erotica

Hot Button Words

/ Jaye Elise / 7 Comments

Does any one else have a word that triggers their kink-dar? I’m talking about those normal yet sneaky, seductive words that form part of everyday conversations at work or with friends, and when somebody uses one…wow. You’re squirming in your seat, adjusting yourself under the table, and thinking all manner of lascivious thoughts. 

You know the words I’m talking about, don’t you? 

Okay, in the interest of pulling back the curtain a bit, I’ll go ahead and share one of mine with you… Training.

Seems harmless enough, right? 

Well, maybe it was harmless until it entered my twisted little mind and burrowed its way into my submissive soul.

A Dom training a new submissive to give and receive pleasure, to perfect new positions, to adopt new practices, to come alive in the beauty of the gift that is their submission.

That same Dom training his submissive’s cute little ass to take his cock. 

A submissive training their mind to be still in the face of challenges and to look to their Dominant for comfort and reassurance.

Is it getting warm in here?? 🥵

What are the words that ping your kink-dar? Please share in the comments, if you’re comfortable doing so – I’d love to weave these into a decidedly non-vanilla story for all of us to share!

Doms need TLC, too!

/ Jaye Elise / 1 Comment

Following up on my piece on truthiness in erotica, I wanted to touch on the fallacy of the “Dom as cool, calm, collected, and in control at all times” notion. 

As someone with (ahem) submissive leanings, I would love to believe that Doms inherently know all the right things to do, say, and share at any given moment. Of course they do, right??

For example, I sleep better at night without worrying about the things that Mr. Elise has placed outside of my control. But even he catches the occasional man cold or gets stressed about work. He’s human.

And the Doms in my novels)? They’re seasoned (and devilishly handsome) experts at tuning into the needs of the women in their lives. But even they struggle with their own anxieties and shortcomings—agoraphobia, PTSD, navigating loss, etc. They’re human…well, kinda sorta.

The point is that occasionally Doms, just like the subs that adore and serve them, need some TLC, grace, and special attention. As Mr. Elise often reminds me, “We take care of each other, just in different ways.” 

So whether it’s a case of Domdrop, anxiety, frustration, stress, or something altogether different, it’s vital to find a way to tune into their needs, to meet them where they are, and to forge a path forward.

After all, they’re human.

Verisimilitudinous Kink

/ Jaye Elise / 5 Comments

So, if you made it past the title and are now reading this, thank you for hanging in there! Despite what you might think, one of my kinks isn’t using big words…although I am an unabashedly hardcore sapiosexual. 😉 

For those of you who don’t know and aren’t in the mood to waste a browser tab on looking it up (and I don’t blame you one bit), “verisimilitudinous” means having the appearance of being true or believable. It’s truthiness. 

I won’t speak for other BDSM, D/s, fetish, and/or erotica authors here, but from my own experience, I find that I skirt a razor’s edge of verisimilitude every time I sit down to write. 

I have to capture how the characters navigate their world, making sure that it’s sexy, yet focused enough to drive the plot. 

I have to describe intense scenes of power exchange, Dominance and submission, unorthodox practices, and sexual delights and torments that, in some cases, don’t even exist while capturing the very real emotional struggles and growth that come with these exchanges.

I have to draw from personal experience, when possible, while also making sure to not share too much.

The best kind of kink, for my money, is the verisimilitudinous kind. The kind that gives you just enough reality to suspend disbelief on some of the more far-fetched fantasy. The kind that pulls you into its world and holds you captive with curiosity, desire, and longing for what the characters are experiencing. The kind that sinks its teeth into your core and doesn’t let go until it’s through with you.

But for those of us who write erotic fiction, verisimilitudinous kink can be a liability. Where does the fantasy end and reality begin? How can you reconcile the extreme practices of some of your characters within the bounds of safe, sane, and consensual? 

And, most importantly, how to write this truth-y fiction without baring your soul to the entire world? 

