Shelley Munro writes for Ellora's Cave, Cerridwen Press, New Concepts Publishing, and Medallion Press, with an impressive twenty-five titles currently available, including contemporary, paranormal, historical, and futuristic stories. She publishes in both print and e-format, and is one of the contributors to the anthology Irresistibly Cursed, available next summer from Pocket Books. Her love of writing is equaled only by her love of travel, which helped inspire Wanderlust, coming soon from Cerridwen.
Sierra Dafoe: Shelley, thank you for joining me! I wanted to ask, have your journeys helped form the basis of any of your other books?
Shelley Munro: Definitely! My story, Summer Lovin' in Dreams of the Oasis III from Ellora's Cave is set on the Gold Coast of Australia, which I've visited several times. This particular story was written while on a golf trip. I'm not a golfer at all, so I wrote while everyone else played chase the little white ball. I've also used the Sunshine Coast of Australia in Live the Moment, Egypt in Lynx to the Pharaoh and London and England feature in my two Medallion Press books, The Second Seduction and The Shadow. Places I visit in New Zealand are also likely to find their way into my books. Queenstown, Mount Cook, Middlemarch and Dunedin in the South Island and Taupo, Rotorua, Wellington and Auckland have featured in my New Zealand set books. I'm eyeing up Hawaii next since hubby and I have just spent two weeks there. I love to armchair travel myself and hope my readers enjoy the different settings as much as I enjoy writing them.
Sierra: Your stories have ranged everywhere from outer space to New Zealand, which is home for you (the upcoming Fancy Free, coming in January from Ellora's Cave). Did you find it a different sort of challenge to write about someplace you knew so intimately?
Shelley: Actually I find writing setting a challenge full stop. My first drafts typically seem as if they take place inside a white cardboard box. I have to go back and layer in the color to give scenes richness and make them come alive. I think I'm getting better since I don't need to spend as much time coloring as I used to. I love setting my stories in New Zealand since it's home, and I'm very familiar with the small details that can trip up an author who hasn't actually visited a town or country.
Sierra: And what was your reaction, hearing that you'd been selected for inclusion in the upcoming Pocket Books anthology?
Shelley: I'm absolutely thrilled to be in the Irresistibly Cursed anthology with Sally Painter and Margaret Carter. I love my story, Curse of Brandon Lupinus--it's a personal favorite so I'm very excited that it's coming out in print.
Sierra: You now have three m/m erotic romances out with Ellora's Cave (Best Man, Stray Cat Strut, and Fallen Idol ). What attracted you to m/m erotic romance, and what have you found particularly fulfilling about writing it?
Shelley: I was curious. I became interested in the genre around the time Brokeback Mountain came out and decided to pick up a few titles to see what all the fuss was about. I was surprised how much I enjoyed reading the stories and the first one I ever read, A BIT OF ROUGH by Laura Baumbach is one I've read several times. I enjoy the fact there are two heroes to write about - twice as much fun!
As a reader I get bored with reading one genre. I tend to switch around a bit, reading whatever I feel in the mood for at the time, be it a genre of romance, a mystery or thriller or something in the sci-fi or fantasy direction. I guess I've continued this trend in my writing, which is why I've written several different genres--the need to challenge myself to see if I can do it. Writing a m/m erotic romance was one of my challenges. I enjoyed it so I see more m/m stories in my future.
Sierra: With all the variety of stories you tell, are there any common themes for you? Issues that you find your romantic couples wrestling with
repeatedly in different books?
Shelley: Funnily enough I've discovered that many of my couples are searching for a place to call home, a place to make them feel secure even if they're strong characters. Establishing trust also plays a big part in my stories.
Sierra: In your view, what really makes an erotic romance come alive? Both as a reader and a writer -- what makes a story really sing for you?
Shelley: For me it's all about the characters. No matter what genre I'm reading or writing if I don't like or enjoy the characters then I'll put the book down.
Setting is also a big part of the story for me, and I like to treat it as another character with a distinct personality of its own.
Sierra: And where can readers find out more about you and your books?
Sierra: Shelley, thanks so much for joining us this month!
Shelley: Thanks, Sierra. It was fun!
Books by SHELLEY MUNRO
(click covers for info -- select excerpts below!)
Excerpt: Summer in the City of Sails by Shelley Munro
Sexual hunger stabbed at her mind, her body. All over. "Again, Nikolai. Please."
His soft chuckle brought another shiver. His finger stroked again, but this time instead of stopping, his digit continued its journey and feathered over her needy clit. A jagged sensation streaked the length of her body. Summer arched into his touch, aching for more, for total, body-pulsing ecstasy.
"Greedy little thing," he mused.
"Not little," Summer panted.
"Notice you're not denying the greedy," Nikolai drawled, doing another pass with his finger.
Bother the man. Not only was he teasing now, he was pushing her higher. "Damn straight," she gritted out.
