Sunday, January 29, 2012

Welcome Juliet Chastain




How did you start your writing career?


Back in sixth grade, inspired by a wall calendar with photographs of kittens (one of my most treasured possessions) I wrote a sad story about a couple of kittens. This tragic tale made me cry and and got me an “A” from my teacher.

Along the way, I switched focus, so to speak, and became a photographer. And here I am again after fifteen years of photographing fashion, writing again. This time my stories have lots of steamy romance and happy endings. No kittens no sad tears.

Tell us about your current release.

The Captain and the Courtesan, a short Regency period romance is my first release. It came out just a few days ago. It's about a woman who has become penniless and will have to work as a courtesan and really nice (and handsome and sexy) sea captain who falls in love with her, but he finds there is no honorable way to so.

Tell us about your next release.

Coming up in February is Cry of The Wolf. In this short story, a hunk of a man who is also a wolf, keeps his passionate love a secret, certain that the woman he adores could never love a man who was also a wolf.

He’s the alpha wolf, big, powerful, and dangerous, yet he is also a man named Michael. She’s Laura, a shy human farmer. He’s passionately in love with her. She doesn’t know he exists until he catapults into her life, and she is overwhelmed with desire for him.

The heat between them rises although Michael, fearing she would be repulsed by his dual nature, says nothing of his passionate feeling for her, and Laura is too shy to reveal her ardent craving for him. Unless they summon the courage to open their hearts to one another, they will lose each other forever.
Who is your favorite author?

Jane Austin


When was your first sale?

Three months ago I received my first two acceptances on the same day. I whooped and jumped up and down and was on cloud nine all day



When in the day/night do you write? How long per day?

I try to write something new in the morning and revise and do other writing tasks later in the day. I don't always succeed, alas.

What is the hardest part of writing your books?

It's all hard except once in a while something happens and a bit of a story just writes itself and that is wonderful.

Does your significant other read your stuff?

Sometimes. He likes the sex scenes.

Do you have critique partners or beta readers?

I don't right now, but I would like to.

Who are your books published with?

Breathless Press.


What do you do to unwind and relax?

I do yoga and weather permitting, I swim outdoors. And, of course, I read.

Blurb:

Against his conscience, Captain Edward Howland buys a night with the enchanting and mysterious masked courtesan, Lady Amelia Kentley, and their evening together becomes far more than either expected.
As her first night as a courtesan approaches, the mysterious masked noblewoman is the talk of London. Impoverished Lady Amelia Kentley, wearing a mask to hide her identity, is resigned to her fate—working in a brothel to support her child and herself. When she meets the kindly and passionate Captain Edward Howland, she is shocked at the powerful attraction she feels for him. She hopes that he will be her first paying lover. Dare she dream of more, of running away from her degrading situation with him?

Edward disdains paid-for sex, but he is so enchanted with the masked Lady Amelia that he cannot resist the chance to claim a night's pleasure with her before he sets sail in the morning. They share hours of overwhelming passion, and a deep affection develops between them. By daybreak, Edward is determined to find a way to rescue her from her fate as a courtesan, but he finds there is no honorable way to so.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Welcome Lee Brazil



Tell us about your current release.


The Librarian is a story about two imperfect men, one is somewhat self-centered, and the other has been called manipulative. Though neither is perfect, they are perfect for each other.



Who is your favorite author?

One of my favorite author's is John Steinbeck. His East of Eden is a powerful drama about family dynamics that explores the nature of good and evil, the parable of Cain and Abel.

When was your first sale?

I think I "sold" Keeping House to Breathless Press last December or January.

When in the day/night do you write? How long per day?

I am a morning person. I usually write in then, but have been known to be inspired in the afternoon and evening as well. I attribute this in part to the fact that my characters live in my head, and when I go to bed at night, they whisper in my ear. So I wake up with veritable chapters itching to get on the page.

Does your significant other read your stuff?

Alas, my significant other is kind of my opposite. He's not interested in romance; his reading material of choice is related to mathematics, history, and chess. If I ask for his opinion, he'll read and give it, but since he's not familiar with the genre, his reaction is frequently not helpful.


Do you have critique partners or beta readers?

I have a very wonderful beta reader who reads all of my work, and a few other friends who are kind enough to help out on occasion.


Who are your books published with?

My books are published with Breathless Press. They're a terrific e-publisher with excellent editors and awesome cover art.

Do you listen to music while writing? If so what?

I have a variety of play lists, defined by mood and era, or genre. Most frequently I listen to David Bowie, Tom Petty, Rush, and Steve Miller.