There Should Be No Should

/ Jaye Elise / 7 Comments

I’ve written elsewhere about the notion of the word “should.” It’s an insidious little word that sneaks its way into conversations all too easily and to great detriment to all. 

Are you sure you should do that?

Maybe you should try taking things slower/faster/a different way…

Even though this feels good, I shouldn’t want it, shouldn’t need it, shouldn’t crave it.

We’ve all said it; we’ve all heard it. And it never feels good. “Should” implies judgement of ourselves and others. Why bind ourselves to narrow, externally imposed constructs of what “should” be right, “should” be acceptable, “should” be pleasurable? (Unless, of course, being bound is what you like…) 😉

And specifically, within the context of the BDSM, D/s, and other power exchange communities—provided you’re engaged in safe, sane, consensual practices—there should be no should.

I encourage us all to critically examine* our use of the word “should” and adapt accordingly.

* You know, I really shouldn’t split an infinitive like that. 😉

(Here’s a link to the song I reference in the image above, in case you’d like to have a listen.)

A little treat…

/ Jaye Elise / 4 Comments
A man in a suit holds a bound woman across his lap in preparation for a spanking

Motivation is a vital factor when it comes to so many aspects of our lives. 

Dragging yourself out of bed before dawn to go work out. Filing your taxes. Dealing with the piles of laundry that seemed to have appeared out of nowhere. Buckling down and putting pen to paper on a new book idea. Submitting to the will of another and placing yourself entirely in their hands. 

The common denominator here is motivation. And finding the right motivation at the right time for the right person…that’s truly sublime. 

In my particular case, motivation comes in the form of little treats. And Mr. Elise understands this implicitly. After spending the better part of the last two weeks hammering out my newest erotica work in progress, I put the final period on my first draft last night. 

And I think I deserve a little treat.

But I guess I’ll just have to wait and see. 😉

I’m back…

/ Jaye Elise / 4 Comments

Eight years ago, I began my journey as an erotica author, publishing six novels in one year. 

Seven years ago, I didn’t think I would write another word.

What started off as an adventure of exploration, self-expression, creativity, and community-building devolved into a soul-crushing disaster of burnout, overexposure, and upset. 

I had curated a wonderful crew of authors, creators, and friends, but I abandoned them, too paralyzed by the prospect of continuing on the path I’d forged. And abandonment was only the first step. I also shut down all social media, newsletter activity, and creative pursuits; to this day, I still don’t know why I didn’t delete this blog. The thought of writing—of being Jaye Elise—was too much to endure. 

But, as you might have gathered from the title of this post (and the fact that I’m posting after seven years), I’m back. I’ll spare you the obligatory “phoenix rising from the ashes” or “back in the saddle” clichés, but I will say that it’s nice to be here with you again.

It’s doubly nice to be back and sharing a key update. Within the next month or two, I’ve got a new book coming out. While I can’t share too many details quite yet, I can say that I’ll be heading back into one of my favorite sub-sub-sub-genres (emphasis on the sub). D/s dynamic, strong hero/defiant heroine, bondage, medfet, spanking, and more. I can’t wait to share more with you as we get nearer to publication! 

Also, thank you. Thank you for your patience, your kindness, and your grace. And to those of you who I’ve abandoned, my sincerest apologies. 

Sending much love and support your way…as I make sure to reserve some of those for myself, too.

Book Release: Hostile Spankover!

/ Jaye Elise / 11 Comments

Hostile Spankover - CoverSo, my newest release with Jack Crosby—Hostile Spankover!—answers the question, “What happens when a couple of authors with similar (somewhat juvenile) senses of humor and a shared love for erotica and the movie Die Hard dare each other to write the craziest, most outlandish smut novel in the history of ever?”

I mean, we’ve all asked that question. Right??

Simply put, Jack and I were on a crazy writing spree at the end of last year. Punch drunk from late nights spent writing and a few too many bacon benders, we started talking about how most erotica seemed to take itself too seriously. But what about those readers who love a nice one-handed read and who also enjoy some serious laughs with their naughtiness?

