Unlock the Heat: Preview Chapter from “Ignited”

Enjoy a spicy sneak peak into Finn and Alex’s love story! To set the stage, Finn is on a “Bearacruz” in the middle of the Gulf Of Mexico. He’s met a stunning man who is going by an assumed name, Knox. (Yeah, a little mystery!) The following is chapter four, and it’s told from Finn’s POV.

“I want more than a kiss,” Knox murmured. “You are the sexiest man on this ship.”

I stepped into his arms, and a moment later, his lips crashed into mine.

Our kiss deepened while Knox’s hands roamed over my body, sending shivers down my spine. The surrounding ship seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of us lost in the heat of the moment. His touch was electric, igniting a fire within me that threatened to consume everything in its path. I felt his arms tighten around me, and for a split second, I wondered if this was all just a dream. But when his hand slipped into my pants and he gripped my ass, I knew it was real.

Knox broke the kiss, and I gasped for air. My cock was painfully hard, and I pressed it against his, and felt his thick shaft through his slacks.

“I’ve never done this before,” Knox breathed. “I mean, normally I prefer to get to know a guy better first. But I feel like this is right.”

“We’ve only got a few days together here on the ship.” I locked my gaze with his, and at that very moment, the light of the moon hit his face in just the right way. It was as if he’d transformed into a smoldering silent film star, with his hair slicked back and gleaming, and every angle of his face sharpened. “Let’s make the most of it, Knox. Because I want as much of you as I can get before it all ends.”

As Knox’s lips crashed into mine once again, I moaned, loving the rough feel of his beard against my skin. It was a sensation I couldn’t get enough of, and I never wanted this night to end.

But suddenly, a loud wolf whistle pierced through the air, causing me to jump and step away from Knox. Heat surged up my cheeks as I caught sight of a group of burly men leering at us from across the deck.

“Christ! This is way better than porn,” one remarked crudely while gripping his crotch.

The man next to him chimed in with a lascivious grin.”Bet the bearded hunk’s gotta huge cock.”

Knox sensed my discomfort and placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder before casting those dudes an icy stare. “Let’s find some privacy…my cabin?” His voice was low and seductive, making promises that his eyes echoed with equal fervor.

“Yes, please,” I murmured, then took his hand. “You know, normally I’d think it was kind of hot doing it in front of a bunch of strangers, but…”

“I’m selfish,” Knox interrupted, then as he led me away, he mumbled, “I don’t like to share.”

When we got to the elevators, I reached for the down button, but Knox hit the up button first.

“My suite is on the upper deck,” He murmured, and I realized he was still holding my hand. When the elevator doors opened, a group of drunk guys in skimpy swimsuits tumbled out, their intoxicated laughter echoing around us. We stepped inside, and as soon as the doors shut, the heat between us ignited. He pressed me against the cold steel wall, trapping me within the cage of his muscular arms.

Knox leaned down, his hot breath fanning across my face as he paused for a moment that lingered with delicious tension. His intense blue eyes locked onto mine, heavy with desire.

“God, I’ve never wanted anyone like this before,” he whispered, then he claimed my lips in a searing kiss that left no room for resistance. His mouth moved against mine with determined accuracy, each stroke of his tongue sending waves of desire pooling in my lower belly. There was nothing gentle in this kiss – it was raw and passionate, filled with pent-up lust and a simmering need that matched my own.

I heard a bell, then the doors opened and a drunk guy staggered onto the elevator. Knox and I stepped away from each other, and the drunk guy asked, “Did I interrupt something?”

Neither of us replied, and the man pushed three different floor buttons and leaned against the metal wall. “Which deck is the mixer on?”

Knox pushed the button for the main deck and glared at the guy. “Main deck, but are you sure you need anymore to drink?”

Drunk dude’s smile flatlined. “Sorry, but I…”

Knox held his hand up, and a moment later, the doors opened. He took my hand, and we got off, then he led me down a hallway. There were only four doors, which I thought was weird since the deck my cabin was on had many more than that. Upon reaching his door, he opened it, and upon entering, I was taken aback by the spaciousness of the room. Damn, this dude must’ve won the lottery or something, because you could fit at least ten of my cabin in just the living area.

“Wow, your suite is enormous,” I slowly turned around, taking it all in.

