AUTHOR INTERVIEW, EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT & GIVEAWAY: Lily G. Blunt, 'Let Your Heart Decide'
My ATR, Authors To Read, tally is just as long as my TBR list. Author Lily G. Blunt had been included in that tally for quite some time, until just recently.
Back in March I had the pleasure of reading her Finding Love: The Perfect Size for You; about a male escort who “bends the rules” to help a closeted gay virgin and, in the process, gets more than he bargained for.
She created such honest and enjoyable partners in Finding Love that when I got wind she was writing a taboo story I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. After all if she could take two strangers and make them so magnetic she would have to be able to create a pretty compelling and passionate relationship between two main characters who have the added bond of being related, right?
I can tell you that Lily does just that in her first taboo tale of brotherly love, Let Your Heart Decide. There is regret, longing, desire, need, and more all wrapped up with a little mystery. From the beginning of the book she pulls you in and takes you on an enjoyable journey of discovery.
As so often happens with taboo authors I read I had an urge to find out what makes Lily tick, why she writes what she writes….her history. Luckily for all of us, when I reached out to Lily G. Blunt, she agreed to allow me a little “interrogation” time.
Lily G. Blunt writes contemporary gay romance and erotica. She loves to explore the relationship between two men and the intensity of their physical and emotional attraction. Angst often features in her stories as she feels this demonstrates the depth of the men’s feelings for each other. Lily is forever writing imaginary scenes and plots in her head, but only a few ever make it to the page—there never seems to be enough hours in the day despite having left the teaching profession to concentrate on her writing!
Lily discovered the wonderful world of m/m romance novels five years ago via fan fiction and went on to write stories in her spare time. With the encouragement of her friends and readers she decided to publish some of her work. Lily subsequently self-published several stories via Amazon. She later published short stories with Torquere Press and Wayward Ink Publishing. Lily is excited about joining Pride Publishing for her upcoming story, The Handyman Can.
Easily distracted from her writing, Lily makes videos using clips from gay-themed movies and posts gorgeous pictures of men kissing or making out on her Tumblr and Facebook pages. Lily is also an avid supporter of GLBTQ rights and advocates equality for all. She was recently a steward for Pride in London.
Lily lives in central England with her rather bemused husband and a ‘mad as a bag of frogs’ Shetland Sheepdog called Barney.
Works by Lily
Available at One of These Retailers:
Paint The Sky
The Handyman Can
Boys on Film
A Darker Side of Oxford Blue
Happy Anniversary, Jasper
You Can't Stop Loving Someone Just Like That
Finding Love: The Perfect Size for You
Kimmers: “I am so excited you agreed to stop at the Banter today and answer some questions, Lily. I know your fans will love this opportunity to get to know you a little more.”
Lily: “Thank you for having me, Kimmers.”
Kimmers: “I know today is a busy day for you with it being release day and all so I will try and make this quick by getting into our first question. What led you to write Let Your Heart Decide?”
Lily: “I enjoy reading taboo stories and decided I wanted to write one. I was thinking about combining a romance with a mystery, paranormal plotline for something new and different for me. But I can’t remember what gave me the initial prompt for my plot. I’ve looked through my very first notes and it appears much of the outline of the story formed pretty quickly.”
Kimmers: “I have to say I really enjoyed the mystery in this one.”
Lily: *big smile* “Thank you.”
Kimmers: “So, I wonder why M/M or for that matter taboo?”
Lily: “It’s what I enjoy reading. I’m often asked why I don’t write M/F, so I broaden my readership, but I have no inclination to write a hetero story. I’d prefer to write what I enjoy rather than write for a market.”
Kimmers: “I find that to be the case with most authors in this genre and especially taboo. I personally love that approach as I like to feel the story as I read. When authors write what is calling to them to be written it comes across in their work and you can’t help but be sucked in.”
Lily: *nodding*
Kimmers: “Now I know that you are self-published. Does the need to write what you enjoy play into that?”
Lily: “Well, going in with a publisher is more cost effective. They provide the editing and the cover. Choosing to self-publish a book is initially more expensive, but you have more freedom and can decide when you wish to release your book.”
Kimmers: “And in the case of Let Your Heart Decide, what you want to release.”
Lily: “Exactly.”
Kimmers: “O.K., writing in the field that you do how would you explain to someone the difference between erotic fiction, erotica and maybe even porn?”
