25 eCopies of Nothing Lasts Forever up for Grabs

UPDATE: THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW OVER

I am giving away 25 eCopies of the first book in The Nocturnal Surrender Series for review, the novelette, Nothing Lasts Forever.

Requirements for Entry:

• Willing to leave an honest review on Amazon, Goodreads, and/or any of the other places the book is available.
• Enjoy reading erotic paranormal romance but don’t mind that this book has a tragic ending, not a happily ever after, and also don’t mind reading short books.
• Subscribe to my Book Updates Blog using the Rafflecopter entry form.
• Only Rafflecopter entries have a chance at winning, commenting alone is not an entry.

That’s it. There are other options on the Rafflecopter to give you more entries, but the others are not required.

CLICK HERE FOR THE RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY FORM.

Giveaway will run through 4/23 and winners will be announced on 4/24.

UPDATE: THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW OVER

WINNERS HAVE BEEN CONTACTED VIA EMAIL

Nothing Lasts Forever Blurb:

TNSS: Book 1

In 1812 England, after nearly eight centuries of immortal life, Bastian Evanko has finally found the woman he wants to spend forever with. Now he is ready to reveal his secret to her, to tell her he is a vampire. But past experience has shown him mortal women may not be able to accept him for what he is. He’s had his share of heartbreak and is hoping this time will be different.

Elise McNeil loves Bastian with all her heart and can’t wait to share her life with him, to have a family with him. But when he shows her the monster he hides inside, she is devastated because he lied to her the entire time he courted her. She is unsure if she can trust him, but more importantly, she believes he may be evil and incapable of loving her as he claims to.

As if their situation isn’t complicated enough, Elise has a secret of her own. Her brother Jacob is a vampire Hunter. When the two men come face-to-face after Jacob and Elise’s parents go missing, will she keep Bastian’s secret or betray him for her family’s sake? Can Bastian save her from the ruling vampire Elders if she breaks their laws by revealing his secret? Or will the couple find out the hard way that nothing lasts forever?

Warning: This novelette is a romantic tragedy—with a tragic ending—but the rest of the books in this series will have happy endings.

CLICK HERE TO READ AN EXCERPT.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE OTHER BOOKS IN THIS SERIES.

A Few Questions Before You Go:

Do you mind reading short books? Do you mind reading a book that has a tragic ending if you know before reading that’s how it ends? Do you mind being asked to leave reviews?

GOOD LUCK IN THE GIVEAWAY AND THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR REVIEWING.

 

WIP Erotic Excerpt Teaser: Night Therapy

TNSS: Book 4

I had planned on waiting to start posting teasers from Night Therapy since I won’t have it ready for release until late summer, but when I wrote this scene, I couldn’t resist. Keep in mind this is still a rough draft and is unedited.

In this scene, Johnathan and Stephanie are preparing to make love for the first time, but they each have such strong personalities that they clash at times. I must admit that I’m falling for these characters even more with each chapter I write. If you liked Bastian and Nicole, then you’ll love Johnathan and Stephanie, too.

But don’t worry, Bastian and Nicole are still around in Night Therapy–and the entire series.

WARNING: THIS IS AN ADULT EXCERPT AND IS NOT INTENDED FOR ANYONE UNDER 18.

 

Still pinning her arms over her head, he slipped his free hand down until he teased the sensitive skin just above the waistline of her pants. After easing inside the material, he walked his fingers slowly along her swollen flesh, dipping one then two inside her slightly. She arched into his touch, but he stopped his maddening motion in response.

“No. You had your chance. Now I’m going to make you pay.” He pulled his hand from her pants and licked his fingers then plunged them back inside the fabric and palmed her entire pussy. “Mine,” was all he growled before his fingers shot inside her.

He was so damn sexy when that other side of him took over. Dominating, but somehow still vulnerable and sweet. It made no sense that he could be such a dichotomy, but then again, she was now, too.