Knox chuckled, his deep voice vibrating through my body. “No one’s complimented me on the size of my suite before.”

My cheeks flushed as I realized how that could be interpreted. “Oh God, no, I meant the suite is big, not…”

He cut me off with another laugh. “Relax, Finn. I was just messing with you.”

I exhaled in relief and took a better look around the room. The living area had elegant decorations, including a plush white couch and chairs, a polished wood coffee table, and a large flat-screen TV mounted on the wall. The windows were floor-to-ceiling, offering a breathtaking view of the ocean.

“You have your own balcony, too?” I asked in awe.

“Yep,” Knox replied with a smirk. “Just wait till you see the rest of the place.”

He led me through a door to what appeared to be his bedroom. It was just as luxurious as the living area, with a king-sized bed draped in silky white sheets and fluffy pillows. A chandelier hung from the ceiling above it, giving off soft light.

“My goodness,” I breathed out.

Knox chuckled and stepped closer to me. “You can say that again.”

I rolled my eyes playfully and turned to explore the room further. There was another door that led to an en-suite bathroom, which was just as extravagant as everything else. Marble tiled floors, golden fixtures, and a massive bathtub caught my attention immediately.

“This is insane,” I said as I walked over to run my hand along the edge of the tub.

Knox wrapped his arms around my waist and nuzzled my neck. I leaned back into him and sighed. This whole situation still felt unreal to me—being on this cruise with someone like Knox, who seemed so out of my league.

“Let’s get naked and wet,” Knox whispered in my ear, and he reached around me and squeezed my erection through my pants. Then he backed away, so I turned around and saw him turn on the faucets in the bathtub. “Do you like champagne?” Knox cocked an eyebrow, waiting for my response. “I ordered some before I left to meet you. It should be ice cold by now.”

Jesus, champagne? Had I died and gone to a gay billionaire heaven?

“Normally I’m a beer kind of guy, but yeah, a little bubbly would be great.”

Knox put his hand under the running water, adjusted the temperature, then got to his feet. “Get in. I’ll be back in a minute.”

As I undressed and slipped into the warm water, my mind raced. Knox was so out of my league it was unreal, and I couldn’t believe how lucky I was. My heart pounded with desire as I squeezed my hard cock, thinking about what we were about to do, and all the nasty ways we could do it.

But I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by Knox’s extravagant lifestyle. The thought crossed my mind that maybe I didn’t belong here, that I wasn’t good enough for him. But I pushed those thoughts aside as Knox walked into the bathroom completely nude, carrying an ornate champagne bucket and two glasses.

I couldn’t take my eyes off of him as he poured us each a glass of champagne and got into the tub with me. His muscular body glistened under the soft light and his dark hair was no longer slicked back. Now it was perfectly mussy, and I realized his hair had a natural wave to it. He handed me a glass and raised his own in a toast.

“To being naked and wet,” he said with a devilish grin.

I clinked my glass against his.. Jesus, this entire experience felt like something out of a dream -too perfect to be real.

Knox leaned in closer to me, his chest almost touching mine as he took a sip of champagne. The bubbles tickled my nose as they went down, and I couldn’t resist reaching out to touch Knox’s smooth skin.

“You’re stunning,” I blurted out before even realizing what I was saying.

Knox bit his lower lip and set his glass down on the edge of the tub before taking mine from me as well. “As are you,” he whispered, leaning in for a kiss.

Knox’s lips were soft yet forceful against mine, and desire coursed through my body. My hands roamed all over his hard chest, feeling the definition of his muscles under the water. It was like touching a living, breathing work of art.

I pulled away from the kiss, needing to catch my breath and take in the sight in front of me. Intricate tattoos covered Knox’s pecs, seeming to tell a story. I traced my fingertips over them, mesmerized by their beauty.

“You’re so sexy,” I blurted out, unable to contain my admiration any longer.

Knox’s eyes sparkled with a mix of amusement and desire as he pulled me back into another intense kiss. Our bodies pressed against each other in the warm water, creating electric friction between us.

As we continued to kiss, our hands explored every inch of each other’s bodies. Then, with a splash, Knox flipped me in the water so I was covering his body with mine. My cock pressed against his girth, and suddenly I couldn’t breathe, because all I wanted was to taste him. I finally broke the kiss to catch my breath again, resting my forehead against Knox’s.

