This is it! Final results, and the announcement of the winner of the Hot-Off!

Here we are at the end of what has been a really marvelous experience for me, and, I hope, for all of you. Now I get to keep you in suspense as long as I can, while you read my envoi.

First, I want to salute the writers, and in particular the four semi-finalists. I think they've all shown that their work deserves a much longer look than they were able to provide here, so in addition to the links to the story-posts in which their Hot-Off stories appeared that you can find in earlier posts on this blog, I'm going to set you up right now with links to where you can find them elsewhere on the 'net.

The semi-finalists:

Tara Crescent is a writer of erotic fiction. She believes in sassy submissives, firm Dominants, completely consensual relationships and happily-ever-afters! Her favorite kind of romance stories are ones that are somewhat believable. In her spare time, Tara reads, gardens, cooks, and procrastinates about cleaning. She lives in Toronto. She is somewhat active on Facebook and Twitter, especially when the writing is going poorly. Her books are available on Amazon--click here!

Justine Hollander was a die-hard east coaster, until the Pacific Northwest called to her and she never looked back. Erotic literature, from the classics to the lesser known, have interested and excited her over the years, eventually inspiring her to put pen to paper. She hopes her stories both entertain and encourage future authors to do the same. Her first story, ‘Rock and Water”, can be found on the erotic literature website, Literotica. With other members of The Erotic Collective, she currently has two novellas within anthologies that can be found on Amazon--click here!

Will LaForge loves to write, but he's terrible at finishing projects. One day, in the not too distant future, he will finish some of the assorted work-in-progress projects he has going concurrently. When that happens, he will share with you all the mystical places, eclectic characters and wondrous worlds his imagination has created.

Etta Stark is an enthusiastic writer and reader of romantic spanking fiction. She writes the kinds of books that she enjoys reading herself - historical romances with strong characters and proper plotlines in between all the delicious spankings.

The other very, very worthy authors:

Sessha Batto turned to writing full time after a twenty year stint in video production editing, scripting and creating motion graphics. Her first novel Strength of Will is currently being edited for re-release. Her short story Wintersong is included in Dancing in the Dark: An Anthology of Erotica. Her Celtic fairy tale Amadan na Briona is part of eightcuts gallery's Once Upon a Time in a Gallery exhibit. Her short story The Poetry Game is included in New Sun Rising:Stories for Japan, an anthology for tsumani relief. Originally from Belfast, she lives in the States with her husband, son, very old cat and too many swords.

Livia Grant loves to write hot, edgy romances that tend to break a few rules. Her stories tend to showcase ensemble casts, complex relationships and steamy, erotic scenes. Visit her at www.liviagrant.com to learn more.

Kiki Howell: Ever since she was young, Kiki could spend hours lost in a book, and soon she knew that creating lives, loves, and losses with just words had to be the greatest thing that she could do. She’s had over forty stories published, and could not be more grateful to see her creations polished and out in the real world. In May, 2011, Kiki was chosen as an Ohioana Book Festival author for her novel, Torn Asunder. Her novels Hidden Salem and What Lies Within Us have made several Amazon Top 100 Bestsellers Lists such as Paranormal, Suspense and Occult Horror.

Phoenix Johnson is an Australian author who has always had the passion for the written word. She had her nose in at least one book ever since she could read and would even scrutinize the back of the cereal box every morning at breakfast. It was only natural she take up writing.

JS Morbius is the pseudonym of an engaged father to nine children, four of his own and five step-children. He is also partially disabled, having been born with a neurological condition that has caused his nervous system to deteriorate over the years and finds writing to be the way to express his feelings, and fantasies.

Meredith O'Reilly is the author of Little Samantha's Choice. She loves writing, and always has. She mostly enjoy writing romance stories: there's just something special about a couple finally getting their happily ever after. When she's not writing, she tends to be reading or studying for her current classes.

Adaline Raine is an avid reader of spanking romance and is known for reviewing every book she touches! Her latest release is The Medic of Brighton Creek.

Nya Rawlyns is a writer, editor and hopeless romantic. She's lived on a sailboat on the Chesapeake Bay, ridden more than 1000 miles in trail competitions on horseback, and been owned by two Newfoundlands. She's staff for a herd of cats and a herd of horses. She's never met a potato chip she didn't like and she weight lifts - which is probably fortuitous as she really like potato chips. She loves happy endings, even when she has to make them up. Optimist by day and by night...

Sarah Young is a 31 year old wife in her 5th year of marriage trying to figure out what submission really looks like... no, not for you, not for the world, what it looks like for her and HER man.

And the faithful non-competing judges who gave of their time merely to help a hot cause:

Blakely Bennett is the author of the erotic romance Bound by Your Love Series (Stuck In Between, Bittersweet Deceit, & Blue Persuasion plus many more novels to come)​​,​ & c​o-author of the contemporary romance, The Demarcation of Jack.

