Thursday, 18 July 2013

Hot Summer Romance Hop


Welcome to the Hot Summer Romance Giveaway Hop. It's great to see you here and I hope you're having a great time, keep reading to find out about grand prizes and my giveaway, and while you're here lets have ponder on the external benefits of reading erotic romance - in other words not just the pleasure of immersing oneself in fantasy with big, hot, raring-to-go hunks, but whether or not it improves individual's sex lives and spices up bedroom time. 
Certainly I believe introducing eroticism into the bedroom in the form of literature can only be beneficial, it gets you in the mood, gives you ideas and heightens the awareness of all things sexy - including your partner who, lets face it, can occasionally be neglected.

I say this because I did a secret bit of research recently on a friend who was an unwitting guinea pig - still is. She loves her man very much, they have been together for years, but she was finding that when it came to playing 'hide the sausage' it just wasn't happening for her, she wasn't up for it, the desire just not there - luckily she likes to talk, a lot, especially after a glass of wine.


In a totally separate conversation, we went on to chat about what books we were reading. At this point I confessed that I'd just re-read The Story of O. She however told me she was reading some awful zombie story. It was all horror, gore and suspense. I say awful because to me that sort of story is awful, and certainly not my choice of bed-time reading. No, I like to snuggle down with heart-stoppingly gorgeous men and wonderfully romantic and sexy tales spinning around my head, not blood and guts spilling out all over the place and wondering what every bump and bang in the house is at night - but that's just me.

Anyway, being a bit bossy, which I'm afraid I am, I told her that her reading material may well be the root of her libido problem. At which point she topped up our wine and said, "Go on." I pointed out that it was logical, if you're stressed and wound up as you go to sleep, wondering if that zombie is going to come and get you (doesn't help that she lives in a creepy old farmhouse that dates back two hundred years) then how are you going to feel in the mood for a bit of fun? For her this was like a revelation, for me it was common sense (told you I'm bossy!!!).

I set her a challenge to just read books I recommended for the next month to see if she would feel able to make the switch from fleecy pyjamas to satin nightie!
All the time I was being very scientific- well, no, not really but there you go - and I started off with gentle romances with a bit of action and when she said how much she enjoyed them I upped the heat level. Giving her stories with much more graphic sex scenes and a sprinkle of kink.

Before long she was texting me to say how much she was enjoying the books, she was neglecting her day time chores to read and getting through my paperback collection at a rate of knots.

Time to ply her with wine again...


Sure enough, she was soon telling me about the naughtiness her and hubby had been up to the night before, not loads of details but enough to make her blush and for me to know that my experiment had been a success. "I'm going to have to get a Kindle," she said. "So people can't see the covers of what I'm reading!" 

So in conclusion I would say that yes, reading erotic novels of any heat level can increase your sex-drive. And one of the most poignant things my friend said was that as she was reading all of these books, thinking about the dashing heroes and the sex and emotions, she actually had a hero of her own, lying right next to her, she just had to grab what was hers and make herself the star of her own erotic novel!!


Do share your thoughts, I would love to know if anyone else has done any serious studies on this matter!

Lily x

Oh, and talking of married couples, check out my co-author with Natalie Dae called That Filthy Book. All about a relationship that finds itself on a steep learning curve as the couple rediscover the joys of how they used to be...and more!

Check out the 5* reviews for That Filthy Book and if you fancy winning a copy just leave me a comment and your email address and I will pick a winner at random at the end of the hop.

 Don't forget about the grand prizes too - A Kindle Fire AND a $50 Amazon giftcard.

 Lily x






Sign Up for the Hot Summer Romance Giveaway Hop - Sponsored by the Insatiable Reads Tour - July 18-21.

