Lovehoney is giving writers the chance to have their work published and win £100 to spend online. The Erotic Story Competition 2012 is open to anyone over the age of 18 with a keen interesting in creating well-written erotica.

Each member who enters the competition will receive 2000 Oh! Points, with the top 10 entries receiving a further £100 to spend on the Lovehoney website, and their story published in Lovehoney's new erotic e-book series. Oh! Points are part of the Lovehoney loyalty scheme, and can be redeemed on selected products on throughout website.

Submissions must be between 2500 and 3000 words, although all themes are accepted (as long as they're legal!).We're specifically looking for imaginative, titillating and well-written prose that will excite readers, and let them explore their deepest, darkest fantasies.

Lovehoney have been shortlisted for the Growing Retailer of the Year Award at the Oracle Retail Week Awards 2012, nominated alongside A Suit That Fits, Blue Inc, BrandAlley UK, Hallett Retail, Surfdome and Tiger UK.

In 2011 Lovehoney acquired lingerie website BeCheeky and luxury erotic boutique Coco de Mer.

Lovehoney now have 400 own-brand products and have put nearly a decade’s experience, along with customer feedback, into designing the range. Exclusive to Lovehoney, these toys combine the best construction and design, and deliver robust and truly delighting toys at an affordable price.

The largest online sex toy retailer in the UK, Lovehoney, have made the shortlist for the Best Pure-play Etailer at the PayPal Etail Awards 2012.

Other companies shortlisted in the same category include Asos, Mr Porter, Boohoo, Ocado, BrandAlley UK and more, making it a prestigious category to be shortlisted in.

Lovehoney is the UK's most popular online sex toy retailer and sells one in every three sex toys purchased online in the UK (Hitwise October 2011).

Lovehoney's bestselling Sqweel Oral Sex Simulator has made its movie debut in French language film "L'Amore Dure Trois Ans" (Love Lasts 3 Years) directed by Frédéric Beigbeder.

The film has been getting rave reviews and captured an audience of over 50,000 on its opening weekend.

The man holding the Sqweel in the clip comments, "It's obviously a woman who invented this to ruin a man's life."

How wrong he is, the inventor is a Mr Trevor Murphy!

You can see the Sqweel in the trailer below at around the 1.28 mark.

Surprise your lover this Valentine’s Day with a gift from the Lovehoney.co.uk, the sexual happiness people.

Whether your lover wants to be tied up, teased or pleased, Lovehoney.co.uk has plenty of ideas and tips to ensure this is your sexiest Valentine’s yet.

In what is possibly the most appropriate band merchandise since KISS released a make-up kit (yes, really), the sexual happiness people Lovehoney have teamed up with punk band The Vibrators to create the 100% official, 100% punk, 100% satisfying Buzzin Bullet Vibrator (£9.99).

Punk pioneers The Vibrators have been rocking the scene since 1976, but it wasn’t until 2011 that they had a 3-speed ‘Automatic Lover’ to call their own.

Eddie Edwards, drummer and founding member of The Vibrators, says:

“The Buzzin Bullets cause a stir at the merch stand. People have been saying we should sell vibrators of our own for years. It was cool to hook up with Lovehoney, a company who know so much about the band and who have the right, fun attitude to the product - a good coming together you could say.”

The beer-proof Buzzin Bullet is a 3-speed vibrator that comes in its own gig-proof coffin case made from black metal to keep it safe in the mosh pit.

So simple to use that even a roadie could do it, the vibe operates with a single push button in the base which cycles through the 3 speeds of mohawk-inducing vibrations.

The Buzzin Bullet is ready-loaded with 3 x LR44 batteries and comes with a spare set to keep you going on the road.

Made from ABS plastic, the bullet vibe is completely beer-proof (or waterproof if you happen to be driving home) and is free from phthalates and latex to ensure a body-safe ‘Sex Kick’. It's safe to use with either silicone or water-based lubricant.

Ready to rock? Get your Buzzin Bullet from Lovehoney.co.uk today.

