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One of my wonderful feline friends highlighting my reference library!

May/June 2008 - Let's see...since my last update, I went to Houston and played aunt to my sister's first baby (Houston = blech-ick!, my nephew = fabulously adorable!), a number of acres in our neighborhood burned (wildfire = very scary), my grandmother passed away (always sad, losing someone, but she lived to a remarkable 83 and was tired, so very tired near the end) and Mr. Lyons and I visited with a number of relatives not seen in years at her memorial service. It's been a busy, busy couple of months.

I took this from our porch, once the "big guns" were called in to save the day.

And what about writing you ask (at least I hope you ask!)? Well I'm happy to report that my editor is currently reviewing one story I submitted a few weeks ago and Mr. Lyons is only pages away from completing his proofread on Deceived by Desire! The very second he finishes—and you can bet I'm looking over his shoulder, hurrying him on—I'll be shooting this one off to my editor as well and hopefully have fantastic news to report soon.

In the mood for something new from the metaphorical pen of Larissa?

I invite you to check out Honey Flava, an Eroticanoir.com anthology compiled and edited by Zane, featuring my original story GIMME SOME YANG. 

Isn't the cover gorgeous? The book highlights Asian-themed erotica and is due out by the end of May!

Last month, I added a new article, the first one in what seems like ages, titled Half-Ass Your Way to Health. Despite the irreverent title, I think it's a nifty idea.

Well, I guess it's time to wrap this up and go feed Mr. Lyons so he'll read another chapter after dinner. >^..^<

Remember to indulge yourself at least once a week and treat yourself right every day! :-) Larissa

PS, Keep scrolling for a new CONTEST, a new excerpt, writing tips and more!

[May 2nd update: Mr. Lyons finished reading Deceived last night.  And the verdict?  I'm yodeling like a cowgirl, purring like a cat, because he said it was excellent, that he was so impressed I wrote something this good in such a short time.  Granted, five months doesn't seem like a short time to me, but topping out at almost 70,000 words, Deceived is the longest (& best, I believe) story I've written by myself.  I'm thinking that celebratory brownies might be in order...] >^..^<

NEW IN REVIEWS
Earlier this year, I received a review for Impure Longings that made me want to read the book!

Regency style historicals always seem to have a touch of whimsy that other stories can never match. In Impure Longings, no matter how sensual or heated Dorothea and Daniel became there was always tenderness with each stroke or glance. The tale is pure romance; no matter how the lovers have come together their affections are immediate and lasting. Larissa Lyons did a great job on the happily ever after theme, you have the pseudo villain, the white knight and the damsel in distress who needs saving. A sweet romance would be remiss with out these parts but I can assure historical lovers that want substance not just lust will be pleased with Ms. Lyons efforts in making this story an enjoyable one.

Indy, JoyfullyReviewed

Cholla (yes, another rescued kitty has sunk its claws into the Lyons' household!)

relaxes on a blanky-in-the-making. I can picture it here because the recipient never checks my website.

Surprise on her if she does! Kudos to Mr. Lyons who rotary cuts all the fabric for me. :-)

Excerpt intended for mature audiences only.

NEW EXCERPT - from GIMME SOME YANG

(because anyone who's ever had a sexy yoga instructor must surely have had fantasies about what all they could do in the studio...)

Taek's right hand slid up my stomach, past my collarbone and neck, and he lifted my chin until I was staring at him in the mirror. I trembled, seeing my reflection. Was that me?

The female with the wide, uncertain eyes, face flushed with passion, entire body quivering...kneeling in an unfamiliar position of submission, under the direction and control of the soft-spoken Asian who quoted Socrates and wielded his erect member like it should be insured by Lloyd's of London?

"Last and final lesson of the day. 'It does not matter how slowly you go, so long as you do not stop.' "

"Oh, God, don't stop."

He tilted my face until we were staring at each other, no longer using the mirror as a buffer. Twin rivulets of sweat dripped from his temple and edged alongside his nose. His full lips touched mine, then retreated. "I won't, if you won't. And that was Confucius."

And then his mouth took mine. Grinding my lips against my teeth, he pushed his tongue inside and I gorged myself on it, loving the spicy flavor...my first taste of him. He groaned low in his throat and his hips jerked, forcing his cock even higher inside me. I bit down on his tongue and reared against his back, my thighs trembling with the need to straighten. Both my hands went between my legs, where I touched myself, feeling his cock as it slid in and out of my body. My fingers tangled around my clit and I screamed...

NEW WRITING TIPS

Actually, these are the first writing tips ever, but I guess they still qualify as being new.  :-)

As an author dealing with a disability, I thought I'd share a couple of my best writing tips—tricks of the trade, that allow me to write and keep the voices in my head from bubbling over!