1. Gemma Juliana  40. Amanda Young  79. Cassandra Carr  118. Justus Roux  
2. Susan Arden  41. Close Encounters with the Night Kind  80. Mary Eason  119. Deanna's Tidbits  
3. Malia Mallory  42. Lucy Felthouse  81. Ramblings From A Chaotic Mind  120. Cassandra Dean (INT)  
4. Emme Rollins  43. Leontii Holender  82. Sydney Jane Baily: Spark: A Writer's Site  121. J.L. Hammer  
5. PJ Adams  44. Kimber Vale  83. Eromantica by Seven McBay  122. Jennifer Simpkins  
6. Lily Harlem  45. Rosanna Leo  84. I Love Lady Porn  123. Jacqueline's Reads (INT)  
7. M.G. Morgan  46. Starla Kaye  85. Lynda Bailey  124. Amanda J. Greene (INT)  
8. Tabi Wollstonecraft  47. Tricia Schneider  86. Cocktails and Books  125. Stormie Kent  
9. Michelle Fox  48. Jennah Scott  87. Jane Wakely  126. Carrie Lane's Cat Haus (Int)  
10. Clara Bayard  49. Lisa Bilbrey  88. Share My Destiny (INT)  127. Shelley & Courtney @ MustReadBooksOrDie  
11. Krista Lakes  50. Amber Skyze  89. Allyson Lindt  128. Normandie Alleman  
12. Melanie Marchande  51. Brandi Salazar (INT)  90. Reading Reality  129. Romantic Reading Escapes  
13. Siren Allen  52. Xakara  91. Stacey @ Sassy Book Lovers  130. Lacey Silks  
14. Juliette Springs  53. Louisa Bacio  92. Wicked Wolves & Dreaming Dragons  131. M. B. Feeney  
15. Morticia Knight  54. Eliza Gayle  93. I Smell Sheep (US)  132. Victoria Blisse  
16. Suzanne Rock  55. Rhonda L. Print  94. Bex 'n' Books (INT)  133. Susan Frances  
17. Adriana Kraft  56. Tory Richards  95. Lynn Cahoon  134. Ellery Rhodes  
18. Tonya's Tales  57. Farrah @ Imagine a World  96. Vanessa Kelly/VK Sykes  135. TD Hassett  
19. Tara Lain erotic romance  58. Rachel Hargrave  97. Adria @ Adria's Romance Reviews  136. Molly Church  
20. Smoldering Heat  59. Em Epe  98. CJ Black  137. Laura Breck  
21. A.R. Von  60. Faye Hunter  99. I am Indeed  138. Read Between The Lines  
22. Tattooed Book Review  61. Sharon Cummin  100. Mythical Books (INT)  139. KJ Montgomery  
23. Sarah Grimm  62. Nora Flite  101. Annabeth Albert  140. Readers Confession  
24. Margaret Taylor  63. Lila Lacroix  102. Cerys du Lys  141. Book Recommendations  
25. Celia Kyle  64. Harper Bliss  103. Read Your Writes Book Reviews  142. LENA HART  
26. Margay Leah Justice  65. Ann Gimpel  104. Dalia Daudelin  143. S.D. Bancroft  
27. Katya Armock: erotic paranormal  66. Lesa Fuchs-Carter  105. My Devastating Reads  144. Daizie Draper  
28. Lacey Wolfe  67. Eireann Shells  106. J.R. Pearse Nelson  145. Lissa Matthews  
29. Jessica E. Subject  68. Rose Anderson  107. MamaJo  146. Rhonda Laurel  
30. Kitt Crescendo  69. J.D. Faver  108. Deena Ward  147. Love Saves the World (INT)  
31. Gale Stanley  70. Brynna Curry  109. Holly Hood  148. Jay @ Vailia's Page Turner  
32. Sheri Fredricks  71. Jane Leopold Quinn  110. Booked & Loaded  149. Lisa Chalmers  
33. Kristabel Reed  72. Anna Daye  111. Aubrey Rose Writes  150. Danita Minnis  
34. Ella Jade  73. Star @ Illustrious Illusions  112. Literal Hotties Naughty Book Reviews  151. Helena Newbury  
35. Night Owl Reviews  74. Kelly Gendron  113. Sheri Savill  152. Serenity Jones  
36. Jennifer Garcia  75. Christine Murphy-Author of Sphinx Resurrected  114. Suzanna Medeiros  153. Under the Covers Book Blog  
37. Yvonne Nicolas  76. DC Juris  115. Bookswagger  154. Alexandra Messina  
38. Naomi Bellina, Adventurous Erotic Romance (INT)  77. Nitzan @ Drugs Called Books  116. Book Liaison  
39. Shelley Munro  78. Cassy Campbell  117. Sotia Lazu  