Apparently he wasn’t happy with her mind wondering off again because he hissed her name and thrust his fingers in and out with a speed she had never imagined possible. With a vampire like Johnathan, she’d never need batteries again. His fingers vibrated in her core and coherent thoughts fled.

She might have cried out, moaned, or something, but as her eyelids fluttered open and closed, she couldn’t comprehend anything except the electric sensations shooting through her body.

His thumb massaged her clit relentlessly, pulsating at times. Just as the muscles in her core clamped down, he stopped abruptly and removed his hand to lick his fingers once more.

Short pants leapt from her mouth. She was right on the verge of orgasm…and he’d left her there writhing in need.

Cruel bastard.

© Lorraine Pearl

So what did you think of this little teaser? Would you like to have a sexy vampire like Johnathan holding you down and having his way with you?

Don’t miss out on book updates and releases.

If you want to sign up for my book updates blog to be notified when when new books are released, etc., please visit my website and subscribe by email.

Get your copies of the first books in this series.

If you want to buy any of the previous Nocturnal Surrender Series books, please visit the series website for purchase links.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SECOND TEASER EXCERPT!!!

 

Manday Hotties: Sexy Cowboys

Manday Hotties Hop

 

It’s time for another edition of Manday Hotties. It’s been a while since my last post for this blog hop hosted by author Felicity Heaton, but my blog has been pretty busy lately. I finally have some space not scheduled for other posts so I figured it was time for some more hotties.

When you’re through looking at these hotties, be sure to head over to Felicity’s website for the list of other blogs in the hop.

Don’t forget to leave a comment after you look at the hotties and let me know if you liked them. Are you into cowboys? If not, did these guys change your mind? I know I wouldn’t mind a roll in the hay with any of them. 😉

Okay, you’re here to see sexy cowboys, not read, right? I won’t make you wait any longer. Enjoy!

 

Midnight Confessions: Excerpt 1

TNSS: Book 3

Nicole intentionally showed up at Bastian’s house unannounced and it had paid off. She licked her lips when he opened the door. He must have just finished showering and not had enough time to dress properly—or to dry off completely.

It was her lucky night.

Most of the time he preferred to meet her at the sanguinarian nightclub, Nocturnal Surrender, and therefore had those damn vampiric contacts and fangs in. There had only been a handful of times in the few months they’d dated when she had seen him without them. But tonight, although his mesmerizing sapphire gaze drew her in, the lack of vampire prosthetics took a backseat to something else.

His body-builder frame filled the doorway, covered only by low-riding jogging shorts that deliciously clung to his hips. The defined cuts of his abdomen drew her gaze to the patch of hair teasing at the edge of the material. Lower, the perfectly outlined bulge begged to be touched. Somehow she wrenched her attention away from what hid beneath his shorts and examined him further.

His broad chest glistened, his muscles flexed, his golden hair was slung wet and sexy against his stubble-covered face, and he held a damp towel. “Nicole!” His eyes grew wide. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? I’d have—”

She held her fingers to his lips as she stepped forward, giving him no choice but to back up. After making her way inside, she closed the door behind her. “Oh no. If I’d have warned you, you would’ve wanted to meet at your brother’s club even though it’s your night off. I barely ever get to see you outside of that place.” To see the real Bastian. “And besides, I definitely like how you look when I catch you by surprise.”

A flash of heat spread through her as her eyes roamed over him once more. She ran her hands along his warm arms then slid them inward to caress his hard pecs. The woodsy scent of his cologne filled her nostrils. She wanted to bury her head in his chest and breathe him in. To have him wrap his arms around her and hold her so tight there would be no space between them. To feel him hard against her.

As if in response, he dropped the towel, grunted, and pinned her to the door before she could blink. His long body pressed into her exactly how she’d wanted. He grabbed her arms and raised them over her head, holding them together with one hand. The longing in his eyes—the fire—burned her to the core.