About The Vibrators

• The Vibrators formed in 1976, and they supported the Sex Pistols at the legendary 100 Club. They are still recording 35 years later and in 2010 the group played over 130 gigs.
• The Vibrators have released 16 albums and written nearly 200 songs in total. Their rudest song titles include: ‘We Vibrate’, ‘Automatic Lover’, ‘Whips and Furs’, ‘Sex Kick’, ‘Vibrator’, ‘I Need A Slave’, ‘Lady Easy Action’.
• The Vibrators’ most famous single is their 1978 hit ‘Automatic Lover’. It reached number 35 in the charts and secured the band a prime time appearance on Top Of The Pops (The Vibrators Automatic Lover TOTP 1978 - YouTube).
• The Vibrators are also known for their punk cover versions. Their cover of ‘Turning Japanese’ by The Vapors is their most popular song on Spotify, closely followed by a cover of Katy Perry’s ‘I Kissed A Girl’.
• See The Vibrators Microsite on Lovehoney.

About Lovehoney

• Lovehoney is the UK’s most popular online sex toy retailer, selling one in three sex toys purchased online in the UK (Hitwise, October 2011).
• In 2010, Lovehoney sold over 250,000 vibrators and is on track to sell nearly 500,000 vibrators in 2011.
• Lovehoney has put nearly a decade’s experience into designing its own range of Lovehoney brand sex toys and has previously created sex toys in conjunction with sex experts Tracey Cox and Julie Peasgood.

ENDS

For more information and high res versions of images please contact press@lovehoney.co.uk / 01225 318881

The world’s first fully customisable vibrator - Minna Ola - will be exclusively available in the UK from 9 December 2011 from Lovehoney, the sexual happiness people.

Having already created waves (of pleasure!) across the USA since its launch earlier this year, Minna Ola, RRP £119.99, offers a completely new experience for luxury sex toy fans who want to personalise their pleasure.

Minna Ola enables individuals to programme the speed and vibrational patterns they desire, thanks to an innovative pressure-sensitive push pad and two simple buttons. Simply by squeezing the pad with any intensity, speed and rhythm desired, infinite variety is at the user's fingertips. Minna Ola then repeats the pattern endlessly, ensuring moments of indulgence that are tailored to match the user’s desires.

As well as being so responsive to touch, this beautiful rechargeable vibe is precision shaped for G-spot stimulation, deep penetration and external gratification, therefore complementing the body’s natural curves regardless of which way it is held.

Bonny Hall, Lovehoney’s head buyer says:

“We’re incredibly excited about the arrival of Minna Ola as this extraordinary luxury vibrator hands total control back to the user. The touch pad is very responsive to pressure, reacting accurately to touch meaning that instinctively Minna Ola owners will be able to build a pattern that changes in intensity, speed and rhythm in line with their own body’s needs, making their orgasms deeper and even more satisfying than with a regular vibrator.”

Made of a soft-touch, smooth silicone, available in pink or purple, this waterproof vibrator offers a hygienic and easy-to-clean finish that is free from latex and phthalates, making it completely body safe.

Minna Ola truly is a girl’s best friend.

Price: £119.99 (Ships 9th December, pre-orders available now, with FREE Lovehoney Orgasm Gel)

Colours: Pink or Purple

Included extras: Satin drawstring pouch and power cord charger (supplied fully charged)

For further information contact Kate Zappa at Creatrix PR Tel; 01225 423 400 / kate@creatrixpr.co.uk

Lovehoney, the UK's largest online retailer of sex toys, has been shortlisted in the Growing Business of the Year category in the Oracle Retail Week Awards 2012. The nomination recognises the company's success and continued growth in the marketplace, including its first high street presence with the recent acquisition of luxury erotic retailer Coco de Mer.

Established in 2002 by business partners Neal Slateford and Richard Longhurst, Lovehoney has achieved significant success within the UK retail sector, achieving in excess of 30 per cent year on year growth for the past three years despite the economic downturn. The company’s most recent accounts showed a turnover of £13.4 million in the financial year ending March 2011, with pre-tax profits of £1.1 million.

ENDS

Notes to editor

• Directors Richard Longhurst, a former technology journalist, and Neal Slateford, a DJ, have proven to be savvy and innovative retailers, growing the Lovehoney business from an original £9,000 investment into an international operation fulfilling in the region of 50,000 orders per month, with one in every three sex toys in the UK being purchased from the online firm.
• In November 2011 Lovehoney acquired luxury erotic retailer Coco de Mer (see Lovehoney Acquires Coco de Mer Press Release).
• Lovehoney was also recently shortlisted in two categories at the 2011 Orange National Business Awards, with judges commending them on their online business success as well as commitment to delivering excellent customer service.

