cat litter and opening a stuck jar or two and weeding hundreds of feet of planting beds and killing the ‘icky bugs’ that make my wife scream and fall out of the bed?
Thanks njbill, I can see that you know exactly what I am talking about. I am happier not being so ignorant and narrow minded on subjects when they pertain to sex. It is incredibly liberating.
It is why I give so much credence to many of the romances being written (besides the fact many of them are so damn well written, with great characters).
My wife is not a prude by any means, but it has been really cute when she reads these books and then asks me “do you know about X?”, kind of shyly, and I try not to smile (being the sophisticate, urbane person I am aka sleaze,course I knew what it was *lol*). If something brings people together and they have a lot of good, dirty fun, what the heck:). Even if it doesn’t float my boat or sinks it, if someone else is hot on it, go for it (though there are certain things I have to admit, I don’t get at all, but then that is me:)
This sounds like such a great read, adding it to my wishlist
I was 19 when I had my first kid and because of a car accident a few years earlier, my pregnency was putting too much pressure on my back and I was in pain. Dr told me to go get a massage, but the second I stripped my huge stomach and I were so uncomfortable I couldn’t enjoy it. The masseus kept telling me to relax because I was so stiff, but that was a hell no, get me outta here! Ever since my first kid, I’ve struggled to be comfortable with my body again. Before that, my 18 yr old self would have stripped and ran around naked and proud. After two more kids, it’s harder for me to be proud of my body, but when my husband still looks at me like he did the first day we met, it’s easy to shed my inhibitions when it’s just me and him
Hi Jolene! I could not get massages when I was pregnant – too tough to get comfortable. I just felt like a beached whale most days anyway, and getting naked and lying on a table wasn’t in the cards for me. I’m glad your husband still looks at you like he did the day you met!
Being a BBL and all, my only complaint with some of my massages is laying on my stomach and no place for my love pillows to go get comfortable.
Love Pillows! That is so awesome. I am buying you a copy of Elisabeths book.
Hahahah! I have the same problem, trudy. It is SO annoying! Either they’re squashed down (and hurting) or they’re smashed out to the side (and in plain view of the massage therapist). There’s no winning.
I have the same problem. What they need to do is put removeable holes in the tables to accommodate the girls.
My love pillows are comfortable anywhere…..yeah i know my husband is laughing his ass off reading this comment – what love pillows??? Sigh….
Elizabeth congrats on your book! Hope you have loads of sales!
Massages – Naked, dressed, i am comfortable in any state of dress/undress, as long as i can get one. I love massages and sadly do not get them done as often as i need them. Even just hearing the word ‘massage’ spoken i immediately start feeling my stress melting away from my shoulders. The real thing is heaven to me.
I wonder what the word is for tiny pillows is — that is what I would call my love pillows
.
Lucie– I am not sure if you saw it or not because we have moved so far away from that post, but I answered your question about brown way back on “Mano-A-Womano”. Hope that helps
.
No I haven’t seen it! Will go check it out LG! Thanks!!
Small love pillows lol I am so with you . Must find them a name. The same size of pin cushions
Lucie– maybe ours are decorative love pillows (the little, cute ones). The more well-endowed among us could have bed pillows or some of them might even have those giant floor pillows
.
My wife has those kind of pillows that come in a jewelry box.
LMAO– find out what they call those things and that can the word that Lucie, Lexie, and I use
.
Maybe we should use the word “puff”. I am there with you too!
ok, now I know what a love pillow is…I guess
Oh, Good Lord! I am stuck at home and all you people keep talking about are massages and coconut cake! I am dying here! We have 2 really good cupcakeries (it’s a word
) here in town so I just looked online to see if they have any coconut cupcakes. One does but it is only open Wednesday-Sunday. Doodlebug is my errand-runner when the babybugs are sick. I have to find a coconut cake or cupcake somewhere for her to pick up or I am letting Ginger out of the cage 
.
Hahah! I am also getting very hungry because of the cake talk, so I have decided to get a coconut cupcake for lunch. Judge me, if you dare.
I won’t judge you. I am too busy being jealous
.