With his free hand, he feathered his fingers down the sensitive flesh on the underside of her arm. The touch so soft it almost tickled. When his hand came to rest at her side, right at her breast, he slipped his thumb between their bodies and played with her nipple.

Her heart sped. A deep breath helped calm her momentarily until she caught another whiff of his spicy scent. He touched her chin softly, tilted her head upward, and brushed his full lips over hers. Slipping his hand behind her head, he fisted her hair and pushed his hard shaft against her belly.

He groaned, only it wasn’t his normal pleasured sound. More like he was in pain. He pulled away even faster than he’d closed in.

Nicole dropped her arms, let out the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding, and panted for a few seconds. Bastian bolted out of the foyer and into the living room before she steadied herself enough to walk.

By the time she entered the room, he stood at the brick fireplace with his back to her, one arm outstretched, hand on the mantle. He leaned on it, breathing heavy. She stopped, unsure if she should give him a minute or go to him and see if he needed help.

“Bastian, are you okay?” Her voice cracked from concern.

He cleared his throat and held up his hand as if to tell her to stay back. “Just give me a minute. I’ll be fine.”

The rasp in his voice made her heart sink. He didn’t sound fine at all. Both his hands were planted on the mantel now. He coughed a few times.

She ran to his side and rubbed his back. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

After a few deep breaths, he lowered his arms and stood up straight. “Nothing. Give me a little space, will you?” He strode away without turning to her.

She followed as he retrieved the towel, but when he ignored her and charged up the stairs, she looked around dumbfounded. He’d never been short with her like that. She clenched her fists and gritted her teeth, fighting back tears.

What did I do wrong?

Not wanting to be the pushy girlfriend, she gave him the space he’d asked for and waited in the living room.

Her single visit to his house before this had lasted only five minutes. They had come back from Nocturnal Surrender, and he had stopped at home to remove his contacts and fangs before they went dancing. He hadn’t taken the time to show her around because they were having such a good time and wanted to get on with their date.

A quick glance around the room didn’t offer much new information about her lover. There were no pictures, no decorations or knickknacks—not that she thought someone like Bastian would have those. The only sign of the man who lived there was an empty beer bottle on the dark coffee table.

She hadn’t noticed the first time, but the theme of the entire room was dark. Brown leather couch and chairs, mocha walls, wood floor. Even the curtains looked more like they were meant to keep the sun out rather than make the place homey.

The room almost gave her the creeps. She sat on the edge of the couch, bouncing her leg. Maybe it’s because he hasn’t lived here long enough to spruce up the place.

That had to be it.

Still, she needed to get out of the living room. Nearly fifteen minutes had gone by and Bastian hadn’t come back down. She went out to the hall and called for him but got no response. In fact, she hadn’t heard any sounds at all since he’d ran up there.

Could something have happened to him? What if he needed help?

She bit her lip and paced, contemplating if she should invade his privacy and go find out.

What the hell am I doing? He could be lying up there having a heart attack or something. Sure it was unlikely for someone so young and healthy, but what if?

She took a deep breath and let it out with a sigh then headed upstairs to take care of her man.

© Lorraine Pearl

TNSS

For more information on the books in this series and for purchase links, please visit The Nocturnal Surrender Series website. Check out these awesome reviews of the previous book, Nocturnal Surrender:

“The chemistry between Bastian and Nicole is off the charts HAWT! WOW!! The world building is interesting and the plot is very intriguing. I love the author’s writing style and the editing was spot on. If you are a fan of Erotic PNR, you are going to love this series. It’s kind of like Laura Wright meets Lora Leigh with a pinch of JR Ward thrown in the mix.” Danie – Amazon Kindle reviewer about Nocturnal Surrender.

“I am digging this Novella series by Lorraine Pearl. I finished Nocturnal Surrender & immediately purchase the next book in the series, Midnight Confessions. Great back story, character & story development. Oh, and let’s not skip over the hot and I mean incredibily hot sex between Bastian & Nicole that makes you weak in the knees & tingly all over.” Sharon – Amazon Kindle reviewer about Nocturnal Surrender.