On that fateful day, Hostile Spankover! was born. For those of you who may be used to our other collaborations—Rules of the Wild and Running Wild—please note that Hostile Spankover! is a major departure from our typical style. This one isn’t for everyone. And we’re cool with that.

You’ve been warned. 😉

Please enjoy this blurb and an excerpt from the ballsiest smut novel you’ll ever lay your hands on!

I give you….Hostile Spankover!

Bond. Bourne. McClane. Stryker?

Special Agent Gabriel Stryker has a penchant for packing heat, thwarting his enemies, and dropping awful puns. And not necessarily in that order. When an international weapons dealer sets his sights on pulling a major job in New York City on New Year’s Eve, it’s up to Stryker to get to the bottom of his nefarious plan before the clock strykes zero.

With the help of his not-so-ex-girlfriend and intrepid, acid-tongued reporter, Vikki Phoenix, Stryker will need to call on every last bit of awesomeness–and the occasional spanking–to keep Vikki on the straight and narrow and out of harm’s way. Get in on the action as the FBI, the CIA, and a host of the wildest characters ever to grace the pages of a one-handed read join forces to maintain law and order in a city on the verge of going to hell in a hand basket.

To make a long story short, this ain’t your typical “wink wink” read. Consider yourself warned.

Publisher’s Note: This book contains terrible puns, two ridiculous main characters who totally deserve each other, a lot of the hot n’ heavies, and a poor soul whose name is not Manny but that’s tragically what we’ll all remember him by. Reader discretion is advised.

Promo Card 2

Excerpt:

Back at the station, I scrolled through all the police reports and the articles the major papers had released over the past day about the incident at the café. Most of what I found were weak-ass regurgitations of the same story I’d scooped not even eighteen hours ago.

The sketchy details remained the same. Apparent contract hit. Eurotrash dipshits of unknown origins. Both presumably shot and killed by the very targets they’d been sent to kill. A shitload of glass and freaked out customers left in the wake of the incident. And, if I’d really seen what I thought I saw while on site, what was Stryker doing there? And what was I going to do about it if it was him?

But first things first…

Work the problem, Vik. Trace it back and work it, I talked myself up, taking a sip of the mud in a mug that the station insisted was coffee. Wincing after witnessing the parting of the oil slick resting atop the viscous liquid, I swallowed the vile brew and ran my fingers through my hair. The adrenaline I’d been coasting on had long since waned and I just needed a solid hit of caffeine to jolt me back into action.

Christ, what I wouldn’t give for some nice imported Ethiopian or Costa Rican beans. Hell, I’d even drink that fancy Asian cat shit coffee right about now.

Holy hell. Wait a second. That’s the angle I needed to pursue. These guys weren’t from the States and they would’ve had to come through border control at some point.  Snagging my phone, I ran through my contacts until I found the name I was looking for. J. Jeffrey – Immigration and Customs.

Girding my loins and gearing up for the performance of my life, I dialed him. The phone barely rang once before he picked up.

“H-hello? Vikki? Is that you?” If I didn’t know we were the exact same age—we’d graduated from high school in the same class—based on the cracking in his voice, I would’ve pegged Jeffrey as a pubescent teenager.

“Oh, Jeffrey Jeffrey Jeffrey…” The worst part of my opening gambit was that repeating his name oh-so-seductively wasn’t a rhetorical ploy. The poor son of bitch was actually named Jeffrey Jeffrey Jeffrey. Needless to say, his parents were total dicks. “Yeah, it’s me, buddy. Long time, no talk to, huh?”

“Um, yeah, Vikki. So, what do you need this time?” The best part about Jeff Cubed was that he knew when to get down to brass tacks. The only possible reason I’d be calling him would be to pump him for information, so why beat around the bush with the whole “what’ve you been up to lately” crap?

“You hear about the guys who got popped at that café in Midtown yesterday? They’re not from the States and I was hoping you might be able to work some of your magic to see if we could get some identifications on them?”