Hey, it’s your day. You can have all the coconut cake you want. congratulations!
My mom would make a yellow cake with marshmallow frosting and coconut it was to die for. All this talk of coconut makes me miss her, and want some of that cake lol
Sorry LadyB…..nothing worse than sick kiddies. I’m off to read( guess what) and find something coconut!
Be back……
Thanks, Pat. You can appreciate this more than most, but we have finally gotten to the point of small sips of water. Here’s hoping that goes well.
Oh LadyB, that’s the worst kind of “sick”.I’m sending you a PM on FB. XO
Hi Luci…..you WORK where they give massages!! I’d be there every day.
From what I’ve seen of your pictures…you do not have ” love pillows”!!!
Sorry Luci….I was thinking about ” Love HANDLES” not love pillows. I bet you have lovely love pillows!
Sorry, my love pillows are not so great, and they have a habit of ” hanging”. LOL.
Hahahahaha Pat. I definitely do not have Love Pillows. I do unfortunately have love handles that my daughters so graciously left me with
.
Sadly, I do not work in the same branch where the massages are done. If I did i’d have a massage standing order once a month
. I must remind my husband how stressed out i am (he usually gets me a massage voucher when that’s the case but lately he hasn’t been taking the hints 
).
Was a long workday for me. Going to cook meatballs now. I know y’all love cooking but for me its as if i am going back to work
.
Have a great day all!
I have what are lovingly referred to as ” dirty pillows” by my hubby
Manbug used the words “National” and “Geographic” in reference to my post-baby boobs. Once.
LOL. That is epic.
Yeah LB, my husband saw me after giving birth and said: wow you’re like a porn star! I breastfed exactly one week both times. they were like a hallucination to him – now you see them next you don’t
.
Lucie– LOL. I loved that “they were like a hallucination to him – now you see them next you don’t”.
I was able to breastfeed each of mine for at least a year (we weren’t on the cover of Time magazine
). So Manbug was able to appreciate them (from afar 
) for little longer.
It was really a touch and go thing with me lol – i did not even get larger during pregnancy. It was really all over in a week, from birth to when i stopped breastfeeding. I wanted to breastfeed longer but unfortunately it was a traumatic experience for me. I had two little piggies
. On the plus side, my two girls drank like there was no tomorrow so no problems with kids not eating here like my sister and sister in law have.
Sleepy here, have a great day!
My husband wouldn’t be a man anymore if he dared disparage the boobs.
I’m the opposite. I’m not big on massages. They never use the right pressure. I either feel like I got ripped off or am super sore the next day. Plus, the last one I had, the lady kept putting her mouth ON MY EAR while she whispered stuff to me, none of which I heard or understood because her MOUTH WAS TOUCHING ME. *shivers at the memory*
But pedicures… L-O-V-E them! I always bring a friend or my Kindle. When you try it–and you must!–you have to get a real spa pedicure, not one at some nail shop in a strip mall. My fave is when they put a mud mask on your feet and wrap them in steamed towels. PURE BLISS!!
Your book sounds terrific! I’ve added it to my TBR list. Happy debut release day!!
What? Her mouth on your ear?! That is not appropriate and is REALLY gross. Sorry you had that experience!
I’m going to try a pedi with my kindle and a friend. I think that’ll be better for me than going alone with nothing to read!
I like the kind of naked messages you get from a Chippendale delivering a singing telegram. Sorry, couldn’t resist. I note that NO ONE misspelled massages so I thought I’d try a little levity here.
When I was under extreme stress during my DH’s multi-year, bed-ridden last illness, he encouraged me to get a massage every few months. It made me limp as the proverbial wet noodle and I loved them. Years later, I still go at least twice a year. Naked? You bet. Just in case they wanted to massage some muscles that might not otherwise be worked on LOL. Didn’t happen, though. And I never did find a place with a masseur.
I agree about a spa pedicure. Had my first one ever last month, with the mini-Jacuzzi for the feet and hot moist towels all the way up to my knees and the bottom-of-the-foot-rubs and my choice of irridescent colors. I was wearing a skirt and the attendant asked if I wanted a towel to cover my knees and I said no thank you but they gave me one anyway. Guess they thought I was advertising my wares or something.