More excerpts to come…

 

Nocturnal Bites Giveaway Winners

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF MY LATEST GIVEAWAY!

I will be sending each of you an email today with your copies of Nocturnal Bites. I hope you enjoy the anthology. Now it’s time to gear up for the next book in the series, the novel, Night Therapy. I hope to have it ready for release by late summer.

TNSS: Book 4

Vampire Johnathan McCombs has spent the last century isolating from humanity whenever possible, trying to come to terms with a past that haunts him. When he finally realizes he needs help dealing with his issues, he seeks out a mortal psychologist, hoping her ethical boundaries of confidentiality will allow him to reveal his secrets. He tries to ignore his growing attraction for his therapist, but when circumstances throw them together outside the professional setting of her office, will he be able to contain his passion?

Psychologist Stephanie Taylor connects with her clients because personal experience has made her understand what heartache and trauma do to a person. But when her hot new client drops the bomb on her that he is a vampire, she has no idea what to do or how to react. Now she must look at her life in a whole new light. She has inadvertently put her life in danger and become part of a dark world she thought was only pretend.

In one night, everything changes. Old rivals pull Stephanie into their fight, and Johnathan must make a life or death decision. But can Stephanie forgive him for the irreversible choice he makes with her life? Can the couple find peace with their individual problems to have a chance at a lasting relationship? And how will the brewing war between vampires and Hunters affect them?

 

The Nocturnal Surrender Series Updates

This is just going to be a short update post. I recently updated the BOOKS PAGE of The Nocturnal Surrender Series website. I added covers and some information for the remaining books in the series. You’ll also see that I am halfway through writing the next book in the series, Night Therapy. I love the hero, Johnathan McCombs. He’s got an attitude a mile long, rides a motorcycle, but is lonely and looking for love–even if he doesn’t realize it.

So head over and check out the updates with the link above and scroll down to the Upcoming Novels section. Hopefully it gets you a little more excited for the upcoming books in the series. I know having it to look at keeps me going because I can’t wait to write all those awesome stories I have outlined. Wait until you see what happens and how the series ends.

After you look at the covers and read the little bit of information for each book, come back over here and let me know what you think. I’d love your input. Are the covers hot enough for you? Did the little teasers make you want to know more?

 

Had to reblog this. One of my favorite scenes from Moonlight. I love Mick so much, and I’d love to have him sucking on me like that. No wonder Beth was pissed. Mick St. John is the best vampire ever!!! And Alex played him perfectly.

Alex O´Loughlin ~ An Intense Study

One of the most memorable scenes of Moonlight, perhaps.

So much erotica in Alex´s tongue action! Oh boy did Alex pull off this blood tasting to it´s full potential … only to be interrupted by Beth! Oopsie 😳

I can´t blame her for getting jealous, wouldn´t we all have been, in her place.

Btw kind of cool how they made Mick´s eyes change colour so smoothly 🙂

Mick handled Beth´s hurt feelings so adorably, right?

Who wouldn´t forgive this cutie pie vampire 😀

View original post

 

Nocturnal Bites Anthology Giveaway

EDIT: THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS!

I’m over on Kharisma Rhayne’s blog giving away 3 more eBook copies of my anthology, Nocturnal Bites. If you want to try my Nocturnal Surrender Series, this is your chance to get all the books I’ve released so far in one package. The guest post got put up a few days late so there are only 4 days left in the giveaway. If needed, I may extend the giveaway a few more days. I’ll update one way or the other on Monday.

EDIT: I will stick to the original schedule since there are enough entries. Giveaway runs through 3/19/13, and the winners will be announced on 3/20/13.

