Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Grand Prize Winner!!

A big congratulations to Linda, who won the grand prize in our 10th anniversary contest. She answered our question, "How has Ellora's Cave improved your sex life?" Her answer was short, sweet and to the point:

Reading EC books has given me several ways to get busy on the pool table! Once we were so busy that we did not take the cover off. Now we got a heavy-duty cover! Lol!

Linda wins a netbook computer, which we will load up with some ebooks that might well have her shopping for heavy-duty tablecloths, rugs, car seat covers, desk blotters and who knows what else!

Monday, September 20, 2010

10th Anniversary Contest Grand Prize Round


After seven weeks of wonderful, sweet, hot, inspiring entries in our How Has Ellora's Cave Improved Your Sex Life? contest, it's finally time for the Grand Prize Round! All the entrants in this round have already won free ebooks in an earlier round, so this is the cream of the crop! Winner of this round receives a netbook computer, so please make sure you vote for your favorite in the panel to the right.

This contest has truly inspired our authors and staff because all of the things entrants wrote showed us that we are doing more than simply entertaining readers; we are helping them to rekindle the romance in their lives and to embrace their own sexuality. So from everyone at EC to all the fantastic people who entered this contest, thank you!!

Linda
Reading EC books has given me several ways to get busy on the pool table! Once we were so busy that we did not take the cover off. Now we got a heavy-duty cover! Lol!

Laura
Ellora's Cave opened up a brand new world for me, and one which I want to live in forever. When you are 56 and have been married for 39 years you tend to get in a rut. I married my high school sweetheart and hate to admit it, but he was the first man I slept with (on my wedding night) as well as the only man I slept with in my life! He is the most wonderful man in the world, my best friend and still the sexiest man I have ever seen. Throughout the years and five children, we pretty much fell into a comfortable routine. I grew up while we were married and as I became older (although probably not wiser), I began to have these fantasies about him. He was in the military for 25 years and when he was deployed I would take out my books (which I kind of hid in a box in the closet) and enter the land of exotic fantasy. I think I actually almost devoured them! Since my husband knew I had only been with him, I could not figure out how to tell him about some of my fantasies without having him wonder where in the heck I had come up with them.

I decided to bring my books out of the closet and place them on my bedside table. The first time he saw them he glanced at them but did not say anything. I, in turn, probably turned about 20 shades of red. I waited for a few nights and then I mumbled to him about how some of these sex scenes did not seem possible. He mumbled back something like "it seems like it might be possible." It was only a few days later that he suggested (this time he had the red face) that just to "appease" my curiosity, we could try a few of the scenes I was talking about. That's all I needed and I was off!! It did not take long before we both felt like two kids in a candy store and how sweet it all was! Ellora's Cave gave me the courage and ideas about how to make our marriage so much fun and so very, very exciting!!

Kitianne
I've always found myself to be a little reserved in the bedroom; well more like timid . I always had a VERY bold and erotic imagination; however, when it came down to making love I get reserved and unsure how to act out my fantasies. I guess I was afraid how my partner would view me. In my mind I'm a sexually adventurous dirty girl. In reality I'm a shy but lovely woman. I love to read romance and erotica and imagine I'm the leading lady. I know sad right? After reading a few of your ebooks I was soooooooo turned on that I attacked my husband that night! I was super aggressive and I initiated the lovemaking. Boy was my husband SHOCKED!

After putting him to sleep, several hours later, I really took a moment to reevaluate myself and realized that I am a sexy vixen. I'm a very passionate person but it took your website to reveal my true self.

The love scenes are so passionate and sometimes down right dirty that you can't help but get turned on. I have to commend the authors who contribute to such a wonderful site. I have forwarded the web address to my friends so they can see for themselves.

Again I have to give my heartfelt thanks for reviving my sex life. Sometimes we as women become so engrossed with being perfect mothers and wives we forget about ourselves and what we need to be happy. I'm happy and I have got my sexy back! Much Love.

Lisa
Life is all about choices. My husband and I have been together for 20 years, married for 17. One night when we were very young, I awoke in the wee hours of the morning to find him absent from the bed. I walked into the living room to find him in the act of pleasuring himself on the couch. He saw me, I saw him, and I promptly walked right back into the bedroom. I sat on the bed and thought, well I can be offended and have him be embarrassed, or I can trust him like no one else. So, I went out, sat beside him on the couch and said, "How would you like to know me better than anybody? … I do THAT too."

It was the best reaction I could have had. I showed him my secret toy. He was so relieved and excited. As time went on, children came, and my libido has gotten stronger and more demanding.