(Cannot add links: Registration/trial expired)
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48 comments:

  1. Yvette18 July 2013 at 11:58

    Thanks for participating. I have read many of your books and find them enthralling.
    Yvette
    yratpatrol@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Janhvi18 July 2013 at 14:38

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    Janhvi
    justjanhvi at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  3. itlnbrt18 July 2013 at 16:19

    Thanks so much for the post. itlnbrt @ att dot net

    ReplyDelete
  4. Not Everyones Mama18 July 2013 at 16:28

    That is an awesome experiment! I have to agree with the results. The same thing happened to me. :) And I think That Filthy Book has to go on my TBR. Thanks for the giveaway! heather1974 at gmail dot com

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  5. JC Jones18 July 2013 at 16:37

    Interesting post. Sounds like it should work. jonesjnd at yahoo dot com

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  6. LhasaLuma18 July 2013 at 17:09

    Oh yes, I certainly agree that it improves your sex life. You want to try some stuff that you read about lol! kamclauc AT gmail DOT com

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  7. laurie18 July 2013 at 17:19

    Thanks so much for the post.

    parisfan_ca@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Tonya Kinzer18 July 2013 at 17:39

    Loved your post on the benefits of reading erotica! ttssss! Good point! You new co-authored release sounds hot for sure! If I don't win, I just may have to grab my own copy. Thanks for participating!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Anonymous18 July 2013 at 17:54

    LOVE the concept of THAT FILTHY BOOK!

    vitajex(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Greycliffs Chronicles18 July 2013 at 18:35

    Lily,

    I have to agree that the books we read certainly influence our dreams and lives. In turn, our activities play a part in what we read. I work in law enforcement and as a rule, generally don't read crime dramas or mysteries but I love fantasies, romances & historicals. I need that escape from the drama of my job. My husband & I participate in Ren Fairs, which is the ultimate in romance.

    BYW, I love your hockey-related novels. Looking forward to the next one in the series!

    ReplyDelete
  11. BLHmistress18 July 2013 at 18:42

    I can say a resounding yes what I read does effect what goes on in my bedroom :). My DH even commented about it he said are you learning this from your books. I just smiled and he said read more LOL.

    vampiremistress2010(at)gmail(dot)com

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  12. Juana18 July 2013 at 20:02

    I don't have a significant other, but when I read a great erotic novel I wish I did ;)

    jmesparza821 at gmail dot com

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  13. Jessi18 July 2013 at 20:16

    I think it helps. Although, sometimes I wish he would read them too!

    jess820[at]gmail[dot]com

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  14. carly18 July 2013 at 20:22

    Thanks for the chance to win That Filthy Book :) carlywood@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  15. Cassandra18 July 2013 at 20:40

    I completely agree with you and I have also done my own experiments with some friends and their literary choices. I found that in most (not all) their choice of reading can affect their intimacy.
    Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
    dixiedukegurl2 AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wanda18 July 2013 at 20:58

    Thanks for the giveaway!
    wandad1961@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Unknown18 July 2013 at 21:55

    So many great books being added to my TRB list today!!
    Thanks for being in the hop!
    grapeapril75(AT)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. deasuluna18 July 2013 at 22:28

    Some awesome reads for this hot wave going on, thanks for the chance at this great giveaway!

    huntress023(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Tanya conaway19 July 2013 at 00:23

    Thanks for being part of the hop!!!
    virgilio324@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Unknown19 July 2013 at 00:40

    hahahah!! I have gotten MANY MANY of my girlfriends to switch up their normal nighttime reads!! I love hot romance and when a book is awesome, I am alllll about sharing!! Great story and LOVE the blurb of this book!!

    viajeradelmar@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. Stormy Vixen19 July 2013 at 00:44

    Interesting experiment. I would believe that as it surely helps me enjoy through my imagination. That Filthy Book sounds interesting, Thanks for sharing the giveaways. evamillien at gmail dot com.

