Welcome Em Petrova!

Foray into F/F

By Em Petrova

When I begin writing a story, I conjure my characters first. Usually they’ve been screaming at me to bring them to life for awhile, so by the time I put them onto paper, they’re completely 3D, with passions, past failures, quirks and pet peeves. And they’ve already told me long ago who they love. I don’t choose for them. Which means I write across the genres. From M/M, F/F, M/F and all kinds of ménage in between—I’ve written them all.

I happen to write F/F pretty often. There’s just something about two female characters seeing one another and getting that spark. Maybe they’ve come to terms with this sensual side of themselves. Maybe not. They’ll still argue and battle the odds to come together, but when they do so, you’d better believe it’s with smoldering passion.

In the past couple months I’ve seen an upsurge in f/f readers. It’s a genre men usually get aroused by (lots of fantasies involved there), but women are sometimes leery of reading about lovers with a complete set of X chromosomes. The media throws pictures of hot women together for the titillation of male genes, and often women feel exploited by this. We don’t want to feel our attractions might be for a man to get off on. But F/F writers plot stories with something completely different in mind—sensuality and emotion.

Another reason women might be hesitant to pick up a book with two heroines is they don’t think they can identify with the characters. These characters are mothers, sisters, aunts, BFF’s and even wives. For me, reading about other women always gives insight into my own life, whether it’s a funny line that helps me lighten up or a more provocative scenario that makes me analyze my actions. Through books, I meet new people and make friends.

Some readers may be afraid of getting turned on by what they’ve read. They might not feel ready to explore that secret desire or sail into uncharted territory. Telling your friend about the scorching scene in the hetero story you’re reading is easier than relating one about two women. But think about this: maybe your friend is reading the same book and is worried about ‘fessing up too.

The important idea to remember here is that most erotic romance isn’t about reality, but fantasy all the way. It’s about exploring your sexuality and maybe finding something turns you on more than you’d ever imagined, whether it’s being turned over a powerful man’s knee and having your bare ass beaten or diving between some curvaceous thighs. I personally love strong male bodies and the tools they use for work. But I’ve always found the female body beautiful, from the flare of hips to fluttering lashes. Most women can truly appreciate a stunning woman’s appearance, maybe in ways men don’t. After all, we know the work that goes into our bodie. Kickboxing for that tight ass, battling the baby tummy, exfoliating, waxing, and long hours spent in the salon.

Like other genres of erotic romance, the stories aren’t about the sex. The sex enhances the relationship—the icing on the cake. In the case of M/M, the hunky cake. And with F/F it’s decadent pie.

With the recent release of one of my F/F stories, DEUX-Book One of The French Kiss Chronicles, one of my beloved readers sent me a message, letting me know she loves my work but didn’t know if this one was for her. She wanted to try it, but was hesitant. I related much of what I have here to you. My reader took the challenge and later let me know how much she enjoyed the book.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Have you ever read a book with same sex lovers, whether it’s two hot studs or two luscious babes? Would you try one?

Released Today, May 13:

Trois-Book Two of The French Kiss Chronicles

When Jane's husband Ethan discovers his wife has been dipping into the honey jar, he demands a taste of the decadent pleasure. But Jane's new lover Margot is newly divorced and shies from the idea of being with another man. Frustrated, but willing to be patient, Ethan is allowed to watch his wife experience mind-blowing pleasure, vowing that soon he will have Margot in his arms.

However, there is more to Margot's hesitation than entering a relationship with a married couple. Her ex is pressuring her—leaving her leery of men and afraid of dragging Jane and Ethan into it. While battling her attraction for Ethan, she shoots down Jane's request to make their relationship a true threesome.

Can Ethan help Margot overcome her fear of him and gain her trust, as well as put a stop to her ex's harassment?

Buy Link for Trois: http://www.empetrova.com

Deux-Book 1 of The French Kiss Chronicles Buy Link: http://tiny.cc/mya0b

And The Prompt Is: Vol. 1

In all the excitement over the Keeping House release, I don't want to forget to tell everyone that The Story Orgy has published our first anthology this week!  And the Prompt Is vol. 1 is as I write this, number 23 on the Gay and Lesbian Romance top 100 at Amazon!  That makes me very happy, because proceeds from the sale of the book for the next 90 days go to The Trevor Project, a group near and dear to my heart.  If you haven't picked up a copy yet, you can find it here.

The first of the reviews are coming back in, and this is what one critic had to say about the genesis of this book:

The five authors here met through Facebook and there is another member, a non-writer who provides an image to the group The group is known as Story Orgy and they each write a story using three images or prompts and they post them on Monday mornings. It all seems very similar to a writing course I once taught and we did basically the same thing. They tried something new recently and invited their readers to submit prompt items to them and this is the result of that experience. They then decided to put the stories into this collection and put it on sale with proceeds going to the Trevor Project during the first ninety days. The results are amazing and I think when you read the stories you will agree with me.  (Read more at http://reviewsbyamoslassen.com/?p=5890)

Sneak a Peak: New Cover Art

Wow!  I have the new cover art for Telling the Truth! 

That's Truth or Dare, book 2!

Wanna see?  

When Terry Blake loses a hand of cards to his brother Mischa,  payment is Truth, and Terry's honor forces the admission of a deeply held secret

Recipes I Love ~ Yellow Thai Curry

Recipes I Love ~ Yellow Thai Curry

This recipe is from Import Foods.  They have the most amazing recipes, street vendor videos, and quality ingredients.  You can see what I mean here.   But this is the sort of simple sexy food we enjoy on a Saturday night.  It's also the sort of thing that Lex is accustomed to preparing for Mack in A Beautiful Silence.  Give it a try some night when you'e in the mood for something spicy and filling.  

The flavor of yellow curry paste is not much different than red or green, however we've recently discovered how much we like yellow curry. Yellow curry makes vegetables taste great in our opinion, and we've been eating more vegetables and less meat these days. Here is a basic Thai yellow curry with chicken and potato. It's also good with bell pepper, butternut squash, or any seasonal vegetable of your choice. Serve a generous portion and watch it disappear.

Ingredients
1 lb chicken, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized cubes
2.5 cups coconut milk
1 tablespoon Thai yellow curry paste
1 cup cubed potato
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons fish sauce
2 teaspoons palm sugar

Method
Boil the potato cubes in for about 5 minutes, drain and set aside. Pour 1 cup coconut milk into a soup pot. Over medium, heat the coconut milk until you see it boil, then add curry paste. Stir until fragrant. Season it by adding the palm sugar, fish sauce, and salt. Taste it and adjust flavors as you like. Add more chile paste to increase the spice level. Add chicken, cook, then add potato.

Add the remaining coconut milk, and continue to cook for another few minutes. Remove from heat and serve with jasmine rice.