Lovehoney, the UK’s largest online retailer of sex toys, has acquired high-end erotic retailer Coco de Mer, the company founded by Sam Roddick in 2001. The deal gives Lovehoney its first high street presence and the opportunity to develop Coco de Mer as the world’s leading luxury ethical erotic brand.

Established in 2002 by business partners Neal Slateford and Richard Longhurst, Lovehoney has achieved significant success within the UK retail sector, achieving in excess of 30 per cent year on year growth for the past three years despite the economic downturn. The company’s most recent accounts showed a turnover of £13.4 million in the financial year ending March 2011, with pre-tax profits of £1.1 million.

With its flagship store in Covent Garden, Coco de Mer is widely acknowledged as one of London’s most luxurious shopping destinations dedicated to empowerment, dignity and discovery and was recently voted one of London’s Top 100 Best Shops by Time Out. The brand is known for its range of ethically sourced designer lingerie, sex toys, jewellery and erotic art and boasts countless A-List celebrity customers.

“Over the past 10 years Sam has made Coco de Mer a uniquely powerful proposition and her dedication to promoting a frank and open discussion about the enjoyment of sex has been uncompromising,” says Longhurst. “We’re incredibly excited to have the opportunity to continue to develop Sam’s groundbreaking work and make Coco de Mer the world’s leading luxury erotica brand.”

Coco de Mer will remain as a stand-alone luxury brand with a high-end product range with the ethos Sam Roddick so astutely developed. Lovehoney will invest in the Covent Garden store and will extend Coco de Mer’s range of own-brand products for sale direct to retail customers in the UK and leverage Lovehoney’s distribution and fulfilment network in Europe, USA, Australia and Asia.

The new owners will also overhaul the company’s online operation while maintaining the look and feel of the brand in order to provide customers with an enhanced shopping experience online.

Sam Roddick said that while emotionally it was a hard decision to sell the business, it was commercially prudent and she felt confident that the sexual awakening that Coco de Mer had helped to achieve would thrive with Lovehoney.

“Neal and Richard share my passion for legitimising and promoting positive discussion about eroticism and sex. I believe that in their hands Coco de Mer will continue to offer customers a unique and highly personalised experience, a wide array of exclusive and ethical products as well access to information for those who don’t follow the conventions of mainstream society.”

Roddick will take on an informal role within the company, advising on positioning and product development. She will continue with her passion for activism and bringing about positive change in the world.

The deal between Lovehoney and Coco de Mer was created and negotiated by Ranjit Singh, Coco de Mer’s Chief Executive. Ranjit, who has previously worked with global brands including Virgin and The Body Shop, was brought into Coco de Mer 12 months ago in order to restructure the company ready for a sale. “I am delighted that the deal has gone through as the synergy between the two brands is undeniable and I have no doubt that Coco de Mer, under the control of Lovehoney, will go from strength to strength.”

ENDS

Notes to editor

• Longhurst, a former technology journalist, and Slateford, a DJ, have proven to be savvy and innovative retailers, growing the Lovehoney business from an original £9,000 investment into an international operation fulfilling in the region of 50,000 orders per month, with one in every three sex toys in the UK being purchased from the online firm.
• Lovehoney was also recently shortlisted in two categories at the 2011 Orange National Business Awards, with judges commending them on their online business success as well as commitment to delivering excellent customer service. The company is a nominee in the 2011 Oracle Retail Week Awards’ Growing Business of the Year category.
• Coco de Mer’s famous clientele includes celebrities such as Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, Russell Brand, Liv Tyler and Mischa Barton.
• Luxury brands stocked by Coco de Mer include Stella McCartney, Mimi Holliday, Lascivious and Fleur of England.

For more information contact: Vicky or Gary at Creatrix PR Tel: 01225 423 400 / vicky@creatrixpr.co.uk

Who says you can't give the gift of happiness this Christmas?

Bonny Hall, head buyer and pleasure expert at Lovehoney, the sexual happiness people, has selected her favourite products to help make this year that little bit more enjoyable for all good boys and girls (and couples!).

Read on to discover Bonny's top toys for Christmas 2011 or browse Lovehoney's Christmas Gift Guide 2011 and delight that special person with a perfect gift.

Download the Lovehoney Christmas Gift Guide 2011.