“The chemistry between Bastian and Nicole is off the charts HAWT! WOW!! The world building is interesting and the plot is very intriguing. I love the author’s writing style and the editing was spot on. If you are a fan of Erotic PNR, you are going to love this series. It’s kind of like Laura Wright meets Lora Leigh with a pinch of JR Ward thrown in the mix.” Danie – Amazon Kindle reviewer about Nocturnal Surrender, a novella included in the anthology, Nocturnal Bites.

TNSS: Anthology

 

Interview & Giveaway with Cover Model Jason Baca

EDIT: THE GIVEAWAY IS OVER, BUT ENJOY THE INTERVIEW AND LEAVE A COMMENT ANYWAY. JASON WILL CONTACT THE WINNER.

Lorraine: First off, I’d like to welcome Jason to my blog and let him know how much I appreciate him taking the time to do this interview. Thank you, Jason.

Jason: Thank you too… The pleasure is all mine.

Lorraine: We’ll start with the basics. What made you decide to become a cover model and how long have you been at it?

Jason: I decided to become a romance cover model a few years ago. I wasn’t finished with modeling but felt out of touch with all the fashion or ad modeling they’d typically use me for. When I’d come up with the idea of doing cover modeling, it really hit me positively. It gave me a reason to work out harder, to eat healthier.

Lorraine: Has modeling been what you expected it to be? If yes, how so? If no, what is different?

Jason: Yes & No…  When I am doing a lot of work and getting booked for shoots, it’s like I’d always envisioned it.. Everything flows naturally. But when times are slow like how it was in the beginning for me when I’d see other guys with my same look getting more covers then me I’d get extremely frustrated sometimes even want to give up.. But then an hour later I’d pick myself back up and say “no that approach won’t work”

Lorraine: If you could go back and give the younger version of yourself any advice before you started this career, what would it be?

Jason: Great question! It would have been to tell that guy to do more of the romance novels. I didn’t pay any attention back then to what this industry was all about. Hey this is a multi-billion dollar industry for a reason. A lot of people follow this authors and best sellers. So yes, I’d have gotten into this FAR back..

Lorraine: I’ve seen that your goal is to surpass the number of covers Fabio was on. How are you coming with that goal?

Jason: Sure.. Actually things are moving along at a more rapid pace with that goal of the number of covers. There is still about a good hundred plus before I reach where he’s at though.

Lorraine: Once you’ve achieved that goal, where will you set your sights from there?

Jason: Well Lorraine, I dream big at night.. And the dreams that I dare to dream really do come true..

Lorraine: It must take a lot of work to stay in such great shape. What is your workout schedule and routine?

Jason: Yes you are correct, I do believe in taking care of my body. I perform a rigorous workout routine on a daily basis at my local health club. Currently I work out in the evenings. I basically workout as hard as I can until my arms and legs feel like they are going to fall off. I take pleasure in feeling my muscles tighten up as I exercise them to the max. It sends my mind into a whole new world. I don’t see people around me. It’s just me in my own bubble.

Lorraine: I’m sure you have to watch what you eat, as well. What type of diet do you follow?

Jason: Thanks actually yes, I do watch what I eat. I only eat foods that will make my face and body look beautiful. If it’s chocolate or something impure I will not consume it. Only foods of premium labels shall pass my lips.

Lorraine: Do you allow yourself to splurge and have a day off from the diet occasionally? If so, how often and what is your favorite food to indulge in?

Jason: Yes, I have allowed myself to eat pastas or something with carbs in it. But only occasionally. I don’t want to start a habit, you do it once and then you are on a road to getting ugly.

Lorraine: Did it take you a while to adjust to the thought of being on these covers as the representation of the heroes in the books?

Jason: Yes it did at first. The first time I’d seen the romance books I thought about what it would be like being that cover guy… Then later after doing my first cover and seeing it in a bookstore, now that REALLY knocked my socks off! I felt like not only the hero of the book but the entire bookstore!

