The Sexy Past. Jess Michaels talks erotic historicals.

Comment on this post and win a free digital of Jess's new book, Pleasuring The Lady.

The Sexy Past

Jess Michaels

Thanks so much to Eliza for having me here today! If you don’t know me, I’m Jess Michaels and like Eliza, I write erotic historical romances. Mine are set mostly in the Regency period, but I tend to write heroines who are a little… unusual. I like women who have a bit of experience and I often write heroines who are widows or courtesans.

Since you are here, I bet you already like erotic historicals (yay you!!) but I sometimes get asked by readers who aren’t fans of the genre yet how the early 19^th century could possibly be sexy. I think people have the misconception of history being stuffy and the people being so very far removed from what we are today.

But I don’t think that’s true. First off, people are people. We want a lot of the same things today that we’ve always wanted. We want to be healthy, we want to be happy, we want our families to be safe, we want to be loved. This is true of someone from 1613 or 2013. Now how healthy, happy, safe and loved LOOKS might be very different between 1613 and 2013, but the desire is the same.

Secondly, sex has existed from the beginning of time or else there would be no current time. And the way sex feels, the fact that it’s… well, FUN… is a matter of biology that has also existed in humans from the beginning. So did people in the 19^th century like sex? Yup, I will guarantee you that a lot of them did. Probably about the same percentage that like it now.

Now would my 19^th century heroine make out with her 19^th century hero in the middle of the street? Probably not. It wouldn’t be considered appropriate for the time. But would she make out with him in a safe environment (like alone) or someplace where it was expected (like a scandalous club)… yes! So in a historical, the trick is taking those very human desires and finding ways to have the hero and heroine act on them… and not get caught.

Or get caught and see what happens in that story. Because I’ve written that story and scandal can be fun too.

What do you find sexy about historical romances, especially erotic ones? 

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Free copy of Pleasuring The Lady details: Leave comment at this post along with your email addy. Comments for the contest close on November 28th! Good LUCK.

Wicked Releases

First off, thanks readers for the wonderful response to Wicked Secrets, Book Four in the Wicked Affairs series. Alizabet is one of my favorite heroines. I write a certain kind of heroine and she is one who appears to be the weaker sex but has a hidden strength. In other words, she is a lady.

Rule's restaurant, London

So the heroine I'm writing now, Viviana Love, is completely different. She was introduced in Book Three, Wicked Lord and will have her own book, with a working title of Wicked Heart, which will be the sixth book in the series. (I'll talk about Book Five shortly.)

If you'll remember, she is an opera singer. She gave birth to Redding's illegitimate son, Teddy who later died. At the end of Book Three, she is leaving Glen Arbor, escorted by the staid and proper Baron Alexander Preston. Needless to say, Viv has a way with men and Alex doesn't stand a chance.

So you know Wicked Affairs is about married couples. Viv and Alex are caught by the oldest trap of all. We call it knocked up. Viv finds herself with child and they find themselves married. Each to a complete stranger.

Viv tries to get past the baron's properness. Alex just wants to know her. But Viv is determined to be her own woman and will not allow Alex to be part of her life, other than meeting their physical demands and she refuses to give up the opera.

Drury Lane Theater, 1794

Alex falls hard. Viv finds him attractive and is slowly won over by his deep-seated kindness. The boring baron is truly a once in a lifetime man.

But Viviana Love isn't who she claims to be and Alex will go to any lengths to keep his most unconventional wife, including accepting the aid of his two least favorite people in London: The Duke of Pelham and the Earl of Redding.

What do you think?

Well, back to Book Five, Wicked Indiscretions. This book is already contracted and written and is with my Ellora's Cave editor awaiting edits. Here's a copy of the cover, completed by the lovely and talented Dar Albert.

This book is probably the most emotional one I've written.

David and Juliana Abernathy are truly in love but grief rips them apart. Five years into their marriage, they live in different countries, each determined to forget the past and forget their pain. But David wants his wife back and he wants his heir. Their only secret is that they are both still deeply in love but they don't know how to get past the hurt and betrayal.

Stay tuned. I'll let you know when there is a release date from Ellora's Cave.

Italy: Romance and History

Romance and history are probably two of my favorite things. Put them together in one place, along with a great plate of fois gras, and you have Italy.

I recently had my second trip to the great country, landing in Rome on a Saturday with my traveling partner, Shika Brown.

Those all night flights can take it out of you but we hit the ground running with a three hour tour - a three hour tour - of the Vatican and Sistine Chapel. Aside from the Mona Lisa, I would say the next most important works of art are in Italy. While the Sistine Chapel isn't one work of art, the cumulative affect of the overhead and side panels is overwhelming. I noticed this trip that the crowd inside did not seem as reverent. I would have liked to be in the room alone, laying on the floor and just staring up at the ceiling.

Our tour guide was a history professor, Francesca by name, so I did learn some new and interesting facts about the paintings in the chapel. But she did go on. Hmmmmmm.