Top Sexy Christmas Gifts for Her

1. Pin Ups Nancy Glitter Bullet and Bombshell Orgasm Balm Gift Set - £16.99

Realease the inner glamour girl with this stylish and discreet pleasure set. A pefect choice for a first vibrator, inside the retro tin you'll find a sparkling, 3-speed waterproof bullet vibe and a tin of tingling Bombshell Orgasm Balm. The Bombshell Balm contains natural ingredients to make nerve endings tingle, and when combined with the sparkling bullet vibrator this set is sure to deliver delectable sensations. A beautiful gift set.

2. Lovehoney Mains Powered Magic Wand Vibrator - £44.99

This product has been setting tongues wagging and jaws dropping since it launched in Autumn. The Magic Wand is an excellent sex toy for couples, and has everything you need to relieve tension through a sensual deep tissue massage and deliver immense pleasure from more intimate stimulation, with its flexible head which is designed to access those hard-to-reach areas. And, because it’s mains powered, there’s no need to worry about batteries.

3. Tracey Cox Supersex Super Bullet Vibrator - £19.99

This best-selling bullet just has been supersized. Still as discreet and powerful as its smaller sibling, this brand new product is easier to hold and offers 3 intense speeds and 3 patterns of pulsating and escalating vibrations giving more variety to bedroom playtime. An ideal starter toy with the added benefit of being waterproof.

Top Sexy Christmas Gifts for Him

1. Lovehoney Wild Double Stroker - £12.99

This is a brilliantly versatile male sex toy to use alone or with a partner and makes a great starter toy for any guy. The stroker is reversible, with tight ridges on one side and delicious bumps along the other and in addition to offering new sensations, the Double Strokers also helps to build stamina. Lovehoney customers have been regularly giving it five star reviews for performance since it launched earlier this year.

2. Tracey Cox Supersex Sensation Stroker - £19.99

The Sensation Stroker from Tracey Cox is perfect for spicing up both solo sex sessions and erotic couple play. Three chambers produce incredible sensations as you stroke your shaft and the see-through sleeve gives you both an intimate view of the action. With over 40 fantastic reviews, it's a sure-fire hit for him.

3. Spider Hands free Realistic Male Masturbator - £89.99

This luxury toy offers hands-free intense and realistic stimulation for the modern man. With a super sleek design and exception build quality, it’s discreet and strong, and according to our customers, feels just like the real thing! It can be fitted to any smooth, hard surface can and tilted to find the best angle.

Top Sexy Christmas Gifts for Couples

1. Lovehoney Tease Me Luxury Soft Bondage Range - £14.99 - £18.99

Tease Me is the new, luxuriously sexy range of soft bondage products from Lovehoney. Designed to be sensual and seductive, Tease Me products are made from high quality materials including ultra soft satin and leather. In rich purples and blacks, this pocket-friendly luxury range includes a sleek blindfold, soft restraints and sensual spanking tools - perfect for those who want to spice up their lovemaking.

2. Lovehoney 10 Function Remote Control Dream Egg Vibrator - £29.99

Perfect for discreet yet deliciously sexy play both in and outside of the bedroom, the Dream Egg is a vibrating love egg and powered by an intuitive wireless remote control. Hand over control and let your partner massage, tease and delight you with the powerful, yet very quiet vibrating motor which offers 3 speeds and 7 patterns. A fantastic toy to get couples in the mood and to create a playful atmosphere.

3. Tracey Cox Supersex Twin Silicone Vibrating Love Ring for Couples - £14.99

Powerful and cunningly designed, this twin ring is worn during sex to bring you double the pleasure and keep him firmer for longer-lasting erections. The supple silicone rings are easy to put on and the clever design keeps the powerful bullet vibrator in the perfect position. Durable and reusable, this cock ring gives you both a mind-blowing orgasm every time.

ENDS

Notes to editor

Lovehoney is the UK's most popular online sex toy retailer*. Lovehoney has put nearly a decade’s experience, along with customer feedback, into designing its own range of sex toys. Exclusive to Lovehoney, these toys combine the best construction and design, and deliver robust and truly delighting toys at an affordable price. Even better is the fact that Lovehoney offers a 365 day, no-quibble money back guarantee on any product that fails to live up to expectation, even if it has been used.

*Lovehoney sells one in every three sex toys purchased online in the UK. Hitwise October 2011.

For more information, photography or product samples contact: 01225 318881 / press@lovehoney.co.uk