What To Do Today
Shameless Book Con authors add eroticism to the mundane
In Calendar, contemporary romance writers share sexy snippets of traveling to the Shameless Book Con, going on this weekend at the DoubleTree by Hilton at Universal Orlando. Cuban dancers talk about their experience of coming together for the latest production of “Swan Lake.” Plus a review for “Only the Brave,” movie listings and more.
Whatever kind of love you’re searching for, Angie Lynch is positive you’ll find it at Shameless Book Con. “Shapeshifters, aliens, billionaire werewolves,” said the director of Shameless BookClub.com.
Back for its second year, Shameless brings more than 120 authors and 700-plus fans of “contemporary romance,” as Lynch calls it, to the Doubletree by Hilton Universal Orlando. It’s akin to classic romance, but a little more … graphic. “Things aren’t held back as much as they were 10 or 20 years ago. There isn’t as much innuendo or what we call ‘fade-to-black.’”
The convention will feature signings, panel discussions and a large “smut gala” according to Lynch, who lives in Orlando. (The gala’s theme is “Paradiso vs. Inferno,” so guests can indulge their demons and be taken to heaven all in one night.)
To prove that these authors can add sexy to anything, we asked a few of them to describe some experiences related to visiting Orlando. Here is what they came up with:
Alessandra Torre
Destin Author of “The Ghostwriter” and “Hollywood Dirt”
alessandratorre.com
The strong chest just begged to be touched. How long had it been since I’d seen something like that? Certainly, nothing back home could compare to it. I reached forward, then stopped. I couldn’t.
“Go ahead.” The deep male voice rumbled out. “I think you want to.” “I can’t,” I whispered. “Go ahead,” he urged. “Wait till you feel how hard it is.”
I stepped back and glanced regretfully toward the salesperson. “I don’t want to tempt myself. I’m not from here. Just visiting.”
“But it’ll hold all of your books,” my friend urged. “You could ship it later.”
“No.” I shook my head and stepped back. “I’d rather spend that money on books at the convention.”
It was too bad. Temptation had never looked so good.
Leela Lou Dahlin
Pittsburgh Author of “All for Your Pleasure” and “One Last Fling”
dahlinbooks.com
“Welcome to Orlando.” The raspy tone of the man’s voice made me even stickier than the kiss of humidity that had greeted me when I left the cool conditioned air of the airport. Unfortunately, I’ve never been one for a quick retort, so silence was my response. For now, I’ll have to settle for the flirty eye glances we seem to be exchanging in the rearview mirror.
“How was your flight?” sexy driver said over the music that was playing lightly on the radio.
“Long, hard and…hot.” I must need a nap.
“Well then it sounds like you’re ready for Shameless Author Conference.”
The car stopped at the hotel, he hopped out and opened my door. The look of surprise was on my face. How did he know?
“It’s on your luggage.” I nodded as he held out his hand to pull me out of the car.
“Enjoy your stay.”
Jane Harvey-Berrick
Cornwall, United Kingdom
Author of “The Education of Sebastian” and “The Traveling Man”
janeharveyberrick.co.uk
The question is, how much candy is too much?
Should a woman of a certain age be seen with so much of the sweet stuff? But I can’t help myself! Just the sight of those tempting little treats, all shapes and sizes, waiting to be unwrapped, how can I resist? And frankly, why would I want to?
Three large tins of chocolates, bought in the U.K., have to make their journey to the U.S. to be shared with readers in Orlando. As I write romance for a living, having a good selection of sweet ’n’ sassy, hot and steamy chocolate is something that should be a tax deductible expense. Sadly, it’s not. But I do it all in the name of research.
I’ll be sharing the good stuff around. You can thank me later with a sigh on your lips and happy memories in your heart.
Bloody marvelous. You’re welcome :)
Elle Christensen
New York Author of “Another Postcard” and “Protecting Shaylee”
I can’t go to a con in Orlando without stopping at a theme park. It’s like the ultimate role play experience. Costumes, mystery, excitement, and toys…so many toys… It always spices up life to take a ride on a roller coaster. I wait with heady anticipation, imagining what it will feel like. I’m giving up control over myself but confident that the people involved know what I need. Finally, it’s my turn and I climb aboard. Everything starts out slow, building the tension until things really start rocking! My heart is racing, sweat beads on my skin, and I grab on to anything that will keep me steady. But as I reach the peak, I scream in complete ecstasy.
Even though I know what to expect, it’s new and a little scary every time. Then things slowly return to normal but my view of everything around me has a satisfied glow.
S.M. Lumetta
New York Author of “Fox” and “You Are Here”
My body is content, surrounded by warmth and comfort. He sighs against my shoulder and I smile. I want to stay, but I made a promise.
That, and my tickets are non-refundable.
I peel away the sheets and comforter, pulling myself into a painfully good stretch. I moan as my muscles almost violently shake off what little sleep I got. The ache reminds me of the previous night and I grin shamelessly. I’d never had so much fun dancing at the bar before.
After slipping out of bed and into my clothes, I look over to say goodbye but find him licking himself like it’s a timed competition. Fiend. I guess I’m dismissed.
I grab my suitcase and close the door behind me. The cat and my amazing bed will be there when I get back from Orlando.