The third pass of his finger made tingles spring to life. They spread outward from her clit in a soft wave. She bit her bottom lip, preparing to fly, but the tingles dissolved, along with another tingling roll like the end of a wave on its journey to the shore. Disappointment bopped her over the head and brought a frown to the surface. Heck, was that it? Summer relaxed in Nikolai's hold, her gaze remaining locked to his.
"At last," he muttered in a guttural voice. "Surrender."
Before she could react, he lifted her higher and sealed his mouth around her clit. A gentle flick of his tongue against her swollen core brought the fizzing anticipation back to the fore. Her hips jerked as he flailed her clitoris. Once. Twice. Three times. Summer exploded with a wallop of heat, shards of sensation rocketing to every pleasure point in her body.
Gradually, she came to her body again. She?d kept her eyes on Nikolai the whole time, but only now did she register the fiery heat and promise in his eyes.
"Tell me you have condoms," he said in a hoarse voice.
Summer batted her eyelids at him. "If I were a teaser, I'd say no, but I wouldn't do that sort of thing to you."
"Only because you want me to fuck you," he muttered, a tide of red highlighting his cheekbones.
Summer nodded thoughtfully, and manfully hid her smirk. "Yes, there is that. Top drawer, in the cellophane bag."
Nikolai lowered her hips to the mattress then bounded off the bed. He yanked the wooden drawer open, rifled through the bag, and pulled out the unopened box Summer had purchased that afternoon. He turned to her with a frown, totally unconscious of his body in a way that Summer really admired. From this angle, his cock appeared huge. Pre-cum glistened on the tip, and just like that, Summer was hot, achy and desperate for his touch.
"Hurry," she urged.
His brows shot up toward his hairline. "Glow-in-the-dark, Summer?"
"Yeah."
"Neon green?"
"It was a toss up between glow-in-the-dark, chocolate flavored or raised dots for great stimulation."
"What happened to normal, everyday condoms?"
"They left along with your sense of adventure?"
Nikolai ripped open the packet and pulled out a foil-covered square. For a few seconds, he stared at the bright green package. Then he glared at her. "You tell anyone about this, I'll deny it."
"I wouldn't dare," Summer deadpanned.
Nikolai barred a set of white teeth in a low growl, but Summer saw the humor lurking beneath. Physically, the man was much bigger than her but his size didn't inspire fear. "On your stomach," he ordered.
"Up on all fours."
"Oh! A new position."
"Yeah, the spanking position," Nikolai drawled. "Because I sure as hell haven't met any woman who needs a spanking more than you."
"I've heard across the man's knees is better."
Nikolai groaned and shook his head. "If you don't shut up, I'm gonna gag you as well."
"Tie me up? Oh, I like the sound of that!" Summer cooed.
The foil wrapper crackled as he tore it open. A snort escaped, and Summer noticed another imperceptible shake of his head. "They're the color of an ogre," he muttered.
An imp rattled Summer's cage. "Is that what you call it?" She stared fixedly at his cock, taking delight in the twitch she witnessed. "Ogre."
"Your mother didn't wash your mouth out nearly enough."
"Enough that I don't like the taste of soap."
Nikolai rolled the condom on and prowled to the edge of the bed.
Summer flicked off the bedside lamp. She stared at his erection, a long, thick batten that glowed soft, neon green. "They work!"
The disapproving snort of a man pushed almost to the limits bounced off her bedroom walls. Summer grinned and decided to act the submissive. Just for the moment. She shifted onto her side and then moved to her knees, still smirking. Nikolai cupped the round globes of her buttocks, his thumbs skirting close to the entrance of her vagina. Juices surged at his touch, and the laughter left her, a groan trembling at her lips instead.
"This is gonna be hard and quick," Nikolai muttered.
They strolled hand in hand across the dance floor. Emily caught Maggie's look of censure as they passed her dancing with one of Saber's brothers. Emily hesitated, but her friend's compressed mouth and scowl looked so much like Michael's she kept walking.
"Changed your mind?" Saber's lazy drawl sent a shiver racing straight to her core.
"No." Her gaze traced his firm lips. How would they feel closing around her nipples? Or touching her in a more intimate kiss? Heat suffused her body along with yearning. Between her legs moistened, the dampness making her fidget.
"That must be her over there with Sid," Saber muttered. "Let Felix cope with her nosy questions. We'll sneak past while she's not looking." With a furtive glance over his shoulder, he hustled Emily from the marquee.
A gurgle escaped Emily when they slipped past into the growing darkness outside. After the foot-stomping gaiety inside, it seemed very quiet. Private. A sliver of disquiet stalked down her spine. She was doing the right thing, wasn't she?
Saber squeezed her hand, seeming to sense her unease. "We don't have to do anything. Yet." The light cast shadows across his face but it was difficult to miss the decidedly carnal smile.
Sex. She could cope with that. No commitments. No need to get hurt because there were no promises made. Impulsively she headed for the shadows cast by a stand of poplar trees. Dried leaves crunched underfoot, her heels sinking halfway to China with each step. She yanked free and rolled her eyes in exasperation. "I didn't think about walking on grass in heels."