When I hit the big 4-0, I discovered Ellora's Cave. The stories I read gave me new ideas and helped us improve techniques. We even ordered a new toy! We have better sex now than ever and a lot more of it! The variety of genres on EC has helped me decide what I truly want in the bedroom and has given me a medium in which to communicate these desires to my wonderful husband. He has DEFINITELY been game!:)

I'm so glad I decided to be as open and honest with my mate. I even hesitated before telling him I was reading erotic stories. I chose to take the chance that he would judge me or not approve. I should have known that he would return the same unconditional love and understanding I showed him all those years ago. We have both been reaping the rewards! Thank you EC and all the fabulous authors. I have even corresponded with a few, they are great ladies and even encourage me to share my "stories". Don't know if I'm ready for that, but EC cave has a fan for life in me!!

Anne
Ellora's Cave provides a wonderful spectrum of different romantic stories, ranging from the mildest to the hottest. I do not really have a traditional "sex life" to speak of, and it is kind of unbelievable that a 25-year-old female in this day and age is still a virgin. It is not due to any personal hard-held beliefs, but simply due to how life circumstances have played out for me. I have had my share of longing crushes from afar, but have yet to go on a date or even experience a first kiss. Throughout it all, I have enjoyed the world of romance, more specifically Romantica®. I truly believe that it is these stories that have allowed me to last so long. I have always been a romantic at heart, and therefore am a complete fan of romance.

I discovered Ellora's Cave several years ago through an advertisement in Romantic Times. At the time I was still somewhat conservative about sex and was shy about exploring other stories that were much darker than vanilla. So at first I only looked at the Ellora's Cave stories that seemed "traditional" and "missionary." As time went on I discovered that my curiosity about different types of sex was growing, albeit slowly. New positions were being exposed to me, and I found that I began to enjoy delving into the stories that were steamier and steamier. Ultimately Ellora's Cave developed my imagination and opened my mind to other aspects of sex.

So slowly, but surely, I began to explore the stories on BDSM and spanking. Honestly, at one time I would never think about reading those kinds of stories. But Ellora's Cave introduced classy stories that did not appall me, and it also educated me on BDSM by completely blowing my preconceived notions out of the water. It showed me that there are special relationships between these partners that add a new dimension to the romance. If anything feeling that intimacy makes the romance more engaging and really touches my heart (among other things ;-)).

My sexual exploration and education continue to grow every day. I have begun reading some multiple-partner stories, but mostly M/M/F. Although the majority of my stories are still traditional M/F stories, I am much more open about looking at the different novels offered. And now my imagination is wilder, and my expectations are possibly higher. Even though I do not have a man to share my fantasies with, I can hold on to them and continue to hope that I will meet that special someone to share them with. Ellora’s Cave continues to give me hope that I have every possibility to meet that special person, and in the meantime I can continue to enjoy reading and opening my mind to other sexual possibilities. I look at it this way: When I do meet the one for me I will have a library of fantasies to keep us busy, courtesy of Ellora’s Cave. Thank you, Ellora’s Cave, for educating me and providing a world that has supported me as well as entertained. Thank you, Ellora’s Cave, for helping me develop my fantasies as a sexual woman, and I look forward to more wonderful stories to come.

Toi
For you to understand the scope of the change in my life I'll give you a little of my background.

I was raised in a VERY strict, VERY catholic household. You could say that I've had my inhibitions drummed into my head from birth. It was only reinforced when I attended school. Puberty hit me early (10yrs old) and I was blessed with large breasts. Unfortunately the nuns didn't think so, and I was forced to tie them down daily (Ace bandage). It got to the point that as I got older I thought there had to be something wrong with me. I was a bookworm and really a geek (but with a body that could kill, I'm told) but I was ultra shy. That shyness stuck with me. I eventually married and was a virgin until then.

He was very conservative and our sex life was almost obligatory for me. I didn't enjoy sex, and didn't have a clue what an orgasm was but I was sure it was only for the "naughty girls." We divorced after nine years of marriage and by that time I figured the BIG O was a myth. I used books as my escape from everyday life. I already enjoyed romance novels but after my divorce I was really disillusioned with them. So the next time I was in Borders I checked out the other selections. The Ellora's Cave cover picture caught my eye. So I said "what the hell" and picked it up. I didn't even read the back of the book as was my wont (truly adventurous for me).

I got home that night and followed my regular routine; helped my children with homework, prepared supper, bathed kids, prayers and then tucked them in. I even did a couple loads of laundry and cleaned up around the house. I finally settled down, made a pot of tea, turned on some classical music and sat down with my book Double Trouble by A. James.

Wow!!!!!!