Elisabeth, your book sounds, well, yummy. It’s on my list! Congrats to you and thanks, RM, for letting her talk to us. Now I’m off to find me some coconut.
I was at a bachelorette party many many many years ago where the cops showed up to dance for the bride to be. Unfortunately it was nothing like the movies and they shouldn’t have been strippers.
Oh man, I wish Channing would show up at my door dressed like a cop and frisk me
It’s never as good in reality. Why IS that?
Bwahahahahahahaha. Email I just received from Manbug when he got the email notification that I had published a review (I use the term “review” loosely) for Selena’s book on Amazon:
Fuckin’ A… You really need your own amazon account.
I am reading Selena’s book right now and love it. I will look for your review
I was a review virgin until today so Selena was my first
. I honestly don’t know how RM writes his posts without having a panic attack. I typed 4 or 5 sentences and had to stop to breathe into a paper bag. This is yet another reason why I don’t have a future as an author (my soon-to-be bestselling self-help book aside 
).
Xanax.
Thanks, Lexie. Hope you continue to enjoy it.
Ladybug, it’s not just you, writing reviews is not easy to do even us writers find them difficult. You know what’s even more difficult, writing a one line summary of your book and writing a short bio.
However, a sense of humor will get you through writing your self-help book. That and a few glasses of wine. LOL
I wore a bikini for the first time in 14 years over Father’s Day weekend.
I just found a recipe for coconut banana bread. MMMm..that sounds so good.
Oh YUM would you mind sharing the link
Sure! I haven’t tried it, so I dont know how good it really is. But it sure does sound good.
http://www.fatgirltrappedinaskinnybody.com/2011/10/coconut-banana-bread/
Thanks for the guest blog Elizabeth. I have never had any kind of a professional massage. It’s not a body image thing, I’m too worried I would fall in love with it and refuse to ever get off the table. Your book sounds great and I’m looking forward to reading it.( And of course checking out the hot sex scenes) Good luck with it’s release
Why are there 2 Lexie’s on today? Is there a split personality inthe room? It took a bit to begin to believe it was RM Lexie on all the posts. I hope it is only one person anyway
Elisabeth, congrats, the only kind of party they would hold for me if I put out a book (or rather, put out the drivel I have already written) would be a blanket party *lol*. Having worked 15 years on a book and not even tried to get it published, that is a mean feat…
Since you like food, can I suggest a partial plot for your next novel? Gordon Ramsay meets the dominatrix from the second season of Sherlock and gets an attitude adjustment, that would make for one hell of a book…..btw, I highly recommend the series “Sherlock” on BBC (Netflix has the first season, second season is on Amazon but ya have to pay for it), absolutely fantastic, the actor playing Sherlock is unbelievable and everyone else they get is typical of brit series, and great writing. Sherlock in the 21st century is something to see, where Dr. Watson blogs and so forth:)
Hmm, naked massages? They used to call that something different back in the day, I guess it has gone legit:).
OMG – Scandal in Belgravia!!!! I LOVED that episode. Could NOT get enough. Tivoed it and watched it over and over again. I could gush about Benedict Cumerbatch all day!
And naked massages are totally legit.
Yeah,that was a great episode, and the actress playing Irene Adler was unreal (I have my suspicions about her, either she should get a perpetual Oscar, or she really knows how to ‘work it’ *smile*….).One of the more sexy shows I have seen in a while.
I thought Jeremy Brett played the ultimate Holmes, but msr Cumerbatch is unreal. My only problem with the show at times is the dialog, on netflix could have subtitles on, which helped a lot. For example, in the “trouble in belgravia” episode, Irene meets up in the warehouse with I recall Dr. Watson, and she tells him something that appears to say “I’m gay”, but my son and I couldn’t make it out.
BTW Cumerbatch is going to be the villain in the next “Star Trek” movie (JJ Abrams world), he is playing I believe Khan….