Naturally, we made the obligatory touristy stops at the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain. Yes, I threw a coin, ensuring my return to the Eternal City.

The next stop was new to me: Sorrento. From this base, we traveled along the Amalfi Coast, at the recommendation of my favorite muse David Gandy. The road through Positano, Amalfi, Ravello and Minori is hair-raising but the views were spectacular!

Our intention was to take the boat to and around Capri but, upon arrival at our hotel, the boat excursions had been cancelled due to bad weather. The waves around our side of the Sorrento coastline were tumultuous but on the other side, calm as could be. Alas, we did not get to see the lovely Faraglioni rock formations. You know the ones I'm talking about - where David Gandy seduces three different women in the D&G Light Blue commercials...

I got to see Pompeii for the first time. I could have spent three days there winding through the vacant and haunting streets of the destroyed Roman city. Next time, for sure.

The following day, we jumped in the car and headed to Florence. Have you ever driven in Italy? Well, driving and parking can be a nightmare in the central parts of the largest cities. And well, I must confess, I parked way to far from the fun sections of Florence so we walked way too far and spoiled some of our time there. From there we cut across Italy, to get our five minutes at the Leaning Tower of Pisa and then on to Milan.

Shika was a trooper, getting us to our hotel with only the help of a map. No navigation system for us. This was my mistake. I've driven in Italy before and had every confidence I could do it again. GPS would have helped, I must admit, but we made it in fine.

The next morning, we woke early and headed to the church where the Last Supper is painted on the wall. I guess I didn't know that. It's not only a painting, it is also a mural. The painting is held in an air controlled environment and, for now, the restoration work is complete.

I got teary walking into the room. It is a spiritual experience regardless of your background. Only a small crowd is allowed inside, in fifteen minute intervals. Well worth it.

Shopping and eating in Milan are rare treats and we got to do plenty of both. The Via Dante was full of shops, not only Italian design houses but many large and famous international chains. The Via della Spiga is an impressive, closed-in walkway with some of the most exclusive shops in Milan. Alas, our greatest sorrow occurred here. We missed David Gandy by one day!!!

The wildest of our adventures was the Versace show during Milan Fashion Week. I got the tickets via the Blue Steel Appeal auction last spring. Naturally, we needed new shoes and fab dresses. The best part was Shika - she was a paparazzi magnet, striking a pose as if she'd been on the runway her whole life. The show was for the Spring-Summer 2014 collection and lasted all of eleven minutes and thirty seconds. A great, once in a lifetime opportunity!

And I can't say enough about the delicious food we had the whole trip. For nearly every meal, I got out the camera and snapped a shot. So much good food, so little time.


Oh, and I mustn't forget Theater La Scala. In the words of Stendhal, La Scala is "the world's number one theater, because it is the one that gives the maximum musical enjoyment." The interior is magnificent with it's reds and golds, the extensive box seats and massive chandelier. Since the theater opened in 1778 with the opera Europa riconosciuta, La Scala has been the premier opera house in the world.

Let's see... What else? Some writing talk. Gallons of peach tea. Several miles of walking. And all the greatness of Italy.

Great Equinox Blog Hop

Welcome to the Great Equinox Blog Hop! Just in time for the release of Wicked Affairs Book Four - Wicked Secrets.

I'll be in Italy while you're all hopping through this blog but I'll chat with you when I get back.


Here's what you can win from the hop:

PRIZES by RAFFLECOPTER:

(One) Grand Prize: Kindle Fire (U.S.only) plus $100 Amazon Gift Card plus e-copies of all sponsored releases

 

(Two) First Prizes: $100 Amazon Gift Card plus e-copies of all sponsored releases

 

(Three) Second Prizes: One e-book from every participating author.

Sign up here!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e5c7d518

 

Here's what you can win from me:

This is your chance to win e-books of all four Wicked Affairs novels: Wicked Desires, Wicked Temptation, Wicked Lord and Wicked Secrets. Just leave a comment below to be eligible for the random drawing - and I would love it if you would follow my blog, though it isn't required!
Regency, England - it's a hard place to find love especially inside the arranged marriages of the ton.

The Earl of Archer, Charles Standifer’s infatuation with his wife has turned into the cold reality of marriage misery. Vows are not so easily broken but when he gives into temptation all the secrets of the past threaten to destroy them and their marriage. He would give anything to have his wife, but she will have none of him.

 

The reserved and compassionate Alizabet, Lady Archer knows she will never please her husband in ways that matter to men yet she cannot deny the love she has for him in spite of the heartbreaking betrayal.

He has never doubted her affection for him, but that has done nothing to assuage his sexual need. When Charles discovers the revelation of Alizabet’s shocking past, can he be the man and husband she needs? Or will he forever be denied his rights to the alluring yet unattainable woman he calls wife?

Enter now for a chance for four e-books in the Wicked Affairs series!