Lorraine: I’d like to get the male perspective on what it’s like to be looked at as the object of desire based solely on appearance. Women have been dealing with this for a long time, but it seems only recently that us women have become the aggressors and are now ogling men. Do you find it demeaning like some women used to or do you take it as a compliment for all the hard work you’ve done to get and keep your body in such great shape?

Jason: Well yes, being labeled as the mountain of molten lust has its perks. I don’t mind getting positive feedback from anyone claiming to be impressed by what I have with the body. To be on these covers as someone’s ultimate object of desire is what it’s all about. I mean you don’t want to be on a cover looking like an out of shape person or someone that has no sense of style.. 

Lorraine: When people ask what I write and I tell them romance, I get the usual dismissal and eye rolls. What do people say when you tell them you are a cover model?

Jason: I get fascination looks.. Looks of amazement or uncertainty on how to approach me next. I like that cause I just stare back at them waiting to see what questions they’ll come up with next. There are not many of us guys out there. We aren’t your typical store employee…We’re a rare breed.

Lorraine: I have a day job to pay the bills until this writing thing takes off. Do you have a day job or is modeling it? If you do have a day job, do you hope to leave it behind one day?

Jason: If I didn’t have a day job to keep me busy, I’d be bored out of my MIND! I have to have it otherwise this sort of thing may get old for me which I don’t want it to.

Lorraine: If you weren’t modeling, what other career could you see yourself with?

Jason: I get asked this a lot. But I don’t have an answer for you. This is me. I like unordinary. So Maybe I’d do something unusual.

Lorraine: Any advice for those who may want to get into modeling?

Jason: Well for regular old modeling, just start making contacts with photographers in your area… See if you have that look first..

Lorraine: You’ve written a couple of books, as well. Can you tell us a little about them, why you decided to write them, and where we can buy them?

Jason: Yes, Journey of a Male Model & Overexposed. Both are modeling books designed to help models become models… both are available on amazon.com

Lorraine: You’ve had a taste of Hollywood and movies. Can you tell us a little about your experience, and is this something you’d like to do more of in the future?

Jason: Yes I have had a taste of Hollywood. I’m still a sag member but I’m not much the actor. I found out early on that I have a hard time acting and saying my lines at the same time… It takes a special person to be an actor. If I do anymore in the future, it will be little stuff probably… Like running around not saying anything in the movie… hahaah..

Lorraine: Were you star struck at all at first or were you able to look at the actors as normal people?

Jason: Saw them as normal people. I had no clue that they were big shots.. During hair & makeup we’d often talk a lot to one another and then again at lunch times… and on location of course. But no, never panicked over any of them.

Lorraine: While we’re on the subject, who is your favorite actor and/or actress and what is your favorite movie? Favorite TV show?

Jason: That actor Kevin Spacey is pretty darn good at what he does..  Far as actresses…  There are a bunch but none pop out in my head.. Maybe the lead girl from Scream, Neve Campbell.

Lorraine: What type of music do you like to listen to? Do you have a favorite singer or band?

Jason: All kinds of music! Of course Genesis has always been a top band of mine.

Lorraine: What kinds of hobbies do you have? What do you like to do for fun?

Jason: For fun? I really love exercising. Hitting the gym hard and doing some kind of aerobic activity after. It’s really me.

Lorraine: If you could have one wish, what would it be? (It has to be personal for you, not for someone else or even for world peace or to end hunger.)

Jason: Well it wouldn’t be money, it wouldn’t be a Ferrari..  One wish would maybe be to have better leg muscles. I work them out so hard and would wish that they’d grow bigger, fuller.

Lorraine: There’s always one big debate around here, and again, I’d like to get the male perspective. Which do you like better: vampires or werewolves, and why?

Jason: Vampires! Because they are more interesting of course!

Lorraine: Is there anything else you’d like to let everyone know about yourself before you leave?

Jason: Well I had a great time doing this interview Lorraine.. Thanks again for having me.  