Lily: *doesn’t miss a beat* “For me, erotic fiction is explicit but it has a plot and romance elements. Erotica is more focused on sexual scenes. Porn I associate with videos and photography rather than the written word.”
Kimmers: “Ding, ding, ding…give that girl a prize. I think you hit the nail on the head, Lily.”
Lily: *laughing* “Well, I do my research.”
Kimmers: “Annnnnnd that is a good set up for my next question. How do you go about writing a good sex scene?”
Lily: *grinning* “Lots of research! I read a lot of sex scenes, watch videos, and use my imagination. I know what I like and try to capture that in my writing.”
Kimmers: *laughing* “I think we all do a lot of “video” watching in the name of research, Lily." *big grin* “Dang, I must not regress. How about we move on to how you delved into writing?”
Lily: *grinning* “Sure.”
Kimmers: “When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?”
Lily: “For years, I’d often imagine scenes that I’d like to write, but never dreamed I’d be able to write a novel. It all seemed too complicated. But then about six years ago, I started writing fan fiction a chapter at a time and that made the whole writing process more approachable for me.”
Kimmers: *nods head* “I know many an author who started in fan-fic. Must be something to that. Tell us, Lily, what were you like in school?”
Lily: “Until I was about fourteen I wasn’t interested in school. Everything seemed beyond me. Then because of an interesting and inspiring history teacher something clicked and I became studious. I went on to get my honors in history and religious studies as well as my teaching degree.”
Kimmers: “Wow, impressive! That one teacher can make all the difference, can’t they? I know in our preparation for this interview you mentioned that one of the things you wanted to be growing up was a teacher. So you are living that dream?”
Lily: “Actually, I gave up teaching nearly four years ago with the intention of writing more than I did before. However, I only write for an average of three to four hours a day and that includes working on promotion and editing.” *laughing and shrugging* “I should spend less time on social media and focus more on my writing, though.”
Kimmers: *raises hand* “Guilty! And by the way, I LOVE your Tumblr!" *winks*
Lily: *laughing* "Why thank you."
Kimmers: "Speaking of social media. How do you feel about its impact on the world of literature?”
Lily: “Social media has enabled the M/M genre to expand rapidly. Authors and readers can connect more easily, and despite a few negative dramas over the past few years, I think it’s great.”
Kimmers: “I would have to agree. When I first started dabbling in the genre I was shocked at how accessible the authors are. Now I am honored to have made some lifelong friends. While we are on readers and accessibility, what is the one thing you wish individuals would consider when writing a review?”
Lily: “I write quite a few short stories. I wish some reviewers would accept that and judge the story accordingly.”
Kimmers: “I for one had to learn that. I was so accustom to reading 300-400 page books that the short stories baffled me a bit at first. But a good writer can convey a lot and make a huge impact in just a few pages. I have seen that many times. One more “big” question and then let’s end with some fun ones.”
Lily: “O.K., shoot.”
Kimmers: “Are there any causes within the LGBTQ community that are a hot button for you or that you are passionate about?”
Lily: *smiling* “I support the mottos ‘Love is Love’ and ‘Love Wins’ that are often used on social media. I would love to live in a world where people can marry whoever they choose without discrimination or negative reactions.”
Kimmers: “Wouldn’t we all, Lily!” *claps hands* “O.K., let’s relax a little. In your dreams, is there an actor you would like to see play one of your main characters and if so, who?”
Lily: *giggles* “When I was writing The Handyman Can I pictured Wentworth Miller and two other characters from Prison Break as my main characters, so I would love to see them starring in a production of my story.”
What do you think, fans?
Kimmers: “He is one handsome man that is for sure. Tell me. What is your favorite book and why?”
Lily: “I love Beneath the Stain by Amy Lane and Brute by Kim Fielding. I’m in awe of the writing, as well as the feelings the words and characters evoke in me.”
Kimmers: “Feeling when reading is so important, and I love author recommendations. Do you have a favorite time of day, day of the week or month of the year and if so, why?”
Lily: *sighs* “I love Sundays and Mondays now that I don’t have to drag myself to work. The weekend used to be ruined by thoughts of Monday morning in the classroom.” *laughing*
Kimmers: *nods* “It is nice not to have to dread Monday’s.” *giggling* “Almost done. How about do you have a favorite or inspiring quote?”
Lily: “I found this when I was researching for Let Your Heart Decide and think it suits Rhys and Jake: ‘Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same’ by Emily Bronte from Wuthering Heights”.