What book are you reading now?

Right now, I'm reading Holed Up by Hank Edwards. " FBI Special Agent Aaron Pearce, tall, muscular, a lone wolf with an attitude, is assigned to protect Mark Beecher, a witness to the plans for a terrorist attack. The discovery of an unknown informant within the FBI's ranks, however, forces the two men to hole up in a loft apartment with only one another for company." It's a sexy, action filled suspense.


What do you do to unwind and relax?

To unwind and relax I walk. We live out in the country and there is always something to see and marvel at. A glass of wine and a sunset are the perfect way to unwind after a long day.


Current Release:

The Librarian

Blurb

Valentine Michaels has just taken a vow of celibacy. Adrian Grey intends to take full advantage of that vow to re-create his relationship with Val.

Val is at a crossroads in his life. A college dropout, he's gone as far as he can in his career as a cosmetologist, owning his own style salon. He no longer finds satisfaction in it, though he's put years into proving to his bigoted parents that a college degree and the veneer of straightness aren't the only roads to success. They'd turned their backs on him, and he proved he didn't need them to make it.

His love life is no better than his working life. His relationships always start with a bang and fizzle into boredom, or worse, anger.

Adrian has his own agenda for helping Val: he's been in love with Val since they were freshmen. The intervening years of listening to Val's gossip about his lovers and relationships have taught Adrian just what it was he did wrong all those years ago, and he thinks this time around he now knows exactly how to get—and keep—his man.

Buy Links:

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thelibrarian-668522-144.html

http://www.amazon.com/The-Librarian-ebook/dp/B006UMM4C4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325951766&sr=8-1

http://www.bookstrand.com/the-librarian-mm

http://www.breathlesspress.com/librarian

Friday, January 27, 2012

Welcome Raven McAllan



How did you start your writing career?
At school, winning two where does chocolate come from writing competitions. As an adult, meeting Robyn Donald a New Zealand writer who told me to go for it or I'd regret it. Entering a terrible piece in a romance writing competition in 2010, but meeting my crit group through that. They dared me to write my first book.


Tell us about your favorite character from your books.
Raig in The Price To Pay. He has to really fight to get Vairi. She pushes against him all the way.

Where do you dream of traveling to and why?
Ankor Wat, the thought of it fascinates me. South Island New Zealand, we didn't make it that far. And back to The Great Wall, Halong Bay, Singapore … too many to mention. I've been so lucky where I have visited so far.

Does travel play in the writing of your books?
It should do a lot more, considering where I've visited. Well I did get an idea for two interrelated books whilst I was on holiday in St.Kitts recently. The plantation house we stopped in Ottleys gave me food for thought.
Tell us about your current release.
To Please a Lady, is a historical m/m/f menage. Great fun, and Hermione lead her lovers them a merry dance. Here's the blurb:

When your lovers are lovers themselves, and want you to help them make the perfect triangle, what do you say? Persuade me of course!

Unconventional, and happy, Hermione is in the enviable position of having not one, but two lovers to attend to her every need. That her lovers are lovers themselves, only adds to the equation. Berry and Ran feel it’s time to make all their various twosomes, into one splendid threesome. Now all they have to do is persuade Hermione!

Being men, they are too impatient to wait for her answer. Being a woman, she isn’t going to be pushed, shoved or coerced into saying anything until she is good and ready. Patience is a virtue, and one her men needed to get.

Also Taken Identity, (noble romance) where Jules finds someone has stolen her life. And she wants it back!



Tell us about your next release.

The Price to Pay, it's out Feb 24th here's the blurb… Do a friend a favor? Easy. Persuade the woman she's your soul-mate - not so easy. Does this cougar romance stand a chance?

Raig was doing a favor for a friend - babysitting mum. Who'd have thought that 'mum' turned out to be the woman of his dreams?

Raig could see their future, Vairi could only see the age difference. He may say you were only as old as the man you feel but she couldn't do the forever he wanted. Too many obstacles stood in their way, especially when she finds out Raig has not been telling her the truth by omission. She too has secrets she's not willing to share. Can they open up, be honest and put their doubts behind them? Then discover how satisfying a cougar romance can be?

Has someone been instrumental in inspiring you as a writer?
See above. And a great publisher and editor keep me going.

Has someone helped or mentored you in your writing career?
No, but Doris O'Connor is my conscience, my ear to moan to and my send it here and I'll do it it synopsis sorter

Who is your favorite author?
I don't have just one. Doris O'Connor, Miss Read, WEB Griffin. Too many to mention.

