And the winner is..... Erica. I've emailed you regarding receiving a copy of TO DARE THE DUKE OF DANGERFIELD.

It's a very cold and wet day here in Wellington, New Zealand, and I'm busy finishing off book two in my Wicked Wager trilogy, To Wager the Marquis of Wolverstone. As usual I tend to surf the net when I'm supposed to be writing, and I keep reading loads about the story, Shades of Grey, and the big rise in womens' erotica.

I don't think it's only erotica that has increasing levels of sex. Most romance novels and sex,  go together like roast lamb and mint sauce. You can still eat the lamb without the mint sauce, but it wouldn't set your taste buds alight, or give you that completely satisfied feeling.

I love a bit of sex with my romance, in any story. But the driver for me is the romance. Sex without the passion, or heart-felt longing and need, is just sex. Just sex is boring. Where's the emotion? It's the love driving the passion that makes a story truly erotic for me.

What do you think... Does sex and romance go hand and hand. Leave a comment. One lucky commenter will win a copy of To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield eBook, book one in the Wicked Wagers trilogy.

Here's a snippet from To Wager the Marquis of Wolverstone as an example...

He finally pushed himself off her, and rose from the couch on shaky legs. He walked to fetch them sustenance because he needed a minute to process his feelings. He hadn’t expected to be so moved by the connection he had with Sabine. What they just shared was unlike anything he’d ever experienced with any woman.

He collected their wine glasses and then walked and selected a plate of meats.

“Do you think we’ll ever make it to a bed?” she asked teasingly.

He paused to stare at Sabine. Lying naked on the plush silk of the day-bed, her skin flushed with arousal, she looked like a sensual Goddess. His body stirred once more.

“Not if you continue to stare at me like that,” he answered honestly. “Let’s eat. I’m starving. I’ve been playing cards all day, remember?” He let his gaze wander over her breasts. “Besides, I think I’m going to need sustenance in order not to disappoint you the rest of the night.”

Heat flamed in her face at his bold stare and remark. Then it turned saucy and she began to study him with an expression of appreciation. “Oh, I’m hungry,” she purred, “but not for food.”

Naked desire flared and sped through has veins. It was close to two in the morning, and they’d just made-love, yet his body craved hers once more as an addict craved opium.

“Tonight has already exceeded my wildest fantasies. To have you wanton and eager in my arms is a dream obtained, but what about tomorrow, Sabine?” He ran a hand through his hair. “This time no secrets. No one gets hurt. What is it you want from me?”

The smile fled from her eyes. “Earlier this evening you released me from our wager. I give myself to you of my own free will.” She looked away and softly uttered, “One night, Marcus. It can only be one night and you know it. Too much has happened in our past to think we could make this more. I have a son to think about. And you need to marry. Your mother thinks Amy Shipton a good choice.” She swallowed hard. “And she is. She would do the Wolverstone name proud.” She turned back to him and looked directly at his face. “Something my name will never do. Besides, your mother would never accept me.”

He fought the urge to drop to his knees and deny her statement. They could make a life together. Couldn’t they?
Only if he could truly trust her.