Dragon NaturallySpeaking—dictation software. If it weren't for this, I wouldn't be able to write my stories at all. Typing is out of the question due to pain and swelling, but when everything is working as it should (thanks to Mr. Lyons!...yes, my dear spouse is used to responding to the occasional "Help! It's not recognizing my words" pleas for assistance and fortunately, he's very good at keeping everything operating in top shape) I "talk" my story and characters into the computer. This software has made significant strides over the years. I've been using it since 1996 and the recent versions have come along tremendously, only I still have to teach it all of the "naughty" words!

R.S.V.P. fine point pens by Pentel—the best pen I've ever used, bar none. Granted, I've never tried truly expensive pens, but I wasn't able to write more than a sentence or so with Bic and the like, and for several years I despaired of ever being able to write letters, much less chapters, again. Then I discovered this wonderful writing instrument. It fairly glides over the pages. I write almost every bit of my stories longhand and then dictate from spiral-bound pages.

A patient, understanding critique partner—I couldn't help it. Alyssa Brooks deserves a nod for her ongoing encouragement and patience. Over the years, we've developed a writing partnership and personal friendship and have learned ways to minimize my time on the computer. Thanks, Alyssa!

I promise more writing tips as they occur to me.

>^..^< Larissa

March/April 2008 - Whew! Seems like forever since I've done a real Lair and writing update.

2008's gotten off to a fantastic start—Ensnared by Innocence released in January (yea!) while I was busily working away on the second of my Regency shapeshifting Roaring Rogues. And guess what!?

I finished it! Yes—FINISHED! Moi has finally learned how to start and finish a real book in "one sitting" — Deceived by Desire is Nash's story and it topped out at 63,000 words, more than double Ensnared!

Whoop! I love it! Loved writing it, too. :-) Nash and Laney both surprised me, either coming up naughtier or feistier than I'd planned, but about halfway into the manuscript, it became official — I fell "in love" with Nash, just like I had with Erasmus during his story. Too darn cool! Must admit I have a fondness for all my leading men but so far, these are the only two that I've ever dreamed of snaring for myself. (Shhh, don't tell Mr. Lyons.) It'll be interesting to see what happens when their cousin Phin has his turn later this year!

My darling Buddy Fluff (otherwise known as Klingon) wanted everyone to know that he gave his seal of approval to Nash's story. Although, he does keep wondering why I haven't written a series about black panthers...

Alyssa is halfway through her critique and I'm waiting with breath held for her feedback. Yesterday, she called and said that I "cracked her up repeatedly" while reading one section. Double yea!

So what's next? Alyssa and I are working on some joint contemporary stories. These are awesome! We're in the midst of tying down several loose ends and I'll share details as soon as I can, promise!
 

I'm pleased to report that updating my website to its new design is 90% complete and what a surprise I had in January when one of the reviewers at JERR contacted me about reviewing my site—just after I started turning things upside down with the new design! But I worried for nothing :-) and was extremely happy to read the fantastic 5 Star review they gave me! Not bad for a do-it-myself website, huh? Some of what Aggie T. had to say: Ms. Lyons' work...is beautifully written erotic prose full of romance that sweeps you away...So too is Ms. Lyons' website. This site is classy...Gorgeous in design and layout...A website that is put together with much thought, professionalism and attention to detail. A must see and visit corner of the net.

I love how she said my site was classy.  :-) Between that and one of the reviewers comparing the historical atmosphere in Ensnared to Robin Schone's Victorian settings — wow! What a great couple of months.

Treat yourself and your body right and have a wonderful, wonderful day! :-) Larissa

PS, Keep scrolling for a new excerpt, review highlights, more pictures & a great new recipe!

NEW IN REVIEWS
Ensnared has received some great reviews. Here's a small sampling:

5 Angels! The mystery of Lord Blakely... screamed I've got secrets. Once Lady Francine got him, they set the pages on an inferno with the fire that burned between them, and it got hotter as the book wore on. I can promise that you'll not regret picking up this book. Missy, Fallen Angels Reviews

5 Stars! - Sultry I loved the moods created by the author, her detail to the period and her gift at recreating the society in which she cast her books and characters. The authoress of this book has paid magnificent attention to the complexity of human emotion. Rae, Ecataromance

B Um so… I loved this. Teddypig, The Naughty Bits

Obvious devotion to historical detail...Lyons did a tremendous job of making me believe that these two people and their interactions were really part of the Regency period...think Robin Schone’s Victorian period historicals... Bev(QB) The Good, The Bad & The Unread

Excerpt intended for mature audiences only.

NEW EXCERPT - from Ensnared by Innocence

How he wanted to bend her over, forge his way through her tight crevice and plow into her sweet cunt, scrape his nails along the skin of her back and taste the delicate flavor of her nape. God. He wanted, no needed, to corrupt this not quite pure innocent. What did that say about him? The irresponsible actions of his grandfather had done more than damn their family. It seemed with his current inexplicable affection toward Lady Francine, they had damned his soul as well.

Ensnared by an innocent. What was his world coming to?

“Very well. I agree.” He was a weak, weak man.

“You’ll pose as my betrothed?”