“Damn,” I whispered, feeling overwhelmed by everything that was happening between us. Never before in my life had I felt such intense lust for anyone. It was like Knox had cast a spell over me, forcing me to crave his touch, his words, his everything.

Knox combed his fingers through my wet hair. “You’re incredible,” he murmured, “and now I want more.” He placed his hands on my waist and physically turned me over again, then he scooted back and pulled me against him. I felt his hard cock against my lower back, throbbing, and one of his hands wrapped around my shaft.

“Oh my God,” I breathed, my eyes snapping shut. He squeezed it, then he slowly moved his fist up and down. “Am I dead? This can’t be real.”

“It’s real, baby,” Knox whispered, and I felt his lips on the back of my neck. “At least it better be, because there’s nowhere else I want to be than right here with you.”

Knox’s hand stroked up and down my shaft, sending waves of pleasure through my body. His lips were on my neck, whispering dirty words that made me squirm against him.

“You like that, baby?” Knox asked, his voice low and husky. “You like how I touch you?”

I could barely form coherent words as his hand continued to work me towards the edge. All I could do was nod and whimper in response.

“Tell me what you want,” he demanded, his breath hot against my skin. “You’re my slut, aren’t you?”

“Yes, Knox, I’m your fucking slut, and I’ll do anything you want.” My voice trembled, and I felt my cock grow even harder.

“You want, no baby, you fucking need my cock inside you.” Knox’s hand moved faster on my shaft. “When I make you come, and trust me, it will be more than once, you’ll scream my name. Now tell me what you truly desire, Finn.”

“I… I want to come,” I gasped.

Knox chuckled darkly. “Oh, you’ll come alright. But not yet.”

Before I could protest, Knox released his grip on me, and I groaned in frustration.

“Please,” I pleaded, arching my back towards him. “I’m a whore for you, Knox. Please, I…”

“Don’t worry, baby,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to the nape of my neck. “We’re just getting started.”

Stroke of Genius- How I Create Electrifying Sex Scenes

I might have a thing for this model…

Let’s talk about sex…scenes. How do I turn up the heat on the page? Read on to find out.

Ever wondered what goes into writing those scenes that leave you hot under the collar? Today, I’m pulling back the curtain to give you a glimpse into my process for crafting steamy moments in my romance novels. 

When I first began writing fiction, I started out by writing short erotica stories under the name Enrique Cruz. At the time I was still working a dreadful day job as a dispatcher for a locksmith company. I wrote on the bus rides to and from work, on my lunch breaks, even in bars. You can only imagine what it was like writing sex scenes on a crowded bus full of people. But I was determined to make it as a writer, so I forced myself to get past the embarrassment and just did it. Save your money. The stories I wrote under the pen name Enrique Cruz were horrible. But they served the purpose of erotica: they were sexually stimulating with little regard to actual plotting and character development. 

Setting the Stage

For me, creating the perfect setting for a sex scene is essential. Whether it’s a moonlit beach, a cozy cabin, or a bustling cityscape, the location sets the mood and adds depth to the intimacy between my characters. And if they are well written, they further the romance in the most delicious ways possible.

For example, in my novella Making It Fierce, the main characters begin to have sex behind the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, under a magnolia tree. Yes, outdoor sex is fabulous, but normally most sex scenes begin and end in a bedroom. I had the MCs begin the sex outside as a means of showing how passionate they were feeling about each other, then they rushed home to the safety of Lucas’s apartment, and Elijah lost his virginity. 

Why is Elijah’s virginity so important? Read on to find out.

Character Chemistry

 But it’s not just about the setting—it’s about the chemistry between the characters. Before I even think about writing a sex scene, I spend time developing my characters’ relationships, ensuring that their connection is palpable and their desire for each other is undeniable. 

With Elijah I wanted to show you, the reader, how intense Elijah’s emotions for Lucas were. Elijah had spent years hiding away in his grandmother’s basement because of scars on his face and scalp. He truly never thought he’d meet anyone who could see who he was on the inside. When he finally did, he made himself the most vulnerable he’d ever been, showing you how much he craved Lucas’s love.