When was your first sale?
October 7th 2011

When in the day/night do you write? How long per day?
On and off all day. I have a dodgy shoulder that sometimes means my hands go numb, so I have to be careful. I'm best in the 'wee small hours'

What is the hardest part of writing your books?
Getting the characters to listen to me. And giving then up at the end. I want to go on and on.

Where do you research for your books?
On line, at the library, family history.

What does your family think of your writing career?
Hmm. Depends who you ask.

Does your significant other read your stuff?
He does, and if he thinks something isn't right he tells me. It's good to get a blokes perspective, also Doris's OH reads my stuff. He really got me going with The Price to Pay. MY OH was away on business, and as it is all written from the man's POV he checked it over for me..

Do you have critique partners or beta readers?
Doris O'Connor. I've no idea where she finds the time. And my crit group UCW without them I wouldn't have dared submit.

Who are your books published with?
Breathless Press; Noble Romance, and soon Evernight Publishing

Do you hear from your readers? What kinds of questions do they ask?
Yes, and It's great to know people read them. They ask sorts of things, from do I research (Oh YES) are my characters based on any one (Oh NO) to can you read my M/S for me. Sorry! It takes me all my time to read my own.

What do you think makes a good story?
Believable human characters. A good plot and and yup, HEA or HFN

Plotter or Pantser? Why?
I always thought I was plottter. I so am not. Definitely pantster. Or a led by my characters-ster! I would love to know exactly what was going to happen and when, but I don't think I'd have a good book at the end of it.

Do you use a pen name? If so, how did you come up with it? I do Raven Is the bird that brings change. Before I had my first acceptance there was a Raven in the garden. And every time I hear anything about a M/S I see one or two waiting for me to look at them before they fly away. McAllan is the finest single malt Scotch whisky I think you can get.


Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers? Thanks for supporting me. I hope we grow older together.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Welcome Jamieson Wolf



How did you start your writing career?


I started writing professionally when I was eighteen. I always knew I wanted to be a writer, but it took many years for me to realize that it was what I wanted to do most with my life. After a few false starts, I got published. It was like realizing a dream.

Tell us about your current release.

My current release is Reaping Shadows from Breathless Press. Here’s a bit about the book:

Death has always been a lonely business.

Darion Muerte knows this first hand. Darion is a Reaper, one of those who gather the souls of the dead so that they can move on. He has been a Reaper for centuries. Accompanied only by his Shadow, a being that scouts for the dead, Darion has not been touched by another for over a thousand years.

That all changes when Darion meets Kale. Though mortals are not supposed to be able to see Reapers and their Shadows, Kale can see both of them. And his dark blue eyes see right into Darion.

Answering the call of passion that sets fire to his skin, Darion gives in to his needs and lets himself experience one night of passion. That is all he can take. And then Darion must make the ultimate sacrifice.

Darion must take Kale’s soul.

You can get your copy here:

http://www.breathlesspress.com/reaping-shadows


Has someone been instrumental in inspiring you as a writer?

In terms of inspiration, I would have to say Carol Shields.

I had the opportunity to meet her when I was just starting to write seriously. She had come to speak at a local university about the power of narrative. I remember how nervous I was talking to her, but she was warm, wonderful and lovely. I asked if it was harder to find the narrative in prose or poetry. She told me to write both and find out. And the rest, they say, is history…

Who is your favorite author?

Stephen King, hands down.


When was your first sale?

I sold a story titled Realties Real to Dark Krypt Magazine. I still have the contract they sent me. It was a wonderful moment. That was back when I was 19.

When in the day/night do you write? How long per day?

Since I go to work during the day and do most of my schoolwork in the afternoons, I tend to write in the evenings. How long I write depends on how far I am into a novel. If I’m just starting out, I take my time with it and may spend an hour or two each evening. If I’m towards the end, and have figured out what I’m doing, I’ll write into the wee hours of the morning.


What is the hardest part of writing your books?

Trying to figure out how to end them! I never have been very good with endings.


Does your significant other read your stuff?

Yes, he does. I am lucky to have an amazingly wonderful boyfriend who not only reads what I write, but loves what I write. After a long time of no one in my family or anyone close to me reading my work, it’s a gift that he not only reads my books but that we can discuss them.


What do you think makes a good story?

The characters. If you do not have a character you can care about in a novel, there is no emotional pull and the book suffers for it. You need to have characters that are real to make write a good novel.


Do you use a pen name? If so, how did you come up with it?