Elisabeth, congratulations on your debut release! And I was over on your website and see that Blaze of Winter is only two months away so we don’t have long to wait! (But where are those maps of Star Harbor? I like maps. Get cracking girl! What are you, busy writing or something?)
Just a thought but if you have loads of extra money to burn, you could make up Star Harbor bookmarks and put the coconut cake recipe on the back. I love getting bookmarks. I consider it a mortal sin to lay a book down open faced and break its spine. I can hear the book screaming!
So my massage experience. Thirteen years ago a woman came down a one way street the wrong way, didn’t stop at the intersection, and T-boned me and drove me into the parked cars on the other side. Thankfully, while my big, burly Buick was totaled, I walked away with only a severe case of whiplash. (Love me my big cars.) But as some of you may know, soft tissue injuries can be harder to heal and treat than a broken bone. As part of therapy, I got massages. Well, I also suffered from migraines at that time, at least once every 1 to 2 months. I noticed that after the massages, my headaches subsided to 1 or 2 bad ones a year. Major improvement. After my paid therapy was done, I found a RN who is a certified massage therapist. I go to her house once a month and for a solid hour, she works on me. It is reasonable because there is no fancy decorations or trying to sell me product. She still plays lovely music and has candles, etc but this is all about the massage and not the spa. I consider this to be for my health and not a luxury. I’ve been to spas too and the experience is lovely, but expensive! I would encourage everyone to search for an independent massage therapist and do it for your health.
And I can only get naked with a female massage therapist. It’s not that I think this body will drive a man crazy with lust, it is that I do not like unknown men touching me. Women I am okay with. But since I have been going to this woman over 10 years, I am so relaxed with her touch that I have fallen asleep on the table. My next one is scheduled for the 23rd. Ahhhhh.
Again, Elisabeth, congratulations!
Diane, I have the same reverence for books. When I see people fold down pages my hair stands up. Or to hear someone ” crack ” a spine? So, Elisabeth , when you get an extra minute crank out those bookmarks!
Elisabeth, my local library would be happy to hand out bookmarks to promote your book. Just email me a way to get in touch with you and I will give you my address. Thanks!
OH! Bookmarks would be wonderful. I never lay a book down open on its face
I use old receipts, or cardboard from all that useless junk mail from the cable company, or an actual bookmark 
And massages are really good for your health. It helps restore circulation and moves the lymph along your lymph system, very good for you. And when your a stressed out ready to scream it is anxiety draining and calming too.
Looking forward to Coconut Pie!!
Okay, I get the bookmark thing, but the books are digital first – and probably for a while, there won’t be any paper copies at all (unless you come to RWA in Anaheim where I’m signing a few paper copies that Random House has kindly printed for the occasion). So I haven’t printed any bookmarks yet. I have some cute business cards, though.
The maps are also done! I just have to get the PDFs uploaded! I actually did them as part of writing the books. I needed to visualize the whole town, make sure I had my street names, directions, etc., correctly notated. Plus, maps are just cool. Sign up for my newsletter and get the super-secret link to the maps and other goodies!
I could use your bookmark in a cookbook. (We have over a hundred.) Just saying.
Okay, okay! I hear you on the bookmarks!
No, I’m noy trying to spend your money! I was just trying to redeem myself because you are digital after all!
Now I’m craving coconut cake and a massage! Just downloaded your book Elisabeth. Can’t wait to read it! I love getting massages but I have a chronic pain condition so I have to be careful who I go to because sometimes they can hurt me more than they help. When I find the right masseuse though…..it’s BLISS!
Oof – sorry about your chronic pain. I have been to a few massage therapists who’ve hurt more than they’ve helped, but for me, it just means I won’t go back to them.
Congrats on the debut Elisabeth!
I love that I was reading your guest blog as I was watching Master Chef & very inspiring. I’ve also got to LOL because it’s taken me even longer to read all the comments.
I love my pedi’s but have never had a real massage nekkid or otherwise. But I think I’ll add it to my Busket List of things to do.
I’m not big on coconut, but I did see a comment about Key Lime pie, that sounds perfect on a hot night like tonight! I might have to go find some.