Salena Jo Day lives in the suburbs of Washington DC. She has a less than exciting day job but loves to balance it out with some spicy romance in her free time. She is inspired by all the folks who are able to put their delicious fantasies into words and share with the world.

Patricia Green is a full-time fiction writer specializing in erotic romance. She writes love stories that emphasize fun characters with quirky personalities. Patricia is the author of more than 20 published novels and novellas. In her personal life, Patricia is married and the mother of twins. When she’s not being the angel of domestic harmony and a semi-crazed creator of fictional friends, she loves to read, crochet, knit and watch hockey.

Pink Amazon is a mysterious, but very pleasant, personage.

Gina Kincade's Naughty Nights Press specializes in creating scandalously daring, virtually dangerous, erotic romance books in multiple digital formats. Their Authors will take you to the ultimate edge of scorching hot reading. They are the gateway to your pleasurable erotic romance reading. NNP has a multitude of established, and newer authors who can't wait to share their wickedly exotic, and sinfully naughty stories for your ultimate reading pleasure.

And now, the results!

In the first semi-final match, between Tara Crescent and Will LaForge, the judges voted as follows:

• Judge 1: Ooh, so hard to choose both stories are super hot! But story 1 has the edge. It's dialogue was sizzling!
• Judge 2: Both effectively used the required word, *fork*, but for me number two was just a little more engaging in its heat and suspense.
• Judge 3: Wow, you were right. Both stories are amazingly hot and deserve to win. I know we only get to pick one though so i think story one had a bit of an edge with me. The scene was sexy and playful with a great ending.
• Judge 4: Wow!!! Both were scorching hot! I very much enjoyed both stories. These are definitely the hottest yet. I am voting for story one because of the build up to the climax. Nice job to the both of you!
• Judge 5: Tara and Will, you could not have made this any harder. Both stories were exceptionally written, detailed, and incredibly hot. Both had loving relationships laced with humor. I had to read both of them three times in order to make my decision (i'm not complaining!!). In the end, my vote goes to story two. I truly enjoyed the dialogue between the two of them, not to mention the lovely improvised nipple clamps! When he said, "Get naked, Amy", I shared her full body shiver!
• Judge 6: Wow. Are you sure that we can't vote for both stories because I would really like that. But, if I have to only chose one I'd chose Story 1. :-) 
• Judge 7: Voting for Story 1. Hot, a mystery, a game and a happy ending!
• Judge 8: Both stories used the key word very well, and had a lot of hot elements. I'll vote for Story 1. I found it creative but focused and it didn't rush. The author used his/her word count to get to the punch line without diversion. Kudos to both authors.

Story 1: 6 votes

Story 2: 2 votes

The writer of Story 1 went through to the finals.

In the second semi-final, between Justine Hollander and Etta Stark, the judges voted as follows:

• Judge 1: I thought it was cute that both stories included dates in the early stages. Both authors did an excellent job of painting the scene, seeming unrushed, and yet not using any unnecessary words. I was very turned on by story number 1, what can I say I'm a spanko. ;-) So, I would vote for 1, but both were excellent!
• Judge 2: Story 1! That was such a hot spanking scene!
• Judge 3: Holy moly, those are both hot. I loved the "shall we take this to the bedroom" comment in story one. It was hot, but story two blew me away. So much story packed into 500 little words. The intensity was amazing and chemistry between them so hot. My vote goes to story #2. I'd love to hear more about Paul and Fiona.
• Judge 4: Oh wow, this is a very difficult decision. Both stories are hot in their own manner, both use the required word, *fork*, and both make me want to read so much more about the potential works behind them! Since I have to vote, though if I had a choice it'd be more of a tie, I'll say number two just because it's a fantasy of my own.
• Judge 5: Wonderful stories, written by masterful story tellers. This was a really tough choice. I'll go for Story 2. It was punchy, sexy and had an excellent wrapup. Congratulations to both excellent writers.
• Judge 6: Congrats to both for great stories. I'm really struggling with this one. I think the second story might be slightly better written than the first story, but the first story was really hot. I loved the spanking scene. So close. I'm going with my gut on this one. Story one. Great job to the both of you.
• Judge 7: These two stories are eminently worthy of the semi-finals of what has been a wickedly entertaining tournament. I extend my congratulations to both authors for making it this far. Story#1 - I love the banter and dialogue between the two characters, I could easily visualize the scene. Use of the word 'fork' was nicely handled because us Americans are definitely wont to switch the fork from our left hand to the right. A spanking as the after dinner dessert worked for me. Story#2 - Hot, hot, hot. The chance encounter of ex-lovers touching hands over a dropped fork was quite creative.The bathroom sex scene could have qualified for a Mile High Club encounter. I vote for Story #2 based on sheer sizzle.
• Judge 8: Voting for Story 1. I'm a sucker for a little humor in a spicy story. Although I did appreciate the use of 'errant cutlery' in story 2. ;) 
• Judge 9: Both stories were excellent, but Story 2 had the added dimension of real emotion in it. A happy-ever-after is no easy feat given the word constraints, and I think this story delivered it! I vote for Story 2.