That book was like foreplay! For the first time in my life I was aroused and by a book. I'd been married and had three children but I had never felt like I did after reading just a portion of that book. I was an eye-opening experience. I went to work the next day and it was like a veil had been lifted from my eyes and my inhibitions! My imagination was working overtime on a couple of my coworkers who flirted with me constantly. I'd been putting them off, but now the thoughts in my head were anything but off putting...lol. I decided that the book wasn't bad, and decided to go get another one. (I'm a fast reader, 916 words a minute.)

I picked up two that time, with the same results. I thought if they can do it why not me? I was tired of being the "nice" girl, I was lonely and I finally realized that I'm entitled to a life too! So I decided to take a chance and I invited the gentlemen from work to my house for dinner...both of them. My plan was to seduce them. Mind you...I had NO idea what I was doing but with my newfound confidence I was doing it anyway!

I'd sent the kids to their aunt's house for the weekend so that wasn't a concern. I was as ready as I was going to get. I'd prepared dinner. I wore a silky blouse with ample cleavage and it was light enough you couldn't fail to see my nipples, especially as excited and scared as I was. I also wore silk pants that were easy to remove. Like I said, I was going to be naughty if it killed me.

When my doorbell rang, I almost passed out I was so nervous. But surprisingly the evening went well. I thought I'd be uncomfortable but the guys put me at ease...sort of. The constant casual touches were anything but casual. I was on fire. They asked me what brought on the change in attitude? I went to the book shelf and pulled out my Ellora's Cave collection. Ironically, they picked Double Trouble to skim through. By this time I squirming in my chair, my panties were soaked and I was panting. They decided that since that book caused my "transformation" then they were going to act out the sex scenes in the book for me. OH MY GOD!!! (Both men were built like Greek gods!!)

That night turned into an ENTIRE weekend of glorious sex!!!! I finally had my first orgasm, (they took care of that immediately) I have so much more confidence in myself and my abilities. I realize that there was nothing wrong with me to begin with. I just need the right stimulus and boy did I find it...times two! I'll forever be an Ellora fan!

Arlene
After reading all the books from Ellora's Cave I am perpetually in the mood for sex. This was not always the case for me in the past but now I feel like I'm in my 20s. I am however, retirement age. Giggle!!

Friday, September 17, 2010

Countdown to The Big Party

Ellora's Cave Cover models Lisa Gray and CJ Hollenbach took to the streets Thursday to get the word out about the RomantiCon 2010 Book Fair on Sunday, October 10, noon-3pm at Quality Inn & Suites in Richfield, OH. It's the grand finale of The Cave's big convention and the only part that is free and open to the public. What's so special about this year's convention is that it celebrates the 10th anniversary of the little publishing company that no one saw coming.

Dressed as characters from EC's first book, The Empress' New Clothes by Jaid Black, Lisa and CJ were telling people about the fun in store at the book fair, including books, authors, hunky cover models, and great prizes, including ebook readers and computers.

They visited Michael Heaton at the Cleveland Plain Dealer (below).


They also stopped in at weekly alt newspaper The Cleveland Scene and WJW-TV Fox 8.




Look out, Akron, they will be back on the road and invading the Akron Beacon Journal and other spots next week!


Monday, September 13, 2010

10th Anniversary Contest Round 7


A big shout out to Kitianne for winning Round 6 with her inspiring essay about finding her inner sexy vixen! Kitianne wins an Ellora's Cave ebook of her choice and entry into the Grand Prize round to win a netbook computer.

This round is the final one before the Grand Prize round. Use the poll in the right column to vote for the one you like best:

Veronica
Learning new positions makes my hubby squirm! He loves that I can easily switch things up in the bedroom, and that I can take control of the situation. He used to be the one in charge, but now, I am! He loves it when I order him around and tell him what to do to me!!!
Thanks so much!!!

Grace
I've been a die hard fan of your books as well as Lady Jaided for more than three years now and really enjoy the expansion of my sexual horizons.
As a matter of fact I have begun to share said expansion of my imagination as a phone sex operator. All of the different genres help with the differing facets of the acting required of me, helping me to better understand that particular perspective, (at least to the extent that the customer seems to require).
Thank you. Not only do I get to read some really hot writing, I get to do something that I have fun with and earn money doing because your books help me to enjoy being sexual a whole lot more.