I do in fact use a kind of pen name. I just drop off my last name. Jamieson is my real first name and Wolf my middle name.


Do you listen to music while writing? If so what?

I always listen to music while writing. What kind of music depends on the book itself. Usually something poppy and something with a beat. I love Robyn’s Body Talk, anything by Bjork, some Tori Amos if the mood strikes. Or David Guetta, I freaking love his stuff. I would never say no to some Chromeo either.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Welcome Ivy Bateman






http://www.breathlesspress.com/between-lines

Release, Jan.27th

Book Blurb:

Lara Munroe is perfectly fine with the characters in her books having better sex lives than she does, until the night she meets Devin Monaghan.

When erotica writer Lara Munroe heads down to the ballroom to take part in an extravagant book launch, she has no idea her path will finally cross with political writer Devin Monaghan. He's smart, sexy, and roguishly handsome, and the chemistry between them is instantaneous. Lara feels her natural guard slip whenever she lays eyes on him. The thought of a night with Devin becomes more than a little distracting.

Devin, who could have any woman in the crowd to share his hotel bed, quickly sets his sights on Lara. He finds her alluring, beautiful, and intoxicating, and his attraction to the erotica writer had started long before their first encounter in the hotel elevator.

Lara and Devin have their careers to think about, a busy evening ahead, and very little chance for verbal communication. However, that doesn't stop them from coming together. They are both authors, and words are their greatest medium, but even they know that when it comes to figuring out how to get exactly who you want, it could be as simple as reading between the lines.

Blog address:

http://ivybmisbehavin.blogspot.com/

I can also be found on Facebook and Twitter (IvyBateman)


Who is your favorite author?

I have a few, but the two authors who I find influence my writing most often are Neil Gaiman and Sharon Shinn. I love how Neil Gaiman can take a perfectly normal situation and turn it into something completely off the wall and unexpected. With Sharron Shinn, she takes characters we can easily relate to and places them on completely different worlds. You never doubt for second while you're reading her books that these places exist. It's almost magical.

When was your first sale?

Well, this book, Between the Lines, is my first published work for purchase. When my book went for up on the Breathless Press site for pre-order, I sent an email out to a bunch of my friends and right away, a friend of mine pre-ordered it. That was on Dec.21/11.

When in the day/night do you write? How long per day?

On any given day, I will write whenever I find the time, however, I write best on the weekend mornings. I get up early, make a pot of coffee and get to work. I will write almost solidly for 2 or 3 hours or until my hands and shoulders tell me to stop.

What is the hardest part of writing your books?

The hardest part is starting. If I'm working on a new project, it could be hours before I'll sit myself down in front of the computer. Everything becomes more important: laundry, dishes, sorting the junk drawer...I'll do almost anything to procrastinate before I find the courage to put the demon of doubt aside and simply start writing.

What does your family think of your writing career?

They are extremely supportive and proud of me. I do a lot of writing that is "G rated" and my parents read all of it, but my more saucy writing, they know about it, but it's off limits. I told them once you read it, you can't unread it and I'd really feel more comfortable with them not reading it.

Does your significant other read your stuff?

My husband is wonderful and reads everything I write. He's my biggest supporter, fan and critic. Grammar is not my strong suit and he's more than willing to help correct all of insane writing errors, but also offers me encouragement when I feel stuck or low.

Who are your books published with?

My first release is published with Breathless Press.


What book are you reading now?

I am reading Game of Thrones and Women Who Run with the Wolves; both excellent books for completely different reasons.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was really young, I wanted to be nurse, like my Mum. But when I was nine, I was bitten by the acting bug. I was going to become a world famous actress no matter what. That didn't exactly work out, but that's ok. I met my husband in college while taking Dramatic Arts and I still have a passion for acting. I'm active in community theatre and am proud to say that I'm currently directing and acting in a play I wrote. It goes up next month as part of a Hospice Fundraiser and I'm very proud to be a part of it and help out a very worthy cause.

Do you use a pen name? If so, how did you come up with it?

I do actually. Ivy Bateman is my naughty alter ego. The way I came up with it is a bit nerdy...my husband is a huge Batman fan, actually we both are, and because he's such a huge supporter of my work I wanted to include him somehow. The name Ivy, I just like the name and Bateman is only one letter away from Batman. After I decided on the name, my husband said "Hey Christian Bale (whom I adore) isn't his character's last name in American Psycho Bateman?" And I said "Yes! And he's also Batman!" So, really it's a perfect pen name for a couple reasons.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Quick Update

I'm writing the final scene on my shifter. Should be done today or tomorrow. The special guests will return later today or tomorrow.