Lorraine: It was a pleasure having you here. Thank you again for taking the time to do this interview—and for putting up with some of my unusual questions. Good luck with your career and keep those amazing photos coming.

AND NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY…

The winning commenter will receive an autographed model card from Jason. Just remember to leave your email with your comment so Jason can get in touch with you. Giveaway runs through 3/12/13.

If you would like to purchase any of Jason’s stock photos—or if you just want to check out more pics of this hunk of a man—here is the link: http://jasonaaronbaca.deviantart.com/

You can also find Jason on Pinterest. http://pinterest.com/mfrworg/jason-baca-romance-cover-model/

So what did you think of this interview? Did you enjoy learning more about the man behind the cover photos? Be sure to leave a comment to show Jason your support and to enter the giveaway.

 

I.J. Miller’s Wuthering Nights: An Erotic Retelling of Wuthering Heights

WUTHERING NIGHTS
THE GREATEST LOVE STORY EVER TOLD…JUST GOT HOTTER!
An erotic retelling of Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights…

Today I’m happy to have author I.J. Miller with me. He is here to talk about why his hero is a brute. Take it away, I.J.

MY HERO’S A BRUTE!

by I.J. Miller

What a challenge! Last August my editor at Grand Central Publishing commissioned me to do an erotic retelling of Emily Bronte’s classic, Wuthering Heights. It’s five months later and the result is WUTHERING NIGHTS, available in e-book now, as a trade paperback in April. I thought the biggest test would be writing a quality book in such a short time, but the true challenge was how to manage a hero, Heathcliff, who is a true brute.

My first focus was making sure that this book was different than your typical erotic mashup and wasn’t built around a lot of verbatim text with some sex thrown in. I worked hard to stay true to the original language, themes, and characters, but added several new plot twists and turns that help make the eroticism more organic and heightens the romance. But what was I going to do about Heathcliff?

As I immersed myself in dissecting the original and preparing for the erotic version, I was completely struck by how flawed and brutal Bronte’s hero was. However, as I went even deeper I realized his awfulness is part of what makes the book so great and why so many remember it. Bronte seemed to write it before all of the classic unwritten rules of fiction were formed, before self-censorship became a common guide for writers. She bares all of him, including his selfishness and brutality. My first instinct was to clean him up and make him more palatable for a modern audience not used to such a flawed

hero. I then decided that would do the book a great injustice and I had to interpret it as true as I could.

So Heathcliff will get your heart stirring one way or the other. He was abused as a child so he does deserve some compassion. I also try to get into the deeper reasons behind his harsh actions as well as probe his inner desire for redemption. But there is no running from the fact that he is someone who likes getting his way and is not afraid to use his physical size and powerful demeanor to achieve his ends. In WUTHERING NIGHTS he is the same way in the bedroom as both a dominant and sensual lover. I simply tried to avoid making any judgments and portrayed him in the same exposed way Bronte did, with no punches pulled. He will still inspire a myriad of emotions in the reader. Some may love him. Some may hate him. Some may love to hate him. But how cool is that?

Thank you, Emily Bronte for such unfiltered inspiration.

EXCERPT FROM WUTHERING NIGHTS

Just before the light of dawn, not long after Nelly had left his bedside, the dark figure of Heathcliff moved swiftly along the moors. He carried nothing, for he owned nothing. He wore no shirt, for the one he possessed, a bloody mess, was left in the barn. He soon arrived at Black Rock Cragge, surveyed the surrounding landscape of the place he called home since arriving from Liverpool. To the north, was Thrushcross Grange. To the south, was Wuthering Heights. To the east, first light of day was about to break, but there was only a slight clearness above the horizon. The rest of the sky was a charcoal black of storm clouds.

Heathcliff stood, shirtless, at the edge of the precipice, fifty feet above the pool and sharp pointed rocks where Catherine and he had sealed their vow, arms rising up to the heavens, palms turning outward, as he welcomed the tempest.