Kimmers: “Oh that is good. I would have to agree it is very fitting for those boys, Lily. One last really important question. What other projects are you currently working on that you would like to divulge to us?”
Lily: “I’m working on a follow-up to Finding Love and also a contemporary vampire story.”
Kimmers: “Both of those sound quite intriguing. And I for one can’t wait to see where Ty and Andy are at! This has been so much fun getting to know you, Lily. Thank you for stopping by and thank you for offering up one of your self-published eBooks from your backlist as a giveaway. I know your followers can’t wait to try and win it!”
Lily: “I am so happy to have been here and thank for helping promote Let Your Heart Decide for me.”
Title: Let Your Heart Decide
Author: Lily G. Blunt
Published: June 3, 2016
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Erotic Romance; Contemporary Romance
Length: 304 Pages
Tags: Gay; M/M; Mystery; Suspense; Paranormal: Ghosts; CW: Taboo;
CW: Incest
NOTE: This is a taboo romance featuring two brothers.
BLURB:
New house, new job. A new start with his brother….
Two out of three isn’t bad, right?
Rhys returns to his hometown and must face the brother he’s been avoiding for two years. In his heart, Rhys still hopes to recapture the bond they once shared.
Jake willingly offers him the hand of friendship, but Rhys is reluctant to confront their past, fearing it will only rip them apart again.
When Rhys sees ghostly figures in the grounds of a local historic house, it leads him to investigate their shocking past—and to face his heart’s true desire.
Exclusive Excerpt
PROLOGUE
HIS EYES WERE swollen and rimmed in red. We’d both cried too much today, comforting each other in our grief, holding on tight, not wanting to move away. Now he looked as though he’d hardly slept for days, which was probably true. I hadn’t either.
He’d changed from the dark suit and black tie into his favourite faded green T-shirt and black sweatpants. As always he looked gorgeous, breathtaking, even in his anguish. Despite our shared sorrow, I let my gaze dip to the contour of his cock. I needed him tonight, more so than on any other night. All I wanted to do was hold him, comfort him, penetrate his body, and join us as one.
How could I think of having sex at such a sad time? I wanted to forget the pain, to be lost in his scent, his body, his mouth. Finally claim him as my own, my friend, my lover.
Keeping that close connection between us, I smoothed down his hair, rumpled by the chill wind and rain from the unforgiving graveyard. I slid my fingers down his neck, stroking softly, resting my hand on his shoulder.
He stepped back and his eyes met mine, questioning. I held out my arms for him. Without hesitation he sank into my embrace. No words were required. The delicious moment was charged with something electric. The time felt right. We’d waited long enough.
His hands, warm and grasping under my shirt, were rough and needy against my skin. His hunger matched my desperation. His mouth sought mine; our lips and tongues merged in passion and raw need.
“Yes” was all he gasped, and with that verbal consent, I clasped his hand and led him to the bedroom.
Once inside, our wild kissing resumed. We tugged at clothing until we were naked, and crashing onto the bed, we tangled together. Years of restraint on my part faded into the night. With each bite and each scrape of his nails over my skin, the more turned on I became. Desire ripped through me, its quenching my only goal. We devoured each other, seeking to stave off that gnawing hunger.
Grasping, kissing, sucking on skin and nipples, we consumed the other as if we’d never get this chance again. Taking what we could in the here and now, we seized arms and hips and thighs, with no thought to the bruises tomorrow would bring.
In haste I prepared him; his gasps and moans coaxed me to ravage him. And the moment I sank into his delicious, slick heat, my vision blurred. For years I’d yearned for his surrender, this union, and the reality surpassed my wildest dreams.
Joined as one, we rocked and humped, still kissing and squeezing. Climax came hard and fast for us both, with intense cries and groans muffled against moist, sweat-slick skin. Our deep breaths mingled into slower kisses and a tender concluding embrace.
His eyes remained closed. Tears seeped from under his eyelashes and down his face.
“Look at me,” I asked, my heart fluttering from fear now rather than desire.
One look at his dull blue eyes confirmed the truth I already felt in my bones.
“I’m sorry,” he said, blinking away his tears.
I wiped away the moisture from his cheek. “No. Don’t ever say you’re sorry for what we just shared.”
He took in a deep, shuddering breath, his eyes turning from mine. “We can’t ever do this again.”
And with that soul-destroying and heart-wrenching statement, Rhys made his way to the bathroom and out of my life.
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