Congrats to all the Pats fans. What a game. The DH had a bunch of men over and some wives to watch the game. We ate great food and it was definitely a nail biter.

I'm in mourning over the 49er loss. Damn Giants. I hope the Pats make mince meat out of them at the Super Bowl. LOL

Happy Monday!

Friday, January 20, 2012

Welcome Angela Claire

Tell us about your current release.


Mandy and the Cowboy Mogul is number 5 in my Colorado Dreaming series. It revolves around a woman who was a minor character in some of the previous books. Everyone thinks she’s a wicked woman, but in fact her story is a lot more complicated.

Tell us about your next release.

I have a new one coming out from Ellora’s Cave on Friday called Executive Perks. I’m really excited about it because it’s based on a corporate takeover romance that I first envisioned when I was a young M&A lawyer myself.

Has someone been instrumental in inspiring you as a writer?

My sister Colleen, definitely. She encouraged me to write just because I love to and always told me that I was a writer even if nobody ever published my books.

Who is your favorite author?

Hard to say. In romances, I like Shannon McKenna and Sylvia Day. In mysteries, I like P.B. James and Elizabeth George.

When was your first sale?

Siren Bookstrand accepted my first e-book, Saving McCade in September of 2010. I was so excited I had to close my office door because I was jumping up and down. That book was published in January 2011 and I’ve had eight more since then. I love it!

What does your family think of your writing career?

It varies. Some, such as my sister Colleen and a few of my other sisters and my husband and my kids, are extremely supportive. Others choose not to really mention it at all…let alone buy one!

Does your significant other read your stuff?

He’s read a few, but romance is not his thing.

Who are your books published with?

Siren Bookstrand and Ellora’s Cave.


Tell us about your family.

I’ve been married to my husband for 25 years and we have two college age sons.

Do you use a pen name? If so, how did you come up with it?

Yes. Angela Claire is my pen name. It’s the girl names I would have used if I had had a daughter instead of my two brilliant, wonderful sons.


Mandy and the Cowboy Mogul by Angela Claire (www.angelaclaireromance.com)




Blurb:

Everybody seems to think widow Mandy Parker is some kind of a Jezebel. Never mind that her two marriages to older men were never consummated or that her experience as a seductress is a myth. When a handsome cowboy happens into town, Mandy figures that if she's going to be cast in the role of the temptress, she might as well try to play the part in earnest and at least get the benefits.

Aidan Munroe has just taken over the railroad his family owns. When Mandy seems intent on seducing him, he decides to play a part himself, pretending to be a simple cowboy looking for work and claiming he just doesn't believe in "having relations" before marriage. He doesn't know what he enjoys more—the incredulous look on Mandy's face or her blatant attempts to disabuse him of the concept.

Will Mandy and Aidan ever stop playing their parts long enough to fall in love?


Excerpt:

“Don’t you have a name?” Amanda prompted.

If he told her his name, even if he didn’t tell her who he was, she might remember or at least might wonder enough about it to ask. He offered the shortened version he had gone by in college, with no last name. “Dan.”

“Well, Dan”—she leaned into him—“I’m Mandy.” Last names apparently weren’t required for whatever she had in mind for this acquaintanceship.

Mandy. He hadn’t heard her called that back East.

“What are you doing in these parts, Dan? Looking for work?”

He didn’t know what possessed him to say yes, but he did. “Yes.”

“Well, there’s a lot of it around here. As long as you’re not afraid of a little manual labor.”

She looked at him expectantly, and he obligingly said, “No.”

“I don’t have a ranch myself. I live in town.” She added with another assessing look up and down his frame, “A nice private house with an extremely convenient back entrance.”

When she gazed at him expectantly this time, he was at a loss for words. Was she actually hinting at what she appeared to be hinting at…with him? The momentary euphoria dissipated with the thought that as far as she knew she’d just met him, for Christ’s sake.

“What kind of work do you do?”

He hesitated.

“Roping? Herding? The usual kind of thing?”

He had absolutely zero idea where he was going with this thing, but he said, “Yeah. Just about.”

“I like cowboys.” She smiled then frowned at him. “You’re not married, are you?”

God, she was beautiful. Even a frown did nothing to detract from her allure. It just made a man want to turn it into a smile again.

“No,” he answered truthfully.

The frown disappeared, so he supposed he’d done his job.