Story 1: 4 votes

Story 2: 5 votes

Story 2 won, in the closest vote of the entire tournament, and its writer went through to the final.

Thus (just to keep the suspense going), A faced Y in the final, and B faced X in the consolation match.

Both those matches happened in this post, and here's how the voting went. Votes with one decision come from the semi-finalists themselves, who of course only voted on the match in which they weren't competing.

• Judge 1: Match A: Both stories are so good it's really difficult to choose, but the electric chemistry between Julianna and her anonymous Italian lover pushes story 2 ahead. Match B: Wow, both of these stories are fabulous. The twist at the end of story 2 made me smile, but I'm going to have give it to story 1. It had me engrossed from the beginning to the end and I know I'm going to return to it again and again!
• Judge 2: Whew! Double whew! These writers do not make this choice simple. I'm hot and I want more. My choices are: Match A: Story 1; Match B: Story 1.
• Judge 3: Match B: This has to be the best round yet, making my decision incredibly difficult. Both stories are so well developed, infused with humor, and sexy as hell. Seriously, I wish I could vote for both of them. While the dialogue in story two was fantastic ("And what needs to be done?" "You." - best lines ever!), my vote goes with story number one. I think the history between them, the slow reveal of her experience with bdsm, and the promise of a new relationship did it for me! That said, fantastic writing, both of you.
• Judge 4: What a climax! Was it good for you, too? :) Loved all four of these stories. All authors deserve high praise. My vote in Match A goes to story 2. Eccellente lavoro. And for Match B, I'll also vote for story 2. I love the twist at the end. I've really enjoyed being a judge for this Hot Off. Thanks for all the fun reading, authors.
• Judge 5: Wow, this is the hardest one of them all. Both stories in Match A are so amazing. The first one - it has enough of a sci-fi feel, coupled with glimmers of a back- story - I would be turning the pages, eager to know more. The second story is lovely and relatable - which one of us hasn't wanted to pick up and find magic in a foreign land? A hard, hard choice, but I'm edging towards Story 2. Reading about Juliana's hot Italian guy did a lot of fluttery things to me, and I think that's the definition of what a hot story is supposed to do.
• Judge 6: For Match A, I chose story 2. For Match B, I chose story 2. Great stories on each match! Great job guys!! :-) 
• Judge 7: These are by far the hardest match-ups to vote on. Stellar writing to all of you. As far as I'm concerned you are all winners. Very hot stuff. But since I do have to vote... For Match A I choose story ONE because the BDSM elements were scorching hot! Both were great! For Match B I choose story ONE but I must say, they both had plenty of cheek and humor. Well done.
• Judge 8: Match B - I salute both authors for their outstanding, well-written stories. Wow, this is a tough decision. I've re-read each story three times and I like them both almost equally. The BDSM scene in Story 1 got me going and I liked the twist at the end. Story 2 had the naughty aspect of the Boss Lady getting it on with the intern, nicely done. Decisions, decisions. I cast my vote for Story 1 - the flogging scene is near and dear to my heart.
• Judge 9: In both matches, Story 2 is the hottest for me--the illicit flings, dangerous places as far as getting caught, the quickies always do it for me.
• Judge 10: Emily was right. This week all four stories deserve to win. All were hot. All kept readers guessing with good surprises in them. All were unique. I've gone back to re-read a couple of times trying to decide and I am going to say in match one I think story two edged out story one slightly. The danger of getting caught. The hot, Italian guy and they couldn't even speak the language. What a great vacation that must have been. :) For Match two, I am going to say story one was the top one for me, but by a hair. I loved the twist of having Courage be the CEO and the guy be an intern (very naughty of her to do that with her employee) but story one clicked with me. She had been following him, going to the club and now they finally connected. Congrats to all of the finalists. You all deserve kudos.

So the tally is as follows:

Match A: Story 1: 2 votes; Story 2: 6 votes.

Match B: Story 1: 6 votes; Story 2: 3 votes.

Have I dragged this out enough, now? Time for the big reveal?

In Match B, the consolation round, Tara Crescent (Story 1) faced Etta Stark (Story 2). Tara finishes in third place and Etta in fourth. Congratulations to both of them, and many thanks for their four incredible stories!

In Match A, the finals, Will LaForge (Story 1) met Justine Hollander (Story 2). Will takes second-place honors. Many thanks to him for his incredible stories.

Justine Hollander wins the first (maybe annual) Hot-Off! Massive congratulations and wild applause to her, together with enormous gratitude for four verifiably smoking stories! Justine wins a featured spot on Selena Kitt's blog, and at least a year's worth of bragging rights!