 

Purchase links for Eliza Lloyd books:
http://www.ellorascave.com/series/wicked-affairs.html

It's release day! Wicked Secrets... Available Now!

For a writer, there are few days as wonderful as RELEASE DAY! On this day, a novel we've slaved over many months is finally born. Yes, we are psyched to get a contract. We adore getting the cover - the first visual representation of our hero and heroine. We say we dread edits but we don't really. It's just a stepping stone closer to the grand finale.

Our stomach quivers when our editor gives us a release date. Is the book as good as I dream? Is it as bad as I fear? Should I have included more back story? Is my hero too much of a jerk?

Will this be my lightning in a jar? Will it catch fire?

Who's to know... I do know that when I deliver a novel to my editor, most of the time I tell her this is my favorite novel so far.

So why is Wicked Secrets my favorite so far? Well, the start of this novel paints my hero in a very bad light so it was a challenge to redeem him. I hope you'll forgive both of us for our bad choices.

I also loved the very sweet heroine who has overcome so much but still finds a well of forgiveness and happiness that is believable and beautiful.The sex is different in this story too. It is a progression of ugly and uncomfortable giving way to unsteady yet trusting. And finally, fulfillment and understanding for both.

Buy Wicked Secrets here: http://www.ellorascave.com/wicked-secrets.html

Beau Brummell of the 21st Century: David Gandy

The year 1795 – the first year of the Regency period in England was also the year George ‘Beau’ Brummell held the position of Lieutenant in the Prince of Wales' personal regiment. While in the regiment, he was called “the first gentleman of England.” Theirs was to be a unique friendship that lasted many years until an unfortunate incident - a single question doomed their relationship.

The Regency was a wonderful time and Beau Brummell was instrumental in transforming men’s fashions from the fussy, feminine time of the Georgian era. Wigs, heeled shoes, rouge and lace were set aside for a new look, one attributed to Beau’s sense of the impeccable. He modernized men’s suits and ties. He took great pride in his clothing, his dressing room often full of ton elites, including the Prince himself. These sessions often lasted up to five hours.

He was also noted for his particular rituals, including daily bathing, shaving and teeth cleaning.

But it was attention to dress that drew the most praise and admiration.

“Brummell put into practice the principles of harmony of shape and contrast of colors with such a pleasing result that men of superior rank sought his professional opinion on their dress.”

Brummell is number two on Esquire’s All Time Best Dressed List.

http://www.esquire.com/the-side/style-guides/best-dressed-men-list#slide-1

So has anyone else noticed we have a modern day Beau Brummell amongst us?

His name is David Gandy, possibly the world’s best-paid male model, certainly the best looking, most well dressed man in the world. He is routinely identified as one of the best dressed by Vogue and GQ. His fans rally around him, trouncing other famous faces and celebrities when it comes to voting for him in any number of popularity contests.
                                                                  ©John Ryder

The comparisons are easy to make.

While David is best known for his intense blue gaze, his dark, chiseled features and perfectly portioned body, it is his contribution to fashion that, I think, will be his lasting legacy.

David entered the fashion world in a time when male models were “skinny and androgynous,” such were the Dior and other models of the 90’s. Dare I say it, feminine? Sounds like the pre-Brummell Georgian era, doesn't it? David entered that world with more muscle than was popular with design fashion houses. He has continued to flex those muscles in any number of endeavors.

He is a tireless promoter of British fashion and has developed in his own fashion app to help the average man outfit himself with tasteful dress and accessories and without breaking a budget. Such an app nearly allows one to step into Gandy’s bedroom to watch his particular harmony of dress, though I would accept a personal invitation should it be extended.

http://davidgandystyleguide.com/about.html

 

The suit was Brummell’s trademark, such as it is with Gandy. David wears a suit as if it were a second skin. He espouses tailoring, preferring the bespoke over the mass produced.
 

©Lucky Brand shoot
 

And like Brummell, Gandy is versatile, his style sense appealing to mechanics with his Lucky Brand jeans and t-shirts and to businessmen with his Thom Sweeney suits. And just as Brummell wore a gold buckle on his cravat while at Eton, Gandy is all about accessories to add the final touches to complement the perfect outfit.

http://www.vogue.co.uk/blogs/david-gandy/2012/11/my-favourite-winter-pieces

 

But as with every road, eventually there is divergence. While Brummell died penniless and insane, Gandy seems to have a much better head on his shoulders. He is certainly popular with women but he has the added drive and focus to keep Gandy, Inc. prospering for years to come.

Finally, David has made fashion relatable – he has cred and steeze. One can believe what David says. For years, fashion has been about artsy pretension. David makes one want to peer inside, to be part of the world reserved for the elite. And he does this to Brummell perfection. Gandy is the "First Gentleman of the 21st Century."

Long and Short Reviews 6th Anniversary Party COMING SOON

Heads up for LASR's 6th Anniversary Party.

Tons of authors, tons of swag.

You don't want to miss this bash.

All this is happening between August 26th and August 30th.

www.longandshortreviews.com