“What a relief that is to hear. It seems all the good-looking men in this town are married.” She pronounced the last word with evident distaste.

“But not you, Miss?”

“Miss? Oh, I’m not a ‘Miss.’ Heavens, no. Not since I was…well, quite some time ago. No, it’s Mrs. Parker, and I’m a widow.”

An extremely recent widow at that, he knew from Jake, which made her next words all the more shocking.

“Isn’t this convenient? You unattached. Me unattached.”

She laid her riding crop on the scarred oak table, the only piece of furniture left in the depot except for a rickety bench in the corner, and looked around. “Well, this will have to do,” she muttered. “It’s all dirt out there, not even any grass.” She focused those alluring blue eyes on him again, keeping eye contact as she untied her bonnet and shook out that long golden hair he remembered so well. She’d worn it tied in a ribbon back then, but now she didn’t appear to bother with that. Her hair fell in streaming ripples around her shoulders. When she turned her attention to her leather gloves, she removed them finger by finger in a strangely sensuous demonstration.

Or maybe it was just him.

Then with her head and hands bare, she walked right up to him until there was only a breath of the stale air of this depot between their bodies.

Nope. It wasn’t just him. He should speak up, tell her who he really was, and call on their tenuous family connections, such as they were. But he couldn’t. He found himself fascinated by whatever play she was acting out in front of him, with him as the cowboy looking for work and her as…as what? What the hell was she doing?

When she put both hands up to cup his face and pressed her lips, soft and fresh, to his, he jerked his head back in surprise.

“What is it? What’s wrong?”

She didn’t remember him and walked right up to a complete stranger and kissed him? Hell, even if she had remembered him, he would’ve been shocked down to his toes. And she had the nerve to ask what was wrong?

He knew now what Jake’s wife had wanted to tell him when he spoke of Amanda, and he felt a tremendous sense of disappointment. The heartbreakingly beautiful, vulnerable girl he remembered seemed to have turned into…her mother!

While he was busy with that disturbing thought, she seemed to have had one of her own, suddenly pulling back in horror. “Oh, good Lord, you don’t prefer men, do you?”

He was speechless as she looked at him expectantly, and when he didn’t answer, she focused instead down in the general vicinity of his crotch. “I don’t know what I’m being so missish about here. There’s one way to tell about that in a hurry.”

To his astonishment, she reached down and ran her forefinger lightly along the length of cock, and the fledgling erection that he’d been fighting roared to the fore. She petted him distractedly for a second.

“No,” she muttered almost to herself, dropping her hand. “I see it’s not that.”

He held himself perfectly still.

Finally he said, with a little more drawl than his voice normally had, “That’s a might forward, ma’am.”

She put both hands on his shoulders and, still with shock, he felt her press her full length into his. He was shocked all right, but his cock was fine with it, lurching enthusiastically toward her underneath his breeches.

“Look,” she whispered up to him, “we both know the game, don’t we?”

He did know the game. As one of the supposedly most eligible bachelors in Boston, and certainly the richest, he’d been treated to a fair amount of female attention, from the platonic simpering of his ex-fiancée to the studied tutelage of every level of mercenary female from whore to high-priced mistress. They’d all wanted something from him. But it wasn’t sex. That was what he had wanted from them, for the most part.

And from Amanda Munroe—or at least his idea of her—he’d thought he wanted more. That was really why he’d come up with the plan to seek her out. He could have just mailed the documents to her with an accompanying explanatory letter. If she had been anyone else, he would have. But he had insisted on coming out West himself. In his own probably sentimental mind, the girl who had wanted to finish school, who had fended off the advances of her stepfather, who had been sold to an old man…that girl was someone he might have wanted more from, although he hesitated to articulate what.

And now that he’d found her again, what did she want from him? Incredibly, a quick fuck, it seemed.

A delicious idea occurred to him.

“Well, that’s just it, ma’am.”

“What?” Her hands wandered from his shoulders to up around his neck, running her fingers through the strands at the base. Despite himself, he shivered.

“I appreciate all the compliments and er, this attention you’ve been giving me.” He glanced down tellingly to his cock and then unwound her hands from the back of his neck. “But the truth is, I don’t feel right about such things unless the man and lady are married.”

Trying to suppress his smile at her astonishment was impossible. Instead, he gave in to it, and a wide grin spread on his face as he held her hands out to the side, as if to keep them away from him. She looked downright stunned. Into silence apparently. Her mouth fell open.

So he said, “Now, I know that may sound funny—”

“In a man, it’s unheard of. A man that looks like you…well, I never.” She pulled her hands away from his, and he found he already missed the contact. “You’re not Catholic, are you?”