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  22. Xakara19 July 2013 at 02:05

    Wonderful experiment! This also works if you're rereading scenes you wrote yourself *ahem*. Thanks for sharing and kudos on the review!

    ~Xakara

    My Bromance to Romance Hop Contribution

    Xakara at Xakara dot com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Unknown19 July 2013 at 03:02

    very cool.
    sharoncummin@gmail.com

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  24. strawberryrose19 July 2013 at 05:09

    I just love great experiments! Some of the men I have been in loved it when I read books that heat me up.

    strawberryrose@earthlink.net

    ReplyDelete
  25. books4me19 July 2013 at 06:11

    I would love to own a copy. Congrats on the Amazon reviews: as a married woman of almost 20 years, maybe I should read this book with my hubby! ;)

    books4me67 at ymail dot com

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  26. Jennifer Mathis19 July 2013 at 06:47

    i totally agree some reads just spice things up
    meandi09@yahoo.com

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  27. Stacey19 July 2013 at 14:44

    Very scientific research ;) But, I would agree it does improve things!

    staceyprice(AT)gmail.com

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  28. Theresa19 July 2013 at 15:52

    Thanks for being part of the hop! theresafischer@bellsouth.net

    ReplyDelete
  29. Bobbye Booth19 July 2013 at 22:11

    I would love a copy, thanks bobbyehopebooth@yahoo.com kindle please :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Barbara20 July 2013 at 01:18

    I agree. Every now and again, I like to shock the hubs by reading out loud a particularly hot scene from whatever book is in my hand...just to watch his reaction. Sometimes it leads to a rather "interesting" evening... ;)
    barbbattaglia @ yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Unknown20 July 2013 at 06:18

    Thanks for the great giveaway.. ;) awesome

    vals_hemi at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  32. Unknown20 July 2013 at 11:20

    I agree that everything that gets you in the mood only can be beneficial - we need to add some fun to life!
    Renata
    alifeamongbooks[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  33. Swordlily20 July 2013 at 18:46

    What and interesting experiment :)
    swordlily_girl(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Jessmartin20 July 2013 at 19:14

    You sound like a great and fun friend lol!! Thank you for being a part of this hop!!
    usmcwifey1@live.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. Jessica20 July 2013 at 20:19


    thanks!!!
    jrryba(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  36. Unknown20 July 2013 at 21:51

    This looks great!!
    Thanks. :-)
    barbistull@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. Unknown21 July 2013 at 02:04

    Love the experiment and I completely agree with you. Nothing like a hot steamy read to get you in the mood.

    dragon5174 (at) gmail .com

    ReplyDelete
  38. Pam21 July 2013 at 03:06

    Great post. Thanks for participating.

    pjmillion(at)comcast(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  39. Unknown21 July 2013 at 04:14

    Thanks for the giveaway!
    marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  40. cathyann4021 July 2013 at 04:50

    I'd love to win. Thanks for the chance.
    cathyann40 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  41. Michelle Bledsoe21 July 2013 at 05:12

    This is an awesome contest. Thanks you for joining. There is nothing quite like a Hot Summer Romance.

    koonie2888 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  42. sweety21 July 2013 at 14:17

    Thanks for the international giveaway!!

    sweety225(at)rocketmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  43. Unknown21 July 2013 at 16:23

    I completely agree that books you read can influence your actions.
    Thanks for the giveaway.
    Lumanesce (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  44. Shadow21 July 2013 at 23:02

    Great post! Thank you for the fun hop and giveaway! :)
    shadowluvs2read(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Unknown22 July 2013 at 02:32

    I can fully substantiate your study. My hubby completely supports my reading addiction as he is the sole beneficiary of the results.

    Mel
    bournmelissa at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  46. Unknown22 July 2013 at 04:45

    Thanks for the amazing giveaway!
    elizabeth @ bookattict . com

    ReplyDelete
  47. celina k22 July 2013 at 04:46

    Nice experiment! I like it!

    dreammie_angel at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  48. Lily Harlem25 July 2013 at 17:08

    Thanks for all the wonderful comments and congrats to Rachel who won a copy of That Filthy Book!

    ReplyDelete

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