“Oh, yeah. I saw your report on the news last night…you looked great, by the way,” he murmured, the breath catching nervously in his throat.

“Aw, thanks, Jeff. So,” I refocused on the task at hand, “think you might be able to get me something on these guys?”

“Um, yeah. Sure. I can try. Are you, uh, are you still offering the same, uh, deal as before?”

“Oh, Jeffrey, aren’t you the naughty one? If it works for you, it works for me, big guy.” Pro tip: it never hurt to call a man who barely measured up to your chin “big guy.” First off, it was sure to grease the wheels and get a faster response. Plus, based on some high school rumors, apparently our dark horse Mister Thrice Jeffrey was packing some heat in those off-brand polyester slacks of his.

“Yeah, give me a few and let me see what I can dig up for you. I’ll call you in a bit, okay?”

“Sounds great, Jeff. And thanks. Thanks a lot,” I replied, my tone finally indicating my gratefulness to my old classmate.

After hanging up, I had a little time to kill and nobody to put on blast for the moment. Given how exhausted I was, a few minutes strolling down memory lane couldn’t hurt, right? I popped open the cache of photos on my phone and thumbed through until I got to a batch from a few years back. And there he was.

Gabriel Stryker, in all his drool-worthy glory. I might’ve been the sexy darling of nighttime news in this city, but Gabe was the gritty, ripped, hot-as-shit god of sex that kept this darling in line. We were one of those couples that was so goddamned good-looking, we would probably have been doomed to have the world’s ugliest kids, just on principle.

Even though the memories hurt—nobody liked getting spurned for a badge—it didn’t mean I couldn’t be self-indulgent for a moment. And Christ, was he decadence itself. Gabe wrapping his arms around me from behind. Kissing my neck as I took a selfie. Running his bearded chin along my temple as we skated at Rockefeller Center. Sipping champagne together at dozens of brunches and dinners. Screwing my brains out in an ill-advised, blurry, naked action shot.

Reckless or not, I was glad I hadn’t deleted that last one. It was all the proof I needed that what we’d had was real. And that there was a time when there was a man in my life strong enough to take me in hand and make me his. To burn me to the ground with the intensity of his love and to help me rise up from the ashes.

Promo Card 3

Some Naughty Couplets from the Ball

/ Jaye Elise / 2 Comments

Ball GownOur girl wrapped herself up in glamour and lace,
Painted makeup all over her pretty face.
The sassy Cinderella went to the ball,
But the people there didn’t know her at all.

They’d no idea of the stories within,
Her brain teeming with all manner of titillating sin.
She wanted to sit back and write their tales,
To uncover the naughty truths behind their veils.

Jonathan looked like he enjoyed a nice threesome,
And Mariana secretly craved to take it in the bum.
Steven wished he were there with the gorgeous waiter,
While Jen fought it out with the plug and tried to walk straighter.

But our girl put on her smile and told her jokes,
She giggled with the ladies and flirted with the blokes.
She thought she had them all nailed down,
Until she felt His eyes fixed on her figure and gown.

He watched her from across the room,
Never moving toward her, never dared to assume.
He saw beneath her carefully crafted façade,
Apparently unsure whether to censure or applaud.

Our girl melted beneath his gaze,
Caught red-handed by the only one who knew her crafty ways.
She smoldered and blushed in all her glory,
For she was now the heroine in someone else’s story.

Triple Play Q&A with Rikki de la Vega

/ Jaye Elise / 2 Comments

WomanReadingHello all!

For this week’s Triple Play Q&A segment, I’d like to introduce you to Rikki de la Vega, author of Peri’s Bliss and Hannah’s Healing. I’m so excited to host her and to share her feisty, witty, inspirational responses with you!

Welcome, Rikki!

Rikki de la Vega lives, lusts and writes in Boston, Massachusetts. Polyamorous, kinky, and a feisty intellectual, she crafts her erotic tales from real-life experiences with the goal of presenting good smut for smart people. An unorthodox sex-positive feminist, she is also an online activist for everything from sex work decriminalization to disability rights.