Arlene
After reading all the books from Ellora's Cave I am perpetually in the mood for sex. This was not always the case for me in the past but now I feel like I'm in my 20s. I am however, retirement age. Giggle!!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

10th Anniversary Contest Round 6

Congratulations to Lisa, who won Round 5 of our How Has Ellora's Cave Improved Your Sex Life? contest with her beautiful essay about choosing to be open with her husband in a way that created more intimacy and better sex. Now it's time to vote on Round 6. Here are the entries:

Kitianne
I've always found myself to be a little reserved in the bedroom; well more like timid . I always had a VERY bold and erotic imagination; however, when it came down to making love I get reserved and unsure how to act out my fantasies. I guess I was afraid how my partner would view me. In my mind I'm a sexually adventurous dirty girl. In reality I'm a shy but lovely woman. I love to read romance and erotica and imagine I'm the leading lady. I know sad right? After reading a few of your ebooks I was soooooooo turned on that I attacked my husband that night! I was super aggressive and I initiated the lovemaking. Boy was my husband SHOCKED!

After putting him to sleep, several hours later, I really took a moment to reevaluate myself and realized that I am a sexy vixen. I'm a very passionate person but it took your website to reveal my true self.

The love scenes are so passionate and sometimes down right dirty that you can't help but get turned on. I have to commend the authors who contribute to such a wonderful site. I have forwarded the web address to my friends so they can see for themselves.

Again I have to give my heartfelt thanks for reviving my sex life. Sometimes we as women become so engrossed with being perfect mothers and wives we forget about ourselves and what we need to be happy. I'm happy and I have got my sexy back! Much Love.

Olga
Ellora's Cave has helped me very much! My sex life has improved a lot as I taught my partner how to please me. Also, we added more positions which made our sex life more interesting. Thank you Ellora's Cave!


Robin
Ellora's Cave erotic romances have helped me to be more open about what I like. And EC romances have helped to me to realize that if we try different things, we might find out we like them ;0)

Delores
Ellora's Cave Romance has improved my sex life, like it's nothing. I get hot and cold and I climax so, so, many times my clit hurts. It hurts in a good way, so don't worry. I love reading the paranormal romance ones the most because it speaks to my hidden fantasies. I love the male dominant thing, because I am dominant. My fiance is dominant with him just being a male, but I am dominant in a very female way. I get crazy, in a good way with the rough sex. I love the primitive action behind it. I am a very passionate person, so it calls to me. All I can say is that you keep bringing the hot books. And Lora Leigh is my favorite author, so keep putting her books online and I promise you, that I will be one of the people collecting her books. And I love the website and I thank you for it!!!!!!!!!!!

Friday, September 3, 2010

You Can Make a Difference: An Request from Jaid Black


Maggie Voglesong is a longtime EC reader with a heart of gold and a generous, courageous spirit that touches everyone she comes into contact with. She is also a woman who, sadly, is living a nightmare most of us can't fathom.

Maggie's beloved husband, Bruce, was diagnosed with Gardner's Syndrome in June of 1980. He lost his fight with this little known genetic disease a few years ago. As if his long, painful illness and resulting death weren't difficult enough to bear, all 4 of Maggie's adult children have since been diagnosed with GS, which they inherited from their father.

Gardener's Syndrome is arguably one of the worst diseases a person can have, genetic or otherwise. In the words of an HIV+ patient, at least with AIDS there is still hope. On the contrary for GS sufferers, very little is known about the disease, even amongst doctors. There is no ongoing research for this vicious illness, though it claims the lives of its victims in a horrific manner. As Maggie told me, "I've been in the fight against this monster since June of 1980, and in all that time, there have been no advances in treatment, nothing done for all those who live with it that has changed; then, as now, the only thing you can do is cut out the diseased parts of the body until you either run out of parts or say 'that's enough'."

A devoted mother, Maggie spends most of her time caring for whichever daughter is in the hospital at any given time. The painful reality that she will most likely outlive her children is a nightmare from which there is no awakening. I first became acquainted with Maggie's story when our customer service department forwarded me a letter of appreciation she took the time to write to EC during one of her many trips to the hospital with Bruce. She thanked EC for its supportive staff and wonderful authors; authors who have helped her and her daughters escape their painful realities through the splendid worlds they've--we've--created.

We might not be able to cure Gardener's Syndrome, but together we can give Maggie and one of her children a much needed vacation from doctors and hospitals. Maggie and her daughter Karen would love more than anything to attend this year's Romanticon in Akron, Ohio, where they can meet their favorite authors and "forget" for a little while. The economy being what it is, however, they simply cannot afford it.

Our goal is to collect $1500.00 to pay for Maggie and Karen's flight, hotel, food, etc. ANY amount of money you can contribute would be appreciated! None of us can save the world singlehandedly, but together we can ease a little bit of pain for two courageous women.

For as little as $5, you help make a big difference. To contribute, go to here.

Sincerely,

Tina Marie Engler (a.k.a. Jaid Black)