Her befuddled attempt to put a label on him amused him further.

“I mean, you’re not a priest, are you?”

Oh, he wished he’d thought of that one. Oh well, this was almost just as good. He put on as heavy an accent as he’d heard the farther west he got on the train and said, “No ma’am. I mean, God and me, we’re pretty familiar with each other, but I’m not a priest. No, if I’m very lucky, some day I may find the right woman for me, and then I can enjoy the pleasures of the flesh.”

“So you don’t plan on…doing anything until then?”

“No, ma’am.”

This was priceless.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Welcome Xavier Axelson


Thursday Things: The Woods, by Xavier Axelson




I love the woods. They call to me. Woods surrounded the street I grew up on. My backyard looked out on a vast forest and it provided many hours of playing adventures, mishaps, and occasionally scary moments. Remind me to tell you about the time I was stuck in mud up to my thighs and lost both my winter boots. I can still see my mother’s face as she leaned over the muddy bank and yanked me out of the mire.

The sound of the woods is probably the thing I love most about it. There is nothing like looking up at the treetops as they move in the wind; the sound of the leaves is hypnotic, the whine of boughs---an eerie reverie. It is the sound of nature. If there is magic in the world, it lives in the woods. I have found many a hidden fern glen with sunlight falling on it; filtered through the ceiling of trees and if there are fairies or wood sprites, believe me they were there.

“Lily,” was a perfect excuse to submerge myself in the woods. Being I am unafraid of a forest, I found the idea of something lurking around the edges; watching, wanting, wondering, a fascinating and sad twist to a place I always found enchanting.

“I could see the woods; a delicate mist had fallen during the early morning hours and hid its depths from me. I felt closest to Lily here. I would come and stare into the woods, even speak to her as if she were just hiding behind a tree and not somewhere altogether more horrible…”

There were always animals wandering around inside the woods sadly never a mystical white wolf, but other equally alarming and beautiful creatures. Although, there was this time a stray dog chased after a friend and I, and the bees, oh the horror of bees that have made nests on the forest floor.

The last time I went back east, I spent an inordinate amount of time hiking through the woods. I liked one particular path very much. It was the type of path that led you further and further into the woods and around each curve, there was something to discover. There would be a small stream you traversed by walking across a broken piece of wood and then a hall of trees that had arched towards each other like lovers; branches embraced, leaves wound around one another so when you passed under them you looked up into a ceiling of green. There fallen trees to climb over, manic and loud geese to hear from a nearby island and ducks swimming in stagnant sun-shadowed ponds. It was a sanctuary during a trying time and a home away from home.
"Woooods," she said, "hooome, one day.” She pointed outside, "Home?"


About Xavier Axelson: Xavier Axelson is a writer of erotica for Silver Publishing and Seventh Window Publications. He is also the Los Angeles Sex Advice Columnist for Examiner.com, contributes regularly to Queer Magazine Online, and writes a column for All Bear Online Magazine.


Buylink:

http://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/coming-soon-c-2/lily-ebook-p-714

Book Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SY8R3kX2B0



Where to find Xavier Axelson:

http://www.facebook.com/xaviersaxel

http://www.twitter.com/xaviersaxel

http://www.examiner.com/la-in-los-angeles/francis-xavier

http://www.xavieraxelson.com/





Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Going AWOL

Okay, not totally...but I will be having a bunch of guests for the next oh, 10 days or so. It's a relief for me because I've been a bad blogger. Now I don't have to think about it. LOL

Friday, January 13, 2012

TGIF

The other day my friend Penny talked about your Litmus Test (you can read her post here)that one book you liked so much. Books you would read over and over. I hate to say I can’t read a book more than once. I can’t watch movies over and over either. Unlike the hubby who will watch a movie to death. There are times when I can’t watch TV with him because I can’t stand to see the same movie three times in a week. :o)


I don’t know when this started, because as a child I read books multiple times. I borrowed Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Charlie and the Glass Elevator from the school library every week it was available. I’d be highly disappointed if it wasn’t available.

I wish they’d make a movie from Charlie and the Glass Elevator. I’d watch it once, possibly twice, but that’s it! LOL

So, it’s Friday and I’m off from the day job. I took yesterday off too. I wanted a really long weekend. I had high hopes to get a ton of things done. Hahahahaha, that never happened. It doesn’t matter. I enjoyed the time off.

Hope everyone has a fun weekend.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Still Discombobulated!