It’s a must when writing sex scenes for your characters to have sizzling chemistry. If not, what’s the point of the romance? Nobody wants to read a sex scene that is limp from the start. Trust me on this.

Building Anticipation

One of the most thrilling aspects of writing romance is building anticipation. From flirtatious banter to stolen glances, I love creating tension that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the moment when my characters finally give in to their desires.

In most of my novels, the main characters don’t do the nasty until they’ve developed feelings for each other. This usually means the sex takes place toward the end of a story, but that’s not always the case. In my upcoming novel Ignited, Finn and Alex are hitting the sheets on the high seas at the beginning of their love story. You’ll have to read the book to understand why I made that choice.

Emotional Connection

At the heart of every sex scene is emotion. Whether it’s longing, vulnerability, or pure passion, I strive to convey the depth of my characters’ feelings as they come together in intimate moments. I typically lean into vulnerability in sex scenes, where one or both of the MCs is making himself vulnerable to the other, and sharing part of himself he rarely does with anyone else.

Sensory Details

To bring my sex scenes to life, I rely on sensory details to immerse readers in the experience. The scent of a lover’s skin, the sound of their heartbeat, the taste of their kiss—each detail adds layers of richness to the scene.

Balancing Explicitness 

Finding the right balance between explicit detail and subtle suggestion is key. While I want my scenes to be steamy and sensual, I also want to leave room for readers’ imaginations to fill in the blanks. With that being said, if I don’t have to stop and take a, um, break, in the middle of writing a sex scene, then I know it’s not very good. You’ll have to guess what I usually do on that break…

Personal Touch

Of course, every writer has their own approach to crafting sex scenes, and mine is no exception. From my unique writing rituals to the inspirations that fuel my imagination, I bring my own personal touch to every scene I write.

Challenges and Rewards

 Writing sex scenes isn’t always easy, but the rewards are well worth the effort. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating a scene that resonates with readers on a deep, emotional level.

Conclusion

So there you have it—the secrets behind my steamy scenes. I hope this glimpse into my writing process has given you a newfound appreciation for the art of crafting romance. Until next time, happy reading!

If you haven’t signed up for my newsletter, do it now and get a free copy of my novella Making It Fit! My newsletter goes out weekly, and features all the news about my upcoming releases, sales, and fun articles like this one.

I Am Tessa Vidal

Embracing My Truth: Coming Out as Tessa Vidal

Dear readers,

Today, I’m sharing something deeply personal with you all, something that I’ve carried with me for quite some time but never found the courage to express openly. My name is Ian O. Lewis, and I am Tessa Vidal.

For years, I’ve been writing under the pen name Tessa Vidal, crafting stories of love, passion, and connection within the sapphic romance genre. But what many of you may not know is that I am not a woman—I am a gay man.

The decision to write under a female pseudonym was not one made lightly. In fact, it was born out of fear—fear that readers of lesbian fiction would reject my work if they knew the truth about my identity. As a member of the LGBTQ community myself, I felt a deep responsibility to contribute to the representation of queer love in literature. However, I also felt the weight of societal expectations and preconceptions about who should be telling these stories.

I want to make it unequivocally clear that I never intended to exploit readers of lesbian fiction. My decision to write under the name Tessa Vidal was driven by a desire to continue writing and producing fiction for the LGBTQ community, even if it meant doing so under a guise.

Initially, Tessa Vidal was a collaborative effort with other authors, but for the past two years, I’ve been the sole writer behind the name. It has been a journey of self-discovery and growth, and I am immensely proud of the work I’ve created as Tessa Vidal.

One of my favorite books that I’ve written under this pseudonym is “Jody, A Dark Lesbian Romance.” This novel holds a special place in my heart as it tells the tale of two women, both navigating the complexities of their lives as criminals, who find solace and love in each other’s arms.

Moving forward, I want to assure you all that I will continue to write books under both my own name, Ian O. Lewis, and Tessa Vidal. My commitment to telling stories that resonate with the LGBTQ community remains unwavering.

Thank you for your support and understanding as I embrace my truth and continue to share my words with the world. Tessa’s books are available exclusively on Amazon, and can be read for free with a Kindle Unlimited Subscription.

With love and gratitude, Ian O. Lewis (aka Tessa Vidal)