The storm came rattling over the moors in full fury. The hard rain struck his face. There was a violent wind, as well as thunder, and a bolt of lightning revealed a twisted smile on his face.

He had listened to his beloved speak of the many ways she loved another.

He had heard his darling say that to marry him would degrade her.

He had heard his most venerated speak words that violated their sacred vow.

He had allowed a cowardly bully to have his way with him.

He had endured the pompous and shallow Linton family separating him from his treasure as if he were trash to be tossed to the pigs.

He knew now that he could have had his way with Catherine at any time: in the garret on Christmas night, during their stolen moments in the fields, if he had wanted to take her the way he had Nelly this very eve and that she would have been powerless to resist the strength in his hands, the fire in his eyes, the hunger in his mouth, the forceful strength between his legs.

Even now….If he wanted her.

But after all that had happened tonight he could not see one, single, solitary way to have Catherine in the truest of forms. He could love her as Heathcliff: falling to his knees for the chance to place his lips upon her feet, rising each day simply to rest his eyes upon her loveliness, baring his soul just to receive her simplest of touches. But she needed more, much more. She needed Edgar as well. And though the lad was as spineless as a worm, he had the fair skin and blue eyes of a gentleman, the costume and manners of a man of dignified birth, the wealth and station of someone who could fulfill Catherine with the luxury of life at the Grange and the noble status of being called his wife.

What was the point if he could not have her completely and she would not be satisfied with all that was him?

But should they all be absent of the suffering that ripped through his soul as the storm whipped through the firs on the moors?

“NAY!” shouted Heathcliff to the sky, daring God to strike him down now if he so planned.

But as bolts of lightning came and went, from sky to ground, all around the moors, there was nary a flicker at Black Rock Cragge.

“Then a curse be on them!” cried Heathcliff. “A curse for a thousand years and more. I place a curse on the Earnshaws and Lintons, for all the pettiness you inspire, the meanness of spirit you invoke, and because you would not allow two people to love in the pure righteous way that lay buried in their hearts.”

A loud, angry bolt came crashing down, but it did not strike Heathcliff and he continued to smile.

“A curse on all those Earnshaws and Lintons living and all those to be born! For as I stand here on the cragge, as long as I draw breath, and even from the hell where I will surely land, I will reap pleasure from seeing each and every one of you suffer!”

Despite the rain pounding his face, Heathcliff let out an horrific, bone-chilling, bloodcurdling scream that paled the death cry of any wounded animal, a scream that startled awake and went down the spine of each Earnshaw and Linton like a razor splitting a soul in two—although they could not be sure it was human, animal, or just the storm they had heard—disturbing deeply every last one of them, including the baby curled inside Mrs. Earnshaw.

And then he jumped.

Amazon link for Wuthering Nights

BIO FOR I.J. MILLER

I.J. Miller is the author of five, distinct, literary, erotic works of fiction: SEESAW was translated into two languages, with over 130,000 copies in print; WHIPPED appeared in both English and German; SEX AND LOVE, a collection of short stories, made its debut in the summer of 2011; CLIMBING THE STAIRS, a novella, was released just a year later. His latest novel, WUTHERING NIGHTS, is an erotic retelling of Emily Bronte’s classic, Wuthering Heights, and is published by the Grand Central Publishing imprint of Hatchette Books. It is available now as an e-book and will be in bookstores in trade paperback on April 23. Miller has a Master of Fine Arts from the American Film Institute and has taught creative writing and screenwriting at the university level.

Website: http://www.ijmiller.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Heathcliffian

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ij.miller.5

I’d like to thank I.J. for visiting with me today and sharing his hot new book. I guess we’ll never look at the classics the same way again, and I truly love that idea.

What about you? What do you think of reworking a classic like this? What about all the retellings of fairytales lately? Not just in books, but in movies too? I must admit; I loved the movie Snow White and the Huntsman–and I would have even without Chris Hemsworth, but he made it really good. 😉