Okay, so for 2012 I decided I would spend more time at my desk and try to be more productive. I have one word for my progress/process – discombobulated. I’m finding it hard to get used to this new routine. I’m not really sure why either.

Okay, so for 2012 I decided I would spend more time at my desk and try to be more productive. I have one word for my progress/process – discombobulated. I’m finding it hard to get used to this new routine. I’m not really sure why either.

Yesterday I signed up for the RWA NEC conference in April. I got my hotel reservations and now I’m excited for the conference.

I’m bored. Bored with my day job, bored with the fiction and non-fiction writing I’m doing, so I started a magazine writing class. I’m hoping to shake up this rut I’m in.

Today I’m over at Seven Sexy Scribes talking about some of this! Drop in if you so desire. ;O)
PS...I love the word discombobulated too Kaye...

Monday, January 9, 2012

Discombobulated

Be back tomorrow! ;o)

Friday, January 6, 2012

TGIF

It’s been a crazy week. Returning to work after two weeks off always is. I’m just about organized at my desk and confident about a new schedule I’d like to keep. This will be new for the procrastinator in me. They say it takes 21 days to create a habit and I’m only three days into it. :0) Here’s to keeping it going.

If reorganizing wasn’t enough I also update my resume and started looking for a new job. After almost six years of doing this job I’m bored. I’ve tried to move on to other positions, but because what I do is so unique (only one other person works with me) it’s difficult for them to move me out. This is good and bad. It’s good for job security. Bad for advancement.

Not sure if this will be the right move, but change is always difficult for me. I’ll get through it.

So aside from a few appointments today I’m hoping to finish the office so I can start with a clean slate on Monday.



Happy Friday! Have a great weekend…

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Baby It's Cold Outside

Yesterday was a day spent getting my work life back in order and setting up my new laptop. I had to transfer all my docs, pics and links. Then I had to wipe the old pc down so my daughter could use it for now. It won’t last much longer though. I keep getting the blue screen of death.
My desk is now ready for both work and writing for the New Year. I feel better about the organization. The organization will go out the window in a few weeks, but I started out with good intentions. Lol

Someone turned off the heat here in RI. A few days ago we were enjoying temps in the high 50s today it’s barely 15. Needless to say I’m freezing.

I didn’t make any resolutions this year, but I have one goal. I want to get my contemporary romance completed in time for NEC, so if the agent wants to see a full I can provide it. I also plan to self-publish the other four books from Aspen Mountain. Other than that I just hope for the muse to stick with me and let me produce well written books that readers will truly enjoy.

How about you? Did you make any resolutions or set any goals?  

Monday, January 2, 2012

And so it begins! 2012

First - I'm featured over at Lila Munro's blog today, during the 11am EST hour. She's hosting a ton of fabulous authors. Drop over. You may find something you like!

http://realmanticmoments.blogspot.com/

It was the best of times…it was the worst of times.


That’s how I feel about our weekend away. It was fabulous to see family and celebrate Christmas, New Year’s and a birthday – oh and my anniversary. ;)

The DH thought we’d upgrade our stay to a different Marriott hotel. We normally stay at a residence inn. I like them because you have a kitchen and a separate room so I can get up early, write and have coffee without bothering anyone.

This room was one large room. No free internet. No microwave and the coffee was awful. Luckily there was a Dunkin Donuts across the way. Now don’t think me a snob, but no microwave? Not even in the entire hotel.

The first baby bottle I warmed in a glass of hot water. I was trying to get the chill out for her because the formula was freezing. Oh we had to keep it on the ledge in below zero because there was no mini fridge or anything. Thankfully she only stayed with us one night and then spent the night with gram.

DH went in search of a microwave to get the bottle to room temp. Nope, none to be found. The manager said they don’t provide them anywhere in the hotel, but room service is available. Huh? Am I going to order a microwave to the room? It’d likely cost $100 and I could buy one for that price. Or did he mean I could order a baby bottle through room service. I’m still shaking my head trying to figure this one out.

Okay, off my soapbox. It’s a new year and I need to reassess my promotion process and writing. I want to write longer and sell more.

I’ve decided to take on a new pen name for my paranormals and of course my sweet contemporary I’ll publish under my real name. So look for new stuff this year that varies across the board.

It’s good to be back home. Today is my last day of vacation. :o(



Happy Monday!

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Happy New Year

DH and I are currently away celebrating a belated Christmas with family and our Anniversary. Hope 2012 is everything you want it to be.

Thanks to all my readers and friends for your support. I love you all!