"How about taking them off?" Saber knelt in front of her, his calloused fingers sliding across her ankle. Emily inhaled and held her breath. He undid the tiny buckle and slid her bare foot from the shoe. Emily grasped his shoulders to balance, her heart pounding. A balmy breeze blew, tugging at her loose curls. Saber undid the other buckle, and she lifted her foot for him. Instead of standing, he remained kneeling in front of her. Her heart skipped a beat. Her sex clenched, and she was very aware of the arousal dampening her panties.
Saber could smell her excitement. Hear the racing of her heart. She tensed when he massaged the arch of her foot, but Saber took his time until she relaxed and a whimper of pleasure escaped her parted lips. He continued to massage her foot, noticing the sexy red toenails. Jo was a strange contrast -- skittish at times, and yet, strangely forward and wanton at others. Would the real Scarlet woman step forward? He slid his palm across a heel and up her smooth calf, savoring the silky skin and the floral scent of the lotion she'd smoothed onto her body. His cock throbbed, large and eager, pushing insistently against his fly and Saber was right there with his lower brain. Interested. Desperate to bury his cock in her warm, luscious heat. Desperate to taste her natural juices and watch her shatter in his arms.
His hand rose to the sensitive skin behind her knee, surprising a giggle out of her before drifting higher across her warm inner thigh. Slow... when what he really wanted was hard, fast. Hot and heavy with not an ounce of gentleness involved. Saber struggled with wooing her instead of demanding. Taking. Because the closer they came to consummation, the more he thought Sid might be right. After all this time, his mate had sashayed into his life, and she'd almost escaped because he hadn't noticed, he'd become used to being alone.
His Scarlet woman.
He fingered her through her panties. Intimately.
Her gasp was loud in the still evening, disturbed only by the throb of the band and the wail of the female lead singer. "I want you," she whispered. "Here. Now." Her blue eyes glittered in the half-light beneath the trees. Anyone could see, but she didn't seem worried. Her bag slipped off her shoulder and she let it fall to the grass. "Please," she whispered.
The relief Saber felt was countered by the relentless throb at his groin. God, he was desperate to grab her offer and plunge inside her tight channel, taking her hard and fast until they both burned. But he wasn't so far gone that he forgot about privacy. That woman investigating the panther sighting would hunt them down if her previous behavior was any indication. She was certainly tenacious, firing letters off to several of the council members asking for information. Since he'd been voted as the one to communicate with her, he'd answered the initial politely worded letter with one of his own, refuting the idea of mystery cats near Middlemarch. She'd ignored his reply and followed her letter with persistent phone calls and now a visit, despite his assertions she was chasing non-existent ghosts. Still, she kept pushing. He refused to give her material to publish in the tabloid press. About black panthers or the modern sexual techniques of a closet shifter. She might pretend she was researching a book, but it had been her byline attached to the newspaper article. Despite his assertions she was chasing ghosts, the woman remained resolute and, deep down, he didn't expect that to change.
Saber stood abruptly, lifted Joanna into his arms and strode toward the next stand of trees across the other side of the paddock.
"My shoes and bag."
"You won't need them." When she opened her mouth to argue, Saber paused to kiss her, tempted by the sexy curve of her bottom lip. Just one quick taste -- enough to make them both crazy. Minutes later, he put her down. They were further away from the marquee and possible interruptions. The hoot of a morepork drowned out the band, and when the echo of the lonely cry died, only silence remained. A gentle breeze ruffled the leaves. They responded with a placid song, a serenade for the sensual dance to come. Jo slid down his body, arching against him with a sound that reminded him of a contented purr.
Apt. Very apt.
Saber buried his face against the crook of her neck, breathing in her scent. Without warning, the ripple of awareness preceding the shift to cat slid seductively across his skin. Goose bumps prickled. A faint glow emanated from his hands. He hissed in alarm and fought, gritting his teeth. Fighting the change with everything he had. Panting.
"Are you all right?"
Shit, this had never happened before. His father hadn't mentioned the strange phenomenon when they'd had the sex talk. Their Uncle Herbert, who'd taken on the guardian role after his parents' death, hadn't discussed the oddity either. Maybe it was something peculiar to him? Saber gritted his teeth, resisting the shift toward feline with all his might. He inhaled sharply, struggling to remain in control, to remain in his human form. Pity Uncle Herbert wasn't there to offer advice... the elderly man had passed away two winters ago. Exhaling slowly, he kissed and nibbled at the soft skin beneath her ear while he wondered what to do. There wasn't anyone else to ask, not without suffering an incredible amount of embarrassment. "Turn around," he ordered, trying to hide his panic. "Put your hands against the tree."
"Why?"
So you can't see me. "I want to touch your ass. Besides, this will be easier. I don't want to get grass stains on your dress." And I want to take you in the traditional way from behind, he added silently, every particle of him wanting to dominate, to seize her by the scruff of the neck and exert his power. He wanted to mark her with his scent, his teeth, and make sure no other male dared to approach his woman. Because she belonged to him, whether she knew it or not. It was just a matter of time...