You’re on my TBR list for sure & I love your new “mantra”…I totally agree that everyone needs a great story with hot sex”! (And cute business cards can totally work as a bookmark!) I wish you the best of luck on your release, I’m sure you’ve found a bunch of new fans thanks to RM.
Happy Release Day Elisabeth! I’ve just added Deep Autumn Heat to my wish list. Can’t wait to read it.
I very much enjoy naked massages at home or otherwise. The last time I had a hot stone massage I fell asleep and woke myself up snoring. I had a huge ring around my face from sleeping face down on the table. Next time I’m going to book the latest massage possible so I can go home and climb straight into bed after.
I heard that today was National No Bra Day. My first thought of course was of the BBL. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any verification for such a wonderful holiday. My second thought…… I really shouldn’t google National No Bra Day at work.
Massages and cake! Not at the same time….
I have it covered on my benefit package at work. I did not do it for years, then decided to give it a go. Found a lovely young woman who is trained on Swedish massage. That girl uses her ELBOWS! The first few times the muscles hurt for a few hours after, but now I love it. When you work at a desk all day, you need the work, especially neck, shoulders and upper back.
In general, I am not a cake fan, unless chocolate is involved. I never met a carbohydrate I didn’t like….
Loved your book, Elisabeth. I wish you the best of luck with it!
Thanks,Kermie! I really appreciate it. Also, I love chocolate, too. It’s just that coconut cake is too enticing to resist!
Best of luck with the book, Elizabeth! Hope I get a chance to meet you at RWA. How many of RM’s followers are going to show up at the conference? We’ll be having a HUGE book signing on the evening of the 25th of July. About 400 authors–it’s an absolute circus. I got the seating chart and I’m sitting across from Nora Roberts and Jayne Ann Krentz, if any of you are there. Table 1006.
As far as massages–I love them. Don’t get them often enough, don’t care if it’s a man or a woman doing it and don’t mind getting nekkid. Just rub me and make me feel good…that’s not too much to ask, is it?
And since the boobs aren’t all that big, they’re never a problem. When I had our first child, husband was goggle-eyed by the vastness of my chest. I remember waking up to see him staring at me and finally he said, “Damn. They’re sexy as hell. Too bad they leak.”
Such a smooth-talkin’ guy.
Oh…and Elizabeth? There was not a single scene of gay wolf toe sucking in my book. Not one.
I left toes alone–they were too busy with all the other things.
Hi Kate! I’m glad you clarified there was no gay wolf toe sucking in your books. It was a question, and now it has been answered. Can’t wait to meet you in a few short weeks!
For everyone out there who’s still awake, I will be at RWA, and I’m also participating in the literacy signing! Table 802, so please stop by if you’re in the area. I would LOVE to meet you in person!!
I wish I lived close I would love to be there
Kate, wish I were attending this year, but can’t go. The last RWA conference I attended was in NYC. Had a blast. It’s always fun to meet people you chat with on a blog or through email.
Have fun!
I forgot to mention that I love Lexie and want to be just like her when I grow up. I have a bit of a mean streak, too
See? I am sleep-deprived. That was supposed to be in reference to the research-related blow job gone awry.
LOL LOL! Lexie, I hope you use that in your book.
I may be the only one around here who doesn’t care for massages. I think it was because I had a deep tissue massage once, and it traumatized me. It was painful.
Ladybug are you drunk?
Congratulations on your debut book, Deep Autumn Heat, Elizabeth. You had me at story+wicked hot. Besides I like supporting/trying new authors that play at this blog. I was going to enter the contest but for 2.99, I didn’t even bat an eyelash. It’s now on my Nook:)
Awesome! Thank you!! I hope you enjoy it!
Hey, all! Per RM’s instructions, I picked 5 winners out of some random name-picker thingy. Here are the winners:
Sassi
Kelly
Marilyn (i need an avatar) Adam
Lulu
Kerry
Please email RM so he can get you set up with your copies of Deep Autumn Heat.
Again, thank you so much for the awesome release day fun! See you here, on the interwebs, and maybe in person at RWA!