 “I will and I’ll also awaken your body to the pleasures to be had. But with one stipulation,” he added when she started to look more joyful than he had a right to even witness. “I’ll squire you about town and effectively put my claim on you in order to protect you from any further offers. However, regarding the physical aspects of our association…”

“Yes?”

How in the hell could he put this delicately? How could he explain the potential danger?

He couldn’t and gave up trying. Better to scare her off now and forgo any momentary oblivion he might find in her arms than to suffer—or force her to suffer—anything like what his cousin once caused.

Erasmus stepped forward and grabbed Francine’s hand. Roughly, he placed it on his cock, curving her fingers around the width of his erection and holding them there when she made to pull away. “My sexual proclivities are renowned for a reason. I have extensive appetites. Ones I’m not sure you can satisfy or will even want to.”

Her fingers tightened on his shaft. “Oh but I do. I want to experience what all the fuss is about and as I have no intention of marrying in truth, this is a prime opportunity.”

“Your flattering words make me feel so very wanted,” he said sarcastically, hating how he even cared that he was being used simply because she was curious. And hating how his body responded so furiously to her hesitant explorations. All thought and will centered in his groin—and was disintegrating by the moment.

“I did tell you that I approached you before asking any others. You were my first choice.” Her fingers prodded and probed, causing him to swell under their regard.

“That you did. And in turn, I will tell you that I’ll endeavor not to be seen with another woman during our farce, which would likely cause speculation but I require that you make yourself available to me anytime I desire it and absent yourself when I require that as well.” There. If he felt his control slipping, he’d simply order her from his presence. That should assuage his conscience.

“Done.”

Her easy assent, after hounding him so very thoroughly until he capitulated and fell in with her plans, raised a red flag. “Do not think to gainsay me on this at a later date, Lady Francine. You will vacate yourself from my vicinity at once, if I so order it.”

“Of course.”

She had no idea what she’d just agreed to and he was too damn selfish to tell her.

NEW AROUND THE HOUSE

I'm happy to report that I'm a new aunt. My little sister had her first child last week and I surprised her with a homemade flannel baby blanket—one with dancing monkeys (go figure...her and her husband have a thing for monkeys) but what the pictures don't readily show, the quilting itself is done in the shape of cats! (Which fortunately, she loves as much as I do...or at least almost, so she was tickled.) This is the first time I made a flannel quilt or bound anything with satin binding instead of sewing the binding on by hand. What a breeze.  >^..^<  I'll be visiting my nephew and help out next week.  :-)
		Remember the kitty rescue I reported back in November? Well I'm doubly happy to report that Mr. Tango is doing quite well, has practically doubled his body weight and is getting along with his Cousin Tucker terrifically (except when Tango decides to bite Tucker's nape and Tucker swats him like a fly and sends him flying without any effort at all.  :-) Talking about putting on weight...Tucker has done the same. Those little pointy ears of his almost disappear atop that big body! We're trying to put him on a diet, but between mice, birds and Mr. Lyons, Tucker isn't sticking to the wet food I keep trying to feed him!

NEW RECIPE

Speaking of food, how about an easy recipe for spaghetti sauce from yours truly, to help you use up all those wonderful tomatoes that will be springing forth in gardens soon?

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

January/February 2008 - Welcome to the first edition of my Lair hosted on my website.  After 2 1/2 years of maintaining Wicked Escapes Ezine, I've definitely noticed a difference the last couple of months in my writing output since I wasn't focusing on anything else!  Well, other than a slight facelift to my site.  Bear with me over the coming weeks as I finish converting the remainder of my pages, but I hope you enjoy the new look as much as Mr. Lyons and I do (he helped!).

Writing wise, I've gotten a lot done since my last check in.  I did my FINAL read through (which, if you know me, you know means I was still tweaking things on every single page...making it better!) on Tied Between Two Lovers. Now it's back in Alyssa's capable hands so she can read over this erotic masterpiece that's only taken us 11 months! But we learned a ton about working together and I think the finished story is dynamite (modesty? ha! it's overrated!).

I've been flying through the second of my Roaring Rogues Regency shapeshifters. The first one comes out on January 25...just a few short days away and I'm so excited.  I think Ensnared by Innocence is some of the best work I've done.  Not to mention one of the best covers I've ever seen...the fabulous cover artists captured my hero (and his gorgeous sideburns) to perfection.

Speaking of masterpieces, the long-running PBS program Masterpiece Theatre is showcasing ALL of Jane Austen's novels over the next couple of months. Mr. Lyons and I enjoyed the first one last night and I loved it.

Thanks to everyone who came out to visit on the EC loop last Saturday at the SEX & SURPRISES chat. I had loads of fun and will be doing it again March 15th.

Congrats to both Tammy and Lonie who won Larissa's Food & Excuses Contest last month.

No new kitty pics or recipes this time; gonna keep this short so I can keep moving forward on the site overhaul (and my writing!).

Here's to a fabulous 2008! >^..^< Larissa

P.S. Subscribers of Larissa's Lair also received a smokin' hot excerpt not on my website! ;-)