PerisBliss

Love it, Rikki—such a pleasure to meet you! And now it’s time for your Triple Play Q&A!

If you were a character in a book or series of books, who would you be and why?

My own character of Lila Jaworski, in the Free Spirits series, is one with which I identify. She’s vivacious, generous, and yet doesn’t need to be the center of attention to get things done. She also has a strongly intuitive sense of people, and none of the burdensome shame that so many have about sexuality and gender expectations.

HannahsHealingWhat writing project are you currently working on?

Right now, I’m writing Amalia’s Truth, my fourth book in the Free Spirits series. The series is set around members of the Free Spirit Connection, a fictional modern spiritual community which sees sex as another form of communion, even allowing members to get it on in private communion rooms. The title character in this book appeared previously, and in this book she’s attending the Connection’s Triennial Assembly as a delegate, not to mention having plenty of erotic encounters. But she also becomes the target of some unsavory rumors, and has to defend herself.

If you were to perform karaoke, which song would you pick and why?

Well, disclosure time here. I have a serious speech disorder, which makes it extremely difficult (even painful) to try to speak or sing for anything longer than a short sentence. So I let my friends do the karaoke thing, and I show my support to them by clapping and dancing. Anyway, if that weren’t the case, I’d be singing “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves. It’s so positive and high energy, you can’t help moving to the beat, feeling it flow through you. We need more of that energy, more talk about love and pleasure, less pettiness and “me-and-my-group-first” nonsense. And if you out there reading agree with me, do me a favor and sing “Walking on Sunshine” for me at your next karaoke night!

Well, Rikki, you’ve got it! “Walking on Sunshine” is officially on my next karaoke set list! Thank you so much for joining me today and for sharing more about yourself and your current projects! 

If you’d like to find out even more about Rikki de la Vega, or would be interested in picking up some of her fantastic books, please click around the links above and below and go to town!

BridgetsCalling

Release Day for Running Wild!

/ Jaye Elise / 4 Comments

runningwild w. series name

Hello all!

Well, the big day is finally here! Please allow me to introduce Rudolf Wyatt, the hero of Jack Crosby’s and my newest release, Running Wild! This stand-alone sequel to Rules of the Wild follows the story of Rudolf (Tobias Wyatt’s younger, more impulsive brother) and Jordyn Maxwell, both professional mushers in the world of sled dog racing that have been hand-selected as two of ten total contestants to compete in this year’s Chimney Run 600 race from North Pole, Alaska down to Anchorage.

Before I share a quick blurb with you and then run out to celebrate, please allow me to thank my astoundingly talented co-author, Jack Crosby, and our outstanding publisher, Stormy Night Publications!

Be sure to grab your copy of Running Wild today and let Rudolf Wyatt help melt away those winter blues!!!

Blurb:

When former Olympian Jordyn Maxwell is selected to participate in the most grueling sled dog race in Alaska, a six-hundred-mile ordeal that puts even the most experienced mushers to the test, she is determined to prove herself and bring home the top prize. But the competition will be fierce.

Though she expected the long, difficult journey across the frozen wilderness to be a lonely affair, Jordyn quickly forms a bond with handsome fellow racer Rudolf Wyatt. But when she puts her safety at risk with her reckless behavior, Jordyn is shocked by Wyatt’s willingness to take her over his knee for a humiliating spanking on her bare bottom, and as the race continues she finds herself with blushing cheeks and a burning backside on several more occasions.

Wyatt’s bold dominance and stern correction leave Jordyn intensely aroused, and when he takes her in his arms and claims her hard and thoroughly it is unlike anything she has experienced before. But will their passion survive the trials of this harsh land and the scheming of someone who seems intent on keeping either of them from crossing the finish line alive?

Publisher’s Note: Running Wild is a stand-alone book which is the second entry in the Wild Alaska series. It includes spankings and sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don’t buy this book.

P.S. Did I mention that this one has puppies in it?

P.P.S. Yes, puppies!!! 🙂

Husky